Top city spots in Oakland, USA

Oakland lies across the bay from San Francisco. Just like its larger and more well-known neighbour, this is a hip, diverse city, offering vibrant food and music scenes that every tourist will enjoy.

To really appreciate Oakland’s eclectic best attractions and cultural landscape you will need to explore its many different districts. Some offer urban cosmopolitan excitement, while others provide peaceful and scenic surroundings. Firstly head downtown to Downtown Oakland! This atmospheric neighbourhood is a melting pot of cultures and a showcase for artistic murals and fantastic architecture. The streets here are lined with Victorian and Art Deco buildings that host great restaurants and boutique shops. Venues of interest include the African American Museum and Library, the Rotunda Building, and the Cathedral Building - a wonderful example of Gothic Revival. Uptown is currently considered the trendiest place to visit in Oakland - this is the best area to appreciate the top art and entertainment attractions in town. Highlights include Art Murmur, a monthly art fair when most galleries are open to the public, and the Fox and the Paramount theatres. These established venues offer a variety of events including live music sessions and special screenings of classic films. A more laid-back vibe awaits in Dimond District, a greener area of Oakland city with an inviting Latino ambiance. The huge Dimond Canyon can be accessed directly from here and these lovely parklands offer great hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. The district, previously known as Little Germany due to its large German population, holds the fun Oaktoberfest each year. By the water's edge, you will find good shopping outlets and recommended restaurants in Grand Lake. This area is located on the northeast side of Lake Merritt and is named after the communities of Grand and Lakeshore Avenues. The Jack London District has both peaceful bayfront views and a vibrant central hub brimming with exciting music venues, bars, and restaurants. Oakland played a significant part in American civil rights and African-American history. The Black Panthers originated here and every visit to the city should include the official walking tour to discover the story of this important movement. Historic landmarks to appreciate on the route include the Traffic Signal at the corner of Market & 55th streets, the Serve the People mural, and the location of the original Black Panther Party headquarters.