10 Best Markets in San Francisco

The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market is a renowned San Francisco institution, weekly showcasing a diverse offering of high-quality California-sourced products and produce right on the bay. Serving as a link between urban dwellers and local farmers since 1993, the market is open 3 days a week year-round in the plaza outside the Ferry Building.

Stock up fresh fruit and veggies for the week at the Tuesday market. Enjoy lunch out with friends at the street-food-focused Thursday market, or start your weekend in style at the 100-plus-vendor Saturday market. The place is filled with plenty of fresh produce, food nibble options as well as local crafts and even free sustainable gardening classes. Parking can be a challenge in the Embarcadero area, so ride the famous San Francisco trolley into town for a truly local experience.

The Bi-Rite Market has been a family-owned institution since the mid-1960s, providing high-quality groceries, booze, and gourmet takeout with legendary hospitality. With a location in the Mission District and another on Divisadero Street, you're never too far away from this San Francisco gem.

The farm-to-table ethos runs through all their product lines, from locally grown organic produce to grass-fed meat cuts and daily in-house-made treats. Order one of their scrumptious sandwiches for a lunch to go, or ask the knowledgeable staff to help you find the perfect bottle of wine to pair with your dinner. Make sure to stop by the sister store Bi-Rite Creamery for a sweet treat indulgence – the pies are local favourites.

The Mission Community Market is a vibrant marketplace and the heartbeat of the Mission District, bringing the community together every Thursday to celebrate food and local activism. Located on 22nd Street, a few blocks from Mission Dolores Park, the market boasts farm-fresh produce, street nibbles, and artisanal goods partnered with live music and a host of eclectic acts.

Hosting more than 30 vendors, can’t-miss food specialities include homemade jerky, ravioli and cheeses – perfect for a delicious holiday gift. In the spirit of the local community, all profits are reinvested in the local educational programmes in both English and Spanish. Access the market via the 24th Street BART Station, which is also close to the Noe Valley Farmers Market.

The Alameda Point Antique Faire – or the Alameda Flea – is North California's largest antique show. All products for sale must be at least 20 years old, so you are bound to find a one-of-a-kind gem at one of the booths. There are more than 800, selling anything from furniture and antique housewares to Prohibition-era clothing and record players. The energy at the market is contagious, with the Bay Bridge and San Francisco skyline as the backdrop.

Located on the runway of the former Alameda Naval Air Station, the Antique Faire is just a 20-minute drive east of central San Francisco. This incredibly popular market is only open on the first Sunday of every month, so make sure to get there early to find the real gems.

The Heart of the City Farmers’ Market is located exactly where its name suggests – in the middle of Downtown at the Civic Centre Plaza. The market’s populist spirit is reflected in its fresh and affordable produce, linking small local farmers to the urban centre of San Francisco. You can fill your grocery bags with fresh fruits, veggies, meat, fish, and baked goods. Food trucks and coffee stands are stationed strategically between stalls.

Open year-round on Sundays, the market is right off the Civic Centre Tram stop. Once you've had your fill of shopping, head east to South Beach Park and enjoy a waterside picnic in the shadow of Oracle Park.

The Alemany Farmers’ Market is an age-old San Francisco market that's been thriving since 1943, making it the oldest market in the state. Every Saturday, rain-or-shine, locals flood to Alemany Boulevard at the intersection of the Bernal Heights and Portola neighbourhoods to eat and buy local fresh produce. Initially founded as a community meeting point and market selling produce during World War II, the market continues to embody this neighbourhood vibe.

California’s agricultural diversity is on full display at the Alemany Farmers’ Market, so grab a bag of raw almonds or a fresh watermelon to snack on while perusing the colourful stalls. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to chat with the friendly farmers managing the booths. One of the most unique amenities of the market is the free parking, but get there early to snag a nice spot.

Treasure Island Flea Market is an exciting addition to the San Francisco flea market scene. Known for its young, hip, and pet-friendly vibe, the market encourages a lawn party atmosphere with live music, flowing booze and tons of energy. Over 350 vendors put their vintage wares on display every last weekend of the month, with everything from unique clothes to art, upcycled housewares and even herbs and spices available.

Hosted on a former military base turned open park, the bayside views are enough of a reason to visit this market. Make sure to grab a drink and bite from one of the diverse food trucks and spend the day on the hunt for flea market gold. If you’re in San Francisco during December, check out the famous Treasure Island Holiday Market. It has snow cannons blanketing the field with over 20 tons of snow.

The Civic Centre Farmers’ Market is an urban produce market focusing on fruits, vegetables, and seafood from Southeast Asia. Due to its proximity to Little Saigon, Americans of Southeast Asian heritage are the market’s main clientele. Enjoy a fresh mango from Thailand or water spinach from Vietnam – you can even purchase live chickens and pheasants.

If you are looking to impress friends with an authentic homemade bowl of pho (Vietnamese beef noodle soup) or lu rou fan (Taiwanese braised pork rice), the Civic Centre Farmers’ Market is the spot to visit. Open every Wednesday, make sure to swing by its sister market, the Heart of the City Farmer’s Market, every Saturday in the same location.

Off the Grid is a unique urban market bringing together an eclectic selection of food trucks representing a variety of cuisines. The diverse range of vendors numbers over 200, so prepare to taste, sample, and indulge at every booth. From carts dedicated to crème brûlée to Asian fusion, lobster bisque, and Mexican specialities, your choices are endless.

Accompanying the grub are several bars and plenty of live music, making this an electric night out with friends. The market takes place every Friday evening at the city’s Fort Mason. Off the Grid also hosts a popular Sunday picnic in the Presidio area.

The Noe Valley Farmers’ Market is an active demonstration of a community coming together to support local farmers and provide organic, healthy food to the locals. Founded soon after the sudden closing of the Noe Valley neighbourhood’s local natural food store, residents came together and put their values first by sponsoring this new market.

Held every Saturday, rain or shine, the diverse array of fresh produce is enticing to all visitors, especially as most of the actual farmers are manning their own booths. Bordering the market are a number of unique local craft and good stores, as well as several delicious restaurants. The Noe Valley Farmers’ Market is the epitome of what a local community market is about.