Step into the Symphony Center, a music lover’s sanctuary where every note echoes through sleek, modern architecture designed by the legendary Jean Béliveau. This is the heart of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, where symphonic magic unfolds beneath soaring ceilings and in perfect acoustics. Whether you're catching a world-class concert or just soaking in the atmosphere, it’s not just a venue—it’s an emotional journey where sound becomes soul.




















Everything you need to know about Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Hyatt House Chicago Hyde Park is a top choice, just a 5-minute walk from Symphony Center, offering modern rooms with views of Lake Michigan and the venue. The hotel provides exclusive concert ticket pre-orders and free shuttle service to performances, making it ideal for attendees of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Another excellent option is The Stevens Hotel, located steps away. Its rooftop lounge, The Terrace, offers a sophisticated post-concert dining experience with live jazz, blending Chicago’s rich musical heritage with elegant urban ambiance.
From Symphony Center, walk 10 minutes to Michigan Avenue, passing scenic views of the Chicago River and Millennium Park. Take the Blue Line subway to State Street Station in just 5 minutes, connecting directly to major sites like Cloud Gate, Trump International Hotel, and the Art Institute of Chicago.
Alternatively, Divvy bike-sharing stations are available right outside the center. Ride to Grant Park or the Shedd Aquarium in about 15 minutes—perfect for eco-friendly exploration with a vibrant city feel.
Beyond attending performances by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Symphony Center features an interactive Sound Lab, where visitors can experiment with instrument tones and sound waves—ideal for families and music enthusiasts.
Weekend pop-up concerts showcase student and professional musicians performing impromptu on the plaza, adding vibrant energy. Nearby Millennium Park hosts daily street performances around Cloud Gate, including dance and live music.
Along Michigan Avenue, independent record shops and jazz bars like The Green Hour offer immersive cultural experiences, letting travelers dive deep into Chicago’s legendary music scene.
Hyatt House Chicago Hyde Park offers spacious family suites and child-friendly amenities including a game room, mini slide, and weekly family workshops. Free parking and subway shuttles make it easy for parents to bring kids to Symphony Center’s youth concerts.
Another great option is University of Chicago Guest House, located near the Field Museum and Museum of Science and Industry, perfect for family outings. All rooms feature soundproof windows for quiet sleep, and nightly family music talks blend education and entertainment, immersing children in Chicago’s rich artistic culture.
Tickets for Symphony Center performances are available at the main box office just outside the entrance, open daily with credit card and cash options. The official website, chicagosymphony.org, offers online ticketing with multilingual support, allowing advance HopeGoo and seat selection based on optimal viewing angles.
Travel platforms like HopeGoo and HopeGoo also provide bundled packages including guided tours and backstage access to rehearsal spaces, ideal for guests eager to explore the behind-the-scenes stories. It’s recommended to book 3–4 weeks ahead, especially during peak season, to secure preferred seats.
Designed by renowned architect Jeanne Gang, Symphony Center features a striking façade combining white limestone and glass curtain walls, reflecting modernist elegance. Inside, acoustics are meticulously engineered with adjustable wooden ceilings and a circular seating layout ensuring optimal sound quality for every audience member.
The hall houses a grand pipe organ, one of the largest and most advanced in North America, featured in major performances. The surrounding Millennium Park plaza hosts free outdoor concerts regularly, transforming the center into not just a performance venue but a living hub of Chicago’s cultural life.
See what other travelers say about Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Staying at this hotel was an absolute delight! The location is unbeatable—just a short walk from the Starbucks flagship store, Chicago Riverwalk, Navy Pier, art museums, and Willis Tower. Everything you’d want to see or do is within easy reach, whether on foot or with a quick ride. The breakfast buffet was fantastic—plenty of hot and cold options, all fresh and well-prepared. I also discovered a nearby restaurant called Ming Xuan, which serves delicious Chinese food that’s worth a visit. The whole experience felt seamless, convenient, and enjoyable. Highly recommend for anyone visiting downtown Chicago.

I can't recommend this Holiday Inn Express Chicago - Magnificent Mile enough. The location is unbeatable—right across from Trader Joe's, so grocery shopping is a breeze. It's just a 7-8 minute walk to Trump Tower, and less than 20 minutes to Millennium Park. From there, it's only a few more minutes to the shores of Lake Michigan—perfect for a relaxing evening stroll. The front desk staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. We arrived at 10 AM, and even though check-in wasn't available yet, they gladly stored our luggage at no extra cost. When we returned around 2:30 PM, we were told to wait about 25 minutes. But instead of leaving us waiting in limbo, the staff actually came to check on us—and discovered a room was already ready! They apologized and made sure we were taken care of right away. While the amenities aren't flashy, the rooms are clean, comfortable, and well-maintained. For the price and convenience, this place offers outstanding value. I’ll definitely be back if I ever visit Chicago again.

Staying at the Best Western Grant Park Hotel was an absolute delight. The location is unbeatable—right next to Millennium Park, with easy access to nearby attractions like museums, the aquarium, and the observatory. I loved how convenient it was to walk to everything without needing a car or public transit. Plus, the hotel connects directly to Paris Baguette, so grabbing breakfast on the go was effortless. The room was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, and the staff were friendly and helpful throughout my visit. It’s rare to find such a great balance of location, convenience, and value—this place definitely stands out. I’ll be coming back for sure.

