Guest User: Overall the room is clean and the location is great by the Berkeley downtown . I would recommend to others and come back again.
1820 University Ave
From € 107
Berkeley Travel Guide 2026: Top Attractions, Local Food & Travel Tips | Trip.com
Berkeley
About Berkeley
15℃
15°Mostly cloudy
16° / 10°
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Mostly clear18° / 9° - 11/2TueIntermittent clouds18° / 12°
- 11/3Wed
Cloudy with showers17° / 10° - 11/4ThuIntermittent clouds19° / 10°
- 11/5FriPartly clear with showers20° / 12°
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Recommended stays in Berkeley
Discover the most popular places to stay in Berkeley, complete with recommendations from fellow travelers and special hotel offers
Guest User: Classy hotel with loads of facilities. Nice bars and restaurants
41 Tunnel Road
From € 228
Guest User: The front staff was very helpful and friendly during our stayed, we really had a good time. Food was good and location is very convenient to move around with TARGET just around the corner and many restaurants nearby too. Will be back to stay in the same hotel if we visit Berkeley again.
2086 Allston Way
From € 171
HopperLL: Very nice clean with extremely friendly staff and amazing breakfasWe thoroughly enjoyed our recent visit. The establishment was remarkably spotless, which we truly appreciated. Furthermore, the team members were incredibly welcoming and helpful throughout our stay. The breakfast offerings were also quite delightful. We would highly recommend this accommodation.
2121 Center St
From € 268
Shikano3: If you have something to do at UC Berkeley, this hotel is the best place to stay with following reasons. (1) Best Location - The nearest to the UC Berkeley, (2) Staff there is super nice and friendly. It made my stay so comfortable. In a meanwhile, you need to bear in mind that (1) Facility is old, (2) you need to bear additional cost, such as Overnight Self Parking 37.00, and (2) Property Amenity Fee 25.00, (3) Property Amenity Fee City Occupancy Tax 3.00, that are not cheap. Overall, I'm satisfied with my choice!
2600 Durant Ave
From € 154
Guest User: The view was amazing and the service was fantastic. The room was also very spacious. I’d definitely visit again.
200 Marina Blvd
From € 168
Guest User: Super good I will recommend it to anyone who is staying near Berkeley
975 University Ave
From € 96
Tat: Killin is very helpful and friendly. The hotel got all we need!
1175 University Ave
From € 165
GOLDMAN: great price for a stay in bay area. great housekeeping. great breakfast. one car window smashed in parking lot- be careful and keep valuables with you. pool & waffle bfast. but bfasts ends early, by 9 am.
920 University Ave
Guest User: It is very close to the UCB dormitory, less than 100 meters away. The hotel is very quiet, with European-style rooms, lots of sunshine, comfortable bedding and clean bathroom. The breakfast is simple but includes our favorite smoked salmon. In the evening, the restaurant on the second floor coincides with a small dance party for the elderly. The faces of the elderly are filled with young and energetic smiles. It is a club-type hotel. At night, you can watch the sunset from the small balcony at the end of the floor. Very nice hotel, I will choose it again next time I come to Berkeley
2315 Durant Ave
From € 188
Must-try food in Berkeley
Want to eat like a local? Don't miss out on these top Berkeley dishes and foodie spots.
