Where to Stay in Beijing – Best Areas & Places

If you’re planning a trip to Beijing and wondering where to stay, let me share my personal recommendations as someone who’s explored the city thoroughly. I always suggest tailoring your accommodation to the type of experience you want – whether that’s being immersed in history, diving into modern energy, or balancing both.

Wangfujing & Dongcheng (City Centre)

For first-time visitors eager to soak up Beijing’s iconic sights, I’d point you towards the historic centre around Wangfujing and Dongcheng. This area is unbeatable for its proximity to landmarks like the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square – you’ll literally be steps away from the postcard moments. Hotels here, such as The Peninsula or Grand Hyatt, offer that perfect mix of luxury and convenience. Imagine finishing breakfast at your hotel and strolling straight to the palace gates without battling traffic. It’s ideal if you want to wake up in the heart of Beijing’s storybook past.

For those prioritising proximity to specific landmarks, consider staying near the Forbidden City itself. Hotels such as The Emperor, tucked into traditional hutong alleys, provide an intimate glimpse into old Beijing while keeping you mere minutes from the palace gates. Waking up to views of ancient rooftops, with the buzz of the city at a gentle remove, creates a uniquely serene experience.

Sanlitun & Chaoyang District

Now, if you fancy something more contemporary, head northeast to the vibrant streets of Sanlitun in Chaoyang District. This is where Beijing’s modern pulse thrives, with sleek boutiques, international restaurants, and buzzing nightlife. When I recommend hotels near Chaoyang District, I’m thinking of those stylish boutique stays tucked between embassies and avant-garde spaces like Taikoo Li. You’ll be close enough to pop into the business hubs by day, then sip cocktails under neon-lit skyscrapers by night. It’s a world apart from the ancient gates, yet still unmistakably Beijing.

Houhai & Nanluoguxiang

If you’re after a more intimate glimpse of local life, though, I’d steer you towards hotels near Houhai and the labyrinth of Nanluoguxiang. This part of Beijing feels like stepping into a watercolour painting – willow trees brushing the lake’s edge, traditional courtyard homes with their grey-tiled roofs, and the hum of chatter from tucked-away teahouses. Here, skip the big chains and opt for a restored hutong guesthouse. You’ll wake up to the sound of bicycle bells and the smell of jianbing crepes from street vendors. Wandering these alleyways, you’re never far from hidden gems like the Bell and Drum Towers or the quirky indie shops along Nanluoguxiang itself.

Olympic Park Area

I’d suggest starting your search in the Olympic Park area if you value modern comforts and easy access to iconic landmarks. Hotels here, like the striking Pangu 7 Star Hotel with its dragon-inspired architecture, put you within walking distance of the Bird’s Nest Stadium and Water Cube – perfect for travellers wanting to combine leisure with cultural sightseeing. The area feels surprisingly peaceful for a city hub, with wide green spaces ideal for morning walks or family picnics.

What I appreciate about staying near Olympic Park is how well-connected it is – you’re never more than 20 minutes from major attractions, yet evenings here feel refreshingly calm compared to the city centre bustle.

Xicheng & Financial Street

I’d steer you towards Xicheng’s embassy quarter if you’re after understated elegance with a dash of old Beijing charm. This district’s tree-lined streets offer a hush you’d struggle to find near busier hubs, yet it’s wonderfully connected – hotels here put you within walking distance of Beihai Park’s marble bridges and the Beijing Zoo’s beloved giant pandas.

For business travellers, Financial Street’s glass towers house sleek options like the Ritz-Carlton, where conference rooms blend seamlessly with spa facilities – ideal for switching from spreadsheets to massages. What I particularly love are the hidden courtyard hotels tucked behind hutongs, where you can sip jasmine tea under persimmon trees after a day of meetings. Whether you choose a modern high-rise or a traditional retreat, you’ll find hotels near landmarks like the White Pagoda Temple strike that rare balance between convenience and calm.

Budget and Booking Tips

If you are on a budget like me, then I recommend starting your trip in Beijing from Nanluoguxiang – those narrow alleyways hide family-run guesthouses where you’ll pay less for a room with painted beams than some hostels charge for a bunk. Though it feels properly old Beijing, the subway stations at Gulou or Nanluoguxiang make reaching the Summer Palace up in Haidian surprisingly straightforward.

If your budget stretches a bit further, look at hotels near Dongcheng’s temple complexes – you’ll get modern comforts without sacrificing the hutong atmosphere. For proper luxury, Financial Street’s glass towers like the Ritz-Carlton never disappoint, though I’m rather partial to courtyard hotels near the Palace Museum where you can sip tea under ancient jujube trees.

Wherever you pick, book early between May and October, especially around Labour Day in May and National Week in October when domestic travellers flood the city – decent hotels near landmarks like the Lama Temple get snapped up faster than warm baozi at breakfast. And do mind the transport links – a hotel near Dongsi subway station might not look glamorous, but it’ll save you hours in traffic. If nothing here catches your eye, the button below’s your friend.👇👇👇