Travel Guide Berkeley

University town, capital of Californian gastronomy, home to small bars and concert halls, Berkeley has it all!Before the arrival of Europeans, the area was occupied by the Chochen/Huichin tribe. The first European settlers arrived en masse at the time of the Gold Rush in 1849, driving out the native population. In 1866, the town was named after the philosopher and poet George Berkeley.Berkeley is best known for its eponymous university. Founded in 1868 and renowned for its teaching in physics, chemistry and biology, it is nicknamed the "Athens of the West". It boasts over 37,000 students, 1,800 teaching staff and 65 Nobel Prize winners, including alumni, professors and associate researchers. And 103 Olympic gold medals!But there's more to Berkeley than its university. Take the time to stroll along Telegraph Avenue, which links Oakland and Berkeley. If you don't want to walk the seven kilometers, you can opt for the area between Bancroft and Dwight Way, where you'll find numerous boutiques, restaurants, bookstores and bars. Shattuck Avenue intersects with Telegraph Avenue, the city's other main thoroughfare, which is popular with students and teachers. It's also home to numerous nightlife venues. If you're looking for green space, Tilden Regional Park is there, with hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, a miniature golf course and, above all, quiet picnic spots.Tourist Office (2030 Addison Street; +1 510 549 7040; www.visitberkeley.com). Open 9am-1pm and 2pm-5pm Monday to Friday, closed weekends and public holidays.