A good way to get a feel of "The City," is to jump on a Cable Car, preferably the Hyde Street Line going up, and ride it till the end. But remember, bring a jacket at all times (trust me, the weather is capricious) and some comfortable walking shoes. Then, if you’re a bit savvy, jump on a Cable Car when one is stopped at a Powell Street intersection. This line travels in its inimitable fashion, from the heart of Union Square up, up and over Nob Hill with its grand hotels and mansions, then skirts by Chinatown with its aromas, sights and cacophonous sounds; then up into Russian Hill where one can see beautiful apartments, gorgeous city views and people strolling. The Hyde street Line crests at the top of Lombard Street a.k.a. "The Crookedest Street in The World" and then finally down, way down (hold on) Hyde to the waterfront and eventually stopping outside Ghirardelli Square. Here, at the end of the line, one can walk around and enjoy the views, visit the galleries, shop till you drop, eat, drink and walk some more - over to Fisherman’s Wharf for some fresh seafood and maybe a ferry ride out to Angel Island or Alcatraz.

From Fisherman’s Wharf you can take the Mason Street Cable Car Line right back to your hotel. This line chugs its way right through North Beach, the exciting old Italian neighborhood and nightlife district. You can visit innumerable restaurant and bars, shop some more and take in the architecture and flavor of this, the old heart of the "beat" generation. You can walk back from here, through the Financial district’s canyons and on to the Union Square area. This little tour will provide you with a brief, but evocative look at San Francisco. There is of course, so much more to see, visit, taste and experience. The City is filled with Museums, Parks, Hills, Food, People from all over, Views, Neighborhoods, Shopping, Art and History in one compact package. You will find that the city is smaller but more wondrous than you might have imagined. But beware, most people who visit San Francisco for the first time, never want to return home.