Union Square

Union square is a bustling, fun tourist attraction that even locals frequent because there is some serious shopping going on here. Its easily accessibly by way of the BART and if you can avoid brining your car here and fighting for parking, I think you’ll have way more fun.

This is the place I come to relax when I am in the rush of the big city. It is across the Macy’s shopping center in which I love to sit and relax and look down at the people at the Flag ship store. A place like union square is a staple it fact it is a California Landmark! Union Square has one of the many hearts of San Francisco, and I guess there are 7 all around the city so its a good thing for a tourist scavenger hunt. This places serves as the site of many public concerts & events, art shows, impromptu protests, private parties and events, winter ice rink and the annual Christmas tree in the Winter. I mentioned before hand it is the «Times square» equivalent. It can be a beautiful place to rest and take lunch, but at night its a little crazy with various colorful people around. It holds the charm of the heart of the city crown.
*pro-​tip* the light stand have outlets in where you can plug in your phone chargers if need be
and while you are at it, if you are a Macy’s card owner you can park in the garage downstairs for a discounted rate.
Definitely a place to stop and chill before you spend your billions of dollars on the shopping centers.

Beautiful place to relax and do some shopping. I notice there are 4 huge hearts on each corner of the stair entrance each one is painted differently.
In the center there is a huge monument called the Dewey monument encrypted with the following
«On the night of April 30, 1898 Commodore Dewey’s squadron entered Manila Bay and, undaunted by the danger of submerged explosives, reached Manila at dawn of May 1, 1898. Attacked and destroyed the Spanish fleet of ten war ships. Reduced the forts and held the city in subjection until the arrival of troops from America.»
Pretty neat area.

Looking to dine, shop or just chill? Union Square is the place to be! Besides the construction ongoing, everything is great. People are really approachable, and the shops are on point! You’ll enjoy seeing the cable cars there, too!
Tip: Don’t stay out too late because the place can get really sketchy at night, especially in the places where there aren’t many people passing by.

Eh. Union Square in San Francisco is where I stayed when I visited. I have never been to New York, but I felt like this was close because of how busy it was and how many rich-​people places there was. There is nothing really special about Union Square other than it is where you can get ALL of your shopping for the rest of your life done. I love San Fran, and loved staying in Union Square because at night, when looking out of my balcony in the hotel, the sounds, smell, and sights made me feel like I was really in a big and great city that is known worldwide.
I love San Francisco in general.

So weird, I swear I have written a review for Union Square before…
So, it’s a beautiful, touristy, sometimes crowded public area in a part of SF close to the Theatre District, Chinatown and the Financial District.
In the warmer weather you can enjoy a cappuccino or latte out in the two cafes on either side of the park/​square. People watching is always a fun little shopping or walking respite. Around the square itself is a Saks Fifth Avenue, a ginormous Macy’s, a Nordstrom’s, Tiffany and Company, a couple blocks over is a Bloomingdales. There are also stores such as Urban Outfitters a couple blocks away, a Victoria Secret, Journeys, Rip Curl, and lots of touristy shops. There’s also a wide selection of moderately to quite expensive restaurants and cafes.
Hotel accommodations such as Saint Francis, JW Marriot, and loads of other hotel and boutique hotels are right there.
In the winter months, especially around Xmas, they have a cool ice skating rink that we did the couple days before Xmas which was quite nice, they have a massive tree similar to Rockefeller Square in NYC.
Cable cars and public transportation are right there for your convenience and in general, everyone can enjoy Union Square at least once in their life.

As a very central «heart of SF» type of area, this is a great starting point for your San Fran exploring. Good for people watching, and stopping in to see just to be able to say that you’ve been there. But honestly there is not much to really see here, and I found the place underwhelming and only passingly, kind of pretty (at best). San Francisco is such an intricately built, charming city, but this place captures none of that.

