Which neighborhood or area should you stay at when visiting Taipei? Taiwan’s biggest city Taipei is popular with tourists and is often the arrival point for most first-timers in Taiwan.
With late night entertainment centers like Ximending, historic districts like Dadaocheng and Dihua Street plus riverside accommodation in Tamsui, there are many Taipei neighborhoods to choose from.
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From night markets to shopping malls, traditional temples to peaceful parks (or just easy access from Taoyuan Airport) there is a top Taipei neighborhood for you.
Be it cool cafes in Zhongshan, the hot spring resorts of Beitou or the dulcet district of Dalongdong, here is our guide to where to stay in Taipei and the highlights of these best Taipei neighborhoods.
You might like – Our 1 day ultimate Taipei itinerary or our 3 day ‘highlights of Taipei’ guide
Getting around Taipei
Taipei has one of the best transport infrastructures in the world – even the Taipei Airport MRT to Taipei city is so easy and very cheap at NT$150 one way. Check out our Taipei airport MRT guide here >
Both the bus network and Subway / Metro network in Taipei is efficient and inexpensive. If possible, we’d recommend getting a hotel within walking distance of a Taipei Metro station so you have easy access to other parts of the city.
This also allows you to consider day trips from Taipei like Wulai or the Pingxi Line – which has incredible towns and attractions to visit like Houtong Cat Village or Shifen Waterfall – Taiwan’s most famous waterfall.
Taiwanderers Tip
Grab a Taiwan EasyCard as a convenient way to use buses and public transport in Taipei and across Taiwan. They can be easily topped up at stations and convenience stores.
Read more about how to use a Taiwan EasyCard, including how to top up >
You might like – 30 cute and cool Taiwan EasyCard and iPass designs >
Best Taipei neighborhoods to stay in
For first-time Taipei visitors or even repeat travelers, there are lots of Taipei districts to consider. We would recommend one of the following Taipei neighborhoods:
Jump straight to the best Taipei neighborhoods to stay in:
| Taipei Area | Why stay in this Taipei Neighbourhood? |
|---|---|
| Ximending | The perfect area for first time visitors to Taipei with a central location, excellent transport links (close to Taipei Main Station), multiple affordable hotels and night-time fun |
| Xinyi | Taipei’s central business district with a lot of shopping malls, cheap chain restaurants plus famous landmarks like Taipei 101 |
| Zhongshan | Chock full of cool cafes, vintage stores and hipster hangouts, this is Taipei’s trendiest neighborhood where the cool kids hang out |
| Zhongzheng | The area immediately around Taipei Main Station with great transport links, lots of budget hotels and restaurants galore – central and convenient |
| Dadaocheng & Datong | A central Taipei neighborhood with lots of history, many mid-range hotels plus Taipei’s famous Dihua Street |
| Daan | Central location famous for Da’an Park, Rongjin Gorgeous Time plus Taipei’s tastiest neighborhood, Yongkang Street |
| Shilin | Famous for Taipei’s largest night market, you will not go hungry in Shilin – enjoy temples, theme parks and cultural sites like the National Palace Museum |
| Beitou | Beitou is Taipei’s hot spring capital, known for its lush greenery, thermal springs and public baths. An easy 20 minute journey into downtown Taipei on the MRT |
| Tamsui | Located at the very end of the Xinyi Tamsui MRT line, this historic port has hotels with riverside views, plus so much local food to try |
| Dalongdong | Quiet neighbourhood located on the red MRT line, and close to Taipei Expo Park and Maji Square |
You might like – 25+ things to do in Taipei with kids >
Taiwan checklist
We love using agoda.com and booking.com for researching and booking all our hotels, and Hostelworld for booking hostels.
For booking tours, transfers and SIM cards we recommend Get Your Guide, Viator, KK Day or Klook.
Where to stay in Taipei / best neighbourhoods to stay in Taipei
1. Ximending, Taipei (the most popular area for night-life)
Ximending is a perfect place in Taipei to stay for:
– First time visitors to Taipei
– Shopping fans with gift shops galore and cute souvenirs
– Foodies with lots of street-food and restaurants
– Night-time bars, entertainment boozing and fun
The Ximending area has many things to do, from street performers to 24 hour shopping – from Taipei’s flagship Pop Mart store to cool technology malls like the Wannian Building, you’ll never get bored walking around Ximending day or night.
The back-streets are full of sublime street art plus most of the buildings in Ximending are several stories, containing numerous bars, restaurants, arcades and more – it is also Taipei’s main LGBTQ+ district.
