Beijing is a city where 700-year-old hutongs brush shoulders with glittering skyscrapers, and imperial axes run straight as an arrow through a living, breathing capital. From the Ming-era walls of the Forbidden City to the sweeping battlements of the Great Wall, history isn’t just preserved—it’s part of the daily rhythm.

Food here is an adventure: lacquer-crisp Peking duck, hand-pulled noodles, bubbling copper hotpots, and modern Chinese dining that rivals any global capital. Cafés and craft breweries now dot hutong lanes, while night markets, tea houses, and opera stages keep tradition in focus.

Practical notes: Book key attractions (Forbidden City) ahead; Mondays often bring museum closures. The subway is clean, extensive, and budget-friendly; rides typically cost 3–9 RMB. Winters are dry and cold, summers hot and humid—pack accordingly and watch the forecast during outdoor-heavy days.

Beijing

Beijing’s center unfolds along the imperial axis: Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, coal-green Jingshan Park, and the lake chain of Shichahai. Venture outward for the Summer Palace gardens, contemporary art in 798, and the dramatic “Egg” of the National Centre for the Performing Arts.

• Top sights: Forbidden City, Great Wall (Mutianyu or Jinshanling), Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Lama Temple, Jingshan Park, Beihai Park, Prince Gong’s Mansion.
• Neighborhoods to explore: Hutongs around Nanluoguxiang and Wudaoying (café culture), Qianmen–Dashilanr (heritage shops), Sanlitun (dining and nightlife), 798 Art District (galleries).
• Classic eats: Peking duck, zhajiangmian (bean-paste noodles), jianbing (savory crepes), Mongolian-style mutton hotpot, Beijing-style pastries and hawthorn snacks.

Where to stay (mid-range budget with a few splurges): Base yourself in Dongcheng (walkable to major sights) or Sanlitun (dining/nightlife). For boutique character, consider The Orchid (hutong charm, excellent brunch), Double Happiness Courtyard Hotel (courtyard house with character), or New World Beijing Hotel (rooftop bar near the Temple of Heaven). For contemporary style and convenience, check Opposite House (Sanlitun), Grand Hyatt Beijing (Wangfujing), Park Plaza Wangfujing, Hotel Eclat (Parkview Green), NUO Hotel Beijing, and Kerry Hotel Beijing.

Compare and book places to stay on VRBO or Hotels.com.

Getting there and around: Fly into PEK (Capital) or PKX (Daxing). Search flight deals on Trip.com (flights) or Kiwi.com. The Airport Express (PEK) reaches Dongzhimen in ~25–30 minutes; Daxing Airport Express connects to Caoqiao in ~20–30 minutes. For intercity rail or trips to Badaling Great Wall by train, use Trip.com (trains). Within the city, the subway is fast and cheap; Didi (ride-hailing) is plentiful.

Day 1: Arrival, Wangfujing, and a Sunset Welcome

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Shake off jet lag with a gentle stroll along Wangfujing—peek into heritage bookstores and snack stalls for tanghulu (candied hawthorn) or sesame fritters. If energy allows, head to Jingshan Park; climb the central pavilion for a panoramic view over the Forbidden City—sunset bathes the vermilion roofs in gold.

Evening: Feast on Peking duck. Book Siji Minfu (popular with locals; crisp skin, balanced sweetness in the dipping sauce) or Da Dong (lighter, more delicate roast with creative sides). After dinner, wander the shores of Houhai Lake; stop for jasmine tea at a lakeside teahouse or a first Beijing pint at Great Leap Brewing #6 (classic fry bread, cumin lamb skewers) in the hutongs.

Day 2: Tiananmen, Forbidden City, Beihai, and Peking Opera

Morning: Early start at Tiananmen Square to beat crowds. Cross to the Forbidden City (book tickets in advance with your passport; closed Mondays). Explore Meridian Gate, the grand outer courts, and the intimate Inner Court residences. Tip: Save 30–45 minutes for the excellent Treasure Gallery if you’re into imperial craftsmanship.

Afternoon: Lunch nearby at TRB Hutong (modern European with attentive service) or grab zhajiangmian at Xincheng Yixin Zhajiangmian (old-school noodles, crunchy cucumber, savory sauce). Continue to Beihai Park for white dagoba views and willow-lined paths; if time allows, visit Prince Gong’s Mansion—its rockeries and theatrical stage hint at Qing-era opulence.

Evening: Catch a Peking Opera performance at Liyuan Theatre (most nights; English subtitles). Pre- or post-show, try Lao She Teahouse for snacks and a sampler of traditional performances, or keep it casual with dumplings at Mr. Shi’s Dumplings (pan-fried pork and fennel; inventive fillings too).

Day 3: Great Wall at Mutianyu and Sanlitun Nightlife

Morning: Depart around 7:00–7:30 a.m. for the Mutianyu Great Wall (1.5–2 hours by car; join a small-group tour, hire a driver, or take a bus-plus-shuttle combo). Ride the cable car up, hike the crenellations between towers 14–23 for expansive valley views, then—if you like—toboggan down (great fun, safe for families). Tickets + shuttle + cable car typically total ~175–220 RMB per adult.

Afternoon: Simple lunch at the base (rustic trout or noodle shops) before returning to the city. Stop by the National Centre for the Performing Arts (“The Egg”) for photos—its titanium-and-glass dome reflects the surrounding lake beautifully.

