Union Square -- people know it as the place with the HUUUUGEE Macy's! It's a great place to grab some coffee, and chill on your break. I grabbed some dim sum from Chinatown, walked to Union Square, and enjoyed my lunch here with my boyfriend. It's really not too crowded during the day time, however there is a lot of noise from the cars driving around the intersections. Also, this place lacks shade! There's not enough umbrellas to cover all the tables. So prepare yourself, especually on a nice, clear sky day and make sure you find yourself a seat in the shade -- a good place is under the trees right in front of Macys. This place is also very beautiful during Christmas time when they put the tree up, offer ice skating, and other holiday treats. There are wreaths all up on Macy's and it is definitely a beautiful sight. Definitely a place to check out if you are new to San Francisco! read more

If there is a central point in San Francisco, particularly as a tourist, Union Square is certainly in the running. Union Square Plaza Park is surrounded by the hustle and bustle of Downtown San Francisco, encircled by Hotels, High End Shopping, Cable Cars and lots of energy. You feel like you're in the middle of a major city, because you are. This place has come a long way from its roots - originally this was where pro-Union citizens came to rally during the Civil War. I remember my first time standing in the middle of Union Square Plaza Park and being rather in awe of my setting. This was my first trip to San Francisco. In fact, my first time to California. We landed a few hours earlier and were staying at a nearby hotel. We were walking to drinks (Starlight Room) and dinner (Scala's) at the Sir Francis Drake - not a bad first few hours in SF, huh? We walked through Union Square Plaza Park just before dusk on an April evening. There were tourists and locals, and my thought was "Gee, this is really nice." You're looking at all these amazing building around you and the voices you hear are from across the world. I didn't know it the very first moment, but within a few hours I started thinking "Maybe I'll live in SF one day..." Living here now, I don't always have quite the same magical feeling, but this is still a beautiful place. I enjoy passing through on the way to work in the morning when I'm working from the FiDi - it is sort of peaceful despite the downtown workday frenzy. It's also beautiful at night when the surrounding buildings are lit up. There can be art vendors at lunch and outdoor concerts in the evenings. The best treat is during the holidays when the Tree is up and they have an Ice Staking Rink. (You should absolutely do this when you are visiting SF) Also, make sure to get a photo with one of the SF Heart Sculptures. This is a great spot for visitors and locals alike. For those of us who live here every day, it's a spot to take a moment and remember just where you are. I still remember that first night well. read more

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The signature square of San Francisco. Located at the heart of downtown and surrounded by all kinds of stores and theater. Definitely a must see. read more

Union Square Park is a unique city square / district. There's tons of stores (Apple, Macy's, Nike, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany's etc) restaurants, clubs and hotels. There are more high end stores than low end. It's definitely more for shopping. If you go during Christmas time, there's a huge tree and a skating rink. Rentals are extra. It's also nice to come at night, since the Christmas and palm trees are lit up. read more

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They have a cute heart sculpture that ppl like to take photos of. Definitely a cool place to just grab a latte and hang out and just chill especially if the weather is great. It's a huge open space, great for children to run around. read more

Union Square - Cute park for the family! - Public Markets Near Me - San Francisco, California

HEARTS If you don't know where Union Square is, you'll probably know it as the place where there are HEART SCULPTURES ....... because I did. =X And what makes it a tourist attraction? (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/union-square-park-san-francisco-2?select=bGO4dkdxxG_PxcQiFVNUfg#l6WtbmR2P4Hf6rMjs88-6A) taking a photo next to the heart sculpture like yours truly did. There is one on each corner of the park, each decorated in a different design by an artist. Union Square Park is located in the "heart" of Union Square - where you'll find people hustlin' and bustin' to work, several high end eateries (and cheap hot dog stands too) and designer stores. But you'll probably be seeing a bunch of tourists walking around and taking photos (*ahem* like me *ahem*) There is a tall column with a statue within the middle of the park. I'm not quite familiar with the history of the statue, but it stands out that people are taking photos of it, but not as much as the heart sculptures. FYI = *The park is probably the only thing you'll find with grass when you're in the city. *Located above an underground public parking lot *WHICH is very $$$$ parking and probably the only parking nearby *Lots of benches to hang out in the midst of the busy city *Across the street from the largest Macy's (it's the flagship store) *Walk down Powell St. to get to the Westfield SF Center mall (although most of the stores in that mall are also located outside near Union Square Park) *A public restroom is located near the entrance of the parking garage *Near the Westin Hotel and other major hotel boutiques *Great place to people watch! Whether you are a tourist (or not) I'm sure you'd love to take a photo (or two) next to the HEART SCULPTURES! Yelp 2013 100 for 100 Challenge - Review #99 read more

