Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Union Square

    4.1 (516 reviews)
    Closed • 6:00 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)

    Union Square Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Union Square

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Dale S.

    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.

    Becky V.

    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.

    Heart art installation

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

    Sheeka B.

    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.

    Chloe F.

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

    Dewey defeated the Spaniards in Manila Bay
    Gerry T.

    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!!

    Kim T.

    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.

    Union Square at night.
    Marilu F.

    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.

    Ivan B.

    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.

    Maruko X.

    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.

    Phil A.

    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!!!

    Chris R.

    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

    Afshin A.

    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

    The Macy's Xmas tree with Saks Department Store! Holiday 2021

    See all

    2 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 2
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 2
    Love this 4
    Oh no 1

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sheeka B.
    1656
    1018
    11637

    3 years ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 0
    Love this 11
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Gerry T.
    1910
    1048
    24347

    3 years ago

    Helpful 35
    Thanks 4
    Love this 27
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Kim T.
    95
    620
    4439

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 12
    Thanks 2
    Love this 8
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 12
    Thanks 0
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 40
    Thanks 0
    Love this 38
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joanna T.
    1072
    957
    11503

    5 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 15
    Thanks 1
    Love this 12
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 1
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Juan V.
    5000
    2016
    14691

    4 years ago

    Helpful 12
    Thanks 0
    Love this 11
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Alex D.
    267
    1716
    14825

    4 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Steff A.
    950
    1060
    12362

    7 years ago

    Helpful 14
    Thanks 0
    Love this 15
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 26
    Thanks 0
    Love this 24
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 8
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Wendy A.
    1859
    2320
    9383

    5 years ago

    Helpful 15
    Thanks 0
    Love this 13
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ultima M.
    246
    1631
    15018

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Clarissa K.
    4041
    1835
    10907

    6 years ago

    Helpful 34
    Thanks 0
    Love this 35
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Yih R.
    191
    544
    1649

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

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

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 13

    Union Square Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Union Square

    Review Highlights - Union Square

    “There's tons of stores (Apple, Macy's, Nike, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany's etc) restaurants, clubs and hotels.”

    Mentioned in 71 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Public Markets 4,976 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Ferry Building Marketplace - 1/28/25 Happy CNY. FYI. Food & drink options.

    Ferry Building Marketplace

    4.5(2k reviews)
    0.9 mi•Embarcadero, SoMa
    •$$

    I enjoy going here for cultural events and the farmers' market on weekends. They host cultural…read morevendors like the Maum Market and Juneteenth pop-up. It's very crowded on the weekends and holidays, especially with long lines at all restrooms and at certain restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops. I recommend having fresh oysters from Hog Oysters, checking out the bookstore, and taking home baked goods. Watch out for the birds when you're dining on an outdoor patio. You can conveniently take the ferry to Marin County, Oakland/Alameda, Richmond, and Vallejo. Take BART from Embarcadero Station or take any bus to any neighborhood in SF. I prefer taking public transportation here since parking is hectic and lots of jaywalkers.

    It's funny when I was a kid I never visited the Ferry Building…read more It was just a cool building we would drive or walk by when visiting San Francisco with a very cool sign and memorable tower. When I was an adult and I took the ferry from Vallejo and it dropped me off at the Ferry Building for the first time, that all changed. Just about every visit I make to San Francisco begins with a visit to the Ferry Building these days. It's such a wonderful place. It's full of incredible merchants, awesome food vendors and restaurants. There are amazing pastry and chocolate vendors in the Ferry Building. It has some of the nicest, cleanest public bathrooms in the city. Their coffee shops and ice cream shops are elite there. They have a famous vendor there that sells authentic empanadas that are truly a must visit spot. My favorite bite in the Ferry Building is this vendor that sells Filipino-Infused Burritos-they are just splendid. Let's not forget at its core the Ferry Building is the spot where one catches a ferry into the city as many thousands of people do daily. I find it's a great way to get into the city from all over the Bay Area. These are just a few of the reasons why I love the Ferry Building and why I recommend it as a must-visit spot whenever visiting San Francisco.

    Photos
    Ferry Building Marketplace - Ferry Building Marketplace

    Ferry Building Marketplace

    Ferry Building Marketplace - Fog City Flea Trading Post

    Fog City Flea Trading Post

    Ferry Building Marketplace - 1/28/25 Happy CNY. FYI.

    See all

    1/28/25 Happy CNY. FYI.

    Food Emporium - upon entry from Powell Station

    Food Emporium

    3.8(308 reviews)
    0.3 mi•Union Square, SoMa
    •$$

    This food court is NOT like any other that I have ever seen! Wow! I want one of these closer to…read morewhere I live, for sure! We were using the BART for most of our public transportation on our recent vacation in San Francisco (based in Daly City for the week at an amazing AirBnB). The Westfield Centre is at an extremely convenient location when using BART. Just get off BART at Powell Street and walk up and right into the mall and this amazing Food Emporium is right there. There are SO many wonderful choices. It was so hard to choose. It isn't a simple collection of fast food types of food. These are places you really want to go to: Lobster Me, Hot Spud, Korean Barbecue, Ghirardelli, Bazille, Fire of Brazil, Loving Hut Vegan Cuisine, Sarku Japan, Pressed Juicery, and so many more! Hubby and I chose to share a Lobster Roll meal and Clam Chowder from Lobster Me and a Shrimp Spud from Hot Spud. We loved it all.

    The Food Emporium is located on the concourse level inside the centre mall. The food court has…read moreplenty of food style options, all tables are for public use. I like the variety and convenience, although I think it's a bit annoying you might need to clean the table yourself before use.

    Photos
    Food Emporium - Century Theatre Inside Photo Shot At The Westfield Shopping Mall At Downtown San Francisco....

    Century Theatre Inside Photo Shot At The Westfield Shopping Mall At Downtown San Francisco....

    Food Emporium - A Photo Shoot Of The Bristol Farms From The High View From Above At The WestField Shopping Mall At San Francisco Downtown...

    A Photo Shoot Of The Bristol Farms From The High View From Above At The WestField Shopping Mall At San Francisco Downtown...

    Food Emporium - Century Theatre & Bloomingdales Photo Shoot At The WestField In Downtown San Francisco...

    See all

    Century Theatre & Bloomingdales Photo Shoot At The WestField In Downtown San Francisco...

    Union Square - publicmarkets - Updated October 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...