National Stadium (The Bird's Nest)

A must-see on any Beijing trip. We arrived just after opening and had the place nearly to ourselves. The clean lines and red interior are a photographer's dream. You can see the huge underground sponsor hall, but for me the highlight was simply sitting in the stands and imagining the opening ceremony. It's functional, beautiful, and bizarrely peaceful now. The staff let us take our time and offered to take a photo for us, which was lovely. One of the most memorable stops in Beijing — definitely pay for the full tour.

The Bird's Nest blew me away more than I expected. Even if you're not an architecture person, the scale is awe-inspiring. I went with a local friend who told me stories about volunteering at the 2008 Games, and honestly that made it special. The little Olympic museum inside has actual torches and medals, and the audio guide is well done. Pro tip: combine it with the Olympic Forest Park across the street — the view of the stadium from the mountain at sunset is stunning. One of my favorite afternoons in Beijing.

I've driven past the Bird's Nest many times, but finally stopped in and took the full tour. Wow. Standing on the lower tier right by the field gave me goosebumps, and you get to see the Olympic cauldron up close. The architecture is a masterclass in engineering: the steel beams weave around like a nest, and the light through the gaps creates amazing shadows. We spent almost two hours just on photos. If you're into design or Olympics history, it's completely worth the entrance fee.

Visited in late May on a weekday. The stadium's steel structure is even more impressive up close; it looks different from every angle. We did the guided tour and the guide shared some interesting stories about the 2008 Olympics and how the stadium was designed. The only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is the crowd management near the entrance — our line moved slowly and it felt a bit chaotic. Once inside it was fine. Would recommend going early or booking a time slot.

Wanted to love this place, and the exterior is undeniably cool from the outside — especially at dusk. But once you're inside it feels more like a shopping concourse than a stadium tour. We booked the basic entry and walked through a few exhibits and a gift shop, but couldn't access the stands or pitch, which was the whole reason I came. Wayfinding signs were confusing and a staff member brushed off my question. It's worth a photo stop from the lake, but don't expect an immersive experience.

Brought the whole family and everyone loved it. Our kids were running around the Olympic Green and couldn't stop looking up at the Nest. We didn't go in, but the area around it is perfect for a picnic and people-watching. There are vendors selling bubble machines and kites, so it felt very alive and cheerful. Great for sunset photos, and also just a nice relaxed afternoon in Beijing.

Absolutely incredible engineering. I'm not usually a sports guy, but this place made me appreciate stadium architecture. The steel beams twist and interlock in a way that feels almost organic. Inside, you can feel the history of major events. The atmosphere is electric, especially at sunset when the light makes the whole structure glow. A truly iconic stop that lives up to the name.

Mixed feelings about this one. The Bird's Nest is an architectural wonder from the outside, but once you're inside it's just a huge empty stadium. We paid to enter, walked through the corridors, and sat in the stands for a few minutes. It felt expensive for what it was. Also, the staff kept herding us along so there wasn't time to really soak it in. If you just want a picture, the outside is free and honestly better.

Enjoyed the visit a lot. The structure is awesome from the outside and the surrounding park is great for a stroll. We didn't go inside, so maybe that's why it felt more like a photo stop than a full attraction. Still worth it for the photos and the history. If you have limited time, just seeing it from the outside is probably enough.

Stopped by in the evening when it was all lit up and wow. Walked around the Olympic Green and the scale is just unreal. The steel lattice is even more intricate up close, and there's something magical about seeing it in person, especially with the Olympic Tower glowing in the background. Sure, it's touristy and busy, but I still got chills thinking about the 2008 opening ceremony. Definitely a highlight of my Beijing trip.

I wasn't sure what to expect, but this place exceeded every expectation. The combination of modern design and Olympic history is so cool. I joined a small group tour and our guide was hilarious and knowledgeable. The best part? Sitting in the actual seats and imagining the stadium roaring during the games. Even the subway ride to get here is fun. 10/10 experience – don't skip it!

As an architecture buff, this place was heaven. The grid-shell design is even more mind-blowing up close. I spent almost two hours just wandering around taking photos. The interior is surprisingly spacious, and you can really appreciate the scale if you climb to the top. Clean facilities, reasonable gift shop prices. One of the best landmarks I've visited in Asia. Highly recommended!

Absolutely breathtaking! Walking around the Bird's Nest at sunset was magical. The steel structure glows in the golden light and the open-air feel is incredible. I loved imagining the 2008 opening ceremony here. The staff were friendly, and the audio guide was informative without being boring. A must-see in Beijing – I'd recommend going late afternoon to avoid the heat and catch the best light.

