Welcome to the capital of the most populous country in the world. With a culture steeped in history and tradition, this is a city unlike any other.
From cultural landmarks and historical monuments to some of the best food and nightlife in the world; there is something for everyone in this mega city. It is the heart of China and is home to a diverse mix of people and traditions.
Due to the HUGE size of this sprawling city, you’ll want to choose the neighborhood that you stay in carefully. There are some areas that are lot more suited to travellers than others. You’ll want to figure out which area of Beijing is best for you, your travel needs and of course, your budget.
That’s where I come in! I’ve put together this one-stop-shop guide to help you choose where to stay in Beijing. From high rise apartments to budget-friendly hostels – I’ve got you covered no matter your budget and style.
I spent over three years living in this bustling metropolis so I’m about to hit you with the best insider info to help you choose the best neighborhood to suit your interests.
Ready? Let’s dive in!
Looking for a specific place to stay? These are my highest recommendations for places to stay in Beijing.
Peking International Youth Hostel | Best Hostel in Beijing
The Peking International Youth Hostel has hosted many backpackers in China throughout the years and even won awards for being an excellent hostel. There’s a wide range of room options so you’re sure to find something to suit your needs. There’s a rooftop terrace where you can enjoy a cocktail from the bar and the attached restaurant is a great place to people-watch over a delicious meal. This is the best place to stay in Beijing for solo travellers who want to meet new people.
New World Beijing Hotel | Best Hotel in Beijing
Located in one of the most important neighborhoods in Beijing, you can easily get to many of the top Beijing attractions such as Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven from this Luxury hotel. The subway line is within walking distance. You’ll never go hungry thanks to the onsite restaurant that serves a buffet day. There’s also a sauna and fitness room for those who need a little pampering. New World Beijing is my top recommendation for where to stay in Beijing for the first time as it’s a very short walk to the most important landmarks and sanlitun bar street where you can find some incredible nightlife.
Entire Studio in the Heart of Beijing | Best Airbnb in Beijing
This studio apartment is located in the middle of the best party district in Beijing. It’s also the neighborhood with some of the best restaurants and as well as a massive transport hub with easy access to the airport and the rest of the city. The Japanese-style rooms offer tatami sleeping spaces, a TV, and a huge modern bathroom. It’s my top recommendation for where to stay in Beijing if you want to stay out till sunrise.
Qianmen
Beijing’s most important landmarks and buildings were built on a central axis and the southern-most point of that axis is Qianmen Street.
Xinjiekou
Hang out around Shichahai – three artificial lakes. Rent a boat for a few hours in the summer or ice skate or ride ice vehicles in the winter. It’s the best area to stay in Beijing for those on a budget.
Gulou
Home to the ancient clocks of Beijing and also to numerous bars, cafes, restaurants, and quaint little shops tucked away down the alleys.
Xidan / Xisi
Xidan is a bustling shopping and commercial area and Xisi is quieter and dotted with old public buildings, temples, and winding hutong alleys. Xidan is the best area to stay in Beijing for families.
Now it’s easier than ever to visit Beijing as it’s possible to stay up to 6 days visa free! There is more than enough to keep you busy for a few days. From cultural activities and museums to cuisine from all over the world, there are so many things to do in Beijing.
Beijing is a municipality not belonging to any of the provinces. It is made up of 5 central districts and 11 other suburbs and rural districts. Almost anything of interest to travelers is located in the central districts. The only reason to visit the outer areas is to explore more remote sections of the Great Wall. It’s even possible to camp on the Great Wall!
The heart and soul of Beijing has always been the Forbidden City (aka the Palace Museum) which served as the Imperial Palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Only the royal family was allowed to enter the palace complex. Anyone else was forbidden to enter unless they had special permission from the emperor, hence the name “Forbidden City.”
Expanding out from the Forbidden City is the area ofQianmen, or the Xicheng and Dongcheng districts which mean “west city” and “east city” respectively based on their position to the Forbidden City.
