San Francisco

Having achieved cult status decades ago, San Francisco shows no sign of becoming any less popular. Its own residents adore it to the point of worship, the nation keeps voting for it as its favourite city, tourists keep paying it repeat visits, and even ardent America-phobes can't help succumbing to its bountiful and beautiful charms.

The attractions of San Francisco are manifold. Cloaking 43 hills on the tip of a peninsula between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, and linked to neighbouring cities by magnificent bridges, San Fran has lookout points and rewarding vistas at virtually every turn. Add to this precipitous cable car rides, the tang of fresh sea air and the softness of San Franciscan light and you can see why this is such a popular destination.

One of America's signature cities, San Francisco is wonderfully cosmopolitan, encompassing vibrant Asian and Hispanic communities, as well as a famously robust gay community. As the birthplace of the hippie and Beatnik movements, its seductive, laid-back, left-of-centre spirit disarms even the most harried of visitors.

Whatever you want to take in, give yourself plenty of time - this city's made for soaking up, not tearing through. From the clamour of Chinatown, the groove of North Beach, the buzz of the Mission and the air of luxury on Nob Hill, to buying funky gear in Haight-Ashbury, cruising the Castro, or behaving like a tourist at Fisherman's Wharf, San Fran is everything to do with experiencing and little to do with ticking off the sights.

Even the Golden Gate Bridge - the symbol of the city - is best enjoyed by walking or driving along it, passing through the shadows of its huge Art Deco towers as you take in the sweeping views it affords.