If the mental picture you get of
Union Square is a square, then you need to re-adjust your thinking. Union Square is actually a community that has both residential and commercial buildings in it. The commercial buildings include restaurants, theaters, cultural venues, hospitals, and even some universities. Of course, it goes without saying that there are plenty of retail stores in this neighborhood.
Where it is
The actual location of Union Square is 14th Street to the south, Union Square West on the west side, 17th Street on the north, and Union Square East on-naturally-the east. Union Square East serves as a link for Broadway and Park Avenue South, and subsequently 4th Avenue. In addition, Broadway continues on through the Union Square location.
How to get thereAs with just about every other place in New York City, public transportation makes it easier to get around than driving. This is especially true for Union Square, as eight subway lines converge there, seven bus lines serve this area, and you can also take the PATH train, which will bring you to 14th Street at 6th Avenue, which is only two blocks east of Union Square.
The 4, 5, 6, L, N, R, and Q trains all stop at Union Square, and the M1, M2, M3, M7, M9, and M14 buses provide transportation from Union Square. So you can see, it's very easy to get to Union Square and from there to any of the other destinations in and around this vibrant neighborhood.
What to seeWhatever you want to. You can people-watch, shop, stroll along some of the residential streets (please stay off of private property), or just sit and watch the world go by. During any or all of these activities, you're liable to spot a celebrity or giggle at the antics of one of the more colorful characters that are as much a part of New York City as Union Square itself is.
What it costs How much you spend depends on what you do. You'll pay public transportation fares, of course, as well as for anything you purchase.
