Is Union Square in San Francisco safe?

How late do you intend to be out?? Any area can be unsafe if you are unaware and not careful.

Powell Street has a lot going on--there's a lot of shopping stores in Union Square. They open to at least 9, sometimes later, so there are always shoppers around. That said, Union Square is close to/is also in the Civic Center/Tenderloin area, which does have a lot of homeless people around.

Tourists can be a prime target for practiced thieves and pickpockets. There are, however, lots of tourists during the day. Even at night there are shoppers, commuters going home, etc. It tends to be pretty crowded and I've never really felt unsafe.

That said, there are often homeless people who will panhandle and may even harass you if you're not careful. Or they may be a distraction for the pickpocket following you. I don't mean to be an alarmist, but be aware of your surroundings. Don't flash around your money, camera, MP3 player, etc. too openly. Keep your bags/wallet/purse close to you at all times.

Don't worry too much. Most people who are there are shoppers, tourists, business people/commuters, etc. Just don't be the totally zoned out open-mouthed tourist who is completely oblivious. :)

Union Square itself is very safe. It's always busy because of all the shopping. Nobody's going to mug you in front of Saks Fifth Avenue, Virgin Megastore, or Macys. There are hundreds of potential witnesses. After 11 PM, the department stores close. But there are still bars, diners, and a couple of 24/7 Walgreens. So, there's always somebody around.

Just don't wander off into the Tenderloin and Western Addition (west of the square). Incidently, these areas also house the Theatre District and jazz clubs. Locals often take a cab to the show, and so should you. Walk in any other direction - north, east, south - and you'll be fine.

Safety aside, the noise levels around Union Square are pretty awful, especially if you're staying in an older hotel (bad insulation). If possible, ask for a room on the higher floors when you check-in. Otherwise, at least try to score a room that's not facing the street.

Union Square East Area Hotel

Union Square is safe... It's a big tourist trap, but it's safe. The area to the west of Union Square is probably what that person was talking about... it's called The Tenderloin. It's safe, just "dirty". Homeless, crack addicts, etc... Many tourists and people not familiar with the area are very scared by it, but the people are perfectly harmless, sans the risk of asphyxiation by the smell of urine. Lots of drug crimes and car thefts in the neighborhood, but very very little violent crime (SF, overall, has little violent crime, compared to other major cities). I often step over the sea of passed-out addicts late at night en route to or from various friends' apartments, and they're harmless... some are even very friendly. They just smell really really bad and you probably want to avoid hugging them if they ask for a hug (which isn't unheard of).

It's safe... even at night. However, if you're uncomfortable with it, just stay in Union Square or the areas East and especially North of it an avoid the Tenderloin all together. Not South... that will get you to Market St and SOMA, which, if you're afraid of the Tenderloin, you're not gonna like SOMA at night much better. But... it's not as dangerous as it looks to the unaccustomed eye. It's quite safe. Just maintain a bit of common sense and "cool" and you won't have a single problem (you may even make a smelly new friend). If you're staring at the tops of buildings while counting your money... you might have a problem.

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Hi there,

Union Square is considered a tourist zone and it is really safe. A cable car line runs on Powell. High end shops are all over the place around Union Square as well.

It will be fun.

You will be fine. Be smart and cautious of your surroundings. Like anywhere else in the world.

Just do not walk west of Taylor St - thats the Tenderloin)

And especially do not go South of Market St and & 6th St - very dangerous at night - alone.

And do get up early for breakfast at Sear's Fine Food on Powell! Best Breakfast in SF! Yum!

Union sq. is very touristy and is typically bustling. I feel it's relatively safe. I'm 5 ft. 98 pd female and I've wandered the streets at 10 pm by myself and have been fine. There's no "serious scary activity" that i've experienced or personally have seen. Don't worry to much..don't stay out super late cuz you know what they say- the freaks come out at night ^_^ Enjoy your stay! If you need any advice as to where to visit.... give me a shout.

I just recently moved here so I don't have the lengthiest point of reference. However, I found it to be seemingly very safe. It is the cleanest, nicest large city I have been to (I've been to quite a few). It has lots of people and is bustling. I feel perfectly safe going there by myself and except for their bedtimes would feel safe taking my kids at night. The only advice I have heard is to stay away from the Tenderloin area too late at night. Have fun!

It depends on where on Powell. The two blocks close to Market are shady and lots of panhandlers. But as you go north on Powell it gets better. All the shootings happen usually late at night though