These are the neighborhoods where members of the nobility and extended royal family called home and it’s where you’ll find the highest concentration of historic landmarks such as Tiananmen Square, Houhai lake, the Lama Temple, and Confucius Temple. You’ll also find some of the coolest ‘hoods such as Gulou and Dongzhimen.
Expanding out fromQianmen is Xinjiekou district. This is one of the residential districts in the central area and is one of the best places to stay in for backpackers. It has excellent links to Sanlitun, Worker’s Stadium (Gongti), and the Central Business District (CBD).
It’s also close to one of the largest parks in the city, Chaoyang Park. You could easily spend an afternoon walking around or grab some friends and rent the party bike for the afternoon! You’ll be so glad you did. To get your culture fix in theXinjiekou district, head to 798 Art District and see what happens when several artists get together to save abandoned factories and warehouses from demolition – one of the largest art complexes you’ll ever visit.
Heading northwest of Xicheng District you’ll enter theDongzhimen/Sanlitun District. This is where you’ll find the highest concentration of luxury hotels.
The neighborhood of Gulou is home to multiple bars, nightclubs, cafes, and restaurants where you’ll find a much younger crowd of both foreigners and locals.Gulou is also home to Nanjing University and Xuanwuhu Park.
Finally, there’sXidan/Xisi which is my top recommendation for where to stay in Beijing for families. It is the central business district and has access to many luxurious shopping malls and luxury hotels.
Still confused about where to stay in Beijing? Read on, I’ve got you!
Beijing’s 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay In
Beijing has one of the largest and most comprehensive subway systems in Asia making it easy to navigate around the city no matter what your Beijing itinerary looks like.
No matter where you stay, you’ll be able to get around to other areas with ease but you’ll still want to choose the neighborhood that has the most of what you want to do. With a population of 21.5 million people, the rush hour traffic and crowds on the subway can be mind-boggling!
So without further adieu, here are my recommendations for where to stay in Beijing.
Qianmen – Where to stay in Beijing for the first time!
Beijing’s most important landmarks and buildings were built on a central axis and the southern-most point of that axis is Qianmen Street.
This street has over 570 years of history. It was called Zhengyangmen during the Ming and Qing Dynasties but was changed in 1965. During the Qing Dynasty, it was the main marketplace of Beiijng where locals would go shopping and travelers would trade their crafts. It consisted of a meat market, a clothing market, and a jewelry market. The nearby hutongs had theaters, warehouses, and craftsman workshops.
Fast-forward to modern-day and Qianmen Street is a thriving, pedestrian-only shopping district. The buildings still retain the Qing Dynasty architecture style on the outside but the inside houses modern-day brands such as Zara, H&M, and Sephora. It’s also a popular nightlife spot with some of the best restaurants such as Quanjude – the most popular Peking Roast Duck in the country.
This neighborhood has the easiest access to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven.
Qianmen Hostel | Best Hostel in Qianmen
Get a glimpse into “old Beijing” in this clean and bright hostel. Located in the center of Beijing in the hutongs (old school neighborhoods), Qianmen Hostel is only a 10-minute walk from the best Beijing attractions such as Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. You’ll find a restaurant serving both Western and Chinese cuisine on-site as well as a 24-hour bar! It’s my top budget option for where to stay in Beijing for the first time.
New World Beijing Hotel | Best Hotel in Qianmen
Located in one of the most important neighborhoods in Beijing, you can easily get to many of the top Beijing attractions such as Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven from this Luxury hotel. The subway line is within walking distance. You’ll never go hungry thanks to the onsite restaurant that serves a buffet day. There’s also a sauna and fitness room for those who need a little pampering. New World Beijing is my top recommendation for where to stay in Beijing for the first time as it’s a very short walk to the most important landmarks and sanlitun bar street where you can find some incredible nightlife.
Double Duplex in Old Beijing, near Tiananmen | Best Airbnb in Qianmen
Step back 100 years to old Beijing into this courtyard-style home located in central Beijing. This ancient home has been renovated with modern furniture and luxury fittings, but there is still a traditional element of the Ming Dynasty in the architecture. This double duplex has a private room and bathroom as well as a small kitchenette for cooking simple meals and sofa, but best of all is the convenient location that is within walking distance of the Tiananmen, making it the perfect place to stay if it’s your first time to visit Beijing.
