Best Budget-Friendly Things to Do in San Francisco
San Francisco Tours
Types of Attractions
Neighbourhoods
Show less
Other
We found 177 results for you in San FranciscoClear all filters
Map
Sort by:
Traveller Favourites
Filter
- Budget-friendly
Nature & Parks
Alcatraz Island
55,321 reviews
"I did the night tour it was amazing and very interesting love that former inmates and staff did the audio recording for the tour which is easy to follow and very informative would highly recommend and would do again""Great experience for the whole family Great audio tour of the cell house The island has a nature walk as well which was unexpected The variety of exotic plants was a very pleasant surprise A must for history buffs..."
Sights & Landmarks
Golden Gate Bridge
49,314 reviews
"A marvel of modern engineering it has withstood the test of time and weather (rough in that Bay!) We went to Vista Point where you get a great view of the bridge and can enjoy the bronze statue of "The Sailor."""bay cruise is a must and the golden gate bridge view is breathtaking - - also alcatraz view from cruise is good! the guide gives a comprehensive history of the bridge and Alcatraz and overall it is a must see!"
Nature & Parks
Golden Gate Park
9,507 reviews
"The art and science museums, the playgrounds, the lakes (Stow Lake is my favorite), the meadows, the Arboretum, the Japanese Tea Garden, the bison, hippie hill, the merry-go-round, the windmills, the scenes of bea...""rose, dahlia), Japanese Tea Garden [savor a cup of tea], Botanical Garden and Conservatory of Flowers; enjoy a paddle boat ride [a children favorite] on Stow Lake; art at the Fine Arts Museum (aka DeYoung); scienc..."
Museums
Walt Disney Family Museum
2,761 reviews
"Set in a spotless former barracks building in the Presidio, with a modern addition tucked in back that may just boast the most picturesque view of the Golden Gate, and staffed by friendly, informative employees, t...""In between, there is a great deal of content regarding everything: the first animations, creation of Mickey Mouse, the fantastic Fantasia, Disneyland, and the unrealized projects get very detailed treatments."
Nature & Parks
Lands End
2,830 reviews
"Also from the Cliff House (well known San Francisco restaurant) overlooking Seal Rock and Ocean Beach you can hike the trails of Lands End and visit the coffee shop and gift center there run by the National Parks.""The coastal trail at Land's End is a wonderful place to explore and appreciate the cliffs, nature and beautiful views across thhe water."
Transportation
Cable Cars
25,103 reviews
"Running from Fisherman’s Wharf and Union square, the cable cars are great fun- try standing up! Visit the cable car museum as well- it’s free and tells you all about the history of this unique mode of transport.""Great fun, Great views, highly recommened, get a day pass so you ride as many time as you wish, this enables hop off and hop on at different locations."
Shopping
Ferry Building Marketplace
7,357 reviews
"The Ferry Building has a wide array of attractions: wonderful restaurants like Slanted Door and Boulettes Larder, great food from top of the line local purveyors like Cowgirl Creamery and Acme Bread, shops with al...""The best of California is here: Cowgirl Creamery Cheese, Acme Bread, mushrooms, chocolates, meat, wine, oysters, dim sum, pizza, tacos, coffee, pantries and kitchen/cooking items."
Sights & Landmarks
Lombard Street
18,131 reviews
"we caught the cable car to the top of Lombard street, we absolutely loved the weave road and how beautifully it is maintained with all the gorgeous flower's, there was certainly alot of tourist there, some even we...""walking from Pier 39 you reach the Lombard st, (after climbing the steep streets !!!) One meets the best of landscapes, on the one hand looking towards the bay, and then touring this beautiful street with its hous..."
Sights & Landmarks
Coit Tower
4,483 reviews
"... then 39 steps to observation level 360 deg view over bay and city - well worth the effort Interesting murals inside tower at ground level Climb down (hundreds of) steps on East side of hill to Levi Plaza and l...""Get on the very small elevator and go 12 stories, then walk up 1 flight to the top."
Nature & Parks
San Francisco Bay
7,326 reviews
"We took advantage of the great views from many different vantage points in SF.. Be sure you take a boat tour so you can see the fabulous SF skyline""Strolling along the Embarcadero affords a beautiful view of San Francisco Bay, the Bay Bridge, ATT Park, Alcatraz, Angel Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, Piet 39, Fisherman’s Wharf and Ghirardelli Square."
