Cheap & Unique Things to Do in San Francisco: 5 Must-Visit Places in the Bay Area

Visiting San Francisco can be expensive. However, this roundup offers you some of the best cheap and unusual things to do in San Francisco. Experience the rich cultural diversity, the eclectic lifestyle and the gorgeous San Francisco outdoors without breaking the bank.

The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill

San Francisco is the city of hills. While each summit welcomes you with a visual treat, the sight atop Telegraph Hill surpasses all. Tourists may find the Filbert Steps climb on the east side of the hill challenging, but the squawking of large flocks of parrots make the effort worth it. Made popular by the book and documentary "The Wild Parrots of the Telegraph Hill," this is a free attraction where you see feral parrots in their natural habitat.

City Lights Booksellers

City Lights Booksellers is not any ordinary bookseller. Aptly called "Literary Landmark" on their website, City Lights Booksellers, founded in 1953 is an unique and independent bookstore. Home to new-release hardcover and paperbacks from popular and small publishing houses, City Lights Booksellers is also one of the few places where you can partake in free readings by famous writers like David Sedaris and Salman Rushdie, among others. Prior to heading, always check the calendar for such free events.

The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps

Local volunteers worked with gorgeous handmade tiles to deck the 163 steps located at 16th and Moraga in San Francisco. While some tiles adorn designs of animals, flowers and fishes, others display quotes and memories to create this community masterpiece. The treat to the senses does not end there; climbers will enjoy the fog, the view of the mountains and the neighboring parks from top of the tiled steps.

Wave Organ

Located on a jetty, the Wave Organ is a wave-activated acoustic sculpture, a unique and must-visit San Fransisco attraction developed by the collaboration of Peter Richards and stone mason George Gonzales. Located at different elevations (to work with the rise and fall of the tides), you will find 25 organ pipes made of PVC and concrete that produce sounds that is heard best during high tides. This architectural marvel offers a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.

San Francisco Chinatown

San Francisco Chinatown is the largest and oldest Chinatown in North America. Evolving since the 1850s, Chinatown offers a rich panorama of Chinese life and specialties. Stroll and explore the grandeur of the tiny pastry, herbs, souvenirs, meat and vegetable stores located on the Grant Avenue, the oldest street in Chinatown. Get an insight of the Cantonese community by visiting the Kong Chow Temple dedicated to the Chinese deity Guan Gong. A part of the vibrant San Francisco history, Chinatown beckons tourists with several inexpensive Hunan, Vietnamese, Japanese and other Oriental restaurants, signature herbal shops and historical buildings. From July to October, the Chinatown hosts a market fair every Saturday. Visit this free attraction for several bargains, entertainment and a peek into the Chinese culture with lion dance, martial arts and Chinese operas.