Top Things to do in Qianmen
- Wake up before dawn to observe the flag-raising ceremony in Tiananmen Square
- Soak in the grandeur of the Soviet-style building surrounding Tiananmen Square
- Get lost in the multiple alleys and rooms in the Beijing Forbidden City
- Take in the best view of the Forbidden City from atop the hill in Jingshan Park
- Enjoy a traditional Chinese breakfast at one of the many local restaurants just off of Qianmen Street
- Shop til you drop at the many stores on Qianmen Street
- Learn about how the emperors prayed for help at the Temple of Heaven
- Go for a stroll in Tiantan Park
- Tantalize your taste buds with amazing cuisine at Yitiaolong restaurant
- Taste Beijing’s most traditional mean – roast duck – at Quanjude
- Get up close with the father of modern-day China at the Chairman Mao Mausoleum
- Admire the Monument to the People’s Heroes
- Take in the collection at the Chinese National Museum
- See the tiny model of this massive metropolis inside the Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall
- Sample the strange foods in the night market in Wangfujing
- Learn the ways of Chinese martial arts at the Kung Fu show performed in the Red Theater
- Get acquainted with quintessential Chinese culture by taking in a Beijing Opera performance at the Zheng Yici Opera Theatre
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Historically, this neighborhood was home to members of the nobility and the royal family. It’s a popular neighborhood for buying CDs and DVDs thanks to the multitude of shops. Many people also come here to buy musical instruments as there are a plethora of shops on Xinjiekou South Street. Many of them are owned by talented musicians and it’s fun to just pick their brains.
The most popular things to do in this part of the city hang out around Shichahai – three artificial lakes. The best thing to do in the summer is to grab a group of friends, some drinks and snacks, and rent a boat for a few hours. In the winter the lakes are shallow enough to freeze over and you can ice skate or rent one of the other hilarious ice vehicles. The lakes are surrounded by quaint cafes and coffee shops that play chill-out music by day and night club favorites once the sun goes down.
Spring Time Hostel | Best Hostel in Xinjiekou
Spring Time Hostel is located in a very traditional neighborhood on the outskirts of Beijing city center, 3 minutes away from Dongsi subway station. The building embraces traditional Chinese styles with modern features, providing a truly cosy place to stay. Each room is a private room, so no dorm rooms with snoring roommates to keep you up! The staff speak English well so they can assist in answering questions or helping you book a tour. They can also provide shuttles to Beijing Capital International Airport at a small fee. It’s my recommendation for where to stay in Beijing on a budget because of their low prices.
The Presidential Building | Best Hotel in Xinjiekou
This boutique hotel has traditional Chinese furniture and decoration helping you feel like you’re in the Far East while still having your comforts from home. The hotel has a gorgeous indoor pool, 4 dining options and free wifi in the public area. There is also a relaxing sauna and fitness centre, plus a space to enjoy a game of table tennis. It is my top choice for where to stay in central Beijing for a luxury experience.
Spacious & Cozy Studio in a Hotel | Best Airbnb in Xinjiekou
This place has a stunning outdoor terrace with a dining area, a comfortable double bed and a stylish bathroom – what more do you need?! In addition to these awesome features, there’s also high speed wifi. The studio is part of Guipu Beihai Siheyuan Hotel and is located within walking distance to lots of bars, cafes, and restaurants, and the subway station. It is my top choice for where to stay in Beijing if you want to stay in budget hotels with spacious rooms in central Beijing.
Top Things to do in Xinjiekou
- Wander around the lakes of Shichahai taking in the scenery
- Take a tour to the Great Wall and Summer Palace
- Grab some friends and a boat and spend some quality time on the water
- Step back into old Beijing by exploring the hutongs
- Visit the Prince Kung’s Mansion
- Learn about Chinese instruments on Xinjiekou South Street
- Shop for bootleg CD’s and DVD’s
- Learn about Taoist and Buddhist culture at one of the ten famous temples around the lakes
- Eat one of the many delicious snacks on offer around the lake
- Watch an incredible Chinese acrobat performance
- Head to Zoom to experience a British-style football bar in China
- Taste one of the many cocktails while enjoying the live music at Houhai 5
- Sample cuisine from South China at Kong Yiji
- Check out the Beijing Zoo and Aquarium
Dongzhimen/Sanlitun – Where to stay in Beijing for the best nightlife!
