Where to Stay in Beijing?

Are you dreaming of spending a few days in Beijing to discover its well-kept secrets? You will need accommodation that is not too far from the city's attractions. If you're wondering where to stay in Beijing, the Chinese capital is filled with charming neighborhoods to drop your bags according to your preferences. From the nightlife of Sanlitun to the traditional charm of Xicheng, not to mention the grand monuments of Dongcheng, a myriad of accommodations is waiting for you. It's up to you to choose the place that suits your comfort and budget

With a city as vast and lively as Beijing, finding accommodation can easily become problematic. The abundant options can make things even more challenging. To help you decide, you need to refine your choices by considering a few essential points

For instance, choose a neighborhood that fits your needs. Since Beijing is a sprawling city, each area has its particularities. If you are there to visit historic sites, focus on the Dongcheng area. In contrast, for a much trendier experience, opt for Sanlitun or Chaoyang.

Next, you need to set a clear budget If you want to save money, consider hostels. You could also stay in a hutong for a 100% local experience. Those seeking a luxury stay can head to the top-rated hotels. In any case, always remember to book your rooms in advance, as soon as possible. Indeed, Beijing welcomes millions of visitors each year, and available accommodations can fill up quickly, especially during major holidays

Finally, I suggest staying near metro stations if you do not plan to rent your own car in the city. Staying close to public transport will make it easier for you to navigate the vastness of Beijing.

My favorites ❤️ where to stay in Beijing

Don't have time to read the full article? Here's a selection of my favorite accommodations:

In the downtown area, the Base -Beijing Wangfujing Serviced Apartment offers independent whole units, ideal for keeping privacy and independence. Expect a minimum of €89 per night.

For a traditional stay in Xicheng, I recommend the Beijing Shichahai Shadow Art Performance Courtyard, which offers nights in a genuine hutong starting from €78.

For a fun night out in Beijing, consider the Holiday Inn Express Beijing Dongzhimen in the Sanlitun district, which offers nights starting from €73.

Dongcheng occupies the east of downtown Beijing. As the quintessential historical area, it is the best place to stay if you do not wish to stray far from the city's must-see attractions. And since it is one of Beijing's most popular districts, restaurants, shops, and cultural sites abound in the area ✨

Moreover, if you choose Dongcheng as your next stop, you will have the chance to stay near the iconic Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and its myriad of stunning monuments, the National Museum of China, or the Lama Temple.

This district also hosts Wangfujing Street, a bustling shopping thoroughfare. Here, small traditional shops coexist with luxury brands. And if you get hungry after window shopping, head over to Wangfujing Snack Street to taste authentic Beijing street food.

You can see that the Dongcheng district has everything you need for a pleasant stay. Additionally, it has essential daily comforts, such as a well-connected metro system. From here, it only takes 6 minutes to reach downtown via Line 8. So, if you decide to stay in Dongcheng, you'll be close to the heart of Beijing and other surrounding neighborhoods

Howard Johnson Paragon Hotel Beijing Central offers nights in one of its beautiful contemporary rooms starting from €63. A very affordable price for a 4-star hotel... It provides access to 4 restaurants and a gym, in addition to serving an excellent breakfast

For more space and privacy, the apartments at Base -Beijing Wangfujing Serviced Apartment are perfect. Located 2.4 km from Wangfujing Street, this serviced apartment offers ultra-modern accommodations starting from €89 a night. It provides various leisure activities: a billiards room, a play area, and bicycle rentals for your rides in Beijing.

On the other side of Dongcheng is Xicheng, a traditionally charming neighborhood located in the western part of downtown. The two districts are connected by Line 6 of the metro. In just 5 minutes, you can be in Xicheng, exploring its famous hutongs. These narrow alleys are lined with beautiful homes in traditional Chinese style and refined restaurants, inviting you to stroll around!

By staying in Xicheng, you will also enjoy a pleasant romantic atmosphere, likely created by its serene lakes ✨

Houhai Lake and its enchanting shores promise refreshing walks.

Shichahai Lake, part of the three lakes in the Imperial City, is surrounded by good addresses where you can savor local delicacies while admiring traditional boats.

Beihai Park is a large green lung of 68 hectares decorated by Beihai Lake and charming little temples. A boat trip is a must to admire this dreamlike landscape.

Other hidden gems await you in Xicheng. If you stay in this district that feels like a step back in time, lose yourself in Jingshan Park, a stunning garden from which you can overlook the Forbidden City. Xicheng is also a hotspot for shopping, featuring antique shops on Liulichang Street and fashionable stores in Xidan ️

If you dream of a vacation in the heart of a hutong, settle at the Beijing Shichahai Shadow Art Performance Courtyard. This authentic experience is offered starting from €78 per night, a price at which you will uncover the secrets of Beijing's traditions. At the same time, you will enjoy the amenities of modern life: well-equipped rooms, showers, Wi-Fi, heating, laundry, etc.

Service will be top-notch at the Pan Pacific Beijing, a 5-star hotel nestled in Xidan, the shopping area of Xicheng. With a nightly rate of €131, enjoy luxurious rooms with bay windows, a spa for relaxation, free parking, and an exceptional breakfast

Farther out, the Haidian district is about 11 km from downtown, taking more than 30 minutes by car. It is one of the best places to stay in Beijing if you wish to distance yourself from the hustle and bustle of the center.

