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

Fashion puts on its finest face in one of the country’s largest shopping plazas.

Union Square, located downtown, is a fashion nexus of department stores and upscale boutiques. Shop for high-end labels like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, Burberry and Hugo Boss. For a uniquely San Francisco shopping experience, head to Gump's where the well-heeled come for home décor. Within a few blocks you can pick up the latest looks from the catwalk, as well as classic antiques and jewellery. Shopping in the square is a year-round activity, with early morning being the quietest period to hit the stores.

The city’s central hub of retail was dedicated by its first mayor John Geary in 1850 and named after the pro-union Civil War rallies that were held here. The name, Union Square, refers to the park that is bordered by Geary, Powell, Post and Stockton streets. It was conceived to be a green oasis and public plaza.

By the 1880s this was a smart residential district, but the famous San Francisco fire and earthquake of 1906 devastated the area’s hotels and shops. It was rebuilt, better than ever, and today Union Square is a premier shopping and dining area with a lively and historic character.

At the centre of this public plaza is the impressive Dewey Monument, a tall Corinthian column topped by a bronze statue of the goddess Victory bearing a trident. This landmark commemorates Admiral George Dewey’s decisive win at the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish American War. There are also modern art sculptures to view, as well as plenty of spots in the sun, at cafés or on the stone steps, to just watch the world go by.

Parking is tricky but the best, if pricey, option is the parking station right underneath the square. Completed in 1934, it was the world's first underground parking structure. Or, hop on one of the quintessential antique streetcars that pass Union Square at regular intervals.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Union Square

Hilton San Francisco Union Square

Hilton San Francisco Union Square

4 out of 5
333 O'Farrell St., San Francisco, CA
The price is Rp2.002.320 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
Rp2.002.320
Rp3.025.966 total
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy 2 bars/lounges, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,068 reviews)
"It's really quiet and the Internet access is such a help too!"

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Hilton San Francisco Union Square
Handlery Union Square Hotel

Handlery Union Square Hotel

3.5 out of 5
351 Geary St, San Francisco, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp2.617.231 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
Rp2.617.231
Rp3.080.350 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,643 reviews)
"Well maintained, great service, walkable, and very close to multiple transit options. A great home base for city exploration."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Handlery Union Square Hotel
Parc 55 San Francisco - A Hilton Hotel

Parc 55 San Francisco - A Hilton Hotel

4 out of 5
55 Cyril Magnin St, San Francisco, CA
The price is Rp1.726.138 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
Rp1.726.138
Rp2.737.060 total
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,399 reviews)
"Great price for great hotel!"

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2025

Parc 55 San Francisco - A Hilton 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 Rp1.230.472 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
Rp1.230.472
Rp1.453.927 total
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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! (2,898 reviews)
"I didn’t feel all too comfortable outside of the hotel in the evening. Lots of rowdy intoxicated people hanging around the local bar just up the street"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 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 Rp3.029.033 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
Rp3.029.033
Rp4.313.382 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
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! (2,508 reviews)
"Beautiful scenery, nice staff and easy commute everywhere."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Hotel Nikko San Francisco
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 Rp2.720.678 per night from 19 Sept to 20 Sept
Rp2.720.678
Rp3.878.268 total
19 Sept - 20 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,512 reviews)
Excellent stay
"Great service, Uber voucher is good to move around"

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

The Westin St. Francis San Francisco 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. 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
Civic Center

Civic Center

Noted for its shopping and restaurants, there's plenty to explore in Civic Center. Top attractions like Asian Art Museum of San Francisco and Civic Center Plaza are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Van Ness Station or Market St & Van Ness Ave Stop to see more of the city.

Civic Center

Union Square Travel Guide