Union Square

San Francisco

Union Square featuring a city and a skyscraper
Union Square featuring a city, street scenes and signage
Union Square featuring a city, a monument and a square or plaza
Union Square showing street scenes and a city as well as a large group of people
Union Square showing street scenes, a city and signage

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 jewelry. 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 center 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


Union Square Hotel Deals

Handlery Union Square Hotel
Handlery Union Square Hotel
3.5 out of 5
351 Geary St, San Francisco, CA
The price is CA $187 per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
CA $187
CA $221 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,503 reviews)
"Very good"

Reviewed on Jul. 10, 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 CA $169 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
CA $169
CA $247 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour fitness center, 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 Jul. 12, 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
The price is CA $132 per night from Jul 21 to Jul 22
CA $132
CA $156 total
Jul 21 - Jul 22
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,782 reviews)
"What a great place! Deco bliss, would definitely stay again."

Reviewed on Jul. 10, 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 CA $255 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
CA $255
CA $363 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, a nightclub, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,422 reviews)
"This place is absolutely sensational. I can’t remember the last time we received such friendly and exceptional service. Thanks to all the staff for going above and beyond. The hotel itself is truly faultless."

Reviewed on Jul. 12, 2025

Hotel Nikko San Francisco
Taj Campton Place
Taj Campton Place
5 out of 5
340 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA
Fully refundable
The price is CA $244 per night from Jul 15 to Jul 16
CA $244
CA $334 total
Jul 15 - Jul 16
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"I love this property, only stay here when in San Francisco. The staff complete the perfection in a perfectway. Thank you"

Reviewed on Jul. 8, 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 CA $218 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
CA $218
CA $256 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,274 reviews)
"Nice hotel, clean, convenient location, transportation nearby. The immediate area of the hotel feels safe, but walk two or three blocks toward the Tenderloin area, and all bets are off. Witnessed a homeless guy punch a woman in the head for no apparent reason. The walls are thin, and noisy cleaning ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 10, 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

Downtown San Francisco featuring railway items

Downtown San Francisco

2.5/5(84 area reviews)

Serving as San Francisco's central business district, this area boasts Northern California's two tallest buildings, the Salesforce Tower and Transamerica Pyramid. Explore shopping malls like the Embarcadero Center and enjoy parks such as Sue Biermann Park, all easily accessible via Muni bus and rail lines.

Downtown San Francisco
Chinatown which includes street scenes

Chinatown

4/5(26 area reviews)

Dragon's Gate and Old St. Mary's Cathedral are top sights in Chinatown, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Chinatown-Rose Pak Stop or Powell St & Clay St Stop to see more sights in the area.

Chinatown
Nob Hill showing a city and street scenes

Nob Hill

4.5/5(124 area reviews)

Luxury hotels, historic mansions, and Michelin-starred restaurants abound in this upscale area. Explore Union Square shopping district, Grace Cathedral, and the SF Masonic Auditorium for a taste of culture and history.

Nob Hill
Financial District - Ferry Building

Financial District

4.5/5(76 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Financial District. Embarcadero Center is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at California St & Front St Stop or California St & Battery St Stop to see more of San Francisco.

Financial District
South of Market featuring skyline, a city and city views

South of Market

3.5/5(292 area reviews)

Oracle Park and Chase Center are top sights in South of Market, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Yerba Buena-Moscone Station or Fourth-Brannan Station to see more sights in the area.

South of Market
North Beach which includes skyline and a city

North Beach

4.5/5(303 area reviews)

Adjacent to Chinatown and the Financial District, this "Little Italy" boasts Italian restaurants, cafes, and bakeries along Columbus Avenue and Washington Square. Explore the National Shrine of Saint Francis of Assisi and City Lights Bookstore.

North Beach


Union Square

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