Union Square
Union Square
4
9:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Monday
9:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Friday
9:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 12:00 AM
About
A shopper's paradise, this bustling square near the theater district has everything from upscale department stores and boutiques to discount houses. After a $25-million facelift in 2002, the cosmopolitan hub boasts a huge amphitheater, granite pedestals on which street entertainers perform and a tree and flower-lined environment in which to enjoy an espresso or an elegant meal.
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Union Square
Originally home to rallies supporting the Union Army in the Civil War, this grand square has become the city's premier shopping and entertainment district containing the largest number of upscale department stores, chic boutiques, art galleries and theatres in the city. It's a large open area where tourists and locals gather, watch cable cars and crowds go by, enjoy a snack, or plan their day of shopping and sightseeing, If feeling the pulsating energy of the city is on your agenda, Union Square is the place to soak it in.
How to get there
- Powell St • 5 min walk
- Powell St • 5 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
4,138 within 5 kms
Attractions
804 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Pranav BalachandarTampa, Florida103 contributionsCity Centre of SFSF's prime area to enjoy evening & night life. Gets decorated during festive seasons like Hanukkah & Christmas. The place can get really crowded at times & finding free parking around the area can be a hassle. There's a coffee shop over there & a public restroom.Visited December 2022Written 7 March 2023
- TravelingSoccerLoonSaint Paul, Minnesota3,188 contributionsShopping, Dining and Entertainment AreaLively area with large city plaza surrounded by high-end shopping, restaurants and the city's theater district. Beautifully decorated for Christmas in the winter with an outdoor ice-skating rink. The Cable Car turnaround is nearby.Visited October 2022Written 7 May 2023
- Rosalie MLaguna Beach, California3 contributionsSan Francisco is still a beautiful citySan Francisco is still a beautiful city by the bay. Don't believe what the media says. Enjoy a weekend at the Orchard Hotel on Bush Street, a very central location. Close to Union Square, Nob Hill, China Town, North Beach, Embarcadero and Ferry Building. Great Jazz at numerous hotspots, great restaurants, SFMOMA is wonderful and you can walk all over the city. Walked 9 miles in one day and didn't even realize it. Golden Gate Park is also a must. Enjoy your visit.Visited May 2023Written 30 May 2023
- KelvinDunedin, New Zealand574 contributionsVery nice.We stopped off here while on a hop on hop off bus. The square is bustling and interesting and we as felt safe as here. We had a coffee and then just took in the atmosphere. A very nice way to spend a short time just walking around.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 July 2023
- Thomas VOakland, California16,415 contributionsStill Beautiful and Full of PeopleThere has been a lot of bad press lately about this part of the City. I found the Square to be as pretty as ever, nicely decorated with lots of flowers and some outdoor art. Lots of people around on a sunny afternoon. The architecture surrounding remains grand. The only sad feature is that so many storefronts are empty as stores have closed. Come and sit and enjoy, it's safe and beautiful.Visited August 2023Written 14 August 2023
- Nicko Bondar9 contributionsIconic placeI had a fantastic experience at Union Square in San Francisco. Here are excellent shops and restaurants. Its central location makes it a perfect starting point for exploring the city, either on foot or by taking the cable cars nearby. The palm trees and the surrounding architecture make this place unique. I had some concerns about cleanliness and closed storefronts, but I found Union Square to be still a vibrant and convenient destination for a memorable visit to San Francisco.Visited August 2023Travelled soloWritten 30 September 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
2,176 reviews
Excellent
687
Very good
966
Average
401
Poor
78
Terrible
44
StephenCross
Dublin, Ireland18,410 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Union Square is the centre of the shopping area in San Francisco. The square itself is interesting with a monument in the middle.
Written 5 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicko Bondar
9 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
I had a fantastic experience at Union Square in San Francisco. Here are excellent shops and restaurants. Its central location makes it a perfect starting point for exploring the city, either on foot or by taking the cable cars nearby. The palm trees and the surrounding architecture make this place unique. I had some concerns about cleanliness and closed storefronts, but I found Union Square to be still a vibrant and convenient destination for a memorable visit to San Francisco.
