San Francisco Locals Flock To This Popular Spot With Delicious Restaurants

Perched on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco is a city that offers adventures for every type of traveler. From epic parks with stunning scenery to historic neighborhoods like the oldest Japantown in America, the diversity of experiences possible in San Fran attracts millions of tourists from around the world each year. If you're looking for a single destination where you can sample the city's thriving foodie scene while enjoying historic architecture, you should head straight to the Ferry Building Marketplace.

Many travelers believe that San Francisco is America's coziest city, and when you get to know the different neighborhoods and the locals who call the city home, it's easy to see why. The Ferry Building Marketplace is popular among residents and tourists alike, and visiting it is a wonderful way to connect with the locals and immerse yourself in the community.

The Ferry Building dates back over a hundred years and is worth visiting all on its own, but the gastronomy in the marketplace will make you want to return again and again. San Francisco has been dubbed the Culinary Capital of America, so sampling some of the local cuisine should be on every traveler's bucket list. At the Ferry Building Marketplace, you can enjoy a sit down meal prepared by local chefs, or browse the farmers market booths for artisan ingredients for the perfect picnic.

The Ferry Building was originally constructed in the late 1800s and first opened to the public as a transportation hub in 1898. The massive structure was built in the Beaux Arts style, with beautiful arches and a 245-foot clock tower at the center. Commuters and travelers who arrived in San Francisco via the ferry were greeted by the opulent building that would have looked right at home in a major European city.

As automobiles became more popular and other iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge were constructed, the Ferry Building wasn't used nearly as frequently. Eventually, in the 1950s, it was converted into office space. In the late 1990s, a massive restoration project began, and after four years, the Ferry Building Marketplace opened to the public in 2003. Now it serves as one of the city's top culinary destinations, and a gathering space for the Bay Area's vibrant local communities.

The bustling marketplace is home to multiple vendors who sell everything from artisan bread to locally produced gourmet cheeses. Visitors can enjoy a nice dinner at one of the many restaurants located within the building. From fresh seafood with views of the San Francisco Bay to flavorful global cuisine from Latin America and Cambodia, there is something to tempt every type of traveler, no matter their taste. The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market is held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and is located just outside of the Ferry Building Marketplace. It's the perfect place to pick up some fresh local produce.

The Ferry Building Marketplace is easy to reach via San Francisco's public transportation system. It's located at the end of Market Street on the Embarcadero, which is the waterfront that faces east in San Francisco. There is a large pedestrian area overlooking the bay and shaded by palm trees, where locals and tourists enjoy strolling along the water. From San Francisco International Airport, you can get there by car in around 30 minutes. On public transportation, the journey will take you about 40 minutes.

The Ferry Building Marketplace is one of the highlights of the Embarcadero. You can travel there via BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), Muni buses, or take the historic F-Line streetcar. Taking a ferry is also an option. BART will drop you off at the Embarcadero Station, which is about a block away from the Ferry Building Marketplace. The buses and the historic streetcar will stop close to the front of the building. If you're in your own car, there are some parking areas along the Embarcadero near Pier 3. The ProPark parking lot at Embarcadero and Washington Street and the Golden Gateway Garage on Clay Street are both close by.

Since the Embarcadero is close to so many tourist attractions, like Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz, and the Ferry Building Marketplace, it's a great home base for tourists visiting San Francisco. The 4-star Hotel Vitale is just steps away from the Ferry Building Marketplace, and the Hyatt Regency San Francisco is also a short walk from the building.