Located in the northwest of Beijing, Haidian is bustling with students, as many universities are located here. The area also attracts players in the high-tech sector due to its cutting-edge infrastructure, including Zhongguancun, a zone dedicated to high technology. Haidian, however, hides some historical gems. Notably, the Summer Palace, a site revered for its imperial architecture and lush gardens.

On the other hand, green parks fill the area.

At Yuyuantan Park, thousands of cherry trees beautify a large central lake adorned with slides and playgrounds. A heads up for families staying in the area!

Xiangshan Park is known for its fragrant trees, such as apricot blossoms that delicately perfume the area in spring.

If you are worn out from the routine, come and admire the explosion of colors offered by the tulips and peonies at the Beijing Botanical Garden, a site that will leave you in awe.

A less frequented place by tourists in Beijing is Zizhuyuan Park, a green pearl with spectacular black-purple bamboos.

The Holiday Inn Express Beijing Zhongguancun Tech Park, an IHG Hotel awaits you near the high-tech zone of Haidian. Its super stylish rooms are accessible from €57 per night. Some rooms come with a terrace overlooking the city. Plus, the hotel serves a buffet breakfast every morning and has a chic restaurant.

The setting becomes even more sumptuous at the Shangri-La Beijing, a branch of a luxury hotel chain scattered around the world. While some properties are exorbitant, this one in Beijing opens its doors from €108. A wellness center, a delightful Chinese garden, Wi-Fi, and, of course, luxurious rooms will be available to you at this rate.

Formerly a diplomatic enclave just 15 minutes from downtown, Sanlitun has now emerged as a trendy, vibrant neighborhood where travelers seeking a crazy nightlife congregate. Its bubbling cosmopolitan energy comes from the mix of traditional hutongs that preserve a bygone way of life and modern attractions that present a Beijing looking toward the future

In any case, you will find no shortage of nightlife options here. There is even a bar street >>, a party hub with more than 50 trendy pubs and clubs, most of which are open all night. Among them, Swing and Day Off are particularly popular for their good vibes.

On the shopping front, you are well served, especially with the Taikoo Li building dominating the skyline. This shopping center showcases an impressive multicolored glass façade. Inside, you will discover a beautiful diversity of brands, including Christian Louboutin, Nike, Apple, and more ️

In Sanlitun, the dining options range from street food stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants. These establishments do not limit themselves to concocting regional Chinese specialties. All foodies will find their match, whether they crave Japanese dishes, Indian recipes, or simply seek a good coffee, with Starbucks right around the corner. It's no wonder Sanlitun fascinates globe-trotters from around the world. By staying in this area, you will be at the heart of a festive and multicultural atmosphere

That said, if you're on a tight budget, Sanlitun isn't the best neighborhood to stay in Beijing. You may have noticed that its attractions cross the borders of China, explaining the higher accommodation prices...

The Holiday Inn Express Beijing Dongzhimen, an IHG Hotel is just 15 minutes away from Sanlitun's bar street. Immaculate, comfortable, and well-located, this establishment features lovely air-conditioned rooms, a fitness center, secure parking, and a spacious restaurant serving complimentary breakfast, all starting from €73.

The very luxurious InterContinental Beijing Sanlitun, an IHG Hotel settles in the heart of trendy Beijing. Nights here start from €219, including stays in elegant suites, use of private parking, and access to a gym. Bonus: at one of the 4 on-site restaurants, you can enjoy delicious tapas.

The embodiment of Beijing's economic power, Chaoyang district awaits you just 20 minutes south of downtown. Its suburban lifestyle allows you to stay close to the capital's amenities without being disturbed by the hustle and bustle. In short, the perfect atmosphere for families and retirees

Furthermore, Chaoyang is dotted with high skyscrapers, giving it a more modern silhouette compared to the other districts on this list. Yet, it remains a lovely place to stay. It also boasts religious temples, shopping streets, and restaurants with diverse specialties. Indeed, Chaoyang has plenty of attractions and can greatly enrich your getaway. Some of its jewels include Chaoyang Park, Chaoyang Theater, the National Stadium at the Olympic Village, and 798 Space. You can also take a boat ride to admire the skyline of the area

Despite its futuristic charm, Chaoyang is the neighborhood to stay in Beijing if you are on a budget. Its lower prices can be explained by its somewhat outlying location

Book your stay at the Stey 798 Art Zone Hotel starting from €52 per night. For this price, enjoy spacious cozy rooms with top-notch bedding, a fitness center, seamless internet connection, luggage storage, and air conditioning/heating depending on the weather.

Even though the Holiday Inn Express Beijing Conference Center, an IHG Hotel is a high-end resort, you can stay in one of its luxurious rooms for only €61 per night. This rate includes a hearty breakfast, private parking, and Wi-Fi, not to mention beautiful views from the suites.

Now you know where to stay in Beijing. In summary, the accommodation options in the Chinese capital are dominated by hotels. They vary in proximity to the amenities and major attractions of the city depending on whether you prefer a calm or lively atmosphere. As for pricing, there will be options for every budget. So, give in to your desires!