Flying solo in Beijing? Make the most of the me-time with these eat n’ explore suggestions, perfectly tailored for one.
Start your day with a cup of joe and a hearty brekkie at Cafe Zarah, a trendy cafe and art gallery, popular with the laptop wielding crowd. This minimalist townhouse complete with a courtyard garden, makes is a serene spot to while away a morning; the delicious north European-leaning menu gets top marks, too. Looking for heartier fare? Stop by on a Sunday for the moreish buffet brunch.
Tee up a tailor-made jaunt courtesy of Bespoke Beijing, whose small group or private expert-led tours offer a deep-dive into the history, culture and food of the city. Ideal if you only have a few hours to spare, they’ll reveal sides to the famous sites, hutongs and laneways unbeknown to even those who live there.
For a quirksome, street-level experience, see the city from the confines of a sidecar with Beijing Sideways. Your savvy driver/tour guide zips you through the streets, pointing out sites and scenery along the way. Choose from two and four-hour tours, they also offer longer multi-day options, including one that lets you camp by the Great Wall.
Read more: An Insider’s Guide to Beijing
Treat yourself to some down time and unwind with a heavenly massage at The Peninsula Spa. With a blissful array of packages and treatments, you’re spoilt for choice at this luxury, zen-like oasis. Our fave is the dreamy Jade Hot Stone Massage, which comes with an express facial. Glow-tastic!
Feeling pecky? Dining solo might at first seem intimidating, but options abound. The Peninsula’s stellar eateries (Jing for farm-to-table flaves and Huang Ting for Canto delights) are perfectly suited for a dinner date with yourself. Or, or hail a cab to The Southern Fish (49 Gongmenkou Toutiao), whose nondescript hutong situ belies a teensy, monochrome diner serving refined Hunan fare to a stylish crowd – just be sure to arrive early.
For more top tips and insights on how to navigate the Chinese capital, nab a copy of the LUXE Beijing guide…