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

Union Square is a plaza bordered by Geary, Powell, Post and Stockton Streets. Union Square also refers to the central shopping, hotel, and theater district that surrounds the plaza for several blocks. Union Square was built and dedicated by San Francisco's first American mayor John Geary in 1850, and is so named for the pro-Union rallies that happened there before and during the Civil War. Since then, the plaza has undergone some changes including the 1903 dedication of a monument to Admiral George Dewey's victory at the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish American War. It also commemorates President William McKinley, who had been recently assassinated. The figurine at the top of the monument, "Victory", was modeled from the likeness of a local heiress. Around 1940, a large underground parking garage was built under the square that relocated the plaza's lawns, shrubs and the Dewey monument to the garage "roof." During the late 1970s, and into the 1990s, the area became a bit derelict, as the homeless began to camp in the space. San Francisco's rowdy New Year's parties used to happen yearly at the plaza with some sort of civil disruption happening. In early 1998, city planners began plans to renovate the plaza to create more paved surfaces for easier maintenance, with outdoor cafes, and more levels to the underground garage. In late 2000, the park was partially closed down to complete these renovations. Then in July of 2002, the park was reopened. Then Mayor Willie Brown was quoted as saying - "Use it; it is your square" Gayle and I particularly enjoy Union Square during the Holiday Season at night. We come here to look through the Macy's windows (especially the cats and dogs), admire the lights, and walk hand-in-hand through the Plaza. The only things missing are snow and a one horse open sleigh. read more

You can't visit San Francisco without stopping by Union Square! There are many celebrated department stores to visit and many delicious restaurants to choose from nearby. We visited the square at night to enjoy the end of summer weekend. Enjoy your visit! read more

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You are more to me than just a pretty landmark. More than the pinaccle of the shopping district (I never did much shopping anyway). Every time I see you, you take my breath away, just a little bit. I instantly feel thankful that I live here and that I can sit in what I feel is the heart of the city, and watch the people, cars, buses and cable cars all whiz by.... You're unlike any other. You remind me of the days my grandma (God rest her soul) and my mom would take me here to feed the pigeons on a lazy Sunday. The plaza looks different now, but just as beautiful. You remind me of the times I tried to ice skate in your skating rink and fell on my ass, but I laughed and kept going. You remind me of the times I teared up during the tree-lighting ceremony during Christmas time, and how the air smells during the holidays. There's an energy in the air... You remind me of everything I love about my city. And just like an old friend, I promise to keep finding excuses to come and visit you every chance I get, so you can take my breath away one more time :) read more

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

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Everybody's waiting for the man with the bag... No, I'm not talking about the "man bag" of Friends fame. I'm talking about Santa. Only 9 more days until Santa does his thing! Whenever I see decorated Christmas trees I feel all warm and happy inside. I wish I was a little girl again. I loved that feeling of excitement and anticipation. A time when I could not wait to open my gifts from my family and Santa. My family has spent one weekend every holiday season in SF, ever since I can remember. I always loved to see the ginormous Christmas tree in Union Square. I still do. All of the sparkling lights and ornaments. Breathtaking...especially at night. Christmas is here again! read more

Walk to the center of the square and just take a 360 view of what surrounds you. AMAZING! I walk by here daily and there's always something new to look at. Big city feel, cool air blowing through, tons of people walking in every which direction, and it's actually a parking lot. LOL... For a long time, I didn't even know that. HAaahahha... read more

