Lombard Street
Lombard Street
4.5
About
San Francisco's most famous winding street showcases eight sharp switchbacks and stretches down a steep slope from the Presidio East to The Embarcadero.
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.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Lombard Street
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Neighbourhood: Russian Hill
Russian Hill has evolved into a chic residential neighborhood with outstanding views from every corner. Combined with several great cafes, restaurants, antique shops and boutiques, it’s easy to see why any visitor would gladly leave their heart in San Francisco. Cars line up day after day to drive down Lombard Street, the “crookedest” street in the world, and make the slow creep downhill past charming period homes. Polk Street is the main drag in this neighborhood, where you will find trendy bars, cafes and shops populated with locals, but for one of the most charming rides in the city, grab a cable car heading up and down Hyde Street.
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
3,802 within 3 miles
Attractions
1,133 within 6 miles
See what travellers are saying
- BannedDE6,253 contributionsBetter to Walk than DriveI grew uo just 2 blocks from the top. The traffic lineup is crazy going past Van Ness especially in summer. Better to drive up Greenwich-1 block South)- then park on Hyde or Larkin then walk the hill so you can enjoy the scenery. The smell of clutch and brake lining is a drawback on Lombard itself.Visited February 2024Travelled soloWritten 25 March 2024
- AleBuenos Aires, Argentina163 contributionsDownhill on Lombard StreetWalking the streets of San Francisco, my teenage daughter suggested we go down Lombard Street. The truth is that I didn't really know what it was about but I have to admit that in addition to being picturesque it seemed like a steep street full of grace. Evidently it seems cinematic, the cars that descend it during its zigzagging path seem to come out of a movie, seeing the classic and colored Volkswagen beetles, as well as modern cars all tuned with young drivers and with music at full volume in an arduous task to wind that I continued zigzagging as if it were a roller coaster. For photography fans, an interesting tourist site, and also a nice physical exercise to observe beautiful views of San Francisco. What's more, I shared my photos on the networks and people liked them very much. There must be something about Lombard StreetVisited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 2 May 2024
- Rachel & Andy392 contributionsWorth the Climb to the top.Visited: 10/06/2023. Really pretty street filled with flowers and shrubs. Even the housing architecture is pretty. Definitely a tourist trap with lots of people there when we were, and even more going down the street in cars or hired buggies - although it caused a queue so not sure how enjoyable that was. We walked it, and despite the steep uphill climb it was a beautiful view at the top and worth it. We were there on a Saturday afternoon and was really busy, so I would recommend probably first thing in the morning when it may be less busy.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 May 2024
- DesertTripsMorocco381 contributionsTwists and Turns A Thrilling Drive Down Lombard Street!!I recently drove through Lombard Street in SF and it was such a blast! The winding zigzagging street made for a really fun drive. We did it in the morning and it was amazing However be prepared for lots of tourists It can get pretty crowded, so you have to be careful driving with all the people walking around taking pictures. Make sure your car brakes are in good shape too :) Despite the crowds driving through Lombard Street is definitely worth it We're glad we had a car and got to experience it! Absolutely I highly recommend driving through Lombard Street for a thrilling and unforgettable experience!!!Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 10 June 2024
- reallylikes2travelBrisbane, Australia545 contributionsOn my travel bucket listI have finally ticked this on my travel bucket list. It’s beautiful, the gardens, and the view. We used the Big Bus Hop on Hop off to stop in Lombard St. What a club!!! I felt like it was 45 degrees slant but it is 27 degrees slant. Please wear comfortable shoes. Made a stop in your climb to catch your breath. I think the climb took at least 10 mins for me. But it’s worth it!!! You’ll be on top of this Lombard St. While you’re on top of Lombard, scan the views, you could see the city, neighborhood, and wharf ahead. But I think to get a great pictures was to go down. It’s fantastic Photoshoots if there are cars using this zigzag street. Not to worry it was easier to go down as there are steps. But you had to go up those steps as that’s the way for us to return to our tour bus.Visited July 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 19 July 2024
- Lindsey MEdmonton, Canada81 contributionsA must seeSuch a cool, unique spot to visit. We walked here at around 8:30 am and it was already quite busy, for sure go early. If your hope is to drive down, double check the hours as during the day it is only for people who live here. (Nice to see for the residents!) The views from the top are beautiful. Like nothing I have seen before. Please be respectful as people live here.Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 17 August 2024
