This gleaming, mirror-walled, glass-enclosed cylinder seats 2,743 and the acoustics are phenomenal. If the minimalist look of the Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall is somewhat disquieting, given the Beaux Arts look of the rest of the San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, never mind. Like the symphony itself, the 9,000 pipes of the Ruffati organ that looms behind the stage makes quite a statement.

Since 1923, San Francisco Opera has debuted the performances of several well-respected artists including Marie Collier, conductor Silvio Varviso, and director Francis Ford Coppola. Founded by Gaetano Merolo, the War Memorial Opera House, housed in the War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, has been the home of the Opera since 1932. Tours are available only during the opera season. The concert is held on the Sunday following opening night of the Fall Season. San Francisco Opera is the second largest opera company in North America. The Opera's mission is to enrich, be creative and innovative, take leadership and present opera performances of the highest international quality.

Enjoying a splendid location in the bustling Mission District of the city, Public Works is an event and non-profit community space which is just what the people needed. A perfect space for artists to meet and network at the workshop, they can also host exhibitions at the gallery. Community events like charity drives, galas and festivals are celebrated often while the in-house bar welcomes all with its laid back vibe. Public Works is all about San Francisco's underground scene.

Though a small venue, The Lost Church covers a broad spectrum of arts. It does not restrict itself to a particular art form and dabbles in art installations, theater, film screenings, live music and so forth. Interestingly, this building was used in different capacities ranging from art gallery, rehearsal space to a studio and its history is as vivid as its event line-up. You can also rent the place for recordings, intimate gatherings, private parties and shows.

Get tickets in advance for shows at the Great American Music Hall because even though it's a big venue, sell-outs are common. All ages can enjoy the music in this historic venue, with talent spanning the entire spectrum from punk to country, famous to unknown, local to international. Jonathan Richman, Nick Lowe, Boss Hogg, !!!, the Ponys, and the Dirtbombs are just a few of the acts to have graced this hallowed stage. Watch from rows, tables, balcony seats, or the stage-level dance floor. The ornate gold and red velvet curtains are a throwback to the Barbary Coast days. The venue serves food and drinks to the large crowds.

This cineplex, located right around the corner from the Fillmore, has eight screens for your viewing pleasure. For a more enjoyable experience, check out the bar and bistro or just sit back and relax with popcorn and a soda from the refreshment stand.

The Independent is one of the San Francisco's premier music venues. A mid-sized venue located in the Alamo Square neighborhood, the Independent has hosts well-known acts like Danny Brown, Kathleen Edwards, Melt Banana, and The Waifs, and also showcases heavy hitters like Green Day and Phoenix. Seating is general admission, standing room only with a small number of first-come, first, serve seats.

An architectural masterpiece, The Fillmore itself is as worth seeing as any band that plays here. Stand on the main floor next to the historic stage and look up at soaring ceilings, embellished with carvings and gold paint, while the booming speakers rattle your bones. If you choose the tranquility of the balcony instead, sink into velvet-covered seats, sip cocktails, and eat French fries. With posters representing almost every group that has ever played here, the history of American music is on full display.

With one ticket, guests can see three to five bands in one night at Bottom Of The Hill. All musical genres are represented here, and it is a good bet that whatever you like will play here eventually. Modest Mouse, Yo La Tengo, MGMT, Mates of State and the Mighty Mighty Bosstones are just a few of the cutting-edge performers to have graced Bottom of the Hill's hallowed stage. Occasionally, all-age shows allow even the youngest music fans to rock-out with the big kids.

Finally San Francisco got itself a branch of this trendy bowling alley. Lucky Strike in SoMa offers 12 state of the art bowling lanes, a lot of giant projector screens, a 40-foot bar and private party rooms. If you get in the mood for a burger or a beer during your game, Lucky Strike also offers a great variety of drinks and food.

Formerly Pac Bell Park, SBC Park, and AT&T Park, the Oracle Park is the first privately financed ballpark in Major League Baseball since Dodger Stadium in 1962. The name may have changed several times, but the game always remains the same here. The San Francisco Giants' home features an inspiring nine-foot (2.74-meter) statue of America's greatest living ballplayer, Willie Mays, at the northwest corner of the stadium. An 80-foot (24.3-meter) Coca-Cola bottle with playground slides and a miniature replica of the park, located behind left field, has become a magnet for kids of all of ages.

Situated nicely on the courtyard of Fisherman's Wharf, Cobb's features nightly lineups of talented comedians. Both tourists and locals are found here, laughing themselves to tears. Wednesday's three-hour "All-Pro Showcase" has 14 comics, featuring well-known, occasionally famous, acts. Previous performers include Robin Williams, Jerry Seinfeld, Rob Schneider and Kathy Griffin. It can get expensive with a cover and a two-drink minimum, but can you really put a price on joy and laughter?