Union Square, San Francisco

Originally a sand dune, Union Square (below) was made a public park in 1850, its name originating from the pro-Union demonstrations held there before the American civil war. These days, it's about consumption - it offers everything, hosting many of the world's most exclusive and most expensive retailers, including a swathe of top designers.

The square boasts some giant department stores, not least Macy's (170 O'Farrell Street, tel:

1 415 397 3333). A marriage of white marble, steel and glass, Macy's focuses on clothing and cosmetics and is chic in a generic way. It also offers an array of glitzy and hi-tech finery: a white gold

cultured freshwater pearl and diamond pendant (US$356); the Envira-Station wireless weather station forecaster (US$60) and the Casio Exilim Pro 6 Megapixel Camera (US$600), for example.

In terms of architectural style, Neiman Marcus (150 Stockton Street, tel: 1 415 362 3900) perhaps outshines its great rival. The embodiment of the phrase 'shopping temple', the local store of the Texas-based high fashion chain consists of a gilt rotunda clad in plate glass and equipped with a skylight dome that floods the building with light. The architectural splendour mirrors the glamour of the merchandise. Designers represented include Manolo Blahnik, Dolce & Gabbana and Kelly Hoppen. One highlight is the handbag range created by industrious New York octogenarian Judith Leiber, which is said to be 'the crown jewels of purses' and comes in alligator skin, among other materials. Her 'pear overture' bag and satin baguette with jewelled chain will set you back US$1,500 each. Tiffany & Co (350 Post Street, tel: 1 415 781 7000) also has an ethereal atmosphere. There you'll find the Double Wave necklace with South Sea keshi pearls and diamonds (US$60,000), and the Tiffany Grand 18-carat rose gold automatic watch in alligator (US$5,550). A limited-edition bottle of Tiffany Parfum American Wildflower costs a mere US$350.

If you have a more limited income, head for The Levi's Store (300 Post Street; tel: 1 415 501 0100). As you walk through the door you are hit with solarised images of the likes of Joey Ramone, Joe Strummer and Johnny Rotten. The store supposedly offers cuts you cannot find anywhere else and flaunts contemporary styles such as 'slouch boot' and 'superlow'.