Union Square: The Heart of San Francisco
Explore Union Square, San Francisco's bustling cultural hub filled with shopping, dining, and iconic landmarks that define the city's vibrant spirit.
Union Square is a vibrant cultural hub in San Francisco, renowned for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and bustling atmosphere. This public plaza is surrounded by upscale shops, art galleries, and theaters, making it a must-visit for tourists seeking to immerse themselves in the city's lively spirit.
A brief summary to Union Square
- San Francisco, Union Square, California, 94108, US
- +1415-781-7880
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit during the evening to enjoy the beautiful lights and ambiance of the square.
- Check local event calendars for free concerts and public events taking place in the square.
- Utilize public transportation to avoid parking hassles, as Union Square is a major transit hub.
- Explore the nearby art galleries and theaters for a deeper cultural experience.
- Bring a camera to capture the lively street performances and the beautiful architecture.
Getting There
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Car
If you're driving, get on US-101 N from wherever you are in the Bay Area. Follow signs for I-80 W toward San Francisco. Merge onto I-80 W and continue on the Bay Bridge. Once you cross the bridge, take the exit toward 5th St. Turn right onto 5th St, then turn left onto Market St. Continue on Market St until you reach Union Square (Powell St & Geary St intersection). There are several parking garages around the area.
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Public Transportation
To reach Union Square via public transport, use BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit). If you're coming from the East Bay, take the BART train to the Montgomery St Station. From there, walk about 5 minutes to Union Square by heading north on Montgomery St, then turning right onto Geary St. If coming from the Peninsula, take Caltrain to the 4th & King Station, then transfer to Muni light rail (N or T lines) towards downtown, getting off at Powell St station, which is just a block away from Union Square.
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Muni (San Francisco Public Transportation)
If you're already in San Francisco, you can take the Muni bus or light rail. Use the Muni Metro and take the T line or N line to the Powell St station. From there, Union Square is just a short walk away. Alternatively, you can take the 30, 38, or 47 bus lines, which have stops near Union Square.
Discover more about Union Square
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Dewey Monument
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Explore the Dewey Monument in Union Square, a historical sculpture honoring valor and offering a vibrant backdrop to San Francisco's bustling city life.
Monument to American Squadron, Manila Bay
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Discover the Monument to American Squadron, a historical landmark in Union Square, San Francisco, honoring naval bravery amidst vibrant city life.
Powell St & Geary St
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Discover the vibrant intersection of Powell and Geary in San Francisco, a hub for shopping, dining, and urban culture.
San Francisco Ghosts
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Explore the haunted history of San Francisco with engaging ghost tours offering thrilling stories and chilling experiences at the city's most famous haunted sites.
Frank Lloyd Wright Spiral Interior
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Discover the stunning Frank Lloyd Wright Spiral Interior in San Francisco—a historical landmark showcasing architectural innovation and artistic beauty.
450 Sutter Street
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Explore the historic charm of 450 Sutter Street, a stunning architectural gem in the heart of San Francisco's vibrant Union Square, surrounded by shopping and dining.
Phelan Building
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Discover the historic Phelan Building in San Francisco's Union Square, a stunning architectural masterpiece steeped in rich culture and history.
Stockton Street Tunnel (1914)
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Explore the historic Stockton Street Tunnel, a charming connection between Union Square and Chinatown, rich in San Francisco's architectural heritage.
Flood Building
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Discover the Flood Building in San Francisco, a stunning Beaux-Arts landmark that blends history with modern culture at the heart of Union Square.
The Samuels Clock
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Explore The Samuels Clock, a historical landmark in Union Square, San Francisco, where history meets vibrant urban culture.
Cable Car Turnaround Powell St.
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Explore the historic Cable Car Turnaround at Powell Street, a symbol of San Francisco's rich transportation heritage and vibrant city life.
Old Chronicle building (Historical Landmark)
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Discover the historic Old Chronicle Building in San Francisco's Union Square, a beautiful landmark symbolizing resilience and architectural elegance.
California Theatre
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Explore the California Theatre, a historic landmark in Chinatown, showcasing the architectural beauty and vibrant culture of San Francisco.
Belden Place
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Explore Belden Place, a charming historical landmark in San Francisco, where delightful dining and stunning architecture come together in a unique atmosphere.
Hallidie Building
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Explore the architectural beauty of the Hallidie Building, a stunning landmark in San Francisco's vibrant Union Square, rich in history and modern design.
Unmissable attractions to see
Hearts of San Francico Art Sculpture
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Experience the vibrant artistry of the Hearts of San Francisco Art Sculpture, where creativity and community come together in a stunning display.
