Union Square

Working, meeting and networking around Union Square

For founders, Union Square is less a destination than a convenient middle point. The square sits where several Manhattan neighbourhoods meet, with the Flatiron District to the north, Greenwich Village to the southwest and the East Village to the southeast. That makes it an easy place to suggest when an investor, a co-founder and a first hire are all coming from different directions.

Getting there

The 14th Street–Union Square station is one of the busiest interchanges in the subway system, served by several lines, and the PATH stops nearby on 14th Street. If you are setting up a meeting, a shared transit point like this cuts down on late arrivals and makes it easier for out-of-town guests to find you. Allow extra time at rush hour, because platforms and street exits can be crowded.

The Greenmarket and the rhythm of the square

The Union Square Greenmarket runs on several days each week and fills much of the plaza with farm stands. It is pleasant for a walking meeting, but on market days the square is busy and noisy, so it is not the place for a sensitive conversation. Check the market's official schedule before planning anything outdoors.

Practical tips for founders

• Coffee meetings: the blocks around the square have plenty of cafés, but popular spots fill up around lunch. Book a table or have a backup in mind.
• Coworking and offices: the surrounding corridor has many flexible workspaces. Compare day passes and meeting room rates directly with operators, because terms change often.
• Events: the square regularly hosts gatherings, seasonal markets and demonstrations. Look up local listings so a planned meetup does not clash with a large crowd.
• Hiring signal: a central, transit-friendly address can widen your candidate pool. Weigh that against the higher rents typical of the area.

To see how teams near the square approach fundraising and operations, browse our case studies or the latest pieces in Insights.