Is San Francisco one of the most beautiful cities in the U.S.A.?If we leave out the strange feeling of being watched by «peculiar» people peering at us like vultures and the great challenge of driving in this great metropolis, it is definitely on the list of the best 10 cities.

Driving in this city is very challenging, all roads are one-way, we drove around for 30 minutes to get to the city and another 30 minutes passing the same hotel because we couldn’t find parking. But what to see? Not to be missed is the atmosphere in Haight hippie, one of the most important landmarks of the city: the Golden Gate Bridge and relax in the beautiful 1,000-acre park at Golden Gate Park.

Not so much in our style, the Ghirardelli chocolate factory, the overcrowded and super touristy Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39,(the sea lions also seem to like it here) are still worth a visit.

I know, we left out the crossing to Alcatraz, traversing the turbulent San Francisco Bay, and the 360-degree panoramic view from 180 feet up from the Coit Tower; unfortunately, time is a tyrant and we lost some of it wandering around with our noses up and savoring the excitement of this great city.

We were, however, able to visit the Pacific Heights neighborhood,with a very unique street zigzagging downward.Also very nice is Crookedest Street, Lombard Street, from which there is a striking view of the city.

Alamo Square and its Victorian «Painted Ladies»-probably the most photographed houses in the city.

• If you’ve decided to rent a car in S. Francisco I recommend choosing one with an automatic transmission to facilitate uphill starts and stops; if you have a car, I highly recommend following the scenic 49-Mile Drive that will take you to the most beautiful places in the city.
• Some prices: a day pass for unlimited use of buses, subway and the cable car cost $11 otherwise for 3 days $18; Rodeway Inn motel center $55.