Raising The Roof: A Bird's-Eye View Of Things To Do In San Francisco

This cosmopolitan California city surprises with rooftop Russian baths and cabana-cradling cocktail bars to rival those of Miami.

To truly appreciate the city of San Francisco, you need to see it from an angle that the trolley, the ferry and the sidewalk can’t offer: from above. Take a moment to explore Northern California’s most chilled-out city from up high and you’ll discover that the real San Francisco can be found over the Bay and away from the bridge. Head up to see the Golden City sparkle from these rooftop hangouts.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

San Francisco Proper Hotel

Hotel VIA

Move over, Miami: Hotel VIA is here to prove that San Francisco’s South Beach neighborhood is just as seductive. Their upscale guest rooms with custom designer furnishings and minimalist decor are beyond boutique – and that’s not even mentioning the guest-only rooftop bar. This chic space with private cabanas, fire pits and refreshing cocktails offers views of Oracle Park, the Bay, the harbor, the skyline, and so much more.

B Restaurant & Bar San Francisco

Step away from the bustle below to grab serene views of the Yerba Buena Gardens from atop B San Francisco. This restaurant and bar, just a few blocks from Union Square, is an oasis that locals call a hidden gem. The views are stunning; the drinks, filling. But there’s one reason why B is the place to be for rooftop happy hour: $1 oysters.

Archimedes Banya

San Francisco is a great place to take it slow, so indulge in a little pampering with picturesque views at Archimedes Banya. This Russian bathhouse offers the long soak your body so desperately desires. Once you’ve shed your clothes, toxins and stresses, head to the rooftop Zteamer’s Cafe for soups, kombucha and globally-inspired eats, sure to nourish and replenish your essence. Though, no one will shoot you side-eye if you just want to kick back with a few brews.

Dirty Habit at the Viceroy

Before departing the Golden City, indulge in one last drink at Dirty Habit. This unique rooftop bar and fifth-floor hideaway might seem like a counterintuitive choice, as the view is obscured by much taller buildings. But what it lacks in vistas, it makes up for in rare brown spirits, creative cocktails and a crowd that appreciates the city’s food, art and culture above all else. Better still, the terrace is heated, making for a toasty all-seasons stop.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.