Union Square
- Address: Intersection of Geary, Powell, Post, and Stockton Streets, San Francisco
- Hours: Open daily
- Admission: Free
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Good Place to Drink,
Good Place to Eat,
Good Place to Relax,
Good Place to Shop,
People Watching,
Plaza / Square
The newly paved grounds of Union Square, bordered by brightly lit department stores and hotels, may not at first seem like an inviting place to hang out. But perch awhile on a skinny bench or grab a coveted seat at the café in the square, and you’ll discover some of the best people-watching in the city.
For in one day, you’ll see theater-goers debate the merits of the latest David Mamet productions, Nob Hill society dames in dark glasses duck into Maiden Lane spas for facials, and giddy teens wear out their parents while shopping for prom dresses.
But the real reason to come to Union Square is to shop. The square is home to six major department stores: Macy’s, Bloomingdales, Barney’s, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Neiman Marcus. Boutique shoppers will find plenty of spots to browse the latest designer fashion. High-end emporiums surround the square, including Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, Prada, and Giorgio Armani. Other stores, just south of Union Square along Market Street, include Old Navy, Apple Store, Anthropologie, and Urban Outfitters.
Nearby attractions include the theater district, Chinatown, and the French Quarter, with its many restaurants and cafes. Union Square is also only a few blocks from fashionable Nob Hill.
Latest Reviews
Review by Effie B, November 2012
Doing what: San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Tour
Where do I start? It was wonderful and our tour guide, Victoria, and Driver, Angel were amazing. We had planned to make a few stops on the way but were having such a fun time that we chose to ride all around and did get off at Union Square and back on again to go around again, to stop at Pier 39.
Review by Keeley G, October 2012
Doing what: San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Tour
This was my first time to SF and one of the most enjoyable, entertaining and memorable experince I had was being entertained by the loud, comical, trade mark laugh of Willie our tour guide. Truth is, that i jumped off bus, after being picked up in Union Square, at Fisherman's Wharf to do some exploring and shopping and hours later waited for another blue bus. Little did i know that it is not the color of the bus that makes the tour but the DRIVER/GUIDE!!! i got on another blue bus and got right back off at the Golden Gate bridge (cold, foggy and didn't want to stop) because i was determined to wait it out and get back on Willie's bus...wasn't sure about timing and where he was but sure enough about 30 min later another bus came and it was him...i told him about my decision to hop off and wait for the "funner" bus and he was tickled. THANKS WILLIE FOR A WONDERFUL TOUR OF A BEAUTIFUL CITY...hahahaha...hahahahaha
Review by Crafter188, Canada, September 2011
Doing what: San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Tour
The route this bus follows gives you a good overview of the city and convenient stops to see the highlights. We found a big variety of commentators; a couple not so great, and one (Christina) that was FANTASTIC. We got off the bus at Golden Gate Bridge, Union Square, Chinatown and Fisherman's Wharf. Getting the two day pass for the price of one day was extra good value!
Practical Info
You can get to Union Square by all forms of public transportation. Two cable car lines (Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason) serve Union Square on Powell Street; the F-Market antique street car, trolley, and bus lines also stop here.