Heart of San Francisco Series
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Explore the vibrant Heart of San Francisco, a blend of culture, shopping, and culinary delights in the iconic Union Square.
Painted Ladies Tour Company
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Explore San Francisco’s iconic landmarks with Painted Ladies Tour Company, your premier sightseeing tour agency in the heart of the city.
American Conservatory Theater
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Experience the vibrant world of performing arts at the American Conservatory Theater, a cultural gem in the heart of San Francisco's Tenderloin district.
White Wolf Private Tours
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Discover the breathtaking beauty of Yosemite National Park with personalized private tours from White Wolf Private Tours, the ultimate adventure for nature lovers.
Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation
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Explore the rich history of immigration in America at the Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation, a pivotal site of cultural significance in San Francisco.
Tian Xia Wei Gong
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Experience tranquility and culture at Tian Xia Wei Gong, a serene gem nestled in the heart of San Francisco's vibrant Chinatown.
Chinatown Landmark
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Experience the vibrant culture and culinary delights at Chinatown Landmark in San Francisco, a must-visit tourist attraction filled with history and flavor.
Dragon Gate Chinatown SF
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Experience the vibrant culture and rich history at the Dragon Gate, the iconic entrance to San Francisco's bustling Chinatown.
Lotta's Fountain
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Discover the beauty and history of Lotta's Fountain, a charming landmark in San Francisco's Union Square, perfect for a leisurely visit.
Sister Cities of San Francisco Sign
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Discover San Francisco's vibrant Sister Cities Sign, a tribute to global connections and cultural exchange in the heart of the city.
Joice Street Steps
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Experience the enchanting Joice Street Steps in San Francisco's Nob Hill, where vibrant gardens meet breathtaking city views in a charming urban setting.
The Haunt SF Ghost Tours
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Unravel the mysteries of San Francisco's haunted history with The Haunt SF Ghost Tours - a thrilling journey into the supernatural.
The Escape Game San Francisco (Downtown)
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Discover the thrill of teamwork and mystery at The Escape Game San Francisco, an exciting escape room experience in the heart of downtown.
Essential places to dine
The Rotunda
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Experience upscale American dining at The Rotunda in San Francisco's Union Square with stunning views and an exquisite menu.
Sears Fine Food
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Experience the best of American comfort food and authentic Swedish cuisine at Sears Fine Food in San Francisco's vibrant Union Square.
Ula Restaurant & Tapas Bar
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Experience the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine at Ula Restaurant & Tapas Bar in Union Square, San Francisco - where every meal is a celebration.
ONE65 San Francisco
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Experience the best of French cuisine at ONE65 in San Francisco's Union Square – a delightful blend of fine dining and charming bistro atmosphere.
E&O Kitchen and Bar
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Experience the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia at E&O Kitchen and Bar in San Francisco's Union Square – where tradition meets innovation.
Bouche
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Discover the essence of French fine dining at Bouche in San Francisco—where culinary artistry meets elegant ambiance.
Roxanne Cafe
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Discover delicious American comfort food at Roxanne Cafe in San Francisco's Union Square—where every meal is a delightful experience.
Restaurant Jeanne D'Arc
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Experience authentic French cuisine at Restaurant Jeanne D'Arc in San Francisco's Union Square - where every dish tells a story.
Cesario's
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Experience the essence of Italy at Cesario's in San Francisco - where every meal is a celebration of authentic flavors and warm hospitality.
Sons & Daughters
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Discover fine dining at Sons & Daughters in Nob Hill, San Francisco - where Californian cuisine meets elegance.
MKT Restaurant and Bar
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Discover the culinary delights at MKT Restaurant and Bar in San Francisco—where New American cuisine meets sophisticated dining.
Café de la Presse
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Discover authentic French cuisine at Café de la Presse in San Francisco's Union Square - your cozy bistro for brunch, lunch, and delightful desserts.
Kin Khao
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Experience authentic Thai flavors at Kin Khao in San Francisco's Union Square – where tradition meets innovation in every dish.
Liholiho Yacht Club
0.6 km
Discover the vibrant blend of Californian and Asian cuisines at Liholiho Yacht Club in San Francisco's Lower Nob Hill.
Mister Jiu's
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Discover Mister Jiu's in Chinatown: Where traditional Chinese flavors meet modern culinary artistry in an unforgettable dining experience.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Cuyana
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Explore Cuyana in San Francisco's Union Square: where elegance meets sustainability in women's fashion.