Impressive engineering, no doubt. I visited on a weekday morning and it wasn't too crowded. The exhibition about the 2008 Olympics was interesting, but I was hoping for more interactive displays. The view from the top tier is great for photos. Overall a solid experience, just didn't blow me away like I expected. Decent value if you're already in the area.

We took the kids here during our Beijing trip and they were absolutely awestruck by the sheer size of the structure. The architecture is stunning from the outside, but inside it felt a bit empty and commercialized. The guided tour was informative but rushed. For a family of four, the ticket price felt steep for what you actually get to see. Worth a one-time visit, but I wouldn't go again.

Went here specifically to run the track (they have times when you can jog the inner field). It was a bucket-list moment! The track surface is top-notch and the energy of the place is unreal. Even just standing on the same ground where Bolt ran was worth every yuan. The staff let us take our time and were super accommodating. If you're a sports fan, this is a must-do. Absolutely loved it.

I'm not usually a stadium person, but the Bird's Nest blew me away. The architecture is even more breathtaking in person — those twisting beams look like a giant woven nest. We lucked out with a clear blue sky for photos. The museum inside about the 2008 Games is well-curated and gave me chills. Also grabbed a surprisingly good latte from the small café near the entrance. Five stars, no hesitation.

Absolutely stunning! The lighting at sunset makes the steel structure glow like a giant sculpture. Went with my family and we spent nearly three hours exploring every corner. The kids loved pretending to be athletes on the track. Clean restrooms, friendly staff, and plenty of benches to rest. One of the most unique stadiums I've ever visited anywhere in the world. Highly recommend booking the top-tier tour that includes the VIP box area.

Pretty cool experience overall. Got a same-day ticket online easily. The bird's nest design is iconic and the interior feels vast. We walked around the track and sat in the stands imagining the 2008 opening ceremony. Audio guide was decent but a bit dry. My only complaint is the lack of clear signage for the exit and metro station after you leave. Took us 15 minutes to figure out where to go. Still, a solid afternoon outing.

Visited on a weekday afternoon in early June. The sheer scale of the structure is impressive from afar, but up close the steel lattice feels a bit industrial and cold. The guided tour was informative, though I wish they allowed more time for photos from the top level. The surrounding Olympic park is lovely for a stroll, but the stadium itself feels a little dated and the gift shop prices are outrageous. Worth seeing once, but I wouldn't rush back.

Visited during the winter and the stadium looked magical with a light dusting of snow on the steel frame. The tour guide was friendly and shared cool stories about the 2008 Olympics. You can even walk on the track where athletes competed — that was a highlight. Bring warm clothes if you go in winter though, wind cuts right through the open structure. Absolutely loved it.

As a photographer, this place is a dream. The Bird's Nest is incredibly photogenic from every angle — especially at golden hour when the light hits those crisscrossing steel beams. We spent over an hour just walking around the exterior. The interior is less exciting but the scale of it still impresses. Highly recommend for anyone who loves architecture or wants that perfect shot.

Honestly, I was a bit let down. The exterior is iconic and great for photos, but the interior is mostly empty and feels like a giant concrete bowl. There's a lot of souvenir shops and overpriced snacks — very commercialized. The audio guide was boring too. Maybe I had my expectations too high. It's okay if you have time to kill, but I wouldn't go out of my way.

Went on a weekday morning and it wasn't too crowded. The stadium is huge and the design is really impressive from the outside. Inside, it's a bit bare — just a big open space with some Olympic memorabilia. I enjoyed walking around but the entry fee felt a little steep for what you get. Still worth a quick visit if you're in the area.

Absolutely stunning at night! The architecture is unlike anything I've ever seen — those steel beams weave together like a giant nest. We went for the evening light show and the whole place glowed red and gold. Definitely a must-see in Beijing. The inside tour was well-organized and the views from the top were breathtaking. 5 stars, no question.

Best part of my Beijing trip! The Bird’s Nest is incredible both day and night. I arrived early morning to beat the crowds and had the place almost to myself. The contrast of the grey steel against the blue sky was beautiful. Inside, the seating bowl is steep and gives an amazing view of the field. I could almost hear the roar of the crowds from 2008. The staff even let me take a picture on the medal podium—super fun. Highly recommend combining with a visit to the Water Cube next door.

Hands down the coolest stadium I've ever visited. I’m not usually into sports venues but this one is an architectural masterpiece. The sheer scale is jaw‑dropping—you feel tiny standing under the lattice. I loved the little museum inside that shows how they built it using recycled steel. Even bought a mini Bird’s Nest keychain from the gift shop. The staff were super helpful, and the place was spotless. If you love design or just want a killer Instagram shot, do not miss this!

