Lombard Street
Known as the “crookedest” street in the world, the steep, hills and sharp curves of this one-way road pass by grand Victorian mansions and attract millions of tourists each year. It is best known for one block on Russian Hill between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets, with eight sharp turns (or switchbacks) that have earned the street the distinction of being the most crooked (winding) street in the United States.
The main attraction of Lombard Street is watching people drive down the crooked, one-block section, or driving down it yourself. On a busy day, a seemingly-endless stream of automobiles and scooters buzz down, their passengers squealing in mock fear at every turn. If you’re on foot, you can walk down (or up) the sidewalks and watch the show. The best place to photograph Lombard Street is from the bottom, looking up.
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Chinatown
San Francisco's Chinatown is the largest Chinatown in North-America, but it is also the most commercial. Unlike the Chinatowns in Vancouver or New York, San Francisco's Chinatown is in some areas filled with tourist shops. Still, it has a lot of charm and atmosphere.
Besides the well known Chinatown Gate, the approx.
24-block area contains a lot of pagoda-roofed buildings, as well as nicely decorated lamp posts and phone booths in Chinese style. Chinatown also has several temples; three of them are located in the Waverly Place, which is also known as the 'street of painted balconies'. This street is certainly
South Street Seaport
On the East River in downtown Manhattan, this is a fun place to shop. You can explore the decks and cabins of six historic ships, see exhibitions of maritime art and artifacts, and learn about New York's archaeological heritage. If you journey through the area's stone-paved streets, you can stop at any of the 120 shops in the area including Ann Taylor, Talbots, Brookstone, The Body Shop, Coach and J. Crew. Finish off your visit by sailing around New York Harbor on a graceful twin-masted schooner. The South Street Seaport features spectacular views of the Brooklyn Bridge, the
Musee de Montmartre
Built in 1680, the house first was a village house to an actor of the Moliere acting troupe. At the turn of this century, the wing that looked onto the street was divided up into artist studios and housed Dufy, Suzanne Valadon and her son Utrillo. Opened in 1960, the museum retraces the live of the old Montmartre village.
connection: Metro: Anvers (line 2), Abbesses, Lamarck-Caulaincourt (line 12)
address: 12 rue Cortot (street), 75018 Paris
openings: from 11 am -6 pm daily except Mondays
tel: 0146 06 6111
Avenue des Champs-Elysees
The most famous street in Paris was built in the 17th century, but did not attract fashionable society until after the French Revolution. The avenue extends from the Arc de Triomphe at one end to the Place de la Concorde at the other. During the day, you’ll find fast-food joints and chain stores along with fine dining establishments and expensive boutiques. At night, clubs and cabarets pulse with life as crowds walk both sides of the street.
Famous marches, celebrations and events have taken place down its length – something to ponder over a cup of coffee at one
Central Park
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