Union Square

San Francisco

Union Square which includes a skyscraper and a city
Union Square showing street scenes, a city and signage
Union Square showing 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

This famous shopping area is a magnet for fashionistas as well as a historic landmark of old San Francisco.

The merchandising heart of San Francisco beats loud and strong in Union Square. The top labels of the world’s fashion houses share the streets with home-grown names like Gump’s, where generations of San Franciscans have shopped for home furnishings and giftware. With everything from antique jewellery to the latest catwalk creations on offer, Union Square attracts flashy gold card holders and thrifty bargain hunters alike, day in, day out.The history of the square dates back 1850, when it was inaugurated by the city’s first mayor, John Geary. The name refers to the nearby public park and also to the pro-union rallies that took place here during the American Civil War. By the end of the 19th century it had become a fashionable residential district, but the whole area was destroyed by the devastating earthquake and fire of 1906. Rebuilt and restored to its former glory, its historic character is still in evidence around every corner.The Dewey Monument is one of the square’s most notable landmarks. This elegant column with its bronze statue of the goddess Victory commemorates Admiral George Dewey’s triumph over the Spanish at the Battle of Manila Bay. The square is filled with numerous sculptures and is a popular spot to snatch a coffee or take a break in the sunshine.Union Square is busy with shoppers and sightseers all year round so parking can be tricky. The on-site car park is expensive, but since it’s the first underground car park in the world, dating from 1934, you can at least reassure yourself that you’re paying to visit a piece of genuine San Francisco heritage. For a cheaper but equally historic alternative, catch one of the traditional trams that stop nearby.


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 €159 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
€159
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a 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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,076 reviews)
"thanks"

Reviewed on 16 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
The price is €162 per night from 29 Aug to 30 Aug
€162
29 Aug - 30 Aug
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,625 reviews)
"Everything was perfect and it was great location"

Reviewed on 17 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 €144 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
€144
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,396 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 €100 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€100
24 Aug - 25 Aug
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! (2,883 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel, wonderful staff. My stay was fantastic and everything that I needed."

Reviewed on 14 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 €220 per night from 13 Sept to 14 Sept
€220
13 Sept - 14 Sept
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! (2,509 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel, we enjoyed the spacious one bedroom suite. Breakfast provided was good and shout-out to Luis for his friendly and attentive service."

Reviewed on 16 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 €205 per night from 5 Sept to 6 Sept
€205
5 Sept - 6 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 center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,505 reviews)
"Got off to a terrible start with an incredibly long wait at check in but everything else more than made up for it. Great location, excellent service and helpful staff."

Reviewed on 10 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 featuring 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 a city and street scenes

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 cbd, a city and skyline

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

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