Saks Fifth Avenue
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Discover the ultimate luxury shopping experience at Saks Fifth Avenue in San Francisco's Union Square, featuring top designer brands and exquisite accessories.
Louis Vuitton San Francisco Union Square
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Explore the luxury of Louis Vuitton in San Francisco's Union Square, where timeless elegance meets modern sophistication in leather goods.
Gift Shop
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Explore a delightful gift shop in Union Square, San Francisco, offering unique souvenirs and local treasures perfect for every traveler.
Maison Margiela San Francisco
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Experience the cutting-edge of fashion at Maison Margiela San Francisco, where luxury meets artistic expression in an unforgettable shopping experience.
Hermes San Francisco Store
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Discover unparalleled luxury at Hermes San Francisco, where elegant leather goods and fashion accessories await in the heart of Union Square.
DIOR San Francisco Post Street
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Discover the elegance of DIOR San Francisco, where luxury women's fashion meets artistry in the heart of Union Square.
Secret Shop
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Explore the eclectic treasures of Secret Shop in San Francisco's Union Square for unique gifts and local art that perfectly capture the city's spirit.
Urban Outfitters
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Discover Urban Outfitters in San Francisco's Union Square, a trendy hub for fashion-forward clothing, unique home decor, and stylish accessories.
Angelic Pretty San Francisco
0.3 km
Discover whimsical women's fashion at Angelic Pretty San Francisco, where chic elegance meets unique Japanese-inspired designs in the heart of the city.
Butterfly's Gift Shop Inc
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Explore Butterfly's Gift Shop Inc in San Francisco's Chinatown for unique gifts and unforgettable souvenirs that reflect the city's vibrant culture.
Fashion House & Gifts
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Explore the vibrant treasures of Fashion House & Gifts in San Francisco's Chinatown—unique gifts and souvenirs that celebrate the city's culture.
China Station
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Explore the authentic treasures of Chinatown at China Station, your go-to gift shop for traditional crafts and unique home goods.
Oriental Treasures San Francisco
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Explore a treasure trove of Asian artifacts and unique gifts at Oriental Treasures in San Francisco's enchanting Chinatown.
Old Shanghai
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Explore Old Shanghai in San Francisco's Chinatown for unique gifts and authentic decor that capture the essence of the exotic Orient.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Clock Bar
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Discover Clock Bar in Union Square: A chic lounge and restaurant offering exquisite cocktails and delectable bites in the heart of San Francisco.
Johnny Foley's Irish House
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Discover the heart of Ireland in San Francisco at Johnny Foley's Irish House, where lively music and delicious food create unforgettable moments.
Last Drop Tavern
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Discover Last Drop Tavern in San Francisco's Union Square, where delicious New American cuisine meets creative cocktails in a vibrant atmosphere.
Pacific Cocktail Haven
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Discover San Francisco's premier cocktail experience at Pacific Cocktail Haven, where innovative drinks and a vibrant atmosphere await every visitor.
Tunnel Top Lounge and Bar
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Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Tunnel Top Lounge and Bar in San Francisco, combining art, cocktails, and a unique lounge experience in Union Square.
Iron Horse Cocktails
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Discover the vibrant atmosphere and innovative cocktails at Iron Horse Cocktails in San Francisco's lively Union Square.
Harlan Records
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Discover Harlan Records, the ultimate cocktail bar in San Francisco's Union Square, where exquisite drinks meet an unforgettable vinyl experience.
Persona
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Discover Persona, San Francisco's stylish cocktail bar offering innovative drinks and a vibrant atmosphere in the heart of Lower Nob Hill.
Owl Tree
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Discover Owl Tree, San Francisco's cocktail gem known for its cozy ambiance and innovative drinks perfect for any night out.
Local Edition
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Discover Local Edition, San Francisco's stylish cocktail bar blending innovative drinks and vibrant ambiance for an unforgettable night out.
Cityscape
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Experience the vibrant nightlife at Cityscape, where stunning views and craft cocktails create an unforgettable bar experience in San Francisco.
Rickhouse
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Experience the vibrant cocktail culture of San Francisco at Rickhouse, where craft meets creativity in a chic bar ambiance.
718
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Discover the unique flavors and vibrant atmosphere at 718 Lounge in San Francisco's historic Chinatown, where craft cocktails and Asian cuisine meet.
Bourbon & Branch
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Discover the speakeasy charm of Bourbon & Branch, where expertly crafted cocktails meet a vibrant San Francisco atmosphere.
The House Of Shields
0.6 km
Experience the blend of history and vibrant nightlife at The House Of Shields, a must-visit bar in San Francisco's Financial District.
