Union Square is the hub of downtown San Francisco. It takes up one city block. Every couple of months I come downtown for an appointment. Yesterday I grabbed a pastry and coffee at bPatisserie located at Union Square. Already at 9:15am there was a lot of activity- many tourists also grabbing coffee; folks lounging; even folks playing ping pong. And located on each corner is an heart. Designed by local artists & later auctioned off in fundraising efforts to support SF General Hospital. There's a convenient underground parking garage. During the holidays there's a huge Christmas tree donated by Macy's. And an ice skating rink. Don't forget the shopping. It's not what it used to be but it's slowly rebounding. read more

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Not really a store but just part of visiting SF tourist area. Nice large park in the middle and there seems to always have something going around. They have 4 hearts in the 4 corners and I just learned they do change yearly some of them. Kinda fun. Nice area. read more

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I've been coming to Union square for years, and it never seems to get old. Right in the middle of downtown surrounded by big stores and busy streets, Union square feels like a peaceful little spot where you can put a pause on the chaos of the city. The lawn is always green and beautiful, perfect for letting my fur baby run around and play (or potty) and you will always see people enjoying the space, stretched out reading or talking with friends or just soaking up the peace. One of my favorite things about Union square is the art. The giant hearts are iconic in San Francisco and they're always being repainted and reimagined by different artists, so no matter how many times you come here, you will always see something new. I've seen so many versions over the years but I still stop to look at them every time I'm here because there is always something new. The hearts the statues, the occasional pop-up installations or performances, the square always feels alive. There is also always something going on. On my last visit here there were ping pong tables set up everywhere with people playing. I saw juggling classes being offered and arts programs for kids with people gathered around having a good time. There was a reading area and books brought in on carts. They even still had up there holiday backdrop that looks like it was put there just for people to use for the perfect insta shot. There are plenty of tables and benches scattered around so it's easy to grab a seat and stay a while. Even if you're just passing through and you need to rest your dogs for a few minutes, this is the perfect spot. I spent more than a few afternoons here people watching or enjoying a snack from the little stand nearby. It's really a great place to spend some time and a must do if you are in San Francisco. On the weekends you will find people trying to usher you onto bus tours or maybe sell you souvenirs, but you might also witness an event or see straight performers so you never really know what you're going to get. This is a place for visitors and locals wiith nice surroundings where you can really get a feel for and just to take in the city. read more

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I always love coming to Union Square and shop at Macys and eat at Cheesecake Factory. I was there this past Saturday to celebrate Taiwanese American Festival for Asian American Heritage Month. There were many stalls of food that you can buy and performances on stage. It was quite crowded and hard to navigate between the stalls. I stayed for about an hour and left. There is a parking lot right across from Macys and makes it convenient to go to Union Square. I paid $12 for two hours. read more

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there's a magic about union square. sure it's gone through high ups and really low downs, and I believe it will make a comeback. it has to! this is san francisco! the holidays are an extra special time to be here, enjoy the lights and sights, union square turns into an ice rink and the huge macy's tree is there to greet everyone. get your photo ops. sit down and just soak it all in. feel the energy. feel the magic. read more

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It is wonderful to see so much happening in the square. As a single woman I even felt safe at night. read more

Union Square - Heart art installation - Public Markets Near Me - San Francisco, California

I was here for Inaugural Cambodia Day on 9/28/2024 which also marks the first official Cambodia Day announcement by SF Mayor Breed. Union square is in San Francisco's shopping district. In the center of major downtown, stores such as Macy's , saks 5th ave. , Tiffany's and Neiman Marcus . Many events held here , follow for future activities www.dothebay.com or www.eventbright.com Union square is above the Union Square parking garage . I believe the fees were $4-$5 per hour. +25%tax . The garage entrance is across from Macy's. Restrooms is available in the garage by using the code on the parking ticket. Another option walk across to Macy's restroom down the escalator to the basement. read more

This used to be on of my favorite spots in San Francisco... but I'm sorry, the area has really, really declined in the past handful of years and really needs a boost. The amount of empty storefronts is frankly depressing. Last week there were hotel workers from one of the unions on strike in the area. The unhoused weren't as plentiful as the media makes them out to be. But -- I hope the new major can figure out the city and specifically work on reviving this once populous, thriving area. It's really depressing. 2024: 61/100 read more

Absolutely recommend catching the train for this area just for the experience alone! Also, it's a comfy (albeit bumpy) way to get around SF and to navigate those crazy ass hills. You can pay for one ride or an all day pass, and the trolley from here to any of the tourists locations is worthwhile. There are tons of shops, vendors, and access to the BART nearby. And every restaurant we checked out had delicious smelling food (and very long lines). It's great if you're trying to pick up souvenirs, or you forgot something back home. read more

