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San Francisco, United States

Best places to shop in San Francisco

4 markets, malls and shopping districts in San Francisco — what to buy, when to go, and the tourist traps to avoid at each one.

Last updated 2026-08-09

1. Ferry Building Marketplace

Ferry Building Marketplace
Photo: Grendelkhan · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source

The restored 1898 ferry terminal — Californian producers, cheese, oysters, bread and coffee, with a large farmers' market outside three days a week.

2. Union Square

Union Square
Photo: NA · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source

The city's central retail district — department stores, flagships and the Maiden Lane boutiques off the square.

3. Hayes Valley and the Mission

Hayes Valley and the Mission
Photo: Internet Archive Book Images · No restrictions · source

Two independent districts — Hayes Valley's designers and concept stores, and the Mission's vintage, bookshops and Latino markets along Valencia and Mission Street.

4. Chinatown, Grant Avenue and Stockton Street

Chinatown, Grant Avenue and Stockton Street
Photo: Christian Mehlführer, User:Chmehl · CC BY 3.0 · source

The oldest Chinatown in North America — Grant Avenue for souvenirs and tea, Stockton Street for the produce, herb and fish markets the community actually uses.

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