San Francisco City Hall
A Beaux-Arts building with a gilded dome taller than the U.S. Capitol. Its marble staircase is a popular wedding photo spot, and it is free to visit.
San Francisco City Hall was completed in 1915 and stands as a symbol of the city's rebuilding after the 1906 earthquake. Designed by Arthur Brown Jr., its dome is about 94 meters tall, taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington. The rotunda and grand marble staircase inside are majestic and ornate. Many couples register to marry and take wedding photos here, and Marilyn Monroe also registered her marriage here.
The building is open to visitors free of charge on weekdays. Security screening is required, and free guided tours are available (check the official website for details). The surrounding Civic Center includes the Asian Art Museum, the War Memorial Opera House, the Davies Symphony Hall and the Main Library. Homeless people are common in the nearby blocks, so keep an eye on your belongings. The nearest BART or light rail station is Civic Center.
Opening hours
Mon–Fri 08:00–20:00
Nearby sights
- Painted Ladies & Alamo Square
- Union Square
- Mission District & Mission Dolores
- San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
- Chinatown, San Francisco
- San Francisco Cable Cars
- Lombard Street
- Transamerica Pyramid