How to Do Beijing in 2 Days Without Breaking the Bank (With My Exact Budget)

I wanted to experience Beijing without blowing my savings.

When I booked a last-minute trip from Jakarta to Beijing, I gave myself two goals: explore as much as I could in 48 hours, and stick to a budget under $550 USD. Spoiler alert—I came pretty close, and I didn’t miss out on anything major.

In this post, I’m sharing my real 2-day Beijing itinerary with a full breakdown of what I spent—from flights and hotel to dumplings and entrance tickets. If you're planning your own short getaway to Beijing and want to keep things smart and affordable, this one's for you.

✈️ Flight from Jakarta to Beijing — $229

I managed to grab a return flight from Jakarta to Beijing for $229, thanks to a flash deal I found through this flexible travel search. I flew mid-week using a budget airline—nothing fancy, but perfectly fine for the six-hour flight. A small sacrifice in legroom saved me a big chunk of my budget.

🏨 Accommodation — $55

I spent $55 for two nights at a charming little boutique guesthouse in the Dongcheng District. It wasn’t luxurious, but it was clean, quiet, and within walking distance of Tiananmen Square and several metro lines. I found the place using this well-reviewed stay list, filtering by location and affordability. I could’ve gone even cheaper by staying in a hostel, but I preferred having a private space to rest.

🚇 Transport — $60

Getting around Beijing was incredibly cheap. I used the metro extensively, buying a rechargeable metro card that I topped up with 30 RMB (about $4), which covered all my city transport. For the airport transfer, I booked a shared shuttle van through this experience-based platform, which cost about $7 one way. Taxis were totally avoidable—public transport was super efficient.

🏯 Entrance Tickets & Tours — $79

I was selective about which attractions to visit, focusing on quality over quantity. I spent about $17 for entry to the Forbidden City, which included access to an audio guide. Entry to the Temple of Heaven was just $10. My biggest ticket expense was the Great Wall at Mutianyu, but even that cost only $23 because I booked a group tour in advance through this easy booking option, which included transportation, entry, and a guide. Absolutely worth it.

🍜 Food & Drinks — $60

Eating in Beijing was one of the highlights of my trip—and affordable. I tried zhajiangmian (a must!), dumplings in a local hutong, and even squeezed in a shared portion of Peking duck. Most meals cost between $5 and $15. I budgeted about $30 per day and still had room for bubble tea, street snacks from Wangfujing, and bottled water. Altogether, I spent $60 on food over two days and was completely satisfied.

🎁 Souvenirs & Miscellaneous — $39

I didn’t go crazy with shopping, but I picked up a cute panda magnet, a few postcards, and a small scroll painting from a street vendor. Altogether, these set me back around $39.

💰 So, what’s the total damage? $522.

Here’s how it all added up:
My flight was $522 round trip. Accommodation cost $55 for two nights. Transport (metro and airport transfer) was just $60 total. Tickets and tours for the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Temple of Heaven came to $79. I spent $60 on food across both days, and another $39 on small souvenirs. That brings the grand total to $522 USD—just under my $550 target.

🧳 What I Packed (and What Helped the Most)

I kept things light, traveling with just a backpack and a small sling bag. A few things made the trip smoother:

• A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated without buying plastic.

• Tissue and hand sanitizer, because not every public restroom had supplies.

• A eSIM for vacation (lifesaver for maps and translation apps).

• A reliable power bank, since my phone was constantly in use for navigation and photos.

If you’re prepping for a short trip, I put together this list of practical travel must-haves that you can check out.

🎯 Where I Saved the Most

The metro was a huge money-saver—clean, fast, and cheap. I also skipped taxis, fancy restaurants, and high-end souvenir shops. Group tours were surprisingly affordable, and staying in a well-located budget guesthouse helped me avoid long (and costly) commutes.

📍 Where I Spent a Bit More (and It Was Worth It)

I paid slightly more for a boutique hotel in a central location, which saved me time and allowed me to walk to some attractions. The airport van service was also a small upgrade, but it meant a smooth arrival and departure. Booking the Great Wall trip ahead also gave me peace of mind.

🧠 Final Tips for Doing Beijing on a Budget

Here’s what worked for me:

• Plan your route in advance, especially when you’re short on time.

• Pick 2–3 major sights instead of trying to see everything.

• Always have some small RMB notes ready many street vendors only accept cash.

• Download maps offline and carry a translation app.

• Try street food and local diners these are both budget-friendly and culturally rich.

🌏 Want to Plan Your Own Trip?

If you’re inspired to explore Beijing without overspending, I recommend checking flights, accommodations, and experiences all in one place here. It helps you compare prices, read traveler reviews, and book with peace of mind.

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