Lombard Street

A downhill stretch on Russian Hill with eight sharp turns, brick paving and hydrangea beds, known as the 'crookedest street in the world'. Photograph it from the bottom or look down on the bay from the top.

Lombard Street's crooked section is a block on Russian Hill, between Hyde Street and Leavenworth Street. The slope was originally as steep as 27 percent. In 1922, to allow cars to descend safely, the street was rebuilt as a one-way zigzag with eight sharp turns (speed limit 5 mph). The brick road is lined with hydrangeas and roses, making it one of San Francisco's most famous streetscapes. It has appeared in films including Vertigo. The classic photo angle is from the bottom at Leavenworth Street, looking up at the bends and the Victorian houses on either side. You can climb the steps on either side to the top of Hyde Street, where you can look back at the bay, Coit Tower and the Bay Bridge. Driving down the street is a popular experience, but on weekends and in summer the queue can exceed 30 minutes. Local residents have long complained about it, and the city government has discussed introducing a reservation fee. The top of Hyde Street is a stop on the Powell-Hyde cable car line. Many people ride the cable car from Union Square, get off here to see Lombard Street, then walk 15 minutes down the hill to Fisherman's Wharf. The intersection of Lombard and Hyde Streets is also a famous spot for photographing the cable car and the bay together. Nearby attractions include Coit Tower in North Beach (where you can climb for a 360-degree view), Washington Square and an Italian café, Macondray Lane on Russian Hill, and Vermont Street in Potrero Hill, which is considered the city's real 'crookedest' street. The street is open to the public free of charge at all times, and 30 minutes is enough for a visit. At night the lighting is dim, so it's not ideal for photography.

Lombard Street

Opening hours

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby