Russian Hill - San Francisco, CA Area Guide

Like many of San Francisco’s other neighborhoods, Russian Hill grew up following the Gold Rush of 1849. During that time, settlers discovered a small Russian cemetery at the top of the hill thought to have been established by sailors who had been visiting the area since 1806.

Over time, the area became built up with houses and businesses. Though most were lost in the 1906 earthquake, most of the area was quickly rebuilt in the years that followed. Today, the neighborhood is known for some of the steepest grades in the city, charming homes, paths and alleys are commonplace.

Though the area hasn’t gone through many cultural shifts since its beginnings, it is the home of former Mayor Gavin Newsom, and Willis Polk, designer of the Palace of Fine Arts.

The Museum of Vision and San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park are both located near the water, while the People’s Theatre and Unidentified Theatre Company put on theatrical productions in the area.

Several crafting shops offer opportunities to get your art on, while many small galleries like Destination Art, North Beach Gallery, Chloe Fine Arts and Franklin Bowles Galleries accompany the San Francisco Art Institute as part of a lively arts scene.

Russian Hill hosts two annual events, the Ghirardhelli Chocolate Festival, held in September, and the Ghirardhelli Square Uncorked Wine Festival, held in May.

Russian Hill is home to several dining establishments run by culinary artists. Standouts include Gary Danko, known for its lemon pepper duck breast and quail stuffed with Cajun rice. Situated close to the water, it provides an intimate vibe for a perfect romantic night out.

Italian is also big in this area of San Francisco, since much of its immigrant population settled around this neighborhood. The Italian Homemade Company has fresh pasta and dishes to die for. Whether taking out or eating in, its meats, cheeses, desserts and main dishes are sure to have you coming back for more.

No area of San Francisco is complete without a great New American food option. Local favorite Frascati covers this territory by providing grilled pork porterhouse, kale risotto and duck confit salad to thrill the foodiest of palates.

Nightlife is mostly confined to the outskirts of the neighborhood, along Montgomery to the east and Van Ness to the west. Bars such as The Parlor Bar & Club, Cresta’s Twenty Two Eleven Club and Bimbo’s 365 Club offer drinks, dancing, and all around convivial vibes perfect for this city by the Bay.

Club Fugazi and Bimbo’s also feature live music, as well as the long-running Beach Blanket Babylon, America's longest-running musical revue.

As with other areas of San Francisco, finding parking is very difficult in Russian Hill. Due to the steep nature of the hills, driving is also tough, so walking or public transportation is advised instead.

BART doesn’t run near Russian Hill, but there are several Muni bus lines nearby, as well as a cable car line that can help you deal with the hills. Staircases built into some of the hills can assist with walking, too.

Many prefer to hail a cab, which is easy to do in this tourist driven neighborhood. Uber is also easy to manage. Freeways aren’t very accessible here, but if you drive south on Van Ness Avenue, you’ll reach the 101 Freeway headed south.

There are some bike lanes in this neighborhood but, as with walking, biking may prove tough due to the steep hills.

Russian Hill has numerous parks welcoming walkers, joggers, families and tourists alike. Some of the most popular include Ina Coolbrith Park, Aquatic Park, George Sterling Park and Fay Park, among others.

Each park has a different personality, but patrons visit primarily to take an outdoor break from their daily activities, have a quick picnic, or gather with family and friends. All area parks are kid and dog friendly, free to enter, and welcoming to fitness and other exercise activities. The Vallejo Street Steps offer gorgeous flowers to distract you from the fact that your legs might feel pretty sore after climbing them.

The neighborhood doesn’t have any annual events, but many events are centered around Lombard Street, from weddings to holidays to Crooked Street Block Parties.

Russian Hill is one of the nicest, best-preserved neighborhoods in all of San Francisco, and cost of living is higher as a result. A typical one-bedroom apartment rents for about $3,300 per month. Food and entertainment costs are also very high. Overall, the cost of living is significantly higher in Russian Hill compared to the rest of San Francisco.

Russian Hill doesn’t have much in the way of high-end shopping, but does support several charming boutiques. A few are clustered around the water near Fisherman’s Wharf, and the others are found along Polk and Hyde.

Lola of North Beach features clothes for kids, as well as cute stationery and cards, while Flipp has home décor and furniture. Locals also flock to Le Cent Culottes for lingerie for that special evening, and unique women’s clothing.

Groceries can be found at smaller markets like Real Food Company, Union Street Produce Company and the Polk & Green Produce Market, which all carry fresh produce, health foods and households goods.

Russian Hill doesn’t have any traditional farmers markets, but the above markets cover locals’ need for fresh fruits and vegetables all year round.