In ancient times, Dongzhimen was the home of the east gate leading into the inner city. Now it’s a major commercial and transport hub. This is a great area to stay in as it is the terminus of the airport subway line. It’s a popular area for ex-pats as it has many Western amenities, restaurants, and most importantly, great nightlife spots.
The reason why it’s where to stay in Beijing for the nightlife is because of its proximity to Worker’s Stadium (Gongti) and Sanlitun. Sanlitun is the coolest shopping and dining area in the city. The Sanlitun Bar Street was the first-ever bar community in the city and paved the way for the incredible nightlife one can enjoy today.
The Worker’s Stadium (often called Gongti) is actually a soccer stadium but the building houses some of the ritziest bars and nightclubs. It’s where you’ll find the children of the city’s elite hanging out on weekends, showing off their fancy cars.
Dongzhimen is also the best neighborhood to stay in for easy access to visiting the Great Wall – one of China’s most beautiful places.
Happy Dragon Backpackers Hostel | Best Hostel in Dongzhimen
The rooms at the Happy Dragon Backpackers Hostel are ornately-decorated and come with private bathrooms. There are no dorms, so everyone can enjoy the best of Beijing’s nightlife and still come back to somewhere where they can get a good rest. It’s located in the Beijing Central business district within walking distance of the Wangfujing Shopping Street and Jing Shan Park. It’s also a great place to stay to see the best of the city center as they provide bicycles to rent and get around easily. The rooms are reportedly clean and comfortable.
Entire Studio in the Heart of Beijing | Best Airbnb in Dongzhimen
This studio apartment is located in the middle of the best party district in Beijing. It’s also the neighborhood with some of the best restaurants and as well as a massive transport hub with easy access to the airport and the rest of the city. The Japanese-style rooms offer tatami sleeping spaces, a TV, and a huge modern bathroom. It’s my top recommendation for where to stay in Beijing if you want to stay out till sunrise.
Oriental Garden Hotel | Best Hotel in Dongzhimen
The Oriental Garden Hotel is equipped with a gym, restaurant, and free WiFi. Each room comes with a TV, mini bar, and private bathroom. There are several different room types from standard rooms all the way up to king suites. This is my top choice for where to stay in Beijing to experience the nightlife as it’s located near some of the best bars and nightclubs in the Chinese capital.
Top Things to do in Dongzhimen/Sanlitun
- Party like a rock star at one of the most prominent nightclubs in Gongti – Mix and Vics
- Hit up a Beijing Guoan match and learn the (sometimes vulgar) football club chants
- Dance like no one is watching at Lantern Club
- Go hiking the Great Wall of China
- Enjoy a beer while watching the game (any game) at Paddy O’Shea’s – the best sports bar in Beijing
- Watch as they carve your roast duck at your dinner table at Da Dong
- Enjoy free wine and beer while you wait for your table at Da Dong
- Shop luxury brands at Taikooli shopping mall in Santlitun
- Try on the coolest threads at the boutique shops in the 3.3 Mansion in Sanlitun
- Wander the mega malls at Raffles City and Yinzuo
- Try some traditional and downright weird foods at any hour of the day at one of the 100 restaurants on Guijie – “Ghost Street”
- Immerse yourself in Chinese culture through a workshop or movie showing at the Culture Yard
- Dazzle your friends with your singing abilities at one of the countless KTV (karaoke) clubs
- Relax and indulge in one of the many services on offer at Dragonfly Spa
- Curl up with a good book or people watch over a delicious coffee at the Bookworm
- Satisfy your Western food craving with New York Style pizza at Kro’s Nest
- If New York style pizza isn’t your thing, head to the Tree for wood-fired pizza
- Enjoy a cheap glass of vino at Cheers
- Choose your favorite cheap cocktail at Nanjie
- Try beers from all over the world at Beer Mania
- Grab a beer from the cooler and enjoy it immediately at Heaven Supermarket
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Grab an eSIM!Gulou – Where to stay in Beijing if you want to be cool!
