SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE SAN FRANCISCO PLANNING GUIDE.
Russian Hill in San Francisco: Top Things to Do in This Interesting District
by Jill Loeffler •
Russian Hill in San Francisco is characterized by its steep streets and exceptional views, as well as its historic charm and trendy boutiques.
Wondering what to do in Russian Hill? The district's most popular attraction is Lombard Street, one of the crookedest streets in the world!
The neighborhood is also home to comedy clubs, restaurants, and nightlife.
Where is Russian Hill in San Francisco?
You will find the Russian Hill neighborhood on the northeastern side of SF.
The boundaries of the district are North Point Street on the north, Pacific Avenue on the south, Columbus Street on the east and Van Ness Street on the west.
Neighboring districts include Nob Hill to the south, North Beach to the east, Fisherman's Wharf to the north, and both the Marina and Cow Hollow to the west.
Russian Hill is considered one of the original Seven Hills of San Francisco.
So why is Russian Hill called Russian Hill? Not to be confused with Little Russia—a small Russian neighborhood in San Francisco's Richmond District—Russian Hill was named by the Gold Rushers who discovered Russian gravestones at the top of this hill, most likely belonging to sailors and fur traders that passed through this area.
Russian Hill San Francisco Map
Check out my Russian Hill San Francisco map below to get an idea of where this district sits in relation to the rest of the city.
You'll see where to find Lombard Street, the neighborhood's crowning jewel.
You'll also get an idea of where two of our cable car routes pass directly through it north-to-south, and where the 45 bus line cuts across it east-to-west.
Skip ahead for details about how to get to Russian Hill in San Francisco.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
Russian Hill San Francisco Things to Do
You will find a variety of things to do in Russian Hill San Francisco. Here are just some of my favorites that I think you might enjoy.
1. Ride the Cable Cars
The Powell Hyde cable car coming up the famous Hyde Street Hill in Russian Hill. This line is my favorite of the three cable car lines in SF because of the views from this dramatic hill climb.My favorite of the three historic cable car routes runs through Russian Hill in San Francisco. The Hyde-Powell route runs between Union Square and Fisherman's Wharf with a popular stop at Lombard Street.
The reason I love this route is because of the views it offers on its ascent up the large hill on Hyde Street. The views are unmatched, and finding the perfect seat will offer you a ride you will never forget.
>> Find more details about riding a cable car through Russian Hill
2. Stroll or Drive Down Lombard Street
The entire block is curvy and made of bricks. This is one of the curves with some great views all around.One of the most visited attractions in Russian Hill San Francisco is Lombard Street. This crooked street was first built in the 1930s to allow easier access up and down the steep street for its residents.
Today, this one-block brick-lined street with eight hairpin turns draws visitors from around the world.
You can either walk down the street or drive. I prefer to walk, as it's fun to get a close-up look at this amazing Russian Hill attraction. Plus, I love to check out the beautiful flowers and plants surrounding it.
>> Learn more about visiting Lombard Street
3. Go Shopping
You will also find some fun boutique shopping in Russian Hill San Francisco. There are two main business areas in this neighborhood.
The first is along Polk Street between Broadway and Filbert. Along this street, you will find about a dozen boutique shops.
The other is along Columbus Street. Here you will find another dozen shops with items such as gourmet food, clothing, jewelry, and more.
4. Visit Francisco Park
This is a look down into Francisco Park. It has some great green space, a kids play area, and plenty of room to spread out.One of the things that I love about Russian Hill San Francisco is all of its gorgeous parks. They offer some amazing views.
One of the best is Francisco Park (formerly Russian Hill Park). It's a steep park that sits on the corner of Hyde and Bay Streets.
Before this new park opened in 2022, I loved coming here for the amazing views of the SF Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Sausalito.
Now it's a large 4.5-acre ecological park on the site of the former Francisco Reservoir that offers a children's play area, a dog run, a community garden, and public restrooms.
It can be a quick stop for some photos, or you can bring along lunch to soak in the views from the expansive lawn or picnic tables.
5. Explore the Macondray Lane Historic District
This two-block long street is fun to explore. The best section is between Jones and Taylor. It's where you will find the houses in the photo above.Another hidden gem in this SF district is the Macondray Lane Historic District. This small district (just 1.6 acres!) was added to the list of National Historic Places in 1988. It includes about a dozen buildings and the famous Macondray Lane.