Staying at the Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago was a great experience overall. The location is excellent—just steps away from public transit, making it super easy to get around downtown Chicago. Whether you're heading to museums, shopping districts, or live shows, everything is within reach. The front desk staff were friendly and helpful throughout our stay, making check-in smooth and welcoming. One of the best perks? There's a Subway right across the street—perfect for quick breakfasts, snacks, or late-night meals without having to go far. The room was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, with all the essentials you’d need. It’s not fancy, but it delivers exactly what it promises: a reliable, no-frills stay in a prime spot. For travelers looking for convenience, value, and a solid base in the city, this hotel is definitely worth considering.

Staying at Ohio House Motel was an absolute delight! The location is perfect—just a short walk from the city center and super convenient for public transit. I loved that I could store my luggage both before check-in and after check-out, which made our trip so much smoother. The room was spotless, fresh-smelling, and had all the essentials—including thoughtful touches like makeup removal wipes for ladies. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, going out of their way to ensure we felt welcome. Best part? We slept like babies—no noise, no disruptions, just peaceful comfort. My friends and I were so impressed we’re already planning to come back. If you're paying with cash, there's a $150 deposit required at check-in, so be sure to have that ready. Overall, this place is a hidden gem with top-tier value.

Our stay at Chicago Parthenon Hostel was absolutely fantastic! The restroom facilities were spotless, and having three showers and two toilets in the women’s area made mornings so much smoother—no long lines or rush. The shared room was perfectly sized for our group of four: cozy yet comfortable, with just enough space to move around without feeling cramped. We really enjoyed hanging out in the common area—it had a welcoming vibe and was a great place to unwind after a day of exploring. The staff were incredibly friendly and always ready to assist with any questions or requests. From the cleanliness to the warm atmosphere, everything about this hostel felt well thought out and cared for. I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable, clean, and social place to stay in Chicago.

I absolutely loved my stay at Hotel Chicago West Loop! The room was bright and sunny, with large windows that let in plenty of natural light—perfect for relaxing or working. I was traveling solo, and the atmosphere made it feel like a personal retreat. The location is super convenient, just a short walk from public transit to downtown. Clean, comfortable, and well-maintained—this place really delivers on comfort and value. Would definitely book again.

I absolutely loved my stay at Chicago South Loop Hotel—this is definitely my go-to choice for future business trips. The location is excellent, just a short walk from the train station and surrounded by quiet, clean streets. The room was spotless, cozy, and well-appointed with a comfortable bed that made for a great night's sleep. What truly stood out was the breakfast—huge variety, delicious flavors, and beautifully presented. From fresh pastries to hearty American classics, every bite was satisfying. It’s rare to find such a high-quality experience at this price point. I’ll be back again and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting downtown Chicago.

The location is fantastic—just half a block from Michigan Avenue and Millennium Park, making it super easy to explore the city on foot. There’s a Walgreens and several restaurants right next door, which adds convenience for daily needs. The apartment itself is spacious with two bathrooms, a full kitchen, and great views across the street to the Cultural Center, which is definitely worth a visit. However, there were some serious issues during our stay. Water damage was visible in the unit, with flakes of ceiling paint falling onto the bed—very concerning. While the kitchen had appliances, it came completely empty; no kettle, microwave, or even basic cookware, so we couldn’t even heat water or reheat leftovers. Housekeeping also didn’t provide washcloths, and the floors were so dirty that my socks and feet turned black after walking around. Internet and cell reception were terrible—we had to contact customer service for login details, but it took hours to get a reply, and even then, the connection kept dropping in and out. Overall, the property has strong potential due to its prime location and size, but the lack of basic amenities and maintenance problems significantly impact the experience. I’d recommend this place only if you’re okay with dealing with these shortcomings.

The moment I walked in, the place was absolutely disgusting. There were visible dried mucus-like marks all over the walls and it was clear no proper cleaning had been done. They sent a cleaner to come back and 'reclean' the room, but I had to wait outside while they did it—this is exactly where I'm writing this review now. The hygiene standards are seriously unacceptable. I strongly advise others to stay away from this property. It's not worth the price, and the experience left me completely disappointed.

This was our first-ever stay at a bed and breakfast, and we couldn’t have been more delighted. Bart and Sandy went above and beyond to make us feel welcome—their hospitality was warm, genuine, and truly memorable. The property itself is immaculate, with a cozy yet modern vibe that makes you feel right at home. Location is excellent—just a short walk from public transit and within easy reach of downtown attractions. The breakfast was absolutely outstanding, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a thoughtful variety of options. We’ve already decided this will be our go-to choice for future trips to Chicago. Highly recommend!

The location couldn't be better—just a short walk from the Chicago River and surrounded by great dining, shopping, and attractions. From the moment I checked in, the staff went above and beyond with their friendly and professional service. The room was clean, spacious, and incredibly comfortable, with a perfect bed that made for a restful night's sleep. I especially appreciated the delicious breakfast options—fresh, varied, and well-prepared. Every detail felt thoughtfully designed to enhance the stay. This hotel truly delivers on every level, and I’d definitely return without hesitation.
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