Top Rated Attractions in San Francisco

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.

In 1981, the Orpheum Theatre opened under new management with the hilarious musical The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Sixteen years later, a massive and privately funded renovation took place at the Orpheum, unveiling an ornate and stunning theater that has become synonymous with elegance in San Francisco. Blockbuster musicals have been housed here, and continues with its tradition of entertaining and inspiring awe in its audiences.

Large and spacious, the Folsom Street Foundry is a versatile event space that hosts a plethora of local concerts, art exhibitions and hosts game nights. It also doubles up as a bar, serving beers and wine to its adoring visitors. Designed with industrial-chic interiors that lend it the expansive look of a large living room den, the Folsom Street Foundry also features television screens in its confines, ideal for watching sports games. You can choose to plop yourself on the couch or head over to nearby tables to play ping pong or beer pong! Whatever you do, Folsom Street Foundry has something for everyone that walks in.

The Asian Art Museum is one of the largest museums in the Western world devoted exclusively to Asian art. Its holdings include nearly 15,000 treasures spanning 6000 years of history, representing cultures throughout Asia. Renowned architect Gae Aulenti oversaw the dramatic transformation of the building: it now features 40,000 square feet (3716 square meters) of gallery space, allowing the museum to better fulfill its mission of leading a diverse global audience in discovering the unique material, aesthetic and intellectual achievements of Asian art and culture.

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.