In a nutshell
- Visiting San Francisco for the first time and want to hit the main sights? Then Union Square is a great spot to start. Our hotel tip: CitizenM – right in the heart of the city, with sleek, modern design.
- For a taste of old-school San Francisco with a dash of hippie charm, head to Haight-Ashbury. Our hotel tip: The Grove Inn – a cozy, character-filled boutique stay.
- SoMa is one of the coolest places to stay in San Francisco—young, creative, and one of the few areas where you can still find affordable accommodations. Our hotel tip: The Clancy – stylish and well-located, perfect for exploring the city.
- These were our top 3 picks for where to stay in San Francisco. In the full guide, we take a closer look at the best neighborhoods to stay in San Francisco and share even more hotel recommendations.
The Best Neighborhoods to Stay in San Francisco
We’ve created a detailed map showing the neighborhoods in San Francisco that we think are the best places to stay. To help you get your bearings, we’ve also marked the top attractions around the city.
The highlighted area represents Downtown, the city’s central core. If you’re visiting for the first time, we recommend booking your accommodations in San Francisco Downtown as a starting point.
If you’ve already been to the city and want to explore something different, there are some great neighborhoods beyond the center too.
Here are our top 6 picks for the best neighborhoods to stay in San Francisco:
- Union Square: A great choice for your first visit to San Francisco.
- Nob Hill: Perfect if you’re into historic charm, upscale shopping, and classic hotels.
- Fisherman’s Wharf: A favorite for families with kids.
- SoMa: One of the coolest places to stay in San Francisco—creative and budget-friendly.
- Haight-Ashbury: Laid-back, colorful, and full of local character.
- Mission District: Lively and diverse—great for nightlife and food lovers.
Where to Stay in Union Square
If it’s your first time in the city, Union Square is one of the best places to stay in San Francisco.
This area is the city’s main shopping hub, with stores like Chanel and Hugo Boss lining the streets.
Union Square also shows off San Francisco’s business side—think tall buildings, clean streets, and a modern vibe.
Many of the top attractions in San Francisco are within easy walking distance. Fisherman’s Wharf is about a 20-minute walk away, and Chinatown is just around the corner. You’ll also be well connected to other parts of the city—this is one of the main stops for the iconic cable car.
Another reason Union Square is such a popular choice: there’s a huge variety of hotels here. You’ll find everything from stylish boutique stays to luxury high-rises. Of course, that central location comes with a slightly higher price tag.
Union Square is very tourist-heavy. If you’re looking for a more local feel, another neighborhood might be a better fit.
Pros of staying in Union Square:
- wide range of accommodations in San Francisco
- close to major sights and attractions
- great public transportation access
Cons of staying in Union Square:
- very touristy vibe
- hotels can be pricey
- street noise during the day
Best places to stay in Union Square
Mayflower Hotel (€): Simple and budget-friendly. Great if you want to stay in a central location without spending too much.
CitizenM Hotel (€€): Top location, bold design, and a sleek, modern vibe. The rooftop terrace offers sweeping views over San Francisco.
Hotel Nikko (€€€): A five-star stay with a pool, spa, sauna, and steam room—luxury in the heart of the city.
Where to Stay in Nob Hill
If you’re after upscale accommodations in San Francisco, Nob Hill is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in.
This refined area borders Union Square, so you’re still close to many of the top attractions in the city.
Nob Hill is considered one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in San Francisco. It’s known for its elegant vibe, high-end dining, and some of the city’s most luxurious hotels.
Instead of glass towers, you’ll find beautiful Victorian architecture and a calm, polished atmosphere—despite being right in the middle of the city.
That said, there’s one thing to keep in mind: the name Nob Hill isn’t just for show—the streets here are steep, which can be a bit of a workout.
Pros of accommodation in Nob Hill:
- gorgeous, historic architecture
- central location close to major sights
- high-end hotels with character
Cons of accommodation in Nob Hill:
- one of the most expensive areas in the city
- less appealing for younger travelers
- very hilly terrain
Best places to stay in Nob Hill
Staypineapple (€€): Bold art deco interiors in a beautifully restored 1930s Victorian building.
Courtyard by Marriott (€€): A stylish mix of classic and modern. Great central location—close to everything.
Stanford Court (€€€): Sleek boutique hotel with a gym and a top-rated breakfast. Right in the heart of the city.
Where to Stay in Fisherman's Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is one of the best places to stay in San Francisco if you’re visiting with kids and want to be close to the action.
This is a great neighborhood for families for two big reasons. First, you’re just steps away from major attractions like Alcatraz, so there’s no need to spend time commuting across the city.
Second, there’s loads here to keep kids entertained. From watching sea lions at Pier 39 to riding the historic cable car or exploring the old Ghirardelli chocolate factory, the area is packed with fun, family-friendly spots.
The neighborhood is designed with visitors in mind, making it easy to find things to do in San Francisco and places to eat. A lot of San Francisco boat tours also start here.
One downside? It gets crowded, especially in the afternoons, and accommodations in San Francisco tend to be pricier in this area.
