My First Day in San Francisco 2026: Is It Really as Bad as People Say?

Welcome to my first day in San Francisco, California! Before visiting, I had heard many stories online about crime, safety concerns, and the city's struggles. So l decided to explore the city for myself and see what San Francisco is really like in 2026. On this first day, I walked around different neighborhoods, talked with local residents, enjoyed some incredible food, and experienced the city firsthand. What I found was very different from the image often portrayed on social media and in the news. The city felt vibrant, welcoming, and full of character. Of course, this is only my first day, and every visitor's experience can be different. But based on what I saw, I had a fantastic time and felt comfortable exploring the city. Join me as I share my first impressions of San Francisco, the food I tried, the people I met, and whether I think this iconic city is worth visiting in 2026. 📍San Francisco, California IG @ajikiji highend takeout sushi IG @sungho.sf michelin-recognized authentic koeran food IG @bluebottlecoffee4527 IG @citizenm hotel #travel #sanfrancisco #food #unionsquare