Written 30 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Earnest L
9 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Great food shops and restaurants as well as hotels. Great location and availability. So much to see and do all in walking distance or take the trolley
Written 24 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A W
18 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
This was my 4th time to SF and this place has gone down the toilet.
Union Square, whilst never the cleanest place is now quite disgusting. Closed down shops, many more homeless people and very dirty streets. There is a feel that local government have given up completely on what used to be one of the best cities in the world.
We headed down to Fisherman's Wharf which is in a similar state. Crappy markets everywhere selling, disgusting hotdogs and other foods. Couldnt wait to uber out of there.
What on earth happened to this place. We hid in our hotel room until it was over...
Union Square, whilst never the cleanest place is now quite disgusting. Closed down shops, many more homeless people and very dirty streets. There is a feel that local government have given up completely on what used to be one of the best cities in the world.
We headed down to Fisherman's Wharf which is in a similar state. Crappy markets everywhere selling, disgusting hotdogs and other foods. Couldnt wait to uber out of there.
What on earth happened to this place. We hid in our hotel room until it was over...
Written 15 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eric
Boulder, CO3 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
Very fun square with lots of shopping opportunities! Just be cautious of pickpocketers, there are a few people trying to do that.
Written 27 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA16,415 contributions
Aug 2023
There has been a lot of bad press lately about this part of the City. I found the Square to be as pretty as ever, nicely decorated with lots of flowers and some outdoor art. Lots of people around on a sunny afternoon. The architecture surrounding remains grand. The only sad feature is that so many storefronts are empty as stores have closed. Come and sit and enjoy, it's safe and beautiful.
Written 14 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Catriona
New York City, NY3 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
The view and atmosphere were amazing, especially with San Francisco's year-round mild weather. Lots of stores and other attractions to tour, as well as places to walk around and take pictures. Overall, amazing vibes, I would come here again.
Written 14 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jholman22
Maple ridge25 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
It’s a nice place to sit for a coffee, etc. surrounded by various shopping opportunities. A good photo op. Some homeless people settled there after dinner time.
Written 10 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DipuKV
Pune, India2,221 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
One of the nice locales in SF, Union Square lures you with a convenient location, shops aplenty & good spots for views & clicks.
Written 5 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelvin
Dunedin, New Zealand574 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
We stopped off here while on a hop on hop off bus. The square is bustling and interesting and we as felt safe as here. We had a coffee and then just took in the atmosphere. A very nice way to spend a short time just walking around.
Written 4 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ronald P
Lincoln, CA139 contributions
How safe is Union Square for a bus load of elderly people from out of town?
I didn't have any problems when I was there. However, I would watch your purses/wallets and keep them in a safe place. If you are with a tour, it shouldn't be a problem.
Menna K
Cairo, Egypt
Im staying in down town SF, what is the best outlet to go to? And what in the city is worth visiting or doing?
Fahad A
Karachi, Pakistan23 contributions
If u are staying at Union Square you can visit Macys Store it right in the middle and you can get everything under one roof, take a Hop on and Hop off Bus right from union square, its worth taking that cause u can see everything which my friends has listed in the above answers, the most amazing part of the hop on hop off is the Golden Gate Bridge u cant afford to miss that attractions San Francisco trip is incomplete without visiting that
86Susana2015
San Miguel de Tucuman, Argentina3 contributions
Quisiera saber si es bueno el hotel Cartwright de la calle Sutter al 500 en San Francisco
M123a
Toronto, Canada521 contributions
Can someone give me the name of some fancy coffee shops in union square or around harbour court hotel. Thank you
natashaangeline
Canmore, Canada81 contributions
All of the American coffee shops are not coffee made “premiumly” as it may say in the window. Half of these places don’t even know how to use their machines properly. I come from a coffee industry background.
Tanya212018
Windsor, Canada39 contributions
I'm coming to San Franscisco September 11-13 I have been searching for a hotel . Too many to look at ( getting overwhelmed) . Any suggestions , clean not too expensive in a good area.. Thanks, Tanya. Union square...area??? I think , but doesn't have to be.What do you think of Nob Hill, any hotels worth looking at there?
