Union Square Travel Guide

San Francisco
Union Square featuring a skyscraper and a city
One of the biggest and most popular shopping plazas across the United States.

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.


Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Union Square

The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square
The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square
4.5 out of 5
335 Powell Street, San Francisco, CA
The price is ₹14,780 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
₹14,780
₹19,889 total
includes taxes & fees
16 Nov - 17 Nov
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,897 reviews)
"The staff was very friendly"

Reviewed on 30 Oct 2024

The Westin St. Francis San Francisco 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 ₹11,589 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
₹11,589
₹13,639 total
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,174 reviews)
"Nice"

Reviewed on 31 Oct 2024

Handlery Union Square Hotel
Hotel Nikko San Francisco
Hotel Nikko San Francisco
4.5 out of 5
222 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
The price is ₹11,217 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
₹11,217
₹17,030 total
includes taxes & fees
2 Nov - 3 Nov
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a nightclub and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,064 reviews)
Great stay
"Just an overall great stay in the heart of San Francisco. The service was exceptional and definitely recommend getting a club level room."

Reviewed on 30 Oct 2024

Hotel Nikko San Francisco
The Marker Union Square San Francisco
The Marker Union Square San Francisco
4 out of 5
501 Geary St, San Francisco, CA
The price is ₹10,023 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
₹10,023
₹15,152 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Nov - 18 Nov
Stay at this boutique hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour fitness centre and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
"The hotel was great, but there were protesters making noise starting at 7am. The homeless situation is out of control, fighting etc... not a safe feeling at night."

Reviewed on 30 Oct 2024

The Marker Union Square San Francisco
Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel
Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel
4 out of 5
450 Powell Street, San Francisco, CA
The price is ₹12,655 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
₹12,655
₹18,068 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Stay at this historic hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,025 reviews)
"Hotel was nice and “grand” in the entrance area. There is a strike going on across the street. It woke us up every morning and It was hard to go to sleep. I would recommend not staying here until the strike is over. You are surrounded my bars and restaurants that are walkable distance which i loved. ..."

Reviewed on 29 Oct 2024

Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel
Chancellor Hotel on Union Square
Chancellor Hotel on Union Square
3.5 out of 5
433 Powell St, San Francisco, CA
The price is ₹8,946 per night from 5 Nov to 6 Nov
₹8,946
₹10,554 total
includes taxes & fees
5 Nov - 6 Nov
Stay at this hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,372 reviews)
"This is one of the nicest hotels we have stayed in. The room is spacious with a decent bathroom. It also comes with a fridge, safe and we were excited to see a welcome bottle of wine. The beds are comfy, the staff friendly and cookies at all times on reception is a nice touch. We would definitely ..."

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2024

Chancellor Hotel on 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

Default Image

Downtown San Francisco

3/5(52 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

3.5/5(8 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Chinatown. Chinatown Alleyways 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

4.5/5(78 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

4.5/5(37 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants Chinatown and top sights from Embarcadero Center to TransAmerica Redwood Forest – 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(113 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants great entertainment and top sights from San Francisco Bay to Oracle Park – 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(129 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


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