Union Square Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Union Square which includes a skyscraper and a city
Union Square showing city views, signage and street scenes
Union Square showing central business district, a city and street scenes
Union Square showing street scenes and a city as well as a large group of people
Union Square featuring central business district, a city and street scenes

Fashion puts its best foot forward in one of America’s largest shopping plazas.

Union Square, located downtown, is a shopping hub of department stores and upmarket boutiques. Designers of luxury items like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, Burberry and Hugo Boss can all be found here. But for a shopping experience unique to San Francisco, a trip to Gump's is a must. This is where the well-to-do come to ‘dress’ their homes with sumptuous, high-end décor. A few blocks away, you can find up-to-the-minute looks, hot off the catwalk, as well as classic antiques and beautiful jewellery. This is the place where shopping’s a year-round activity. Early morning is the best time to hit the shops, as it’s relatively quiet.

The name, Union Square, refers to the park that is bordered by Geary, Powell, Post and Stockton streets. It was originally designed as a green oasis of calm and a public plaza.

By the 1880s, it had become a smart residential district, but this all came to an abrupt end after the famous San Francisco fire and earthquake of 1906 ravaged homes and shops. It was completely rebuilt and became the premier shopping and dining area that is known and loved today.

Right at the centre of the plaza, you’ll find the impressive Dewey Monument, a landmark that commemorates Admiral George Dewey’s victory at the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish American War. There are also plenty of modern sculptures dotted around to enjoy and plenty of places to sit and feel the sun on your skin. Sit in one of the many cafés or on the stone steps for a while and enjoy a spot of people watching.

Parking is limited but the best, but rather expensive, option is the car park right underneath the square. Completed in 1934, this was the world's first underground parking structure. Alternatively, hop on one of the antique streetcars that pass by Union Square at regular intervals.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Union Square Hotel Deals

Handlery Union Square Hotel

Handlery Union Square Hotel

3.5 out of 5
351 Geary St, San Francisco, CA
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,511 reviews)
Great, peaceful stay at this hotel!
"Very well-maintained building, considering its age. Great blend of the "new" with the "old". Only issue is the pillows and mattresses could have been a bit thicker, but that is it!"

Reviewed on 17 Jul. 2025

Handlery Union Square Hotel
Hotel Spero, Vignette Collection by IHG

Hotel Spero, Vignette Collection by IHG

4 out of 5
405 Taylor St, San Francisco, CA
The price is NZ$335 per night from 22 July to 23 July
NZ$335
22 July - 23 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,270 reviews)
"Excellent! Cozy and big room."

Reviewed on 16 Jul. 2025

Hotel Spero, Vignette Collection by IHG
Chancellor Hotel on Union Square

Chancellor Hotel on Union Square

3.5 out of 5
433 Powell St, San Francisco, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,808 reviews)
"Loved our stay at the chancellor in downtown SF! The staff were all so welcoming and accommodating! My family had an early flight but called ahead for an early check in and luckily the front desk had our rooms ready in less than an hr from when we arrived! Location is perfect walking distance to ..."

Reviewed on 18 Jul. 2025

Chancellor Hotel on Union Square
Hotel Nikko San Francisco

Hotel Nikko San Francisco

4.5 out of 5
222 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
The price is NZ$461 per night from 20 July to 21 July
NZ$461
20 July - 21 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, a nightclub, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,443 reviews)
"Great hotel, clean room, nice indoor pool, jacuzi and saina"

Reviewed on 17 Jul. 2025

Hotel Nikko San Francisco
Taj Campton Place

Taj Campton Place

5 out of 5
340 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA
The price is NZ$409 per night from 24 July to 25 July
NZ$409
24 July - 25 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Great customer service"

Reviewed on 13 Jul. 2025

Taj Campton Place
citizenM San Francisco Union Square

citizenM San Francisco Union Square

4 out of 5
72 Ellis Street, San Francisco, CA
The price is NZ$304 per night from 20 July to 21 July
NZ$304
20 July - 21 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,289 reviews)
"Loved it"

Reviewed on 18 Jul. 2025

citizenM San Francisco Union Square
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Union Square

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Downtown San Francisco

3/5(34 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Francisco. Top attractions like Oracle Park and Chase Center are major draws. Catch the metro at Market St & 5th St Stop or Market St & Taylor St Stop to see more of the city.

Downtown San Francisco
Chinatown which includes street scenes

Chinatown

4/5(20 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Chinatown. Dragon's Gate is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Chinatown-Rose Pak Stop or Powell St & Clay St Stop to see more of San Francisco.

Chinatown
Nob Hill which includes a city and street scenes

Nob Hill

4/5(59 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants Chinatown and top sights from Grace Cathedral to SF Masonic Auditorium – discover Nob Hill, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Nob Hill
Financial District - Ferry Building

Financial District

4/5(16 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants Chinatown and top sights from Embarcadero Center to TransAmerica Pyramid – discover Financial District, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Financial District
South of Market which includes skyline, a city and a garden

South of Market

3.5/5(101 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants great entertainment and top sights from Oracle Park to Chase Center – discover South of Market, a destination also famous for its shopping.

South of Market
North Beach showing skyline and a city

North Beach

4.5/5(124 area reviews)

Travellers love North Beach for its popular shops, and you can see more of San Francisco by jumping on the metro at Columbus Ave & Lombard St Stop or Columbus Ave & Chestnut St Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like Pier 39 and San Francisco Bay.

North Beach

Union Square Travel Guide

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