• Brief Description: The Forbidden City (Gu Gong), also known as the Palace Museum, was the Imperial Palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. With its 74 hectares, it is the largest palace complex in the world. It is divided into 2 parts: the southern area, where the emperor's government buildings were located, and the northern part, where the residence buildings are. It was here that the last Chinese emperor was confined until 1924 when the revolution came. Go early to avoid the crowds of tourists (the worst time is between 10:00 and 13:00). This way you can get lost in its alleys. It is a wonder. The entrance is through the South gate (Meridian Gate - Wumen) and the exit can be done through the North gate (Gate of Divine Prowess - Shenwumen) or the East gate (Prosperity Gate - Donghuamen). We recommend you exit through the north gate, and if you are not too tired, go up the Jingshan mountain to see the best views of the Forbidden City. 
• The things you can't miss are in the central part. It is: Hall of Supreme Harmony (where the emperor gave audience), Hall of Central Harmony (where the emperor prepared to give audience), Hall of Preserved Harmony (where banquets were held and high officials were elected), Palace of Heavenly Purity (emperor's bedroom), Hall of Celestial and Terrestrial Union (where the empress was greeted by the other concubines), and Palace of Earthly Tranquility (empress's bedroom). All this will take you about 2-3 hours. We have to advise this whole area is very crowded, if you want a cool experience, go to the east wing or the west wing (where you see fewer people) and get lost in the alleyways. You'll travel in time. 
• Visit duration: 3-4h.
• Schedule: closed on Monday!
  - From April to October: 8.30 - 17.00 (the last tickets are sold at 16.00 and the last entry is at 16.10)
  - From November to March: 8.30 - 16.30 (the last tickets are sold at 15.30 and the last entry is at 15.40)
• How to buy tickets: it is highly recommended to buy them online in advance, especially in high season (July and August, Chinese New Year and holidays). The problem is that the official page is only available in Chinese and can only be purchased 10 days in advance. So we recommend you do it through Viator, which is a bit more expensive but allows you to book before 10 days (you don't have to print the ticket, just show it on your mobile phone together with your passport). 
• Cost: CNY 60 (April to October) or CNY 40 (November to March). This time we recommend the audio guide (40CNY).
• How to get there: north of Tiananmen Square. Get off at the Tiananmen West or Tiananmen East (Subway Line 1) or Qianmen Station (Subway Line 2) stops and walk north through the Tiananmen Tower (Gate of Heavenly Peace). You will thus find the south gate (Meridian Gate) of the forbidden city.
• Forbidden City official website.
• Download in PDF the official map of the Forbidden City.
• If you prefer a private tour in English, we recommend this one from Civitatis, which combines the Forbidden City with Tiananmen and Hutongs or this one that combines the Forbidden City with The Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven.