Nob Hill
Nob Hill
4
About
One of the most upscale areas of San Francisco, this is the site of two landmarks: The Fairmont Hotel and The Mark Hopkins.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Nob Hill
The area
Neighbourhood: Nob Hill
Swanky and stylish, Nob Hill sits in the heart of the city and is home to amazing architecture and views. The hike to the top can be a challenging workout for those who forego a cable car ride, but they will be rewarded with some of the city’s most beautiful architecture adorning its peak. Originally populated with mansions after the Gold Rush, most if not all were devastated in the 1906 earthquake and fire that followed. Luckily all is not lost; storied hotels and Grace Cathedral surround Huntington Park. Having a drink or dinner while taking in the sunset and views at the "top of the Mark" is tough to beat.
Best nearby
Restaurants
4 249 within 5 kms
Attractions
1 126 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
248 reviews
Excellent
94
Very good
121
Average
31
Poor
1
Terrible
1
mini
Fremont, CA212 215 contributions
Dec 2019
We had a wonderful time at Nob Hill during the Christmas Holiday season.
We liked seeing alll the decorations such as the Gingerbread House and Christmas Tree at the Fairmont Hotel.
We enjoyed the views from the Top of the Mark and a light dinne.
This area has stunning views of the San Francisco area, including the Bay Bridge.
We liked seeing alll the decorations such as the Gingerbread House and Christmas Tree at the Fairmont Hotel.
We enjoyed the views from the Top of the Mark and a light dinne.
This area has stunning views of the San Francisco area, including the Bay Bridge.
Written 3 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelingSoccerLoon
Saint Paul, MN6 674 contributions
Oct 2022
Historically affluent area of the city, requiring a steep climb to reach. Luckily you can reach by cable car. Located here is the Fairmont Hotel, the famous Top of the Mark in the Mark Hopkins Hotel, Huntington Park and Grace Cathedral and the San Francisco Cable Car Museum.
Written 8 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jydeoo
Lagos, Nigeria2 311 contributions
Aug 2021 • Solo
Well, it was like entering the TV. You know, that feeling of being in a movie. Like most movies with car chases in San Francisco have a scene of passing through here. Yeah, that's it. That's the feeling. And it will come back again any time I see a similar movie scene.
Written 31 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA18 528 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
I've come here to go to my fitness center, and I have grown to love it as a genuine neighborhood with its own flavor. It is a bit challenging to get to because there is the very steep hill. But the buses and cable cars will help you. You will find the great cathedral and some magnificent hotels, plus some beautiful apartments.
Written 2 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William D
Durango, CO96 contributions
Sept 2013 • Couples
Yes, the hills are steep! They come to an apex here from every direction. Your climb will be rewarded with breath-taking views in every direction, and you can learn more about the history of the city here than in just about any other neighborhood. The easiest way to get to the top is to take a cab or hop on a cable car. For the cable car experience, forget the impossibly long lines on Powell Street and take the California Street line for fantastic views and ease of getting on a car. At quiet times during the day you may be able to hop on a car with no waiting in a ticket line -- just pay the conductor.
The major hotels at the top of the hill are built on sites of old mansions that once belonged to the railroad barons who built the transcontinental railway. The Fairmont and Mark Hopkins are examples. The Nob Hill hotels are top shelf; rooms may be small due to their age, but these hotels offer some of the best views in the city, a lot of ambiance, fine dining, and roof-top cocktails and dancing. high above the city.
One of the original mansions remains; it is now a men's club for business executives. The Episcopals built an authentic cathedral and school there, and the Masons built a headquarters and museum in an attractive, modern building.
Neighborhoods bordering Nob Hill are diverse and historic. From there you can easily walk to China Town, and if you are a distance walker, you can walk all the way to the Bay! After all, it's all down hill, unlike the climb to the top of the hill. If you choose to take this walk, you will pass through some of the more charming areas of the city -- Russian Hill, North Beach, and the bay front area.
