A great place to do some PREMIUM people watching!!! This is a tourist must stop, so there is always a bunch of people in the square, walking, sitting, lounging... to my surprise it is rarely has a crowded feel... even though there are hundreds of people around. This square hosts some random events, music, and art showcases, which is cool if you come by on those days. At Christmas time they display an AWESOME tree!!! And they have ice skating! Overall its a nice place to sit back with some take out or a coffee, get a bit of sunshine and enjoy the beauty of SF! read more

I use to come here and study when all the outdoor seats were taken at Starbucks or they were playing incredibly suicidal music on their XM there. I never thought I was approachable until like, one clear sunny Sunday a whole slew of men started coming up to me making horrible jokes about my studying materials. "You like CPUs? Yeah, I'm totally into CPUs!" "Do you even know what a CPU is?" "No, not really." "Please, leave me alone." Union Square's events are mediocre and almost ruin my plans if I've come to sit here to eat or study or talk with friends. They have like, crazy loud Vietnamese events which is probably the worst idea ever, putting a Vietnamese on a loud speaker that only amplifies the sound as it hits the windows of Macy's. They also have horrible 60's rock cover bands, where they'll cover "Don't Fear the Reaper" sans the cowbell. I know, should be illegal huh. Then you get to watch the conspirators (9-11 didn't happen!) tout their beliefs as the anti-fur people protest in front of Neiman Marcus. Oh, and the Scientologists usually set up shop in front of Macy's, giving strangers the "Oxford Capacity Test" which is specially designed so that you fail (and need their "spiritual" services) no matter what answer you give. Three-ring circus of tourists, lousy hipster art students from Academy of Art, more lousy hipsters who work at the surrounding businesses, and tons of rude old Asian ladies (who WILL shove you out of the way) coming from Chinatown. God bless America. read more

I find myself gravitating towards, or possibly more accurately, orbiting around, Union Square most every time I trek across the bridge, despite the fact that it's not my favorite place to be when I'm making the effort. There are more serene, picturesque and generally more pleasant places to be in San Francisco; there's more variety of cultural cuisines elsewhere, for much less money. Still, I end up here more often than not. Sometimes it's because a friend has visited SF, as has happened several times in the last couple years, and they wind up getting a room in a Union Square hotel. Other times it's for the nightlife and all that entails - Ruby Skye, e.g., with it's occasional headliners of house, electronica, etc etc. Lately I've driven there on almost auto-pilot mode, favoring the stout parking garage very near the Powell Street cable car origin. I've found several places that have very decent food and beer specials; Foley's Irish Pub on the southwest corner comes to mind (though fear for your appetite if it's a busy Friday evening, and more so for your ears as it's thunderously loud when full). Across from Infusion Lounge, to its west, is a little yakitori place that has a nice selection of sake and a very trendy, quiet atmosphere with huge windows from which you can people-watch during conversational lulls, assuming you're not alone. To the East End of the Square: fancy pants stores galore, including my personal favorite, a GUESS flagship store (the basement being entirely devoted to Men's Wear! Yes I do get excited enough to use an exclamation point.). For some reason the streets on this side seem almost entirely devoid of homeless. There's a cool little street that's blocked off to all traffic except that on foot which has another favorite store of mine, the ridiculously over-priced Sur la Table gourmet cooking store (rumor is, I see, that this location is closed? Anyway.), as well as a cute cafe that spills itself onto the vehicle-less street. North by northeast from the Square you'll find yourself soon enough at the grand entrance to Chinatown, a place that I have yet to brave alone. Go two steps further west of Foley's and you'll be in the mix, as it were: the Tenderloin (q.v., on your own dime, if you don't know; there are some ultra cool spots to visit though so don't let the smell, sights and sounds scare you off too quickly . . . .). South from the Square gets you directly into a huge indoor mall with several repeats of the big retailers (another GUESS store? Why thank you!). Many people mention the people-watching. It is all that and more. Especially in the summer, and you're one (like moi) that likes to see painfully beautiful women walking in every direction at once, literally so many that one can't remember from one corner to the next which was most lovely. A few streets of this and I'm ready to drown my sorrows; hello Foley's, missed you . . . . read more

