1 / 10

Ferry Building San Francisco

4.6

·36k reviews·San Francisco, United States

A historic Beaux-Arts building on the Embarcadero, housing a vibrant marketplace of local artisan food and shops, with scenic bay views.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

CrowdLow

Loading map...

Ferry Building San Francisco

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic Beaux-Arts building on the Embarcadero, housing a vibrant marketplace of local artisan food and shops, with scenic bay views.

4.6

(36k reviews)

"A must-visit for foodies and first-time visitors alike, offering a lively atmosphere and delicious local finds."

TIP

🎯 Use Public Transit

Take the ferry or BART to avoid parking woes and enjoy scenic views. ⛴️

⏰ Arrive Early for Market

Hit the farmers market at 8 AM for produce, 10 AM for prepared foods. :shopping_bags:

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 37,542 reviews

Type

Historical Landmark

Address

1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA

Website

ferrybuildingmarketplace.com

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ferry Building Marketplace

A vibrant hub of local artisan food, shops, and eateries housed in a historic Beaux-Arts building.

Ferry Rides

Enjoy scenic views of the Bay Bridge and city skyline on a ferry to Sausalito or other Bay Area destinations.

Ferry Plaza Farmers Market

A bustling Saturday market featuring fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and more.

Artisan Food Vendors

Indulge in local delicacies like Dandelion Chocolate, Humphry Slocombe ice cream, and Hog Island Oysters.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Save

Arrive early on weekdays or before 10 AM on Saturdays for a less crowded experience. Consider using public transit like the ferry or BART to avoid parking hassles and costs.

A Foodie's Paradise

The Ferry Building is packed with local artisan food merchants. Explore diverse vendors for everything from oysters to chocolates.

Best Times

When

Weekday mornings

Why

Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

Crowd

Low

When

Saturday mornings (before 10 AM)

Why

Farmers market buzz, fresh produce

Crowd

Medium

When

Evenings

Why

Beautiful city light views

Crowd

Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

take the sf ferry at night for the best city light view ⛴️🤩🌉 under $5 too 😁 #bayarea #sf #sanfrancisco #views

@sophiaasunn

140.9K likes • 886.7K views

🎯 Use Public Transit

Take the ferry or BART to avoid parking woes and enjoy scenic views. ⛴️

⏰ Arrive Early for Market

Hit the farmers market at 8 AM for produce, 10 AM for prepared foods. :shopping_bags:

Still not over the fact that no one told me this was under $5 🫠 We don’t gate keep here. Use my code 500DAYS for a FREE roundtrip ticket or 2 FREE one way tickets for 2 people!! Have fun 🍻⛴️🌉#sponsored #whattodoinsanfrancisco #oakland #sanfranciscobayferry #sanfrancisco #ferry #itinerary #thingstodothissummer

@500daysofnatalie

82.5K likes • 1M views

Location⤵️ 📍Ferry Building 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, California ⚡️ Hours: 7 AM–8 PM Parking: On-street parking ⚡️ Interesting Fact: The Marketplace is home to nearly 50 local artisan food merchants, restaurants and small eateries. On top of the building is a 245-foot-tall (75 m) clock tower with four clock dials, each 22 feet (6.7 m) in diameter, which can be seen from Market Street, a mai...

california_vlog

12 likes • 474 views

💳 Clipper Card for Ferries

Use your Clipper Card or SF Bay Ferry app for discounted ferry fares. 💳

🚶 Explore the Embarcadero

Stroll along the waterfront for great city and bay views. 🚶

The Ferry Building in San Francisco is one of my favorite places! ⛴️🌉 This was the first time I took a ride on the ferry, here’s everything you need to know: Terminals and stops around the Bay such as Oakland, Vallejo, Richmond, and more. Tickets start at $1 and up. You can pay with your Clipper Card, SF Bay Ferry app, or with cash or credit card on board. Discounts for seniors, youth, and low i...

asiadiscovers

28 likes • 697 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Use Public Transit

Take the ferry or BART to avoid parking woes and enjoy scenic views. ⛴️

⏰ Arrive Early for Market

Hit the farmers market at 8 AM for produce, 10 AM for prepared foods. :shopping_bags:

💳 Clipper Card for Ferries

Use your Clipper Card or SF Bay Ferry app for discounted ferry fares. 💳

🚶 Explore the Embarcadero

Stroll along the waterfront for great city and bay views. 🚶

🍫 Sample Local Treats

Don't miss Dandelion Chocolate, Miette Patisserie, and Humphry Slocombe ice cream. 🍨

🦪 Oysters at Hog Island

Enjoy fresh, local oysters with a view at Hog Island Oyster Co. :oyster:

What Travellers Say

4.6

(36k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Ferry Building for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse artisan food vendors, and beautiful waterfront location. The architecture and the scenic ferry rides are also frequently highlighted as major draws. While some find it a bit pricey and touristy, most agree it's a must-visit for foodies and those wanting to experience a lively slice of San Francisco.

