Where to stay in Beijing For First-Timers 2024 - 6 best areas
In this article, we dive deeper into your question about where to stay in Beijing for first-timers.
To make it as simple as possible for you as a reader, we start with an overview of all the recommended areas we cover followed by a short description.
Then, we briefly answer a few commonly asked questions:
Where to stay in Beijing for first-timers?
Where to stay in Beijing with kids?
Where to stay in Beijing for nightlife?
Where to stay in Beijing cheap?
You can always tap on a purple link to go directly to that part of the article.
This will save you a lot of time and only read what you need to read.
Enjoy!
Overview of the best areas to stay in Beijing for first-timers
| Name of the area in Beijing | Description of the recommended area |
|---|---|
.... Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | This is one of the most popular areas to stay among tourists in Beijing. It’s a famous shopping street with close proximity to the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the National Museum of China. You have great access to the main attractions in the city as well as restaurants, shops, and bars. *You can click on the purple link to directly navigate to that part of the article to read in-depth information about that specific area. |
.. Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | This historic area is just south of Tiananmen Square and is known for its traditional architecture and unique street life. It’s a great place to experience Beijing’s traditional culture and perfect for those interested in history and culture, offering a mix of old Beijing charm with modern conveniences. |
. Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. | This is a trendy area in the Chaoyang District, known for its nightlife, international dining options, and modern shopping malls. You can find many embassies, high-end boutiques, bars, and nightclubs in this part of Beijing, and is the ideal area for young travelers who want to combine sightseeing with a great nightlife experience. |
... Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Houhai is a scenic area around a series of lakes and is famous for its traditional hutongs (narrow alleys) and vibrant bar scene. It offers a beautiful setting with historic courtyard houses, cafes, bars, and the nearby Drum and Bell Towers. It’s the ideal area for those who appreciate a mix of natural beauty, history, and a lively social scene. |
5. CBD (Central Business District) .. Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | This is Beijing’s commercial hub and is a modern part of the city home to skyscrapers, luxury hotels, international restaurants, and major shopping centers. The CCTV Headquarters and the World Trade Center are key landmarks. It’s particularly suitable for business travelers and tourists who prefer a modern, high-end environment with plenty of amenities. As you find many international restaurants here, it’s also a viable option for families if your budget allows it. |
.. Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | As the name already suggests, this area offers convenient access to public transportation. It’s the perfect area when you want to take advantage of Beijing’s sophisticated rail network, but it’s also convenient to explore other parts of China. It’s best for travelers who plan to take day trips or continue their journey to other destinations by train. |
Where to stay in Beijing for first-timers
The best areas to stay in Beijing for first-timers are Wangfujing, Qianmen, Sanlitun, and Houhai.
One of the most popular areas to stay in Beijing is Wangfujing, as it’s located near the major attractions and it’s a bustling area with plenty of things to do during the day and night.
Those who prefer to stay in a more historic area should stay in Qianmen, an area where you can find traditional architecture.
This area offers a good mix of old Beijing charm and modern conveniences.
If you’re a young traveler, then stay near Sanlitun, a trendy area that’s known for its nightlife scene.
During the day, you can easily explore the city from here, while during the night, you can have a fun night out at one of the many bars and nightclubs.
For a more scenic area, stay at Houhai, an area that is famous for its traditional hutongs (narrow alleys). It’s an area where you can find a mix of natural beauty, history, and a unique bar scene.
There are two somewhat alternative areas that are worth considering.
Central Business District is an incredibly convenient area thanks to its modern facilities. Just keep in mind that the area lacks authenticity and is not per se a budget-friendly area, but the hotels here are fantastic.
Another alternative option is Beijing Railway Station, the perfect area if you want to have easy access to public transport and plan to take day trips or continue your journey by train. Just keep in mind that there are fewer things to do in this area.
Where to stay in Beijing with kids
The best areas to stay in Beijing with kids are Wangfujing, Qianmen, and Houhai.
These areas are considered convenient, safe, full of family-friendly activities, and don’t offer a wild nightlife scene.
Wangfujing is an incredibly convenient area thanks to its great location, but also because it’s home to many (international) restaurants and shops.
