No trip to San Francisco is complete without a visit to Russian Hill, named for one of the city’s 44 hills and one of the original “Seven Hills.” Head up to discover amazing views, eclectic shopping and dining, pretty parks and top San Francisco sightseeing attractions.
Start by tackling renowned Lombard Street, the switchback-heavy, one-way section of Russian Hill between Hyde and Leavenworth streets. The hill has a 27% grade, making it impossible for automobile traffic. A local resident suggested the switchback design that now makes it accessible on foot and by car.
Art lovers will want to pop into the San Francisco Art Institute. Look for Diego Rivera’s huge mural painted over the course of one month in 1931, as well as newer projects by the institute’s own artists. Don’t miss the great Alcatraz views from the rooftop patio.
Shop along Polk Street for everything from vintage sheet music to new and used tomes at the Russian Hill Bookstore.
Global restaurants, dive bars, cocktail lounges, pizza joints and everything in between line the streets of the neighborhood. Save room for a visit to the first Swensen’s ice cream shop, opened in 1948.
If you haven’t exerted yourself enough walking up and down Russian Hill, check out one of the free monthly tours of the neighborhood’s many staircases. Or, find them on your own from Ina Coolbrith Park you can walk the Vallejo Street Steps that showcase stately homes and beautiful gardens. Or, climb the 115 shaded Chestnut Street Steps between Polk and Larkin streets.
Look for Russian Hill north of Nob Hill, south of Fisherman’s Wharf, and west of North Beach. The Powell-Hyde cable car line runs up from Fishermen’s Wharf through Russian Hill and stops at the top of Lombard Street.