So get a good guide book, a map of the cable car system and BART, and explore San Francisco!
The major hotels at the top of the hill are built on sites of old mansions that once belonged to the railroad barons who built the transcontinental railway. The Fairmont and Mark Hopkins are examples. The Nob Hill hotels are top shelf; rooms may be small due to their age, but these hotels offer some of the best views in the city, a lot of ambiance, fine dining, and roof-top cocktails and dancing. high above the city.
One of the original mansions remains; it is now a men's club for business executives. The Episcopals built an authentic cathedral and school there, and the Masons built a headquarters and museum in an attractive, modern building.
Neighborhoods bordering Nob Hill are diverse and historic. From there you can easily walk to China Town, and if you are a distance walker, you can walk all the way to the Bay! After all, it's all down hill, unlike the climb to the top of the hill. If you choose to take this walk, you will pass through some of the more charming areas of the city -- Russian Hill, North Beach, and the bay front area.
So get a good guide book, a map of the cable car system and BART, and explore San Francisco!
Written 11 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The_Loup_Garou
Phoenix, AZ165 246 contributions
Aug 2019
Nob Hill - an Iconic Must-do
In August, we were back in San Francisco, and once more staying at the Fairmont San Francisco, atop Nob Hill. While we had stayed there, and at the near-by Ritz Carlton, before, I got the opportunity to explore more of Nob Hill, and my legs were barely up to the task
Nob Hill is just that - a hill, and an imposing one, right in the heart of central San Francisco, a city known for its hills. It is iconic, historic and is the prime reason for the famous San Francisco Cable Cars. They were designed to traverse Nob Hill, and still do so, in two directions: over the Powell St Line, basically north and south, and the California St Line, basically east and west.
Aside from the beloved Cable Cars, Nob Hill is also home to several famous hotels, such the afore-mentioned Fairmont and Ritz Carlton, plus the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins, and the Huntington, plus several lesser-known inns, such as Stanford Court and White Swan. The general area of Nob Hill is also ringed with some excellent restaurants, and even some shopping areas, though not so many as down below, in say the Union Square area. It is also home to several lovely, and architecturally significant buildings, and many once grand mansions for the movers-and-shakers in San Francisco Finance. Right at the top, the lovely, and imposing Grace Cathedral sits, with a commanding view in all directions.
The neighborhood of Nob Hill is bordered on the north (toward San Francisco Bay) by Broadway St, on the west (toward the Pacific Ocean) by Van Ness, to the east by Kearny St (though some maps put that edge at Powell St, several blocks to the west) and to the south by Bush St.. San Francisco’s Chinatown is located basically at the eastern edge of Nob Hill, but a steep walk away.
The San Francisco Cable Car Museum is on Nob Hill, at Washington and Mason Streets, at the junction of the two Cable Car Lines. It is well-worth the trip, even if one is not so interested in seeing the other sights.
During this stay, I rode sections of both Cable Car Lines (mainly to get up Nob Hill), and then once atop, toured by foot, taking in so many of the lovely, and architecturally significant buildings. I also spent time in Huntington Park, which is basically at the peak of Nob Hill, and between Grace Cathedral and the Fairmont, and next to the grand Pacific Union Club. Even though my explorations were ON Nob Hill, there were still many steep elevation changes.
I spent several hours in my exploration, and could easily have spent more. I saw much, but missed much too, as I did not walk down some of the side streets, which end abruptly on a precipice, overlooking parts of the city, down below. I will explore more of those side-streets, on our next visit.
At/near the top, I highly recommend the Laurel Court at the Fairmont, the Top of the Mark at the Mark Hopkins, or either the Lobby Bar, or the FCB Tasting Room in the lobby of the Ritz Carlton, for wine, to relax one’s legs a bit, before heading back out to explore the Hill.