From here, you can easily explore Beijing on foot.
Make sure to visit Wangfujing Snack Street with your kids for a fun taste exploration.
Qianmen is a great spot to explore the historical parts of Beijing.
As it’s a pedestrian-friendly area, it’s a good area to wander around the traditional streets.
You also have good access to Beijing’s major attractions from here.
Houhai is another popular spot among families as it’s a scenic area with lakes.
The area is less crowded than other parts of Beijing and offers a mix of cultural sites and natural beauty.
When staying here, make sure to take a boat on the lakes and explore the hutongs (narrow alleys) with traditional courtyard houses.
Where to stay in Beijing for nightlife
The best areas to stay in Beijing for nightlife are Sanlitun and CBD.
Sanlitun is by far the most popular area when it comes to nightlife.
Here, you can find an abundance of bars, clubs, and rooftop lounges.
The Taikoo Li Sanlitun shopping complex is a great spot to enjoy Beijing’s nightlife scene to the fullest.
While primarily a business hub, the CBD area also offers high-end nightlife options.
It is home to luxury hotels with sophisticated bars and restaurants.
Sky bars and lounges in luxury hotels such as China World Summit Wing and the Kerry Hotel are incredibly popular venues.
The big difference between these two areas is that CBD attracts more business travelers who seek a sophisticated experience, while Sanlitun is a nightlife area that caters to a much broader audience.
Where to stay in Beijing cheap
The best areas to stay in Beijing cheap are Qianmen, Wangfujing, and Houhai (Shichahai).
You can find budget-friendly accommodation in most parts of Beijing, but when traveling on a tight budget, you want to stay in an area where you can walk to the major attractions and can find affordable food options.
Qianmen is one of those areas that have great access to major attractions like Tiananmen Square and the Temple of Heaven without the need for expensive transportation.
Walking around Qianmen Street and Dashilan provides a cultural experience at no cost.
You can also find plenty of local eateries and street food vendors where you can eat cheaply.
Wangfujing is also a viable option as its central location reduces transportation costs to major attractions like the Forbidden City.
Make sure to visit Wangfujing Snack Street, where you can find an abundance of affordable street food.
It’s also worth considering staying at Houhai (Shichahai), which is known for its scenic beauty and historic sites.
There are quite some affordable guesthouses and hostels in the surrounding hutongs, which makes it the perfect area for those who want to stay in a historic part of Beijing for a bargain.
1. Wangfujing
Simply put, Wangfujing is the most popular area to stay in Beijing among tourists.
One of the main reasons why it’s such a popular spot is because of its central location.
Within walking distance or a short taxi ride, you are at iconic landmarks such as the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the National Museum of China.
The second main reason is having direct access to Wangfujing Pedestrian Street.
This famous street is a bustling hub of activity, with a huge variety of shops, ideal for souvenir shopping or simply indulging in some retail therapy.
You can also find an abundance of street food vendors and eateries, making it also a great spot for foodies.
Make sure to visit Wangfujing Snack Street where you can experience the authentic taste of Beijing’s culinary scene.
Of course, you can find more formal restaurants in this area as well that serve both Chinese and international cuisine.
Wangfujing is well-served by public transportation, including buses and the Beijing Subway (Wangfujing Station on Line 1).
This connectivity makes it easy to explore other parts of the city.
Being such a popular tourist area, there is an abundance of hotels, which come in all budget classes.
If you’re looking for a bustling and convenient area in Beijing, Wangfujing won’t disappoint.
Just keep in mind that being the tourist hot spot of the city, it does get crowded and it feels touristy.
There are alternatives that offer a more authentic and less crowded experience.
That being said, there are several good reasons why Wangfujing is so popular and thus crowded!
Maximizing your sightseeing time is the most important one.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Beijing first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
2. Qianmen
Qianmen is one of Beijing’s oldest neighborhoods.
When staying here, you can have a good glimpse into the city’s rich history and traditional architecture.
The area has been a commercial hub since the Ming and Qing dynasties, preserving its historical ambiance.
It’s quite easy to reach significant historical sites such as Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven.
