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Ferry Building, San Francisco

The Embarcadero, San Francisco, California

Description

The Ferry Building was designed by architect A. Page Brown in the Beaux-Arts style and built in the 1890's. The 75m clock tower drew inspiration from La Giralda, Seville Cathedral's bell tower. Nowadays it mostly houses shops, F&B stores and restaurants; there is also a thrice weekly outdoor farmers market.

Access & Transport

The Ferry Building Marketplace is located along the Embarcadero at the foot of Market Street. MUNI, BART and Ferry Boat go there and the historic trolley cars (Line F Market) stop directly in front of the Ferry Building. Preferred parking location is at the Washington & Embarcadero Lot. Additional public parking can be found in lots along the Embarcadero and open, metered street parking

Instructions & Recommendations

The Farmers Market takes place on Tuesday (10h-14h), Thursday (10h-14h) and Saturday (8h-14h)

Meta review

Very popular with travellers and residents alike based on online reviews. The building with its clocktower is attractive but the main attraction are the shops inside (and stalls outside when the farmers market is on). Customers enjoy the quality of the products - though they can be pricey - and the seats at the back of the building from where one can eat whilst enjoying the views of the bay.

Environmental & Social

The Farmers Market is operated by the Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture (CUESA) which has a focus on sustainability. No data regarding the ferry building but it has been repurposed (not built to house food stalls)

Conclusion

The Ferry Terminal has great exterior architecture and is a foodie heaven inside, although at marked-up price - but considering the quality of the experience and setting/location we very much think it is worth patronizing.

Key positive

Plenty of F&B choice and good quality overall

Centrally located with good views

Key negative

Products are a little overpriced

Suitability

No restrictions

About this Rating

TYPE

Onsite

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in July 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Opens 7h00-20h00 but shops opening hours are shorter. Closed on Thanksgiving, 25 Dec, 01 Jan

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:1h 15m

Regulated hours

Monday09:00 - 18:00

Tuesday09:00 - 18:00

Wednesday09:00 - 18:00

Thursday09:00 - 18:00

Friday09:00 - 18:00

Saturday09:00 - 18:00

Sunday10:00 - 17:00

Pricing
Free

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