Union Square
Union Square
4
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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Top ways to experience Union Square
The area
Neighbourhood: Downtown San Francisco
How to get there
- Powell St • 4 min walk
- Powell St • 5 min walk
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
4,158 within 3 miles
Attractions
1,098 within 6 miles
See what travellers are saying
- andyh67186334Coalville, United Kingdom10,913 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 2024Travelled soloWritten 21 January 2024
- Laurence PNewhaven, United Kingdom285 contributionsIconic SquareA lot of people say stay clear, but we went and had grea fun. It has a good range of high end stores. The square itself is iconic and has a good vibe. We passed through a good few times when int heis part of town.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 18 August 2024
- Thomas VOakland, California18,221 contributionsOld Center, Times are ChangingI do love this area, even though it is going through a rough patch. Traditionally the center of retail and shopping, but times have changed as people shop from home. There are some stores around. And there are big hotels. The square in the middle is very grand with things going on and places to sit. Very attractive. Times are changing.Visited September 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.0
2,191 reviews
Excellent
691
Very good
970
Average
407
Poor
79
Terrible
44
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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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 12 February 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, Canada704 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 6 August 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, NV3,776 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 1 January 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, CA4 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 30 May 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
17 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.
AndreaUbok
Florida4,120 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 12 June 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, India3,374 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 20 July 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.
hinahina
東京2,334 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
It was a park (square) that was an easy landmark to find even for beginners looking at a city map.
There were umbrellas and it felt like a place to relax in the center, but when I visited in the evening, I saw a lot of homeless people.
I didn't see anything particularly dangerous, but it seems best to avoid it during times when there are fewer people around.
There were umbrellas and it felt like a place to relax in the center, but when I visited in the evening, I saw a lot of homeless people.
I didn't see anything particularly dangerous, but it seems best to avoid it during times when there are fewer people around.
Written 18 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.
Traveleator
Singapore, Singapore1,152 contributions
Sept 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 20 February 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, IL218 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 13 June 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.
تصمیم گرفتم براتون پیام بدم امیدوارم مشکلی نداشته باشید ☺️
Written 11 January 2024
How safe is Union Square for a bus load of elderly people from out of town?
Written 23 August 2023
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.
Written 25 August 2023
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?
Written 22 August 2019
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
Written 23 August 2019
Quisiera saber si es bueno el hotel Cartwright de la calle Sutter al 500 en San Francisco
Written 4 September 2018
Can someone give me the name of some fancy coffee shops in union square or around harbour court hotel. Thank you
Written 9 May 2018
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.
Written 10 May 2018
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?
Written 6 April 2018
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.
Written 8 April 2018
Olá, sabe se a praça ainda está em obras atualmente ou no período que vc esteve lá? Muito obrigado.
Written 16 March 2018
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
Written 19 March 2018
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
Written 2 January 2018
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.
Written 16 January 2018
Are there any moderately priced cafes or bars that you recommend? Thank you
Written 12 March 2017
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).
Written 12 March 2017
We are staying at the Marker on Geary St. is this hotel in a safe area?
Written 15 November 2016
I think you just need to be sensible and careful especially if you are walking around alone
Written 25 November 2016
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