The 4 Victorian houses

The Victorian houses, the Painted Ladies of San Francisco

The colourful Victorian houses, nicknamed the Painted Ladies, are among the most famous images of San Francisco. The San Francisco audio-guided tour stops here to evoke these residences typical of an era, emblems of the architecture of the city.

The painted ladies of another era

The Painted Ladies are Victorian and Edwardian houses with façades painted in bright colours, typical of San Francisco. Built at the end of the nineteenth century, they reflect the elegance and the refinement of an era of prosperity. With their carved-wood ornaments, their pediments and their harmonious shades, lined up next to one another, they form picturesque ensembles become one of the architectural symbols of the city.

What to see

You admire the colourful façades of the Victorian houses, their carved-wood ornaments and their picturesque alignments, emblems of San Francisco. The Painted Ladies reflect the elegance of a bygone era. It is a must-see stop for lovers of architecture, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Victorian houses are discovered in several districts of San Francisco, reachable on foot and by public transport. They are private dwellings that you admire from the street, without disturbing their occupants. It is best to respect the tranquillity of the neighbourhood and to enjoy the late-day light to photograph them.

What are the Painted Ladies?

Victorian and Edwardian houses with façades painted in bright colours, built at the end of the nineteenth century, emblems of the architecture of San Francisco.

Where to see the Victorian houses in San Francisco?

In several districts of San Francisco, where these colourful residences line up in picturesque ensembles.