The 9 Best Things To Do and See In San Francisco’s Financial District

The equivalent of the Empire State Building in New York City, the Transamerica Pyramid was the tallest skyscraper in the San Francisco skyline at the time of completion in 1972. Comprised of 48-stories and 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)!

The Ferry Building is a grand and beautiful blue building that has an immense clock tower, 245 feet (75 metres) 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 food 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.

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, making it a thriving commercial hub in the city. A booming area, it has something for every traveller or local who visits San Francisco. Representing the diverse array of entertainment, culture and leisure that San Francisco has to offer.

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. A truly unique experience to see San Francisco in a new light as you travel through the storyline of what this incredible city has to offer.

The Punch Line Comedy Club is the perfect destination after a long day of sightseeing and people-watching, one of the best ways to relax after a hectic day in the Financial District. A welcoming atmosphere 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! There are shows on everyday, so let it tie in naturally to your travelling plans if you have an evening free.

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. A wonderful place for curious minds to experience and explore the world through science, art and human perception it is impossible to tire of what this place has to offer.

After enduring the warm sun rays of California, what better to do than heading to Blue Hawaii Açaí Café and cooling off with a cold açai bowl from one of the most laid-back spots in SF! Live the lifestyle of a true Californian. 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, but you should try for yourself – you’ll most likely be going back for more.

Four words: Ridiculously good fried chicken. Wayfare Tavern is the place to go for a nice sit-down meal in the Financial District. Transport yourself to 1900s San Francisco, inspired by the city’s iconic restaurant culture. 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!

My last, and favorite spot is honestly just anywhere in this incredible city. Grab a coffee, a book or even a journal to jot down what you see in true Beat Generation style and take a seat on any surface in Financial District. Have a look up to see an incredible view of one of the greatest cities in the world, San Francisco.