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!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

These are some beautiful stairs, don't get me wrong I really like the view. The problem is that from the bottom up, the first half feels like you are suspended literally in the air and I, Bay Area native who knows the Hayward fault is overdue, suddenly couldn't help but that think how they didn't feel like something that would remain in one piece were the Earth to start shaking, rattling and rolling. The dog also didn't help, as he was less concerned and thus his usual always in the way self. Nor did it help it was 3am (I like walking when no one is out ), which all conspired into my gripping the hand rail with tight, sweaty palms and praying to Lord Shiva that I'd make it to the top without falling over or an earthquake starting up. Obviously that happened and I even took a minute to appreciate a lovely, very Bay Area beautiful, view while allowing my heart rate to return to it's usual levels. The second half was a relatively common example of houses only accessed by stairs as they are perched on impossible hillsides and must be a real pain to get groceries into. The gardens, which according to a sign were once the labor of a man who devoted 35 years to them, have been a little neglected and the roses really should be doing better in the climate (the key is chopping them back to a stump around late November, seems counter intuitive but works wonderfully) which is pretty sad because if I lived there, i would have kept up the dude's work out of respect for him having devoted so much of his life to gardens that even still neglected are really pretty and he made some excellent choices in terms of plantings for the shade levels and climate. The smell is fantastic too, it's a shame they are letting it go to the birds. Overall it was just a way up telegraph hill I need not use again. The houses were really nice, probably out of my price range but maybe I'll be back because I don't mind carrying my groceries long distances it turns out, but overall a bummer to see that people still don't care a lot about local traditions like a community garden, which is realistically not about sticking it to the man but about respect for the man who came before and put hard work in to making it a place you want to live. I hope he rests in peace and got from those gardens the tranquility that I did wandering through them.

This is a great workout. Not only will your calves and buns thank you (after a day of being mad at you of course because isn't that how love is?) but your eyes and heart will too. The views are amazing. Both of the resident maintained gardens and of the Bay Bridge. When you get to the top, keep going up Telegraph Hill to the base of Coit Tower. You'll get even more amazing views. I do want to pass on a suggestion that I heard from someone. If you are using both the Filbert and Greenwich stairs as an "urban hike" like I did, you might was to take the Filbert up and the Greenwich down unless you want a super strenuous workout. The Greenwich stairs are a little steeper.

All I wanted was pizza and from where we parked at, Yelp took us up these stairs from Hell. And I mean literally, hell... leg day was not that day and I still felt like jello afterwards. Probably lost about 10 pounds just making my ascent to Mordor.. If I could give a bad review on Yelp about Yelp, they would never hear the end of it. Regardless though, the view was spectacular (and the pizza was awesome, so losing about 15 lbs climbing the Eerie Staircase from Luigi's Mansion was well worth it.)

I actually think it's more fun to walk UP them, but you've got to be in shape for that! Alternatively, take the bus to Coit tower, then walk down the Filbert Steps (or their neighbors, the Greenwich Steps). If you're wondering what the big deal is, the steps are surrounded by people's front yards that are lovingly gardened. Plus, the views of the bay are, at times, terrific! Plus, it's all free. A wonderful 30-minute walk (going up, quicker going down). Stop to smell the roses, literally.

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.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

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.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

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.

Quaint multi-story homes share a pretty garden area between them. It's amazing that so many families can live in such a small area. I loved the walk up, although I was a bit winded at the top, stopping to admire the views and smell the flowers along the way made the trip worthwhile. A highlight of our visit to SF!

There are 2 staircases that climb Telegraph Hill from the Embarcadero - the Greenwich Steps and the Filbert Steps. Both climb through beautiful gardens, sometimes with wild parrots flying around overhead. Climb up one, tour Coit Tower at the top, then climb down the other for a great free adventure in the city.

absolutely magical. it’s a must experience if you’re visiting or live here and haven’t had the pleasure yet. there’s little pathways, beautiful houses tucked away and a public garden you can stroll through. visit Coit tower and take the Filbert Street Stairs as the sun is almost setting. great pathway.