If you go some creepy guy will probably give you a sticker and assume you're a tourist. At least that's what always seems to happen to me. read more

A place to relax while waiting for the sun to set. Nice place nice people from all walks of life and from around the globe. Name it and you have it Sax, Macy's, Tiffany, Neiman etc. read more

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

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I'm not the trendy type. I'm not the high-end fashion type. I'm not impressed with the posh. Union Square is surrounded by The Posh...but I still love it. This is the heart of San Francisco's Shopping District: Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany & Co., Neiman Marcus, you name it! Not enough greenery for me to call it an oasis though. I think that may have been the original intent for the space over a century ago, but they've refinished it now to cater more to events and such. The space is utilized well. On any given day, there are art vendors setting up shop, free musical performances, dancing lessons, theater, and promotion crews giving out freebies and samples. Even though we don't have noticeable seasons, during the "winter" time, the space hosts a small ice skating rink. The space is sometimes rented out for private parties. All good! Spend money in my city!!! read more

While a partisan of the South like me doesn't like anything named "Union Square" I have to admit that I do love this part of San Francisco. While it's hemmed in by the signs of luxury department stores and hotels, the people and artists who often exhibit here are very real. It's a great place to browse and explore, and as a tribute to effective public places - places that can uplift and relax in the midst of towering buildings - it's a great success. Check it out. read more

When I was visiting my hotel was just around the area. This place was pretty neat during the day and at night. It's relatively pretty clean...cleaner than NYC's Union Square. But then again anywhere outside of NYC is already cleaner. I think the park is a nice place to have lunch outside near the palm trees. And there truly is a lot of homeless people, but I've gotten used to this in NYC so it's no biggie. But I did get yelled at by one of them when I was visiting San Fran because I took a picture of one of them and he yelled at me for not giving him a $1. It was a funny experience. read more

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I enjoy Union Square for the hustle and bustle of it all. There are a million people walking around coming and going from restaurants and shops. All trying to catch the next crosswalk. I enjoy taking a seat on the steps amongst the tall buildings and just people watch . It is great to see the unique people of SF enter your life one moment and be gone the next.. Once wrapping up lunch and there are a few minutes left, then there are the dozens upon dozens shops in the area to take a breather and peruse around killing the last few minutes of a lunch break read more

What a lovely spot in the city! Surrounded by the shopping area, this place is a nice getaway from the stores if you want to lay in the grass, catch some sunshine, relax, or wander around looking at the art vendors in the center. Surrounded by palm trees, there are plenty of spots to sit on stairs, grass, or walls. read more

When you walk into Union Square Park, you feel like you're in an urban oasis of fine shops and fancy folks. I have to admit, when I walk around this area, I feel a little out of place in my frayed jeans and modest Merona fleece. Honestly, it is a real treat to step off of BART at the Powell station and walk on the glittering sidewalks that lead up to Union Square. I can pretend, if only just for a few moments, that I am a high-paying executive working in one of those high rise buildings in FiDi :) Union Square Park itself is well-designed and gorgeous day or night. There are large steps with grassy landings, tall palms, and beautifully painted hearts at some of the park's corners. Planters overflow with exquisite specimens of Angel's trumpets (Brugmansia, for my fellow botany nerds :p) while nearby planters contain vividly colored annuals (petunias, if I recall correctly). Emporio Rulli Cafe sits right on Union Square and caters to your coffee and sandwich needs. Outdoor seating is a must for a cafe like this, and Emporio Rulli does not disappoint with its ample seating in the sun, shade, or indoors. I really like how there are oversized steps inside Union Square Park for lounging and people-watching, too. At nighttime, the lights from the street and neighboring shops cast warm shadows and pools of mysterious light on the park's stones. It is quite a different feel at nighttime, but just as beautiful as in the day. Right now, there is a warm red glow in the Square from all the Chinese New Year lanterns! Various events are held on Union Square, so check their website to stay up to date with them. And if you can, stop by during the holiday season to watch the Macy's Union Square tree lighting ceremony. It is crowded, but oh so breathtaking to see. It definitely ignites the holiday spirit in everyone, too! :) read more

