Less obviously fashion-conscious than Los Angeles, more intimate than New York City and more diverse than Washington DC, San Francisco is arguably the most backpacker-friendly of American destinations: Laidback, liberal and friendly, it’s undoubtedly a great city.

It’s got a wealth of fantastic sights, a famously dynamic gay district and some of the very best galleries and museums in the country. But what many travelers backpacking around the USA are taken aback by is the sheer quality of the San Francisco hostels that they stay in.

Green Tortoise Backpackers Guesthouse

A lively, party hostel vibe isn’t all that the Green Tortoise offers: it’s also got all the facilities a backpacker in San Francisco could possibly need, and some – such as a sauna! – that they probably wouldn’t even have dreamed of!

But beyond the hostels, a fantastic city stretches away in every direction.

Its engaging shopping districts – from Haight Street to Mission Street and Polk Street – are as varied as everything else here, and promise something for everybody. After dark, the city if anything gets even better for the budget traveler.

Its large Chinatown is an excellent place to hunt for a good, well-priced meal, while a wonderfully relaxed night out can be had anywhere from SoMa to the Mission, and the world-famous gay scene on Castro.

The real joy of the place, though, is to be had in just strolling around. San Francisco is undeniably one of the most attractive cities in the USA, and right across its hilly neighborhoods, the city is blessed with some truly spectacular views. One view in particular, stands out, though – early in the morning, as the sun cuts through the mist that hangs over the bay.

It is the view to end all views, a sight that, in an instant, sums up at least a little of the charm of this fabulous city.