Home to my alma mater, University of California, Berkeley, it makes sense for my first travel guide to be for this city that I hold near and dear to my heart. Besides receiving a world-class education, in the 4 years of living in this city, I have developed a more refined palate for food, not to mention the wide array of coffee shops to choose from. This city shaped me to become the woman that I am today – from discovering my style to shaping my personality. Here’s a quick guide to a special city, obviously there’s so much more that I would love to share but I had to pick my favorites.

No one in their right mind would visit Berkeley and not step foot on this gorgeous campus. It’s hard to describe the UC Berkeley campus – it’s eccentric and lively. I’m the first to admit, while attending the college, I didn’t quite appreciate the beauty of this campus to its full extent. However, it could also be the looming fear of midterms and finals that made being on campus a drag. Now as an alumna, when I re-visit the campus, I’m in awe of the architecture and vibe the campus embodies.

As an undergraduate, one of my favorite places to visit was Sather Tower, a tower modeled after the Campanile di San Marco in Venice, Italy. Also known as the Campanile, it was a place where I would sit and remind myself that I’m worthy – throughout my undergrad years, I had many nights where I would wonder if I was good enough to attend this school. However, coming here, sitting at its steps and looking at how beautiful the night sky was and how captivating the tower glistens at night, it was the motivation I needed to get through all the bad times.

I still remember those sun-soaked days where I would sit on Memorial Glade with my friends eating, chatting and just people watching. Whenever weather permits, you will find students sitting in the grass reading a book, eating their lunch, throwing a ball or even having a Quidditch match. Other notable spots to check out while on campus includes Sather Gate & Doe Library – definitely popular places for pictures for tourists and graduating seniors alike.

 Aside from the campus itself, there are many hidden gems all throughout town. Every city person have their favorite spot to view their city from afar – for me, I’m blessed to be from the Bay Area where my skyline extends over multiple cities to weave together a beautiful tapestry I call home. For me, my favorite spot to view this tapestry is in the parking lot of the Lawrence Hall of Science – strange right? However, if you come here, you will see why this view is breathtaking. No matter how many times I come here, I will always be amazed at the views.

It doesn’t matter if you’re from NorCal or SoCal, end of the day, it’s not a true California trip without the waters. As a true California girl, I would make the trip to the Berkeley Marina at least once a semester – even when it was freezing cold – I once went at 1 in the morning with a group of friends. Home to the annual Berkeley Kite Festival, if you come here on a sunny day, you will see families picnicking and flying kites. For me, there’s just something calming being near the waters.

People may come here for the university but stay for the delicious food this city have to offer. Hands-down the best pizza in the city (possibly the world – I’ve been to many cities with great pizzas too) have to be Cheeseboard Pizza. It’s so scrumptious that you’ll forget that it’s vegetarian. Cheeseboard Pizza is a co-op that serves unusual vegetables and cheeses on top of a thin sourdough crust. I never would thought that when people ask me what my favorite pizza topping is that my answer would be corn. Through Cheeseboard Pizzeria, I’ve been able to try things on pizza I never thought would be possible from potatoes to squash and that there are more cheese that can go on top of a pizza besides mozzarella. However, the star of the pizzeria is their cilantro-jalapeno green sauce – a must-try!

A great thing about being at Berkeley is that food can range from a couple dollars to a couple bills depending on your budget. If you are looking for a quick grab-and-go and near campus, get the Pedro’s Favorite Tri-Tip Sandwich at Brazil Café – the sandwich is loaded and will have you filled to the brim. Top Dog is a Berkeley classic go-to drunk food or pre-football stop – I’ve tried everything on the menu and there’s nothing I did not like. The line is usually out the door but your hot dog will be served to you rather quickly. Tip: know what you want before you get to the front of the line – you order, pay and stand to the side – the man have a great memory and will remember what you order, no number needed to claim your food. If you are on the Northside of campus – near Euclid and away from Telegraph – Urbann Turbann was a motivating reason for me to be on that side of campus – it’s Indian food but Chipotle-style. Their butter chicken wraps would usually last me through two meals. Definitely a different style to eat Indian food.

It wasn’t until my senior year and mostly after college, did I start exploring more expensive food options in this city – I have yet gone to Chez Panisse (a high-end award-winning restaurant). Just like every millennial out there, brunch is something I hold close and dear to my heart and La Note serves one of the best brunch in the city. Just be aware that there will be a line no matter what time you get there on the weekend so be prepared to wait. If La Note line is scaring you and you are craving for French food, head over to Gregoire which is a bit further away from the campus but they serve French food in a more fast-casual style. Their mashed potatoes balls are something that you are missing in your life that you weren’t even aware of.

If you are a coffee or boba addict, then Berkeley is calling your name. Personally, most of the boba shops that are there now opened after I graduated so I would not be the best source – however, there is one on almost every block for you to choose from. However, Blue Door Café and Café Strada were two of my favorite coffee shops in town. Both are always packed with students wallowing away in their books and laptops studying for their next midterm or paper.

Thank you for following my guide through Berkeley and let me know down below if there was something that I missed or if you wanted to fight me on the best pizza in the world comment!

Until next time!