Tour San Francisco & Avoid Mistakes Most Tourists Make

San Francisco is a tourist trap full of busy streets, rude pedestrians and fascinating scenery. San Francisco can also be a vacation nightmare if you don't know how to tour the city like a local. Here are some tips for surviving as a tourist in San Francisco and avoiding common mistakes most tourists make.

How to Ride the Cable Cars.

The cable cars in San Francisco are not just a tourist attraction. They are regularly used as public transportation. Knowing how to get on and off as well as the proper way to ride is imperative to traveling the city.

To avoid standing in long lines don't try to board at Ghirardelli square where all the tourists gather. Instead, walk uphill a few blocks and board at California Street where only a few people are waiting to board. Boarding is allowed at any place you see a brown and white cable car sign which is roughly every few blocks.

When you board the cable car understand that you will be packed into a small space with around 50 other people. Never attempt to get on while it is moving. Stand on the sidewalk and wait for the operator to wave you over.

You won't have room to set your belongings next to you as there is limited space. Know that there will most likely be someone standing between your legs or hindering your view of the street unless you are on one of the outside benches or running boards.

Once seated, never attempt to get up and move around so you can take pictures. If you are in the middle cab section do not try to stand behind the gripman because you will fall into him and he may kick you off the car.

Never, under any circumstances pull the bell rope. This is not how you indicate you want to get off. The bell rope is used by the gripman to communicate with each other. If you pull the rope, the gripman will stop the car and announce your foolish ways to the other passengers. You will most certainly be pegged a tourist.

Buy an all day pass. It's only $11 per person. If you are in the city for a weekend by a 3 day pass for $36 per person. Even if you don't visit for 3 days it's still cheaper than paying $5 per person per trip.