What I’ve Learned in San Francisco: My Experiences

The new

San Francisco is demanding. The steep streets, the high cost of living, and the extreme contrast between rich and poor. Nevertheless, the city gives me the feeling I can be anything I like. This must be due to the spirit of freedom from the hippie era that still wafts through the streets here today.

The insight

You must explore San Francisco on foot to understand the city. Hundreds of staircases lead from one neighborhood to the next. Each one is unique. The city has 44 hills, and it’s only when you’ve stood on one of them that you get a sense of how diverse it is.

The people

People’s lives here are very busy. You often only have time for short meetings with friends. One-hour lunch dates are typical. That’s why I like to make a conscious decision to meet up for a long chat on the sofa. It’s a shame when people only have deep conversations with their therapists. 

The special

One of the best views of San Francisco is from Ina Coolbrith Park, an urban forest in the Russian Hill district. You can only get there on foot, but you will be rewarded with magnificent views of the ocean and Chinatown.

For friends

San Francisco is not a city for ticking off sights. It’s best to just let yourself drift. Maybe through the Castro district, where the rainbow flag was invented, or Mission Street, which is still barely gentrified. There is excellent Mexican food here, lots of street art in Clarion Alley, and great cafés and vintage stores on Valencia Street. My restaurant tip for Chinatown is House of Xian Dumpling. Steaks with a view of the San Francisco Bay Bridge are served at Epic Steak. At the famous Fisherman’s Wharf, all you need to do is wave at the sea lions. The city has so much more to offer!

About:

Actor Frank Marx from Berlin has been working as a tour guide in San Francisco since 2018. His tours (frankincisco.com) lead tourists off the beaten track through special areas of the city.