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Another tourist spot of SF. It is located in the middle of a lot of tall buildings and shopping centers. On the four corners of Union Square, there are the iconic hearts of SF that you have probably seen people take pictures with. There is a red one with the golden gate bridge that is always there but the other three rotates often. During my most recent visit, there was a lot of construction going on so one of the corners did not have a heart sculpture. The other two were pretty cool, one had "Hello" written in the various languages of the world and the other consisted of polaroid snapshots of SF. This is a neat place to stroll around and window shop or even bar hop! read more

Great spot to come and people watch. Yesterday was the Indonesian Independence Day celebration so there was a parade and show. Very nice. We received some gifts from one of the vendors and my daughter loved that. Can't wait to see what is going on there today. read more

busy. loud. smells like piss. you WILL be constantly haggled by bums and pushed around by tourists.BUT this is a good spot if you wanna blow some cash and shop (at stores that are EVERYWHERE else in the country as well) good central location to stay in so you can take the muni, cable cars, or buses to BETTER areas of SF but other than that it blows. okay okay so its not that bad...i just wouldnt want to spend more than an hour here at a time. read more

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

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Such a pretty sight during the Holidays! Macy*s is decorated ground up, and coming from HI, it definitely feels like Christmas! They also have an ice skating rink, but we didn't get a chance to go since I was more excited for the shopping nearby! We grabbed some slices of pizza and just sat here to enjoy the City. We scored parking on the street the first night we stopped by for a quick look. There's also parking located in the garage which is quite expensive (we spent $30 for a couple of hours or so). read more

Such a great spot in the epicentre of San Francsico tourist consumerism. Palm trees, patio furnirture, green space, all a stones throw away from certain credit card debt and busy traffic. manifique.. LURVE!!! Specific stand outs to me were the patio tables/chairs set out and apparently if you're in "the know" there is a free WiFi offering in the area (which I couldn't figure out how to lock into). Echoing the sentiments of Benjamin G, this also makes a great landmark/point of reference for out of towners (such as myself). Worth a stop to rest weary shopping/tourist legs. read more

Good place to chill and hang out with my newspaper and coffee, I need to fit in with the sophisticated people. read more

Union Square - Elite please? - Public Markets Near Me - San Francisco, California

So pretty! I love that sometimes (during holidays) Union Square gets decorated & has tables/open seating for people to sit and enjoy the view/weather. Beautiful! Also...anyone notice that the designs on the hearts change? read more

Union Square is an awesome place! Located in the heart of SF, surrounded by a bunch of key shopping stores, including a gigantic Macy's! The stores are pretty much the same as stores down here in SoCal, so don't expect a lot of "unique" stores, except for UniqLo - no pun intended. Definitely a fun place to walk around and explore, although it's usually pretty crowded. Parking is ridiculously expensive, so either put on your walking shoes or be prepared to take public transportation. Luckily, the latter is a super convenient transportation mode, since it pretty much goes everywhere and is beyond reasonably priced. read more

Great place for a pit stop in between shopping, sightseeing or for taking a lunch break if you work downtown. Great views of San Francisco architecture from every angle! Just across the street (from any direction) one can easily find coffee, shops, restaurants or plush department stores. My only issue is that there are several homeless folks constantly milling around and often hitting up people for money. It tends to kill the scenic/chill vibe here. But, this place is still worthy of four stars for sure. Definitely worth your time to visit Union Square Park. read more

