NORTH BEACH is one of the best places in the city for people-watching while sipping on a cappuccino and nibbling on a cannoli. Originally settled by Italian immigrants, the area still has a wonderful Old World charm reminiscent of Italy. Being from Boston, it reminds me of the North End there, with the same great ambiance. In Boston, it's easy to find a cafe or bakery that serves one of my favorites--ricotta cheese pie, a light cheesecake with a sweet cookie crust. I finally found a place in North Beach that serves it-- Puccini Cafe, which seems like it's from another space in time, with opera classics from the jukebox enhancing the atmosphere.

The Steps of Rome is a more lively, boisterous place for those looking for more excitement, appealing to a younger crowd. Both are on the same action-packed stretch of Columbus Ave. Great delicatessens and restaurants abound here, for everyone's taste and budget. At the high end, there's Rose Pistola Restaurant, 532 Columbus (415-399-0499 ) and Moose's, 1652 Stockton, (415-989-7800), to name just a couple. It's hard to find parking around here, but there's a reasonable garage on Vallejo. If you're on a budget, good deals can be had at Bocce Cafe-Italian Restaurant, 478 Green St., (415-981-2044), and Little Joe's further down at 523 Broadway (415-433-4343), which is very lively and has great murals of San Francisco. While you're on Broadway, a great San Francisco traditional VERY popular hangout to have dinner or lunch at is Enrico's, (415-982-6223) at 504 Broadway, for more great people-watching, delicious food and jazzy live music. Broadway is a mix of flashy, trashy glitz, and also really nice places, like The Black Cat Cafe, 501 Broadway (415-981-2233), which also features live music downstairs. This area is extremely lively at night! Nearby is the famous San Franciscan landmark the Transamerica Tower, and also Coit Tower, is a great little day-time hike to take for the sweeping views and historic murals by the WPA. You might see a flock of Cherry-Headed Conures, which are bright red and green escapee parrots that have made their home there.