One of the most important streets here is Qianmen Street, which is a pedestrian-friendly area filled with traditional shops, restaurants, and street vendors.
It offers a unique experience for travelers for shopping local crafts, snacks, and souvenirs.
That also means that you are staying in an area where you can snap some of the coolest pictures during your whole travel.
Aside from its historical significance, the area is also known for its affordable dining and accommodation options, making it a great spot for those traveling on a tighter budget.
Keep in mind that with all these advantages, come larger crowds.
Qianmen does get crowded during the day and with the noise that comes with it, it’s not the area you should stay at when seeking a calmer experience in Beijing.
But if you’re looking for an affordable and convenient area that perfectly showcases the mix of old and new Beijing, Qianmen is the perfect area for you!
Some of the best hotels to stay in Beijing first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
3. Sanlitun
Sanlitun is known as Beijing’s nightlife hub with many bars, clubs, rooftop lounges, and live music venues you can visit.
The area has a modern feel that attracts many expats and tourists.
If you’re looking for an authentic experience, then Sanlitun is not the area you want to stay in.
But, if you’re a younger traveler who wants to combine sightseeing with top-notch nightlife, this is the place to be.
A modern area with a famous nightlife scene also comes with great dining and shopping options.
The Taikoo Li Sanlitun shopping complex is a major draw, featuring high-end international brands, boutique stores, and local designers.
The whole area is dotted with eateries in all sorts of budget classes, ranging from local street food vendors to upscale international restaurants and everything in between.
Sanlitun is located in the Chaoyang District, which is relatively central and well-connected.
The area is easily accessible by public transportation, including the Beijing Subway (Line 10, Tuanjiehu Station), making it convenient to explore other parts of the city.
I can fairly say that Sanlitun attracts a certain (younger) crowd, and it’s not for everything.
It comes with many benefits to keep you entertained during the day and especially the night.
But there are a few things that are worth noting before you book a hotel here.
Sanlitun in general is not a cheap area.
Yes, you can find affordable accommodations here, but shopping and partying do not come cheap.
Secondly, the international nature of Sanlitun means there are fewer opportunities to immerse yourself in traditional Chinese culture.
Lastly, if you’re not into nightlife, it does not make sense to stay here as there are quieter alternatives, including the next recommended area.
With that being said, if you want to explore Beijing’s nightlife scene, make sure to stay at or as close as possible to Sanlitun.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Beijing first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
4. Houhai
Houhai is located in the heart of Beijing’s historic hutong neighborhoods.
Hutongs are narrow alleyways where you can find courtyard residences that showcase centuries-old architecture.
Walking through these alleyways is an attraction on its own.
The area is also famous for its picturesque lakes (Houhai, Qianhai, and Xihai).
It’s possible to enjoy a boat ride on these lakes, which I highly recommend doing so.
Houhai is a much calmer area compared to the previously recommended areas and offers an authentic glimpse into traditional Beijing life.
Because of that, it’s a particularly popular area to stay in among families.
But the area is far from boring and does actually have a nightlife scene.
A much calmer and laid-back nightlife scene, though, where you can enjoy nice views of the illuminated waterside establishments.
Houhai is centrally located within Beijing and you have good access to the major attractions of the city.
You are also well-connected by public transportation, including buses and the Beijing Subway (Gulou Dajie Station).
Is there anything not to like about this area?
If you’re traveling with kids, it’s good to know that there are not as many international restaurants located in this area compared to the previously recommended areas.
When traveling with picky eaters, you probably have to dine in the more modern areas where you can find food that matches the taste palate of your kids.
Secondly, it’s a calm area with fewer things to do.
Now, this is not a bad thing, but if you’re the type of traveler who loves to wander around in the evening, enjoying a drink in a bar, or looking for a fun activity, Houhai is not the ideal area.
But if you appreciate a calm, historically rich environment with picturesque surroundings, look no further and choose a hotel in Houhai!
Some of the best hotels to stay in Beijing first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
5. CBD
This part will be updated very soon.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Beijing first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
6. Beijing Railway Station
This part will be updated very soon.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Beijing first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.