Situated in the downtown heart of San Francisco, Union Square is home to a glittering array of high-end department stores and boutiques. Shopaholics will lose themselves for hours on end, as the square boasts international designer labels, such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, Burberry and Hugo Boss.

Of course this central hub of San Francisco was not always the retail nirvana you'll find today. It was dedicated to the first mayor of the city John Geary way back in 1850, gaining the name Union Square thanks to the pro-union rallies that took place here during the American Civil War.

Union Square was originally meant to be a public plaza and a verdant spot at the heart of town. Over the years it became part of an upmarket residential area, until the earthquake which devastated the centre of San Francisco in 1906. This led to an extensive rebuilding programme, which saw the beginnings of Union Square as we see it today.

In the heart of the plaza you'll see a tall Corinthian column on top of which stands a bronze statue of the goddess Victory. Dubbed the Dewey Monument, it pays tribute to Admiral George Dewey's victory at Manila Bay in the Spanish American War. Around the area you'll also see some splendid modern art sculptures, as well as many places where you can take a seat and enjoy the view.

But of course the shops are always bound to be the biggest draw. Pay a visit to Gump's where you'll find all kinds of home furnishings. Close by you can find the perfect outfit, along with classic antiques and jewellery. Visitors flock to the shops here all year round you can beat the crowds by coming in the early morning.

If you're visiting by car, you can pay to park underneath the square. This was the first underground car park anywhere in the world when it was opened in 1934. Alternatively, board one of the antique streetcars that regularly pass through Union Square.