Ximending things to do
- The Red House – one of Taipei’s most iconic buildings and a former theater, it is now home to cute crafts and artisan pop-up shops; at night, Red House reinvents itself at night with an array of LBGTQ+ bars opening in the courtyard
- A big range of food-stalls, chain and themed restaurants – the Modern Toilet makes for an interesting night out
- Eat well at Fuhong Beef Noodles
- See colorful street art along America Street
- 24 hour shopping at Don Don Donki Ximending or get the ultimate permanent Taipei souvenir along Taipei’s Tattoo Street
Accommodation in Ximending
Budget ($)
Meander Taipei Hostel
Highly rated hostel that offers a number of tours and fun events. Check rates and availability on booking.com and agoda.com
Mid-Range ($$)
Just Sleep Ximending
Nicely designed rooms, a 2-minute walk from Ximen MRT Station. Check rates and availability on booking.com and agoda.com
Luxury ($$$)
Suz & Catorze Taipei, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Elegant 4 star hotel located by the river. Check rates and availability on booking.com
You might like – 20+ weird and wonderful things to do in Taipei >
2. Xinyi, Taipei (the most popular area for shopping)
Xinyi is a perfect place in Taipei to stay for:
– Shopping heaven and many mega malls
– Major attractions like Taipei 101
– A nice mix of old Taipei and modern Taiwan
– Family trips and Taipei kids attractions
Taipei’s financial district and business hub, Xinyi isn’t just about sleek skyscrapers and shiny shopping malls (although yes, there are a LOT of them).
From cultural parks and cool cafes, temples to themed 7-Elevens, Taipei’s Xinyi has many things to do – you can even check out a baseball game at Taipei Dome.
Xinyi in Taipei is also blessed with multiple ways to see Taipei from up high, from Taipei 101 and its Simple Kaffa Sola coffee shop, to rooftop bars and terraces like Hooters Xinyi.
Xinyi things to do
- Visit Taiwan’s highest coffee shop, Simple Kaffa Sola atop Taipei 101
- Take a step back in time at 44 South Military Village, a world away from the modern metropolis that is Xinyi
- Cool and cute shops like Taiwan’s biggest Pokémon shop
- A hike in Elephant Park, one of the best panoramic views of the city
- Songshan Cultural Park, cool shops and the the Taiwan Design Museum located in an tobacco factory
Check out our things to do in Xinyi guide >
Skip the line and get your Taipei 101 tickets on Klook >
Xinyi Hotels and Accommodation
Budget ($)
Formosa 101
Popular hostel with both private rooms and dorms. Facilities include a TV lounge, kitchen/dining area and laundry. Check rates and availability on booking.com, agoda.com or hostelworld.com
Mid-Range ($$)
The Tango Hotel Taipei XinYi
Stylish hotel located a 15-minute walk away from Taipei 101. Facilities include a gym and 24-hour lounge with snacks. Check rates and availability on booking.com or agoda.com
Luxury ($$$)
Grand Hyatt Taipei
5 star elegant hotel located in the heart of the Xinyi district. Facilities include an outdoor pool, spa, a sauna and fitness centre. Check rates and availability on booking.com or agoda.com
You might like – Our guide to the 15+ best shopping malls and districts in Taipei >
Join our Facebook Taiwan Travel Tips Group!
Need help with your Taiwan itinerary or have any questions? Head on over to our Facebook group with 15k+ members and ask the experts!
Click here to join our group >
3. Zhongshan; Taipei’s Hipster District
Zhongshan is a perfect place in Taipei to stay for:
– Cool kids, beauty treatments and under the radar boutiques
– Thrift store shopping and vintage clothing vibes
– Charming cafes hidden in the side-streets
– Underground shopping malls; great in wet weather
Taipei’s trendiest district and hipster hangout, Zhongshan is the Taipei neighborhood for cool cafes, boutique shops and second-hand stores.
Every side-street in Zhongshan is packed with hole-in-the-wall bars or a treasure trove of thrift stores. On the weekends, thousands of trendsetters visit the flea markets or pop-up festivals along Zhongshan Linear Park.
As well as modern bars and Japanese style izakaya restaurants, there are still lots of traditional buildings that have been repurposed like the Film House, set-up in the former US Ambassador’s home.
