Transamerica Pyramid
San Francisco's iconic pyramid-shaped skyscraper, a marvel of seismic engineering and urban design.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Transamerica Pyramid
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
San Francisco's iconic pyramid-shaped skyscraper, a marvel of seismic engineering and urban design.
"Can't miss it, one of the most iconic buildings in the city."
☕ Lobby Cafe Delights
Enjoy a high-quality, albeit pricey, latte and architecture books in the stylish lobby cafe.
🌳 Redwood Park Serenity
Relax in the mini redwood park behind the building; it's an awesome urban escape.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Pyramid's Silhouette
Skyline views
San Francisco's iconic pyramid-shaped skyscraper, a beacon of modern architecture.
Ground-Level Revitalization
Base of the building
Explore the newly renovated redwood park and lobby cafe, offering a serene urban oasis.
Norman Foster Exhibition
Transamerica Pyramid lobby
Discover architectural models and insights from Lord Norman Foster's transformative designs.
Planning Your Visit
Observation Deck Status
Window Cleaning Wonders
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☕ Lobby Cafe Delights
Enjoy a high-quality, albeit pricey, latte and architecture books in the stylish lobby cafe.
🌳 Redwood Park Serenity
Relax in the mini redwood park behind the building; it's an awesome urban escape.
💡 Check for Exhibits
Look out for free exhibits like 'The Vertical City' showcasing architectural marvels.
📸 Best Views from Afar
Iconic views are best seen from Chinatown or the piers, not necessarily up close.
Tips
from all over the internet
☕ Lobby Cafe Delights
Enjoy a high-quality, albeit pricey, latte and architecture books in the stylish lobby cafe.
🌳 Redwood Park Serenity
Relax in the mini redwood park behind the building; it's an awesome urban escape.
💡 Check for Exhibits
Look out for free exhibits like 'The Vertical City' showcasing architectural marvels.
📸 Best Views from Afar
Iconic views are best seen from Chinatown or the piers, not necessarily up close.
🍸 48th Floor Bar
A new bar on the 48th floor offers views, but is currently for tenants only.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the Transamerica Pyramid's iconic status and unique architectural design, often admiring it from afar. While the exterior and surrounding park are appreciated, the closure of the observation deck is a frequent point of disappointment. The lobby cafe and any temporary exhibits offer some interior engagement.
"We came here to get a closer look at this interesting building. It is so visible from any part of the city due to it’s height and unique design. Its modern and clean design is a contrast to other office buildings.
We were also hoping to see some of the wild parrots that now make their home in the redwood park at the base of this building. We did not have any luck with the parrots.
We did find an interesting exhibit at the Transamerica. It was called the The Vertical City and displayed some of the buildings designed by Lord Norman Foster a world renowned architect. Besides building models it also had drawings and videos. His company had redesigned parts of the building’s interior and exterior at ground level to revitalize it.
They also designed the Millennium Tower in Tokyo, 30 St Mary Axe in London and 425 and 270 (completing this year) Park Avenue in New York along with buildings in Kuwait and Germany.
The exhibit is open until April 30. It is definitely worth seeing!"
Patrick Graham
"We definitely enjoyed the free exhibit and getting to learn the history of that building and this area. The guys in there were entertaining and knowledgeable. Definitely worth a quick 30 min to hour visit!"
Robert Blanton
"They've done a great job with the building renovations and reopening the small redwood park outside. The new bar on the 48th floor is a great addition, but it is rather pricey and ONLY open to building tenants and their employees (at least currently)."
Thomas Achatz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Transamerica Pyramid is easily accessible via public transportation in San Francisco. Consider taking BART to Montgomery Street Station or various MUNI bus lines that stop nearby. Parking in the Financial District can be expensive, so public transit is often recommended.
Yes, there are several parking garages in the vicinity of the Transamerica Pyramid. However, parking in downtown San Francisco is generally costly. It's advisable to check parking apps for real-time availability and rates.
If you are in the downtown San Francisco area, walking to the Transamerica Pyramid is a great option. It's a prominent landmark and easy to find.
While you can see the Transamerica Pyramid from many parts of the city, some of the best vantage points for photos are from Chinatown or the Embarcadero piers.
