This quirky US city will draw you in with its stunning sights, fascinating history and tastes of the world.Step off a cable car in the compact Californian city of San Francisco and you'll find the locals' appetite for life is contagious. The city's slogan, ‘Only in San Francisco' is very fitting. Its inherent worldliness makes it one of the most charismatic cities on Earth.

Author Gene Fowler remarked, ‘Every man should be allowed to love two cities - his own and San Francisco.' And there are certainly many reasons to be swept away, not least of all because of the stunning views of the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge.

San Francisco grew from a small village with inhospitable geography to a major city nearly overnight, as a result of the 1849 gold rush. It has always celebrated all kinds of eccentricities, being the home of writers of the beat generation, the hippies of the Summer of Love - and, in the 19th century, the one and only emperor of the US. In 1859, Joshua Abraham Norton proclaimed himself Norton I, Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico. The regal character wore a plume in his hat and carried a sabre. He even issued his own currency, but his palace was a boarding-house room that he shared with his two hounds.

 

Fresh and local

San Fran's cultural influences are proudly represented in a cluster of distinct, vibrant neighbourhoods. The city has not one but two Chinatowns, as well as a Little Italy, a Spanish-accented Mission District and a Japanese quarter known as Nihonmachi. Despite taking inspiration from countries in all corners of the globe, these districts have one thing in common: their residents pride themselves on fresh produce. Do yourself a favour and book a food tour - your tastebuds will love you.

 

In the kitchen

Foodie extraordinaire Lisa Rogovin shows visitors the amazing sights and smells of the world-famous Ferry Building Marketplace on the Embarcadero, which was once a welcoming beacon to visiting ferries. You can sample freshly baked sourdough bread, delicious chocolates, delectable olive oils, cheeses, and organic fruits and vegetables.

 

Tastes of the city

Explore the history and culture of San Francisco's neighbourhoods with Local Tastes of the City tour guide Tom Medin. As part of his informative adventure, you'll visit the coffee, truffle, pasta and pastry houses of North Beach and Little Italy, savouring a wonderful variety of baked goods pulled from the 125-year-old brick ovens. He also offers a highly popular twilight dim sum trip to Chinatown.

 

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