A plan for hiking the Filbert Steps: Walking up the Filbert Steps is one of the most serene and magical things you can do in one of the busiest parts of the City. I consider it one of the top 5 things all visitors should do. You've seen all the beautiful photos of the steps, the quaint homes, the jungle-like environment, and the breathtaking views, but none of those pictures will compare with the actual experience. As someone who's climbed up and down these steps countless times over the past 30 years, here's my suggestions for first-timers. If you're driving, street parking in this part of the Financial District on a Sunday is surprisingly easy and it's free. The steps begin on Sansome Street, between Union and Greenwich. Bring water and take breaks to enjoy the views and scenery, especially if you aren't used to this level of physical activity. It's almost 500 steps to Coit Tower. When you get to Napier Lane, take a short walk to the end of the "street". It's a public lane, but this is a very quiet community. Be respectful of the residents. If you see any, say hi and ask them about living there. Most of the people I've encountered love talking about their very unique homes. Keep an eye out for the wild parrots! Walk a little further up Filbert and take the another side trip down Darrell place. Take your time and really soak in the atmosphere of Telegraph Hill. It's especially dreamy on a foggy day. When you reach the top, at Montgomery, turn right and walk down the street to the end. The big building there was a restaurant called Julius Castle for decades before shutting down in 2008. It's also notable as being the title mansion in the 1951 movie "The House on Telegraph Hill". From here, I suggest completing the hike to Coit Tower by walking up the Greenwich steps, to the left of Julius Castle and to the right of a private garage. Soon you will reach Coit Tower and its views. There's a public toilet there if you need it. On your way back down, take a side trip up Montgomery, past the Filbert Steps to the end of Montgomery for more great views and photo ops of the Transamerica building and downtown. I would plan at least an hour, probably longer for the whole round trip, depending on how much time you spent at Coit Tower and whatever side street exploration you do. You can easily walk down to North Beach restaurants and cafes if you're so inclined. Have fun!

I loved these steps. Hidden gem in San Francisco. If you visit the COIT Tower, you can’t miss these beautiful steps.

Great place to get a special view of the bridge. If you don't like going up stairs start at the top by Coit tower and walk down. If you start from the bottom it's a long staircase to walk up. The houses here are nice but stay in the public path and don't wonder into private property.

The Grace Marchant Garden about halfway along these steps was a real find. Gorgeous pocket garden with a vertigo-inducing overlook. Pretty area and mind-boggling construction engineering.

Urban jungle with great view on the bay. Piece of a forgotten city with small wooden houses and gardens. Price of real estate ranks in the millions there. Nevertheless, place hasn’t lost its original character. Worth a visit and the hike from pier to coit tower.

Fantastic Slice Of San Francisco Uniqueness. Stairs Are Steep And Sturdy Can Be Reached From Above Or Below . Shows You The Wonders Of This Town😁

Awesome part of SF; shaded, beautiful flowers and plants welcome you

There isn't much to these steps besides them being actual steps and being surrounded by home gardens. The views from them aren't any better than most other streets around San Francisco but I did find the gardens and the plants surrounding you to be really unique and pretty. If you're passing through I think it's worth it to walk up or down just to see the gardens.

A very special experience even for San Francisco. Enjoyed the walk very much. Tip: try to go down the steps, rather than go up. They are very steep. The higher ground is just beneath the Coit tower.

Very cool! Be sure to stop and look around!

This area is one of the many stair “streets” that once were all over San Francisco. It’s like stepping back in time to the early 1900’s. One of the best experiences to have in San Francisco, as it’s only steps from beautiful homes and Coit Tower. Highly recommend.

We actually came from Stockton Street and walked up to Coit Tower. We found Filbert steps and walked down. It was very step and it is slick if it is wet. I enjoyed the view from the top though! If you don’t want to take steps, you can drive to Coit Tower and park.

Stupid pretty. If you're headed to Coit Tower I highly recommend taking the stairs.

We walked up from the Bay and climbed these steps to visit the Coit Memorial Tower. There are many steps and quite steep. The Grace Marchant Gardens are approximately two-thirds of the way up. Some lovely homes and great views.

Beautiful, serene hike down Filbert to the waterfront. Terraced gardens line the steps down and there are gorgeous views of the East Bay on a clear day. I found people really respectful of the residents and wildlife. Lovely off-the-beaten-path adventure from Coit Tower down to the Embarcadero. You can also take the Greenwich steps.