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Recent events and experiences in Berkeley
Traveler photos and experiences
Berkeley Clock Tower Viewpoint: Half Mountain and Sea, Half Books 📚
At the moment of overlooking the Bay Area from Sather Tower, I finally understood the romance that belongs to Berkeley. In the distance, you see the clouds rolling over San Francisco and the silhouette of the Golden Gate Bridge; looking down, there is the century-old campus and the hurried students. Accompanied by the chimes at noon or dusk, it feels as if time slows down. 🧗 Sather Tower Climbing Guide 📍 Location: UC Berkeley campus center, The Campanile 🕰 Opening Hours Monday to Friday | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Saturday | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sunday | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM ➕ 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM ⚠️ Note: The carillon concert usually closes the tower from 1 PM to 3 PM on Sundays, so don’t go during this time to avoid a wasted trip! 🎫 Ticket Information Credit Card Only, no cash accepted, $5 for general visitors 🎒 About Backpacks Large backpacks are not allowed inside the tower; big backpacks cannot be brought into the elevator. There is a free storage area in the first-floor lobby. Only bring your phone, camera, and small shoulder bags for a light climb. 📷 Photo Tips ▫️ Inside the tower: Look up to capture the huge bronze bell and mechanical structure. ▫️ Panoramic view: On a clear day, use a telephoto lens to compress the scene and frame the campus buildings with the distant Bay Bridge. ▫️ Golden hour: The light from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM is the gentlest, bathing the entire Bay Area in golden hues.
Getting Lost Near the Greek Theatre
#planitorwingit My walk through the backstreets of Via Pirandello was a "plan it" decision, sort of. I knew I wanted to see the area around the Greek Theatre without joining a tour, so I gave myself a rough time slot but no fixed path. It turned out to be the perfect balance. I wandered past ancient stone walls, ducked under laundry lines, and followed a narrow lane that seemed to lead nowhere. I stumbled upon a tiny, family-run ceramic shop tucked away from the crowds. The owner, Giuseppe, was shaping a vase by hand and offered me a coffee (€1, cash only). We chatted for 20 minutes about the town’s history—something no guidebook could have provided. My tip? If you want to explore the historic backstreets, don't over-plan. Give yourself a general direction and a couple of hours, then just wander. And always carry some cash; you never know when you'll want to buy a handmade souvenir or accept a kind gesture.
Matcha Lovers, Don't Miss Out! YUME MATCHA: A Green Tea Lover's Paradise 🍵
If you're searching for authentic, premium-grade matcha, look no further than YUME MATCHA! This specialty matcha shop serves top-tier ceremonial-grade tea imported directly from Japan. Their menu offers a wide variety of choices, from the classic matcha latte and refreshing matcha yuzu to their smooth and rich matcha slurpee. The atmosphere is just as impressive, featuring a chic modern minimalist design that's perfect for photos and checking in. 📍 Location: YUME MATCHA, Central Ladprao Branch
Must-visit towns around San Francisco, how many have you been to?
📍Carmel 🚗Driving time: 195 km from downtown San Francisco, about 2h10min drive ✅Recommended because: One of the most beautiful towns in the U.S. recognized nationwide. Fairy-tale houses, an artist community vibe, and pristine white beaches perfectly fulfill the imagination of a "paradise on earth." · 📍Sausalito 🚗Driving time: 15 km from downtown San Francisco, about 20min drive ✅Recommended because: It enjoys a prime geographic advantage. The first stop after cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge, looking back at the San Francisco skyline across the water, the Mediterranean-style leisure atmosphere is irreplaceable. · 📍Monterey 🚗Driving time: 190 km from downtown San Francisco, about 2h drive ✅Recommended because: Home to a world-class aquarium and the historic