Best Places for Dumplings and Dim Sum in San Francisco

Fisherman's Wharf

Fisherman's Wharf is a classic tourist's neighborhood in San Francisco. It's filled with souvenir shops where you can by t-shirts and other nick nacks. This is also where you'll find the famous Pier 39 with its many attractions including San Francisco's famous sea lions. Also in the area are a couple of museums, the famous sourdough and clam chowder restaurant, Boudin, and ferries to Alcatraz. Fisherman's Wharf is also the turn around point for one of the cable car lines.

Chinatown

Chinatown is a must-see neighborhood for anyone visiting San Francisco. It's one of the most visited neighborhoods in the city and it offers a unique cultural experience, that is surprisingly authentic, particularly if you wander down Stockton Street, which is lined with local seafood and vegetable markets. For the more touristy stretch with souvenir shops, head to Grant Street. San Francisco's Chinatown has a long history, and it is home to the largest Chinese population outside of China.

For anyone interested in trying local Chinese food, there are a number of good restaurants. There are also many small shops with souvenirs and trinkets.

Fillmore

Fillmore St. connects Western Addition to Pacific Heights, and it's a popular area with locals who often refer to it as "The Fillmore." This area is popular for its music scene and nightlife, but during the day the area becomes a popular shopping destination. Upper Fillmore is filled with trendy vintage shops, big name fashion retailers, and everything in between. There are also a number of historic churches in the neighborhood.

Historically, Fillmore was considered one of the most diverse neighborhoods in San Francisco with large populations of African Americans, Japanese, and Jewish residents. The area has a rich cultural history that at one time had a notable jazz scene (that some people claim is making a comeback).

Market Street

Market Street is a major corridor through San Francisco and along it you'll find many shops, restaurants, and businesses. The Central Market neighborhood is home to a number of recognizable tech companies including Twitter and Spotify. There are also theaters, museums, and music venues in the area. Some of the restaurants in the neighborhood cater mostly to tourists, but if you know where to look there are some hidden gems as well.

Nob Hill

Hop on a cable car and make your way to the top of Nob Hill. This famous San Francisco neighborhood is filled with famous hotels, historic architecture, and breathtaking views of the city and bay. This neighborhood is where you'll find the San Francisco Cable Car Museum, Grace Cathedral, and the famous Fairmont Hotel. It's not far from Russian Hill and Chinatown, and it's a must-see area to walk around, but be prepared to give your legs a workout.

Pacific Heights

Pacific Heights is a popular residential area for its beautiful Victorian homes and wealthy atmosphere. This neighborhood is known for its warmer weather (thanks to San Francisco's micro-climates) and beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge. In the area you'll also find Danielle Steel's mansion, and the house that was featured in the famous film, "Mrs. Doubtfire."

Richmond District

In the western half of San Francisco, away from the busy financial district and most of the touristy areas, you'll find rows of residential streets. Between Golden Gate Park to the south and the Presidio and coastline to the north lies the Richmond District. This is a fairly diverse area of San Francisco containing plenty of houses along with restaurants, shops, theaters, bars, and everything the locals need to live. Here you can find a smaller Chinatown, too, as many of the city's Chinese residents have relocated here for more affordable housing. Other ethnic groups have settled here as well.

SoMa

SoMa, which stands for South of Market, is a neighborhood that includes The Moscone Center, the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, and Yerba Buena Gardens. There are number of quality museums in this neighborhood as well including the Museum of the African Diaspora, Contemporary Jewish Museum, California Historical Society Museum, Children’s Creativity Museum and San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

While it's filled with culture during the day, the neighborhood comes to life at night. Head to SoMa in the evening to take advantage of one of the neighborhood's many dance clubs. This area also has excellent restaurants, including Luce, a Michelin-starred restaurant in the InterContinental Hotel.