The aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans, the sounds
of opera, and the sights of the romantic Italian
ristorante come together to create the charming
neighbourhood of North Beach, once the stomping
grounds for the Beatnik Generation. Although parts of
North Beach are known for nightlife that’s not always
suitable for younger visitors, few neighbourhoods in
the city exude as much European charm and style.
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Peruse a bookstore for the literature of Kerouac,
Ferlinghetti and Ginsberg, grab some gelato and head
to Washington Square for a perfect afternoon of people
watching. Just east of North Beach, the hills and
staircases of Telegraph Hill are a unique delight. At
its peak, the art deco Coit Tower provides sweeping
panoramic views of the bay and city. The beautifully
landscaped Filbert Street Steps, a street too steep
for a roadway, rewards those willing to hike uphill.
Keep your ears open and you might even hear the squawk
of the wild parrots who call this neighbourhood home.
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