Cannery Row, it is the gateway to the 17-Mile Drive. · 📍Half Moon Bay 🚗Driving time: 48 km from downtown San Francisco, about 45min drive ✅Recommended because: The closest stunning coastline to San Francisco, known for its cliffside golf courses and pumpkin festival. · 📍Palo Alto 🚗Driving time: 56 km from downtown San Francisco, about 50min drive ✅Recommended because: The heart of Silicon Valley + Stanford University. Whether to pay homage to tech giants or admire campus architecture, it attracts many visitors. · 📍Santa Cruz 🚗Driving time: 120 km from downtown San Francisco, about 1h drive ✅Recommended because: A classic American seaside carnival with vintage roller coasters and surfing culture, perfect for family trips. · 📍Tiburon 🚗Driving time: 27 km from downtown San Francisco, about 35min drive ✅Recommended because: A wealthy area surrounded by sea on three sides, offering views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge, with numerous yacht marinas. · 📍Healdsburg 🚗Driving time: 110 km from downtown San Francisco, about 1h15min drive ✅Recommended because: Recently becoming a foodie favorite, it boasts Sonoma County’s top restaurants and boutique hotels. · 📍Berkeley 🚗Driving time: 22 km from downtown San Francisco, about 25min drive ✅Recommended because: Free-spirited, rebellious, and intellectually beautiful. The UC Berkeley campus and surrounding food scene are well worth exploring. · 📍Petaluma 🚗Driving time: 64 km from downtown San Francisco, about 55min drive ✅Recommended because: Vintage downtown and riverside scenery, many old movies were filmed here, giving it a strong nostalgic feel. · 📍Mill Valley 🚗Driving time: 22 km from downtown San Francisco, about 30min drive ✅Recommended because: An artistic town hidden under redwoods, full of ethereal charm. ·
🇺🇸 Bay Area Basecamp: Discovering Berkeley's Vibrant Spirit for FIFA 2026
#footballmatchcityguide While the massive FIFA 2026 matches take over the San Francisco Bay Area at Levi's Stadium, the legendary city of Berkeley serves as the ultimate neighboring escape. Nestled right across the water, Berkeley pairs intellectual history with stunning nature, counter-culture roots, and a world-renowned farm-to-table food revolution. It's the perfect matchday detour. 🚇 Transit Strategy: Avoid congested Bay Area highway traffic. Take the direct BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) train straight into Downtown Berkeley. From there, use local AC Transit buses or rentable electric scooters to navigate hills easily. ☀️ Golden Season: June to July 2026 brings iconic California sunshine. Enjoy crisp, foggy mornings that give way to beautiful 21°C afternoons, perfect for hiking or sitting on outdoor restaurant patios. 🌲 Local Hotspots: Walk the historic UC Berkeley campus to see the towering Campanile, or head up into the redwoods and rolling green hills of Tilden Regional Park for sweeping panoramic bay views. 🗺️ 3-Day Bay Flow: Day 1: Explore Telegraph Avenue and the university campus. Day 2: Hike Tilden Park trails and watch the match at a local pub. Day 3: Shop Fourth Street. 🍕 Culinary Cradle: Taste the birthplace of California cuisine! Grab an organic slice at The Cheese Board Collective, or reserve a table at Alice Waters' legendary, sustainable Chez Panisse in the Gourmet Ghetto. 🚫 Coastal Manners: DO pack layers; the Bay Area's microclimates mean it gets chilly fast. DON’T leave any bags or items visible in your car if you choose to drive—car break-ins are common. #Berkeley2026 #BayAreaTravel #FIFAWorldCupHub #ChezPanisse #ExploreCalifornia
⚽ BERKELEY & BEYOND 2026: The Ultimate FIFA Gateway to California’s Hidden Gems 🇺🇸
