Tony Bennett's song, I left my heart in San Francisco resonates the feeling of the city's universal appeal. Visiting San Francisco can be exciting and exhilarating.

San Francisco is home to the infamous Silicon Valley. The city by the bay has a lot more to offer than hi-tech gadgetry though because it is also home to a legendary prison, Alcatraz.

Alcatraz was not really much of a destination back then but today, it is one of San Francisco's most popular tourist attractions. It would be best however if you get tickets in advance to make sure you'd be able to see what it's like inside Alcatraz. Another attraction in the area that should not be forgotten is the Golden Gate Bridge. The frequently photographed bridge is part of American history because it was the longest bridge of its kind on its completion in the late 30s.

If you want to see stereotypical sights in the area, you can go to Pier 39 or Fisherman's Wharf. There are lots of hotels in this area too and they offer wondrous views of the bay. Ghirardelli Square is also a great place to visit.

Just across the bay is Sausalito. You can take a ferry and enjoy some of the best spots in San Francisco. You can dine or browse artworks in one of the galleries in the area too, a bonus for art lovers and an educational side trip for the kids.

If you haven't gotten enough just yet, stretch those tourist legs and go to downtown San Francisco. This is where you would see what locals refer to as the city's moving landmark, the cable cars. If you are tired from all the walking, you can ride on the cable cars to get around the city and maybe even pass by Lombard, San Francisco's crookedest street.

The Golden Gate Park is also an attraction to visit. It is not only San Francisco's largest park but is dubbed as one of the top attractions in the area. You can relax in its Japanese Tea Garden or marvel at the beautiful blooms at the Conservatory of Flowers.

If you are into museums and the sciences, you can visit The Exploratorium. The Roman-style building boasts an outdoor rotunda and a lagoon, a great place to use your nifty shutter gadgets.

There are many things you can do while in town and many places to visit too but if you are in for something not so San Francisco, you should head to Chinatown and take a look at 20th century Chinese architecture. For a more authentic experience, you should walk through its alleys and sample San Francisco's Chinese cuisine. Lots of merchandise is peddled here too and if you are familiar with the place, going there at night can be quite enjoyable.

Whether you are in San Francisco for some sightseeing or a business trip, going around town is always a delightful idea.