For most visitors, the best area to stay in Berkeley is downtown, especially for its convenient access to public transportation and the University of California, Berkeley.Downtown Berkeley is the city's commercial and civic center. It's very walkable and features a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural venues like the Berkeley Repertory Theatre. The Berkeley BART station is centrally located here, offering direct access to San Francisco and Oakland. This area is particularly well-suited for solo travelers due to its excellent transit connections and ease of navigating on foot.For those visiting the University of California, Berkeley, the area immediately surrounding the campus is ideal. This includes sections of Telegraph Avenue and Shattuck Avenue. You'll find many cafes, bookstores, and eateries suiting the university community.