
Forbidden City Tour
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 43 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Forbidden City Tour worth booking?
Forbidden City Tour is a 2-hour experience in Beijing, China, from $60 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 43 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 69 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (43)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $60 per person
The tour include tickets to the Forbidden City, but it is required to book the tour at least 7 days in advance. If you already have your own ticket, you can book the tour just 2 days before your desired date. Your guide will meet you at Hotel Kapok (东华门木棉花酒店), strategically located for your convenience. You can easily reach the meeting point by taxi. Rest assured, your guide is meticulously chosen for their expertise and profound insights into the history, architecture, and culture of the palace.
What you get
About this experience
The tour include tickets to the Forbidden City, but it is required to book the tour at least 7 days in advance. If you already have your own ticket, you can book the tour just 2 days before your desired date. Your guide will meet you at Hotel Kapok (东华门木棉花酒店), strategically located for your convenience. You can easily reach the meeting point by taxi. Rest assured, your guide is meticulously chosen for their expertise and profound insights into the history, architecture, and culture of the palace.
What's included
Included
- Forbidden city admission ticket
- Private knowledgable guide
Not included
- Hotel drop-off
- Transportion fee
What you'll see and do
The Palace Museum
Please book the tour at least 7 days in advance .
180 minutes here · Admission included
Meridian Gate (Wu Men)
This the entrance of Forbidden city ( Please it will with long line during peak season , and highly recommend to visit Forbidden City in the afternoon , because much less tourists in the afternoon)
Pass by without stopping
Hall of Great Harmony (Taihe Dian)
Inside of Forbidden City
10 minutes here
Hall of Preserving Harmony (Baohedian)
Inside of Forbidden City
10 minutes here
The Imperial Garden of The Palace Museum
The end of tour
10 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Beijing
The hotel is the best point for meeting your guide . Meet here can avoid the Tiananmen square long line . The hotel name and address in Chinese ( 北京木棉花酒店, 地址:东城区,东华门大街16号), So, you can show the Chinese to taxi driver .
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
This is the end of Forbidden city .
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- zh-TW, cmn, en, zh-CN
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Beijing Private Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants for getting your Forbidden City entrance ticket in advance
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 43 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
9 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
43 verified traveler reviews for Forbidden City Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Lots to learn here!
This was such a rich cultural experience. If you go to Beijing, it is a must-experience, if you are interested in the history of China. The atmosphere is bustling --lots of people everywhere, so be ready for that. Also plan to spend four hours or so at this attraction. There is soooo much to see and there is also a park after you exit that will allow you to see a view of the city from above, once you exit the attraction. Tip: If you go during the hotter months (we went in early July), I would bring water, a portable fan, a sun hat, and possibly a snack (though there is a place where you can food on site).
via Tripadvisor
Good!
Enjoyable tour with Lilly who was very knowledge and happy to help. The forbidden city is very big so it was good to be shown around.
via Tripadvisor
Forbidden City private tour
It was a lovely tour of the Forbidden City. Our tour guide Hanna was great. She was a very good guide, very knowledgeable, her English was excellent and she was very lovely to talk to. I highly recommend her and the private tour.
via Tripadvisor
Great tour, great guide
Thank you so much Anna for this visit in the forbidden city! You have been an exceptional guide, nice, patient, curious!
via Tripadvisor
Forbidden City
We were guided by Snow, who was incredibly knowledgeable about the Palace and China history more broadly. She was very patient and pleasant throughout and we had a very positive experience.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Price range
- $60 to $189
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 15
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Beijing Private Tours, who run 11 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 50.5.
See everything Beijing Private Tours runsWhy this scores 69
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Forbidden City Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Beijing.
How much does Forbidden City Tour cost?
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Prices start at $60 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Beijing usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Forbidden City Tour take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Beijing is not rushed.
Is Forbidden City Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 43 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Beijing, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Forbidden City Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Forbidden City Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Forbidden City Tour?
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Around 15 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Beijing can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Beijing and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Forbidden City Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Beijing within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Beijing?
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On Outty we rank every Beijing experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Temple Heaven, Lama Temple, Summer Palace & Peking Duck Bus Tour, Beijing Mutianyu Great Wall Sightseeing Full-day Group Tours, Mubus: Mutianyu Great Wall Bus Tour with Summer Palace Options. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Beijing?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Beijing?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Forbidden City Tour?
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Included: Forbidden city admission ticket; and Private knowledgable guide. Not included: Hotel drop-off; and Transportion fee. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Forbidden City Tour?
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The hotel is the best point for meeting your guide . Meet here can avoid the Tiananmen square long line . The hotel name and address in Chinese ( 北京木棉花酒店, 地址:东城区,东华门大街16号), So, you can show the Chinese to taxi driver . Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Forbidden City Tour offered in?
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It is offered in Chinese and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Forbidden City Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Forbidden City Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Forbidden City Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Beijing. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Forbidden City Tour?
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Across 43 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, small groups. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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