San Francisco makes it easier for tourists by having almost no clothing rules and a self-aware, relaxed culture that minimizes formalities. To make the most of their time and have a great vacation, a wise traveler can do a few things beforehand. For example, navigating nightlife and tipping customs can be a little different than in other places, but don't worry—I'm a California native who has spent years living in and around the Bay Area. Your journey will be much better with these insider recommendations.

Before you plan your trip to San Francisco, you should be aware of these 12 facts.

1. Reserve a table at a restaurant in advance.

Popular San Francisco eateries including State Bird Provisions, Izzy's Steaks & Chops, and Liholiho Yacht Club require reservations. Your possibilities will be better the earlier you book reservations. The majority of restaurants allow reservations through their websites, OpenTable, or comparable services.

Call the restaurant directly if the app or web system indicates that there are no seats available. Some seats may be reserved for walk-ins and phone bookings, and there may be space at the bar or last-minute cancellations. Because seating at landmark restaurants is limited, contact a month in advance and grab what's available.

Any dietary restrictions or special occasions associated with your lunch (such as an anniversary, birthday, or even a proposal) should be mentioned when making your reservation. Most of the time, you'll be gladly accommodated.

2. Purchase your tickets to Alcatraz at least one month in advance.

The Rock's tickets are always in great demand. If you don't reserve yours at least a month in advance, you might not have any more luck entering Alcatraz than its prisoners had getting out!

3. Dress however you feel most comfortable.

It's true that everyone in San Francisco wears a hoodie and old pants. There are instances where people are dressed in ways that would have appalled their parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents.

In the laid-back Bay Area, people aggressively dress down, but the contrary is also not unheard of. Anything really goes, so if you have a special dress in mind, don't hesitate to wear it for everyone's admiration.

4. The best times to eat and drink

While some restaurants are closed on Sundays and Mondays, many are open seven days a week. Breakfast is typically served from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and supper at approximately 5:30 p.m. The last service is usually between 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on weekdays and 10 p.m. on weekends. Brunch on weekends is often served from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

In San Francisco, partying all night is a DIY pastime. Bars in SoMa and downtown attract happy-hour patrons from 4 to 7 p.m.; after that, bars are bustling by 9 p.m., with last call being at 10:30 to 11:30 p.m. on weekdays and 1:30 a.m. on weekends.

5. Tipping advice

Tipping is crucial since the majority of employees in the service sector receive pitiful pay from their employers and depend nearly solely on gratuities to make ends meet. These sums are typical:

• Bartenders: 15% of the total cost, or $1 to $2 per drink (stronger drinks are typically ordered by good tippers).

• Airport skycaps and bellhops: $2 per suitcase plus an additional $5–10 for special treatment

• Concierges: Nothing for basic details like directions; $2–20 for obtaining tickets to a concert or restaurant, or for delivering outstanding service

• Every day, housekeeping personnel receive $2 to $5; if you're dirty (you know who you are...), you'll receive more.

• $2 for parking valets; additional for VIP treatment

• 15–22% of the overall bill goes to restaurant servers.

• 10–15% of the fare or transportation cost is paid by taxis and ride-sharing services.

Try giving your meal delivery person a cash tip (10–15%, and more if it's raining) if you're using an app. This is because frequent exposés have revealed that some applications defraud line workers and retain gratuities paid through them.

To pay the cost of providing health care to their employees—which is mandated by San Francisco law—some eateries impose a 4–5% premium. Your server might not directly profit from the extra, so don't blame them if you don't like restaurants charging their patrons to cover their overhead. Instead, discuss your displeasure with the owner or post your thoughts online.

6. Don't put off going to the club till later.

At the door, most clubs charge $10 to $25. Show up before 10 p.m. or register online for the guest list (look for a VIP or RSVP link) to receive discounted admission. At upscale clubs, you can reserve a seat for bottle service, and you typically only have to wait 15 minutes to enter.

Although there is no dress requirement, club bouncers will turn away patrons wearing T-shirts, flip-flops, or shorts. Many clubs have a startlingly early last call of 11:30 p.m. on weekdays and 1:30 a.m. on weekends. Due to California's stringent alcohol regulations, most clubs close at around two in the morning, however some are able to remain open until four in the morning or later.

7. Public transportation in San Francisco is an experience

Most San Franciscans prefer to walk, cycle, or ride-share because of the city's notoriously awful traffic and expensive or impossible parking.

Another fantastic way to view San Francisco is by riding the Muni. Most of the city is accessible via buses and light rail trains, and its famous cable cars and ancient streetcars provide as experiences. However, traveling by automobile? Ignore it. Don't drive until you're ready to get out of town.

8. Proceed and get married.

In addition to being a landmark for marriage equality, San Francisco City Hall is a charming and very picturesque venue for a wedding; the rotunda is bright and features two stairs for added drama. First of all, congratulations if you choose to get married in San Francisco! The city is properly recognized. The procedure is straightforward: schedule a time to obtain your marriage license at City Hall, bring a birth certificate or a federal ID, and budget approximately $200 for costs.

You and your spouse may be of any gender, and you are not need to be a US citizen or resident of California. You can tie the knot the same day you receive your license. Yes, indeed! A civil ceremony conducted by a city official or one presided by any registered justice of the peace is an option. Anyone can get ordained online in California.

9. Use city bike trails to ride safely.

There are bike lanes on many San Francisco streets and bike pathways in large parks. The Embarcadero, Ocean Beach, the Marina, GoldeGate Park n (which is largely car-free on Sundays), and the park-like Presidio are the safest spots in San Francisco to ride a bike.

When tourists ask for guidance, the majority of the city's cyclists will gladly give it to them.

10. Be aware of where to go and where to keep it

In San Francisco, many public or shared restrooms are marked with triangles to indicate that they are for use by people of all genders. Typically, stalls rather than exposed urinals are found in all-gender restrooms. The city's homeless population frequently seek refuge in the public restrooms found in busier parts of town. Recognize that in order to use a customer-only restroom in a café, you might need to purchase coffee or a drink.

11. Don't leave anything in your car, not even a map.

Gangs of criminals target rental cars in San Francisco, and there are numerous films of police officers filming smash-and-grab robberies. Whether you're driving or leaving the automobile parked, if you've brought your car into the city, you should never, ever leave anything visible.

Anticipate that your belongings, including that fragile little map from the rental company, will be stolen and that a window will be broken. When placing valuables in a car's trunk, burglars keep an eye on parking lots and record who does so. A few seconds later, additional thieves break into those cars. Do this before you reach your destination.

12. It is true that both homelessness and addiction are problems in San Francisco.

In SoMa, the Upper Haight, and the Mission, especially at night, have your city savvy and wits about you. Consider taking a taxi or ride-sharing service if you're by yourself in these places at night rather than waiting for a bus.

Steer clear of unnecessary smartphone use while out on the street as phone-snatching occurs. Due to concerns about crime and enforcement, the Bayview–Hunters Point neighborhood—which is located along the water, south of Potrero Hill—is not appropriate for roving tourists.

Some of the greatest green areas in the city, such as Mission Dolores Park, Buena Vista Park, and the entrance to Golden Gate Park at Haight and Stanyan Streets, are used for prostitution and drug sales after dark. You might be approached if you're there at night.

Despite having a lot of hotels, the Tenderloin, which is located just west of Union Square and north of Market Street, has a lot of social problems and can be unsettling for casual tourists both during the day and at night.

Panhandlers will inevitably ask for spare change, particularly in the vicinity of Union Square and other tourist destinations in the downtown area.