The climb up the Filbert Street Stairs is worth it. The view from there is amazing. You can see the San Francisco city life. The walk is very peaceful and great workout. If you walk further up Telegraph hill to the base of Coit Tower, you get rewarded with amazing view of the city as well as the Bay.

A really beautiful part of San Francisco in a really unexpected place. My friend and I just happened upon these as we were trying to get to the waterfront from the tower. We went after a rainfall and these steps were quite magical; it felt like we were transported into a lush rainforest!

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.

Even though the climb is exhausting, this place is a great discovery in regards to the little houses with gorgeous gardens hidden on the way up (or down depending on your position). Tranquility and great views rewards your climb (along with a bit of sweat). Go on, it's worth it!

A really cool walk and great views where you also get to see some cool gardens. Takes you towards the wharf through an awesome park with some fountains as well. We took an Uber to the top and walked down, which was nice because we walked all over the place that day.

I love these steps! There is such a pretty garden that surrounds them. And it's so unexpected and hidden. Now, if you hate walking, you won't really like this that much. It is a decent amount of steps. But there is something about them that makes me really happy :)

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.

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.

Great views and plants you only see from my home state of Arkansas..It a mirror visit to Eureka Springs,AR. It's the Arkansan version of San Francisco! Get to the top of those stairs and it's a beautiful picture of how our ancestors used to live on the mountain.

You really need to take these while in San Francisco, the gardens and workout you get to enjoy while trying to burst your own hart is paid off when you get to Coit Tower! The AZZ kicker is the Greenwich steps that lead to the same view but both are great!

Urban forests. Steps have beautiful garden on both the sides. What a great idea. They lead all the way to Coit Tower. We walked up and down. Great exercise, nice experience. If you like to look around some greenery and get some exercise, go climb em up.

Although the stairs and the Coit Tower are visited by lots of tourists, they also are some of my favorite spots in the city, where I live to come back once in a while especially on a clear day, with the cobalt blue of the bay as a vivid distant staging.

My sister and I stumbled upon this place by accident lol. Had I known how far up of a hike it would've been, I'd planned it as an sunset activity. Thought the way back down was more captivating with such a beautiful green lite up scenery.

Great workout and beautiful area with amazing views. We cheated and started from the top and walked down. Lol! Wasn't the initial plan but I am not regretting it. Parrots live in the trees at the top, couldn't see them but I heard them.

One if my favorite places in the city. Great stair workout, surrounded by secret gardens and beautiful bay views
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

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 place to experience nature in midst of a city! Climbing up the 400 steps was worth it!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Had lot of fun and very different experience. Would have never imagined houses on those slopes...such beautiful, peaceful place in the middle of a crowded, busy and buzzing city! Definitely recommend at least once!

Public access steps. They get you to Coit Tower. Greenwich steps are far more interesting.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Wow! We didn't realize this place had an official title. Seems rightly so. The architecture anf landscape were beautiful. The workout wasn't bad either. It's definitely worth the stop if you are in the area.

I climb these stairs for exercise about 5 days a week and it is a great place to get some exercise. The flowers are beautiful and you often get great views. Don't be alarmed if you see a coyote or a raccoon.

A "shortcut" to Coit Tower, maybe hard to find as it is hidden in a dead end street. A good workout if you are up to the challenge. Beware of the foul smell at Filbert, may have a broken sewer somewhere.

Those stairs are challenging but fun! Extra harder if you are walking to and from them as well. Next time I'll drive!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
Free

Pretty steps with some well kept gardens that adorn either side of the stairs. There is less of a view of the bay but the gardens provide some tranquility and a snippet of San Francisco Bay Area life

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.

Nice journey from voir tower to the piers. Similar to Greenwich stairs.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

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.

Lovely spot in the city. The same peacefulness as in a beautiful.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

A wonderful little escape from the city. Beautiful views, wonderful smells and the sounds of wild parrots. Walk up these stairs and then head down the Greenwich stairs for a good loop.

Not for the faint of heart or out of shape! This picturesque hike, challenging in either direction, is both dangerous and beautiful. Highly recommended for the photo opportunities.

