Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco - Orchestra rehearsal
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Davies Symphony Hall San Francisco

4.6
·491k reviews·San Francisco, United States

Experience world-class orchestral performances in a venue renowned for its stunning architecture and unparalleled acoustics.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings

Experience the magic of live symphony

CrowdHigh
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Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco - Orchestra rehearsal

Davies Symphony Hall San Francisco

Best Time

Evenings

Experience the magic of live symphony

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience world-class orchestral performances in a venue renowned for its stunning architecture and unparalleled acoustics.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Every seat is great, acoustically. Obviously the floor close to the stage is the best view, but if you dont need to study the musicians fingers moving, anywhere will be fine."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Student Rush Tickets

Students can snag $20 rush tickets for SF Symphony shows! :ticket:

🚗 Pre-paid Parking

Secure your spot by pre-paying for the Performing Arts Garage. :car:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

San Francisco Symphony Performance

San Francisco Symphony Performance

Experience breathtaking orchestral music in a world-renowned acoustic venue. A must-see for any music lover.

TikTok
Jon Batiste Live

Jon Batiste Live

Witness the incredible talent of Jon Batiste in an unforgettable piano concert.

TikTok
Merryachi Christmas Concert

Merryachi Christmas Concert

Celebrate the holidays with festive Christmas music performed by Mariachi Sol de Mexico.

Instagram

Planning Your Visit

Student Rush Tickets

Score $20 rush tickets for San Francisco Symphony performances! A fantastic way for students to experience world-class music without breaking the bank. Check availability on the day of the show. TikTok

Parking & Arrival

Pre-pay for parking at the Performing Arts Garage to secure a spot. Arrive early to enjoy pre-show drinks or dinner in Hayes Valley. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Evenings
Why
Experience the magic of live symphony
Crowd
High
When
Special Events
Why
Unique performances like holiday concerts
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Resisting the urge to go straight home and scroll on tiktok for the rest of the day… p.s. students get $20 rush tickets to almost any San Francisco Symphony! #sftok #techtok #sanfrancisco #exploresf #studentdiscount
@linafowler
8K likes • 87.3K views

🎯 Student Rush Tickets

Students can snag $20 rush tickets for SF Symphony shows! TikTok :ticket:

🚗 Pre-paid Parking

Secure your spot by pre-paying for the Performing Arts Garage. Reddit :car:

Seeing and hearing @Jon Batiste in person in this beautiful venue was unforgettable! #MaestroTour #JonBatiste #Piano #DaviesSymphonyHall #SanFrancisco #Concert
@deni_dela
2.5K likes • 39.7K views
¡Acompáñanos el día 10 de Diciembre para celebrar juntos la navidad en el Davies Symphony Hall en San Francisco, CA! Boletos ya están a la venta👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼 www.mariachisoldemexico.com Join us for an unforgettable celebration of Christmas music, with a Merryachi Christmas! Sunday, December 10, 2023 at the beautiful Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco, Ca. Tickets are available now! 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼 www.ma...
mariachisoldemexicodejosehdz
193 likes • 6.8K views

👂 All Seats Have Great Acoustics

Enjoy excellent sound quality from virtually any seat in the hall. Reddit+1

🚶‍♀️ Arrive Early for Hayes Valley

Enjoy pre-show drinks or dinner in the vibrant Hayes Valley neighborhood. Reddit :forkandknife:

Mark your calendars for the San Francisco Winter Bass Bash on March 24th at Davies Symphony Hall! We're honored to host the accomplished composer, soloist, and educator, Sam Suggs. He'll take the stage for a full recital at noon, following our student performances. Thanks to our bass mentors and the San Francisco Symphony’s Education Department for making this event possible. This event is FREE an...
doublebasshq
312 likes • 7.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Student Rush Tickets

Students can snag $20 rush tickets for SF Symphony shows! TikTok :ticket:

🚗 Pre-paid Parking

Secure your spot by pre-paying for the Performing Arts Garage. Reddit :car:

