The Ferry Building Marketplace is a must-see for San Francisco visitors. This multi-million dollar development has an abundance of activities for the entire family. This marvelous building was designed by renowned architect Arthur Page Brown in Beaux Arts Style. Similar to that of the iconic Giralda Bell Tower in Seville, the clock tower of this building is a popular landmark and call be seen from afar. Take a tour of the historic Ferry Building, browse through antique shops, enjoy a view by the bay and a bowl of chowder at Ferry Plaza Seafood or buy organic produce at the Farmer's Market. Enjoy the sights and sounds of what makes the Ferry Building one of the Bay's most popular destinations for entertainment, food, and fun.
Temescal Alley has emerged as a hotbed of activity. A lot of development has happened through the years and now a lot of independent shops, restaurants and artist's shops are open in the alley. There are restaurants and ice cream parlors also, which offer a wide variety of cuisine to the tourists. The architecture of the alley is of early 20th Century and due to this the shops which are located in this alley have maintained the buildings as they were. The owner's of the shops have formed small communities amongst themselves. This place has developed a lot over the years and has become a small sweet little alley for people to shop, eat and spend some time with their family.
Bi-Rite Market, located in the Mission District, is a gourmet lover's paradise. The market features a wealth of organic and locally-produced cheeses, baked goods, meat, poultry, fish and produce. They also have an outstanding counter of prepared foods which change daily - the pork belly spaghetti and short ribs & polenta are recommended. If you're in the area, be sure to stop by nearby Bi-Rite Creamery for a tasty ice cream treat (you can find pints of their famous ice cream in the market freezer section too).
Oakland is all about its Farmer's Markets, and the Sunday Temescal Farmer's Market is certainly no exception. This market is a bit smaller than many of the other Oakland Farmer's Markets, although many regular shoppers see that as a good thing. Come to get the best pick of the best seasonal fruits and vegetables, along with high quality meats, baked goods, plants, flowers and prepared foods like tamales or wood-fired pizza.
On sunny East Bay Saturdays, and even the cloudy ones, residents take a trip to this farmers' market, set in a charming part of downtown Oakland near Lake Merritt and the Grand Lake Theatre. It is an ongoing market and offers the chance to buy seasonal and organic produce, homemade baked goods, large farm eggs, and more. You will enjoy the opportunity of buying such items as fresh-cut sunflowers and ripe cherries direct from local growers. Admission is free. Some vendors may take credit cards.
Swan Marketplace is housed in a building that spans an entire area in the Old Oakland neighborhood. The building was constructed in stages at different times between 1917 and 1940. The terra cotta and brick building has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Many organizations and restaurants call this historic building home, including the historic Housewives Market, which has been operating since the early 20th Century. Today, visitors to the marketplace can wander through the indoor and outdoor spaces, taking in the scenery and the smells coming from the many delicious restaurants housed in the building.
Heart of The City is an independent, farmer-owned, non-profit farmers market that is set up within the United Nations Plaza every Wednesday and Sunday. The market offers a selection of fresh produce from small, local, family-owned farms including fruits, vegetables, flowers, dairy products, jams & jellies, honey, baked goods, and much more. Unlike other farmers markets, Heart of The City seeks to cater to low-income families by providing produce that is not only affordable, but of exceptional quality, without short-changing the participating farmers.
In an area that is remarkably devoid of grocery stores, Harvest Urban Market stands as an oasis of speciality food, fresh produce and pre-packaged, healthy meals. The store boasts an impressive variety of fresh organic produce, speciality foods, wine, beer, coffees, and other items you would expect to find at a market. Apart from offering an array of pre-packaged deli meals like salads and sandwiches, the store also has a hot deli section where you can order freshly prepared meals to-go and an extensive salad bar. Their cafe serves coffee and light snacks throughout the day, while breakfast is served until 3p daily. Catering services are available as well. Although it's prices may be somewhat higher than competitors, it's convenient location and delicious offerings have made the Harvest Urban Market the go-to choice for many.
Bi-Rite Market, located in the Mission District, is a gourmet lover's paradise. The market features a wealth of organic and locally-produced cheeses, baked goods, meat, poultry, fish and produce. They also have an outstanding counter of prepared foods which change daily - the pork belly spaghetti and short ribs & polenta are recommended. If you're in the area, be sure to stop by nearby Bi-Rite Creamery for a tasty ice cream treat (you can find pints of their famous ice cream in the market freezer section too).
The Pacific Heights is one of the most sought after neighborhoods of San Francisco. The uphill slopes that soar over the San Francisco Bay, offer stunning views of the mighty Golden Gate Bridge and the opulent Palace of Fine Arts. A classy neighborhood with affluent architectural style, this is home to some of the best fashion brands in San Francisco.
Ming Lee Trading Inc is a haven for anyone looking to stock their pantry with quintessential Asian groceries. Camouflaged between a number of similar looking stores, it could be an adventure to locate this classic supermarket, but it's so worth the treasure hunt! From spices, dressings for your salads, sauces, to dry goods, ready-to-eat snacks, dips, cheeses and more, almost everything you need has made its way to the store's racks. Also, do not forget to browse through the downstairs stock of candies and chocolates; if you have a sweet tooth then you would not want to leave this place without loading on plenty of sweet treats. The store has a sorted layout but the knowledgeable staff is always available for help if you find it difficult to locate something in particular.