Union Square Travel Guide

San Francisco

Union Square featuring a skyscraper and a city
Union Square showing city views, signage and a city
Union Square showing a city, central business district and a square or plaza
Union Square showing street scenes and a city as well as a large group of people
Union Square which includes street scenes, signage 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

Handlery Union Square Hotel

Handlery Union Square Hotel

3.5 out of 5
351 Geary St, San Francisco, CA
The price is ₹11,769 per night from 6 Aug to 7 Aug
₹11,769
₹13,851 total
6 Aug - 7 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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! (2,528 reviews)
"Hospitality was welcoming. Receptionists were nice and helpful, rooms cleans and large. as for location was one of the best in Downtown SF."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Handlery Union Square Hotel
Hotel Spero, Vignette Collection by IHG

Hotel Spero, Vignette Collection by IHG

4 out of 5
405 Taylor St, San Francisco, CA
The price is ₹10,588 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹10,588
₹15,497 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,268 reviews)
"Great location, nice and clean rooms equipped with the usual facilities. There was no coffee machine in my room (not sure about other rooms), but the main lobby has coffee and tea in the morning. I needed hot water, and when I asked for it, they promptly sent a kettle to my room. Location is great, ..."

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Hotel Spero, Vignette Collection by IHG
Chancellor Hotel on Union Square

Chancellor Hotel on Union Square

3.5 out of 5
433 Powell St, San Francisco, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star 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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,793 reviews)
"Great Hitel staff! Very very polite and amicable. Nice place to stat"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Chancellor Hotel on Union Square
Hotel Nikko San Francisco

Hotel Nikko San Francisco

4.5 out of 5
222 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
The price is ₹15,998 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹15,998
₹22,782 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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! (2,439 reviews)
"A great value, with friendly staff and terrific amenities just over a block from Union Square. Convenient public transportation to anywhere in the city."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Hotel Nikko San Francisco
Taj Campton Place

Taj Campton Place

5 out of 5
340 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA
The price is ₹15,275 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
₹15,275
₹20,943 total
5 Aug - 6 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
"Great customer service"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Taj Campton Place
citizenM San Francisco Union Square

citizenM San Francisco Union Square

4 out of 5
72 Ellis Street, San Francisco, CA
The price is ₹12,806 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹12,806
₹15,071 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,281 reviews)
"Great hotel! It was my first time in SF and the location was perfect to getting to all the main sites. Staff at hotel was very kind and accommodating. Highly recommend."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

citizenM 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(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. 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

4.5/5(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 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(113 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(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


Union Square Travel Guide