Union Square - Public Markets Near Me - San Francisco, California

Fun "landmark" to walk through, though not super well maintained. A decent amount of trash throughout. read more

Union Square - Public Markets Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This is always my places to go shopping whenever I am in San Francisco but I can believe how everything is going out of business as times goes by. If Macy is moving out of here, it is going to be very bad since Macys is the staple of Union Square icon. It is used to be super busy especially on the weekend and holiday for tourist but not anymore. Even though there are a lot of security around the area but it is not safe anymore. San Francisco has a high rate of burglaries and vehicle theft, therefore people feel unsafe shopping around this day. I hope the government fix this as soon as possible otherwise Union Square will no longer be a safe and tourist shopping area. read more

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Union square is still a nice place to connect with friends and family. I used to attend annual conferences across the street at the Westin, St. Francis, and Union Square's underground parking lot was very convenient. No matter how late I was running, I always knew that it just took a few minutes to park. The shopping and places to eat also make it a convenient spot. But a lot has changed, it's kinda gritty now, and that's during the day. I miss Levi's and all of the other stores that have left. I heard 17 establishments have left since the Pandemic and that's quite a number. With work from home and not too many people downtown, it wasn't busy at all. I learned a bit from the Dewey monument, thank you US Navy for liberating the Philippines from Spain. Muchas gracias!! read more

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Located in the center of San Francisco, Union Square has a little bit of everything. There are coffee shops, shopping, and even the cable car passes by through there. We mainly passed by it as we walked it back to our hotel that was nearby. I wish I had seen more of this area, but eh, was very strapped for time. Hoping to do some shopping there next time I visit. read more

Union Square - Union Square at night. - Public Markets Near Me - San Francisco, California

Union Square is a very nice chill place to go to. I went there with my friend to shop around Macy's and other places. You can find really good stores and restaurants. It could get crowded at certain times of the days and may find more crowded events. I heard that most businesses are shutting down here, but at the same time hoping that new ones come here. Other than that, you can find good places to take pictures. The vibe is still here since there are still good restaurants, bars, and stores. Maybe in the future, this area can get better just like the good old days. read more

Union Square - Public Markets Near Me - San Francisco, California

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The Union Square ground has frequently served as a choice location for public meetings, including parades, labor protests, and other official celebrations. There's iconic landmarks in the area, such as Macy's holiday windows. I don't particularly vote this place as favorites, one of the reasons it's almost always crowded. read more

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A tourist destination. In the winter expect ice skating, Macy's Christmas tree and high end stores. Convenient parking garage in the center of it all. This is a landmark and a tourist destination. All the fancy upscale places you could want - although I know some have closed or moved due to the pandemic and smash and grab lifestyle. Winter is fun to come here too. Ice skating and Macy's Christmas tree. Although I see the tree nearly every year I always find it stunningly beautiful. I think Macys is moving out and we will have had our last tree this upcoming year. Parking garage in the middle of it all. You might want to check their hours and make sure if you come at some odd hour of the night you can get your car out. I've heard of and been part of horror stories in the city - not this one - but others. I think this one regardless of time you can get out - although it may look closed during late/early hours. Big police presence in front of Apple at all hours. And Apple employees are in the building round the clock... so don't try anything. In fact I believe this is one of the safest places in the city right now due to all the extra enforcement. Simply put the city won't have all the most high end tax paying businesses get robbed. I remember back in college running around this area with a bunch of friends in the summer - a sort of scavenger hunt around the city. So many places to expor read more

Work takes me to San Francisco! Walking around Union Square! Union Square is the teeming commercial hub of the city. Many major hotels and department stores are packed into the area surrounding the actual square. Numerous upscale boutiques, restaurants, nightspots and galleries occupy the spaces tucked between the larger buildings. At the intersection of Powell and Market streets, tourists huddle to view one the city's most unique sites, the manual cable car turnaround. #work #worktravel #outoftown #visit #visitsanfrancisco #sanfrancisco #unionsquare #socalweekendwalkarounds #norcal #northerncalifornia read more

Union Square, smack dab in the middle of a lot of high end stores in San Francisco!! Coming here during the holidays you also get to see the Macys Christmas Tree and the holiday ice skating rink. This is a great place to come any time of year though, it's always hustle/bustle here, even in the evenings. At the center of Union Square is the Dewey Monument with the Goddess Of Victory at the top. There's so much to do in this area, shopping, dining, theater, bars, tours, Bart is close, cable cars, famous hotels, high end stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Louis Vuitton. Bart is the best way to get here, you can enjoy it more that way to me!! Some come here and hang out, soak up the atmosphere here in SF!!! read more

