The Mission
The Mission, once linked to Mission Dolores (the city's oldest building, built by its Franciscan fathers in 1791), is a district of San Francisco where Central America's immigrants and bohemians rub shoulders with yuppies and dotcom workers. Here, better than anywhere, you can get a feel of the city's Spanish origins. Beautiful outdoor murals, often on social justice issues, signal the area as a vital hub of diversity and creative change. Valencia Street, a lesbian enclave, is a very desirable property area and boutiques and restaurants with a Latin flavour vie for cash with the drug dealers in neighbouring Dolores Park.

Mission Dolores
Dolores and 16th Street
Tel: (415) 621 8203.
Website: www.missiondolores.org  
Opening hours: Daily 0830-1500.
Free admission, charge for the audio tour.

Japantown
It may only be a few miles away but Japantown (bounded by Laguna Street, Geary Street, Post Street and Fillmore Street) could not be more different to the Mission. The city's growing Japanese population has a home here but the area also is a commercial centre. Walking up Geary Street or Post Street from Union Square brings the five-tier Peace Pagoda into view. The pagoda and the Japan Centre are the focal point of the community's cultural and business life, as well as the site of several seasonal festivals. Visitors can partake in a Japanese communal bath or one of the many massages offered at the essential Kabuki Springs and Spa. Tuesdays are mixed gender and swimming suits are required.

Laguna Street, Geary Street, Post Street and Fillmore Street

Japan Centre
1737 Post Street
Tel: (415) 922 6776.
Website: www.sfjapantown.org  
Opening hours: Daily 1000-2400.
Free admission.

Kabuki Springs and Spa
1750 Geary Boulevard (at Fillmore)
Tel: (415) 922 6000.
Website: www.kabukisprings.com
Opening hours: Daily 1000-2145.
Admission charge.

Other Museums
The Museum of the African Diaspora is located on ground level of the St Regis Hotel and Residences (website: www.moadsf.org). The Legion of Honor, in Lincoln Park, houses an impressive collection of 4,000 years of ancient and European art (website: www.famsf.org).