I've spent several hours reading excellent FAQs and posts of the ambassadors and others in this forum plus some other sources.

Being filled to the brim with various bits of information, I'm still having trouble assembling this into a meaningful plan of what to do in Beijing for my first trip to PRC. I'll be there on a conference next week, having limited free time until Sunday afternoon, and two free days after that. Would appreciate your suggestions on how to fill this time with some flowing itinerary (and I can be a religious follower of a good itinerary).

I've traveled a fair bit elsewhere. Alas, not a word of Mandarin but I've spent 5 days in Kyoto by myself with no Japanese and enjoyed that immensely (with all the unavoidable bits of mime- and dance-based communication with locals).

I'm interested in sights, both ancient and recent history, walks, bit of nightlife, good food/drink. Not sure how much of that I can fit into 2.5 days. I'm prepared to walk/ride significant part of this time for worthwhile experiences
but a relaxed itinerary is not a bad option, either.

I'll be staying next to the Olympic Sports Center. Not sure if there is much to see/do in that area. The sights seem to be in the center but authentic restaurants (BTW, suggestions are gratefully accepted) are located outside of the rings 2-3, correct?

GW seems an obvious choice for say, half-day Mon or Tue.
The rest is a big gap now.

Many thanks in advance.

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One simple but practical question:
I fly with AA and their PEK arrival (11.30pm) and departure (6.55am) times are traveler-unfriendly. I hope I can change USD to RMB at the airport after midnight but I guess I'll have only taxis (120 RMB) at my disposal to get to/from the airport, right?