Although difficult to distinguish the exact boundaries of the Nob Hill neighborhood, it covers an area roughly bordered by Polk, Post, Mason and Washington Streets. Its reputation as one of San Francisco’s most affluent areas goes back to the rapid urbanization of the late 19th century when its central position and great views attracted the rich and famous who built homes there.
Today, it remains one of the city’s flagship districts, home to many upper-class families and young professionals. It is known for its swanky hotels and city landmarks that border the famous Huntington Park. Worth a visit is the area’s Lumiere Theatre, a popular art house that dedicates itself to foreign and independent cinema. The neighborhood boasts a wide selection of cafes, restaurants and bars, some of which have been there for decades. The area known as Tendernob toward the edges of the Tenderloin is lined with small shops and bars that offer a casual, less upscale atmosphere.