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

I flew to San Francisco just for a Day to check out the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, before the end of my trip I checked out Union Square just only 2 hours... before my Flight @ SFO back home to SEA. =/ This Place seemed like The Hustle and Bustle of San Francisco. I liked it Alot. =D It was a bit Overwhelming though.... It's a great place to meet, enjoy coffee, or just let the world go by. This Shopping District is something not to miss!! I am booking another flight as I end this Yelp Review. ;) read more

Shopping shopping shopping - all around a piece of green on top of a parking lot. Throw in a statue in the center on top and you got yourself a union square! read more

Fantastic spot for an alfresco lunch on a sunny day! It can be crowded if you're looking for shade. There are two little cafe's at each side of the park with designated outdoor seating. Lovely oasis in the middle of the downtown bustle! read more

I'm really pissed that they fucked up Union Square as much as they have. The center plaza area is closed off as much as it is open, and really rude security staff hassle you even if you want to take a stroll through the square past certain times at night. WTF is that about? Say what you will about the previous Square, but at least it brought people together in a way that not many downtown city parks can do. This square allows everyone to face in the direction of Macy's and is a monument to shallow consumerism. No, I don't want to stare at David Beckham's crotch when the huge underwear banner is draped down the north side of Macy's. Fuck that. Union square also used to be a fun place where skateboarders and soccer kids could come in and play a little. The fun is now gone unless it's planned and approved and organized into events. Fuck that too. Union Square has changed. Yuppie scum and recent SF transplants love the new design. It's "cleaner" and "safer". If you want clean and safe, get the fuck out of SF and move to fucking Vacaville. read more

Union Square used to be so much nicer before the big remodel. Now there isn't enough grass and too much concrete. Easier to maintain but less friendly and beautiful on the eyes. Yes there are homeless bum-looking types here and around the various stores that surround the plaza but just ignore them unless they look like they really need help, and not drug help. However, Union Square is a great place to people-watch, shop, rest those tired feet, sunbathe, take pictures, eat food that you have bought in a nearby restaurant or wait for the cable cars. Lots of scenery. And just think about how much this property would be worth if they developed it. Man, would that be a chunk of change. read more

I think the renovation was a success. The Memorial statue is also quite remarkable. Union Square provides a nice vantage point for Macy's ever-changing displays, as well as a break from the bump and grind action that is walking in SF. They have art displays here. Finally, a place to pretend to have an opinion on something... besides Yelp. read more

If you were to ask me to rate this place 15 years ago I would've given it zero stars. But its 2010 and within the past 10 years the city and county of SF finally decided to spend some serious moolah to beautify this place. More security, artwork, benches to sit, some greenery, heck it actually feels like a safe place to hang out by yourself and enjoy some people watching. I just wish I had the time to actually take on this activity =P Well I was suppose to meet my friend Jenny here for the tree lighting ceremony on Nov 26th but my co-worker wouldnt switch shift with me so I had to cancel on her. It wasnt cool of me but I made sure I would make it up to her the following week. Well I made it to union square AFTER the tree was lit. I was overwhelmed by the amount people who showed up for the tree lighting. They basically managed to shut down Stockton street for 30 minutes. This place is cool because there's also a stage where you'll sometimes see free performances or events. A great place to chill out after a long day of shopping. If the Christmas tree doesnt put you in the holiday spirit then I think there's something wrong with you. You can definitely feel the energy more so during the holiday season. read more

Tres chique! It's a very European piece of SF. Cafe, espresso, monuments, sun, stoops, then there's the injection of SF. Trannies, crackheads. This is a sweet place to check out a Saturday movie in the park. ( www.sfneighborhoodtheater.org ) Shoppers, tourists, cable cars, utlimate capitalism, and the best thing is that's it's a hot shortcut. I live on one side and work on the other, so I get to see the "Square Action" every day of the week, pretty much. My favorite day included a marching band with a crackhead bringing up the rear, marching across Powell & Geary up the steps into the square. The crackhead sits in the middle of the intersection and flips off the cars while they lay on the horns. Anti-war protestors, tourists asking for directions, a trannie or two, and a partridge in a Union Square. read more