- Eva TUnited Kingdom5,875 contributionsTo see it once is enoughYes, it's different to any street we saw and it's one of the spots everybody want to visit. But it's full of tourists and I feel sorry for the people who are living there. The gardens in the curve are beautiful with lots of flowers. People are walking up and down and crowd is everywhere. Many drivers in the cars were stupidly driving having mobile in one hand to take video and the other on the steering wheel. I wondered that no policeman was there - this is waiting for not good accident. Well we saw it, it was interesting but if we will visit San Francisco again we will miss it.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 September 2024
- AnnetteRM2015Waikanae, New Zealand109 contributionsThank goodness for steps!Join the throng walking up and down admiring the views. The houses and gardens are pretty - I hope everyone treats them with respect as it must be hard for the owners having streams of visitors walking by your front door all the time. Unlike most of the other steep streets, walking via the steps gives you a chance to take a breath and admire the view.Visited September 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 September 2024
- Régis1972Lancy, Switzerland19,839 contributionsWinding and steep road!When you go up to Russian Hill or Telegraph Hill, you can’t eat Lombard Street because it’s so special, narrow, winding and steep!!!Opened in 1922, Lombard Street is one of San Francisco’s main historic streets. Lombard Street clings to the slope of Russian Hill in an incredible slalom. A spectacular 180 meter long portion that made the street famous. It connects Presidio Park in a straight line with the Embarcadero district, along the San Francisco Bay. In the space of a block, Lombard Street effectively makes 8 sharp turns that earned it the title of the most twisted street in the United States. These laces were the best way to hold onto a great slope at 27%. Walking back!Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 September 2024
- 196LindaCMukwonago, Wisconsin817 contributionsJust gotta see itA fun street to see with all of the switch-backs. You can walk the street. It was extremely crowded when we went and I am so glad that most visitors were respectful to the people who live here. I'm sure it must be tiresome to the residents. I do appreciate their hospitality.Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 25 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
18,428 reviews
Excellent
8,756
Very good
6,433
Average
2,701
Poor
404
Terrible
137
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
Rojin K
Houston, TX11 contributions
Dec 2024 • Friends
Visiting Lombard Street felt like stepping into a postcard - if that postcard also included the chaos of a city traffic jam. The journey to this iconic winding road was nothing short of an adventure, with bumper-to-bumper traffic and scarce parking spaces making it clear that the whole city seemed to have the same idea.
Despite the crowd, credit must be given to the city for managing the influx of vehicles entering the famously steep and serpentine street. The scene was a bustling mix of tourists snapping photos, city trams gliding smoothly past, and futuristic self-driving taxis navigating the chaos with surprising precision.
Driving down Lombard Street itself was a test of both nerves and skill. The steep grade and sharp switchbacks, combined with precarious stopping points at the edges, made it a thrilling experience - not for the faint of heart. Yet, once you’re on the spiral road, the perfectly manicured flower beds and stunning views of San Francisco make the adrenaline worth it.
Lombard Street is not just a destination-it’s a rite of passage for visitors to San Francisco. A chaotic yet unforgettable experience, where beauty meets thrill on one of the steepest streets in the world.
Despite the crowd, credit must be given to the city for managing the influx of vehicles entering the famously steep and serpentine street. The scene was a bustling mix of tourists snapping photos, city trams gliding smoothly past, and futuristic self-driving taxis navigating the chaos with surprising precision.
Driving down Lombard Street itself was a test of both nerves and skill. The steep grade and sharp switchbacks, combined with precarious stopping points at the edges, made it a thrilling experience - not for the faint of heart. Yet, once you’re on the spiral road, the perfectly manicured flower beds and stunning views of San Francisco make the adrenaline worth it.
Lombard Street is not just a destination-it’s a rite of passage for visitors to San Francisco. A chaotic yet unforgettable experience, where beauty meets thrill on one of the steepest streets in the world.
Written 6 January 2025
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.
Alex
Niederkassel, Germany11 contributions
May 2023
Lombard Street in San Francisco is undoubtedly a highlight of the city. Its iconic switchbacks make it a true landmark. If you want to drive the street yourself, I recommend doing so in the morning to make the most of it. Later in the day, there may be traffic jams at the entrance, which could spoil the experience.
A smart alternative is to park your vehicle below Lombard Street and make the climb on foot. Be warned, though: car break-ins are unfortunately not uncommon here, so don't leave valuables in your car.
