Lesser cities would have cracked under the strain of the dramatic bust that followed the dotcom boom. But, after a period of flux, San Francisco has taken its troubles in its stride. Certainly, the tourists keep coming, & well they might: it's the most European of the three big Californian cities, &, thanks chiefly to its compact size, easily the most visitor-friendly. Contained within its 47 square miles are some of the country's best restaurants, a cultural scene virtually unmatched for its sparkiness, a fascinating collection of architecture (both ancient & modern) & a raft of delightful & stylish hotels. San Francisco has some major national cultural attractions, but it's also a network of individual neighbourhoods. Most visitors spend their time in touristy, crowded & rather unappealing Fisherman's Wharf & Union Square. The Time Out guide takes you as well to where the locals go
- North Beach & the Mission, say
- or to only-in-San Francisco areas like the Castro & Haight-Ashbury.