Find Your Feet: Best Cafés Around Beijing’s Bell and Drum Towers

If you’re walking past Beijing’s historic Bell and Drum Towers and wondering where to pause for a coffee or drink without the tourist rush, you’re not alone. This area—steeped in history but often overlooked for anything but snapshots—holds a few low-key spots where locals sip, snack, and soak in sunlit afternoons. Whether you want cocktails under the open sky or a quiet bench with a view of the towers, there’s a match for that.

Right at the heart of it is Foot Café, a relaxed open-air spot in a quiet hutong just steps from the towers. Open daily from 1pm to 2am, it serves affordable drinks like sangria and mojitos, along with pizza and desserts—with mains under 40 RMB. Bonus: every Friday afternoon, they host a 50 RMB build-your-own cocktail hour from 3–6pm.

Foot Café: Open-Air Drinks and Pizza by the Towers

Foot Café is located at 41 Zhonglouwan Hutong, Dongcheng District—a short walk from the iconic Bell and Drum Towers. This casual, sun-drenched space is open from 1:00pm until 2:00am daily, making it ideal for both afternoon coffees and late-night drinks. Their menu highlights include Spanish-style sangria and classic mojitos, alongside wood-fired pizza and desserts. With an average spend of just 30–40 RMB per person, it’s a budget-friendly option in a prime location. On Fridays from 3:00–6:00pm, they offer a special cocktail-mixing session where you can build your own drink for 50 RMB. The venue also serves pizza and sweet treats.

Getting there is straightforward: take bus routes 5, 60, 815, 834, or 819 to the ‘Gulou’ stop—you’ll see the towers and then the hutong entrance. Alternatively, take Metro Line 2 to Gulou Dajie Station, exit at B, and walk south down Jiugulou Dajie for about five minutes.

Nearby Picks: More Cafés in the Bell and Drum Shadows

If Foot Café is busy or you want to explore the alley further, you’re in luck. Three other low-key spots lie within a few minutes’ walk, each offering its own flavor of chill.

(Candle Window Café)

Tucked away at 29 Zhonglouwan Hutong, this peaceful spot—formerly known as Southside Café—is all about quiet views. Sit by the window and watch the light shift across the ancient towers while people-watching: rickshaws roll by with tourists, and the tree shadows dance on old brick. Open from 10:00am to 9:30pm, it’s a great midday retreat.

(Yizhi Café)

A stone’s throw away at 68 Zhonglouwan Hutong, this small, homey café opens early (8:00am) and closes at 8:00pm. Its big windows frame the lively Zhonglouwan Square, where locals play chess and travelers soak in old Beijing vibes. It’s perfect for a calm coffee and people-watching session.

(Faye’s Place)

For something quirkier, visit (52 Zhonglouwan Hutong), a café and bar devoted to Hong Kong pop icon Faye Wong. Inside, walls are covered with her posters and photos. It’s open from 2:00pm to 2:00am—great for evening drinks with a theme.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Foot Café and where is it located?

Foot Café is a casual open-air café at 41 Zhonglouwan Hutong in Beijing’s Dongcheng District, just a short walk from the Bell and Drum Towers. It’s known for sangria, mojitos, pizza, and desserts, with prices around 30–40 RMB per person.

What are Foot Café’s opening hours?

Foot Café is open daily from 1:00pm to 2:00am, making it suitable for both afternoon visits and late-night drinks.

Does Foot Café have any weekly events?

Yes, every Friday from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, Foot Café offers a build-your-own cocktail session where you can create a custom drink for 50 RMB.

How do I get to Foot Café using public transport?

You can take bus routes 5, 60, 815, 834, or 819 to the ‘Gulou’ stop, then walk into Zhonglouwan Hutong (the towers are your landmark). Or take Metro Line 2 to Gulou Dajie Station, exit at B, and walk south down Jiugulou Dajie for about five minutes.

What other cafés are near the Bell and Drum Towers?

Nearby options include Candle Window Café (29 Zhonglouwan Hutong), a quiet spot with tower views; Yizhi Café (68 Zhonglouwan Hutong), a small, cozy café by the square; and Faye’s Place (52 Zhonglouwan Hutong), a Faye Wong-themed bar and café.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Outdoor Sipping

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