Walk past Tiananmen square

Hi all,

My friend and I are travelling to Beijing soon. I've heard mixed things about whether it's actually worth going into Tiananmen square or not, especially if you're going on a weekend which we would be. I've heard that a quick alternative is to take a didi down one of the roads next to it, haha, which sounds like a possibility for us.

I'm also wondering whether it's possible to just walk down the footpath of one of the roads next to Tiananmen square, and see Tiananmen square from across the road? Or is this not possible without going through security?

Thanks for any help!