Andrew Goh
Singapore, Singapore6,508 contributions
Sfo hotels are not cheap unless you stay far out. Union square is a good choice and convenience . They few boutique and smaller hotel .. try Nikko or Parc55.
Rogerio Marks
Porto Alegre, RS72 contributions
Olá, sabe se a praça ainda está em obras atualmente ou no período que vc esteve lá? Muito obrigado.
fredyt3
Los Angeles, CA1,583 contributions
sí, la construcción continúa, sin embargo, según sus necesidades, las tiendas y el tráfico están abiertos. También quizás puedas traducir esto al español, pero te da noticias / actualizaciones y contacto con respecto a Union Square. Espero que esto ayude
Flgirlja
Casselberry, FL216 contributions
Grant hotel
Going to San Francisco for first time in may
On tight budget as this is our first leg of road trip to la
Looking at grant hotel there are so many mixed reviews
Safety is important and also we want to be in a good place to get transport to the. Golden Gate Bridge fishermen wharf and other landmarks beaches and sites
Just the two of us no children
We will be in town 2 days then renting car and heading to Monterey/Carmel
John T
Balclutha, New Zealand168 contributions
Your in a good spot there for Fisherman’s Wharf. You will need to walk to the bottom of the hill to get on the cable car but it’s only a few blocks from union square.
Security is important in San Francisco as there are strange people everywhere. Suggest if you have a wallet put it in your front pocket to avoid pick pockets and try to blend in like a local. It’s not too bad there but you will see a lot of strange people.
Fisherman’s Wharf is amazing and you can get a cruise on the harbour from there. Enjoy.
MariaGJS
Humboldt County, CA20 contributions
Are there any moderately priced cafes or bars that you recommend? Thank you
FormerCaliBoy
Zurich, Switzerland19,612 contributions
Hello MariaGJS,
I would suggest Sear's Fine Foods, it's an institution for good home cooked meals loved by locals and tourists alike. Also, known for their stack of small Swedish pancakes, but their other breakfast items are very hearty.
As for bars:
If you like craft beers, my top two suggestions would be Mikkeller Bar on Mason St. and The Golden Gate Tap Room on Powell. Mikkeller has a more neighborhood feel to the place and they also serve food, while The Golden Gate Tap Room is very inconspicuous from the outside, but inside it's a very large, lively space with a variety of games and a very, very impressive selection of craft beers. Both places have fun staff and you are sure to have a good time.
(FYI: Bring your state ID/Drivers License or passport as official ID's will be checked at the door).
Denise T
2 contributions
We are staying at the Marker on Geary St. is this hotel in a safe area?
Jencheltenham
Cheltenham, UK1,816 contributions
I think you just need to be sensible and careful especially if you are walking around alone
Jeff T
Chicago, IL8 contributions
Any suggestions on good eats in or around union square?
RenanFerreira
Curitiba, PR354 contributions
I ate some nice pizza, but there are some fancy restaurants indide the hotels that tou would like
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Frequently Asked Questions about Union Square
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Union Square:
- Big Bus San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Tour (From ₹ 5,249.13)
- San Francisco Love Tour (From ₹ 7,082.15)
- Night Tour: Happy Hour History of SF (From ₹ 7,082.15)
- Combo Tour: Alcatraz Island and San Francisco Grand City Tour (From ₹ 11,998.00)
- San Francisco Movie Sights City Tour (From ₹ 5,582.40)
- Hotels near Union Square:
- (0.13 km) The Inn at Union Square
- (0.09 km) Chancellor Hotel on Union Square
- (0.13 km) Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel
- (0.17 km) Taj Campton Place San Francisco
- (0.15 km) Grand Hyatt San Francisco Union Square
- Restaurants near Union Square:
- (0.02 km) Bancarella
- (0.03 km) Asian Box
- (0.13 km) Sears Fine Foods
- (0.14 km) Taj Campton Place
- (0.13 km) The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus
- Attractions near Union Square:
- (0.02 km) Bespoke Experiences
- (0.03 km) Holiday Ice Rink In Union Square
- (0.03 km) San Francisco En Francais
- (0.03 km) eatwith
- (0.03 km) Tours en tu idioma.