City Lights Booksellers & Publishers: A Literary Landmark in San Francisco
Explore the iconic City Lights Booksellers & Publishers in San Francisco, a hub of literature, creativity, and the Beat Generation. A must-visit for book lovers!
City Lights Booksellers & Publishers, a historic bookstore nestled in San Francisco's Chinatown, is a must-visit for book lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike. Renowned for its vast selection of literature, particularly in the realm of Beat Generation works, this iconic store offers a unique blend of history, culture, and a passion for the written word. Visitors can explore cozy reading nooks, attend engaging author events, and discover rare books, making it an essential stop on any San Francisco itinerary.
A brief summary to City Lights Booksellers & Publishers
- 261 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, Chinatown, California, 94133, US
- +1415-362-8193
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-10 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-10 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-10 pm
- Thursday 10 am-10 pm
- Friday 10 am-10 pm
- Saturday 10 am-10 pm
- Sunday 10 am-10 pm
Local tips
- Visit during the week to avoid crowds and have a more intimate browsing experience.
- Check the event calendar on their website for author readings and special events during your visit.
- Don't miss the upstairs section for a quieter atmosphere and a curated selection of unique titles.
- Take your time to explore the surrounding area of Chinatown, rich with culture, food, and history.
- Consider bringing a tote bag for your books, as the store promotes eco-friendly practices.
Getting There
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Bus
From downtown Berkeley, head to the nearest bus stop on Shattuck Avenue. Take the AC Transit Bus 7 towards San Francisco. Stay on the bus for about 25-30 minutes. Get off at the 'BART Embarcadero Station' in San Francisco. Transfer to the Muni 30 bus towards 'Bayview-Hunters Point'. Ride for 15 minutes and get off at 'Columbus Ave & Broadway'. City Lights Booksellers & Publishers will be a short walk away at 261 Columbus Ave.
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BART Train
Make your way to the Downtown Berkeley BART station located at 2140 Shattuck Ave. Take the BART train towards 'San Francisco/Daly City'. After about 20 minutes, disembark at 'Montgomery St.' station. From there, exit the station and walk towards Market St. Head north on Montgomery St, then turn left onto Columbus Ave. Continue walking for about 5 minutes, and you'll find City Lights Booksellers & Publishers at 261 Columbus Ave.
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Bicycle
If you're feeling adventurous, you can rent a bicycle from one of the local bike rental shops in Berkeley. Head south on Shattuck Ave and continue until you reach the bike path leading towards the Bay Bridge. Follow the path across the bridge; it will lead you into San Francisco. Once you reach the Embarcadero, continue along the waterfront, then head west on Bay St until you reach Columbus Ave. Turn right onto Columbus Ave, and you will find City Lights Booksellers & Publishers at 261 Columbus Ave.
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Walking
If you prefer to stretch your legs, you can walk from downtown Berkeley to San Francisco. Start at the Berkeley Marina and walk along the waterfront towards the Golden Gate Bridge. Once you reach the bridge, cross it and continue along the path until you get to the Embarcadero. From there, walk north on Columbus Ave for about 10-15 minutes, and you will arrive at City Lights Booksellers & Publishers located at 261 Columbus Ave.
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