Forbidden City-The Palace Museum, Beijing: Hours, Address, Forbidden City-The Palace Museum Reviews: 4.5/5
Forbidden City-The Palace Museum
Forbidden City-The Palace Museum
4.5
Speciality Museums • Architectural Buildings • History Museums
Read more
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
About
Consisting of more than 9,000 rooms and spread over 250 acres, this huge palace complex was built in the 15th century and later extensively renovated and restored during the Qing Dynasty in the 18th century
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingAdmission tickets
from $9.11
All you need to step foot in the door.
Full view
Top ways to experience Forbidden City-The Palace Museum
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,527 within 3 miles
TRB Forbidden City
693
0.3 mi$$$$ • European • Contemporary • Caucasian
Siji Minfu Roast Duck (Gugong)
62
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Chinese • Asian
Black Sesame Kitchen
932
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • Chinese • Asian • Vegetarian Friendly
GuGong Restaurant
23
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Chinese
Siji Minfu Restaurant Peking Roast Duck (Dengshikou)
1,202
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • Chinese • Asian • Vegetarian Friendly
DongHuaMen XiaoChi
8
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Chinese
Old Beijing Zhajiangmian (WuSi Main Street)
22
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Chinese • Asian
Ming Fu Ju
5
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Chinese • Beijing Specialties
Wan Li (Renaissance Beijing Wangfujing Hotel)
641
0.8 mi$$ - $$$ • Chinese • Asian • Cantonese
Beijing Pie
50
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Chinese • Asian
Attractions
642 within 6 miles
The Nine Dragon Screen of The Palace Museum
495
18 ftArchitectural Buildings
Gate of Great Harmony (Taihe Men)
102
417 ftHistoric Sites
Hall of Great Harmony (Taihe Dian)
1,187
0.1 miArchitectural Buildings
Hall of Middle Harmony (Zhonghe Dian)
41
403 ftHistoric Sites
Hall of Preserving Harmony (Baohedian)
52
0.1 miHistoric Sites • Architectural Buildings
Meridian Gate (Wu Men)
988
0.2 miHistoric Sites • Architectural Buildings
The Imperial Garden of The Palace Museum
2,043
0.4 miParks
The Antiquarium of The Palace Museum
490
0.4 miSpeciality Museums
Donghuamen
19
0.2 miArchitectural Buildings
Turret of The Palace Museum
284
0.5 miArchitectural Buildings
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
14,102 reviews
Excellent
8,024
Very good
4,307
Average
1,424
Poor
258
Terrible
91
Eleanor
44 contributions
We visited during the 70th anniversary month and all the tickets sold out before 9am! We were fortunate enough to bump into an amazing tour guide called Tony. He suggested we'd get more out of walking around the outside and go through the Forbidden City gardens for a better view. When we looked down onto the city we realised why it was better. We really would've been shoulder to shoulder and not seen much, especially as most of the city is closed off to the public. From the garden hill we saw spectacular views and Tony gave us incredible cultural and historical stories and information. He also took us to places the general tourist wouldn't have known about and we ended up booking him for a 2nd day to take us to the Hutongs, silk factory, Summer palace, Temple of Heaven, and eat Peking duck,. Tony picked us up from the hotel, it was raining and he had umbrellas on the ready, he looked after us so well! I'd completely recommend him, he was so flexible and knowledgeable, friendly and good humoured. I'd done a ton of research and was ready to be the tour guide to my family, but our trip wouldn't have been as good without him by far. He'll customise the day around what you want to do and make it a day you won't forget. Here's his details: Tony Niu - tonyniu03@163.com +8613911825633
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Paolo
Milan, Italy12 contributions
I visited the Forbidden city on an early morning at the end of October 2019 and we have been blessed with a sunny day (really shining which I was told is unusual in Beijing) and a limited crowd of tourists. The place is huge but with a tour guide it took us a couple of hours to have a quite detailed visit, also because it consists mainly in strolling around from one building to the next. No possibilities to enter places. The initial part with the classic palaces is breath-taking for the vastness of the empty spaces (to hold the people in the past time) that indeed we had the privilege to see quite empty, though usually are full of tourists. I preferred the more cosy and secluded areas and houses where the Emperor's concubines were living including a garden on the opposite side of the main gate right before the exit. Overall a must-see experience that can be done efficiently even in a couple of hours.
