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Foggy and progressive, San Francisco is the crown jewel of Northern California. This compact, hilly city at the center of the wider San Francisco Bay Area has witnessed many of America’s most influential cultural moments, from hippie counterculture in the ’60s to the dot-com revolution at the turn of the last century and today’s tech boom.  

Though characterized by its history of resistance, San Francisco is struggling against the pull of a tech-driven future. The impact of gentrification can be seen in the city’s soaring house prices and the rapid transformation of neighborhoods like SoMa and the Mission, where the friction between old-school San Franciscans and the influx of young professionals is palpable.

Introducing San Francisco

Even with all its hills, San Francisco’s small size makes it a walkable city. Those with calves of steel are rewarded with a showcase of its architectural splendor; the view from Alamo Square – brightly colored Victorian houses against a backdrop of Downtown skyscrapers – is particularly iconic. Of course, taking in the Art Deco masterpiece that is the Golden Gate Bridge is a must on any San Francisco trip, as is a visit to the former prison on Alcatraz Island. 

Every neighborhood has a story to tell. The heart of the ’60s hippie revolution, Haight-Ashbury, is the place to go to relive the Summer of Love all year round, while the nearby Castro district is one of America’s first gay neighborhoods and a magnet for LGBTQ+ travellers to this day. North Beach, the birthplace of the Beatnik movement and home of the City Lights bookstore, is equally historic. SF also boasts the oldest and largest Chinatown in North America, which explains the city’s reputation for great dim sum.

San Francisco attractions and sightseeing

San Francisco neighborhoods

From the Hollywood hills to the Venice Beach boardwalk, Los Angeles is a cinematic city of dreams, where every sunset feels like a scene from a movie. The center of the entertainment world, La La Land may be home to countless celebrities, television studios and film sets, but it’s not all about star-spotting and brunching in Beverly Hills. 

LA is a sprawling county with myriad different cultures and communities: the coastal enclaves of Long Beach and Santa Monica; the built-up, bustling Downtown and Arts District; Compton, birthplace of some of rap’s biggest names; bohemian Venice; and the trendy neighborhoods of Silver Lake and Echo Park. Attracting the world’s most ambitious and extravagant characters, every neighborhood in this eclectic, showy city is prime for people watching.

Introducing Los Angeles

A must-visit on any LA trip is Hollywood Boulevard, home to the legendary Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre. Movie fans will also enjoy the rides at Universal Studios and the resting place of the stars, Hollywood Forever Cemetery; art lovers should make a beeline for the Getty Center, a hilltop gallery that houses an impressive permanent collection of European and American works. LA’s urban sprawl is flanked by golden beaches and spectacular hills and canyons, making surfing and hiking popular pastimes among Angelenos. Try Runyon Canyon and Griffith Park for relatively easy trails that take in views of the Hollywood Sign and the Griffith Observatory. There are plenty of great beaches to catch a wave, but first-time visitors should hit the sands in Malibu, where LA’s surf culture began.

Best of LA tourism

Los Angeles neighborhoods

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Here’s Culture Trip’s pick of the best experiences to try in the city of Jerusalem.

Asia

Israel

Jerusalem

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Tel Aviv

The 10 Best Day Trips from Tel Aviv

From its Bauhaus architecture to cooking that's easier than anything by Ottolenghi, now you can experience Tel Aviv without leaving your home with our virtual tour.

Stay Curious: Experience Tel Aviv From Your Living Room

Have fun exploring Tel Aviv’s cultural, culinary and historical delights with these handpicked experiences.

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11 Best Experiences in Tel Aviv, Israel

Get to know Tel Aviv through its beautiful, traditional marketplaces, or shuks, where you can taste the best of the city’s cuisines and buy some authentic Middle Eastern souvenirs.

A Guide to Tel Aviv’s Best Markets

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How To Celebrate Purim in Israel

If you are visiting Israel and want a glimpse into the countries incredible beauty then check out our must see guide of the 10 places to visit in Israel.

The 10 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Israel

These Hebrew words can't be translated into other languages due to their unique meaning, but once you know them you can completely master the language

13 Words That Only Exist in the Hebrew Language

One of the holiest sites in Christianity has closed its doors to the public to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre Closes Due to Coronavirus

Check out our guide to the best things to see and do in the ancient and holy city of Jerusalem.

The Best Things to Do in Jerusalem

Mauritius is renowned for its beautiful lagoons and picturesque white beaches. Here's the Culture Trip guide to this multicultural independent state.

A Complete Guide to Mauritius 

Unraveling the jealously kept secret behind Mauritius' captivating underwater waterfall.

The Story Behind Mauritius’ Underwater Waterfall Illusion

Find out why you should visit the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius at least once in your lifetime.

10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Mauritius at Least Once

Discover the best and latest articles about Tech in California, USA

California - Tech