Why is it so famous? This small pedestrian lane is featured in Armistead Maupin's "Tales of the City." He used this lane in his book but renamed it as Barbary Lane.
This two-block-long pedestrian lane is found between Leavenworth and Taylor Streets. It runs from east to west and you will find it between Green and Union streets.
It's a quick stop, but a fun one to see while exploring Russian Hill San Francisco.
6. Take in the Views from the Vallejo Street Crest Historic District
Another cool sub-district of Russian Hill in San Francisco is the Vallejo Street Crest Historic District. This area offers two blocks of stairs, historic architecture, landscaping, and—you guessed it—amazing views!
This now-elite enclave was once inhabited by artists, and luckily the design features survived the Great Earthquake and Fire of 1906, unlike the rest of the city that was largely destroyed.
This historic district also includes a small park called Ina Coolbrith Park. The hike up to this little-known gem is worth it for the sweeping vistas.
From this historic district and its park, you can admire the SF Bay, Treasure Island, North Beach, and Coit Tower.
You will find it along Vallejo Street and Taylor. The district extends about a half block east and west of Taylor Street.
7. Enjoy a Concert at Bimbo's 365
As you continue to head down the hill toward North Beach, you will find Bimbo's 365.
This concert hall offers several concerts a month. It's usually local favorites, including Super Diamond (a Neil Diamond cover band) and Tainted Love (an 80's music cover band).
You will find Bimbo's 365 on the corner of Columbus Avenue and Chestnut Street. Its address is 1025 Columbus.
>> Click here to see a calendar of upcoming shows and get tickets
8. Laugh the Night Away at Cobb's Comedy Club
Cobb's Comedy Club also calls Russian Hill San Francisco home. It's one of the top comedy clubs in SF.
It features both internationally recognized stars as well as local favorites. They offer shows several times a week.
They also host several of the events during SF Sketchfest, one of the largest comedy festivals in the US every January.
Check out their top upcoming shows including ticketing information.
9. Learn More on a Free Walking Tour
A hidden lane made of stones in Russian Hill, these are the types of places your guide will point out on this free walking tour.You can also learn about Russian Hill SF on a free walking tour with the SF City Guides, a high-quality program offered by the public library.
Their regularly scheduled tour runs for about two hours and will take you to the best spots throughout the district. You will learn about its history, its most famous residents, and more.
>> Visit the SF City Guides page for dates and times for the next tours
10. Play Tennis or Basketball with a View
At the top of the hill where SF's famously crooked street begins its descent, you'll find George Sterling Park on Lombard Street between Hyde and Larkin.
On any given day you'll find locals and dog owners here enjoying the grounds and views of the bay.
The park has four hardcourt tennis courts and a full-sized basketball court that you can reserve through the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department.
Wind can interfere sometimes, but the unforgettable view is totally worth it.
>> Get more details and reserve your spot
Things to Do Nearby
Now that you know what to do in Russian Hill, you will find plenty of things to do in nearby districts as well. The links below have ideas for you in each of its neighboring areas.
The Best Russian Hill Restaurants
There are a few main areas where you will find restaurants in Russian Hill.
They are on Polk Street between Broadway and Filbert, Hyde Street between Broadway and Union, and along Columbus Avenue.
Date Night or Special Occasion Dinners
As this is a more upscale neighborhood, you'll find lots of trendy restaurants and fine dining establishments. I highly recommend you make reservations for these.
Street Restaurant and Bar
This busy restaurant serves new American cuisine with international influences in a contemporary space.
The menu changes daily and the food is always fresh and delicious. My favorite day to eat here is on Sunday when they offer their fried chicken special.
It is located at 2141 Polk Street between Vallejo and Broadway.
Dinner only from 5 pm to 9 pm; closed Mondays. $$
Trattoria Contadina
If you are in the mood for Italian, then head over to Trattoria Contadina. It's on the eastern side of the district and one of the top Italian restaurants in the city.
They serve classic dishes such as meatballs, gnocchi, ravioli, and picatta.
Don't forget to leave room for dessert, too!
