Union Square — Attraction in San Francisco

Union Square in San Francisco is a vibrant and iconic gathering place that blends the charm of a bustling city center with the relaxing energy of a family-friendly park. Nestled among some of the world’s most luxurious brand stores from Louis Vuitton and Gucci to Apple and Tiffany & Co. Union Square serves as a cultural and commercial heart of the city, offering something for everyone.

On any sunny afternoon, you’ll find locals and tourists lounging by the plaza’s open seating areas or watching lively performances like the one pictured during the “Union Square in Bloom” celebration. This event transforms the space into a blooming sanctuary, filled with colorful decorations, live music, and festive performances that entertain families and visitors of all ages. The lush green wall, adorned with floral and butterfly art installations, provides a vibrant backdrop that perfectly captures the spirit of spring in the city.

Despite being surrounded by luxury retail and high-end hotels, Union Square maintains a laid-back atmosphere. Street artists, drummers, and performers often grace the area, offering free entertainment that adds to the district’s dynamic feel. It’s the perfect place to take a break between shopping sprees, sip a coffee, and let kids run around safely in a pedestrian-friendly space.

Whether you’re enjoying a peaceful afternoon, snapping photos of seasonal installations, or soaking in a spontaneous show, Union Square offers a delightful blend of elegance and ease right in the heart of San Francisco.

Good spot to park right below

Alert, right across #Nintendo store opening on the...

Union Square is lively block of a park sitting right before the downtown shopping district. On my errands to and from downtown this is often my middle point to catch a breath before continuing up the hills to get home. There's a lot to admire around and despite some homeless people wandering around, which may or may not shock visitors - it's well kept and well maintained with a lot of beautiful plants and flowers all around, and beefed up patrol since the string of incidents of theft and vandalism a while ago. We're in a CITY, y'all.

Anyways, great for people watching; there are benches, stairs and open air seating with two cafes (limited) on each end. In the middle is the square with a stage, the large Dewey statue of Nike, the Greek goddess of Victory representing the victory of the battle of Manila Bay (history peeps, this for you) host to many displays and events throughout the year: spring flowers, live music and performances, Christmas tree and ice skating rink during the holiday season, art displays and many more. Best on foot, but there's a paid parking garage underground and the cable car passes through Powell Street. I wish people would stop vandalizing parks as it offers refuge and adds a green element to an otherwise concrete jungle. If you pay attention closely, there is so much to discover in just a...

Union Square feels finished. The shops are hollowed out, the mall on Market Street is a ghost town, even Saks has gone. Tourists just jump on the cable car and leave.

The San Francisco Centre is the same story. Retailers have pulled out, the sidewalks are filthy, and the ones left look like they’re just waiting for their lease to be up. The day after we checked into our hotel, the Starbucks next door put up a sign saying they’d made the heavy decision to close — it’s a rolling theme in the area.

The vibe is rough. People are clearly struggling, dealers are everywhere, and the street environment is extremely confronting. At one point, someone threw a cup at my child’s head. She wasn’t a target, but it still happened right in front of us.

People are turned off from even being here. I was standing beside a woman in a wheelchair whose husband wheeled her outside. She took one look around and demanded to go straight back inside — and I don’t blame her.

I understand the homelessness issue runs deeper, but it’s at another level here. Nobody wants to stand outside their hotel with children while someone is relieving themselves on the footpath.

On top of that, the cost of eating out is astronomical. Even basic food feels like you’re being charged for breathing.

Union Square is no longer a destination — it’s an...