San Francisco

There are some places on Earth that seem distant and out of reach, making the chance to visit them feel almost impossible… until it actually happens.

In this blog post, I want to share some photos I took during my time in San Francisco, along with some tips for where to find great food, coffee, and cake.

So, if you’re curious about how I ended up in San Francisco, keep reading!

San Francisco

My trip to San Francisco

I was invited to San Francisco by Samsung Austria to attend the Unpacked Event and to celebrate 10 Years Galaxy with the release of the Samsung Galaxy S10.

The Unpacked event took place at San Francisco’s Bill Graham Civic Auditorium and the evening party took place at the amazing terrace bar of The Proper Hotel.

I am not the best person to explain each and every new tech feature. What I can say with certainty is that there are two features that excite me particularly in the new Samsung Galaxy: first, the ultra wide angle lens (oh, yes!) and the partnership of Samsung with Instagram for the best Instagram experience on a smartphone.

Palace of Fine Arts

How I spent my time in San Francisco

During my first three days in San Francisco, I explored the city alone, wandering up and down its famous hills. Thanks to some research I did online before leaving Vienna, I felt well-prepared and ready to tackle San Francisco on my own.

If you’re planning a solo trip to a new city, I recommend doing some research beforehand—it can make a big difference!

Although my first three solo days were nicely spent, I was looking forward to spending the coming days with the good company of Nina and Greg (#TeamGalaxy from Austria)

Palace of Fine Arts

What I loved about the city

The architecture of the houses. All the cafes and restaurants that we visited. Pier 7. The sea lions. The area around the Palace of Fine Arts. What I liked less about San Francisco: Downtown San Francisco. The homeless people in the city center. Fisherman’s wharf area. The high prices of nearly everything.

San Francisco

Wedding and travel photographer in San Francisco

Looking for a passionate wedding photographer to turn your special day into timeless memories for your wedding in San Francisco?

Explore my wedding photography website and reach out to me at silia@prettylovestories.com As a destination wedding photographer, I thrive on capturing love stories wherever my couples take me.

Additionally, if you’re interested in booking me as your photographer in Vienna, you can find more info here. Please have a look at my portfolio, if you’d like to know more about my photography work.

San Francisco

TOP restaurants and the BEST cafes in San Francisco

Mr. Holmes Bakehouse / The riddlers / Petit crenn / Sightglass / Le marais bakery / Rose’s cafe / Media noche / Dandelion chocolate

San Francisco

Personal thoughts on San Francisco

I loved San Francisco. It wasn’t love at first sight though. It took me a while. Once you get to know the city better, you get to realise how pretty it is. And in order to get to know the city better, you have to get out of Downtown San Francisco. Explore the area around the Painted ladies, the area around the Palace of Fine Arts, Baker beach, Battery Spencer etc…

San Francisco

I have always find it hard to find the right words to describe beautiful things, places and experiences in life. Because when it comes to beautiful places/experiences, words become useless and poor. You have to go and see the view from Battery Spencer yourself, in order to understand what I’am talking about. Definetely a view that will never get out of my mind.

Palace of Fine Arts

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Golden Gate Bridge

So far, I’ve traveled with @samsungaustria to quite a few places around the world: Paris, London, NYC, Ibiza and now San Francisco.

We love making thousand unforgettable #samsunggalaxy moments around the world together!

My second visit to NYC

This time around, I had the incredible opportunity to jet off to NYC with Samsung Austria for their groundbreaking QLED TV launch event. Samsung Austria always pulls out all the stops, and I knew this from my amazing experiences traveling with them to London and Paris last year.

Touching down at JFK airport on a Saturday morning, I couldn’t contain my excitement. This trip, I decided to arrive a few days early to soak in the city’s energy. The first leg of my adventure led me to Hannah’s apartment, where I’d be staying for the first two nights. It felt surreal, almost like stepping into a scene from a movie. Manhattan living was something I’d only dreamed of, but here I was, living it.

Those initial days were spent soaking up the warmth of Hannah’s hospitality, getting to know her family, and mingling with Reed and his circle of friends. The welcome I received couldn’t have been warmer, and I felt right at home in the heart of NYC.

But amidst the hustle and bustle, I also carved out moments for myself. Walking along the Brooklyn Bridge, with the city skyline stretching out before me, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. It was a moment of serenity amidst the city’s ceaseless energy, a memory I’ll treasure forever.

Stay connected with me and my adventures by following me on Instagram!

Samsung QLED TV Event

During the first day of the press trip, Samsung treated us to a memorable boat tour along the Hudson River. Following that, we made our way to the Samsung 837 Flagship Store in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District. There, we immersed ourselves in virtual reality experiences for about an hour. The store boasted interactive art installations and a striking three-story screen, showcasing the boundless possibilities of Samsung devices. It’s a remarkable space that I highly recommend visiting if you ever find yourself in Manhattan.

On the second day of the trip, we headed to the American Stock Exchange Building for The First Look Event. Through engaging keynotes and presentations, Samsung unveiled that their QLED TV was designed for more than just watching—it’s about delivering diverse TV experiences tailored to different lifestyles, ensuring that every moment at home is an adventure.

Don’t miss out on exclusive behind-the-scenes photos and videos, follow me on Instagram!

Manhattan best travel tips

Reflecting on My Second Visit to NYC: People, Photography, and Perspective

It might not be fair to compare, but if I’m being completely honest, I enjoyed my second visit to NYC a tad more than my first. It’s always the people you meet and the moments you share that truly make a trip special, rather than just the destination itself.

From a photography standpoint, NYC was incredibly overwhelming. Trying to capture quality content for the TVG photography blog, Instagram account, and Instagram stories proved to be quite challenging. Consequently, there aren’t as many photos here, but you can always find more on Instagram.

If you love travelling, make sure to follow me on Instagram for more.

Manhattan best travel tips

Top restaurants and cafes in Manhattan

Here’s a list of favourite restaurants and cafes in Manhattan:

Cecconi’s Dumbo New York: For upscale Italian dining with stunning waterfront views in the Dumbo neighborhood.

Crosby Street Hotel: A luxurious boutique hotel known for its eclectic decor and vibrant atmosphere, perfect for a sophisticated meal.

Sadelle’s: A beloved bakery and restaurant in SoHo, famous for its delectable pastries and brunch offerings.

Morgenstern’s Ice Cream Parlor: Indulge in artisanal ice cream with creative flavors in the Lower East Side.

Freemans Restaurant: Head to this hidden gem on the Lower East Side for rustic American fare in a cozy setting.

Cha Cha Matcha: Sip on matcha-based drinks and enjoy the trendy ambiance of this cafe with multiple locations.

Supermoon Bakehouse: Visit this unique bakery in the Lower East Side for visually stunning pastries and baked goods.

Keens Steakhouse: A historic steakhouse in Midtown known for its classic decor and mouthwatering steaks.

The Butcher’s Daughter: Explore vegetarian cuisine and creative cocktails at this charming restaurant with locations in Nolita and the West Village.

The Standard Grill: Dine at this bustling brasserie in the Meatpacking District for classic American dishes in a stylish setting.

The Bar Room at the Temple Court: Enjoy expertly crafted cocktails in a refined atmosphere at this cocktail bar located in the Financial District.

Cecconi’s Dumbo New York / Crosby Street Hotel / Sadelle’s / Morgenstern’s ice cream parlor/ Freemans Restaurant / Cha Cha Matcha / Supermoon Bakehouse / Keens steakhouse/ The Butcher’s Daughter / The Standard Grill / The bar room at the Temple Court