Lombard Street is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful streets I have ever seen. Its beauty is not only impressive in reality, but also known from film and television. A walk or drive along this famous street will surely give you unforgettable memories.
A smart alternative is to park your vehicle below Lombard Street and make the climb on foot. Be warned, though: car break-ins are unfortunately not uncommon here, so don't leave valuables in your car.
Lombard Street is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful streets I have ever seen. Its beauty is not only impressive in reality, but also known from film and television. A walk or drive along this famous street will surely give you unforgettable memories.

Written 24 August 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.
Isak H
Rome, Italy37 contributions
Jul 2022
This is just one of those classical tourist attractions that is a must, no matter how cliché or "mainstream" it may seem. The view to the east is amazing, and from the top of the street you get a great look over the iconic hills and roads of San Francisco. Either driving or walking down the street is a fun experience. Personally I recommend renting electric scooters and driving down (Lime offer daypass with unlimited miles for $20). 10/10 attraction!
Written 1 August 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.
Julia H
Burlington, Canada66 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
I travelled to SF for the first time and had always heard about Lombard street so I wanted to check it out! Let me tell you.. I’m in pretty good shape as I’m only 21 years old, but I was absolutely dying making my way up to this sight. It’s about a 40 minute walk purely uphill, so steep to the point where you feel like it’d be easier to crawl up. This walk is not for the weak let me tell you, I was struggling immensely. We got to the view and there was quite a few people there, however the street was a lot more different looking than what I had seen online, due to the angle of the street you couldn’t really get the whole vision. I reluctantly climbed the straps up Lombard Street to get a better view, I had to climb those stairs as if I was a toddler, taking one step at a time because I was SO exhausted. The view at the top is gorgeous, yet it’s still not a great view of the street itself. I would say overall this experience wasn’t very worth it and I wish I had gone to see the Painted Ladies instead, purely because the view of the street itself was very difficult to see, however still very gorgeous!
Written 5 September 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.
The Baobab Republic
Bangkok, Thailand1,496 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
This is obviously the world's most zigzag road and it's been famous for it, for a long time. If you have the opportunity to come to San Francisco, you cannot ignore this attractive tourist destination. You will find it extremely interesting with the lines of cars running zigzag from the top down the slope, and interspersed with beautiful flower beds. And yet, you also feel the steep streets, a very characteristic point of San Francisco. Great experiences.
Written 9 February 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.
brmusicman
Chicago, IL3,156 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
We spent a lovely summer day exploring San Francisco, mostly on-foot. And of course that meant a trip to famous Lombard Street!
It’s a beautiful street, with pretty houses and especially beautiful landscaping. We took many photos of the bold pink flowers.
The twisty street itself is tons of fun, and the scene of the cars slowly making their way down its twisting curves as people watched was fun.
I recommend combining your visit to Lombard Street with a walk around the other streets in the neighborhood; it’s a lovely part of San Francisco that offers great views of the bay. Bring your walking shoes!
It’s a beautiful street, with pretty houses and especially beautiful landscaping. We took many photos of the bold pink flowers.
The twisty street itself is tons of fun, and the scene of the cars slowly making their way down its twisting curves as people watched was fun.
I recommend combining your visit to Lombard Street with a walk around the other streets in the neighborhood; it’s a lovely part of San Francisco that offers great views of the bay. Bring your walking shoes!
Written 21 September 2021
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.
Von1287
Albany, NY757 contributions
Sept 2022
We were so glad we still had our rental car for this! We own the Thomas Kinkade painting of San Francisco and it felt so cool to view it from the same perspective and then drive the crazy turns. People were watching us and it was really cool and beautiful
Written 3 February 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.
pecanpie2205
Essex, UK1,208 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Known as the crookedest street in the world, Lombard Street is a must see if you are in San Francisco.
The easiest way to get there is to get a cable car which stops right at the top.
You can walk up or down using the steps either side, or if you are brave enough, drive down. But take it easy as you go down as there are short zig zags.
You can get fantastic photos from the bottom and great views of the city at the top.
Be warned, pavements and roads are really steep around here and it’s really hard going if walking there.
The easiest way to get there is to get a cable car which stops right at the top.
You can walk up or down using the steps either side, or if you are brave enough, drive down. But take it easy as you go down as there are short zig zags.
You can get fantastic photos from the bottom and great views of the city at the top.
