There’s something about Beijing’s rooftops in good weather. The city spreads out below you — grey hutong rooftops, ancient temple spires, and sometimes even the Forbidden City’s golden glint in the distance.
Here are 5 cafes in Beijing with rooftops:
1. 闲塾·NOSTALGIC NOOK – Forbidden City Panorama
Neighborhood: Tian’anmen area
This is the view. Located on the 8th floor of the UrCove Hotel near the Forbidden City, this rooftop terrace offers a 210-degree panorama of the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, and Beihai Park’s white pagoda. On a clear day, it’s breathtaking.
Address: 8F, UrCove Hotel
Hours: 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM
2. Berry Beans (前门店) – The Classic Hutong Rooftop
Neighborhood: Qianmen / Dashilan
Berry Beans is the OG of Beijing’s “rooftop coffee” scene. Tucked in a hutong near Qianmen, this two-story cafe has a small balcony overlooking the grey-tiled rooftops of Dashilan. It’s been a favorite for years for a reason.
The balcony is small, but the view — hutong rooftops stretching toward Qianmen — is classic Beijing.
Address: No. 7, Zhu Jia Hutong
Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
3. Polonio Coffee – White Tower with No Obstructions
Neighborhood: Baitasi (White Pagoda Temple area)
Polonio has one of the best views of the Baitasi (White Pagoda) — unobstructed, dramatic, and perfectly framed by the hutong rooftops below. The coffee is excellent too, which is a bonus.
The interior is modern and minimal. The crowd is a mix of serious coffee drinkers and photo-seekers.
Address: No. 81, Gongmenkou Dongcha
Hours: 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM
4. 做書咖啡 (Make Books Coffee) – Reader’s Rooftop in Longfusi
Neighborhood: Dongsi
Tucked inside the Longfusi Cultural Park, this cafe combines a free reading space with a rooftop that overlooks hutong rooftops. The interior has bookshelves filled with a variety of titles, and every coffee comes with a “book ID card” — extending the tasting experience into a reading journey.
The rooftop is especially photogenic at sunset, making it a favorite spot for readers and writers looking for “inspiration on the terrace.” It also has a rare feature for hutong cafes: a dedicated restroom.
Address: Longfusi Cultural Park, east yard, building 1, F3
Hours: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM
5. % Arabica (Baitasi) – Iconic White Pagoda Views
Neighborhood: Baitasi (White Pagoda Temple area)
The international coffee brand’s first hutong courtyard cafe sits in the Baitasi area, with an outdoor terrace offering unobstructed views of the White Pagoda. The space mixes traditional hutong design with modern minimalism — indoor bar area, courtyard seating, and a second-floor terrace with umbrella-covered seating.
Address: N0. 72, Baitasi Dongjia Dao
Hours: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
FAQ:
1️⃣ Can I pay with a foreign credit card at these rooftop cafes in Beijing?
Most prefer Alipay or WeChat Pay. Link your foreign credit card to Alipay before you go. Cash works at all spots.
2️⃣ Are these Beijing rooftop cafes accessible for people with limited mobility?
Only 闲塾·NOSTALGIC NOOK has an elevator (inside UrCove Hotel). The others are in old hutong buildings with narrow stairs and no elevators. ;(
3️⃣ Can I bring a laptop and work at these Beijing rooftop cafes?
Yes!
4️⃣ What is the best time of day to visit a rooftop cafe in Beijing for photos?
Late afternoon, about 1-2 hours before sunset, offers the best lighting. The golden hour light softens the hutong rooftops and creates warm shadows. For Forbidden City views at 闲塾, morning light is also excellent.
5️⃣ Can I bring my dog to these rooftop cafes in Beijing?
做書咖啡 (Make Books Coffee) is pet friendly. Berry beans allows pets in their outdoor area.
✨You’re reading a blog from Our Beijing ✨ We design authentic adventures for travelers who want to dive deeper — cycling through hutongs, tasting Beijing’s favorite snacks, and hiking the wild, unrestored Great Wall.