Zhongshan things to do
- Eslite R79 Store / Zhongshan Underground Book Street, one of the more unique Eslite bookstores in Taiwan or go boutique shopping along along 6 Lane 20, section 2
- Zhongshan Linear Park – an urban park that is a popular meeting place and especially busy at the weekend, where it hosts regular flea markets, craft stalls and festivals
- SPOT Taipei Film House – Housed in the former US Embassy, SPOT Taipei Film House is a super spot to grab some coffee or watch local and international movies
- Mooch around the Museum of Contemporary Art Taipei, formerly an elementary school and once Taipei City Hall too
Check out our things to do in Zhongshan guide >
Zhongshan hotels and recommended accommodation
Budget ($)
Beimen WOW Poshtel
Popular hostel with both dorms and private rooms, located a 10 minute walk away from the Zhongshan neighbourhood. Check rates and availability on booking.com, agoda.com or hostelworld.com
Mid-Range ($$)
The Tango Hotel Taipei Nanshi
Popular and modern hotel located close to all the Zhongshan shops, bars and restaurants. Check rates and availability on booking.com or agoda.com
Luxury ($$$)
The Okura Prestige Taipei
Luxury 5 star elegant hotel located a 5 minute walk from MRT Zhongshan Station. Facilities include a heated rooftop pool, spa and onsite restaurants. Check rates and availability on booking.com or agoda.com
You might like – Our guide to Din Tai Fung, Taiwan’s famous dumpling restaurant chain >
Check out all our themed 7-Eleven stores in Taiwan guides:
• Coca-Cola
• Hello Kitty
• Mofusand
• Snoopy / Peanuts
• Pokémon
• Ultraman
• STARLUX
• Sumikko Gurashi
Plus check out our guide to why 7-Elevens in Taiwan are the best in the world!
4. Zhongzheng (the Taipei neighborhood nearest to Taipei Main Station)
Zhongshan is a perfect place in Taipei to stay for:
– The close proximity to Taipei Main Station (perfect for a 24 stopover in Taipei)
– Budget bites to eat
– Walking distance to areas like Dihua Street and Ximending
– A look back at the area’s past including North Gate and the excavations at Beimen Station
If you are in need of a convenient base to explore Taipei and take day-trips from Taipei Main Station, Zhongzheng could be for you.
Given its location, there are lots of budget and mid-range hotels to choose from, plus many incredible food stalls and restaurants, most of which are open until late.
Several landmark attractions in Taipei such as the Presidential Office Building are within walking distance plus you can stroll to Dihua Street or Ximending at night.
Zhongzheng things to do
- Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, a national Taiwan monument built in the memory of the former President – the grounds are extensive and also one of the best places to spot cherry blossoms in Taipei in the spring months.
- 2/28 Peace Park – a gorgeous garden and park with pavilions, ponds and a memorial museum
You might like – Our guide to Taipei’s best craft beer bars and breweries >
Zhongzheng Hotels and Accommodation
Budget ($)
Cavemen Hostel Taipei Station Youth Branch
Popular hostel located 700 metres from Taipei Bus Station with shared kitchen. Check rates and availability on booking.com or agoda.com
Mid-Range ($$)
Hotel Relax 3
Stylish but small hotel with basic breakfast. Check rates and availability on booking.com or agoda.com
Mid-Range ($$)
citizenM Taipei North Gate
Highly rated modern hotel located close to both Taipei Main Station and the Ximending neighborhood. Check rates and availability on booking.com or agoda.com
Luxury ($$$)
Sheraton Grand Taipei Hotel
5 star chic hotel with outdoor pool and 9 restaurants. Check rates and availability on booking.com or agoda.com
You might like – Our guide to Jiufen, an easy day trip from Taipei >
5. Dadaocheng & Datong – Taipei’s oldest district
Dadaocheng & Datong are the perfect place to stay for:
– History lovers and to learn more about traditional Taipei
– Chinese New Year celebrations
– Escaping the hustle and bustle of Taipei’s busier areas
– Evening exploration
Historic Dadaocheng was once Taiwan’s most prosperous area, a center for trade and a thriving port. These days, it has transformed itself into a modern metropolis with new coffee shops, bustling markets and riverside eating areas.
Dihua Street in Dadaocheng still remains one of Taipei’s most visited streets (built in the 1850s) and is a treasure trove of Chinese herbal medicine stores, cafes and the odd craft beer bar.
Things to do in Dadaocheng
- Stroll along Dihua Street and eat, drink and be merry – or look for traditional treatments and herbal remedies
- Ningxia Night Market – one of the top Taipei night markets famous for its oyster omelets, dozens of food stalls plus old school arcades and gaming centers.
- Dadaocheng Cisheng Temple Food Street – we think this might be our favorite thing to do near Datong; it is one of the most serene street food settings in the world. It also featured on the Netflix ‘Somebody Feed Phil episode set in Taipei >
- Dadaocheng Wharf – Overlooking the Tamsui River with lots of container / pop-up bars and food kiosks, Dadaocheng Wharf is a nice sunset spot.
