What are the must-see places on the UC Berkeley campus?
I'm planning to visit UC Berkeley next month to get a feel for the campus before I decide where to apply. I know a little about the reputation of the school, but I’m not too familiar with what you should actually check out while you're there.
For those who have been, what buildings, hangouts, or even secret spots should I make sure to include in my visit? Are there any places that really give you a sense of what being a student there is like, or great photo spots for memories? I’m also interested in cool coffee shops or bookstores around the area, not just the main tourist attractions.
Any recommendations would be super helpful, especially from current students or alumni!
For those who have been, what buildings, hangouts, or even secret spots should I make sure to include in my visit? Are there any places that really give you a sense of what being a student there is like, or great photo spots for memories? I’m also interested in cool coffee shops or bookstores around the area, not just the main tourist attractions.
Any recommendations would be super helpful, especially from current students or alumni!
2 months ago
•
58 views
Kathy Jayanth
• 2 months ago
Advisor
You’ll find UC Berkeley’s campus packed with both iconic landmarks and low-key gems that help you get a feel for student life. Start by heading to Sather Gate and Sproul Plaza. This is the university’s historic entrance and a big spot for campus events and student groups, so you’ll experience a lot of the campus energy here.
For must-see architecture, make sure to go inside Doe Memorial Library; its grand reading rooms and ornate architecture make it a Berkeley classic. Next door, the Bancroft Library often has fascinating exhibits, especially if you’re into history or rare books.
Don’t miss walking up Campanile Way to the Campanile (Sather Tower). You can actually go up to the observation deck—the view of the Bay Area is phenomenal and makes for great photos. Across campus, the Faculty Glade is a beautiful green space where you’ll see students lounging or studying under the big trees. For a more secretive spot, check out the Redwood Grove next to the Life Sciences building. It feels like you’ve stepped into a mini-forest right on campus.
If you’re into cafes, Café Strada across from campus is a popular student hangout with a lively patio. Inside campus, Yali’s at Stanley Hall is cozy if you need a quick break. For bookstores, Moe’s Books and Pegasus Books on Telegraph Avenue are both local institutions—great for browsing and getting the feel of the quintessential Berkeley culture.
One specific spot current students love is the Free Speech Movement Café, which not only offers coffee but also displays memorabilia from Berkeley’s activist past. If you have time and want a unique perspective, hiking up to the Big C (the giant concrete “C” on the hill) will give you panoramic views and a classic Berkeley memory.
To really see what being a student is like, try to visit during lunch hour. Check out the student-run eateries near Lower Sproul or just stroll through Memorial Glade, which tends to be lively with tons of people hanging out. The blend of historic spots, student traditions, and scenic spaces will give you a good sense of why Berkeley is such a special campus.
Enjoy your visit—so much to explore, and every corner has its own story!
For must-see architecture, make sure to go inside Doe Memorial Library; its grand reading rooms and ornate architecture make it a Berkeley classic. Next door, the Bancroft Library often has fascinating exhibits, especially if you’re into history or rare books.
Don’t miss walking up Campanile Way to the Campanile (Sather Tower). You can actually go up to the observation deck—the view of the Bay Area is phenomenal and makes for great photos. Across campus, the Faculty Glade is a beautiful green space where you’ll see students lounging or studying under the big trees. For a more secretive spot, check out the Redwood Grove next to the Life Sciences building. It feels like you’ve stepped into a mini-forest right on campus.
If you’re into cafes, Café Strada across from campus is a popular student hangout with a lively patio. Inside campus, Yali’s at Stanley Hall is cozy if you need a quick break. For bookstores, Moe’s Books and Pegasus Books on Telegraph Avenue are both local institutions—great for browsing and getting the feel of the quintessential Berkeley culture.
One specific spot current students love is the Free Speech Movement Café, which not only offers coffee but also displays memorabilia from Berkeley’s activist past. If you have time and want a unique perspective, hiking up to the Big C (the giant concrete “C” on the hill) will give you panoramic views and a classic Berkeley memory.
To really see what being a student is like, try to visit during lunch hour. Check out the student-run eateries near Lower Sproul or just stroll through Memorial Glade, which tends to be lively with tons of people hanging out. The blend of historic spots, student traditions, and scenic spaces will give you a good sense of why Berkeley is such a special campus.
Enjoy your visit—so much to explore, and every corner has its own story!
Kathy Jayanth
Berkeley, CA
UC Berkeley | Economics & Slavic Studies
Experience
5 years
Rating