👂 All Seats Have Great Acoustics

Enjoy excellent sound quality from virtually any seat in the hall. Reddit+1

🚶‍♀️ Arrive Early for Hayes Valley

Enjoy pre-show drinks or dinner in the vibrant Hayes Valley neighborhood. Reddit :forkandknife:

🚫 Don't Leave Valuables

Never leave anything visible in your car, especially in parking garages. Reddit+1

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Davies Symphony Hall is widely praised for its stunning architecture and exceptional acoustics, ensuring a fantastic listening experience from nearly every seat. Visitors appreciate the grandeur of the venue and the quality of performances, with special mentions for guest artists and holiday events. While parking can be a consideration, pre-booking and arriving early can mitigate issues.

What People Like

Exceptional acoustics
Beautiful architecture
World-class performances

What People Dislike

Parking can be expensive
Dynamic ticket pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Davies Symphony Hall is located at 201 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102. You can reach it by car, public transportation (BART or Muni), or rideshare. The Performing Arts Garage is adjacent to the hall, and pre-paying is recommended. Reddit+1

Yes, the Performing Arts Garage is the most convenient option. It's recommended to pre-pay for parking on the Symphony's website as it can fill up quickly on event nights. Reddit+1

While the area around Davies Symphony Hall is generally safe, especially during events, it's advised to exercise normal awareness. Walking from Hayes Valley or using rideshare services are good options. Avoid leaving valuables in your car. Reddit+2

Yes, you can take BART to the Civic Center/UN Plaza station or various Muni bus lines that stop near the Civic Center area. From there, it's a short walk to the hall. Reddit

Davies Symphony Hall is situated in the Hayes Valley area, which is generally considered safe and vibrant, especially when events are happening. A few blocks east can be sketchier, but the immediate vicinity of the hall is fine. Reddit+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Students can take advantage of $20 rush tickets for many performances. It's also advisable to purchase tickets online as soon as single tickets go on sale, as SF Symphony uses dynamic pricing. TikTokReddit

No, Davies Symphony Hall is renowned for its excellent acoustics, meaning almost every seat offers a great listening experience. Some prefer specific views, but sound quality is consistently high. Reddit+1

While all seats offer great acoustics, some Redditors suggest the far reaches of the 2nd Tier for sound, though sightlines might be compromised. The First Tier offers a good balance of sound and view. Reddit

For certain shows, rush tickets may be available on the day of the performance. It's best to call the box office or check their website for availability, especially for students. Reddit

First Tier Balcony seats offer a good sound experience and a more overall view of the stage compared to the main floor. They are often a good compromise for acoustics and sightlines. Reddit

🎫 🎶 Onsite Experience

Davies Symphony Hall offers a grand and beautiful venue for experiencing live music. Attendees often dress up for performances, creating an elegant atmosphere. TikTok

Yes, Davies Symphony Hall hosts a variety of performances, including classical concerts, guest artists like Jon Batiste, and holiday events such as 'Merryachi Christmas.' TikTokInstagram

Arriving early allows you to soak in the venue's grandeur and perhaps enjoy a pre-show drink or meal. Being seated promptly ensures you don't miss any part of the performance. TikTok

Generally, photography and videography are restricted during performances to avoid disturbing the artists and audience. Check the specific event's policy. TikTok

The Wattis Room is a smaller performance space within Davies Symphony Hall, often used for recitals or more intimate musical events. [^SEOKeywordWattisRoomSF_Symphony]

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the Hayes Valley neighborhood adjacent to Davies Symphony Hall offers a wide array of dining options, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. Reddit

Yes, concessions are available during intermission. Arriving early or choosing seats towards the back of the orchestra can help you avoid long lines. Reddit

