Top Rated Attractions in San Francisco

The War Memorial & Performing Arts Center is a series of cultural venues that make up the bulk of the Civic Center's events. The center is comprised of such architectural gems as the Veterans Building, the War Memorial Opera House, Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall and Harold L. Zellerbach Rehearsal Hall. The Opera House is home to the San Francisco Ballet and the San Francisco Opera, whereas the Veterans Building houses both the Herbst Theatre and Green Room. Check the website for a list of each venue's upcoming events.

The United Nations Plaza of San Francisco can be found between Hyde Street and Market Street, and is the main access point for the historic Civic Center Buildings. Lined with columns that list the various countries that form a part of the United Nations and with floors that have been inscribed with the philosophies enshrined within the UN charter, the UN Plaza is a lovely memorial to the signing of the charter at the War Memorial Opera House in 1945. Today, the Plaza is best known as the location for the Heart of the City Farmers Market that is held here every Wednesday and Sunday. During lunch hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the Plaza once more comes to life when the Off the Grid food trucks offer up a variety of gourmet and exotic dishes. The Plaza also hosts a variety of craft markets, with stalls selling wares that are as diverse as the countries represented by the UN. Although the Plaza itself is a lovely sight, it is best to visit during market hours, as it remains rather secluded at all other times.

Modernism Inc is a famous modern art gallery that was founded in 1979. Aptly named, this gallery showcases Modern Art of all kinds, from paintings to photography and sculpture to performance. The gallery has works of art from many renowned artists including Glen Baxter, Robert Crumb, Alexander Bogomazov, Charles Arnoldi, and Gary Baseman. Exhibitions such as "West Coast Abstraction" and "Mark Stock Reverie" are engaging. In addition to that, the gallery also holds several historical discussions on American modernism covering aspects of Surrealism, Dadaism, Expressionism, Cubism which are intellectually stimulating and quite informative. Please see the website or call for further information.

St. Mark's Lutheran Church was formed in 1849 during the onset of the California Gold Rush when the city witnessed a heavy inflow of German immigrants. Some of the immigrants established this church, which stands today as a symbol of their Lutheran faith. Besides its German heritage, St. Mark's is also a must see for art lovers due to its beautiful Romanesque and Gothic architecture. This church is also famous for its musical events that range from performances by the American Bach Soloists to the SF Early Music Society. Check website for further details.

First Amendment, better known by its abbreviated name 1AM, is a unique art gallery dedicated to urban artwork. The United States Constitution's First Amendment is about the freedom of speech, and this gallery shows how that right can be displayed through street art. Discover riveting graffiti, murals, exhibitions, and more. The gallery also hosts wonderful events, workshops, and classes.

The interior of this ultra-modern Catholic church is sleek, spare and remarkably intimate, considering that it seats 2400 people in a semi-circle around the altar. The central dome of Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption soars 15 stories into the air and is supported by buttresses that have been incorporated into each of the four corners of the building's interior. The corner walls beyond them are floor-to-ceiling plate glass. This effect gives the building the feeling of somehow being lighter than air for all its masses.