Two of the best views in the city are the 'Top Of The Mark' at the Mark Hopkins Hotel, and Coit Tower. Right before sunset is best, and the easiest way (you can see both in 45 minutes) is to take a Lyft or Uber to Coit Tower and ask the driver to wait a few minutes while you take in the view and some pictures. Continue to the Mark Hopkins Hotel and be dropped off.  Enter the lobby and take the elevator to the top for the best 360 degree views of the city. Then, you can either walk down a couple steep hills to Chinatown, or take a short ride to the North Beach area for dinner or drinks.