San Francisco is a vibrant place replete with several attractive tourist attractions - many of which you can ill-afford to miss. It is interesting to know that barely 47 square miles make up San Francisco - the coastal metropolis that is home to some of the world's most renowned landmarks.

It is difficult to compile a list of places you should not miss while on a fascinating San Francisco tour as any such list will be incomplete. Nonetheless, an attempt can still be made to present as balanced a list as possible:

Golden Gate Bridge – Built in 1937, the bridge is the pride of San Francisco and has won world-wide acclaim for its awe-inspiring architecture. If you want to get a true feel of the bridge, you must either stroll down or bicycle its entire 1.7 mile length.

Alcatraz Island – The island can be described as a small bump in the bay between San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge. You can reach the island by ferry from Pier 33 and view the prison cells of notorious criminals like Al Capone. The ferry ride will include an educative audio tour.

Pier 39 & Fisherman’s Wharf – Here you can lose yourself in the chain of food shops and maritime views. Miss not to watch the street performers of all kinds who will entertain you no end. You can also see hundreds of lively sea lions sunbathe off Pier 39 on the marina's western docks.

Lombard Street – Lying between Hyde and Leavenworth streets, this is acknowledged as one of the world’s most crooked streets. The street that came into being in 1922 has eight hairpin bends and is lined with flowered walkways.

Golden Gate Park – The park may be aptly described as an oasis of towering eucalyptus trees and lush rolling lawns. You can hire a pedal boat on Stow Lake, meander around the paths of the Japanese Tea Garden. Apart from its natural splendors, Golden Gate Park offers a multitude of activities including sporting events, concerts and numerous festivals. The park also boasts of two world-famous museums—the California Academy of Sciences and the de Young Museum

Coit Towers – You can reach the top of Telegraph Hill, to get a bird's-eye view of San Francisco city. Built in 1933, this 210-foot tower resembles a fire-hose nozzle that stands in tribute to firefighters. There is an elevator to carry you all the way up. Do not miss to see the green parrots chirping along the way, if you choose to climb the 400 steep steps.

California Palace of the Legion of Honor – You will find the neoclassical style of architecture truly amazing. The palace is home to a rare collection of 4000 years of art including works by Monet, Picasso, and Rodin and notably a cast of ‘The Thinker’.

China Town – The area comprises of 24 blocks and is easily San Francisco's most crowded marketplace.  You will come across a plethora of tourist-friendly shops and several eateries. Make it a point to visit the Golden Gate Cookie Factory where just two women daily make 20,000 fortune cookies by hand.

AT&T Park – Here you can get a panoramic bay view and other-pleasing sights like an 80-foot Coca-Cola bottle, a giant baseball mitt, and a nine-foot statue of legendary player Willie Mays. Do not forget to order Gordon Biersch garlic fries, and to merrily sing classic ballgame tunes.

Cable Cars – The cars have today only antique value as San Francisco's buses and subways have taken over as speedy ways to get around the city. However, the Cable Cars are an interesting relic of San Francisco's past. Now, three 19th century cable car lines still run through central San Francisco. Visit the San Francisco Cable Car Museum to know the history of Cable Cars.