San Francisco
EAT
flour + water: amazing fresh pasta, buzzing spot that doesn’t take reservations but they will happily suggest a few spots nearby for cocktails as you wait for a table, they have a cookbook that they sell there, in the Mission District. (Full disclosure, I went here multiple times during my stay in SF!)
Tartine Bakery: very popular bakery in the Mission District, expect to wait in line but you won’t be disappointed, my favourites were the frangipane croissant and the morning bun!
Marios Bohemian Cigar Shop Café: located in the Italian district of North Beach, stop here for a warm meatball sandwich and Italian soda.
Blue Bottle: popular San Francisco based coffee shot, there are a number of locations around the city
The Mill: good spot to grab a coffee and light lunch, they serve Four Barrel Coffee, in Hayes Valley.
Saint Franke: cute little coffee shop in Russian Hill, another good spot to stop while exploring.
DRINK
Trick Dog: great cocktail bar, very busy so you will likely have to stand, in the Mission District. (If you do go to flour + water, they will likely recommend this spot.)
High Low: in the Mission District.
Playland: in the Mission District.
Cockscomb: oyster bar in South of Market, if you sit upstairs at the bar at happy hour they have cheap oysters and wine/beer/negronis.
Benjamin Cooper: lively, cocktail spot near Union Square, this was our local spot as we stayed in the Hotel G.
SHOP
Little Paper Planes Shop: art supplies, cards & bits, locally made arts/crafts, in the Mission District, they also offer fun art workshops.
Gravel & Gold: local women’s clothing and housewares shop, they have their own brand of clothing and linens - including boob pillows!, located in the Mission District.
Rare Device: fantastic stationary and housewares store located in Hayes Valley.
Everlane: the home city of this brand, visit their store to grab some great basics at affordable prices.
Steven Allen: not from San Francisco, but I always enjoy visiting (and buying from!) this shop.
Baggu: because you can… pick up a few of their reusable bags in person!
DO
Union Square: visit!
Ride a Street Car: line F takes you on a good loop of the city.
Fisherman’s Wharf: visit!
Alcatraz: visit or you can get a decent view from pier 31.
Golden Gate Bridge: we got a nice view (and some great pictures!) from Chrissy Fields.
Chinatown: explore!
Ride a Cable Car: the California line takes you up a big hill with the Bay Bridge in the horizon, make sure you get a spot near the edge so you can “hang out” while you ride.
STAY
Hotel G: great location right beside Union Square.