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Wide open area in San Francisco covered with cement, chairs and tables for people to enjoy coffee. I feel like it's more like a square than it is a park, because I don't see much greenery in this area. Moreover, it is really just one big space. Search up this place on google, you'll learn a bit about it's history of why it's a monuemental place. One thing that you will definitely see is the big Macy's in the back. What i loved most about this place are the little heart decorations on each side of this "park". I took pictures beside two of them - one of them was white with many collages on it and the other one was a red heart with san francisco's bay bridge graffitied over it. read more

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

Mostly unnoticed in my regular SF shopping trips...but when she is all decked out for Christmas and Hanukkah....she is quite a sight!! We braved the crowds so the DGD's could see the lights. I was a bit overwhelmed by how hard it was to simply walk down the street....and there was a disgusting woman smoking not 5 feet away from the skating rink while children looked on....yes I told her she was a jerk. The girls were in thrilled...the skaters and the Zamboni were the highlights of our trip. We also saw the pets in Macy's window....a big *awwww* from DGD the elder. Worth it all to see the looks on their faces! read more

"I left my heart...in San Francisco...high on the hill, it calls to me...." -Tony Bennet. Love this place, such a center of tourist and shopping. A sea of people and cars, it is chaos with delight. I was here with the gf and we love the decorated heart statue, so cheesy, so romantic. Perfect in the midst of busy Union Square. The only sad note, when I was younger, FAO Schwarz used to be around the corner, I think. Times have change, but Union Square still radiates her charm and continues to be a goodwill ambassador to the city by the bay. Kiss Kiss.. read more

Beautiful year round. I work around the corner and love craving a coffee or having lunch and watching the people pass through the park or watch the tree at Christmas. read more

Union Square - View from Macy's 5th floor - Public Markets Near Me - San Francisco, California

I'm in a different world here. This is my third time today, and each time I come I notice more. I feel like I am in the middle of something amazing. If you visit San Francisco, you need to make this your first stop. You will feel like you're in a different place. All the great stores are here. I'm in heaven. I can't wait to wake up tomorrow! read more

Union Square - I love SF! - Public Markets Near Me - San Francisco, California

Union Square is a mecca for people from all over the world. The day I was here a lot of Frenchies was in town for a convention. Crossing the street countless of times that day and meeting the same Frenchies once or twice was funny. It's a place where you can mind your own business or you can be friendly and reach out. I'm curious by nature so I found out who and why the Frenchies were in town. They all said they love the good ol US of A. How about that? :0 Not to mention they were throwing their euro dollar practically everywhere. They were in the same stores I was. Same breakfast place I was. In short Union Square is yours and what you make of it. read more

Union Square is a destination i haven't been to for a while. i've always seen more birds here than people, especially that flying rat kind. the blackbirds and swaallows i don't mind. Union Square is probably known for it's parking garage. i may have gone in once or twice but haven't gone since. maybe it's expensive. highlights at union square: -holiday ice rink : a decade or so ago, my kids really liked it here. maybe it was a lot cheaper and less crowded then. street parking was also possible at that time. -festivals of all kinds: korean, filipino celebrations of culture and/or independence: nice display of diversity. -the open space in the mass of concrete is welcome. just watch out for dem birds! -protest rallites : can't remember if i actually attended one though i probably witness one here but can't remember what i saw, who i saw and what they did or didn't do. @union square is bartable-exit powell station. read more

Once in a while I visit SF Union Sq for lots of events and seeing & making a wish on the big Christmas tree down there. Also Like to see people I skating down there too. read more