Be warned, pavements and roads are really steep around here and it’s really hard going if walking there.
Written 23 August 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.
wendy L
Evanston, IL480 contributions
Jul 2021
My brother in law was the only one willing to attempt this drive, and even though it only lasts @ 2 1/2 minutes, it is one of the craziest drives in a city of crazy drives! It is literally switchback upon switchback down one of the steepest hills in town. What makes it crazier is that flowers line the street, and crowds of people are walking up and down while you are driving. At the bottom, the previous driver or passengers pop out of their car for some quick snapshots up the street, but because of the flowers obscuring the contours of the street it just looks like a field of flowers in the middle of a street. Suffice to say this is an experience you need to just DO. No video or photo will do it justice. Beware of the lines as well. We had about a 7-10 car wait, but it moves fast, and you can swing around the block and go again if you enjoyed the ride!
Written 9 July 2021
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.
Arun K
Nagpur District, India3,374 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
The crookedest street in the world , Lombard Street is a famous landmark of San Francisco. Every day thousands of visitors have fun in walking down/ driving down on the eight sharp hair pin bends of this road.
In fact, it is one way (east -west ) steep one block street with 8 hair pin turns.
The street looks beautiful from bottom due to beautiful flowering plantation along it’s U -turns.
We enjoyed walking down / admiring the beauty of this unique street . There are steps for walking down / climbing up along the street.
Unique place for people looking for adventure !
In fact, it is one way (east -west ) steep one block street with 8 hair pin turns.
The street looks beautiful from bottom due to beautiful flowering plantation along it’s U -turns.
We enjoyed walking down / admiring the beauty of this unique street . There are steps for walking down / climbing up along the street.
Unique place for people looking for adventure !
Written 1 September 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.
I have a scooter will I be able to go up the street w\o a problem?
Written 21 October 2019
No, You can only go down. It is a one way street.
Written 28 August 2020
Yes you can
As at April 2019.
Written 12 September 2020
Igazából azt szeretném tudni, hogy van Internetem ? Kell vennem extra kártyát?
Written 27 February 2019
Én Los Angelesben a Hollywood hotelben laktam. Ott volt ingyenes wi-fi és internet is. Vodafonos a kártyám a férjemé t- homos. Gond nélkül néztük a híreket . Rengeteg helyen rá tudtunk kapcsolódni az ingyenes hálózatokra is menet - séta közben . Semmilyen más kártyánk nem volt. Gondtalanul beszélgettünk az otthoniakkal is! A férjem többször csinált utalásokat a bankján keresztül !!!! A Google remekül működött !
Written 28 February 2019
Iris Juarez
Mountain View, California
Is any parking garage near to Lombard st??
Written 13 February 2019
Ciao a tutti,
Quanto ci vuole più o meno per percorrere a piedi tutto il percorso?
Grazie
Laura.
Written 23 January 2019
La strada è breve, pendente e turistica; il tempo di percorrenza dipende anche, se la pecurri dal basso verso la cima o al contrario. In ogni modo essendo molto carina e affollata, io pianificherei una permanenza tra mezz’ora e 45 minuti.
Written 24 January 2019
Ciao a tutti,
Quanto ci vuole più o meno per percorrere a piedi tutto il percorso?
Grazie
Laura.
Written 23 January 2019
Ciao Laura in discesa in 5 minuti fai il percorso mentre in salita ci vorrà un quarto d'ora. È molto corta Lombard Street.
Written 24 January 2019
Hi we are coming to San Francisco next April and staying at fisherman wharf. Does the cable car go from fisherman’s wharf up to the top of Lombard street or do you need to walk from F.W.? I have wanted to see the road for years, so intend on visiting it along with some of the other sites S F has to offer.
Lyn
Written 4 September 2018
Hi, yes the street cars run along Hyde Street and there is a stop at the top of Lombard Street. There is a path down the right hand side of Lombard Street you can walk on, there is no actually footpath that twists with the road itself. Best views are from the top.
Written 4 September 2018
Whats the best way to see Lombard street & is it close to a central area?.. should we just get a taxi to drop us there? The SF city tour I am doing sadly does not go here
Written 29 July 2018
The Powell and Hayes cable car stops at Lombard Street. You can catch the cable car at Powell and Market Street or Fishermans Wharf. You can then walk to Chinatown which is about a 10 minute walk afterwards.
Written 29 July 2018
Showing results 1-10 of 20
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Related Stories
*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