Union Square, San Francisco

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Louis Vuitton, the Most Copied Brand (and most sought after brand) in the World was Founded by Malletier Louis Vuitton in 1854, never would he realize that it would become a status symbol and a most copied brand in the world! need I need a more thorough explanation?

What to buy: the cheapest type of monogram canvass Bag is the speedy, which is about $375-425, the Damier type of canvass bags start at $1100, the traveller bags start at $ 2,400 and wallets start at $ 350, short wallets start at $ 250 and my favorite belts start at $ 395.

Tip: it it cheaper to buy Louis Vuitton Products here than in Asia (europe is more expensive because of the higher VAT or Value Added Tax, our equivalent of sales tax)

What to pay: Maxx out your Credit Card

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Union Square has a little of everything. Antiques, theaters, and high class shops next to bums, hippies, and international festivals. Where to begin?

I've visited the area around Union Square five or six times, and each was a different and memorable experience. I've been shopping at classy stores like Williams Sonoma and Barnes and Noble. I've been accosted by bums who both begged for money and yelled about how much they "hate Nazis" (don't we all?). I once stayed in the Kensington Park Hotel just a block from the square and enjoyed the nightlife and a few local restaurants. I also visited the Indonesian tourism festival in 2007. I recently heard some hippies yelling about how 9-11 was a government conspiracy. In May 2008 we saw some acrobatic climbing wall dancers imitating Cirque du Soleil... very impressive. The next day we saw a celebration for Buddha's birthday.

No matter what you can count on some excitement here.

Union square is full of shopping with Macy's and the Nike store being two of the biggest shops here. What I like about Macy's in san Fran compared to New yorks Macy's is that the male and female departments are in different stores. This is great for me who tends to get lost in big department stores between womens and mens but not here. Union square has a lot of high end stores as well which I avoided due to the trip being on a budget but for those who weren't on a budget I could see you having a great shopping experience there.

What to pay: The spending all varies depending on your budget but one tip if your an overseas visitor is to tell the staff as we got given 30percent discount because of this.

Union Square San Francisco is the United States' third-largest shopping area.

Most stores here feature clothing, art works or items for the home. It's a nice place for browsing and window-shopping, but if you're going to buy anything, be prepared to open your wallet wide because prices are high.

Facing the plaza, Macy's Union Square, the biggest department store west of New York City, stretches from Powell to Stockton along Geary and spills over into several nearby buildings. Elegant St. Francis Hotel occupies the Powell Street-side of Union Square. Don't just stand outside looking at it, go in and take a look at the lobby, too. Michael and I stayed at Stanford Court.

What to buy: At Stockton and Geary, Neiman Marcus preserves the old City of Paris department store's rotunda and magnificent stained-glass ceiling.

What to pay: Spend what you can afford

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Maiden Lane is a tiny two-block long alley extending off Union Square. Despite being next to one of the busiest shopping areas in the city, Maiden Lane has an old Europe feel with the pedestrian-only street, outdoor dining, street performers, and artwork on display.

The history of Maiden Lane is even more interesting than its present... this was one of the city's red light districts until the 1906 earthquake cleaned the area up a little. 140 Maiden Lane was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and completed in 1948.

We stopped here for a little stroll, enjoying a few opera singers, the paintings of San Francisco street scenes, and the quiet shopping area (especially in the morning!).

This is perhaps my favourite place to shop for clothes.
My first time in SF I walked into Macy's and started going up and down the escalators for 20 minutes like an idiot looking for the men's department. Hungry, I finally shrugged and said to myself "Maybe this is a women only shop".

The next day, instead of walking on Union Square I was walking on O'Farell and saw the sign "Macy's Men" ... Do'h!

It is not as big as the one in New York, but also less crowded. I like it better since it means you don't need to wait 10 minutes in line to get helped. Great place to buy everyday and work clothing.
A tip to our friends from abroad; traditionally there is always a HUGE sale one day after Thanksgiving. Since I moved to California I have started buying clothing for the next year on that morning :)

Macy's in Union Square has more than just everyday and work clothing though; they also have many designers' collection like CK, Hugo, Guess, etc.

Before shopping, go to their customer service and after presenting a photo ID (US or foreign) you will be given an coupon that is good for 15% discount and valid for 5 days. I have been shopping in SF and NY for the past 1.5 years with these coupons...it's great!

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There is a lot of available shopping around Union Square.

Avoid rush hour traffic in the area.

You can take a cable car on Powell Street.

What to buy: You can buy about anything you want.

Half price-same day theater tickets are available at a booth in the square.

What to pay: Some of the more pricy stores can be found here.

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The name stems from a series of violent pro-Union demonstrations at the beginning of the Civil War; however, times have changed and nowadays Union Square is one of San Francisco's most famous and luxurious shopping areas. Stores range from Macy's to Nike-store to William Somona and many, many more. You can find a list of all stores at Unionsquareshop.

Even if you don't like shopping, the square itself is a host to all sorts of activities throughout the year, including a huge christmas tree in December.

What to buy: Something - Anything!

What to pay: Union square is the more upscale area of town, so prices might be a bit higher. There's always some sort of sale to be found...