Try this – Taipei food tours with with Viator >
Dadaocheng Hotels and recommended accommodation
Budget ($)
Beimen WOW Poshtel
Popular hostel with both dorms and private rooms, located a 10 minute walk away from Dihua Street. Check rates and availability on booking.com, agoda.com or hostelworld.com
Mid-Range ($$)
Royal Seasons Hotel Taipei ‧ Nanjing W
4 star hotel located within walking distance of Dihua street. Check rates and availability on booking.com or agoda.com
Luxury ($$$)
Palais de Chine Hotel
5 star hotel with outdoor swimming pool, gym, bar and 3 onsite restaurants. Check rates and availability on booking.com or agoda.com
Try this – Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen, Shifen & Golden Waterfall tour from Taipei (over 300k booked) >
6. Da’an, Taipei (green spaces galore)
Da’an is the perfect Taipei neighborhood to stay in for:
– Escaping the world in Da’an Park
– Taiwan tasty treats and night market bites
– Good access to the busier areas of Taipei
– Having a (Rongjin) ‘Gorgeous Time’
Da’an in Taipei is a nice neighborhood to stay in, and a little quieter than the likes of Ximending, Zhongshan and Zhongzhen – it has several streets and shopping areas that will keep you busy day and night.
Things to do in Daan, Taipei
- Daan Park – A green oasis in a very busy city, Daan Forest Park in Taipei is a sprawling open space popular with families and walkers – there is so much wildlife too plus regular festivals and events
- Yongkang Street – Taipei’s tastiest neighborhood, packed full of cool cafes, decadent desserts and oodles of noodle shops and delicious dumplings
- Rongjin Gorgeous Time – a stylish street-mall with coffee shops, dessert shops and bars, located in a former prison. Hiring Japanese kimonos to do photoshoots is popular here
- Jianguo Jade Market and Holiday Flower Market, just across from Da’an Park and full of color, from beautiful flowers to gorgeous jewelry like green jade necklaces
Da’an Hotels and recommended accommodation
Budget ($)
DONGMEN 3 Hostel
Highly rated hostel that offers both capsule beds and bunk beds. Check rates and availability on booking.com and agoda.com
Mid-Range ($$)
Chaiin Hotel – Dongmen
Affordable hotel with simple decor, located close to the MRT. Check rates and availability on booking.com and agoda.com
You might like – 25 things to do in Hualien, Taiwan >
7. Shilin (Home of Taipei’s Biggest Night Market)
Shilin, the perfect Taipei neighborhood to stay in for:
– Street-food fanatics and food court freaks
– Family fun and activities
– Lesser known Taipei
– Historic temples and bustling lane-ways
Shilin is perhaps best known for its Shilin Night Market, the biggest of the night markets in Taiwan. Whilst busy at night, this is a good neighborhood to explore if you prefer something away from downtown.
There are also lots of fun family activities including theme parks and themed restaurants.
Things to do in Shilin, Taipei
- Shilin Night Market – hundreds of food stalls, vast underground food courts and fairground style games make this a popular Taipei at night destination
- Taipei Children’s Amusement Park – one of Taiwan’s top theme parks aimed at younger children. Rides can be purchased using an EasyCard
- National Palace Museum – one of largest collections of Chinese art in the world with almost 800,000 artifacts
- Take the kids to the second branch of Taipei’s famous Modern Toilet restaurant – it is a bit ‘sh*t’ but in a good way!
Shilin hotels and recommended accommodation
Mid-Range ($$)
Boutech JianTan Hotel
Affordable 4 star hotel located within walking distance of Shilin night market. Facilities include a laundry room Check rates and availability on booking.com and agoda.com
Luxury ($$$)
Renaissance Taipei Shihlin Hotel
5 star hotel with outdoor rooftop pool, 2 on-site restaurants and a cocktail bar. Check rates and availability on booking.com and agoda.com
Try this – Taipei Din Tai Fung dinner and Raohe night market night tour >
8. Beitou, Taipei’s Hot Spring District
Beitou is the perfect Taipei area for:
– Relaxation and spas
– A little time away from Taipei City center
– Foot-soak fans
– Those who don’t mind the smell of sulfur!
Beitou is Taipei’s hot spring capital! Hop on the MRT from Taipei and in less than 20 minutes, you’ll arrive in Beitou, known for its lush greenery, thermal springs and public baths.
Hot spring bathing in this area dates back to the Japanese era, which is why the district is so full of character and incredible architecture – even the modern Beitou library is one of the most idyllic spots in Taipei.
Beitou things to do and highlights include Beitou Thermal Valley (free), the Hot Spring Museum plus Beitou Market. And as you’d expect from a natural hot spring area, much of the town smells of sulfur (but you’ll soon get used to it).