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Good news: the new subway system is advancing nicely, with construction going at a much more rapid pace since falling behind due to the Christmas holidays. Bad news: This park isn't as beautiful now. I had a day off and wanted to read a book in the beautiful sunny day, so I headed here thinking I could lounge on the grassy steps and read/people watch for an hour or 2. There is now construction going on 3 out of 4 of the streets. Stockton is (and has been) closed off completely. Geary is starting to see shifted lanes, orange cones, and disrupted sidewalks. The construction is also spilling onto Post street on the North End. They have taken out half of the iconic "hearts" that border the park. The grassy area was closed off for "maintenance due to recent storms." So as I sat on a ledge and read, the sounds of jack-hammering and construction machines filled the air instead. What a drastic change from 3 weeks ago when this park was lively and inviting. But of course, the construction can only bring good changes and additions to this city. But in the meantime, the park will suffer a bit in the aesthetics department. read more

I have stayed all around SF during my many trips here and Union Square is always my go to location for convenience. You're in the heart of the city and centrally located for easy getting around to other areas (trolly cars and BART is easily accessible). Not to mention, Union Square is close to amzaing shops and restaurants. It's also just a great place to pop a squat and people watch. Bring a jacket and comfy shoes. :) read more

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

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There are so very many things that I love about San Francisco, and while tourismy tourism full of tourists isn't tops on that list, I still do love it. So that's the thing that I like about Union Square. You have all the consumerism that you'll ever need--Tiffany's, Macy's, and any other y's you can shake a stick (or a credit card) at. But keep your eyes open, because this is, after all, San Francisco. So you'll still see pigeons, and political messages, and weirdos, and amazing style, and killer food nearby. You don't have to look too far beyond that family from Wisconsin to see that street musician trying to make a living. I took a stroll near holiday times, and they've got the massive Christmas tree up in the park. And lots of skating. And it's completely lovely. But even in the non-winter months, this is a must-see (at least once) for anyone checking the San Francisco box off of their travel list. read more

Union Square is definitely a great central location to stay. This beautiful park is surrounded by hotels and shopping. Local artists have paintings set up to browse. It seems as every form of transportation around the city will stop here. There are several cable car stops, cabs, several tour bus companies as well as the occasional limo service for $7 to the wharf. There is a cute little coffee and treat business by the park with tables. This is great for many to enjoy a quick breakfast or lunch in a nice setting. Union Square has everything you need. You stay at the Westin St Francis or shop at Tiffany's. It's all great! read more

Union Square - Heart sculptures around the park - Public Markets Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Since being remodeled a few years back, Union Square has become a much more inviting place. With nicer seats, grassy areas, and free performances, what's not to love/ During the day, the sun shine so brightly over the square and tourists sit side by side with business people enjoying a break from their busy day. On any given day, you might find a Ben and Jerry's booth giving out scoops of free ice cream, a visiting band performing their favorite numbers, or a runway showing off anything from art, to the latest fashions, to the exotic erotic. On my most recent visit there, I came across a bunch of teenagers in the midst of a scavenger hunt. They needed someone to ride piggyback across the street. I couldn't help but volunteer. Oh how I love scavenger hunts! read more

LOVE hangin' out here. So much to do, see and eat!!! This is where I stay whenever I'm having fun in the Bay Area. Tons of shopping (from H&M to Burberry), you can find it all here. You can't leave without taking pics of each of the "hearts" that encompass the square. There's actually one with a pic of YODA! BART and the cable cars are nearby and within walking distance. Walking is the mode of my transportation for the most part. read more

Really basic park located in the center of a bustling area. I would say that this is a great place to stop by and take pictures with the decorated heart installations but besides this, that is all. I didn't linger around with my toddler because there was this guy yelling at people on the streets. I didn't feel particularly safe or at the very least, let my toddler run around. I wouldn't say that this is a standard park since there wasn't that much space for kids to run around since there were a lot of stairs. This isn't the conventional park that parents think of. There is no playground. Just benches. read more

Hearts of San Francisco, luxury hotels, and shopping! Plus the famous cable cars and all the tour buses go through here. My favorite time is definitely at night, when there's less crowds, and in the middle of this busy city you can just sit with a nice warm drink and just hang out. Home of the Dewey Monument, where the Goddess of Victory welcomes you. read more

