Why go to the Top of the Mark? Well it isn’t the 100 strong Martini list, nor is it the tarot readings & wine tasting they do weekly. The reason to go to this longstanding San Francisco institution is very clear: the view is utterly breath taking. If urban scenic views are your thing, this is thee place. Don’t let the gilded lobby of the Mark Hopkins hotel scare you off, bee line to the elevator and zoom on up. The entire bay is laid out in front of you like a painting, at least on a clear day.

The cocktails have a tendency to be on the sweet side, but if that’s not your thing, stick with the wine or some bubbles. They are open all day, with breakfast, lunch,and snacks continuing into the evening accompanied by live jazz and swing bands, not to mention a pretty sublime Champagne brunch on Sundays. We recommend calling ahead to make sure you can get a spot, but if you’re feeling spontaneous, waltz on in… they know who you are, right?

Back in WWII soldiers would leave bottles of booze behind the bar for their squadron mates, on the condition that whoever had the last glass had to replace it. The sweethearts of these soldiers were known to gather in the northwest corner window and watch out for their men returning from war. To this day people still honour its tug-at-the-heartstrings qualities, making it a classic site for romantic occasions such as proposals and anniversaries so watch out.