9 of the best · San Francisco, California
Shopping in San Francisco: Streets, Markets and Bookshops
Union Square, the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, City Lights, Heath Ceramics, and the boutique streets of Hayes Valley, Fillmore Street and Union Street.
Our 9 favourites, listed A–Z · Updated October 2026
What's onThis week in San Francisco
Insiders' picks
Three of our favourites from this list, vetted by people who know and love San Francisco.
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The retail heart
Union Square
The square at the heart of the shopping district, with department stores, flagships and the theatres on Geary.
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The Beat bookshop
City Lights Booksellers & Publishers
The independent bookshop and publisher on Columbus Avenue, open daily 10am–10pm.
261 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94133Explore View on map
The full list: Shopping, A–Z
Shopping streets 4
Districts and boutique streets.
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Boutiques in Pacific Heights
Fillmore Street
Pacific Heights’ boutique street, lined with shops, cafés and restaurants.
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Boutiques by the concert halls
Hayes Valley
The boutique-lined streets around Hayes Street and Patricia’s Green.
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The retail heart
Union Square
The square at the heart of the shopping district, with department stores, flagships and the theatres on Geary.
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Boutiques in Cow Hollow
Union Street
Cow Hollow’s main street, with boutiques, restaurants and bars in Victorian buildings.
Markets & squares 2
Food and browsing.
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Market days at the Ferry Building
Ferry Plaza Farmers Market
The farmers market outside the Ferry Building, all year on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
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Chocolate by the Bay
Ghirardelli Square
The former chocolate factory by the Bay, now shops and restaurants under the Ghirardelli sign.
Design & curiosities 2
Made in SF.
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Tiles and tableware
Heath Ceramics
The Californian ceramics company’s showroom and studio on 18th Street in the Mission.
2900 18th Street, San Francisco, CA 94110Explore View on map
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Oddities on Valencia
Paxton Gate
A shop of curiosities, plants and oddities on Valencia Street.
824 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA 94110Explore View on map
Books 1
Independent.
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The Beat bookshop
City Lights Booksellers & Publishers
The independent bookshop and publisher on Columbus Avenue, open daily 10am–10pm.
261 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94133Explore View on map
The San Francisco Centre mall (formerly Westfield) on Market Street has closed, so it is not listed.
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