Evening: Head to Sanlitun. Start with yakitori and cocktails at Hulu by TRB (buzzy, contemporary) or go all-in on Xinjiang skewers at Jingzun Peking Duck’s neighboring grill stalls. For drinks, choose Jing-A Taproom (Flying Fist IPA, chili oil wontons), Slow Boat Brewery (pale ales, smash burgers), or skyline views at Atmosphere Bar on the 80th floor of China World Summit Wing.

Day 4: Summer Palace, Old Summer Palace, and Hotpot Comfort

Morning: Ride the subway to the Summer Palace (allow 4 hours). Walk the Long Corridor, visit the Tower of Buddhist Incense, and take a short boat ride across Kunming Lake for the lake-and-hill perspective the emperors loved.

Afternoon: Taxi or subway to the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan). The European-style stone ruins hint at its former splendor—bring the audio guide for context. Coffee break around Wudaokou at local spots like Peet’s or Manner Coffee; campus gates of Peking University or Tsinghua offer a glimpse of China’s academic heart.

Evening: Warm up with hotpot. Haidilao is famous for friendly service, dancing noodle throws, and consistent broths; for traditional copper-pot mutton, try Dong Lai Shun (thin-sliced lamb, sesame sauce, and sesame “shaobing” flatbread). Budget ~120–220 RMB per person depending on appetite.

Day 5: Lama Temple, Hutongs, Temple of Heaven, and Late-Night Guijie

Morning: Begin at the Lama Temple (Yonghe Gong)—a working Tibetan Buddhist monastery with a towering sandalwood Maitreya statue. Wander Wudaoying Hutong next door for boutique browsing and coffee at Metal Hands or Voyage Coffee. Brunch option: Toast at The Orchid (shakshuka, bagels, house-cured fish).

Afternoon: Cross town to the Temple of Heaven Park. Watch locals play cards, sing, and practice tai chi, then enter the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (consider the combo ticket). Nearby, the Hongqiao (Pearl) Market is handy for souvenirs; bargain respectfully.

Evening: Experience Guijie (Ghost Street) for dinner—Huda Restaurant is beloved for spicy crayfish and grilled skewers; if you prefer milder flavors, order sesame chicken, dry-fried green beans, and scallion-scented tofu. Cap the night with a quiet drink in a speakeasy-style hutong bar, or keep it casual with another craft pint at Great Leap #45.

Day 6: 798 Art District, Red Brick Museum, and a Show

Morning: Head to 798 Art District (old factory blocks turned galleries). Pop into UCCA Center for Contemporary Art (rotating blockbuster exhibitions), walk 751 D·PARK’s industrial relics, and recharge at 798’s cafés such as AT Café or Café Flatwhite.

Afternoon: If you love architecture, taxi to Red Brick Art Museum (40–60 minutes depending on traffic). Its maze of terracotta walls and reflection pools is a photographer’s dream. Alternatively, visit the China National Museum on the east side of Tiananmen (plan 2–3 hours; vast collections from Neolithic jade to modern history).

Evening: Dinner back in town at Bottega (Neapolitan pizza, burrata, relaxed vibe) if you’re craving a break from local flavors, or Xin Rong Ji (Taizhou seafood; refined, pricier splurge) if you want a Michelin-starred experience. Consider the Chaoyang Theatre Acrobatic Show for a high-energy finale.

Day 7: Panjiayuan Market, Qianmen Heritage, and Departure

Morning: Browse Panjiayuan Flea Market (best on weekends, but open daily)—from ethnic textiles and wood carvings to Cultural Revolution posters, it’s a treasure hunt. Expect to bargain and pay cashless where possible.

Afternoon: Stroll Qianmen and Dashilanr before you leave. Pop into time-honored brands like Ruifuxiang (silk) and Neiliansheng (handmade cloth shoes). Lunch at Duyichu (famed for shaomai dumplings) or Quanjude’s Qianmen flagship (historic roast duck; touristy but iconic). Transfer to the airport or station; the Daxing or Capital airport express lines are reliable and quick.

Practical Tips for This 7-Day Beijing Itinerary

• Budget level: With a 69/100 budget, aim for boutique or quality mid-range hotels, subway/taxi transport, a couple of splurge meals (duck or Michelin), and paid shows. Expect daily spend (excluding lodging) around 300–600 RMB per person.
• Tickets and closures: The Forbidden City requires real-name booking; most museums close Mondays. Always carry your passport for ticket checks.
• Getting around: The subway is the fastest way to avoid traffic. Taxis and Didi are plentiful; allow extra time during rush hours (7:30–9:30 a.m., 5:00–7:30 p.m.).
• Great Wall choices: Mutianyu for family-friendly and fewer crowds; Jinshanling for scenic hiking (longer, steeper; 2–2.5 hours by car). For Badaling by train, check Trip.com (trains).
• Coffee and snacks to know: Jianbing (savory crepe) from street vendors, bean curd pudding for breakfast, dried hawthorn snacks for the road. Reliable cafés include Metal Hands, Voyage Coffee, Seesaw Coffee, and Greybox Coffee around Sanlitun.

Book the essentials: Flights on Trip.com (flights) or Kiwi.com, trains on Trip.com (trains), and lodging on VRBO or Hotels.com.

This 7-day Beijing travel guide balances headline icons with neighborhood discoveries and generous time to savor meals. With imperial history, artful modernity, and soul-soothing parks, the city rewards both first-timers and repeat visitors—one lane, one courtyard, one steaming bowl of noodles at a time.