Pros of accommodation in Fisherman’s Wharf:
- Close to Alcatraz, Pier 39 and other must-sees
- Live music, performers, and family-friendly fun
- Plenty of restaurants and great tourist infrastructure
Cons of accommodation in Fisherman’s Wharf:
- very touristy feel
- higher hotel prices
- lacks authentic local charm
Best places to stay in Fisherman’s Wharf
The Suites at Fisherman’s Wharf (€): Spacious apartments for up to six guests. Bonus: a rooftop terrace with amazing views.
Argonaut Hotel (€€): Charming brick facade, nautical-style interiors, bike rentals and an in-house seafood restaurant.
Kimpton Alton Hotel (€€€): Stylish boutique hotel with free bike hire, a gym, and its own happy hour lounge.
Where to Stay in SoMa
SoMa is one of the coolest places to stay in San Francisco if you’re into art, great coffee, and modern city vibes.
Short for “South of Market,” SoMa is located just below Union Square. It’s one of the best neighborhoods to stay in San Francisco for travelers looking for affordable accommodations without sacrificing style.
The area used to be full of warehouses and factories, but today it’s home to creative spaces, galleries, tech startups, and major companies like LinkedIn and Pinterest. The industrial feel is still there, but now with a modern, artsy twist.
SoMa is a favorite among foodies and creatives. There’s a great mix of laid-back cafés, cool bars, and some of the city’s best restaurants.
While not as central as Union Square, SoMa is well connected by public transport. It’s also less touristy—so if you want to see the local side of the city, this might be the best place to stay in San Francisco for you.
One thing to be aware of: you’ll see more unhoused people in this part of town. It’s generally safe, but it can feel a bit rougher at night than in the main tourist spots.
Pros of accommodation in SoMa:
- great selection of affordable places to stay
- lots of local cafés, bars, and restaurants
- well connected by public transport
Cons of accommodation in SoMa:
- a bit farther from major sights
- visible homelessness in some areas
Best places to stay in SoMa
The Clancy (€€): A stylish, modern hotel with a cozy vibe. Great location near several museums.
InterContinental Hotel (€€): Big windows with amazing city views, plus an indoor pool and gym.
Where to Stay in Haight-Ashbury
Haight-Ashbury is the best neighborhood to stay in if you’re after authentic San Francisco with its original hippie vibe.
Haight-Ashbury remains one of the coolest places to stay in San Francisco—once home to music legends like Jimi Hendrix and steeped in counterculture history.
You’ll wander through second‑hand bookshops, vintage record stores, eclectic boutiques, vibrant graffiti, and cozy vegan cafés. It feels alternative, lively, and creative. The LGBTQ‑friendly Castro is just nearby, too.
Rows of colorful Victorian homes, bay windows, and garden fronts give this district more of a leafy suburb feel than a bustling metropolis. If you’re after nightlife or big crowds, this isn’t your go‑to—but for peace, charm, and character, it’s hard to beat.
The downside? Haight‑Ashbury is farther from major tourist highlights like Fisherman’s Wharf. So expect a bit more travel time.
Pros of accommodation in Haight-Ashbury:
- authentic, less crowded vibe
- family‑friendly atmosphere
- wonderful selection of small shops and cafés
Cons of accommodation in Haight-Ashbury:
- major sights aren’t within easy walking distance
- not much nightlife
Best places to stay in Haight-Ashbury
The Grove Inn (€€): A small, artsy hotel right near the Painted Ladies. The breakfast is simple but delicious—nothing like a generic spread.
Stanyan Park (€€): Quirky old‑world charm with warm hosts. Right beside Golden Gate Park—green space practically outside your door.
The Metro Hotel (€€): Vintage façade with a modern interior. Plenty of cafés and restaurants in walking distance make it a solid pick among accommodations in San Francisco.
Where to Stay in The Mission District
The Mission District is the right place to stay if you’re young, want to go out at night, or simply love a strong cultural scene.
The Mission District is hard to define—and that’s exactly what makes it so interesting. People from all walks of life and cultures live here side by side, and the mix of run-down buildings and restored Victorian homes only adds to the contrast.
It’s known as a historically Latino neighborhood, which means you’ll find some of the best tacos and burritos in the city. Things move at a slower pace here—“mañana, mañana” could be the local motto.
One thing’s for sure: the Mission District has great nightlife. It’s not the place for fancy clubs or velvet-rope lounges, but for laid-back bars with live music, it’s perfect.
If you’re looking for more affordable accommodations in San Francisco, this is one of the better spots to check out.
Pros of staying in the Mission District:
- lots of bars and live music venues
- easygoing, multicultural vibe
- plenty of parks, restaurants, and cafés
Cons of accommodation in the Mission District:
- some streets are a bit run-down
- not close to the main tourist sights
Best places to stay in the Mission District
Inn San Francisco (€): A bit old-school in style, but very cozy, great value, and run by a super friendly host.
Noe’s Nest B&B (€€): Charming Victorian home with a warm, personal feel. Breakfast here is way above the usual standard.
Parker Guest House (€€): With a peaceful garden, terrace, and on-site parking, this is a lovely spot right next to Dolores Park.
Do you have a hotel tip for San Francisco?
These were our tips on the best places to stay in San Francisco. What do you think is the best neighborhood to stay in San Francisco? Tell us your favorites in the comments!