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Union Square put up their Christmas tree and I believe the lighting was last week but me and my girlfriend got to see drag queens on ice which was a really dope and amazing experience and totally free as well. You can also go up to CheeseCake Factory which is located in Macys and get a nice picture from up there as well read more

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First a tall sand dune, and now this! Union Square was initially a tall sand dune. Then and some point it became the property of Colonel John Geary, the youngest ever Mayor of San Francisco and later a Union general in the American Civil War. In 1850 Geary deeded the land to the city of San Francisco with the stipulation that it would be used for park purposes. For years the Union Square was used for different purposes, but then some time between 1871 and 1880 it was first formally designed as a park. The park was redesigned a number of times until May 14, 1903 when President Theodore Roosvelt dedicated the current monument at the center of the square to Admiral George Dewey a hero of the Spanish-American War. Today Union Square is an elegant plaza surrounded by tall trees, elegant stores and plenty of places to eat or drink. Top activities around the square include shopping, galleries, theater productions and tours. It is also next to the cable car route that take you from this district to Fisherman's Wharf. To read more about the history of the square go here: https://www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=A_HISTORY_OF_UNION_SQUARE To see what options are available around the square go here: visitunionsquaresf.com read more

Union Square - Public Markets Near Me - San Francisco, California

Christmas isn't Christmas without the Macy's Christmas tree in Union Square @UnionSquareSF! The tree is Macy's present to San Francisco! Is this a faux Douglas fir tree? It is Beautifully green. Union Square et al is a great photo op with your family or friends or even co-workers! Celebrate this annual tradition. Stop by and see Union Square yourself! Enjoy the Christmas tree and the ice skating rink too. Lucky us to have our heart of the City be Union Square. read more

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The only time of the year that I think Union Square is worth visiting is during the Holiday season, when there's a giant Christmas tree, lights, ice skating rink, and a festive atmosphere. Otherwise, it's just a plaza surrounded by high-end stores. I'm somewhat jaded, probably because I'm a local, so I'll just pass by here and think, "Oh, okay, I know where I am" and continue on with my way. read more

Union Square - Public Markets Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Would you like a little history lesson on the statue in the middle of Union Square? It's Alma de Bretteville up there, aka Big Alma. This 6' San Fransico socialite led quite an interesting life. Read the article by Alyssa Pereira, SFGate, September 10, 2018 https://www.sfgate.com/sfhistory/article/big-alma-de-bretteville-spreckels-legion-13194252.php#photo-1986136 It's a lovely square surrounded by high-end shopping stores, hotels and restaurants. MUNI stop:Powell Street read more

Union Square - Christmastime Union Square 2022 - Public Markets Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Upscale and attractive looking public plaza that is surrounded by plenty of high end shops on every side. It's well maintained and a nice place to enjoy social time with friends. read more

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This is the central place for many memories in San Francisco through out the years. The annual Christmas tree lighting takes place here. This is a place to assemble for Santa Con. Recently there has been lots of cultural performances during the weekends. A good space to enjoy downtown San Francisco. read more

Union Square - Public Markets Near Me - San Francisco, California

This is a cool place to see lights and the ice skating rink in Christmas time. There are tons of name brand stores such as Gucci and Louise Vuitton nearby. There are also tea/coffee places, a subway, and many Asian food places nearby. Lots of police here because of the high-end stores. It felt pretty safe here at night and during the day, just watch your wallet, phone, and other items carefully in case of pickpockets (people who steal from your pockets then disappear into crowds). read more

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I guess I was expecting more from this place. It's really just like a small park made of stone (not grass) with some areas with tables and benches. It wasn't anything super special in my opinion but the entrances with the palm trees and hearts are really cute! read more

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Union square is the center point for San Francisco's theater and shopping district. It's a great place to come if you just want to people-watch. The vagrant to non vagrant ratio is in favor of non vagrants here. although some of the craziest of San Francisco's crazies do make their way to Union square. Union square is where San Francisco's Christmas tree stands. It's also a place where folks frequently execute their freedom of speech with protests and rallies. There is a lot of history in Union square. almost every movie set in San Francisco has at least one scene in Union square. For locals and tourists alike, Google movies in Union square while standing in the square. read more

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Through the years, whenever I have a long day or night in the city...I always seem to find myself at Union Square to take a breather and take some pics.. There's always something going on at Union Square. The decor is influenced by the most recent holiday on the calendar. The Holiday season is when it sports the most decor obviously and is my personal favorite. The location is ideal as it's within walking distance of all the shopping, restaurants, and scenic areas that downtown SF has to offer.This makes for an easy meeting place with friends before gallivanting out into the city. I usually try to grab a coffee and do some people watching while waiting for friends. I've seen some interesting things through the years. If you're in the city and the weather is nice. Take a quick break at Union Square and the business of the city around you. The journey is more important than the destination. Cheers! read more

