Top 10 Things To Do See In San Franciscos Financial District

Known as ‘The Wall Street of the West Coast,’ the Financial District has many things to offer tourists and natives alike. From iconic landmarks to fantastic entertainment, it’s not hard to find something incredible to do. Check out our picks for the top ten things to do and see in the Financial District of San Francisco.

1. The Transamerica Pyramid

Building

The equivalent of the Empire State Building in New York City, the Transamerica Pyramid is the tallest skyscraper in the San Francisco skyline. Built in 1972, this historic building is an amazing sight and a must-see for anyone new to San Francisco (or any locals wanting to revisit a historic sight from their hometown)! Transamerica Pyramid, 600 Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA, USA

2. The Ferry Building

Building, Market

The Ferry Building is a beautiful blue building that has an immense clock tower, 245 feet tall, with four clock dials that have an impressive diameter of 22 feet. Walking through this terminal gives you a beautiful sense of wonderment, and when you get through the entire building (which is filled with restaurants that vary from Mexican to Seafood), you are welcomed by the view of the beautiful Bay Bridge. A great spot for photos, a good meal, and the relaxing sound of the the bay waves crashing onto the coast.

3. Union Square

Shopping Mall

Americas Greatest City by the Bay at Union Square San Francisco

Union Square is a public plaza at the center of Financial District. It is bordered by restaurants, great shopping centers, hotels and small inns, as well as off-Broadway, and single-act theaters. A booming area that has something for everybody in San Francisco.

4. Cable Cars

Building

Classic view of historic traditional Cable Cars riding on famous California Street in early morning light at sunrise, San Francisco, California, USA

On the corner of Market Street and Powell Street, you can see the ‘turn around,’ the spot where the Cable Car (one of the three that are in existence to date) is turned around to start its route again. This fun sight can be enjoyed even more by buying a ticket and taking a ride through one of the most historic parts of San Francisco.

5. Punch Line Comedy Club

Nightclub, American

Last Call by Neiman Marcus at Grapevine Mills

After a long day of sightseeing and people-watching, one of the best ways to relax after a hectic day in the Financial District is to have a good laugh and see where celebrities like Robin Williams, Ellen Degeneres, Drew Carey and Chris Rock learned their craft and got their big breaks! Punch Line San Francisco, 444 Battery St, San Francisco, CA, USA

6. Neiman Marcus Last Call

Store

Who doesn’t love the sense of buying high-end clothing for a not-so-high-end price? One block up from Powell Street and 3 short blocks from Union Square Park is Neiman Marcus Last Call. This bargain store holds out favorite name-brand clothing for a cheaper price! The atmosphere is friendly, warm, and the amount of clothes available is phenomenal.

7. Exploratorium

Bookstore, Museum, Shop

The Exploratorium science, arts and technology museum and exhibit in San Francisco, California.

The Exploratorium experience is one memory that will last a lifetime; with a combination of art, science, and fun for the kids, everyone will enjoy it here! This unique museum will teach you new things, show you wonderful sights, and give you an overall fantastic experience.

8. Blue Hawaii Açaí Café

Cafe, Restaurant, American

After enduring the warm sun rays of California, what better to do than heading to Blue Hawaii Açaí Café and cooling off will a cold açai bowl from one of the most laid-back spots in SF! A healthy bowl of açai kick-starts your immune system and gives you the boost you need to see more sights in the financial district! Not to mention how yummy it is… Blue Hawaii Açaí Café, 2 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA, USA

9. Wayfare Tavern

Restaurant, American, British

Four words: Ridiculously good fried chicken. Wayfare Tavern is the place to go for a nice sit-down meal in the Financial District. Away from the hustle and bustle of the commuter foot traffic on Market Street, this quaint spot holds food near and dear to our heart, and hopefully near and dear to your mouth! Wayfare Tavern, 558 Sacramento Street, San Francisco, CA, USA

Anywhere, San Francisco

My last, and favorite spot is any place in the city: take a seat on any surface in Financial District and look up to see an incredible view of one of the greatest cities in the world, San Francisco. By Ayah Mouhktar

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.