Things to do in Beitou, Taipei
- Beitou’s Thermal Valley, a free to visit natural wonder that bubbles with steam in what locals refer to as Hell Valley.
- Beitou Park is very picturesque and home to the Hot Spring Museum – the park has riverside walks and you’ll find a water fountain, woodland areas plus traditional bridges
- Beitou Public Hot Springs – make sure you bring your swimmers! Or soak your feet in one of the foot pools like Fuxing Park or Quanyuan Park
- Beitou Market – home to Taiwan’s best braised pork and rice and lots of tasty treats
Check out these Beitou hot spring tours and spas with Viator >
Read more about Beitou in our guide >
Beitou hotels and recommended accommodation
Budget ($)
On My Way – Taipei Hostel
Popular hostel located a few minutes walk to the Beitou hot spring area with spacious common lounge area. Check rates and availability on booking.com and agoda.com
Luxury ($$$)
Hotel Double One
Elegant hotel with suites that include a balcony with hot spring bathtub. The hotel also provides a free shuttle bus to the MRT station. Check rates and availability on booking.com and agoda.com
Luxury ($$$)
The Gaia Hotel – Taipei
Elegant hotel with outdoor pool, hot spring, spa, 3 restaurants and free shuttle bus to the MRT station. Check rates and availability on booking.com and agoda.com
Try this – Top 10 Taipei hot spring experiences >
9. Tamsui, Taipei’s riverside district
Tamsui is best neighborhood to stay in Taipei for:
– Escaping the city
– Riverside walks, cafes and restaurants
– Taiwanese food and decadent desserts from Tamsui Old Street
– A base to also explore Bali
Tamsui near Taipei is a historic port and riverside city located at the end of the Xinyi – Tamsui Metro line. Its scenic setting, numerous food stalls and restaurants plus easy access from Taipei make it a popular day-trip for local families and couples.
Tamsui has seen much change over the centuries with many European and Japanese influences. There are several grand old buildings to explore from Fort San Domingo to the Tamsui Customs Officers’ Residence.
Things to do in Tamsui
- Tamsui Old Street – a hotchpotch of shops, restaurants and gift shops, this is the main shopping and eating area of Tamsui
- Fort San Domingo – a 17th century bastion with a red brick exterior and gorgeous grounds (complete with cannons!) and wonderful waterside views
- Take the boat to Fisherman’s Wharf, Lover’s Bridge or Bali – read our guide to Bali here >
- Just relax! Fish, cycle or walk along the Tamsui boardwalk looking out to the river – best served with street-food or an ice-cream tower.
Read more in our guide to Tamsui >
You might like – Our guide to the ‘free’ Taiwan Receipt Lottery which foreigners can enter >
Recommended Tamsui Taipei accommodation and hotels
Budget ($)
Hotelday Tamsui
Just across the water, the 3* Hotelday Tamsui is a 15 minute walk from Fisherman’s Wharf and an easy way to see Bali by night and enjoy Tamsui’s night-time delights. Check rates and availability on booking.com and agoda.com
Luxury ($$$)
Fullon Hotel Tamsui Fishermen’s Wharf
Five star hotel shaped like an ocean-liner located in Danshui Fisherman’s Wharf. Facilities include an outdoor pool, spa, 3 restaurants and a revolving tower offering 360-degree views. Check rates and availability on booking.com and agoda.com
10. Dalongdong, Taipei’s temple district
Dalongdong, the best area to stay in Taipei for
– Culture vultures and taking a step back in time
– Easy access to Tamsui and the city on the Red Metro line
– Taipei Expo fun
– Gorgeous gardens
A slightly quieter Taipei neighborhood away from the crowds and with close proximity to Tamsui and Bali by Metro, Dalongdong was once the center of the Qing Dynasty and many of the old buildings remain to this day.
Things to do in Dalongdong, Taipei
- Taipei Confucius temple – built in 1875 and located along Dalong Street, this large temple is where students pray for good luck in their exams
- Dalongdong Baoan Temple – dedicated to the Emperor Baosheng with preserved murals and dragon pillars. It also looks beautiful lit up at night
- Lin An Tai Historical House & Museum – a traditional Hokkien style home with intricate carvings, pretty pavilions and peaceful gardens with ponds
- Taipei Expo Park and Maji Square – a huge weekend farmers and craft market and dozens of bars and restaurants in Maji Square await
Dalongdong hotels and recommended accommodation
Budget ($)
Corner Hostel & Cafe
Highly rated sleek and modern hostel with a tour desk and a shared lounge. Check rates and availability on booking.com and agoda.com
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