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

One of the nicer areas of the city. Actually, second to North Beach, Union Square is my favorite. The plaza is pretty, and the shopping is good. It is a little sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of cars to see the hustle and bustle of people going about their day! Definitely walk the area - no car needed. Take a break on a bench in the plaza and take it all in. It has such a different vibe compared to all the other neighborhoods in this city. This is the perfect spot to start and end a day of walking around the city to sight see. read more

Living in Berkeley makes me grateful for anything that resembles civilization/city-life. I love the hustle and bustle of this area and there's always something interesting to see. It's a great place to come and snap pictures (if you're into that). read more

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Union Square has always been a favorite part of my city to go to and to spend the days. During the spring and summer days, it's nice to sit at and have a cup of iced tea or some lunch. On fall and winter days, walking around and hanging out is just as nice. During the holiday season they have an ice skating rink, huge Christmas tree and menorah for Hanukkah and Christmas lights all around. There are a lot of shops around Union Square, mainly high end stores like LV, Prada, NM, VS, Tiffany & Co, Bulgari etc so if those are your stores than this is your place to be around. There are also plenty of hotels around if you are coming from out of town because everything is local. Definitely come check this out if you have never been or if you are from the area, hanging out here is cool too! Only down side is the parking is hard to find and yes it's expensive - but it's SF, so what do you expect? Lol read more

Union Square - 3rd night of Hanukkah - Public Markets Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Every tourist and local ends up here whether by choice or chance. This square is a lot of things. It's the center of shopping, there's a garage underneath, there are painted hearts, a cafe, a ticket booth and a bus stop for tourist buses. There is also plenty of space to enjoy a snack or people watch. There are a lot of events where they will tent. During the winter they have an ice skating rink which is pretty picturesque. It's always buzzing with activity. Meet up here, rest here, take pictures with your favorite art heart. read more

So Our hotel was located in Union Square and we walked past stuff everyday but I didn't plan on actually exploring it officially until the last day. Union square is a good place to stay if you are out of town. It's a good center of operations. Many of the clubs are within walking distance, there are many MUNI stations within a couple of blocks. This is near most of the shopping. It would be a 5 star rating except there are way too many crazy bums in this area. read more

This is a really beautiful area of San Francisco! I came to the city to visit friends for Thanksgiving, and Saturday evening we ended up here taking in all the holiday decorations, ice skating, and overall awesome vibe of the city. There are so many stores here, I feel like I am in a smaller version of NYC without nearly as much crowd and traffic. Beautiful architecture, plenty to do and see. It's a must to see when you are exploring San Francisco. I wouldn't recommend trying to drive in, take the BART or CalTrain into the city and use those feet to get around or take advantage of the MUNI system. The city is only four miles wide, you can manage without a car and avoid parking nightmares. read more

Union Square is the buzzing epicenter of retail San Francisco and I find myself passing through here often either to or from various city walks. The square is especially festive during the Christmas season with the tree and ice rink, however, there are other activities throughout the year that set this area abuzz. Just this past weekend, there was a small art show of local San Francisco area artists and in the spring there was a festival dedicated to the culture of Taiawan. It's a great pit stop for sitting and people watching and a great meeting spot as well if you're connecting with some friends in the city. Sure, there is the usual array of the lost, homeless and slightly crazy citizens-but that's anywhere you go in this general vicinity. Use common sense, as you would anywhere else, grab a snack and have seat to admire the bustling square, the well manicured palm trees and the monuments to retail industry (Macy's, Nieman's, Tiffany, etc) nearby. Easy walk from either Montgomery or Powell BART stations-I don't recommend driving-not by any means. Those of you from out of town, take heed on that for sure! Not a full day destination but a nice pit stop in your San Francisco travels. read more

Literally a square surrounded by high end shopping and tour bus drop off/pick up. You can walk around and drop a few bills or just people watch. It's relatively safe and clean. The only annoying part is the people who work for the tour companies harassing you to use their services. Reminds me of Times Square in NYC but more ritzy. Nicest part is the heart sculpture (a reference to Tony Bennett's famous song). You can also stop in one of the little coffee shops and just people watch. ENJOY! read more

