San Francisco is a lively city, full of attractions and places to admire. While on vacation in this beautiful city, it might be helpful to know that there is such a place as the Ferry Building Marketplace, the perfect place to have breakfast or lunch in San Francisco.
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History of the Ferry Building
Once upon a time, the Ferry Building was an important transport hub. In the 1920s, as many as 50,000 commuters flocked in from the bay every day, making the place a frenetic crossroads. Today the Ferry Building presents itself in a completely different way. If you go in the morning, you will find a peaceful and quiet place, feel the morning breeze, and above the Ferry Building, you will see a magnificent bell tower inspired by the Giralda, the bell tower of the Cathedral of Seville. The bell tower in San Francisco has stood there for more than 100 years.
During the 50s, when the use of ferries gradually ceased to be the main means of transportation in the bay, the building began to be used less and less, so much so that it was used as office space. The turning point came at the beginning of the new millennium when an impressive restoration project was launched that transformed it into one of the most famous markets and meeting points in the city.
Despite this profound renovation, it still continues to fulfill its role as a ferry terminal. This is also the starting point for ferries to some well-known tourist areas such as Sausalito, Tiburon, Oakland, and Vallejo.
Location and When to Visit It
The Ferry Building is located in front of Market Street in the busy area known as Embarcadero. The historic cable cars on the E and F lines stop right in front of the building.
The general hours of operation of the Ferry Building are as follows:
- Monday to Friday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Saturdays from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Sundays from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
The only days that the Ferry Building is closed are Christmas, Thanksgiving, and January 1st. Keep in mind, however, that the hours of individual stores within the market may vary. For this reason, I invite you to consult the official website if you want to be sure to visit the shop you are interested in while it is open.
The best times to visit the Ferry Building are on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, when there is the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market. Stalls of all kinds are arranged around the building, which gives you a wide selection for your breakfast or lunch. This market is very well known for the quality of its local products, and it is so popular that it is estimated that almost 40,000 people visit the market every week.
Things to Do
Once you arrive in the area you can then decide whether you want to visit the market around the building (on the days when it takes place) or go inside the building and discover the many craft shops and restaurants that are hosted here.
There is also the possibility to go up to the upper floor where there are no shops but you will only have the possibility to watch from above the swarming of people below you.
But the most fascinating point is definitely outside. As soon as you cross the building, you will find yourself on a beautiful pier facing the San Francisco Bay, where the morning breeze, seagulls, and street musicians contribute to creating a very poetic atmosphere.
Ferry Building Restaurants
Having breakfast or lunch at the dockside tables is a unique experience. Here at the Ferry Building, you may enjoy poached eggs with truffle pecorino cheese and polenta (Boulette’s Larder’s specialty), or excellent homemade berry jam toast accompanied by delicious organic juices. It is the ideal place in San Francisco to have an unforgettable experience.
This is a list of the other main restaurants and dining options inside the Ferry Building, however, keep in mind that prices can be a bit higher than average.
- Acme Bread Company: A vast assortment of bread of all shapes, types, and sizes prepared by hand and with a careful selection of the best flours.
- Biscuit Bender: The realm of homemade biscuits both sweet and savory that will most likely satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
- Blue Bottle Coffee: This is definitely one of the recommended places to have breakfast thanks to the wide choice of coffee and pastries.
- Brown Sugar Kitchen: In this restaurant, you can taste the cuisine of chef Tanya Holland, whose mission is to put a modern spin on the classic soul food recipes of the South.
- Hog Island Oyster Company: If you want to eat here you’ll have to arm yourself with a little bit of patience (or be lucky) because there’s always a long line to get in. Once you’re seated, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy some phenomenal seafood, including oysters, with a beautiful view of the bay.
- Dandelion Chocolate: Chocolate lovers, this is the place for you. Here you will find dozens of different types of chocolate from all over the world. Whether you are visiting San Francisco in winter or on a cold day, it is also the perfect place to drink hot chocolate.
This is only the tip of the iceberg. If you want to plan your visit in detail, I suggest you consult this page of the official website where you can also find the opening hours of every single store.
Once you’ve enjoyed your breakfast or lunch, you can then head on a tour of the city with a full and satisfied belly. If you’re looking for an itinerary of San Francisco, you can see my post Visit San Francisco: Here are 7 must-see attractions.
Where to Stay in the Area
In case you are looking for a hotel in the immediate vicinity, you can read our article about the Ferry Building where you will find the detailed section with our advice on where to stay in San Francisco.