Museums
Legion of Honor
2,022 reviews
"Besides the appropriately morbid and sad holocaust memorial in front and the massive statue of the Thinker ( Rodin) as you enter the courtyard, there is a very selective on going exhibit of European paintings amon...""We just LOVED all the classical 1500-1800 european art collection, Degas, Rodin, Rembrandt, Manet etc etc. Beautiful rooms and they even have loads of period furniture."
Museums
Cable Car Museum
3,702 reviews
"Great way to learn how the cable cars work - can see all in 30 minutes, free and makes you appreciate those cable cars!""The Cable Car Museum houses a collection of historic cable cars, photographs, mechanical displays and gift shop run by the Friends of the Cable Car Museum - a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation o..."
Sights & Landmarks
Pier 39
22,505 reviews
"Loved this place lots of restaurant and bars lots of shops with lovely little nic naks the views are to die for and the clam chowder is amazing loved watching the seals this place is full of life""We loved Pier 39! Amazing fun place to go! Great restaurants, family fun place, a lot of shops, you get to see the sea lions, you can see Alcatraz or take the tour from there also."
Nature & Parks
San Francisco Botanical Garden
988 reviews
"There’s an American pine glade, Meso-American forest, succulent garden, bamboo forest and loads of rhododendrons and camellias - lots to see and take your time over, we didn’t really do it justice in the time we had.""One of the prettiest places in Golden Gate Park, a wonderful collection of flowers and plants, beautifully maintained and with docents."
Museums
de Young Museum
2,144 reviews
"And an extraordinary view over the Richmond District to the bay from the observation tower, which may be the best feature of this exceptional regional museum.""There are priceless gems of American expressionism; Mesoamerican treasures; extraordinary African art; modern glass, ceramics and bamboo in glorious permutations; the finest collection and presentation of Ruth Asa..."
Museums
Musee Mecanique
2,868 reviews
"This was one of the absolute highlights - got to play a bunch of my old favourites while also checking out some crazy vintage coin operated machines.""This place is amazing with a wide range of old arcade games from cheesy old games that show some sort of scenario, to strength games, ski ball, common video games, love tests and our favorite; The Gypsy Queen fort..."
Nature & Parks
Japanese Tea Garden
3,301 reviews
"... traditional, classic Japanese features – winding stone paths, a five-story tall pagoda, stone lanterns, a zen garden, waterfalls, koi ponds, artfully positioned sculpture, water features, rocks, gravel gardens.""As you stroll through the garden (~~1890), you can see many different items that might be part of Japanese culture."
Nature & Parks
Angel Island State Park
977 reviews
"Spent the day at Angel Island and hiked up to the Immigration Station and joined an extremely informative and enjoyable tour of the facility with one of the docents, Richard, who made the tour even more meaningful...""I am a wheelchair user and was able to take in the fantastic views and history via a wheelchair accessible tram tour by Greg, who is excellent in knowledge and spirit."
Nature & Parks
Presidio of San Francisco
1,860 reviews
"... U.S. Army in 1994 to the National Park Service.It is almost 1500 acres and includes a golf course, national cemetery, hiking and biking trails, beaches, some good restaurants,and the Walt Disney Family Museum.""The Presidio has terrific trails to hike, Andy Goldsworthy sculpture here and there, the surprisingly good Disney museum, a historical museum at the Officer's club and just a lot of great views."
Other
Fisherman's Wharf
19,330 reviews
"There is so much to see, great people watching and I love watching the sea lions, there are so many and they are so fun, always putting on a show!! Great food options, lots of stores to browse.""Best seafood ever, the fish was fresh and perfectly cooked, the sauce was complement it to perfection The garlic bread and polenta were delicious plus the fresh made Sangria made everything perfect"
Museums
Asian Art Museum
1,526 reviews
"The museum is an architectural icon, located in the same vicinity as the SF opera house, Davies Symphony Hall, the City Hall, etc., and it holds its own with these other great buildings.""A surprise delight was a special exhibit about the Sikh culture, about which we knew little despite both of us have Sikh-American friends."
