While there are many ways to travel around San Francisco (bike, bus, cable car, and even a psychedelic “magic bus”, just to name a few), nothing is more convenient than the Bay Area Rapid Transit, known simply as “BART”. Although small, San Francisco’s simple subway system is ideal for newcomers intimidated by the city’s hilly terrain or the extensive bus network. Whether you’re in town for a week or just the weekend, jump on board for our visitor’s guide to San Francisco Bart Stops and the fun things to see nearby. First stop? Embarcadero.

Photo courtesy of Chris Ruvolo Wikipedia CC

 

Ferry Building Marketplace

BART Stop: Embarcadero

Distance from the station: 0.28 miles

 

Built in 1898, this historical shopping plaza is a must-see for any first time visitor to the City by the Bay. Once used as a loading dock for ferryboat travelers and their luggage, the building has since been transformed into a lively marketplace filled with eclectic shops and food stalls.

Insider Tip: The Ferry Building is located on The Embarcadero, a waterfront walkway with beautiful bay views. For the best photos, go at dusk, when the lights from the Bay Bridge form a pretty reflection on the water.

 

The Chinatown Gate

BART Stop: Montgomery Street

Distance from the station: 0.24 miles

The Chinatown Gate, also known as the “Dragon Gate”, is located at the southern edge of Chinatown. It makes for a fun photo opportunity and starting point for exploring Chinatown along Grant Street. Built in 1970 from stone, it is considered to be the “the only authentic Chinatown gate in North America”.

 

Afternoon Tea at the Palace Hotel

BART Stop: Montgomery Street

Distance from station: .01 miles

 

Step into the Palace hotel, with its high ceilings and gold chandeliers, and you’ll feel as though you have stepped back in time. The hotel’s traditional tea service, which dates back to the 1900s, is a unique and relaxing way to experience turn-of-the-century San Francisco.

 

Insider Tip: Try the inexpensive yet delicious chocolate torte. Yum!

 

Union Square

BART Stop: Powell Street

Distance from the station: 0.21 miles

Union Square is a great place to rest after a long day of shopping, as it is located between several big-name department stores in the heart of San Francisco’s largest shopping district. Sip coffee at the square’s outdoor café or if the weather is nice, lounge in the sunshine and enjoy a free concert.

 

Insider Tip: Stay at the St. Francis hotel and take a free ride in the glass elevators for a bird’s-eye-view of the square.

 

Yerba Buena Gardens

BART Stop: Powell Street

Distance from the station: 0.25 miles

Photo courtesy of James Maskell via Flickr CC

 

The Yerba Buena Gardens stretches for two blocks and offers a welcomed reprieve from city noise and crowds. The large art installations, butterfly gardens and 50-ft waterfall provide a unique backdrop for an evening picnic.

 

Insider Tip: Come at night for a picturesque view of the city skyline and catch a free concert.

 

Asian Art Museum

BART Stop: Civic Center / UN Plaza

Distance from the station: 0.16 miles

Photo courtesy of Jan Gosmann via Flickr CC.

 

The Asian Art Museum offers the largest collection of Asian art in the world, with ancient artifacts from Persia, Indonesia and Japan, among others. Go on the first Sunday of the month when admission is free.

 

Insider Tip: If you visit on a Wednesday or Sunday morning, stop by the “Heart of the City Farmer’s Market” for some fresh fruit and veggies, conveniently located directly in front of the Civic Center station. Try the cinnamon bread and kettle corn.

Clarion Alley

BART Stop: 16^th Street Mission

Distance from the station: 0.1 miles

 

Photo courtesy of Zervas via Flickr CC

 

For a place to wander after you’ve hit up a few of the Mission’s thrift shops, Clarion Alley provides a mixture of political graffiti and murals left over from the early 90s. It is located between Mission and Valencia streets and 17^th and 18^th streets and is worth a visit if you are a fan of graffiti art.

 

Insider Tip: Watch out for the homeless and bring a friend along if you go in the evening.

 

El Farolito’s Top Mexican Food 

BART Stop: 24^th Street Mission

Distance from the station: Less than a minute walk

Photo courtesy of Eric Mesa.

 

Don’t let the shabby exterior fool you: The authentic Mexican food at El Farolito is some of the best in the city. A Yelp reviewer went as far as to call their food life changing, adding: “Every bite will take you to foodgasmic heaven.” Be prepared to wait in line, however. El Farolito is extremely popular.

 

Insider Tip: Try a carne asada Super Burrito. Your stomach may burst trying to finish it (they’re huge) but your taste buds will love you.