If you go to Beijing, you have to visit Tiananmen Square just to experience how surreal and quiet it is.

Then, go across the street to the Forbidden City. It’s a lot of walking and might get a bit boring with the repetition of the courtyards looking pretty much the same. Still, a good place to spend some time in Beijing.

Be wary of scams, especially pickpockets and the really common tea room scenario. If a stranger invites you to have a tea, coffee, or beer, they’re likely taking you to a restaurant that is ready to over-charge you. Visitors can end up paying nearly a hundred dollars for a cup of tea while the stranger who took you there disappears into some back room, leaving you with the bill.

Directions: Entry to the forbidden city is allowed only through the Meridian Gate, the south gate of the museum. So take subway line 1 to Tiananmen East Station (Exit A) or Tiananmen West Station (Exit B), or subway line 2 to Qianmen Station (Exit A).

Hours: April to October 8:30am-5:00pm, but can only buy tickets until 4:00pm. November to March, 8:30am-4:30pm, but can only buy tickets until 3:30pm.