Written March 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Daniel C
Middlesbrough, UK163 contributions
To get here you'll need to visit Tian An Men square first so you'll have to bring your passport to get in because they'll check it. After exploring the square which deserves a review of it's own, you can then take a tunnel underneath the road and arrive at the entrance of the palace; you'll recognise the image of Mao above the entrance. Once inside you're not in the full palace, you will still need to buy tickets later on and if it's summer then it will get very hot so you'll need some money not just to get in but also to get some drinks/ ice cream. If you're interested in Chinese history you'll be amazed by the doors, walls and even roofs of the palace since all of it is like a work of art. The palace stretches on and on and you can explore the main courtyards, the side tunnels and little buildings which have now become museums and shops. You'll see the vibrant colour and design of classic China and can learn some of the history behind the emperors who lived and ruled there; you'll even find the throne that they sat on, a golden chair with dragons resting on top.
Written June 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bennett A
Las Vegas, NV36 contributions
Family
The Forbidden City is an amazing place that you absolutely must visit, but currently if you do not book your tickets at least a week in advance you will not be permitted inside. They will let you pass through Tiananmen and through another gate, but at the location where you used to buy tickets they will usher you out if you did not prebook. Really stunk after wading through the mass of people for over an hour to be then turned away. You can book tickets (and pay) on the trip.com website or app, but it currently is over 8 days out, so we were not able to enter this time. Oh well. It is an amazing place, just not for spontaneous trips anymore.
Written July 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BettyG
78 contributions
Couples
We were planning to spend whole day in the Forbidden city. But when we got there, they told us they don’t have any free tickets, all were sold out. They have limitation of 8000 visitors per day, one would say it is enough... obviously not. They told us we need to go to one website to make a reservation but the web was not working - only some chinese words appeared. Later on one english-speaking lady told us the tickets are sold out for next 14 days.
Written September 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Zarza's Travels
China381 contributions
Solo
Visites in December and it was incredibly cold, so wear LOADS of layers. Incredible buildings, similar in style but with unique intricate details. The view from the hill above is a must and well worth a climb!
Written January 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Juan Toofree
Idaho28 contributions
My wife an me are from Idaho so we know about cities but this one takes the cake! When they say forbidden they mean it. You cannot climb on the roof which is forbidden, you cannot carve your initials on the walls (we were unaware of this and were severely dealt with) but who knew? You cannot even take a piece of the building with you as a souvenir which is ridiculous. I brought my chisel with me all the way from the USA and even though I managed to get a brick from the wall before I was told it was forbidden, I could not keep it and we were told to leave. We quite frankly were happy to leave and found a nice Chinese restaurant where we ate what I thought was chicken but then found out that it was bat. Who the hell knows when they can't even have menus in English. They have some weird writing style which I couldn't make head nor tail of. Where is a Wendy's when you need it.
Written April 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Teo ZQ
Singapore, Singapore508 contributions
Solo
The palace of the ming and qing dynasty. The palace is grand and majestic. The place is very big and will need a few hours to cover. Can only enter by the south gate. Security checks will be done and all lighter will be confiscated. All the lighters will be send to north gate where one can go pick up the lighter but it will all be mixed together and is free for all. If time permits, after exit the north gate, can cross the road and head up to jingshan park for a nice view of forbidden city. Entrance to the park cost 2rmb and if got yikatong(metro card), can use it to tap at entrance and no need to queue for ticket.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ray S
New York, United States183 contributions
No visit to Beijing is complete without a visit to The Palace Museum and the adjacent Tiananmen Square. ID or Passport is required to access the Square and Museum. Tickets can be purchased by phone or at the ticket counters just outside the main gate.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Amit P
Pune District, India265 contributions
It is a quintessential display of Chinese culture and history! Rows of buidings, rooms built for specific purposes. Tough only a small part of the entire City (literally) is accessible to public, it will tire you out just looking at that part! Your are awestruck even before you enter watching the area surrounding the City. It is very important you take a informed guide with you who will walk you through the City and tell details of each building/monuments. There is so much in there that even one entire day will not be enough. A must visit at least one in your lifetime!
Written March 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MissMoffet74
Darwin, Australia35 contributions
Hi, just wondering if this is still close?
niedo
Portland, OR19 contributions
(2/28 1.40pm) Beijing Parks Begin Limiting Access: Though almost every park in Beijing remains open, some have started limiting the number of people entering each day. Chaoyang Park will limit tickets to 20,000 per day to control the park from getting too crowded, the Beijing Youth Daily reported. Meanwhile, tickets to the Summer Palace are no longer being sold on site and must be reserved one day in advance via their WeChat account (search "颐和园" in WeChat).
