Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SHOPPING TIPS
1. DEPARTMENT STORES
The big guns are all well represented in this city that loves looking good. Most of them
are clustered around Union Square. The more upscale the department store, the more
it feels like the exclusive parlor of some deluxe hotel, where you are the pampered
guest. A very comfortable and luxurious way to shop (for further details see
Stores and
2. BOUTIQUES
The smaller shops generally feature more interesting and quirky merchandise - not
counting all the international boutiques that also circle Union Square. Some of the
more offbeat neighborhoods, such as
Hayes Valley
and the Mission District, offer ori-
ginal designs, often by local or regional talents.
3. MALLS
Only a few real American-style malls exist in San Francisco. They are the Metreon, the
Westfield Shopping Center
,
and Stonestown Galleria. Others are in historic structures
such as Ghirardelli and The Cannery (for further details see
Fisherman's Wharf
)
, or
have architectural originality, such as the
Embarcadero Center
and the Japan Center