#footballmatchcityguide While enjoying the excitement of FIFA World Cup 2026 in the San Francisco Bay Area, make Berkeley your launchpad to unforgettable adventures. Famous for its vibrant culture, stunning bay views, and innovative spirit, Berkeley offers football fans the perfect blend of sports, nature, gastronomy, and iconic California experiences just minutes from the host city. 🚆 Transportation Hack: Use BART, AC Transit, and ferries for affordable, convenient access to Berkeley, San Francisco, and nearby attractions without needing a car. ☀️ Best Time to Visit: June–July delivers sunny days, exciting FIFA festivities, and ideal sightseeing weather. 📍 Must-Visit Hot Spots: UC Berkeley Campus, Berkeley Marina, Tilden Regional Park, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Sausalito. 🗓️ 3-Day Itinerary: Day 1—Explore Berkeley and the Marina. Day 2—Visit San Francisco landmarks and FIFA fan zones. Day 3—Discover Sausalito, Muir Woods, or Napa Valley. 🍴 Local Cuisine: Enjoy California farm-to-table dishes, sourdough, seafood, tacos, and gourmet burgers at Chez Panisse, Gather, and Angeline’s Louisiana Kitchen. ✅ Do: Use public transport, book attractions early, and explore local neighborhoods. ❌ Don’t: Underestimate Bay Area distances, leave valuables visible, or miss sunset waterfront views. Berkeley 2026 offers football fans the perfect opportunity to experience California’s culture, innovation, and unforgettable adventures beyond the game. #FIFA2026 #CaliforniaTravel #Berkeley #BayArea #Wanderlust
Spring Vibes & Study Inspo at UC Berkeley 🌸✨
Walking through UC Berkeley in spring is seriously a game-changer for your study motivation! The campus is buzzing with sunshine, modern architecture, and those iconic Western-style buildings that make every Insta pic pop ✨📸. You’ll catch outdoor cultural landscapes and gorgeous views of trees in full bloom—nature’s very own study hack. Want to level up your student game? Strolling between classes and chilling on the grass is how you soak up that Berkeley brainpower. The signage wall at the university is #VibesOnly during daytime, giving you major inspo to hit your goals! If you’re looking for a comfy base, the Wfh-Friendly Berkeley Home is just under 2 miles from campus (2739 Ashby Pl), perfect for those spontaneous study sessions or lazy brunches with friends. UC Berkeley is always open for self-guided walks, but if you want the full campus experience, drop by during regular hours—Monday to Friday, 9AM–6PM. This city is sooo good for springtime dreaming and leveling up your student life. Don’t skip it if you want to take your studies (and your IG feed) to the next level!
A day trip to UC Berkeley in November is just right.
The weather was cool, the sun wasn't too strong, and the campus was large and easy to walk around. The first thing you'll see is the classic clock tower—super tall, super easy to spot, the whole campus seems to revolve around it. Walking towards the physics department, you'll encounter that adorable Einstein statue. He sits on a bench, holding a book, his head slightly tilted, as if waiting to chat. The best part is, you can sit right next to him and take a photo—a classic photo spot. Further into the Life Sciences Building, as you enter the lobby, you'll see a huge dinosaur skeleton—completely unlike anything you'd see in a typical university. It takes a moment to notice it the first time you see it. The most interesting detail is seeing designated parking spaces for Nobel laureates. They actually say "Reserved for Nobel Laureate"—it's incredibly exclusive. Ordinary people can't park there; even faculty members aren't eligible. Only award winners can park there—truly a privilege reserved for academic luminaries. November at UC Berkeley feels relaxed, fun, and with a touch of academic flair. There's no specific destination in mind, but you'll stumble upon cool things just by strolling around. If you're looking for a place in November that doesn't require a packed itinerary but offers plenty of interesting experiences just by walking around, Berkeley is a great choice. #NovemberDestinations2025
Berkeley Shopping | A Hipster Shop Paradise in the University Town 📚
