🌀 Lombard Street | Walking Tour of San Francisco in a Day

Audio Guide San Francisco | Walking Tour of San Francisco in a Day

🌀 Lombard Street

Welcome to Lombard Street, one of San Francisco’s most famous and quirky landmarks! Known as the “Crookedest Street in the World,” this iconic zig-zag road, lined with beautiful homes and blooming flowers, is a must-see for visitors. Whether you’re walking down its steep curves or taking in the view from the top, this guide will ensure you get the most out of your visit to this one-of-a-kind destination! 🌷🚗

1. Google Maps Link 📍

Lombard Street on Google Maps

2. Nearby Subway Station 🚆

The closest public transit option is the Powell/Hyde Cable Car Line. Hop on the iconic San Francisco Cable Car and get off at the Lombard Street stop—it’s the perfect way to experience the city like a local while heading straight to this famous street. 🚋

Alternatively, you can take the Muni 45 or 30 bus lines and walk up (or down!) to Lombard Street.

3. Places to Eat & Drink Nearby 🍽️☕

• Leopold’s (2400 Polk St) – A charming Austrian-style tavern where you can enjoy hearty comfort food like schnitzel and sausages. 🍖🍻
• The Buena Vista Café (2765 Hyde St) – Just down the hill, this historic spot is famous for its Irish coffee. It’s a great place to warm up after braving the windy streets of SF. ☕️
• Swensen’s Ice Cream (1999 Hyde St) – A local favorite and just a short walk from Lombard Street. Treat yourself to a delicious scoop of homemade ice cream after you’ve conquered the curves! 🍦
• Blue Barn Gourmet (2237 Polk St) – Known for its fresh salads, sandwiches, and farm-to-table offerings, this is a great spot for a light, healthy lunch. 🥗

4. Best Photo Spots 📸

• Top of Lombard Street – The view from the top of Lombard Street is unbeatable. You’ll get sweeping views of the city, including Coit Tower, Alcatraz, and the Bay Bridge in the distance. Try to go in the early morning to avoid the crowds and get that perfect shot!
• From the Bottom of Lombard Street – Standing at the bottom looking up gives you the full view of the famous curves, with beautiful flowerbeds lining the road. This is a great spot to capture the entire street in one frame.
• Russian Hill Park – Just a short walk away, this park offers a great perspective of Lombard Street with panoramic views of the city. A hidden gem for those seeking a quieter spot! 🌳

5. Opening Times ⏰

Lombard Street is open 24/7, and you can visit or drive down it at any time. However, note that it can get crowded, especially in the middle of the day, so visiting early in the morning or in the evening is ideal if you're looking to avoid the crowds.

6. Insider Tips 🤫

• Avoid Driving: While you can drive down Lombard Street, it’s usually packed with tourists driving slowly and stopping for photos. Plus, parking in the area is extremely limited. Instead, walk down the street for the full experience and a better chance to take in the views.
• Comfortable Shoes: The area around Lombard Street is very hilly (welcome to San Francisco!), so make sure to wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, and the steep streets can be tough on your feet.
• Visit at Dusk: The evening light gives Lombard Street a magical glow, and it’s much less crowded. Plus, the street lights coming on give a romantic, old-world charm to the whole experience. 🌆

7. Hidden Gem 💎

• Macondray Lane – Just a few blocks away from Lombard Street, this tranquil, flower-lined alley is one of San Francisco's best-kept secrets. It’s a quiet place with charming cottages and lush greenery, and if it looks familiar, that’s because it was the inspiration for Barbary Lane in Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City! 🌿🏘️

8. Public Bathrooms 🚻

• Ghirardelli Square – A short walk from Lombard Street, Ghirardelli Square offers public restrooms as well as plenty of shops and places to grab a treat.
• Fisherman’s Wharf – Another nearby option, just down the hill, is Fisherman’s Wharf, where you can find public restrooms and a variety of food and drink spots.