The Top 10 Things To Do & See In SF's Russian Hill
Russian Hill’s namesake inclines pose a serious test for both lungs and legs, but those who brave blisters to explore this historic neighborhood will find that its incredible views, eclectic shops, memorable restaurants and signature San Francisco attractions provide plenty of places to rest between climbs.
Polk Street Shopping
Head to Polk Street, one of Russian Hill’s main thoroughfares, to browse a diverse collection of shops and boutiques. Ferme à Papier carries designer Cat Seto’s gorgeous hand-illustrated planners, art prints, stationery and more. Anyone hunting for vintage goods and quirky new items will appreciate the connected shops Belle Cose and Molte Cose, where manatee tote bags are stocked alongside retro barware. Every historic neighborhood needs an independent bookstore, and Russian Hill Bookstore fulfills that requirement here. In addition to new and used books for children and adults, the shop sells vintage sheet music that begs to be framed as wall art.
2. Lombard Street
Lombard Street
Sticklers will point out that it’s neither the steepest nor the most crooked street in the city, but the architecture, gardens and brick-paved switchbacks on Lombard Street between Hyde and Leavenworth make this block a classic San Francisco photo op. Expect crowds, but don’t skip this stop. Go to watch the cars brake and snake their way down the picturesque street, dodging the boldest passersby who jockey for prime photo positioning between vehicles.
Lombard and Leavenworth, San Francisco, CA, USA
3. Ina Coolbrith Park
Bridge, Park
4. Cheese Plus
Cheese Plus
For some people, cheese is a food group. At Cheese Plus, those folks will feel right at home. Take a number at the counter to have gourmet cheeses and cured meats sliced right in front of you, or order a specialty sandwich freshly made on-site. While you wait, browse the selection of quince paste, honeycomb, crackers and more on hand to complete your cheese plate.
Cheese Plus, 2001 Polk Street, San Francisco, CA, USA, +1 415 921 2001
Cheese Plus | Courtesy of Courtney Peter
5. Swensen’s Ice Cream
Ice Cream Parlour, Ice Cream
In 1948, the first Swensen’s ice cream store opened at the corner of Hyde and Union streets. Swensen’s is now a worldwide chain with more than 300 ice cream shops, but the original location still feels like a family-run ice cream parlor. Its corner sign is a neon beacon of nostalgia, and the wood-paneled interior and all-white staff uniforms reinforce the theme. The menu includes modern flavors such as green tea and lychee alongside standbys like rocky road. Grab a cone or cup to devour right away, or take home a hand-packed pint or quart to stash in the freezer.
6. San Francisco Art Institute
San Francisco Art Institute
Visitors can explore portions of the San Francisco Art Institute’s Chestnut Street campus. In the Diego Rivera Gallery, a mural by the famed Mexican artist covers one entire wall. Rivera both started and finished the work, titled The Making of a Fresco Showing the Building of a City, in May 1931. New projects by SFAI artists are also displayed in the space. Other public areas include a courtyard, a café and a rooftop patio offering stellar views of Alcatraz, the bay and more.
San Francisco Art Institute, 800 Chestnut Street, San Francisco, CA, USA, +1 415 771 7020
The Diego Rivera Mural at the San Francisco Art Institute | © Joaquín Martínez/Flickr
7. Stones Throw
Stones Throw
Stones Throw promises inspired fare and spirited cheer and delivers both with a complete lack of pretension. Plan ahead to get a table for dinner or brunch, or drop by the bar for an impromptu drink. The beer and wine lists, nearly equal in length, are divided into categories including Bitter Beer Face and I’m Not Drinking Freaking Merlot!!! The dinner menu highlights the adaptability of the kitchen staff, which executes delicate dishes such as ricotta and nettle ravioli as expertly as it does a messy, meaty burger and loaded baked potato tots. Translation: try everything.
Stones Throw, 1896 Hyde Street, San Francisco, CA, USA, +1 415 796 2901
Stones Throw | Courtesy of Stones Throw
Union Larder
The fact that wineglasses at Union Larder are at least three times bigger than the water glasses gives a clear indication of this wine bar’s priorities. With several wines on tap and many more available by the half glass, glass or bottle, there’s a match for every palate here, and a knowledgeable staff to offer expert guidance. Stay for a nibble or a meal. The menu includes cheese, charcuterie, small bites and entrées, and each dish is assembled with exacting detail. Pay special attention to anything billed as house made. Union Larder fills up quickly at night; drop in for lunch Thursday through Sunday to avoid peak crowds.
Union Larder, 1945 Hyde Street, San Francisco, CA, USA, +1 415 272 7567
Russian Hill Nightlife
With many bars clustered around Polk and Hyde streets, there’s plenty to do in Russian Hill after dark. For cocktails, try Tonic, which holds trivia night each Wednesday at 8 p.m. Bacchus can ably satisfy a thirst for either wine or sake in a cozy, intimate setting. On Van Ness Avenue, newcomer Ho’s Bootleg Tavern fulfills the sports bar niche with the bonus of elevated bar food, much of it with an Asian-inspired twist.
By Courtney Peter
After spending a decade as a magazine writer and editor in Washington, D.C., Courtney relocated to San Francisco. She works as a freelance writer from her home base in Nob Hill and spends her free time tracking down the city’s best latte, cooking at home, and exploring the Bay Area’s restaurants and parks.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
Culture Trip Spring Sale
Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.
- Post ID: 664171
- Sponsored? No
- View Payload