North Beach
Italian cafés, bookshops and hills with the bay at the bottom.
North Beach is San Francisco's Italian-American neighbourhood and its most pleasant place to stay: cafés, bakeries, restaurants and bars in a dense, walkable grid, with Washington Square at the centre and the bay a few blocks downhill. It is close to Chinatown and the Embarcadero, and far enough from the worst of downtown's street problems. The hills are steep, hotels are small, and parking is nearly impossible — which is part of why it feels like a neighbourhood.
What works
- Cafés, restaurants and bars on foot
- Walkable to Chinatown and the waterfront
- A real neighbourhood feel
What doesn’t
- Steep hills and stairs
- Small hotels, little parking
- Noise from bars at night
One local move
Start the day with a bakery coffee and walk downhill to the waterfront rather than climbing back later. Book dinner in the side streets around Washington Square rather than on Columbus Avenue's front row.
Getting around
The 30 and 45 buses run along Columbus and Stockton; the cable car at Washington Square connects to Union Square. The Embarcadero BART is a 20-minute walk downhill.
Safety
Busy and generally safe, with care around the bar strip late at night. The walk to the Wharf passes through quiet streets; take the main roads after dark.
4 picks in North Beach
One strong pick per tier. All prices are sample ranges, not live quotes.
The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
A classic luxury hotel on Nob Hill at the edge of North Beach; formal service, grand rooms and a very convenient location for both downtown and the bay.
Hotel Boheme
A small, literary-themed hotel in a North Beach walk-up; tiny rooms, real character and a superb location.
Green Tortoise Hostel
A well-known hostel across from Washington Square; dorms and private rooms, free breakfast and a social atmosphere.
Washington Square Inn
A European-style inn overlooking Washington Square; individually decorated rooms and a quiet, old-fashioned feel.
Nightly ranges are sample estimates in USD for a standard double room. They move with season, events and how early you book.
Eat & drink nearby
Golden Boy Pizza
Pizza
A North Beach institution for thick, focaccia-style pizza by the slice; cheap, late and best eaten standing.
Tony's Pizza Napoletana
Pizza
A celebrated pizzeria with several styles, including Neapolitan and New York; busy, so go early or expect a wait.
Caffe Trieste
Café
A historic Italian café with opera photographs and strong espresso; the kind of place to sit and watch the neighbourhood.