What speaks 12 languages and always has the scoop on what's happening in San Francisco? The answer is San Francisco's Visitor Information Center, located on the lower level of Hallidie Plaza, next door to the cable car turntable at Powell and Market streets, 900 Market Street.

The San Francisco Visitor Information Center, operated by the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau, is staffed by The City's premier information specialists, who provide both service and information in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German and Japanese. The VIC also maintains 24-hour telephone hotlines in these languages. Think of them as "audio entertainment sections," from which callers can garner data on everything from who's currently performing in The City's show rooms to who's playing baseball at SBC Park. The tele-itinerary of special events, sports and cultural activities is updated on a monthly basis. Dial 415-391-2001 for the English version of this three-minute rundown on local doings. To take advantage of the Visitor Information hotline outside of the Bay Area, dial "1" and area code "415" first. Visitors can also listen to the hotline in (area code 415):

French (391-2003)
Spanish (391-2122)
Japanese (391-2101)
German (391-2004)
Italian (391-2002)

The staff at the VIC is available to answer visitor inquiries Monday through Friday 9 am-5 pm, Saturday, Sunday and holidays 9 am-3 pm, Pacific Standard Time. The VIC is closed Christmas Day, New Year's Day, Easter Sunday and Thanksgiving Day, and on Sundays from November through April. Telephone inquiries may be made from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Standard Time, Monday through Friday by calling 415-391-2000 or 415-392-0328 (TDD).

The new San Francisco CityPass is the best way to experience all the color and culture of the city. The CityPass features a book of admission tickets (no waiting in ticket lines!) to the following attractions: Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise, Steinhart Aquarium or California Palace of the Legion of Honor, Exploratorium, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and Asian Art Museum. You get all this plus seven days of unlimited transportation on the cable cars, street cars and all Muni services. Adult City Passes cost only $40, a 50 percent savings! City Passes are available at The VIC or online in the Shop-n-SF section.

Don't miss your chance to experience these wonderful sights of our city, while Muni does the driving!

The VIC also has exclusive SFCVB long distance calling cards available at a 33 percent cost savings, guide books, visitor and destination-specific maps, plus many other useful items to enhance your visit to San Francisco. Check out the SFCVB's Web store by clicking on the "Shop-N-SF" icon on this page to make your purchases prior to your visit.