Absolutely blown away! The Bird’s Nest is even more stunning in person than in photos. We went during sunset and the way the light filtered through the steel grid was pure magic. Got to walk on the track and imagine the 2008 opening ceremony—goosebumps. The audio guide was informative and funny. Pro tip: book the night tour if you can, the LED lighting transforms the whole structure into a glowing sculpture. A must-see in Beijing!

Pretty cool place but I think the hype is a bit overblown. The Bird’s Nest is massive and the design is definitely unique, but once you’re inside it’s mostly an empty stadium with a track and some seats. The real magic is the structure itself—walking under the latticework gives you a whole new perspective. Would’ve liked more interactive exhibits or better signage explaining the engineering. Clean restrooms and friendly staff though. Worth a quick stop if you’re in the area but don’t plan a half day around it.

Visited on a rainy Tuesday afternoon and honestly, it was a bit of a letdown. The exterior is impressive from afar but up close the steel structure feels rusted and neglected. We paid for the guided tour but the guide rushed us through, barely stopped at the viewpoints, and spent more time talking about the 2008 Olympics history than the actual architecture. For the price, I'd recommend just walking around the outside and saving your money for the Olympic Green instead. Great photo op from the lake side though.

The surrounding Olympic Park is beautiful and free to walk around, which partly makes up for the pricey stadium entry. However, the queue to get in was almost 40 minutes even on a weekday, and the crowd control was chaotic. Once inside, the scale is impressive, but the audio guide kept skipping. I'd give it a 4 because the architecture is genuinely unique, but management needs work.

Honestly, a bit disappointed. The exterior is iconic and makes for great photos, but once you're inside it's basically just a big empty stadium. The exhibition areas are small and not very well maintained. The real killer is the price – ¥100 for 20 minutes of walking around? And the gift shop stuff is crazy expensive. I'd say skip it unless you're an Olympic die-hard.

Impressive architecture, no doubt, but I felt the interior was a bit underwhelming. The seats and corridors show some wear and tear, and the tour felt rushed. For the ticket price (around ¥100), I expected more interactive displays or a behind-the-scenes look. Worth a quick visit if you're in the area, but I wouldn't go out of my way. Decent but not amazing.

Took my 8-year-old son here and he was thrilled. The sheer size of the stadium is jaw-dropping. We loved the Olympic history exhibit inside, and there's a small interactive area where kids can 'run' a virtual race. Only downside is that the food court was overpriced and had limited options. Still, an unforgettable family outing. Would definitely come back.

Absolutely breathtaking at night! The Bird's Nest is even more impressive in person than in photos. The steel structure glows beautifully against the dark sky. We went during the evening light show and it was magical. The staff were helpful, and the audio guide gave great insights into the 2008 Olympics. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Beijing, even if you're not a sports fan. Five stars!

Honestly, I was expecting more. It’s a cool building from the outside but once you’re inside it’s just a big empty stadium with some random displays. The guided tour was rushed and felt like a cash grab. For the ticket price I'd rather spend time at the nearby Olympic Forest Park. Not terrible, but not something I’d recommend unless you’re really into Olympic history.

Got there late afternoon and the golden hour light made the steel structure look amazing. The inside is mostly empty now but you can feel the history. I was a little disappointed that the track area is off-limits, you can only view from the stands. Also the restrooms were not very clean. Still, for a quick stop it’s okay. I'd give it a solid 4 if the facilities were better.

I visited with my dad who is a huge sports fan, and we both loved it. The stadium is enormous and the guide explained the history of the 2008 Olympics very well. We also saw the Olympic torch display — really emotional. It's clean, well-maintained, and the staff were friendly. We spent about two hours here. Highly recommend booking tickets online in advance to skip the queue.

The Bird's Nest is impressive from outside, but honestly the inside tour felt a bit underwhelming for the price. You just walk around the stadium bowl and a few exhibition areas. The audio guide was informative but the audio quality was poor. I’d say it’s worth a quick visit if you’re already in the area, but don’t expect a full day experience. Could definitely use some more interactive exhibits.

I finally got to see the Bird's Nest in person after years of seeing it in photos. The architecture is even more stunning up close — the steel lattice is massive and intricate. I went on a weekday morning and it wasn’t too crowded, so I could really take my time walking around the interior. The view from the top is incredible, you can see the whole Olympic Green. Definitely a must-do if you're in Beijing. The only thing is the souvenir shop prices are a bit steep, but that's expected.