Union Square-Financial District Travel Guide

This comprehensive travel guide will give you tips on what to do and see in San Francisco's Union Square-Financial District.


Introduction to Union Square-Financial District

Union Square-Financial District is one of the most renowned neighborhoods in San Francisco. Located in the heart of the city, this district is known for its luxurious shopping, fine dining options, and rich cultural heritage. The Union Square area is the city’s premier shopping destination and Financial District is the business hub of San Francisco.

List of Places to Visit in Union Square-Financial District

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is an iconic museum which houses a large collection of contemporary artworks. The museum features over 33,000 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and more.

Wells Fargo History Museum

The Wells Fargo History Museum showcases the history of the Wells Fargo stagecoach company, which was once one of the primary modes of transportation in California. Visitors can experience the history of the company through interactive exhibits and displays.

Natural Attractions of Union Square-Financial District: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Embarcadero

A beautiful walkway alongside the San Francisco bay, the Embarcadero offers stunning views of the Bay Bridge and surrounding skyline, making it a picturesque destination for a walk or bike ride.

Golden Gate Park

The Golden Gate Park is a large urban park, featuring numerous attractions, including gardens, lakes, playgrounds, museums, and more. With over 1,000 acres of space, visitors can explore and enjoy the park’s natural beauty.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Union Square-Financial District

Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most iconic bridges in the world, connecting San Francisco to Marin County. Visitors can bike or walk along the bridge’s 1.7-mile path while enjoying stunning views of the bay.

Presidio

The Presidio is a former military base that has been turned into a park, offering a variety of hiking and biking trails. Visitors can explore the park’s historic landmarks and beautiful natural scenery.

Best Things to Do in Union Square-Financial District: Activities and Tours

San Francisco Cable Car Tour

Riding San Francisco’s Cable Car is an iconic experience for any tourist visiting the city. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the city’s top attractions while riding the cable car, a unique and unforgettable way to experience San Francisco.

Bay Cruise on the San Francisco Bay

Taking a bay cruise is one of the best ways to see the iconic San Francisco skyline from a new perspective. Cruises offer a variety of options, including sunset tours, brunch cruises, and more.

Week-Long Itinerary for Union Square-Financial District

Day Activity
1 San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and Golden Gate Park
2 Cable Car Tour and Exploring Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39
3 Alcatraz Island and Chinatown
4 Ferry Building Marketplace and Embarcadero
5 Golden Gate Bridge and Presidio Park
6 North Beach and Coit Tower and Lombard Street
7 Union Square for shopping & Financial District for Business hub

Food and Drink Scene of Union Square-Financial District

Must-Try Dishes

Cioppino at Sotto Mare

Cioppino is a seafood dish that is a must-try when visiting San Francisco. Sotto Mare offers some of the best Cioppino in the city, featuring fresh and local seafood.

Local Beverages

Anchor Brewing

Anchor Brewing is San Francisco’s most famous brewery, known for its iconic craft beers. Visitors can tour the brewery, experiencing the brewing process and tasting their beers.

Where to Stay in Union Square-Financial District: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

The St. Regis San Francisco

The St. Regis San Francisco is a luxury hotel located in the heart of the District, offering breathtaking views of the city and top-quality service to its guests.

HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel

HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel is an affordable option for travelers looking for a hostel experience. The hostel is located in the center of San Francisco’s Financial District, offering easy access to top attractions and great value for the price.

What to Buy in Union Square-Financial District

Souvenirs

Visitors to the Union Square-Financial District should consider purchasing souvenirs such as postcards, magnets, and other memorabilia to commemorate their trip.

Local Culture and Customs of Union Square-Financial District

San Francisco is known for its diverse and inclusive culture and celebrates the city’s vibrant LGBTQ communities with the annual Pride Parade.

Best Time to Visit Union Square-Financial District

The best time to visit Union Square-Financial District is in the spring or fall, where the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.

Do’s and Don’ts of Union Square-Financial District

Do:

  • Do explore the diverse culture and history of the city.
  • Do try the local food and drinks.
  • Do visit iconic destinations such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.

Don’t:

  • Don’t leave valuables in your car or outside unattended.
  • Don’t disregard local customs and culture.
  • Don’t be disrespectful to the city’s diverse communities.

Safety and Health

Safety in Union Square-Financial District

San Francisco is generally safe for tourists, but visitors should be aware of pickpocketing and other common crimes in tourist areas. It’s important to be mindful of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure.

Health in Union Square-Financial District

Visitors to the Union Square-Financial District should stay hydrated as the weather can be dry or humid at times and pack sunscreen and comfortable shoes for a city with many hills and outdoors.

Getting to Union Square-Financial District: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Union Square-Financial District

San Francisco International Airport is the nearest airport to the Union Square-Financial District, located about 30 minutes away.

Other Transportation Options

San Francisco’s Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system is a quick and affordable way to get around the city. Additionally, taxis, ride-sharing services, and bike rentals offer convenient transportation options for tourists.

How to Get Around in Union Square-Financial District

Visitors to the Union Square-Financial District can get around by foot or by utilizing public transportation such as Muni buses, cable cars and BART, or by hiring taxi, Uber/Lyft or bike rentals.

Where to Go Next from Union Square-Financial District: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Muir Woods

Muir Woods National Monument is just a short drive north of San Francisco. It is a famous park with giant redwood trees and scenic trails for hiking and nature walks.

Conclusion

Union Square-Financial District is a vibrant and exciting neighborhood that offers tourists a variety of activities, scenery, and culture to explore. Its central location, luxurious shopping, variety of dining, and unique attractions make it a must-visit destination in San Francisco.

Cable car passing Union Square Cable car passing Union Square Ferry Building Ferry Building Transamerica Pyramid Transamerica Pyramid Union Square is surrounded by department stores Union Square is surrounded by department stores Looking down California Street Looking down California Street The Westin St. Francis Hotel The Westin St. Francis Hotel