things to do san francisco financial district

A Guide to San Francisco’s Financial District

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At first glance, the Financial District may not be a place where you would expect to find many points of interest, compared to the many other neighborhoods in San Francisco. However, upon closer inspection, you will be pleasantly surprised. Let’s find out a little more about the Financial District and what are the main attractions to visit.

General Information and History of the District

Financial district san francisco things to do

Easily recognizable from afar, San Francisco’s Financial District is the economic and financial heart of the city and harmoniously combines tall skyscrapers, often the headquarters of some of the most important multinational corporations, with old historic buildings and beautiful squares and areas.

The area has been inhabited since the days when the area was known by the name Yerba Buena under Spanish and Mexican rule, and the discovery of gold deposits and the subsequent Gold Rush there set in motion major housing development. The construction of tall skyscrapers along Market Street, at that time the only ones on the West Coast, began, and several bankers and businessmen settled in this part of the city. Unfortunately, the terrible earthquake of 1906 destroyed almost all the buildings there, especially the taller ones. However, the area had already become the hub of the city and was rebuilt in a short period of time with relatively lower buildings along with San Francisco’s other neighborhoods.

Today, the Financial District is no longer considered the Wall Street of the West Coast now that Los Angeles is the primary financial center, but it still holds an important place in the finance world and is home to many attractions to visit in San Francisco.

Directions


The Financial District is located in the northeastern part of the city. It borders Union Square to the west, Chinatown to the northwest, and Embarcadero to the northeast. Market Street is the border between the Financial District and SoMa.

Getting to San Francisco’s Financial District either by public transportation or by car is very easy. Because of its central location you can also reach the city’s other neighborhoods in a short amount of time.

  • The charm of the cable cars is unparalleled. To get to Fisherman’s Wharf via Market Street, take the F line.
  • At the station at the intersection of Montgomery Street and Market Street there is access to the BART trains and the J, K, L, M, N, T lines of the MUNI (metro).

There are also numerous buses that run on the main streets of the Financial District:

  • Lines 2, 6, 9 run along Market Street,
  • Lines 114, 132, 154 and 172 run along Pine Street,
  • Lines 101, 130, 150 will drop you off at Mission Street.

Things to Do in San Francisco’s Financial District

Transamerica Pyramid

financial district san francisco

The Transamerica Pyramid is one of the icons of San Francisco: it was built in 1972 and its design is attributed to architect William Pereira. Built by the Hathaway Dinwiddie Construction Company, it housed the headquarters of the Transamerica Corporation. To this day (although its main offices have moved to Baltimore), the corporation continues to use the Transamerica Pyramid as its logo. The building has 48 stories and is 853 ft tall, making it the second tallest skyscraper in San Francisco. It is located at 600 Montgomery Street.

Other Notable Buildings

how to get to financial district

As you stroll through the Financial District you will see a number of skyscrapers and buildings that are important both for their historical function and for their appearance in movies:

  • 555 California Street (Bank of America Center): The third tallest skyscraper in San Francisco, 555 California Street is considered the centerpiece of the Financial District and was the headquarters of Bank of America until 1998. It was built in 1969 and is 779 ft tall. The building was featured in the 1974 film The Towering Inferno starring Steve McQueen, Paul Newman, Faye Dunaway, Fred Astaire and various other movie stars.
  • Pacific Coast Stock Exchange: At the corner of Pine Street and Sansome Street there is the building that housed the Pacific Coast Stock Exchange, which was incorporated into the New York Stock Exchange in 2006. Initially architect Milton Dyer built the building at 301 Pine Street in the Neoclassical style, but in 1930 it was renovated by architects James Rupert Miller and Timothy Pflueger. Pflueger’s drawings for this building are on display at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Michael Goodman was responsible for the design of the interior of the building. After the exchange closed, the building was sold and is now a luxury fitness center.
  • Bank of Italy Building (Clay-Montgomery Building): On August 17, 1908, the new Bank of Italy headquarters at the corner of Clay and Montgomery Streets was inaugurated. As you may know, A. P. Giannini’s Bank of Italy would later become Bank of America. The building at 550 Montgomery Street remained the headquarters of the Bank of Italy until 1921 when the offices were moved to 1 Powell Street and the building became the home of the Liberty Bank System, also owned by Giannini. Over the years the Bank of Italy Building or Clay-Montgomery Building housed various financial institutions until, a decade ago, it became home to the luxurious Wingtip Club.

