Xi'an is unusually easy to choose a base in, because the old city is still enclosed by its Ming walls and almost everything you want is inside them.
Inside the walls, near the Bell Tower#
The Bell Tower sits at the centre, where the two main axes meet. Staying nearby puts the Drum Tower, the Muslim Quarter and the wall itself within walking distance, and Lines 1 and 2 intersect at Beidajie just north.
This is the answer for a first visit, and there is little reason to complicate it.
The Muslim Quarter edge#
North-west of the Bell Tower, the lanes around Beiyuanmen are the city's great eating destination — hand-pulled noodles, roujiamo, persimmon cakes, lamb skewers — and the Great Mosque sits quietly within them.
Staying on the edge of the quarter puts you in the middle of that. It is lively into the night, which is the appeal and also the warning: pick a room facing away from the lanes if you are a light sleeper.
Near the South Gate#
Quieter, still inside the walls, and the most convenient point for renting a bicycle to ride the full circuit on top of the wall — one of the best things to do in the city.
Outside the walls#
The North Railway Station area is where high-speed trains arrive, and Line 2 links it to the centre. Worth staying there only for a very early departure. It is a transport node, not a place to spend an evening.
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda area to the south has good hotels and a pleasant park setting, but you will commute in for everything else.
Getting in from the airport#
Xianyang International is north-west of the city, connected by Metro Line 14 and by airport coaches to several city points. Line 14 links onward to the rail station and the wider network.
For the sights, the day trips and how many days to give it, see the Xi'an destination guide.