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Embarcadero & FiDi

San Francisco

The waterfront boulevard and the Financial District (FiDi) towers behind it, with the Ferry Building's food hall, the Exploratorium and views of the Bay Bridge.

Best for Business · Upscale

Transport
5/5
Sights
4/5
Value
2/5
Quiet
3/5
Food
4/5

Typical mid-range hotel ~$330/night · 10 min to Union Square

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Embarcadero & FiDi on the map

Why stay here

  • Waterfront walks and the Ferry Building
  • BART, ferries and streetcars
  • Close to the offices

Who should stay here

  • Business travellers
  • Food lovers
  • Travellers who want the bay without the crowds

Not ideal if…

  • You want nightlife
  • You want lively weekends
  • You're on a budget

What it's like

The Embarcadero runs along the bay from the Ferry Building, with its marketplace and Saturday farmers' market, past the Exploratorium to Pier 39. Behind it, the Financial District's towers, including the Transamerica Pyramid and Salesforce Tower, fill the blocks towards Union Square.

It's ideal for business trips and for travellers who want the waterfront without the wharf crowds, with BART, ferries and the F-line streetcar. It's busy on weekdays and very quiet in the evenings and at weekends.

Best streets and sub-areas

  • The Embarcadero

    Palm-lined waterfront promenade.

  • Ferry Building

    Food hall and farmers' market.

  • Jackson Square

    Historic brick buildings with design shops.

Getting around

Nearest stations
Embarcadero and Montgomery BART and Muni Metro stations, ferries to Sausalito and Oakland, and the F-line streetcar.
To Union Square
About 10 minutes
From San Francisco International Airport
About 35 minutes: BART to Embarcadero.

Nearby attractions

  • Ferry Building Marketplace

    Food stalls, oysters and the Saturday farmers' market.

  • Exploratorium

    Hands-on science museum on Pier 15.

  • Ferry to Sausalito

    A short crossing with views of the Golden Gate.

Where to eat and drink

  • Ferry Building

    Oysters, coffee and bakeries by the water.

  • Jackson Square

    Upmarket restaurants in old brick buildings.

Where to stay in Embarcadero & FiDi

A few hotels we'd book in this area, at different budgets.

Luxury pick

Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero

Why we like it: Hotel on the upper floors of a tower with bay views.

Typical luxury rate in Embarcadero & FiDi: ~$700/night

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Boutique pick

Hotel Vitale

Why we like it: Waterfront hotel opposite the Ferry Building.

Typical mid-range rate in Embarcadero & FiDi: ~$330/night

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Best value

Hyatt Regency San Francisco

Why we like it: Large hotel with a famous atrium at the foot of Market Street.

Typical mid-range rate in Embarcadero & FiDi: ~$330/night

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Hotels in Embarcadero & FiDiMid-range from ~$330/night

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