My beautiful city by the bay, San Francisco, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It has been described as ridiculously expensive but it has a lot of sights and attractions that are literally free. One doesn't necessarily have to break the bank to visit it.

Ride the cable car ($6 per ride)

Walk on the Golden Gate Bridge (Free)

Watch the sea lions in Pier 39 at Fisherman's Wharf (Free)

Walk along the colorful the streets of Chinatown (Free)

Discover the Edwardian and Victorian Houses scattered all over the city. There are hundreds of them. (Free)

Speaking of Victorian Houses, the Painted Ladies along Steiner Street is a definite must visit.

Take a ferry to the Island of Alcatraz and visit the famous prison of the same name (Fee)

Visit the Ferry Terminal Building and view the double decked Bay Bridge right behind it (Free)

View the Bay Bridge from the Embarcadero (Free)

Shop, shop, shop in Union Square

Likewise, check the column topped by this statue in middle of Union Square.

Go all the way to the top of the Coit Tower for magnificent views of the city (Fee)

Visit the Palace of Fine Arts (Free)

Walk along the beach behind the Cliff House (Free)

Visit the Asian Art Museum, one of the world's finest in terms of Asian art and culture (Fee)

Just right across the Asian Art Museum is the SF City Hall. While you're already in the Civic Center Plaza, you might as well head to St. Francis' Hotel de Ville and view its grand staircase and rotunda. Admission is always free.

Linger at Japanese Tea Garden next to the De Young Museum at Golden Gate Park (Fee)