A quick walk beautiful and relaxing and special mention to the neighbors who keep the plantation and garden so beautiful. Very courteous neighborhood. Thank you for taking care

Great workout (a ton of stairs straight up the side of the hill), great views, and a little piece of green in the city. I love all of the garden areas, they are so pretty.

An oasis of calm in the city, lovely gardens and buildings, with fragrant flowers to tingle your senses make the hard pull up the steep steps all the more worth it.

Public right of way, of what was originally planned as a street but too steep to build. Nice way to make your way down from Coit Tower. Plenty of bees and flowers.

Always a beautiful climb up to Coit Tower.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

One of the most unique places in San Francisco. Fun for all ages. Walking down the stairs from Coit Tower is much easier for most people than walking up.

I counted 483 steps up the the entrance of the tower. I could be off, but I'm definitely within five! Very pretty views and neat houses along the climb.

Very step hill from church. Be careful if wet. Very nice view down the hill along the Filbert street.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

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 …

Beautiful gardens and views. Highly recommend that you walk up to Coit tower first, and then walk down the steps. Much more pleasant that way.

Such good steps and good little workout in a beautiful place. Really appreciate all the work people do along the way to keep it gorgeous.

It's calm and colorful. The flowers, many green plants, parrots and nice views at the bay in the middle of the city. I love that place!

The Filbert Stairs is one of the best urban walks in San Francisco. You feel like you’re on a hidden world.
Visited on
Weekday

I loved walking these stairs and seeing the beautiful & intriguing homes nestled off to the side. The views were fabulous!

2nd tallest in the world! Beautiful scenery! Unfortunantly, didn't see any feral parrots. Still, it was way worth seeing!

When you want to punish yourself. Climbed the filbert steps. Lol. Lots of fun. Thank goodness I'm not a delivery guy.

A wonderful place to get some exercise. I walk these steps on most days and it is fine exercise is a beautiful place.

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

They are stairs, what else can you say? Certainly feels easier than hiking up the steep streets around here.

If you still have any wind left in you after walking the SF hills, this will definitely be a worthy climb!)

Great views of the Oakland Bay. Very pretty neighborhood. Be prepared to be the step master afterwards

Nice little walking spot. Not too big, not very much to see, but relaxing and great for winding down.

Beautiful steps, amazing view, trees and plants. And those houses there! It really does worth it!

Love to take the steps from the Levi’s plaza up to the top of the hill where Coit tower stands !

Beautiful!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

What can I say that others haven't, stairs, gardens, beauty, views, and Coit tower at the top.

This is an amazing walk to Coit Tower. The gardens and birds are beautiful. Highly recommend.

I took these steps from the entrance on Sansome Street. Took me 1 hour but totally worth it.

Best secret spot. Great views of the bay bridge lights at night on your way up to Coit tower

Truly lovely gardens to walk through to get from point A to point B. Easy place to stroll!

Worthy and you will be paid back for the fatigue with an amazing view on San Francisco Bay

Grace Marchant Garden is one of San Francisco's true treasures.Well worth the climb!

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

Beautifully kept communal gardens throughout the stepped areas. Exceptional views

Quiet and relaxing place. I think I heard some parrots …

Great flowers and bushes, feels youre not in the city but in some tropical area

The most beautiful way to reach to Coit Tower !! Long but easy and joyful !!

A must do on the bucket list! Awesome views! Worth climbing al 600 steps.

The walking way to go down after taking the bus to the top of the hill

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

We found the wild parrots! Lovely garden area you can visit as well.

Amazing views of the bay, lovely gardens and even small parrots!!

A great adventure & views. Be ready for lots an lots of stairs

Lovely little park with a variety of flowers and trees.

Great walk up to Coit Tower. Best way to get up there.

Takes you up to the tower on The unbusy side

Very cool! Be sure to stop and look around!

Beautiful gardens as you take the stairs!

To be very fit to walk up all the stairs

One of the best attractions on the city

Nice view of Oakland bay bridge …

Amazing views of the city. Nice walk.

Very nice place I recommend after 6pm

Very beautiful walk up to Coit Tower.

Good fun exercise while site seeing

Lots of steps. You’ll be sweaty.

Nice place... wonderful flowers

Must visit in San Francisco.

Nice view