Expensive Shopping & Crowded Area — Nothing Impressive or Special About Union Square.
I visited the Union Square area with my mother on the afternoons of July 29^th and July 31^st.
Union Square is centrally located in the bustling downtown area of San Francisco. It is close to Chinatown, the underground BART train station, cable cars and other attractions.
We walked around throughout the area and although I enjoyed wandering downtown in amongst the interesting high-​rise buildings while admiring the interesting and beautiful architecture, there was nothing particularly special about Union Square itself. The square and surrounding area was very crowded and touristy and the square consisted of a concrete area with a variety of vendors selling things.
The area around the square was very commercialized and the streets were lined with expensive boutiques, designer shops and high-​end department stores as well as lots of restaurants selling overpriced goods. As a minimalist, I am not big into shopping (but if you are, then you might enjoy Union Square more than I did) and I much prefer to spend time in nature and visit unique neighbourhoods with character and charm, so for those reasons, Union Square was definitely not my ideal environment or favourite place that I visited in SF.
If you like high-​end shopping and crowds, then you will probably enjoy visiting Union Square and area. However, the atmosphere and environment of Union Square was not my preference and I much prefer wandering the unique neighbourhoods and nature parks in San Francisco.

If San Francisco has a «Times Square» equivalent, Union Square is it. Almost like the heart of downtown SF, this square is filled with shops, restaurants, and you guessed it… cars. However, unlike its New York counterpart, Union Square is extremely cramped for both pedestrians and cars alike, and does not truly have an unique character that distinguishes from any big city central plaza. Not exactly a comfortable experience.
Unless you are staying in the nearby hotel, you may want to reconsider not driving here and take Über or bus instead, because getting through the Union Square is a headache and finding parking at all is even more so. While it is a cool place to check out, I would not mark this as a must-​go SF destination.

Absolutely touristy and definitely and literally the heart of San Francisco. There are four different San Francisco hearts to take photos and it’s a stop for the tourists buses. It’s surrounded by shopping areas, restaurants, and cafes. You won’t want to miss this during your visit to SF.

Once you’re in sf, you gotta visit the union square. BIG Macy in the center. They have 7 floors I think and if you’re feeling hungry, they have Cheesecake Factory and a burger place. But union square is mostly known for the heart. Tourist attraction.
There are so many stores and restaurants here. I just like to walk around and go in to a few stores to check out.
The parking SUCKS however. We tried to go to union square the first night but couldn’t find parking so gave up. The second night took us 30 minutes.

This is a great area of town. Lots of shops, restaurants, parks, and hotels… There is just so much to see and do! It feels so San Francisco with the cable cars rolling past. Just when you think you know the area, the season changes and they start putting out the ice rink and decorations.
It has the Powell Street Station on its side so it is always easy to get hear and away.
It is located to many of the best tourist areas. It is bordered by Soma, Civic Center, the Tenderloin, China Town, the Financial district… So much to see and do, I can’t wait to go back!

1^st time ice skating I didn’t like it. Was something to do before ending my vacation. I didn’t give my all cause there was to many ppl holding on to the rails like me. Didn’t stay long… not my cup of tea

According to my taxi driver, this is the place to be during the holiday season in San Fran. I had 45 minutes between meetings, so a friend and I hauled butt to the beautiful set up on Union Square. What to expect? Ice skating, palm trees, a huge tree and the backdrop of Macy’s windows all a’glitter with holiday décor. It truly is a festive scene tucked away in the hustle and bustle of the city.

The first time I’ve EVER been to San Francisco, and my bff walks me through Union Square! It’s one of those places you just have to visit to get a great experience in the heart of SF! Streets among streets of shops and places to eat. I felt like I was in NY or LA again! It reminded me of a very large and fancy Promenade. We went on Thanksgiving weekend and they had already started setting up the Christmas festivities. The tree was there, the Salvation Army people were outside ringing their bells, there were Christmas lights everywhere, and there was even ice-​skating! It was the first moment while I was in SF that I knew I could actually LIVE in SF!
The only downfall of this place (at least when I was there), was that there was so much construction happening! Walk ways were shrunk, there were cones everywhere, and traffic was kind of whacky.
Regardless of that, I’m sure this place is somewhere I’m going to enjoy going to when I’m back in San Fran! And hopefully, it’ll look 10 times nicer after all the construction ends!

