Nob Hill, San Francisco guide

Perched on the top of California Street, Grace Cathedral is a gorgeous example of Gothic Revival architecture. This church is decorated with soaring spires, gold and bronze doors, intricate stained glass and two labyrinths. Take a tour, or attend events such as yoga classes, candle-lit labyrinth walks, music performances and art exhibitions.

Stroll the neighbourhood to see Nob Hill’s grand buildings. The imposing James C Flood mansion was one of the few to withstand the 1906 earthquake. The facade of the Fairmont San Francisco also survived, but the hotel was eventually rebuilt. If you’re a film buff, stop by the Brocklebank Apartments, a 1925 chateau-style building that had a cameo in Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘Vertigo’.

One of the best ways to navigate the famously steep climbs in Nob Hill is via cable car. All three lines, which are part of the city’s public transport system, pass through the neighbourhood. But the California line is the one you want. It sails to the top of California Street, past Grace Cathedral, and offers eye-popping views of the city.

After a trip to Grace Cathedral, walk the family across the street to leafy Huntington Park. Surrounded by some of the most spectacular buildings in the neighbourhood, it features manicured lawns, benches and a playground. Its centrepiece is the ‘Fountain of the Tortoises’. A replica of a Renaissance fountain in Rome, it features statues of youths, dolphins and four cute turtles.

One of the best museums in Nob Hill is the Cable Car Museum. A chronicle of the fascinating history of the city’s trolleys, it’s housed within an operational cable car barn and powerhouse. You can watch the engines and winding wheels at work as they propel the underground cables that pull the cars. The museum is free to enter and can get busy on the weekends.

The best restaurants in Nob Hill show off San Francisco’s classic charm. Meat is carved tableside at the House of Prime Rib, a beloved institution since 1949. Finish a giant doughnut in three minutes at Bob’s Donuts to earn a spot in their Hall of Fame. Seafood lovers line up early for a seat at Swan Oyster Depot, where the fresh fish arrives daily.

Located inside the Fairmont San Francisco hotel, the kitschy Tonga Room is tiki at its best. Drinks come in pineapples, and a live band plays on a float in an indoor pond. If you prefer a view, head to Top of the Mark, a historic sky lounge with panoramic city views. And for live performances, check out the regal Masonic, decorated with a four-storey mid-century mosaic.

Revel in Nob Hill’s retro vibe at Kayo Books. This iconic used bookshop specialises in vintage paperbacks, pulp and comic books. Once you’ve had your fill, head to Polk Street, where you’ll find a cluster of independent shops, including a pair of well-curated second-hand clothing boutiques: ReLove and Cris Consignment.

Nob Hill is San Francisco’s unofficial base for winter festivity. Throughout December, Grace Cathedral puts on a programme of choral performances, sing-alongs and shows highlighting its 7,466-pipe organ. Down the street, the Fairmont San Francisco hotel constructs a life-size Victorian gingerbread house made from more than 8,000 baked bricks.