Ferry Building at Embarcadero in San Francisco, California

Visiting the Ferry Building at Embarcadero is one of the best things to do in San Francisco. That's saying quite a lot in a city this full of great attractions. A landmark building that opened in 1898, the Ferry Building in San Francisco is more enticing than ever thanks to a series of renovations. There may be no better place to spend a morning, thanks largely in part to the Ferry Building Market, which is open daily. Few cities in the country rival San Francisco when it comes to rewarding dining options, and the gourmet food at this renowned market only helps to cement the city's status as an excellent place to get something good to eat.

The Ferry Building in San Francisco, much like Ghirardelli Square, is a mixed-use facility of high repute. In addition to being an office building and a gourmet marketplace, the Ferry Building at Embarcadero is also a ferry terminal. Numerous ferries that navigate the waters of the San Francisco Bay serve the ferry terminal, hence the building's name. Arriving by way of ferry isn't the only way to get to the Ferry Building at Embarcadero. This historic landmark is also accessible via the MUNI and BART networks, which feature trains, trolleys, cable cars, and street cars. As a side note, special MUNI passes can be purchased by travelers who want to get the best deal when it comes to public transportation, and the CityPass tourist card allows for unlimited MUNI transportation for a week.

Once visitors arrive at the Ferry Building in San Francisco, they usually head straight for the gourmet food stands. The Ferry Building Market is a wonderland for food lovers, and tea and wine enthusiasts will also feel at home here. Many of the best gourmet products that come out of California can be found at this market, and there are plenty of international delights to savor as well. When visitors aren't perusing the tempting goods at the Ferry Building Market, they can pay one of the onsite restaurants a visit. This fantastic, mixed-use complex is also home to delis, cafes, and wine bars.

The Ferry Building in San Francisco appeals to visitors on many different levels. In addition to being an office building, a transportation hub, a gourmet food center, and an all around shopping venue, the Ferry Building is also a historic landmark. Guided walking tours of the building can be enjoyed on Saturdays and Tuesdays, and they are free. These tours, which are offered by the fantastic San Francisco City Guides, highlight things such as the building's beautiful clock tower, which was modeled after the stunning Giralda tower in Seville, Spain. The San Francisco City Guides also offer tours for some of the city's other top attractions, including the Golden Gate Bridge, the Coit Tower, and the Haight Ashbury district, to name a few.