I absolutely love this place during the holidays in the winter. Today I was there, I saw a Hannuka sign and of course the beautiful xmas tree! I was there for the tree lighting ceremony as well! It’s definitely an event that brings LOTS of people to the center.
This place is so romantic in the winter. The ice skating mixed with the lights and the beautiful wreaths of Macys? It’s absolutely stunning! Pictures here are beautiful. Wear lots of layers and clothes as SF does it CRAZY cold. You can park underneath the square in a paid garage. There’s plenty of shops and food nearby so be sure to check that out as well! It’s also great to shop at Macys and make sure to bring or ask of coupons/​tourist discounts!
It’s prettier at night, so if you had to chose between day and night, I say night for sure!!!

I’m over here strolling around SF with my sis and Mom. We just finished a light lunch at a local Thai eatery after shopping the big Westfield Mall downtown. Walking up here from Market street was no problem… just watch where you step! Union Square is so San Francisco, it has a feel this time of year like no other place in the Bay Area. Holiday spirit is all over, as well as the street urchins and beggars and street artists hoping for some change. It’s hugly crowded, so don’t try to drive here, walk or take public transit. I think there is parking near by, but you’ll have to pay the ransom when you want to leave!
We strolled the Maiden Lane area, which is pedestrians only showcasing some real high end shopping, like Gumps and Prada … mostly you just look cause few can afford. For more mainstream shopping there’s Macy’s and Neiman Marcus (Needless Markup). We browsed all of the bigger stores. As for food, there’s tons of stuff available, this is SF! All kinds from sushi to Chinese to fancy steakhouses.
This is totally an urban super crowded with people walking everywhere experience. It’s fun to see and come to once or twice a year, but I’m sure glad I don’t live here. I’m more comfortable in the less crowded suburbs of the far East Bay where life is a little more predictable. Do come and see Union Square though, it is quite an experience to be had at least once. At least the Christmas tree is worth seeing this time of year!

Union Square is usually crowded with tourists but it offers a great spot to people watch and take a rest to hang out from all the walking! I like the SF hearts on the 3 corners and yes, there is likely a line to take photos with them, but they are a great sight around the city!
The Saturday we were there, they had a Korean festival happening with tents selling food, music, and offering information to visitors. There was a stage with entertainment including singers and dancers. It’s too bad they had lots of chairs set up and not many people enjoying the sights and sounds.
There are the hop on hop off buses lining one side of the square. There’s a coffee shop in the square for those that want to sit down and enjoy a break. There’s a public toilet across from Macy’s.

Não é meu lugar preferido da cidade. Aqui é literalmente a praça dos turistas, da galera que veio fazer compras e onde estão todas as lojas. É raro ver alguém que mora na cidade passeando por aqui, ainda que seja bem central.
Exatamente no Union Square há algumas lojas de departamento, alguns restaurantes e se você caminhar pode chegar a Chinatown ou ao Tenderloin.
Eu não acho que este lugar seja especial ou merece menções mas se você está a procura de marcar todos os locais da SF Bucketlist, deve dar uma passadinha pelo Union Square também.

SUPER TOURISTY! But this is where all the high end shopping happens. Parking sucks a big one here, even with the abundance of parking structures around the area. Definitely a great place to people watch.

To be honest I have no idea why the big fuss to the see the square. It pretty much is just a square and there is café so sit down and sip up a coffee, nothing more.
It could get quite crowded as the surrounding is quite good as there are many shops and giant Macy’s close by. I forgot to mention that you will see quite a few homeless people sitting around the square.

Union Square: pointamour
Je né sais pas pourquoi, j’ai adoré Union. Je l’explique pas.
Ça reste assez touristique mais j’ai aimé m’y retrouver à chaque fois. Que ce soit entre 2 cablecars, pour RDV ou pour y faire du shopping (Victoria Secret, à tout hasard), j’ai pu y passer je né sais combien de fois le temps de mon séjour.
J’ai aimé l’affluence des gens, des locaux, les voir passer, imaginer s’ils sortaient, s’ils allaient travailler, regarder leur looks. Ici, tout le monde se mélange, c’est un des endroits les plus traversés de la ville. Y a vraiment du monde, de la vie.
Mais, car il y a toujours un mais, également beaucoup de bruits, et malheureusement, beaucoup de sans abris.
Après, je trouve que Union a réellement un charme particulier, et soit on aime, soit on déteste. Moi je suis dans la première catégorie !

