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Union Square, San Francisco

3.4

#3 of 28 in Neighborhoods in San Francisco

Neighborhood Shopping

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Surrounded by a busy retail district, Union Square offers a park-like reprieve. Signature palm trees mark the four corner entrances. Built in 1850, this public plaza was named after pro-Union rallies held there during the Civil War. As part of a major redesign in the early 2000s, the city installed four light sculptures by R.M. Fischer. In contrast to this modern art on the south side, the Dewey Monument, named after a Spanish-American War hero, has stood in the center since a 1903 renovation. You can score half-price theater tickets at the square's ticketing pavilion or relax at its open-air cafe. "Union Square" also refers to the area around the square, which is packed with department stores, boutiques, hotels, restaurants, and theaters. Plan to see Union Square and other attractions that appeal to you using our San Francisco online trip itinerary maker.

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Union Square Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

2,122 reviews

• By Mariam A

  I couldn't understand what the high prices were of the hotels around Union Square, thinking it was a must see while in San Fran but to my disappointment, it was crowded, filthy, and had negative aura....  more »

• By Traveleator

  Union Square is the city center which has quite a lot of good shopping options. There are many hotels and restaurants in the vicinity. I didn't see as many homeless people as I had feared (most of...  more »

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