Dinner only; closed Mondays and Tuesdays. 1800 Mason Street. $$
Abrazo
This dinner option offers Spanish dishes and seafood, including paella (which usually takes some time, so be prepared for a wait), charred octopus, and ricotta "churros".
Dinner only; closed Mondays. 2000 Hyde Street. $$$
Casual Eateries and Cafes
For more casual eats where you can pop in during the day without a reservation, check out the following.
ZA Pizza
This is a neighborhood favorite. They offer thin-crust pizza by the slice or whole pie.
It's a good deal too. A slice of pizza (which is a good size) is between $7 to $8.
You can also sit outside at their table (yes, usually just one table) and watch the cable cars pass by!
Open daily from 12 to 8 pm.
1919 Hyde Street. $
Split
This great spot serves fresh American cuisine. They are known for their crispy sandwiches and burgers.
Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
2300 Polk Street. $
Nook Cafe
This is another one of my favorites and just a few blocks from my apartment. It's a cute sidewalk cafe by day (daily) and wine bar by night (Wednesday through Saturday).
They have great coffee coffee and Mediterranean-style sandwiches.
1500 Hyde Street. $
Swensen's
The original 1948 shop of this popular ice cream brand, serving classic and creative flavors and good old-fashioned sundaes.
1999 Hyde Street. $
Top Bars in Russian Hill San Francisco
The Boardroom
A great sports bar on the eastern end of Russian Hill San Francisco.
I love coming here on Tequila Trivia Tuesdays.
They have a variety of drinks on their menu as well as some of the best bar food around.
Open from 4 pm until late. 1600 Powell Street
Bacchus Wine Bar
My favorite wine bar in the district is Bacchus. It's a small place with a great selection.
It opens at 5:30 pm every day except Monday and I usually like to head over early to beat the crowd.
It's a cute neighborhood bar on a gorgeous tree-lined street.
I never tire of watching the cable cars roll by as I sip tasty wines here.
1954 Hyde Street
The Buccaneer
One of the best dive bars in the Russian Hill San Francisco district is the Buccaneer. This old-school bar has a lively atmosphere and the locals love it.
They have a decent selection of beers and some tasty cocktails.
It usually doesn't get too crazy busy, so you can often have a decent conversation with your friends even on weekend nights.
2155 Polk Street
Greens Sports Bar
If you want to catch a game, head over to Greens Sports Bar.
This Russian Hill watering hole has several TVs, quite a few beers on tap, and is usually pretty happening during any major sporting event.
It's located on Polk Street near Green Street.
2239 Polk Street
>> Find a list of some of my favorite happy hour spots
Where to Stay
You will find plenty of places to stay nearby. I recommend looking at the options in Fisherman's Wharf and Union Square. They can both be accessed from Russian Hill by cable car.
Since these are our main tourist areas, they offer a huge selection, from budget-friendly options to high-end luxury hotels.
How to Get to Russian Hill San Francisco
You will find plenty of options to get to this beautiful hilltop district.
Powell-Hyde Cable Car
As I mentioned above, my favorite option to get here is on the cable car.
It runs through the center of this district and will drop you at the top of Lombard Street, so you can slowly make your way down to explore this attraction and this gorgeous neighborhood.
The end points of this line are in Union Square at Powell and Market Streets and at the western edge of Fisherman's Wharf at Hyde and Beach Streets. Find out how to ride the cable cars here.
Powell-Mason Cable Car
You can also take this cable car route through the Russian Hill neighborhood.
This one starts at the same turnaround at Powell and Market Streets, but instead takes you to through the eastern side of the district and to the center of the popular Fisherman's Wharf area at Taylor and Bay Streets.
See these routes on my Russian Hill San Francisco map.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Another great way to get here is on the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour.
This open-top transportation option is both a narrated sightseeing tour and a way to get to 15+ places around town, including Russian Hill in San Francisco.
Find out more and check for tickets here!
45 Bus
A cheaper public transit option than the cable cars is the 45 bus from Union Square.
It will take you through Chinatown and to the top of Russian Hill San Francisco.
It then runs along Union Street, cutting across the district east to west, all the way through Cow Hollow to the Presidio.
>> More about getting around San Francisco
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
I would love for you to join me in my private Facebook group!
It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.
You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!