Russian Hill Walking Tour and Map

Today I want to bring you my free self-guided Russian Hill walking tour. This part of San Francisco is known for its iconic cable cars, great views of Alcatraz and the bay, secret parks, and exciting shopping and dining. Russian Hill is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in San Francisco, and it’s a fun area to explore on foot. My walking route will take you to the best spots and allow you to discover the side streets and hidden corners while you go. I’ve included a map as well.

Russian Hill Walking Tour

Russian Hill is one of my favorite San Francisco neighborhoods, and I’m excited to share my route for local places to explore with you. From Polk Street to Hyde Street, dramatic hills to hidden parks, there’s a lot to love about this part of the City by the Bay.

My favorite thing about Russian Hill is its mix of things to do and see. From independent shops and restaurants to elegant houses and crooked Lombard Street, this neighborhood has an abundance of San Francisco highlights.

My Russian Hill walking tour is the ideal way to get into the neighborhood’s local scene, explore the side streets, stroll through the parks, and discover a part of the city locals love to spend time in.

Helpful Tips and Guidelines

This self-guided San Francisco walk involves some of the city’s famous hills and stairways. Make sure to wear good walking shoes, bring water, and go at a pace that’s comfortable for you.

As always, walk safely, obey traffic rules, and only use authorized crossing points as you go.

If you prefer a guided tour, there are plenty of good ones to choose from. They’re great ways to see the City by the Bay with an experienced local. You can see options and book one here.

Russian Hill Walk Route

My self-guided Russian Hill walking tour starts at Francisco Park on Bay Street. You can arrive by cable car (Powell / Hyde route), local bus 19, 28, or 30, bike (preferably e-bike, as the hills here are steep), or on foot from Pacific Heights, Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach, Fort Mason, and other parts of the city.

Francisco Park

Start this walk at the entrance to Francisco Park on Bay Street. It’s right next to the dog park, so make sure to look out for adorable pups when you arrive.

Begin your tour by heading up the winding walkway in the park. On the way you’ll pass signs with information about the history of the land it’s on. You can read them if you want to learn more about it, or just follow the path up the hill.

Once at the top, turn around and take in the views of Ghirardelli Square and the bay. If you need a rest, the lawn here is a great place for it.

Larkin Street

When you’re done soaking up the scene, head to the southwest corner of the park and exit onto Larkin Street. Walk up the two stairways that lead to the top of Larkin, then continue straight to get to Chestnut Street.

Take a right on Chestnut and walk the short distance down to the end. You can look out over the little stairway park and through the trees to see the views over the Marina and Cow Hollow. When you’ve finished, turn around and retrace your steps back to Larkin. Once there, turn right and walk a block over to Lombard Street.

Lombard Street

You’ll see the entrance to George Sterling Park across the street. Head into the park and follow the curving path to Greenwich Street. Once on the road, continue east up the hill to Hyde Street and turn left.

After a block you’ll find yourself at the top of the famous crooked stretch of Lombard Street. This is one of the most iconic streets in San Francisco, and it has spectacular views of Coit Tower in the distance.

Follow the stairway down Lombard Street, taking in the details on the houses and the views from the path as you go. When you reach Leavenworth Street at the bottom, turn right and walk a block over to Greenwich (if you want a fun little detour, turn left and walk half a block down to see the sweet little Fay Park).

Greenwich, Hyde, and Union Streets

Turn right on Greenwich and continue your Russian Hill walking tour by heading up the unique set of stairways here. You’ll be surrounded by lush greenery as you make your way back up the hill.

When you reach Hyde Street, turn left and walk down to Union Street. You’ll start to get a glimpse of the shops and restaurants on this stretch of Hyde when you arrive.

Turn left on Union and walk east toward Jones. You’ll pass by narrow side streets and restaurants as you go. When you get to Jones, turn right and start to make your way down the street.

Macondray Lane

When you reach Macondray Lane, turn left and walk down it. This skinny pedestrianized street is a treat to see. 28 Barbary Lane in Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City was supposedly modeled after this narrow passage, too.

When you reach the end, you’ll be rewarded with views of Coit Tower at the top of the stairway. Once you’ve admired them, head down the steps to get to Taylor Street.

Ina Coolbrith Park

Turn right at the bottom of the stairs and follow Taylor to Ina Coolbrith Park. This green space has spectacular views of downtown San Francisco and the Financial District, including iconic buildings like the Transamerica Pyramid. You can see the Bay Bridge from here, too.

Spend as much time as you want to enjoying the views and the paths in the park, then exit back out onto Taylor Street and continue your Russian Hill walking tour by heading up the stairway leading to Vallejo Street.

At the start of the steps, you’ll see the Verdier Mansion on your left. Built in 1906, this huge house featured in Season 2 of the TV show The OA. Fans refer to it as “The OA House”.

Vallejo Street

At the top of the stairs you’ll find yourself in a tiny park on Vallejo Street. If you turn around, you’ll see more sweeping views of the city below. This is one of my favorite hidden spaces in the neighborhood.

Once you’ve seen the views, turn around and head west down Vallejo. Make sure to take in the beautiful houses as you go.

Broadway

When you get to Jones, turn left and walk a block down to Broadway. Turn left on Broadway and make your way to the stairway at the end of the street. Walk down the steps and take in the views of the city and the Bay Bridge as you go.

When you reach the intersection with Taylor, you’ll be at a famous filming location. It’s been used in many movies set in San Francisco, including Bullitt and The Princess Diaries. In the latter, the scene where Mia gets in a car accident was filmed here. The intersection of “Rose and Branch” is actually the junction of Broadway and Taylor.

Pacific Street

Continue your self-guided Russian Hill walking tour by turning right on Taylor. Follow it until you reach Pacific Street, and take a right.

As you walk up Pacific, you’ll see Phoenix Terrace on your left. This street was used as a filming location for Mia’s best friend’s house in The Princess Diaries.

Hyde Street

Keep going on Pacific until you reach Hyde Street. Turn right and make your way up the road, keeping an eye out for cable cars as you go.

Just after you reach the intersection with Vallejo, you’ll see Hyde & Vallejo Mini Park on your left. This secret little space has quirky art and a few benches. It’s worth taking a peek as you make your way north.

Just past the park you’ll start to see the shops, restaurants, wine bars, and cafes this part of Russian Hill is known for. If you need a rest or a meal, this is a good place to stop.

Some of my favorite spots here include Frascati for Italian food and the original location of the beloved Swensen’s for ice cream.

Polk Street

When you reach Union Street, turn left and walk down to Polk. Take another left on Polk and continue your Russian Hill walking tour by going past all the shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes here.

This is the commercial heart of the area, and there’s a lot to get excited about. From the classic Russian Hill Bookstore to the delicious salads and sandwiches at Blue Barn and the abundance of coffee shops, you’re spoiled for choice.

When you reach California Street, turn right and make your way to Van Ness Avenue. This San Francisco walk ends here.

If you want to, you can combine it with my Pacific Heights walking tour. It starts a few blocks away on Van Ness and Jackson, and it’s possible to do both in one day.

Walk Details and Map

Below you’ll find the details and map for this Russian Hill walk, as well as other neighborhoods and places you can explore when you’re done.

Russian Hill Walking Tour

I hope my self-guided Russian Hill walk has made you excited to get outside and discover this part of the city on foot. It’s the perfect place to check out a local part of SF.

If you want to see more of the surrounding area, you can do my free self-guided Marina walking tour, my Telegraph Hill walk, or my North Beach walk as well. And if you want to see all my routes and maps in one place, you can take a look at my interactive map or my blog post about self-guided walking tours in San Francisco.

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