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Alcatraz IslandvsMusee Mecanique
Both are praised by professional reviewers. Overall, Alcatraz Island ranks marginally higher than Musee Mecanique. Alcatraz Island ranks #8 in San Francisco with accolades from 10 publications like Condé Nast Traveler, Michelin Guide and Condé Nast Traveler.
Alcatraz Island
Concierge
Fodor's
Travel + Leisure
Michelin Guide
Condé Nast Traveler
National Geographic
Where
Atlas Obscura Condé Nast Traveler
Afar Magazine Show All Reviews
Alcatraz Landing, Pier 33, Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94133
From $0/night
Concierge "Enjoy a chilling tour of the jail, closed in 1963, and while strolling the exercise yard, imagine how the dazzling view of San Francisco must have tantalized inmates."
Fodor's "Thousands of visitors come every day to walk in the footsteps of Alcatraz's notorious criminals." Full review
i
The audio tour, highly recomended
Travel + Leisure "The island itself has remained more or less the same since the Park Service first opened it to visitors in 1973, but the tours of the world-famous prison have been getting better and better." Full review
Michelin Guide 3 Stars
"The federal maximum-security penitentiary known as the Rock... in 1972, Alcatraz was designated part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area." Full review
i
Tours of the ruins have been fascinating visitors ever since.
Condé Nast Traveler Editor's Pick
"Enjoy a chilling tour of the jail, closed in 1963, and while strolling the exercise yard, imagine how the dazzling view of San Francisco must have tantalized inmates." Full review
National Geographic "Home to infamous federal prison (until 1963), first West Coast lighthouse, and wildlife sanctuary; ferries from Fisherman's Wharf; daytime self-guided audio tours and nighttime guided tours." Full review
i
Tip: Tours sell out, so buy tickets online in advance. Tel. 1 415 981 7625. www.nps.gov/alca
Where "Once a prison for the most dangerous of criminals, Alcatraz Island now sits sleepily in the San Francisco Bay like a pearl inside an oyster, waiting to share its stories. " Full review
Atlas Obscura "In all of the 29 years it was in operation, no prisoners ever escaped successfully... or so they claim. " Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "Alcatraz is a famous San Francisco attraction, dynamic in its offerings for visitors." Full review
Afar Magazine "Alcatraz—the very name conjures dark images of impregnable prisons, infamous criminals, and daring escape attempts." Full review
Musee Mecanique Fodor's Concierge Condé Nast Traveler Where Atlas Obscura
Time Out Afar Magazine
Frommer's
Lonely Planet
The Wall Street Journal
Pier 45 Shed A San Francisco, CA 94133
From $0/night
Fodor's "A time-warped arcade with antique mechanical contrivances, including peep shows and nickelodeons, Musée Mécanique is one of the most worthwhile attractions at the Wharf." Full review
Concierge "Bring quarters (or dollars for the change machine) so that you can fully enjoy this bizarre collection of historic arcade games housed at this wacky museum on Fisherman's Wharf."
Condé Nast Traveler "Enjoy this bizarre collection of historic arcade games housed at this wacky museum on Fisherman's Wharf." Full review
i
Kids will love the clockwork farm
Where "Before television and video games, there were arcade machines and coin-operated musical instruments." Full review
Atlas Obscura "A collection of 20th-century automata, penny arcade games, and musical contraptions. " Full review
Time Out "A museum in name only, everything at the Musée Mécanique can, and should, be played with." Full review
Afar Magazine "Musée Mécanique, at Pier 45 in Fisherman’s Wharf, is one of the largest privately held collections of vintage mechanical arcade machines in the world." Full review
Frommer's "Once located at the Cliff House, this mechanical-minded warehouse of around 300 antique coin-operated penny arcade diversions is guaranteed fun. " Full review
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"Where else can you guillotine a man for a quarter? Creepy 19th-century arcade games like the macabre French Execution compete for your spare change with the diabolical Ms.Pac-Man." Full review
The Wall Street Journal "Equal parts phantasmagoric museum and retro arcade. There, a collector and his family have amassed over 300 mechanical artifacts from the early 20th century onward."
San Francisco Lives, Despite Reports to the Contrary: A Traveler’s Guide
September 20, 2023
