Metropolitan Square (Downtown) - Image 1
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Metropolitan Square Downtown

4.4
·533 reviews·Des Plaines, United States

A vibrant hub for diverse dining, live entertainment, and festive experiences, especially magical during the holidays.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, relaxed pace

CrowdLow
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Metropolitan Square (Downtown) - Image 1

Metropolitan Square Downtown

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, relaxed pace

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant hub for diverse dining, live entertainment, and festive experiences, especially magical during the holidays.

4.4
(533 reviews)

"The village of Des Plaines did a great job!! Definitely gets you in the Christmas spirit!!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Balcony Seating Caution

Avoid rows 2-3 in the balcony; risers may obstruct views of the stage. 🎥

Holiday Magic

Visit during the holidays for a truly magical experience and festive village spirit. ✨

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 · 533 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Holiday Festivities

Holiday Festivities

Throughout the Square

Experience the magical Christmas spirit with festive decorations and events that bring the village to life.

Diverse Dining Options

Diverse Dining Options

Various eateries

From authentic Thai street food to upscale dining, satisfy your cravings with a wide array of culinary delights.

Live Entertainment Venues

Live Entertainment Venues

Theaters and performance spaces

Enjoy a night out with family and friends at venues offering a range of performances and entertainment.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

While Metropolitan Square Downtown offers year-round appeal, consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid crowds. Weekday mornings or late afternoons are often less busy, allowing for a more relaxed experience. Check for local events or festivals that might draw larger crowds but also offer unique entertainment.

Navigating Your Visit

Parking is available, including EV charging stations, making it convenient for drivers. For those relying on public transport, research routes beforehand. The square hosts various venues, so familiarize yourself with the layout to efficiently reach your desired destination.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, relaxed pace
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Enjoy the ambiance before evening rush
Crowd
Medium
When
Holiday season
Why
Festive atmosphere and events
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Come with me to Metro Square at Siam Paragon for a must-try Thai food experience! From crispy fried rolls to flavorful Pad Thai with river prawns, rich northern-style beef noodles, and the iconic Tom Yum soup—every bite is packed with authentic flavors! 🤤🔥 Save this for your next food trip! 🍽️💯 #MetroSquare #SiamParagon #BangkokEats #ThaiFood
@aj.some.more
3.1K likes • 25.2K views

Balcony Seating Caution

Avoid rows 2-3 in the balcony; risers may obstruct views of the stage. 🎥

Holiday Magic

Visit during the holidays for a truly magical experience and festive village spirit. ✨

reddit.com

Des Plaines

Hello. My Husband and I are moving to Des Plaines from River North/ Chicago. We don’t go out much in the city but like the hustle and bustle of the city. We are worried we will be super bored in Des Plaines. What are some things to do in the area? We are moving from a one…

Speakeasy Upstairs

Discover the hidden Speakeasy bar upstairs for a unique night out. 🍸

Convenient Parking

Ample parking is available, including EV charging stations. :electric_plug:

Tips

from all over the internet

Balcony Seating Caution

Avoid rows 2-3 in the balcony; risers may obstruct views of the stage. 🎥

Holiday Magic

Visit during the holidays for a truly magical experience and festive village spirit. ✨

Speakeasy Upstairs

Discover the hidden Speakeasy bar upstairs for a unique night out. 🍸

Convenient Parking

Ample parking is available, including EV charging stations. :electric_plug:

Authentic Thai Flavors

Don't miss the authentic Thai food, from Pad Thai to Tom Yum soup. 🍛

What Travellers Say

4.4
(533 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Metropolitan Square Downtown is praised for its festive holiday atmosphere and diverse entertainment options, including theaters and a unique Speakeasy bar. Visitors appreciate the variety of dining, especially the authentic Thai food. However, some guests have noted issues with sightlines in certain balcony seating areas.

"A great venue! One word of caution! Do not purchase a seat in the second or third row of the balcony! The risers are not tall enough to see past the people sitting in front of you 🫤"

Kevin Bradley

"I had the greatest time hanging out here for the holidays!! The village of Des Plaines did a great job!! Definitely gets you in the Christmas spirit!!"

Steven McHugh

"Deplaines Theater was my first visit. Had a great time. They have an array of venues to experience. They have food and cocktails. Speak Easy bar upstairs. Great place to have a great night out with family and friends"

Christine Miklosik

What People Like

Festive holiday spirit
Diverse dining options
Live entertainment venues

What People Dislike

Balcony sightlines

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Metropolitan Square Downtown is accessible by car, with ample parking available including EV charging stations.Reddit Public transport options may vary; it's recommended to check local transit schedules for the most convenient routes to the area.

Yes, there are numerous parking spaces available, including dedicated EV charging stations, making it convenient for visitors with electric vehicles.Reddit

Absolutely! The square is designed for exploration, with various businesses and venues to discover on foot. It's a great place to stroll and take in the atmosphere.

While specific accessibility details for each venue may vary, public areas are generally designed for ease of movement. It's advisable to contact individual venues for specific accessibility information.

Familiarize yourself with the square's layout beforehand. Many visitors enjoy walking between the different shops, restaurants, and entertainment spaces to experience everything it offers.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the general public areas of Metropolitan Square Downtown is typically free. However, individual venues like theaters or specific events may require tickets for admission.Reddit

Operating hours can vary significantly by venue. While some shops and restaurants may have standard business hours, entertainment venues will have specific showtimes. It's best to check the schedules for individual establishments.

Metropolitan Square Downtown hosts various events throughout the year, especially during the holidays.Reddit Check local listings or the square's official website for upcoming performances and special occasions.

For performances at the theaters within the square, advance booking is highly recommended, especially for popular shows. Check the respective venue's website for ticketing information.

Re-entry policies are typically determined by individual venues. For general access to the square, re-entry is usually not an issue, but for ticketed events, check the specific venue's guidelines.

🎫 📍 Onsite Experience

Highlights include the festive holiday decorations,Reddit diverse dining options like authentic Thai food,TikTok and the various live entertainment venues.Reddit The Speakeasy bar upstairs is also a unique spot to check out.Reddit

You can find a wide range of culinary experiences, from authentic Thai street food with dishes like Pad Thai and Tom Yum soup TikTok to other diverse eateries catering to various tastes.

Yes, especially during the holiday season when the square is beautifully decorated.Reddit The architecture and vibrant atmosphere also offer many picturesque spots for photos.

The atmosphere can range from bustling and lively, especially during events or evenings, to more relaxed during weekday mornings. It's known for its festive spirit during the holidays.Reddit

Absolutely! With its diverse dining options, Speakeasy bar,Reddit and live entertainment venues,Reddit it offers a great setting for a memorable date night.

📸 📸 Photography

The square offers great photo opportunities, particularly during the holiday season with its festive decorations.Reddit The architecture and general ambiance also provide picturesque backdrops.

Generally, personal photography and videography are allowed in public areas. However, for commercial purposes or within specific venues, it's advisable to check their individual policies.

Drone usage is typically restricted in public spaces and around venues for safety and privacy reasons. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, can offer beautiful lighting. Weekday mornings also provide fewer people in your shots, allowing for cleaner compositions.

Keep an eye out for any prominent architectural features, public art installations, or seasonal displays, especially during festive periods like Christmas.Reddit

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