"I love this building. I love looking at the clock tower. Apparently it’s based on a Renaissance tower in Sienna or one of those cities. It’s in the Beaux Arts style, like the City Hall.

The building itself has pricey shops and eateries, and it’s a bit of a tourist trap, but it’s also bustling with activity. Great for street photography if you’re into that kind of thing.

There’s a small plaza in front where people hangout, and it’s great for people watching. But just remember, when you’re people watching, people are watching you!"

Sylvanus Stephens

"I live in Windsor45 min. North of S.F.. I needed a day for myself; and what a great choice to start my day trips. I started @ Hog Island Oyster Co. For lunch. Then spent over 3 hrs. Shopping and exploring the rest of the ferry bldg. Before Catching the Ferry back to Larkspur. I took the shuttle to the Smart train and headed home. I'm already planning my next trip to S.F. Starting at the ferry terminal for drinks."

Annette Self

"The Ferry Building in San Francisco is a vibrant waterfront destination full of local charm. We visited with family and loved exploring the mix of gourmet food stalls, artisan shops, and fresh local products. The architecture is beautiful, and the atmosphere is lively without feeling overwhelming.

We enjoyed coffee and pastries while watching the ferries come and go with the Bay Bridge in the background.
Tip: Go in the morning or on a weekday to avoid heavy crowds, and don’t miss the farmers market if you’re there on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday. A must-visit for foodies and first-time visitors alike!"

Pezhman Raeisian

What People Like

Bustling atmosphere

Artisan food vendors

Scenic ferry rides

What People Dislike

Can be pricey

Tourist crowds

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Ferry Building is easily accessible via public transportation. You can take BART to the Embarcadero station or various Muni bus lines. Ferries also arrive directly at the terminal. Many visitors recommend using public transit over driving due to parking challenges. +1

Parking near the Ferry Building can be difficult and expensive. While there is some on-street parking, garages are also available. Many recommend using ride-sharing services or public transit to avoid parking stress.

Absolutely! The Ferry Building is a major ferry terminal serving routes to various Bay Area destinations like Oakland, Sausalito, and Vallejo. It's a scenic and affordable way to arrive. +1

From the Ferry Building, you have excellent access to BART and Muni lines. You can also easily catch a ferry to explore other parts of the Bay. Using a Clipper Card or the MuniMobile app is recommended for fares. +1

Yes, the Ferry Building is a transit hub, making it very easy to get to most parts of the city via BART, Muni, or ride-sharing services.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Ferry Building itself is free. You only pay for purchases from vendors or for ferry rides.

The Ferry Building Marketplace generally operates from 7 AM to 8 PM daily, but individual vendor hours may vary. The farmers market has specific hours on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

There is no entrance fee to walk around and explore the Ferry Building Marketplace.

The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market is held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Saturday is the largest market day.

Yes, discounts are often available for seniors, youth, and sometimes through specific apps or programs. Using a Clipper Card can also offer savings.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Ferry Building is a foodie haven! Popular choices include Hog Island Oyster Co. for seafood, Gott's Roadside for burgers, Dandelion Chocolate for sweets, and various stalls for artisanal cheeses, coffee, and prepared meals. +1

Blue Bottle Coffee and Red Bay Coffee are highly recommended coffee vendors located within or very near the Ferry Building.

At the farmers market, look for The Farmer's Wife grilled cheese, chilaquiles, turkey momos from Bini's Kitchen, and fresh stone fruits. Don't miss Acme bread and Carmel Honey if you can find them.

Yes, many vendors offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly options. It's best to explore the diverse stalls, as many feature fresh produce and plant-based dishes.

Besides the vendors inside, nearby options include Hog Island Oyster Co., Gott's Roadside, La Mar for Peruvian, and Waterbar for seafood. For a budget-friendly option, consider Outta Sight Pizza via the Embarcadero Center walkway.

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the iconic clock tower, the bustling marketplace interior, and scenic views of the Bay Bridge from the waterfront plaza. The ferries themselves also make for great shots.

Yes, the Ferry Building is a great spot for street photography due to its lively atmosphere, diverse crowd, and unique architecture.

Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the market activity, while evenings offer stunning views of the illuminated Bay Bridge and city skyline.

Generally, yes, but it's always polite to ask permission before taking extensive photos inside individual shops.

There are no general restrictions on personal photography. However, commercial photography may require permits.