Unless I was staying at one of the Nob Hill hotels, I would incorporate a ride on the Cable Cars, to get to the top, with the California St Line being the less crowded. If I were walking, ascent (and it IS an ascent) is best via stairs on Kearny St, a few blocks from Union Square. Those are easier on the legs, than say walking up Powell St. Bring a bit of stamina, as even the few blocks between the Fairmont and the Ritz Carlton, can be a challenge. Also, bring your camera, as some of the views from Nob Hill are “Kodak Moments,” depending on the lighting and the weather. If visiting Nob Hill, just for itself, I would allocate 2 hours minimum and feel that half a day would easily be justified - maybe just to catch your breath a few more times.
In August, we were back in San Francisco, and once more staying at the Fairmont San Francisco, atop Nob Hill. While we had stayed there, and at the near-by Ritz Carlton, before, I got the opportunity to explore more of Nob Hill, and my legs were barely up to the task
Nob Hill is just that - a hill, and an imposing one, right in the heart of central San Francisco, a city known for its hills. It is iconic, historic and is the prime reason for the famous San Francisco Cable Cars. They were designed to traverse Nob Hill, and still do so, in two directions: over the Powell St Line, basically north and south, and the California St Line, basically east and west.
Aside from the beloved Cable Cars, Nob Hill is also home to several famous hotels, such the afore-mentioned Fairmont and Ritz Carlton, plus the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins, and the Huntington, plus several lesser-known inns, such as Stanford Court and White Swan. The general area of Nob Hill is also ringed with some excellent restaurants, and even some shopping areas, though not so many as down below, in say the Union Square area. It is also home to several lovely, and architecturally significant buildings, and many once grand mansions for the movers-and-shakers in San Francisco Finance. Right at the top, the lovely, and imposing Grace Cathedral sits, with a commanding view in all directions.
The neighborhood of Nob Hill is bordered on the north (toward San Francisco Bay) by Broadway St, on the west (toward the Pacific Ocean) by Van Ness, to the east by Kearny St (though some maps put that edge at Powell St, several blocks to the west) and to the south by Bush St.. San Francisco’s Chinatown is located basically at the eastern edge of Nob Hill, but a steep walk away.
The San Francisco Cable Car Museum is on Nob Hill, at Washington and Mason Streets, at the junction of the two Cable Car Lines. It is well-worth the trip, even if one is not so interested in seeing the other sights.
During this stay, I rode sections of both Cable Car Lines (mainly to get up Nob Hill), and then once atop, toured by foot, taking in so many of the lovely, and architecturally significant buildings. I also spent time in Huntington Park, which is basically at the peak of Nob Hill, and between Grace Cathedral and the Fairmont, and next to the grand Pacific Union Club. Even though my explorations were ON Nob Hill, there were still many steep elevation changes.
I spent several hours in my exploration, and could easily have spent more. I saw much, but missed much too, as I did not walk down some of the side streets, which end abruptly on a precipice, overlooking parts of the city, down below. I will explore more of those side-streets, on our next visit.
At/near the top, I highly recommend the Laurel Court at the Fairmont, the Top of the Mark at the Mark Hopkins, or either the Lobby Bar, or the FCB Tasting Room in the lobby of the Ritz Carlton, for wine, to relax one’s legs a bit, before heading back out to explore the Hill.
Unless I was staying at one of the Nob Hill hotels, I would incorporate a ride on the Cable Cars, to get to the top, with the California St Line being the less crowded. If I were walking, ascent (and it IS an ascent) is best via stairs on Kearny St, a few blocks from Union Square. Those are easier on the legs, than say walking up Powell St. Bring a bit of stamina, as even the few blocks between the Fairmont and the Ritz Carlton, can be a challenge. Also, bring your camera, as some of the views from Nob Hill are “Kodak Moments,” depending on the lighting and the weather. If visiting Nob Hill, just for itself, I would allocate 2 hours minimum and feel that half a day would easily be justified - maybe just to catch your breath a few more times.