A unique shopping district near the University of California, Berkeley! A perfect gathering place for independent bookstores, vintage record shops, and preppy-chic shops! 🛍️ Main Shopping District: · Telegraph Avenue: A cultural street filled with bookstores and record shops · Fourth Street: An elegant shopping district with boutiques and gourmet restaurants · Downtown Berkeley: A convenient shopping district near the BART station 📚 Unique Shops: · Games of Berkeley: A store specializing in board and strategy games · Pegasus Books: An independent bookstore, a favorite of scholars · Vintage Record Shop: A treasure trove of rare vinyl records 🎯 Shopping Highlights: · Preppy Style: An intellectually pleasing selection of goods · Independent Shops: A unique, non-chain shopping experience · Student-Friendly: Affordable, hipster-friendly finds 🚇 Convenient Transportation: Just a 20-minute BART ride from San Francisco, this is the Bay Area's most culturally vibrant shopping destination! #JulyDestinations2025 #Shopping #Berkeley
UC Berkeley: A Pilgrimage to a Prestigious Public University
107 Nobel laureates, 19 Pulitzer Prizes, and 207 Olympic medals—this is the power of one of the world's top public universities! "Some Berkeley students will be like you, and some will be completely different—that's the fun of it." Berkeley is not just an academic haven but also the birthplace of free thought and social movements. The view from the Campanile will help you understand why so many Nobel laureates have emerged from here! 🎯 Must-Visit Spots: · Campanile Tower - Standing 307 feet tall, it's the second tallest free-standing bell tower in the world, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the Bay Area. · Sproul Plaza - The central campus plaza and a historic landmark of Berkeley's student movements. · Sather Gate - The iconic gateway to the campus from Telegraph Avenue. · Strawberry Creek - A tranquil stream on campus, perfect for relaxing under the shade of trees. · Doe Library - The main campus library, exuding a strong academic atmosphere. 💰 Ticket Information: · Campus Tours: Completely free! 90-minute guided tours available. · Campanile Observation Deck: $5/person, free for Berkeley students/staff, $4 for those under 17 and seniors. 📍 Practical Information: · Tour Starting Point: Koret Visitor Center (2207 Piedmont Avenue) · Tour Schedule: 7 days a week, 90 minutes, reservation required. · Tour Highlights: Led by student ambassadors, fully outdoor, wheelchair accessible. · Multilingual Services: Spanish and Chinese tours available (must book 14 days in advance). 🚇 Transportation Tips: · Best Option: Take BART to Downtown Berkeley Station, then walk 25-30 minutes to the Visitor Center. · Parking Reality: Campus parking is expensive ($22-35/day) and limited. · Parking Options: Lower Sproul Garage, RSF Garage, Telegraph-Channing Garage. 🔔 Campanile Highlights: · Daily Bell Performances: 7:50am, 12pm, 6pm. · Features a full carillon of 61 bells, with extended concerts on Sundays at 2pm. · Only accepts credit cards or Apple Pay; no cash. · After the elevator ride, climb 38 steps to reach the observation deck. 🎓 Fun Facts About Berkeley: · Around 40,000 students from all over the world. · The Campanile, built in 1914, was inspired by the bell tower in Venice's St. Mark's Square. · Home to one of only five full-time carillonist positions in North America.
What people are saying about Berkeley
Alcatraz Island
Really enjoyed visiting Alcatraz Island! The ferry ride over had great views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. The self-guided cellhouse tour was very interesting, especially hearing the stories about the prison and its former inmates. The whole experience was well organized and definitely worth visiting if you’re in San Francisco. Highly recommended!
Z-DengFisherman's Wharf
Fisherman's Wharf was bustling and a bit chaotic. Sea lions lay sprawled on wooden planks, howling, their fishy smell wafting from afar. Bowls of clam chowder were piping hot, served while street performers sipped. Crab stalls lined the streets, piles of red shells high; you'd crack open a claw and pop a crab into your mouth, your fingers smeared with butter. A rickshaw clanged past, tourists craning their necks to watch—nothing particularly special, just a lively, down-to-earth atmosphere.
YoYo_1I8Q7O5OSan Francisco Museum of Modern Art
It's definitely worth a visit; many of the artworks are quite impressive. There are so many museums in the US! This museum isn't far from Union Square; the service is also good, and the staff are very welcoming.