Hayes Valley has popular spots like Souvla for Greek food and Doppio Zero for Italian pizza. Christopher Elbow Chocolates is also a great stop for a treat. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The grand architecture of the hall itself, the ornate lobby, and the exterior are excellent for capturing the venue's beauty. During performances, focus on capturing the atmosphere rather than the stage. TikTok

Photography during performances is typically not allowed to ensure an uninterrupted experience for everyone. Always check the venue's specific policy. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Davies Symphony Hall can be a wonderful experience for families, especially for special events like holiday concerts or film scores performed live with the symphony. Instagram While classical concerts might require a certain level of attention span, the venue itself is grand and can spark a child's imagination. Consider looking for family-friendly programming or shorter performances. TikTok

For families with students, the $20 rush ticket program is an incredible opportunity to introduce younger ones to the magic of live orchestral music without a significant financial investment. TikTok Planning your visit with ample time for parking and perhaps a quick, casual meal in Hayes Valley can make the overall experience smoother for everyone. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Budget-conscious visitors can still enjoy the San Francisco Symphony! Students should absolutely look into the $20 rush tickets, which offer phenomenal value for world-class performances. TikTok Beyond rush tickets, purchasing single tickets online as soon as they become available can help secure better prices due to dynamic pricing. Reddit

When it comes to seating, remember that Davies Symphony Hall is known for excellent acoustics throughout. While premium seats offer the best views, even more affordable options in the back of the orchestra or certain balcony sections provide a great listening experience. Reddit+1 Exploring the terrace seating can also be a more budget-friendly option, though opinions on comfort and sound vary. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Seating and Acoustics: Finding Your Perfect Spot

Davies Symphony Hall is celebrated for its exceptional acoustics, a testament to its design. Many visitors and even musicians attest that nearly every seat provides a fantastic listening experience. Reddit+1 However, preferences for sound and sightlines can vary. Some patrons find the sound 'rises' best from the far reaches of the second tier, though this might mean a less direct view of the musicians. Reddit The First Tier Balcony is often cited as a good compromise, offering both quality sound and a broader perspective of the stage. Reddit

For those prioritizing sightlines, the back of the orchestra section is surprisingly effective. Redditors note that you can see clearly from there, and it offers the advantage of being among the first to exit during intermission, helping to avoid long lines for restrooms or concessions. Reddit Even the very back rows of the orchestra provide a good view. Reddit Ultimately, the hall's compact nature means that 'bad seats' are rare, and even less expensive options can offer a satisfying experience. Reddit

For a truly unique perspective, some enjoy the on-stage seats, which offer a 'musician's view' of the conductor. However, the sound balance can sometimes be a bit different from this vantage point. Reddit For budget-conscious attendees, exploring options like the terrace seats or looking for 'rush tickets' can be a great way to experience the symphony without a significant financial commitment. TikTokReddit

Navigating the Neighborhood: Safety and Dining

Davies Symphony Hall is located in the Hayes Valley area of San Francisco, a neighborhood known for its vibrant atmosphere, boutiques, and diverse dining scene. Reddit While some online discussions might mention concerns about the proximity to the Tenderloin, the immediate area around the Symphony Hall is generally considered safe, especially when events are in full swing with many attendees present. Reddit+1 It's always wise to exercise standard urban awareness, but you shouldn't feel apprehensive about visiting. Reddit

For a pre- or post-performance meal, Hayes Valley offers excellent choices. Popular spots include Souvla for delicious Greek street food and Doppio Zero for Neapolitan pizza. Reddit If you have a sweet tooth, Christopher Elbow Chocolates is a highly recommended stop. Reddit Many visitors enjoy arriving early to dine in Hayes Valley before heading to the concert, making for a complete evening out. Reddit

When it comes to parking, the Performing Arts Garage adjacent to the hall is the most convenient option. It's strongly advised to pre-pay for parking through the Symphony's website to guarantee a spot, as it tends to fill up on performance nights. Reddit+1 A crucial tip from locals is to never leave anything visible in your car, regardless of the parking location, to deter potential theft. Reddit+1

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