Written 28 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rich W
San Francisco, CA913 contributions
Jul 2014 • Friends
Take the cable car up to the top of Nob Hill. (San Francisco Insider hint: Buy a Clipper transit card at a ticket machine in a Muni Metro station at the underground stops at Powell, Montgomery or Embarcadero, where the lines are much shorter than the above-ground ticket station for the cable car at Powell Street. You'll need a Clipper card for each person in your party, but the transit card is good on the street cars, Muni trains, Muni buses, and BART, which means you can take the cable car to Nob Hill, on to Fisherman's Wharf and Ghiradelli Square, then take one of the restored, antique street cars back along the waterfront to the Ferry Building at the Embarcadero, and then take a bus, underground Muni train or a streetcar back to your hotel.)
Certainly, take in the stunning views from the top of Nob Hill, but walk around the area to look at the great architecture. See http://www.aviewoncities.com/sf/nobhill.htm for more information.
Pause from the hustle-bustle of being a tourist (or a resident, for that matter), and take in the beauty of Grace Cathedral. I suggest that you walk one of the two labyrinths for contemplation and introspection, particularly if you don't have small children along. I always find it amazing how calming walking the labyrinth can be, no matter how hectic my day. See more on the labyrinths at http://www.gracecathedral.org/visit/labyrinth/.
Certainly, take in the stunning views from the top of Nob Hill, but walk around the area to look at the great architecture. See http://www.aviewoncities.com/sf/nobhill.htm for more information.
Pause from the hustle-bustle of being a tourist (or a resident, for that matter), and take in the beauty of Grace Cathedral. I suggest that you walk one of the two labyrinths for contemplation and introspection, particularly if you don't have small children along. I always find it amazing how calming walking the labyrinth can be, no matter how hectic my day. See more on the labyrinths at http://www.gracecathedral.org/visit/labyrinth/.
Written 2 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KKD SFO
San Francisco, CA332 contributions
Jun 2017 • Business
It's worth your time to walk up, take a cab, or a cable car to Nob Hill. Hard to imagine a more elegant hotel in the Fairmont, the top of the Mark Hopkins hotel is spectacular have a drink. The elegant Huntington Hotel has a great bar-the big 4- take the time to walk into Grace Cathedral- you will thank me.
Written 21 June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mimie W
Spokane, WA1 157 contributions
Jun 2016 • Couples
Beware those who have shortness of breath and weak heart. This walk entails steep climb even with the help of steps. It's a beautiful part of town where you see the more upscale hotels. Once you reach the top of the hill though, don't forget to visit Huntington Park and the Grace Cathedral. Most people I met who reached uphill looked back from where they started. You'd be surprised at the wonderful views at the top which includes the Francisco Bay. For some, it's definitely worth the climb.
Written 24 July 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JohnPaul78
Swindon, UK2 362 contributions
Nov 2019 • Couples
This is a well known area of the city, you will get a good leg work out here as its very hilly but its all part of the fun of exploring this fabulous city.
Written 2 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What's the best location to start the nob hill climb? And what street is considered under top? What's the approximate Time to climb it, add an average walker?. Thanks!
Written 20 June 2017
after visiting Grace Cathedral- can we catch a cable car back to fisherman's wharf thanks
Written 29 October 2016
Yes you can, cable car is close to Cathedral. Think its the Powell Mason line. Have a good time.
Written 30 October 2016
we will be in san fransisco next june 2017-- read somewhere we can take a cable car to Nob Hill- we want to take pictures and see Grace Cathedral-- can we catch a cable car to go back to fisherman's wharf-- thanks
Written 29 October 2016
Hi,
We are planning to stay there on July and I would like to know what exactly is being served at breakfast? Please specify them. This is very important for me since I have a special diet because of my stomach.
Thanks a lot.
regards,
arzu
Written 23 May 2015
Showing results 1-4 of 4
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing