Stunning The Transamerica Pyramid is a 48-story modernist skyscraper in San Francisco, California, United States, and the second tallest building in the San Francisco skyline. Located at 600 Montgomery Street between Clay and Washington Streets in the city's Financial District, it was the tallest building in San Francisco from its completion in 1972 until 2018 when the newly-constructed Salesforce Tower surpassed its height. The building no longer houses the headquarters of the Transamerica Corporation, which moved its U.S. headquarters to Baltimore, Maryland. However, the building is still associated with the company by being depicted on the company's logo. Designed by architect William Pereira and built by Hathaway Dinwiddie Construction Company, the building stands at 853 feet (260 m). On completion in 1972 it was the eighth-tallest building in the world. It is also a popular tourist site. In 2020, the building was sold to NYC investor Michael Shvo, who in 2022 hired Norman Foster to redesign the interiors and renovate the building.
Reservation recommended
No

The Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco is an iconic landmark that dominates the city's skyline. The unique pyramid shape and towering height make it an instantly recognizable symbol of San Francisco. Visitors can take in the stunning views of the city from the observation deck on the 27th floor, or admire the pyramid's sleek and modern design from street level. While the building is primarily used as an office tower, it remains a popular tourist attraction and a testament to the city's innovative spirit. Overall, the Transamerica Pyramid is a must-see for anyone visiting San Francisco.
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

The Transamerica Pyramid is an architectural masterpiece! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This iconic skyscraper defines the San Francisco skyline and is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. Its unique design sets it apart from all other buildings, making it an instantly recognizable symbol of the Bay Area. Whether you're admiring it from the ground or taking in the incredible views from the top, the Transamerica Pyramid is a true San Francisco treasure. Don't miss the opportunity to witness this architectural marvel!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
No

The Transamerica Pyramid is as synonymous with San Francisco as the Golden Gate Bridge and cable cars. Arguably one of the most recognized building in the city's skyline, it graces postcards and street art and has an IMDB credit list any working actor would be proud of. Yet an air of mystery surrounds the 50-year-old landmark. Transamerica Pyramid is San Francisco's second tallest building and number 68 on the world’s tallest buildings list. It has 48 floors of office space, while the last 212 feet is an uninhabited cone.

We regularly espied this grand and distinctive edifice as we walked around the city. We looked forward to visiting it. Dating from the early 1970s, it has an attention grabbing profile, towering into the skyline. It was interesting to learn that it was built on the site of Montgomery Block that in its time was a terminus of the Pony Express. After admiring the elegant facade features we stepped into the foyer. Some attractive artworks are to be viewed in addition to plaques to its antecedent.

One of San Francisco's famous landmarks, it's interesting to see up close. You just can't go up to the observation floor unless you have business in the building and/or know someone who works there. Access has been limited since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
Free

The Transamerica pyramid was the 8th tallest building in America when it was completed in 1972. It is is 853 ft high the two wings on the side of the building are to accommodate the elevator and the stairs. It is well worth going to see however sadly the observation deck is no longer open.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Very cool, unique building you’ve probably seen in movies and television shows over the years. Visible from a lot of different spots in the city - actually a good landmark when walking around and trying to figure out if your going the right direction
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

A very unique looking building that is dated back to the 70’. In chilly days, you could also see the clouds passing by it. In close up it looks a bit scary to me due to its height and shape haha. Has not been inside but apparently this is one of San Francisco’s iconic buildings. Used to be the tallest building in San Francisco.

Was planning to go up to the scenic deck, but too bad it's under renovation now. But still can appreciate the architecture of it, especially the silhouette as part of the skyline of San Francisco Will definitely visit again when it opened to the public.
Visited on
Weekend
Reservation recommended
Not sure

When I first saw the building, I was amazed by the design . Each side is a triangle and can be seen from far away.. Then I started to walk toward it to see the front. It was christmas time, and the building was decorated with flowers. It was beautiful and one of the best architectural pieces!

I’ve always wanted to see this iconic building in person, and I’m glad I got the opportunity. It’s a behemoth, towering over its surroundings. Even if it’s no longer the tallest building in the city, it’s still a famous part of the skyline and worth checking out.
Visited on
Weekday

Such an iconic landmark, worth seeing and visiting from a ton of different viewpoints in the city. A really unique and individual part of the San Francisco skyline. You get a good vantage point from a few piers as well as some neighborhoods nearby that have good direct views.

Very cool, unique building you’ve probably seen in movies and television shows over the years. Visible from a lot of different spots in the city - actually a good landmark when walking around and trying to figure out if your going the right direction.

The ICON of San Francisco since over 50th years. I love this building since I saw it the first time in 1996. An incredible Building - man made Building…
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Very recognizable structure. Awesome to see while wandering the city. I recommend going to Coit Tower in SF to have views of buildings like this. Be ready to pay for Coit Tower though. $10 for adults, little less for youths and children.

Loved the redwood mini-grove next door. It's a striking building to see, from all over the city. But we couldn't find any tour info or way to access any.viewing areas. Would love to have been able to enjoy the inside or view also.

It’s one of the most famous skyscrapers in San Francisco and it’s close to pier one. We were not inside the building
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Cool building, but no access for tourists (and currently undergoing a restoration).
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Rating this building is really just rating the artist that put this whole thing together. From the grounds and buildings around it, to the building itself: This was beautiful.
Visited on
Weekday

Iconic San Francisco building. If you’ve ever viewed the SF skyline, you’ll instantly recognize this view. The offices on the higher floors have stunning 360° views of the Bay Area.

What an Icon. Very impressive up close. Currently undergoing extensive renovations. I hope there will be some form of access for visitors in the future.
Visited on
Weekday

What more can be said? It’s one of the most iconic buildings in the world. I was fortunate enough to attend a meeting inside and the San Francisco Bay views are breathtaking.

42/42 can't wait to go inside and relax finally
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Iconic building in San Francisco. Has it’s own small park right behind and it’s a cool spot to bring your lunch and just hang out for a while if you work in downtown

Not much to see up close but good to stop by for some shots if you're already in Chinatown, just a few blocks away.
Visited on
Weekday

“Iconic” no, it’s just bad - and it’s not even a real pyramid, it’s a prism with a pyramid on top. The Bass Pro Shop Pyramid did it better

Beautiful building.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

It was late, everything shut down for the day. Kind of nice to have the place myself. Now that I think off it, make it four (4) stars.

Another iconic landmark that symbolizes San Francisco and was it's tallest building until 2017 when the Salesforce Tower was built.

One of the most beautiful buildings in the world. The most iconic symbol of SF's architecture. Beautiful design, gentle brutalism,

So fascinating this building....it's iconic and interesting. Not great parking anywhere but on weekends is a good time to visit.

There is a museum line store at the bottom of the building where you can buy gifts and learn about the history of the building.

Great landmark but under construction
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

A beautiful architecture gem on SF's skyline. There is a small park north from the building to enjoy the view from close.

What a treat! Foggy, but quintessentially San Francisco. National AIDS Memorial Grove event hosted on the 48th floor.

One of the most recognizable skyscrapers of any city skyline, I swear this one is holding the whole thing together

Interesting architecture and an iconic building of San Fran. Didn't find any access to the building though.

A stunning feat of architecture. It’s a shame you cannot see it from more points in the city.

Great architektural building in the middle of the financial district. Nice to walk by.

Iconic California landmark. Don't miss the California historical marker in the lobby.

Unique piece of architecture centered in the financial district. Great site to visit.

I was in pier 7 standing in front of the Transamerica Pyramid. Very beautiful.

Magnificent building even from far. Very obvious landmark in San Francisco.

This is the transamerican pyramid opened in 1972. Very beautiful structure!

Iconic building with great angles especially from Columbus ave

Downtown not well organized as much as Chicago or New York

Very striking building with a high degree of recognition.

Looked great when I went these two different times.

I love taking pictures of this building!