Gulou literally translates to drum tower so it’s not surprising that this area is home to the ancient clocks of Beijing – the drum tower and bell towers. They are also an important landmark on the central axis of Beijing. To the west of the towers, you’ll find many traditional hutongs (traditional neighborhoods) that have been preserved by the government.
Thanks to its retro style, this area has become quite popular with the city’s hipster clans and is one of the best places to visit in Beijing. That’s why it’s my recommendation for where to stay in Beijing if you want to hang with the cool kids.
It’s also popular with Chinese tourists who want to see how Westerners like to party. There are numerous bars, cafes, restaurants, and quaint little shops tucked away down the alleys. It’s the perfect place to get lost and feel like you’re back in ancient times.
The most prominent area of Gulou is a pedestrian street called Nanluoguxiang. There’s no shortage of cool places to hang out. Be careful of the days and times you visit as it’s popular with local tourists and it can get pretty crowded on the weekends.
Peking International Youth Hostel | Best Hostel in Gulou
Located on one of the most happening streets in Beijing, the Peking International Youth Hostel has hosted many travelers throughout the years and even won awards for being an excellent hostel. With a wide range of room options, you’re sure to find something to suit your needs. There’s a rooftop terrace where you can enjoy a cocktail from the bar and the attached restaurant is a great place to people-watch over a delicious meal.
The Orchid Hotel | Best Hotel in Gulou
The Orchid Hotel is in a magical location of the hip Gulou neighborhood. According to one review, “Staying here is like staying with friends you didn’t know you had!” Another review stated the included breakfast rivals any brunch he’s ever had in the States. That’s why this is my choice for where to stay in Beijing if you want to hang out with the cool kids.
Great Apartment in Tropical Rainforest Environment | Best Airbnb in Gulou
Located near the Drum and Bell Towers, this is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Beijing. You’ll get to experience life in a traditional Beijing ‘hood. The apartment is cozy and has a full bathroom, but what makes this place truly unique is the indoor rainforest communal space. It’s also just a short walk from some of the best restaurants in the city. It’s my top pick for where to stay in Beijing for its old-school charm.
Top Things to do in Gulou
- Visit all the shops and cafes on Nanluoguxiang
- Take in the live music at Temple Bar – the home of Beijing’s underground
- Indulge in the best Asian fusion meal at 4Corners
- Watch the show and learn how they told time back in the day in the Drum Tower that happens multiple times a day
- Feel small standing next to the massive bell in the Bell Tower
- Learn about the revolutionary writer Mao Dun by touring his former residence
- Head to Yonghegong area to learn about Buddhism and Buddhist culture
- Explore the Lama Temple – a temple that houses a 26m tall statue of the Maitreya Buddha carved from a single piece of white sandalwood
- Learn to philosophize like the greatest Chinese teacher at the Temple of Confucius
- Take a rickshaw ride through the hutongs
- See how the royalty lived by taking a tour of Prince Chun’s Mansion
- Try the skewers of mutton, duck, chicken and other roast meats at Kao Rou Ji
- Get a glimpse into the home of Yang Changji – one of Mao Zedong’s educators
- Try the Chinese-style medical therapy Capital’s Famous Doctors Clinic
- Find nice gourmet food and interesting souvenirs sold in hip boutiques on Gulou Dong Da Jie (Gulous East Street)
- Jump on line 8 subway and head straight to the Olympic Complex to see the Bird’s Next and Water Cube
Xidan/Xisi – Where to stay in Beijing with a family!
Just west of the Forbidden City in Xicheng District, you’ll find these two neighborhoods – Xidan and Xisi. The former being a bustling shopping and commercial area and the latter is quieter and dotted with old public buildings, temples, and winding hutong alleys filled with artsy hangouts and home-grown cafes.
