About a century ago, it was known as the Paris of the West. One earthquake, one musical revolution, and a couple of massive changes later - it still retains its charm. In fact, it is one of the most visited places in the US. It is, however, also one of the priciest. If you're looking to explore San Francisco on a budget, you've come to the right place. Hotels are a safe bet, but most of them will set you back more than you'd like. Instead, why not give hostels a chance? You'd be surprised how much you can save with the likes of Hostelworld.

Anyone looking to save will inevitably consider public transportation. When it comes to this corner of the country - you're in luck. San Francisco's system is quite simple and straightforward. Believe it or not, it's pretty difficult to get lost. Buses, trains, and cable cars are all available for your pleasure. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, you can give the F-line heritage streetcar a try. It's a fun way to experience the city the way its inhabitants a century ago would have seen it daily.

Of course, some experienced travelers will prefer to use their car - or even rent one. This, however, immediately brings up the question - where can you park? Big cities are notorious for lack of space. SF is no exception, so an app that will inform you of any convenient spots will be a godsend. If you decide to go this route, there's one last piece of advice we'd like to impart. Mind the speed limit as it tends to vary across the city. This, fortunately, makes it comparatively safe for drivers so you can relax, glide through the area, and enjoy life.