Downtown San Diego is the most pricey part of the city to stay in, but it’s also where most hotels and attractions are located. The downtown area encompasses a number of different neighbourhoods, each of which has its own character.
The Gaslamp Quarter is one of the most lively parts of Downtown San Diego, and the ideal place to stay if you’re looking for nightly entertainment. The quarter is known for its clubs, cocktail lounges, and dive bars, and its theatres, Spreckels and Balboa, are some of the most reputable in the city.
The East Village is a hip industrial-meets-modern Downtown neighbourhood with a wide range of global cuisine and cool brewpubs. It’s a chilled spot for young professionals and families to stay.
Little Italy is even cooler than the East Village, as the pedestrian-friendly streets are filled with indie music venues, cocktail bars, chic boutiques, and even more brewpubs.
Located north of Downtown, Hillcrest is centre of the city's diverse LGBTQ+ scene known for its buzzing gay bars and friendly people. It has its own high street with a large number of cafes, restaurants, and thrift shops, making it an excellent place to chill as well as party.
The neighbouring North Park is another popular hang-out spot with quirky bars, a diverse range of restaurants, and indie clothing shops. Its youthful and alternative vibe attracts mostly students and young professionals.
Mission Hills, to the west of Hillcrest, is an upscale suburban inner-city neighbourhood for those who enjoy the finer things in life like fine-dining restaurants and ginormous villas. Old Town is just a few minutes away, giving you the best of traditional and modern San Diego.
If you’re looking to enjoy the city’s coastal side, rather than the inner-city side, then stay in Mission Beach, a laidback neighbourhood with many top attractions, or La Jolla, a quieter, more family-oriented area surrounded by nature.
As a sprawling city, the best way to get around San Diego is by hiring a car, unless you plan on staying within the downtown area. There isn’t a train system to get you around the city, however, there are trolleys that operate around some neighbourhoods, and water taxis to take you along San Diego Bay.
