Tis’ the Season for the Philharmonic: Our Favourite Locations
A curated journey through the world’s most inspired cities for classical music, culture, and timeless refinement.
As autumn turns to winter, concert halls across the world come alive with symphonic brilliance. The Philharmonic season isn’t just a celebration of music - it’s an invitation to travel with purpose. From Berlin’s modernist halls to the romantic lakesides of Lucerne, these cities compose the perfect score for your next cultured escape.
London – The Grand Stage of Tradition and Innovation
Few cities blend musical heritage with modern flair like London. The Royal Albert Hall remains an icon, especially during the BBC Proms, while the Barbican and Southbank Centre offer contemporary performances that challenge and inspire. Between concerts, stroll through Mayfair’s art galleries or dine in Soho, where London’s creative pulse never rests. Stay at Claridge’s or The Connaught for an address as refined as the music itself.
Where to stay: The Chancery Rosewood, London.
Berlin – Where Sound Meets Soul
The Berlin Philharmonic is more than an orchestra; it’s a state of mind. Its home, the Berliner Philharmonie, is an architectural masterpiece that mirrors the city’s avant-garde energy. Beyond the music, explore Museum Island, or take in the city’s dynamic gallery scene in Kreuzberg. End your evening with dinner at Nobelhart & Schmutzig, where minimalism meets mastery - a perfect echo of Berlin’s musical spirit.
Where to stay: Hotel de Rome, a Rocco Forte Hotel
Lucerne – Swiss Symphonies by the Lake
Set against the snow-tipped Alps, Lucerne feels like a living sonata. The KKL Luzern Concert Hall, home to the Lucerne Symphony Orchestra, is famed for its acoustics and for the Lucerne Festival, which draws the world’s greatest conductors each season. When not attending a concert, take a lake cruise or explore Old Town’s frescoed buildings. Stay at the Bürgenstock Resort for alpine glamour just minutes from the city’s cultural heart.
Where to stay: Hotel Villa Honegg
Hamburg – A Rising Star on the Classical Map
Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie, a striking glass structure above the Elbe River, has swiftly become one of Europe’s most iconic concert halls. Its programme spans from Mozart to modern minimalism, drawing both connoisseurs and newcomers. Before the performance, walk the Speicherstadt district, or enjoy an aperitif at The Westin’s Sky Bar with panoramic views over the harbour.
Where to stay: The Fontenay
Paris - Elegance in Every Note
In Paris, the Philharmonie de Paris and Opéra Garnier capture both modern grandeur and Belle Époque splendour. A performance here is as much about atmosphere as sound — chandeliers, velvet seats, and the city’s inimitable romance. Between symphonies, visit Le Marais galleries, or indulge in dinner at L’Ambroisie. For an artistic stay, choose Le Meurice or Cheval Blanc, both harmonising design and decadence.
Where to stay: Le Bristol Paris
New York - Where Classics Meet the Cutting Edge
No stage embodies ambition like Carnegie Hall. Pair it with the New York Philharmonic at David Geffen Hall and an evening at Lincoln Center, and you have a full score of cultural splendour. By day, wander Chelsea’s art galleries or Central Park in its autumn hues. Stay at The Mark or Aman New York, where uptown polish meets quiet sophistication.
Where to stay: The Mark
Florence - The Renaissance of Sound
In Florence, music finds its muse in history. The Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino hosts world-class performances within a sleek modern space that contrasts beautifully with the city’s Renaissance backdrop. Stroll from the Uffizi to the Ponte Vecchio, then dine at Enoteca Pinchiorri for a finale worthy of an aria. Stay at Portrait Firenze or Hotel Savoy, both a composition of Tuscan warmth and elegance.
Where to stay: Portrait Firenze, or Villa Cora if you’re after villa vibes in the Renaissance capital.
From Lucerne’s crystalline acoustics to Paris’s opulent stages, each city offers a wonderful combination of music, culture and unforgettable hospitality. Let us open those doors for you. Travel with The Betesh Group to experience the Philharmonic season in style, with insider access and bespoke itineraries that strike the perfect chord between culture and comfort.