Welcome to Nob Hill and Russian Hill

Top Experiences

• Macondray Lane: Duck into this secret, lush garden lane and walk its narrow, uneven cobblestones.
• Vallejo Steps area: Make the steep climb up to lovely Ina Coolbrith Park, then continue up along the glorious garden path of the Vallejo Steps to a spectacular view at the top.
• San Francisco Art Institute: Contemplate a Diego Rivera mural and stop at the café for cheap organic coffee and a priceless view of the city and the bay. It may be the best—and cheapest—way to spend an hour in the neighborhood.
• Cable Car Museum: Ride a cable car all the way back to the barn, hanging on tight as it clack-clack-clacks its way up Nob Hill, and then go behind the scenes at the museum.
• Playing "Bullitt" on the steep streets: For the ride of your life, take a drive up and down the city's steepest streets on Russian Hill. A trip over the precipice of Filbert or Jones will make you feel as if you're falling off the edge of the world.

Getting Here

The thing about Russian and Nob Hills is that they're both especially steep hills. If you're not up for the hike, a cable car is certainly the most exciting way to reach the top. Take the California line for Nob Hill and the Powell–Hyde line for Russian Hill. Buses serve the area as well, such as the 1–California bus for Nob Hill, but the routes run only east–west. The cable cars tackle the steeper north–south streets. Driving yourself is a hassle, since parking is a challenge on these crowded, precipitous streets.

Planning Your Time

Since walking Nob Hill is (almost) all about gazing at exteriors, touring the neighborhood during daylight hours is a must. The sights here don't require a lot of visiting time—say a half hour each at the Cable Car Museum and Grace Cathedral—but allow time for the walk itself. An afternoon visit is ideal for Russian Hill, so you can browse the shops. You could cover both neighborhoods in three or four hours. Finish up with a sunset cocktail at a swanky hotel lounge or the retro-tiki Tonga Room.

Quick Bites

The Boy's Deli. Tucked into the back of a tiny produce market is a counter serving up some of the biggest, juiciest, best sandwiches in town for lunch—strictly to go. Try the turkey-bacon-pesto Sanfranpsycho sandwich. Polk & Green Produce Market, 2222 Polk St., between Green and Vallejo Sts., Russian Hill theboysdeli.com.

Swensen's Ice Cream. The original Swensen's has been a neighborhood favorite for traditional ice cream since it opened in 1948. An antique sign still fronts the tiny, cash-only shop. 1999 Hyde St., at Union St., Russian Hill www.swensensicecream.com.