What are the must-see spots when visiting UC Berkeley?
I'm going to visit UC Berkeley soon and want to make the most of my trip. I know about Sather Tower and the campus in general, but are there any other places or things you recommend checking out while I'm there?
It would be awesome to hear from current students or anyone who's visited recently. If anyone has tips for places to eat, cool hangout spots, or hidden gems both on and off campus, that would help a lot! I'm also hoping to get a feel for the atmosphere and see some unique parts of the area. Any suggestions?
It would be awesome to hear from current students or anyone who's visited recently. If anyone has tips for places to eat, cool hangout spots, or hidden gems both on and off campus, that would help a lot! I'm also hoping to get a feel for the atmosphere and see some unique parts of the area. Any suggestions?
6 months ago
•
88 views
Kathy Jayanth
• 6 months ago
Advisor
UC Berkeley is packed with unique spots and great places to get the campus vibe beyond the classics like Sather Tower.
One campus highlight is the Doe Memorial Library—its grand reading rooms are beautiful and you can walk through just to soak up the studious atmosphere. For a quieter view, check out the Morrison Reading Room if it's open. Next door is the Hearst Memorial Mining Building, an architectural stunner and fun to wander through (the iconic spiral staircase makes for a cool photo!).
Another favorite is the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA), which is on the south side of campus. They have interesting exhibitions and the building itself is striking. If you’re into science, the Lawrence Hall of Science is up the hill above campus and offers hands-on exhibits plus a panoramic view of the Bay Area.
On or near Telegraph Avenue, you'll find plenty of classic Berkeley spots. Check out Mezzo (iconic sandwiches and salads), Caffe Strada (popular student café with a bustling patio), and the Cheese Board Collective in the nearby Gourmet Ghetto for legendary pizza. For a sweet fix, try Cream for ice cream sandwiches.
For laid-back hangout spots, sit out on Memorial Glade (big open lawn area by Doe Library), or hike the Fire Trails behind the stadium for stunning views over the Bay. People often recommend taking a stroll through the Redwood Grove in the UC Botanical Garden—it’s peaceful and feels like a hidden treasure.
Off-campus, visit Elmwood for cozy shops and small eateries, or explore the quirky bookshops along Telegraph. If you have time, climbing up to the Big C (the giant concrete C above Memorial Stadium) gives you another panoramic vista and a feel for campus tradition.
To get a real sense of student life, try to attend any public campus events, music at the Greek Theatre if there’s a concert, or just linger in a popular café to listen in on conversations. Berkeley is full of energy and surprises—don’t be afraid to wander and explore!
One campus highlight is the Doe Memorial Library—its grand reading rooms are beautiful and you can walk through just to soak up the studious atmosphere. For a quieter view, check out the Morrison Reading Room if it's open. Next door is the Hearst Memorial Mining Building, an architectural stunner and fun to wander through (the iconic spiral staircase makes for a cool photo!).
Another favorite is the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA), which is on the south side of campus. They have interesting exhibitions and the building itself is striking. If you’re into science, the Lawrence Hall of Science is up the hill above campus and offers hands-on exhibits plus a panoramic view of the Bay Area.
On or near Telegraph Avenue, you'll find plenty of classic Berkeley spots. Check out Mezzo (iconic sandwiches and salads), Caffe Strada (popular student café with a bustling patio), and the Cheese Board Collective in the nearby Gourmet Ghetto for legendary pizza. For a sweet fix, try Cream for ice cream sandwiches.
For laid-back hangout spots, sit out on Memorial Glade (big open lawn area by Doe Library), or hike the Fire Trails behind the stadium for stunning views over the Bay. People often recommend taking a stroll through the Redwood Grove in the UC Botanical Garden—it’s peaceful and feels like a hidden treasure.
Off-campus, visit Elmwood for cozy shops and small eateries, or explore the quirky bookshops along Telegraph. If you have time, climbing up to the Big C (the giant concrete C above Memorial Stadium) gives you another panoramic vista and a feel for campus tradition.
To get a real sense of student life, try to attend any public campus events, music at the Greek Theatre if there’s a concert, or just linger in a popular café to listen in on conversations. Berkeley is full of energy and surprises—don’t be afraid to wander and explore!
Kathy Jayanth
Berkeley, CA
UC Berkeley | Economics & Slavic Studies
Experience
5 years
Rating