Nob Hill / Russian Hill
The advent of the cable car in 1873 allowed San Francisco’s elite to build their mansions atop Nob Hill, the highest peak in the city center. (The hill’s name comes from a slang term for someone wealthy and prominent.) Most of the mansions were destroyed in the 1906 earthquake, but the neighborhood retains an aura of affluence, with a number of grand hotels.
Just to the north, Russian Hill features steep, winding streets (including famous Lombard), leafy stairways and stupendous views. The district gets its name from the Cyrillic-inscribed gravestones found in the mid-1800s at the peak of the hill, possibly marking the graves of fur trappers. Polk Street, the main commercial street, is lined with charming shops and cafes, many with a French twist.
topSights and Activities
Grace Cathedral
1100 California Street
(Nob Hill)
Tel: (415) 749-6300
Open Mon-Fri 7am-6pm, Sat 8am-6pm, Sun 8am-7pm. Choral Evensong Sun 3pm (mid Sep-mid June) and Thu 5:15pm.
Modeled after the Notre Dame in Paris, this Neo-Gothic cathedral at the top of Nob Hill is famous for its striking stained-glass windows and “Gates of Paradise” doors, replicas of the Ghiberti doors in Florence. If you have time, take a meditative walk around one of the labyrinth mazes (one inside and one outside).
Lombard Street
Dubbed the “crookedest street in the world,” this steep, flower-lined block of Lombard winds its way between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets. During the summer months, the line of cars waiting to zig-zag down it can stretch for blocks. We recommend seeing the famous street on foot instead, or via the Powell-Hyde cable car which passes by the top.
Cable Cars
San Francisco’s iconic cable cars began climbing the hills of San Francisco in 1873. The system was widely used until buses began taking over in the early 20th century. In 1947, a bid to dismantle the system was met by a huge public outcry – a handful of lines were maintained, and San Francisco's cable car system was designated a special "moving" National Historic Landmark in 1964.
Today, three lines are in operation – the Powell-Hyde route, the Powell-Mason route, and the California Street route, all of which pass through Nob Hill. The Hyde route then climbs up and over Russian Hill, ending near Ghirardelli Square; the Mason line traverses North Beach before ending at Fisherman’s Wharf.
Hyde Street Pier
Visitor’s Center: 499 Jefferson Street
Open daily 9:30am-5pm
Tel: 415-447-5000
Several historic vessels are docked at this pier, part of the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park – the 1886 square-rigger Balclutha, the 1890 steam ferryboat Eureka (possibly the world’s largest floating wooden vessel), the 1891 scow schooner Alma, the 1895 schooner C.A. Thayer, the 1907 steam tug Hercules and the 1915 steam schooner Wapama. The nearby Maritime Museum is currently undergoing renovation.
Ghirardelli Square
900 North Point Street A former chocolate factory and woolen mill, this cluster of attractive brick buildings was converted to commercial space in the mid-1960s. The square features a number of interesting shops, wine tasting rooms, and waterfront restaurants, and offers nice views over Aquatic Park and the Hyde Street Pier.
topRestaurants
Acquerello
1722 Sacramento Street (between Van Ness & Polk)
Tel: (415) 567-5432
San Francisco’s only restaurant serving haute Italian cuisine. Excellent wine list. One Michelin star.
Gary Danko
800 North Point
Tel: (415) 749-2060
Sophisticated, impeccably prepared contemporary cuisine from the award-winning chef. The cheese cart is famous. One Michelin star.
Hyde Street Bistro
1521 Hyde Street (between Jackson & Pacific)
Tel: (415) 292-4415
Romantic, affordable French bistro right on the Powell-Hyde cable car line.
La Folie
2316 Polk Street (between Green & Union)
Tel: (415) 776-5577
This upscale, family-run restaurant opened in 1988. Contemporary French cuisine, beautiful ambiance. One Michelin star.
Leopold's
2400 Polk Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
Tel: (415) 474-2000
No reservations.
Boisterous yet cozy, this Bavarian-style restaurant serves hearty, traditional Alpine dishes and a large variety of regional beer and wines.
Nick’s Crispy Tacos
1500 Broadway (at Polk St)
Tel: (415) 409-8226
This taqueria shares a space with Rouge nightclub, so you can eat your killer tacos with gaudy chandeliers and piñatas overhead. Order your taco “Nick’s Way” (crispy, with cheese and guacamole) for the full experience.
Pesce Seafood Bar
2227 Polk St. (near Vallejo)
Tel: (415) 928-8025
Consistently good, Venetian-inspired small plates. Go with a group and order one of everything!
Zarzuela
2000 Hyde St. (at Union)
Tel: (415) 346-0800
This Russian Hill favorite has been serving delicious, traditional, affordably priced tapas since 1994.
topShopping
Russian Hill’s main shopping street is Polk Street between Broadway and Filbert. Note that some stores are closed on Mondays and most don’t open before 11am on any day.
Bow Wow Meow
2150 Polk Street
Tel: (415) 440-2845
Open Mon-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm
Pet boutique featuring a wide range of products, from ordinary to esoteric. Pet grooming 7 days a week.
The Candy Store
1507 Vallejo Street (at Polk)
Tel: (415) 921-8000
Open daily 11am-7pm
Candy boutique offering everything from licorice and gumballs to fine French caramels.
Cat Seto Boutique
2406 Polk Street
Tel: (415) 749-1988
Open Mon-Fri 12:30-7:00pm,
Weekends 2:30-6:30pm
Girly dresses and other fashions from independent designers, along with stationery and gifts.
Cat Seto Paper Studio
2430 Polk Street
Tel: (415) 749-1988
Appointments preferred, walk-ins welcome.
Custom invitations and stationery.
Eco Citizen
2255 Polk Street
Tel: (415) 614-0100
Open Tue-Sat 11am-7pm, Sun noon-6pm, Mon by appt.
Eco-friendly men’s and women’s clothing and accessories.
FL!PP
1400 Green Street (at Polk)
Tel: (415) 440-3547
Open Mon-Tue by appt, Wed-Sun 11am-6pm
“Flipp” stands for “fashionable living in petite places.” This furniture store focuses on unique, impactful pieces.
Les Cent Culottes
2200 Polk Street
Tel: (415) 614-2586
Open Mon noon-7pm, Tue-Wed and Sat 10:30am-7pm, Thu-Fri 10:30am-7:30pm, Sun 11:30am-6:30pm
French lingerie for a wide range of body types.