Xidan has always been an important area of Beijing with a history dating all the way back to the Ming Dynasty. It was the main path from the western suburban areas into the inner city. Now it has become a prosperous area with countless shopping malls, department stores, restaurants, and entertainment. It’s a great place to spend a few hours.
Xisi literally means “west four” and the area is named after the 4 paifangs (Chinese sign gates) that used to mark the intersection of Xisi Avenue and Fuchengmen Inner Avenue. The gates stood in the crossing from the Yuan Dynasty up until 1950 when they were removed. Although the gates are no longer there, the name remains. It’s a cool little ‘hood that’s overlooked by most visitors to the city.
Pan Pacific Hotel | Best Hotel in Xidan
Perfectly located in the Xidan Area, the Pan Pacific Hotel offers lots of amenities for guests such as a hot tub in each bathroom. There is a fitness center and indoor swimming pool for guests to enjoy. You can easily explore Beijing’s traditional neighborhood on foot and quickly reach important places such as the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park. The Beijing Capital International Airport is just an hour away and it’s within walking distance of Chaoyang Park.
Premium Suite in Xidan Shopping District | Best Airbnb in Xidan
This bright two-bedroom apartment is perfect for a family of five. It has a fully equipped kitchen for those times when you just want to stay in. The location is perfect as it’s right next to the forbidden city, Jingshan Park, and the hip neighborhood of Houhai. Xidan shopping district is right next door with plenty of futuristic shopping malls. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes in the area as well. It’s my recommendation for where to stay in Beijing with a family.
Chinese Box Courtyard Hostel | Best Hostel in Xidan
This beautiful courtyard hostel has soft beds, clean bathrooms, and super hot water. The staff is extremely helpful and goes out of their way to make you feel welcome. They have free, themed dinners three nights a week making it easy for guests to mingle and try traditional Chinese fare. There are several tours on offer including one to more secluded sections of the Great Wall away from the crowds. It’s my top choice for where to stay in Beijing with a family as they have large rooms big enough for four people.
Top Things to do in Xidan/Xisi
- Get in touch with your inner bibliophile at the Xidan Books Building
- Watch all the people as you explore Xidan’s sprawling Culture Square
- Enjoy a cultural tradition of watching a Beijing Opera performance at the Mei Lan Fang Grand Theatre
- Visit a reconstruction of one of the original paifangs in the middle of the Xidan Culture Square
- For a taste of sweetness that’s been around for a century, head to Daoxiangcun for a delicious cake
- Shop until you drop in one of the gazillion shopping malls
- Get your competitive board gaming on at the Backyard Board Game Room
- Remember your trip forever by buying a cutesy souvenir at one of the many shops
- Indulge in delectable gelato at Vai Milano
- Take a stroll through old Beijing in Lingjing Hutong – the longest hutong alley in Beijing
- Gaze on the Miaoying Temple Whita Dagoba from the rooftop terrace at Bear Brew
- Admire the architecture of the Cathedral of our Savior which played a big role in the Boxer Uprising
- Step back in time while sipping on a coffee at 1901 Cafe – a baroque-style building built in….you guessed it, 1901
- Admire the beautiful pagoda or rent a paddleboat in Beihai Park
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Beijing
Here’s what people usually ask me about the areas of Beijing and where to stay.
What To Pack For Beijing
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Beijing
Beijing has morphed into a modern and futuristic city while still holding on to its traditions and architecture. It has something to offer all types of travelers. From it’s long, rich history to the cuisine and budding arts, you’ll never be bored in this mega city.
Just to recap, Qianmen is my pick for where to stay in Beijing for the first time for its proximity to the most historic landmarks in the city. You can’t go wrong staying at the New World Beijing Hotel as it’s the best hotel in Beijing.
My choice for the best hostel in Beijing is the Peking International Youth Hostel because it’s located in the coolest part of the city where you can still get a sense of what the Chinese capital was like in ancient times.
Do you now know where to stay in Beijing? Have you been to Beijing and think I missed something? Let me know in the comments below! Cheers!
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around China.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Beijing.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in Beijing to plan your trip.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for China.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