Union Square - Christmas tree - Public Markets Near Me - San Francisco, California

The one thing that... I enjoy the most of Union Square is the fun events like the Taiwan Festival, Santa Con and exc!!! Besides the events... The one thing that I like most about Union Square is during the Happy Holiday season when Macy's has its big and beautiful Christmas Tree!!! I love to take a walk around this beautiful Macy's Christmas Tree during the Happy Holiday Season!!! Just take a look at my posted pictures and video!!! And it's my last yelp review of 2019!!! read more

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Quick take: Holiday Season I've been going to Union Square every since I was a kid. There's just something magical about this place during the holidays. Second favorite event in recent years was the Tulip Day event. Absolutely love seeing the giant Christmas tree every year. read more

Can easily be considered the center of San Francisco. It's a beautiful spot surrounded by beautiful buildings. Beautiful square that sometimes has different events happening. The most beautiful time to visit is during the winter holidays when a Christmas tree and ice rink are there. The rest of the year it's still a beautiful photo stop.It used to have two cafes right on the square but one of them appears to be closed now. The other one sells pastries that very expensive even for San Francisco standards. read more

Union Square is a bustling downtown area. Previously before Covid it was busy all the time. These days post Covid. It is reasonably crowded. Friday and Saturday Probably the best and safest days to go. During Christmas there is an outdoor ice-skating rink and a big beautiful Christmas tree also wonderful store decorations is this classic downtown . Macy's has beautiful wreaths in the windows and puppies for adoption. It seemed very secure with lots of police walking around and driving through the area. read more

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This is a wonderful San Francisco landmark. It if you're visiting the city you should at least visit Union square once and get your photos taken. It's lovely and at this time of year they have vendors set up at tables outside along with ice skating. There there were families having fun everywhere and enjoying the beauty of this area. You are surrounded with top of the line shops like Gucci and so on for your shopping needs. Because of the recent smashing grabs at a lot of the designer stores maiden lane which connects to Union square is cordoned off so it's ordered off so it's for foot traffic only. And the police presence to protect those shops is very heavy in the area but all the police were wonderful and helpful and took pictures with tourists and head smiles on their faces so it was a wonderful thing to see in our city.I felt safe thanks to Mayor London Breed. It's December 22nd and I love the area. Everything is decked out with Christmas decorations the trees are decorated the vendors are decorated people are in a festive mood and you could just feel the love in the air. read more

Union square is great for shopping and site seeing and eating Great restaurants and bars are located in the general area as well as great high end places to shop. You can find a little of everything thing in that vicinity. Not to mention the cable cars (must see when in the city) It is pretty much always crowded as this is a major tourist spot. Tons of hotels are near like Parc 55 and the Fairmont. Westfield mall is also just like a block away. You always have to pay for parking. There are a lot of garages near by. read more

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This area is a must when you visit San Francisco. Wonderful park to walk around or simply sit down in one of their many benches. It's located in a downtown area with many different restaurants and shopping stores around. We went there to visit also and also to be picked up by the big bus tour we had tickets for. read more

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Union Square is just one of most iconic parts of San Francisco. Over the years I have come here for shopping that over looks the park such as Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue, hotels, restaurants people watching beautiful park trees and most of all people watching. It is beautiful and amazing and I just am so happy the many times I have come here over the years. It is truly one of the many jewels that make this City great. Also you see the statue of the heart which makes you think of the song " I left my heart in San Francisco " one of my most favorite cities in the World. read more

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Great place to congregate and chill. Beautiful landscaping. The San Fransisco hearts are very picture worthy.

So much fun at the ice skating. This is a truly happy place to gather, to build memories. The lights are getting better for the holidays. Can't wait to come here again with more friends read more

Union Square - Public Markets Near Me - San Francisco, California

I'd been Union Square Park countless times cause hubby and I had always stayed at the hotels in this area. We walked here after our lunch nearby, seriously can this few blocks get even more crowded and busier? There were people everywhere, so many tourists speaking all kinds of languages. I was glad they had a few deli stores around this Square, they even had decent selections of beer and wine, I could always use a glass of wine to keep a day going! Parents and sister took photos of this park, a lot of people were just sitting around and relaxing, it was a bit hot for me at the moment. I remember they had a dance event last time I was here, I think they have different events all the time, so it's a fun place for local activities I suppose. A MUST see when you are in San Francisco Bay Area. Walk around, do some shopping and pick a restaurant to eat and drink nearby later! read more

Union Square - Just do it - Public Markets Near Me - San Francisco, California