When to Visit - Arts and Events

In keeping with San Francisco's colorful reputation, there is an interesting mixture of festivals and exhibitions almost all year round in the city. There is everything from a Cable Car Bell-Ringing Championship in June and July through to Halloween night in Castro Street as well as Shakespeare performances and Opera and Blues in the parks during the summer.

San Francisco Dining

For a city graced with rich cultural diversity and a wildly imaginative spirit, it comes as no surprise to find the cuisine available in San Francisco echoes its innovative cosmopolitan air. Experience superb examples of the finest global fare from authentic Asian menus in China Town to the ever-changing thoroughly modern Californian seafood specialties. Spanish/Mexican classics, with all you can eat tariffs and the traditional USA 'surf and turf' grills are in abundance in the city that rarely sleeps. Many café bars stay open for twenty-four hours. Sometimes choosing what to eat is not as difficult as deciding where to eat. Many restaurants boast spectacular views of the bay and beyond. With impeccable, seamless service the norm, every San Francisco eating experience should be as pleasing as the city itself.

San Francisco Tipping Advice

Service charges are not included on restaurant bills throughout San Francisco. A standard gratuity of between 10 and 20 percent tends to be the norm. For other service personnel such as doormen, valets and baggage handlers, a tip of one US dollar per service is recommended. As a guide, adding 10 percent onto taxi fares is acceptable.