RUSSIAN HILL

Russian Hill is so-named for the 1800s discovery of Russian tombstones, thought to be the final resting place of fur traders from a Russian fort north of San Francisco. It is home to Lombard Street, "the crookedest street in the world," and in fact has several extremely picturesque staircase streets.

The views extend from the Bay Bridge to the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin County. Alice Marble and Ina Coolbrith parks offer a serene spot to idle and enjoy the vistas. The Art Institute on Chestnut Street houses one of several controversial Diego Rivera murals in San Francisco. The Institute is in the Spanish Colonial style and dates back to 1926. The famed "Tales of the City" series by Armistead Maupin were inspired by Macondray Lane on Russian Hill.

Area residences are some of the most interesting around and many offer amazing panoramas. Russian Hill is also home to many restaurants and great shopping opportunities.

Greggory’s Picks

Dining & Entertainment

• Just down “The Hill” you can find a number of incredible Italian mainstays in Little Italy, including Tosca Cafe, The Stinking Rose, and Cafe Greco.

• Cafe Zoetrope - For a traditional Italian espresso alongside movie posters—it’s fittingly owned by Hollywood Director, Francis Ford Coppola.

• Swenson’s - Right on the cable car route, hop off for an ice cream cone. It’s a slice of 1950s San Francisco. Truly an old-school haunt where they make all their delicious ice cream in house!