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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Neighborhood: 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 theaters 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
4,073 within 3 miles
Attractions
1,000 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- TravelingSoccerLoonSaint Paul, Minnesota3,476 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 May 7, 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 May 30, 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 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 4, 2023
- Thomas VOakland, California16,858 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 August 14, 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 2023Traveled soloWritten September 30, 2023
- andyh67186334Coalville, United Kingdom6,835 contributionsShopping and DiningUnion Square was four blocks down from my hotel, and was useful for retail and dining purposes. There is plenty of choice, but tailored more to the mid to luxury budget range. I used Macy's for shopping and the Cheesecake Factory for dining.Visited January 2024Traveled soloWritten January 21, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
2,178 reviews
Excellent
686
Very good
967
Average
402
Poor
79
Terrible
44
Jack
1 contribution
Feb 2023
I provide free walking tours for SF City Guides, a nonprofit program affiliated with the SF Public Library. I end my tour at Union Square. Over the years I have brought hundreds of domestic and international tourists to the square. Prior to Covid I know the Union Square Alliance positioned security personnel on the square to ensure a "high quality visitor experience". Can you please explain to me if there has been a change in policy as since Covid I have witnessed the proliferation of skateboarders on the square? This afternoon I saw five or so skateboarders doing tricks off the northeast steps of the plaza. Clearly placing themselves and square visitors at risk. I was too embarrassed and fearful for the safety of my walkers to enter the plaza from the northeast corner.
Written February 12, 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.
Munir D
Toronto, Canada645 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
We stayed at the Hilton Hotel which was a walking distance from the Union Square. This is a good area with many department stores like Macy’s, restaurants and theatres. The park is resplendent with palm and yew trees, flowers and stone benches.
One often sights flower vendors here along with street artists and musicians. There also are a lot of pigeons.
There are a lot of homeless people in the area. It’s best to overlook them or assist them in a small way if they are not on drugs.
Munir D.
One often sights flower vendors here along with street artists and musicians. There also are a lot of pigeons.
There are a lot of homeless people in the area. It’s best to overlook them or assist them in a small way if they are not on drugs.
Munir D.
Written August 6, 2022
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.
sharrongeg
Henderson, NV3,291 contributions
Dec 2021
Whenever we visit The City, we end up on Union Square looking at the seasonal decorations. This year we chose to arrange to meet family here and it was a piece of cake. “Meet at the Christmas Tree in Union Square”
This year they had a small ice skating rink set up with holiday music playing over the speakers.
This year they had a small ice skating rink set up with holiday music playing over the speakers.
Written January 1, 2022
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.
Rosalie M
Laguna Beach, CA3 contributions
May 2023
San 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.
Written May 30, 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 September 30, 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.
AndreaUbok
Florida2,730 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
An attractive public space in the middle of an upscale shopping district With lots of comfortable spaces to sit and talk. Coffee shop, florist, ort display, musical performance & beautiful foliage.
After hours it began to get a little seedy With beggars, people screaming and cursing and others on microphones yelling about Jesus.
After hours it began to get a little seedy With beggars, people screaming and cursing and others on microphones yelling about Jesus.
Written June 12, 2021
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.
Arun K
Nagpur District, India2,933 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Union Square is a public plaza in the down town of SF , surrounded by the plaza of several blocks & is referred as centre for shopping, eateries & theatres .
Generally a very safe area for tourist to visit & spend positive time , as it is in the neighbourhood with abundant retail therapy, not to mention the fine hotels, great meals and green space to sit outside & enjoy San Francisco’s pleasant climate .
A public place with great environment !
Generally a very safe area for tourist to visit & spend positive time , as it is in the neighbourhood with abundant retail therapy, not to mention the fine hotels, great meals and green space to sit outside & enjoy San Francisco’s pleasant climate .
A public place with great environment !
Written July 20, 2022
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.
Traveleator
Singapore, Singapore1,209 contributions
Sep 2019
Union Square is the city center which has quite a lot of good shopping options. There are many hotels and restaurants in the vicinity. I didn't see as many homeless people as I had feared (most of them were along Market). The square isn't a beautiful sight to behold. Just a nice place to watch people go by either living their lives or vacationing like you and I. Chinatown isn't too far and deserves a visit.
Written February 20, 2020
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.
GlobeTrotterChicago
Palos Park, IL205 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
Union Square is San Francisco’s high-end shopping area. My niece and I made a point of going over, since it gets great reviews. If you’re from NYC or Chicago and short on time, don’t bother. Been there done that on a grander scale. From anywhere else, give it a look and stop at the Cheesecake Factory for some cheesecake at their rooftop restaurant.
Written June 13, 2021
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.
Pranav Balachandar
Tampa, FL110 contributions
Dec 2022
SF'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.
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.
Written March 8, 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, Singapore6,509 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, CA1,585 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
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Claim your listingUnion Square - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Union Square
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Union Square:
- Big Bus San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Tour (From $63.00)
- San Francisco Love Tour (From $85.00)
- Combo Tour: Alcatraz Island and San Francisco Grand City Tour (From $160.00)
- San Francisco Movie Sights City Tour (From $67.00)
- Make the Most of SF in One Day: Small Group Walking Tour w Cable Car Option (From $89.00)
- Hotels near Union Square:
- (0.08 mi) The Inn at Union Square
- (0.06 mi) Chancellor Hotel on Union Square
- (0.08 mi) Beacon Grand A Union Square Hotel
- (0.11 mi) Taj Campton Place San Francisco
- (0.10 mi) Grand Hyatt San Francisco Union Square
- Restaurants near Union Square:
- (0.01 mi) Bancarella
- (0.02 mi) Miller & Lux Provisions Cafe
- (0.02 mi) Asian Box
- (0.08 mi) Sears Fine Foods
- (0.09 mi) Taj Campton Place
- Attractions near Union Square:
- (0.02 mi) Bespoke Experiences
- (0.02 mi) eatwith
- (0.02 mi) Tours en tu idioma.
- (0.02 mi) Holiday Ice Rink In Union Square
- (0.02 mi) San Francisco En Francais