Beautiful day... Time to spare.... Why not head to Union Square to take gorgeous pictures to the heart artworks, beautiful trees and flowers, and the diversity of the community? Union Square has a quiet element in the hustle and bustle of the city. One time when I was in Union Square, there was a respectful and peaceful protest for the Syrian issues. I find this area to be an excellent place to relax. And as always, Have Fun!!! read more

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This review is all about the park. (There's a separate listing for the 'hood.) Sometimes I purposefully select my walk route to pass through this centrally located square. But occasionally I'm disappointed that my diagonal shortcut is blocked off by fences for a temporary event. (Lots of events happen here, and some like to put up huge tents in the middle, which hinders the usual for foot traffic across the park.) There's something for everybody, which is why everyone from different walks of life congregates here. In the spring, you can admire cherry blossoms juxtaposed with the year-round palm trees. Between May and October, you can catch live performances, thanks to Union Square Live. In the winter, you'll likely see the gargantuan Macy's Christmas (fake) tree, the oversized menorah, and the ice skating rink. The park is also friendly for tourist activities: at least two different hop on, hop off tour bus companies have stops here, and there's also a bike rental service on the west side of the park. It also has a long history. You will can read more of these facts on the plaque located at the southwest corner of the park, but the following are my favorites: * Union Square was originally called O'Farrell's Mountain in 1847 because it was a sand dune. The sand dune was cleared around 1860, and the park was named after the public rallies held in support of the Union during the Civil War. * After the 1906 earthquake, temporary hotel rooms were built in the square while St. Francis Hotel was being reconstructed. * Timothy Pflueger (architect of the Castro Theater and the San Francisco Stock Exchange) designed the parking garage under the square, which was the first underground parking facility and doubled as an air raid shelter. The verdict: As a local, I do have a love-hate relationship with Union Square, but I think I secretly love it more than I hate having to navigate the throngs of tourists in the area. read more

Union Square - Real palm trees and fake Christmas tree - Public Markets Near Me - San Francisco, California

I provide walking tours for SF City Guides, a nonprofit program affiliated with the SF Public Library. I end my tour at Union Square. Over the years I have brought hundreds of domestic and international tourists to the square. Prior to Covid I know the Union Square Alliance positioned security personnel on the square to ensure a "high quality visitor experience". Can you please explain to me if there has been a change in policy as since Covid I have witnessed the proliferation of skateboarders on the square? This afternoon I saw five or so skateboarders doing tricks off the northeast steps of the plaza. Clearly placing themselves and square visitors at risk. I was too embarrassed and fearful for the safety of my walkers to enter the plaza from the northeast corner. read more

Very festive place around the Christmas Season. Parking: Below Union Square is a great deal for SF. I stayed at a local hotel and this parking was cheaper and really close Grass: This is the only place in the area that has a park like environment. Due to I had a dog with me this was a highly visited spot for us. Lots of benches to enjoy the view. Café: There is a café on each side. Nothing fancy and a bit pricy, but they are still a great perk to your visit. Ice Skating: Very nice rink. We didn't give it a spin, but it was still a nice thing to make the place more festive. Location: Perfect. Right in the heart of the shopping area. This is a great meeting place and a place to cut through to get to the other side. No complaints. I will be back to water the grass and park. read more

This is a great meeting location and starting point to venture the Union Square. There's Tiffany, Macy's, LV, Chanel, Neiman, etc., at the immediate site. Walking several yards in any direction, you'll find more shops and diverse restaurants. 100 yards down on Powell St, there's the Westfield Mall, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, and many many more. This is also the main location for cable cars, if you planning on using this form of transportation during your trip. The Union Square Park is a beautiful city park unlike other parks. You'll see diverse people constantly bustling through and many will stop to take photos or selfies, locals casually strolling, workers taking a break, street musicians at every turn, and beggars.. The cosmopolitan city feel is extremely appealing. Come check it out for yourself. read more

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