130***95Big Bus Tours San Francisco
Great and relaxing tour. Regular bus. Roof is cool. Recommend
Mehdi AzamLombard Street
As I stepped into this mountain forest, it felt as if the whole world had fallen silent. There was no hustle and bustle, no clamor of voices, only the gentle rustling of the wind through the treetops and the soft murmur of a distant stream. The winding path, paved with bluestone and earth, was flanked by lush vegetation, layers upon layers of green, as if nature had meticulously painted it with the finest brushstrokes. The air was filled with a moist freshness; a deep breath felt as if my very lungs were being cleansed. Occasionally, a dewdrop would slide from the tip of a leaf, dripping onto a stone with a soft sound, like the heartbeat of the mountain. Squirrels leaped among the branches, birds flitted through the woods, neither avoiding nor disturbing people, as if they had long been accustomed to coexisting with travelers. I walked slowly along the path, the soft rustling of fallen leaves under my feet like the whispers of the mountains. Upon reaching the summit, the view opened up dramatically: mountains like dark ink paintings, a sea of clouds surging, as if heaven and earth had opened their arms to me at that moment. Standing in the wind, I suddenly realized that life doesn't always have to be a chase. Sometimes, simply stopping, looking at the mountains, and listening to the wind is enough to rediscover oneself. It turns out that the deepest insights often lie hidden in the quietest moments. This mountain never displays its ruggedness, but embraces every visitor with its gentle warmth. In spring, new buds sprout, their tender greenness like the earth just awakening; in summer, dense shade and cool breezes create a natural retreat from the heat; in autumn, the forests are ablaze with color, a vibrant tapestry of hues, like an overturned palette; in winter, it is draped in silver, serene and profound, revealing its inherent strength. Through the changing seasons, it steadfastly and calmly enacts the cycle of life. I once strolled after a rain shower, the air filled with the fragrance of earth and grass, the soft rustling of fallen leaves underfoot like the mountain's whisper. The stream meandered among the rocks, crystal clear, occasionally teeming with small, lively fish. The pavilions scattered among the mountains blend seamlessly with the scenery, appearing as if they were part of nature itself. Leaning against the railing, I gazed into the distance, watching the clouds drift and the sky unfold, and my heart opened up. In that moment, I suddenly understood that true beauty is never deliberately crafted, but rather flows naturally, like water finding its own path. It turns out that the distant place we seek has always been right beside us, waiting only for a heart willing to discover it.
_TI***l0Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge looked even better in the photos, a vibrant, bright red. Walking on the bridge, the wind was so strong my hat almost flew off, and the rumbling of cars made the bridge surface tremble slightly. Reaching the middle and looking back, the city appeared as a tiny patch, fog rolling in from the sea, the bridge towers appearing and disappearing in the mist. A cyclist next to me rang their bell to let me pass, and I realized I'd been standing there for quite a while.
YoYo_1I8Q7O5OPalace of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco resembles a forgotten Roman ruin. Domed columns stand on the lakeshore, the walls weathered and worn, and swans glide slowly across the water. Sitting on the steps, munching on a sandwich, pigeons stroll around your feet. Long shadows stretch as you pass through the arches, the afternoon sun illuminating the stone's texture with crystal clarity. It doesn't feel like a tourist attraction; it feels more like a place for nearby residents to stroll and daydream.
YoYo_1I8Q7O5OUnion Square
Union Square isn't big, surrounded by shopping malls. The heart-shaped sculpture is quite popular online, with long lines of people taking photos. A group of people sat on the lawn, some eating sandwiches, others looking at their phones. A cable car made a U-turn at the intersection, clanging as it turned and drove away. Macy's windows across the street were sparkling, but I didn't go in. I found a bench to sit on and rest; pigeons circled around my feet. Nothing special, just what you'd expect in the city center.
YoYo_1I8Q7O5OExploratorium
Exploratorium exceeded our expectations. Almost all parts were interactive! We loved seeing each exhibit and we had fun trying out all the activities. We could've easily spent the 6 hours or more inside. Visiting on a weekday afternoon was a good choice. It wasn't crowded and we didn't have to wait. We also enjoyed the cafe.We spent 4 hours visiting this museum. It was a really good experience.
ElbikDestinations near Berkeley
