Russian Hill is one of San Francisco's steepest and most scenic neighbourhoods, home to the famous crooked block of Lombard Street, hidden pedestrian lanes like Macondray Lane, and sweeping views of the Bay from nearly every corner.
The Powell-Hyde cable car climbs through the heart of the neighbourhood, and riding it to the top of the hill is one of the classic San Francisco experiences. Beyond the tourist magnet of Lombard Street, the quieter residential blocks reward exploration -- stairway walks, secret gardens, and apartment buildings clinging improbably to near-vertical slopes. The neighbourhood spills down its northern side toward Ghirardelli Square and the waterfront.