Day-by-day shape
With 3-5 days, group sights by area so you are not crossing the city each morning. Start in Union Square, give a full day to Embarcadero, and reserve time for Golden Gate Bridge.
Pacing
Keep one major sight per half day. Check official opening times so you do not arrive at a closed door, and leave buffer for meals and transfers.
Build your own
Use the stay areas and transport pages to set the order. Recheck timed entries the week before you travel, since operators adjust schedules by season.
Frequently asked questions
Is 3-5 days enough for San Francisco?
3-5 days covers the core sights if you group them by area. Add a day if you want slower mornings or a day trip outside the city.
How should I order the days?
Anchor each day on one neighbourhood: Union Square first, then Embarcadero. Keep Golden Gate Bridge on a day with light walking afterwards.