Union Square

Union Square is the central shopping district of San Francisco, California, built around a landscaped public plaza bounded by Geary, Powell, Post and Stockton streets. The area concentrates large department stores, international fashion flagships and luxury boutiques within a few walkable blocks. Anchor stores include Macy's, which occupies a large part of the square's frontage, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom nearby on Market Street, and a long list of brand flagships such as Apple, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany and Gucci. Maiden Lane, a short pedestrian street off Stockton, has designer boutiques and cafes, while Grant Avenue leads toward Chinatown. Goods are mainstream and branded rather than local craft, so the mix is authentic but largely the same as in other major US cities, with a smaller share of Californian labels. Prices range from mid-market to high luxury. Bargaining does not apply; prices are fixed, and cards are accepted everywhere. California sales tax is added at the register, and international visitors should know that the United States has no general tourist VAT refund. Seasonal sales appear around Thanksgiving weekend and after Christmas, when crowds are heaviest. The atmosphere is busy and urban, with cable cars rattling past on Powell Street, street performers on the plaza and heavy foot traffic from tourists, office workers and theatre-goers. Food options are plentiful, including department store restaurants, cafes on Maiden Lane, the plaza's own cafe, and a wide choice of restaurants on the surrounding streets. The plaza itself serves as a gathering place and is used for events, ice skating in the winter and public art. Visitors should keep belongings secure and be aware that car break-ins have been a reported problem in the area. Public transit access is excellent, with Powell Street BART and Muni station and cable car lines within a block.