Not all parts of Beijing are created equal, especially when it comes to picking your base. Some areas buzz with street food and night markets, while others offer quiet charm or doorstep access to ancient wonders.

This guide is here to help every type of traveller, from first-timers to seasoned explorers. Find out where to stay to make the most of your Beijing adventure.

If you’re visiting Beijing for the first time, Wangfujing is a right place to start. It’s right in the city centre, just a short stroll from the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.

Everything is within walking distance, including shopping malls, museums and transport hubs, making it perfect for sightseeing with minimal fuss. It’s clean, convenient and safe, with plenty of hotels at every price range.

But it’s not just about location. Wangfujing’s Snack Street is a must for adventurous foodies. Scorpions on a stick? Check. Candied hawthorns? Of course.

Hotels in Wangfujing

It’s a playful introduction to Beijing’s street food scene, and even if you’re not feeling brave, the experience is worth a photo or two. For a well-rounded Beijing debut, Wangfujing covers all bases.

Want to feel like you’ve stepped into a Chinese period drama? Houhai and Shichahai offer a slice of traditional Beijing with their historic hutongs and tranquil lakes.

This is where locals go to unwind and where visitors come to soak up timeless charm. The atmosphere is slower, quieter, and full of character—ideal for culture lovers and photographers.

Spend your days exploring the nearby Drum and Bell Towers or strolling through Nanluoguxiang’s quirky alleyways. When hunger strikes, pop into a teahouse hidden behind a wooden gate or grab dumplings from a family-run shop.

Hotels Near Houhai Lake

Houhai isn’t flashy, but its lakeside serenity and old-world soul offer a stay you won’t forget.

If trendy cafés, rooftop bars, and a vibrant international scene sound like your thing, Sanlitun is your best bet. Known for its energetic nightlife and global crowd, this area is stylish, youthful and always buzzing. Sanlitun Taikoo Li—an open-air shopping complex—is the area’s heartbeat, pulsing with fashion, food and entertainment.

By night, the streets light up with bars, clubs and lounges. Expect Korean BBQ, craft beer, and global cuisine that won’t make you miss home. The area’s international vibe also makes it easy for English speakers to navigate.

Hotels in Sanlitun

Sanlitun is perfect for digital nomads, partygoers and social butterflies who want their stay to be as lively as their Instagram feed.

For a more polished experience, Chaoyang Central Business District (CBD) delivers comfort, cleanliness and cutting-edge modernity. This area is the financial and diplomatic heart of Beijing, filled with skyscrapers, luxury hotels and international offices. It’s a great pick for business travellers or anyone who prefers sleek city living.

Not far from the futuristic CCTV Tower and the landscaped Central Park, you’ll also find top-tier shopping and world-class dining. Think hotel buffets, Japanese omakase, and stylish rooftop lounges.

Hotels in Chaoyang

While less traditional than other areas, Chaoyang CBD is ideal for high-end travellers who appreciate convenience and sophistication.

Travelling on a tighter budget? Qianmen offers a fantastic blend of culture, location and affordability. Just south of Tiananmen Square, this area is steeped in history yet surprisingly wallet-friendly. You’ll find charming pedestrian streets, heritage buildings and local shops selling everything from antiques to baozi (steamed buns).

Dashilar Street is a must-see, especially if you're into old-world architecture and local crafts. Food options are traditional and tasty—Peking duck, century eggs, and sesame pastries are all on the menu.

Popular Hotels near Qianmen

Qianmen is a fantastic choice for value-conscious travellers who still want quick access to iconic landmarks and rich cultural experiences.

Nicknamed the “Silicon Valley of China”, Zhongguancun and neighbouring Wudaokou are perfect for young travellers, tech fans and students. This area is home to Beijing’s top universities, making it lively, diverse and budget-friendly. Think buzzing cafés, second-hand bookshops, gadget malls and an endless flow of milk tea.

When you’re not diving into the local food scene or exploring tech markets, visit the nearby Summer Palace for a tranquil escape. It’s less touristy, more local, and filled with energy that’ll keep you curious.

Hotels in Zhongguancun

If your travel style is more “study abroad meets adventure”, this part of Beijing is a hidden gem.

From booking flights to scoring the cosiest stays, Traveloka has everything you need to plan a stress-free trip in one place. Want to find a cute boutique hotel near the Forbidden City? Or maybe hunt down a last-minute flight deal that won’t break the bank? It’s all there.

So go on dive into Traveloka, plan your dream trip to Beijing, and make memories worth posting about!