Davies Symphony Hall San Francisco
Experience world-class orchestral performances in a venue renowned for its stunning architecture and unparalleled acoustics.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Experience the magic of live symphony
Davies Symphony Hall San Francisco
Best Time
Experience the magic of live symphony

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience world-class orchestral performances in a venue renowned for its stunning architecture and unparalleled acoustics.
"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."
🎯 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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

San Francisco Symphony Performance
Experience breathtaking orchestral music in a world-renowned acoustic venue. A must-see for any music lover.
Jon Batiste Live
Witness the incredible talent of Jon Batiste in an unforgettable piano concert.
Merryachi Christmas Concert
Celebrate the holidays with festive Christmas music performed by Mariachi Sol de Mexico.
Planning Your Visit
Student Rush Tickets
Parking & Arrival
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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:👂 All Seats Have Great Acoustics
Enjoy excellent sound quality from virtually any seat in the hall.
🚶♀️ Arrive Early for Hayes Valley
Enjoy pre-show drinks or dinner in the vibrant Hayes Valley neighborhood.
:forkandknife:Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 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:👂 All Seats Have Great Acoustics
Enjoy excellent sound quality from virtually any seat in the hall.
🚶♀️ Arrive Early for Hayes Valley
Enjoy pre-show drinks or dinner in the vibrant Hayes Valley neighborhood.
:forkandknife:🚫 Don't Leave Valuables
Never leave anything visible in your car, especially in parking garages.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎶 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.
Yes, Davies Symphony Hall hosts a variety of performances, including classical concerts, guest artists like Jon Batiste, and holiday events such as 'Merryachi Christmas.'
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.
Generally, photography and videography are restricted during performances to avoid disturbing the artists and audience. Check the specific event's policy.
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.
Yes, concessions are available during intermission. Arriving early or choosing seats towards the back of the orchestra can help you avoid long lines.
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.
📸 📸 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.
Photography during performances is typically not allowed to ensure an uninterrupted experience for everyone. Always check the venue's specific policy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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. 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.
💰 Budget Travelers
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. Exploring the terrace seating can also be a more budget-friendly option, though opinions on comfort and sound vary.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Seating and Acoustics: Finding Your Perfect Spot
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. Even the very back rows of the orchestra provide a good view. Ultimately, the hall's compact nature means that 'bad seats' are rare, and even less expensive options can offer a satisfying experience.
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. 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.
Navigating the Neighborhood: Safety and Dining
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. If you have a sweet tooth, Christopher Elbow Chocolates is a highly recommended stop. Many visitors enjoy arriving early to dine in Hayes Valley before heading to the concert, making for a complete evening out.
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. A crucial tip from locals is to never leave anything visible in your car, regardless of the parking location, to deter potential theft.
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