Union Square: San Francisco's Vibrant Heart
Experience world-class shopping, dining, and cultural events in the heart of San Francisco at historic Union Square, a vibrant destination for tourists and locals alike.
Union Square, a 2.6-acre public plaza in downtown San Francisco, is a hub for shopping, hotels, theater, and events. Named for pro-Union rallies during the Civil War, it has evolved from sand dunes to a premier destination, offering a blend of culture, art, and commerce.
A brief summary to Union Square
- San Francisco, Union Square, California, 94108, US
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- 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
- Take a ride on the iconic cable cars at the Powell & Market Street Cable Car turnaround for a quintessential San Francisco experience.
- Visit during the holiday season to see the Macy's Christmas Tree and enjoy ice skating in the square.
- Explore Maiden Lane, a charming pedestrian street with upscale boutiques, art galleries, and cafes.
- Check out the Union Square Farmers Market on Wednesdays for fresh produce, artisanal goods, and food trucks.
- Enjoy a pre-show dinner or drinks at one of the many restaurants and bars in the Theater District surrounding Union Square.
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Getting There
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Public Transport
From the Powell Street BART Station, exit and walk north towards Union Square. The square is directly accessible from the station and is a major transportation hub with access to Muni buses, streetcars, and cable cars. A single ride on Muni costs $3.00 cash or $2.85 with a Clipper card or MuniMobile. Cable car fares are $8.00 per ride.
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Walking
From the Ferry Building, walk west along Market Street for approximately 1 mile. Union Square will be on your left, bordered by Geary, Powell, Post, and Stockton Streets. The walk is mostly flat and takes about 15-20 minutes.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout San Francisco. A short taxi ride from the Moscone Center to Union Square typically costs between $10 and $15, depending on traffic. Taxi fares include a $4.15 flag rate for the first 1/5th of a mile, $0.65 for each additional 1/5th of a mile, and $0.65 for each minute of waiting time. Bridge tolls may apply.
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Driving
If driving, approach Union Square via Geary, Powell, Post, or Stockton Streets. Parking is available in the Union Square Garage, with hourly rates ranging from $5 to $6. Several other parking garages are located near Union Square, with prices ranging from $13 to $38 for 2 hours. Be aware that parking can be limited and expensive.
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