Filbert Street Steps, San Francisco (must see)

Filbert Street Steps is a stairway extension of Filbert Street which starts at Lyon Street and goes all the way to Telegraph Hill at Kearny Street. With a gradient of 17.5o, Filbert Street is one of the steepest streets in the western hemisphere. The acclivity of the Telegraph Hill would have rendered the street non-motor-able, which is why the Filbert Street Steps were made.

The Steps rise in three sections and are seemingly never-ending if you take a small trek. However, as you climb you can see sculpted gardens with flowers all year round, some neatly tucked away hidden cottages and a breathtaking view of the Bay Bridge. Art deco buildings adorn the view of these steps and the immaculate parking of cars on this steep hillside is sure to amaze you. A picture perfect hideaway in a city like San Francisco, most homes here can only be accessed via the steps. The wild parrots of the hill, which featured in the 2005 documentary, are good company as you walk along these steps towards Coit Tower.

A steep but brief climb, you must take the Filbert Street Steps at least once when you are in San Francisco and leave the concrete jungle for a while. Even if you hate walking up the stairs, you can surely walk them down!

Why You Should Visit:
Pretty garden views and an exhilarating hike off the beaten path!
If you're still on your feet at the top, all of SF lies at your feet: North Beach (with another climb to Coit Tower), Russian Hill with its charming bistros, and Polk Street Gulch/Aquatic Park beyond.

Tip:
Bring water for sure.