It is difficult to get bored in San Francisco. You can enter one of the most interesting prison houses in the world, Alcatraz, which is known for its inhumanely solitary location. There are also numerous museums that house both historic and contemporary masterpieces. If you’re up for shopping, Union Square has the most famous and expensive signature shops. And if you’re tired with all of these, you can always fill your stomach with the city’s specialty, clam chowder, in Fisherman’s Wharf, and soothingly end your day with some wine from Napa Valley.

Yes, this all sounds exhilarating, but only for those who can afford it. All those tours and shopping are unnecessarily expensive. You do not have to spend as much to enjoy yourself especially when you are in San Francisco. It is a perfect city for a free-spirited and artistic traveler who does not want to spend as much.

Firstly, you can fly free to San Francisco! Yes it’s possible. And once you get there, the streets will guide you. You do not have to take the famous cable car tours because those are almost a waste of time and money. The tour will only bring you to places that you can see on your own by simply walking. The guide will also probably describe things that you can figure out on your own. So the ticket into having fun without costing you a penny is to walk. Or if you want to get miles away, at least rent a bike or ride the bus. Both are cheap in San Francisco and are definitely worth every penny.

The Union Square is also a pointless stop. All those shops are open in numerous other places. So don’t waste your time salivating over those overpriced bags and shoes. Save your energy and walk in the city’s more interesting streets.

The Museums are great but avoidable if you really need to save money. Instead you can go to a lot of other galleries for free. Again, just by walking, it is guaranteed that you will come across some interesting art exhibits. Actually, you don’t even have to enter anything to feast your eyes. Almost each wall in San Francisco, especially along Haight Street, is embellished by professional graffiti artists. Architecture is also exquisite as the culture of Victorian Houses did not die down in the city.

The city is a melting pot for artists because it caters to a wide range of interests. Painters and graffiti artists are not the only ones drawn to the city. There are second-hand bookstores that hold multiple shelves of books on so many topics for very cheap prices for bookworms and writers. And you don’t have to hide from the store clerk if you want to open a book for some private reading because you are free to browse.

If you are more into extreme sports, you can bring your wheels in the Golden Gate Park every Sunday. When I say wheels, I don’t mean cars. The Park is closed to automobiles on Sundays. So with wheels, I mean skateboards, long boards, bikes, roller skates etc. Every Sunday, the park’s wide smooth lanes are reserved for these skaters.

Of course, music cannot be missed in San Francisco. As I have already stressed out, just by walking, you’ll be able to get a lot. There are numerous street musicians that will amaze you with their talent with the saxophone, steel drum, guitars and keyboards. You don’t have to get in an expensive bar to enjoy music, just stroll along and your ears will be pleased.

Traveling by foot in San Francisco may open you to the city’s quite bizarre culture. Musicians, artists, skaters, even stand-up comics will amuse you for free. The whole city is the artists’ canvas and stage, and tourists are always free to appreciate their art.