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

Chancellor Hotel on Union Square
Chancellor Hotel on Union Square
3.5 out of 5
433 Powell St, San Francisco, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$209 per night from 30 June to 1 July
NZ$209
30 June - 1 July
includes taxes & fees
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! (2,751 reviews)
Union Square Convenient!
"This hotel is convenient to Union Square and on the famous-Ding!Ding!-trolley line!"

Reviewed on 16 Jun. 2025

Chancellor Hotel on Union Square
Handlery Union Square Hotel
Handlery Union Square Hotel
3.5 out of 5
351 Geary St, San Francisco, CA
The price is NZ$279 per night from 2 July to 3 July
NZ$279
2 July - 3 July
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,463 reviews)
"Had a view of a giant air conditioner with little sunlight but that’s likely because we had a dog."

Reviewed on 15 Jun. 2025

Handlery Union Square Hotel
Parc 55 San Francisco - A Hilton Hotel
Parc 55 San Francisco - A Hilton Hotel
4 out of 5
55 Cyril Magnin St, San Francisco, CA
The price is NZ$334 per night from 6 July to 7 July
NZ$334
6 July - 7 July
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,386 reviews)
"Staff was courteous. Got a room upgrade which was very nice. Rooms were spacious though a bit outdated ( furniture)."

Reviewed on 14 Jun. 2025

Parc 55 San Francisco - A Hilton Hotel
citizenM San Francisco Union Square
citizenM San Francisco Union Square
4 out of 5
72 Ellis Street, San Francisco, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$272 per night from 30 June to 1 July
NZ$272
30 June - 1 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! (1,236 reviews)
"Great friendly staff."

Reviewed on 12 Jun. 2025

citizenM San Francisco 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$390 per night from 2 July to 3 July
NZ$390
2 July - 3 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! (2,374 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay at the Nikko. It was very centrally located and easy to walk from. My daughter did get big bug bites in the hotel room which made uswas kind of weary."

Reviewed on 17 Jun. 2025

Hotel Nikko San Francisco
Hilton San Francisco Union Square
Hilton San Francisco Union Square
4 out of 5
333 O'Farrell St., San Francisco, CA
The price is NZ$351 per night from 29 June to 30 June
NZ$351
29 June - 30 June
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy 2 bars/lounges, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour health club. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,053 reviews)
"I think the hood is dangerous"

Reviewed on 15 Jun. 2025

Hilton 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 showing 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 showing street scenes and a city

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 park and cbd

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 which includes 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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