Belden Place

Belden Place is a small pedestrian street renowned for its lively food scene and is the perfect place to spend a pleasant evening. Flowers and plants line the street, and the outdoor seating provides a space for people to enjoy the bubbly atmosphere. The street is located between Bush Street and Pine Street, not far from St Mary’s Square.

Wells Fargo Museum

wells fargo museum

The Wells Fargo Museum in San Francisco is an ideal place for both history buffs and families looking for interesting activities. Through interactive exhibits and historical artifacts, visitors will discover the history of Wells Fargo and its role in the development of the American West. The museum includes a replica of a stagecoach, an interactive area for children, and a collection of banknotes, coins, documents, and personal items of Wells Fargo’s founders. The Wells Fargo Museum is located at 420 Montgomery Street.

Embarcadero Center

embarcadero center

The Embarcadero Center includes 5 skyscrapers housing offices, 2 hotels, a fitness center spread over three floors, and a shopping mall with more than 125 stores. The complex, completed in 1989, thus offers a wide selection of stores, restaurants, a multiplex cinema, a contemporary art exhibition, a children’s play area, and in winter a large skating rink. Here you’ll also enjoy beautiful panoramic views of San Francisco Bay and the city.

The Punch Line Comedy Club

Punch_Line_San_Francisco
Photo by Blackguard SF

Located at 444 Battery Street, The Punch Line Comedy Club is the oldest comedy club in San Francisco. Opened in October 1978, it has hosted America’s most famous comedians over the years. When there was a risk of it closing or changing its location in 2019, campaigns and events were organized to safeguard the artistic and historical value of the venue, including its location, until the lease was renewed.

Jackson Square Historic District

Built around 1850, the Jackson Square Historic District is one of the few neighborhoods in San Francisco to have survived the various earthquakes that have struck the city. The district is thus renowned for its historic buildings as well as its vibrant arts community. Jackson Square is bordered by Broadway Street to the north, Sansome Street to the east, Washington Street to the south, and by Columbus Avenue to the west. Jackson Street is the main street. Among the most famous buildings in this part of the Financial District I suggest you visit the following:

  • Columbus Building at 1-21 Columbus Avenue
  • Fugazi Bank Building at 4 Columbus Avenue
  • Hotaling Building at 451 Jackson Street Number
  • California Masonic Lodge Number 1 at 728 Montgomery Street
  • Golden Era Building at 732 Montgomery Street
  • Congregation Sherith Israel, the oldest synagogue in the United States, at 735 Montgomery Street
  • Bank of Lucas, Turner & Company at the intersection of Montgomery Street and Jackson Street

Best Places to Eat in Financial District

San Francisco’s Financial District is full of historic buildings, skyscrapers, and also great restaurants where you can stop to enjoy a good meal between the city’s attractions.

  • Tadich Grill: This restaurant is the oldest in San Francisco and the third oldest in the United States still in business. Opened in 1849 as a coffee shop, it was purchased by John Tadich a few years later. He renamed it Tadich Grill in 1887 and has been delighting the customers who decide to stop by 240 California Street ever since.
  • Gee Whiz: If you’re in the mood for a star-studded Italian restaurant, just go to 230 California Street. Besides being recommended in the Michelin Guide, the chef will win you over with traditional northern Italian dishes.
  • Wayfare Tavern: At 558 Sacramento Street you’ll be served great American cuisine in a somewhat retro establishment with a nice, cozy atmosphere.

Where to Stay

San Francisco’s Financial District is a winning choice that you should consider when deciding where to stay in San Francisco. There are numerous hotels, including major chain hotels, and the area is well connected to other parts of the city by public transportation. In addition, there are many interesting things to visit in and around the neighborhood. History, architecture, and nice bars await you in the economic and financial heart of San Francisco. For a complete overview and more recommendations for hotels and how to save money, read our guide to the best neighborhoods where to stay in San Francisco.


Our Tip:
Looking for accommodations for your trip from California to other parts of the Southwest? Read our guide that contains reviews of hotels and strategic tips for finding accommodations near major attractions: Where to Stay: Our Tips for the SouthWest Area

Warning: Operating hours can change and closures for extraordinary events can occur, so we strongly suggest to check the venues official websites.

Flora Lufrano
Flora Lufrano

I am a translator and teacher. I love to travel, meet new people and cultures and never cease to be surprised by the beauty of our planet.

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