Get to Know Russian Hill, San Francisco

Russian Hill is one of the original Seven Hills of San Francisco. It derives its name from a Russian cemetery that was discovered by settlers of the Gold Rush era. The cemetery was left there by Russian travelers who often came through the area in the early 19th century.

While the city has little Russian presence now, it is still a vibrant area that is full of fabulous restaurants, exciting sights, and tons of fun things to do. This cozy, eclectic neighborhood has something for everyone. Whether you are just coming to San Francisco for a visit, or you are thinking of moving there, you will want to be familiar with all that Russian Hill in San Francisco has to offer.

Where to Eat

Whether you are looking for something sweet or savory, you are sure to find something to tantalize your taste buds in Russian Hill. When you’re in the area, check out these great establishments:

·         Cheese Plus – While some think of cheese as a side dish or a garnish, at Cheese Plus, it certainly takes center stage. Walk up to the counter to sample the wide selection of gourmet cheeses and cured meats.

·         Swensen’s Ice Cream – The original Swensen’s location opened in Russian Hill in 1948, and they are still serving some of the best ice cream in the entire city.

·         Saint Frank Coffee – Any coffee connoisseur would be impressed with the selection of Saint Frank. Even if coffee is not really your thing, the café’s loft is a great place to hang out and get work done.

·         Za Pizza – This family-friendly pizza joint is quaint and cozy, complete with a bar where sports fans can catch the games of their favorite teams.

Where to Go

Russian Hill is a diverse neighborhood with many different options for shopping, sightseeing, and relaxing. Here are a few of the can’t-miss destinations:

·         San Francisco Art Institute – This museum features a wide array of stunning works, including a mural by Diego Rivera that takes up an entire wall.

·         Lombard Street – This street is perhaps the second most well-known landmark in San Francisco after the Golden Gate Bridge. This steep, winding, and beautiful road is an absolute must-see.

·         Ina Coolbrith Park – Even though it is small, this park offers mighty stunning views of the entire city. Visitors can visit day or night to see sights unlike anywhere else.

·         Polk Street Shopping – This street contains many interesting and eclectic shops and boutiques. Complete with antique shops and an independent bookstore, Polk Street is a popular destination for many.

Why You Should Live There

Russian Hill feels cozy and relaxing while still being in the center of everything. This neighborhood has a fantastic location that allows residents to walk to many of the city’s greatest attractions such as Chinatown and Union Square in less than fifteen minutes.

Russian Hill has much to offer residents and visitors alike. Anyone coming to San Francisco for even a day should take the time to get to know the area.