There are surprisingly few bars and pubs in the city, but the University of California, Berkeley, is internationally known for its progressive and free thinking. Berkeley may be home to a world-class university, but it has become a culinary, cultural and travel destination. Freedom of speech and flower power have always been embedded in the city's DNA, and Berkeley has become one of the most dynamic and diverse cities in the world in its progressive, free-thinking environment, both in terms of food and culture.

The hills between Berkeley and Oakland, including Tilden and Wildcat Parks, offer many hikes with spectacular views and are easily accessible on foot, by car or by bike. The proximity of the University of Berkeley campus to the Bay Area, as well as the city's proximity to San Francisco and San Jose, make Berkeley a great city for outdoor recreation.

Large retail chains have little presence in Berkeley, apart from the ubiquitous drugstores, and shopping has a unique, local flavor. If you're looking for a chain hotel, the nearby town of Emeryville is south of Berkeley and home to more national brands. Smaller towns outside Berkeley are Emeryville in the Southwest.

Oakland, south of Berkeley, is a large and diverse city, with many ethnic neighborhoods less visited by tourists than San Francisco. Berkeley strives for quality rather than quantity, and many locals venture out only if they want more variety at their watering holes. Oakland is an interesting alternative Too much Francisco and although it is not suitable for tourists, you can get a better feel for the real Bay Area.

Berkeley is surrounded by two lines, one to the north to San Francisco and the other to the south to Oakland, served by the Berkeley - Oakland - San Mateo Expressway, a two-line line line that runs from downtown to the south to the Bay Bridge and then east to Berkeley.

The BART station in downtown Berkeley is usually the best option for travelers, but the North Berkeley station is located in the residential area of University Ave. No. 3 station serving Berkeley, Ashby Station, which is located in a run-down part of South Berkeley.

Drivers who are not familiar with the area should know if their destination is Oakland, San Francisco, Richmond or Sacramento. Transfer to BART to drive from downtown Berkeley to the university and then take the train to Richmond to downtown Berkeley.

If it is not advisable to use the SJC and you decide to use it, it is best to rent a car to reach Berkeley. There are no adult rates, so this is a transfer and the best for use. Bikes are allowed in San Francisco - but don't bring a bike on the first car.

Because the North Berkeley station is in a residential area, you can take BART or AC Transit to BART Station in Berkeley and then BART to Berkeley Transit Station.

Berkeley is about an hour and a half from San Francisco, but in Sacramento, which is more of a congestion. Berkeley is located near San Jose and can be reached via US Highway 101, which connects to 880 in San Jose, or via 580, which connects the Central Valley. From San Diego, Berkeley is about two hours away, and from Sacramento, it's about another hour - and - a - half (with more traffic jams).

Public terminals are located at the University of California, Berkeley and UC Davis, as well as on the UC Berkeley campus. A public computer terminal is also available on I-80 East, which remains in the San Francisco Bay Area but not in Berkeley. Public terminals will also be available in San Jose, San Diego, Sacramento, Oakland, Los Angeles, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz.

The Amtrak station in Berkeley is located on the outskirts of the city and is connected to the San Francisco Bay Area via BART and Amtrak. On campus, students can visit the Lawrence Hall of Science, attend a luncheon concert, stroll through the UC Berkeley Museum of Natural History and Berkeley Botanic Garden, or play sports at the newly renovated California Memorial Stadium.

There is a ferry service between San Francisco and nearby Oakland, but it is not very convenient for visitors to Berkeley. Ferry services from Berkeley to the Bay Area via the Oakland - Berkeley Ferry Terminal are probably the most useful and scenic way to get around. There is a ferry terminal at the University of California, Berkeley campus, and there are two ferry terminals in the city, one in Berkeley and one in Oakland.

You can get around Berkeley without a car, but it is essential to find a bike or other means of transportation such as a bicycle, foot, bicycle or bus. Weather permitting, the best way to get around Berkeley is by bike, at the Berkeley-Oakland ferry terminal and at the University of California campus in Berkeley.