Un point central à SF. Idéal pour un meeting point, commencer sa journée et rejoindre la station de cable car un peu plus bas, y faire du shopping ou tout simplement déjeuner au solei et profiter de l’espace de cette place.

das Zentrum von SFO, netter Platz, aber nichts absolut besonderessollte mal besucht werden. im Sommer ist es cool die Leute zu beobachten

Lieu assez surprenant, ce square est au milieu des immeubles.
vraiment joli.

Union Square zur Weihnachtszeit durch einen prächtigen Weihnachtsbaum und einer Eisbahn der Jahreszeit angepasst.
Hier blüht das Leben und gleichzeitig kann man mit Kaffee die Stimmung genießen und das bunte Treiben beobachten.
Mich zieht es fast zu jedem Tagesabschluss für einige Minuten hier her, genialer Abschluss der Tagesaktivitäten.

Und um die Ecke vom Union Square nicht versäumen in 135 Post Street ist Gump’s, eines der ambitioniertesten Haushaltswarengeschäfte des Kontinents. Für alle Liebhaber von Teller und Besteck.

Dieser Platz wirkt auf den ersten Blick nicht sehr besonders. Umringt von Macy’s, Nike und anderen grossen Shoppingadressen sowie Hotels wirkt er vielleicht erstmal etwas uncharmant.
Besser erfassen kann man die Stimmung hier mit einem Becher Kaffee in der Habd und dem Computer auf den Knien (der komplette Platz ermöglicht kostenlosen Wifi Zugang!) auf den Stufen in der Sonne sitzend und das Treiben um sich herum beobachtend. Von Touristen, Neu Mamis mit Schwiegermüttern, Studenten über Business Männer… Hier trifft man jeden mehr oder weniger hektisch an!
Der Platz ist komplett unterkellert mit einer Garage und sehr hübsch mit Palmen bepflanzt. Zum Valentinstag sogar mit Herzen geschmückt, die Ansichten der Stadt bieten!

Möchtest du Geld ausgeben? Dann bist du hier am richtigen Platz

Der Union Square ist ein großer Platz, der sich mitten in der Innenstadt von San Francisco befindet. Eingerahmt wird er von der Stockton, der Geary, der Sutter sowie der Powell Street. Dementsprechend ist hier verkehrsmässig auch viel los. von Vorteil ist, dass viele Busse den Square anfahren. Trotzdem ist der Platz eine kleine Oase inmitten des Trubels. Er erzeugte zumindest bei mir durch die vielen Palmen Urlaubsfeeling.
Erhalten hat er seinen Namen durch die großen Kundgebungen, die hier während des Bürgerkrieges stattfanden. U
nmittelbar am Union Square befindet sich das Einkaufsviertel von San Francisco, und auch das Theaterviertel ist nicht weit. Das Kaufhaus Macy’s grenzt direkt an den Platz und auch ein riesiger Levis Store befindet sich hier.
In der Mitte des Platzes findet man eine weisse Siegesstatue. Außerdem gibt es hier Sitzmöglichkeiten und — je nach Jahreszeit — wird der Platz auch dekoriert. Als ich um Valentinstag herum dort war, stand an jeder der vier Ecken des Platzes ein riesiges, bunt bemaltes Herz.

charmant petit parc calme ou il est agréable de se poser quelques instants pour se reposer apres un apres midi de shopping dans le quartier.

Wenn San Francisco ein echtes Zentrum hat, ist es wahrscheinlich der Union Square.
Ein sehr schöner und lebendiger Platz, umgeben von großen und kleinen und stets teuren Shops. Auch Nachts gibt es hier noch Leben, das ganze ist sehr amerikanisch und völlig unamerikanisch zugleich.
Ein guter Ausgangspunkt für die Stadterkundung per pedes!