Pretty clean and great area for events. I'm glad they have this area for things like that. When they have the Xmas tree up, it's really a symbol of the Price and Joy of all SFers and Americans.... its a great feeling during the holidays. read more

I can't believe all the moaning here. Union square was created to be a public forum, and that is exactly what it continues to be to this day. And despite whatever personal distaste you have for the events, where else any where inthis city, or all of california for that matter, can you see free live performances by circus groups from all over the bay all summer long? That alone would give it super stars ofr me, but combined withthe specific historic and political signifigance of the space, it seems offensively wasteful to whinge on abou the wonderful public resource San Francisco's forefathers opted to have built for their city. And Free Circus Shows! Come on people! read more

USP is an open and compact park with more tile and concrete than grass, trees, and shrubs. It's a decent spot to soak up some rays, people-watch, or nosh on your take-out. Just be careful of the hovering pigeons, which will eat any crumb that falls from your sammie. read more

Let me start off by saying... I FUCKING LOVE SAN FRANCISCO! And one of the major spots of this great city that melts my heart is Union Square. Location: Union Square is located near BART Stations, shops, and restaurants which makes for plenty to do. Additionally, for some reason despite it being a centerpiece of San Francisco, I never really see many tourists around so you can always have plenty of space to relax. Events: Union Square is home to plenty of events. Every now and again, there's a market or an art display. Other times, there are community organised flash mobs. This park definitely keeps the spirit of downtown San Francisco alive instead of letting it slip into shallow city-life. 5 stars for Union Square! 5 stars for San Francisco! read more

This square is located right in the heart of downtown! Union square has come a long way from what I remember back in the early 90s. I grew up living in the tenderloin neighborhood and walk by union square almost daily after school. From my childhood memories, this use to be a place full of homeless sleeping on the benches and pigeons every where and their poop all over the places. They had under gone major constructions and had gave this neighborhood gem a new look. I work right around the corner from union square and I come here to get some quick sun fix on a nice warm San Francisco day! If anyone is visiting San Francisco, you must stop by union square and have a cup of coffee at their mini cafe. It's a great place to people watch also because it's full of different types on people. :) read more

Great place to go when you have that hankering to be a tourist again. And hey, it's where the mother of all Macy's exists! I require that you also visit LUSH on Powell just off Geary at Union Square. read more

Good for cutting through when need to go diagonal from Sak's to Neiman's. Not really somewhere I want to hang out, though it's a handy meeting landmark for friends and the city does put on outdoor movies in the summer. read more

One of my favorite places to go in SF. Pretty touristy, but I like it. There always seems to be an event going on, but I never have trouble finding parking. The garage conveniently is located underground. It gets expensive, but it's better than driving around for an hour to find street parking where your car can easily get dinged/scratched/stolen(?). There are sooo many places to shop. My boyfriend is a huge Nike fan, so we always go there. Neiman Marcus is also nice if you want something more high end. read more

Did you know that the statue commemorates the occasion of California joining the Union ...of the the State of the Americas? Go Bears Go Bare..At least the bear on the California flag is bare. It has become more of a marble, concrete square, but that was to reduce the number of homeless harrassing and scaring the touristas. Nicer location for STUBS/half price tickets--people not as likely to get swiped by cars trying to get into Union Square parking lot entrance on Geary Blvd. read more

More often than not this place is full of beggars and homeless people, and the grass stinks of urine from people and dogs pissing everywhere. One time I saw 2 homeless people under a blanket and their legs were uncovered and they were having sex as the man on top was humping away this was broad daylight in the afternoon. There has to be police and park presence to make this place safe and clean. read more

Went on a Sunday and not what I was expecting. Maybe during the week it's a great place but a bit slow on the weekend.

I love walking Union Square, especially at night during Christmas. Great people-watching. It's a tourist trap for sure, but sometimes it's nice to pretend to be a tourist for a day and experience the hustle and bustle of this beautiful city. read more