Union Square

Heart sculptures, Macy's, and the cable cars round the corner

Hours: Square always open; shop hours vary
Tickets: Free
Address: The square bounded by Post, Stockton, Geary and Powell Streets

A column topped by a Victory statue stands in the middle, ringed by Macy's and luxury flagships. The big painted heart sculptures on the corners are the photo stop, and in winter an ice rink and a giant tree move in. With so many hotels around it, plenty of visitors base themselves here, and eating at the Cheesecake Factory on Macy's top floor overlooking the square is a common move. After dark, the blocks south towards Market Street and the Tenderloin get rough fast.