They said will be closed for public for nee year and I see reviews from 23-26th, how in world is that possible?
Can you please tell me when will be open again?
E7855OXlisac
Sedalia, MO57 contributions
I was there the last day it was open. I would think that it will be announced when the quarentine is lifted.
David W
Taipei, Taiwan
We are after a tour guide for the Forbidden City. We have already bought tickets, just need someone that can explain the history of the place. Does anyone have any recommendations? P.S. We have Wechat so feel free to drop us their wechat or email ids
niccaeadam
Johannesburg, South Africa16 contributions
The history is available online as being world history. Great place to visit very well restored and maintained.
kiwijokers
Auckland, New Zealand349 contributions
We will be there early November any advise?
Timothy S
Brisbane, Australia153 contributions
Are you part of an organised tour? Difficult to get anywhere without an english speaking guide. It would be much more beneficial to have a guide that can answer your specific questions as the Forbidden City is massive. As for what to wear, obviously depending on the weather but there is a lot of open space with small, sometimes very crowded cover to shade yourselves. Most locals carry umbrellas.
Lh K
Singapore, Singapore
can you stay beyond 12 pm for the morning session
Josep Sans
Sabadell, Spain332 contributions
Yes
no time control.
seesaw123
Northamptonshire, UK32 contributions
Hi can somebody tell me is it better to hire a tour guide or is the audio quite informative? Many thanks
Josep Sans
Sabadell, Spain332 contributions
I Will advise tour guide. He help to skip queues and show you the hot and hidden spots.
Paulina S
Warsaw, Poland5 contributions
Will the Forbidden City be open this Monday? I heard that during summer they are open on Mondays yet it is imposdible to book tickets for that day.
Tadeusz K
Gdansk, Poland25 contributions
Niestety nie pamiętam godzin otwarcia, byłem we wrześniu w ub. roku. Było warto, pozdrawiam
Sarah Y
Seattle, WA28 contributions
Do we have to book tickets online ahead of time? Can we get tickets at the door?
Tania291
Melbourne, Australia180 contributions
We just walked up to the ticket gate with our passports and purchased our tickets. The ticket gates are on the right hand side before the Meridian Gate Entrance. You'll see locals gathering around the small ticket offices.
No problems with language either.
There was a lady attempting to get us to go with her to buy tickets, saying that it is a long wait in the heat and that she can expedite the process, but this is a scam and don't fall for it. Your passports become you tickets at the entrance.
As usual, there is security screening on bags and yourself before entering the ticket office and the Meridian Gate.
The biggest problem we had was finding the actual entrance to the before the ticket office, from the subway station. Unfortunately, China is very bad with their signage to attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Forbidden City-The Palace Museum
- Forbidden City-The Palace Museum is open:
- Tue - Sun 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Forbidden City-The Palace Museum admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost $9.11, while a popular guided tour starts around $5.00 per person. See all 1,025 Forbidden City-The Palace Museum tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- Forbidden City-The Palace Museum can be crowded, so we recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. See all 1,025 Forbidden City-The Palace Museum tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Forbidden City-The Palace Museum:
- Skip the Line: Beijing Forbidden City Admission Ticket (From $9.75)
- Private Custom Tour: Beijing in One Day (From $122.67)
- 4-Hour Private Beijing Walking Tour of the Forbidden City (From $74.00)
- 4 Hour Private Forbidden City Tour with Depth Exploring (From $86.00)
- 4-Hour Skip-the-Line Small Group Discovery Forbidden City Tour with Hotel Pickup (From $69.00)
- Hotels near Forbidden City-The Palace Museum:
- (0.80 mi) Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing, Beijing
- (0.74 mi) Renaissance Beijing Wangfujing Hotel
- (0.87 mi) The PuXuan Hotel and Spa
- (0.87 mi) Waldorf Astoria Beijing
- (0.46 mi) Hotel Kapok Beijing
- Restaurants near Forbidden City-The Palace Museum:
- (0.29 mi) TRB Forbidden City
- (0.20 mi) GuGong Restaurant
- (0.58 mi) Black Sesame Kitchen
- (0.29 mi) Siji Minfu Roast Duck (Gugong)
- (0.76 mi) Wan Li (Renaissance Beijing Wangfujing Hotel)