Absolutely! The Transamerica Pyramid's unique shape and height make it highly visible from many parts of San Francisco, serving as a distinctive landmark.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The 48th-floor observation deck has been closed to the public since 9/11. While there are plans for a bar on this floor, public access for general viewing is not currently available.
There is no entrance fee to view the exterior of the Transamerica Pyramid or to visit the lobby cafe and the redwood park. Access to specific exhibits or the new bar may have associated costs or restrictions.
The exterior and public areas like the lobby cafe and park generally follow business hours. Specific exhibit hours or cafe operating times should be checked directly.
For general viewing of the exterior or visiting the lobby cafe, no advance booking is typically required. If any special events or exhibits are planned, it's best to check their specific ticketing policies.
Yes, the redwood park at the base and often exhibits in the lobby are free to visit. These offer a great way to experience the building's surroundings and history.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you can visit the lobby cafe, explore architectural exhibits, and enjoy the mini redwood park. The unique window cleaning system is also a notable feature.
The pyramid's unique shape was designed by architect William Pereira to withstand earthquakes, a crucial consideration in San Francisco.
The pyramid shape was chosen for structural integrity against earthquakes and to allow sunlight to reach the streets below, minimizing the building's shadow.
Beyond its iconic pyramid shape, the building features a unique window cleaning system where windows rotate for interior washing, and its spire adds to its distinctive profile.
Some visitors hope to see wild parrots in the redwood park at the base of the building, though sightings are not guaranteed.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a cafe in the lobby offering drinks and a pleasant atmosphere. A new bar has been added to the 48th floor, but it is currently for building tenants and their employees.
The lobby cafe offers high-quality beverages, including lattes, and has a nice atmosphere with architecture books.
Yes, visitors have noted that the cafe is 'wildly expensive,' so be prepared for higher prices.
The area around the Transamerica Pyramid, particularly in the Financial District and nearby Chinatown, offers a wide range of dining options from casual to upscale. Maison Nico next door is recommended for croissants and lattes.
A new bar on the 48th floor offers views, but access is currently restricted to building tenants and their employees.
📸 📸 Photography
For the most iconic shots, try framing the pyramid from Chinatown's rooftops or from the piers along the Embarcadero.
Photography is generally allowed in public areas like the lobby and the redwood park. Specific restrictions may apply to exhibits or private areas.
Weekday mornings offer fewer crowds and good natural light. Evenings are also popular to capture the building's new lighting features.
Capture the pyramid against the San Francisco skyline, or focus on the architectural details of the lobby and the surrounding redwood park.
The eastern side of the Transamerica Pyramid has been updated with new lights, adding a fresh energy to its nighttime appearance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Day-Trippers
🏛️ Architecture Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Innovation and Design
This unique silhouette made it the tallest building in San Francisco for nearly 50 years, becoming an indelible part of the city's skyline. Its design was controversial at the time, with some finding it out of place, but it has since become a beloved and iconic landmark. The building's spire, reaching 850 feet, further accentuates its striking profile.
Recent renovations have focused on revitalizing the ground-level experience. The lobby and the area surrounding the building have been redesigned, including the creation of a mini redwood park. These updates aim to integrate the iconic structure more harmoniously with its urban environment and enhance public access to its immediate surroundings.
The Observation Deck Saga
Despite numerous calls and petitions to reopen the deck, there have been no concrete plans for its public return for over two decades. While the building has undergone significant renovations, including the addition of a bar on the 48th floor, this new amenity is currently restricted to building tenants and their employees. This leaves many hoping for a return of public access to the iconic views.
Recent reports suggest that the new bar on the 48th floor is part of a broader renovation project aimed at revitalizing the building. While this doesn't guarantee public access to the observation deck, it indicates ongoing efforts to enhance the building's appeal and functionality. Visitors interested in the views might need to explore alternative viewpoints around the city for now.
Window Cleaning: A Daredevil's Task
This system, while efficient, has been described by former employees as 'fucking terrifying.' The idea of window cleaners leaning over desks to access and clean the rotating panes, without ropes or safety harnesses, raises significant OSHA concerns for some. It's a stark visual that highlights the building's unique engineering and the daring nature of the work performed.
While this method is a testament to the building's forward-thinking design, it also contributes to the mystique and occasional apprehension surrounding the Transamerica Pyramid. It's a detail that often surprises visitors and adds another layer to the building's storied history and operational quirks.
Social
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