Which neighborhood or area should you stay in 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.
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.
This article was originally published 4 September 2024.
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$160 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 >
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 |
| Dongmen | 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 |
| Gongguan and Longguan | Under the tourist radar districts with huge student populations, amazing street food and sublime side streets full of cute cafes and shops |
| East District – Dongqu | Trendy Taipei neighborhood under the tourist radar with authentic food, good shopping and cool bars |
| Dunhua / South Road Business District | Close to Xinyi and a vibrant business district, Dunhua is an easy and convenient choice for epic eating spots and local night markets |
| Beitou | Beitou is north 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 |
| Dazhi | Popular with expats, Dazhi is known for its upscale malls and restaurants, riverside setting and access to incredible hikes and nearby nature |
| Minsheng | A historic and now hipster area, Minsheng is full of chic coffee shops, gorgeous galleries and leafy streets – just a stone’s throw away from Taipei Songshan Airport |
| Tamsui | Located at the very end of the Xinyi Tamsui MRT line in far north Taipei, 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 |
Taiwan checklist
We love using agoda.com (use the code TAIWANDERERS for a discount), expedia.com and booking.com for researching and booking all our hotels.
For booking tours, transfers and buying SIM cards/eSIMs we recommend Klook, Get Your Guide, Viator or KK Day. You can also purchase eSIMs from Airalo.
For booking rental cars visit Discover Cars. For private drivers and taxis, check out our Transfer guide >
For more recommendations, check out our Taiwan travel booking resources page >
All set for Taiwan? Do one final check with our Taipei first timers guide and our packing list guide. Travelling with kids? Check out our Taipei For Kids eBook >
Where to stay in Taipei / best neighbourhoods to stay in Taipei
1. Ximending, Taipei (the most popular area)
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
- Bars, entertainment 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 malls like the Wannian Building, you’ll never get bored walking around – plus Ximending at night is when it really comes alive.
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.
Read more in our guide to Ximending >
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 Lao Shan Dong Noodles or 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 / agoda.com / expedia.com
Mid-Range ($$)
Just Sleep Ximending
Nicely designed rooms, a 2-minute walk from Ximen MRT Station. Check rates and availability on booking.com | agoda.com / expedia.com
Luxury ($$$)
Suz & Catorze Taipei, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Elegant 4 star hotel located by the river. Check rates and availability on booking.com / expedia.com
Check out more hotels in our detailed Ximending hotel guide >
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 Taiwan 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
- An easy hike up Elephant Mountain, 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 / hostelworld.com / expedia.com
Mid-Range ($$)
The Tango Hotel Taipei XinYi
Stylish hotel located a 15-minute walk away from Taipei 101. Facilities include a gym and 24-hour lounge with snacks. Check rates and availability on booking.com / agoda.com / expedia.com
Luxury ($$$)
W Taipei
Modern 5 star hotel with epic Taipei 101 views from some of the rooms. Facilities include 3 bars, outdoor pool, spa and gym – we had the best duck dish ever at their YEN restaurant. We stayed here in 2026 – you can read our W Taipei review here. Check rates and availability on booking.com / agoda.com / expedia.com
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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
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 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 / hostelworld.com / expedia.com
Mid-Range ($$)
The Tango Hotel Taipei Nanshi
Popular and modern hotel located close to all the Zhongshan shops, bars and restaurants. Check rates and availability on booking.com / agoda.com / expedia.com
Luxury ($$$)
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 / agoda.com / expedia.com
4. Zhongzheng (the Taipei neighborhood nearest to Taipei Main Station)
Zhongzheng 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
- See the Changing of the Guard Ceremony outside Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
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 the hourly Changing of the Guard ceremony is a tourist favourite
- 2/28 Peace Park – a green park with pavilions, ponds and a memorial museum; a solemn spot.
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 / agoda.com / expedia.com
Mid-Range ($$)
Hotel Relax 3
Stylish but small hotel with basic breakfast. Check rates and availability on booking.com / agoda.com / expedia.com
Mid-Range ($$)
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 / agoda.com / expedia.com
Luxury ($$$)
Sheraton Grand Taipei Hotel
5 star chic hotel with outdoor pool and 9 restaurants. Check rates and availability on booking.com / agoda.com / expedia.com
Check out our guide to the best hotels near Taipei Main station >
5. Dadaocheng & Datong – Taipei’s oldest district
Dadaocheng & Datong are the perfect place to stay for:
- History lovers and to learn more about traditional Taipei
- Escaping the hustle and bustle of Taipei’s busier areas
Historic Dadaocheng was once Taiwan’s most prosperous area, a center for trade and a thriving port. These days, it has transformed itself into a modern metropolis with new coffee shops, bustling markets and riverside eating areas.
Dihua Street in Dadaocheng still remains one of Taipei’s most visited streets (built in the 1850s) and is a treasure trove of Chinese herbal medicine stores, cafes and the odd craft beer bar.
Things to do in Dadaocheng
- Stroll along Dihua Street and eat, drink and be merry – or look for traditional treatments and herbal remedies
- Ningxia Night Market – one of the top Taipei night markets famous for its oyster omelets, dozens of food stalls plus old school arcades and gaming centers.
- Dadaocheng Cisheng Temple Food Street – we think this might be our favorite thing to do near Datong; it is one of the most serene street food settings in the world. It also featured on the Netflix ‘Somebody Feed Phil episode set in Taipei >
- Dadaocheng Wharf – Overlooking the Tamsui River with lots of container / pop-up bars and food kiosks, Dadaocheng Wharf is a nice sunset spot.
Dadaocheng Hotels and accommodation
Budget ($)
Beimen WOW Poshtel
Popular hostel with both dorms and private rooms, located a 10 minute walk away from Dihua Street. Check rates and availability on booking.com / agoda.com / hostelworld.com / expedia.com
Mid-Range ($$)
Royal Seasons Hotel Taipei ‧ Nanjing W
4 star hotel located within walking distance of Dihua street. Check rates and availability on booking.com / agoda.com / expedia.com
Luxury ($$$)
Palais de Chine Hotel
5 star hotel with outdoor swimming pool, gym, bar and 3 onsite restaurants. Check rates and availability on booking.com / agoda.com / expedia.com
6. Dongmen, Taipei (green spaces galore)
Dongmen is the perfect Taipei neighborhood to stay in for:
- Escaping the world in Da’an Park
- Taiwan tasty treats and night market bites
- Good access to the busier areas of Taipei
Dongmen in Taipei is a nice neighborhood to stay in, and a little quieter than the likes of Ximending, Zhongshan and Zhongzhen – it has several streets and shopping areas that will keep you busy day and night.
Things to do in Dongmen, Taipei
- Daan Park – A green oasis in a very busy city, Daan Forest Park in Taipei is a sprawling open space popular with families and walkers – there is so much wildlife too plus regular festivals and events
- Yongkang Street – Taipei’s tastiest neighborhood, packed full of cool cafes, decadent desserts and oodles of noodle shops and delicious dumplings
- Rongjin Gorgeous Time – a stylish street-mall with coffee shops, dessert shops and bars, located in a former prison. Hiring Japanese kimonos to do photoshoots is popular here
- Jianguo Jade Market and Holiday Flower Market, just across from Da’an Park and full of color, from beautiful flowers to gorgeous jewelry like green jade necklaces
Dongmen Hotels and accommodation
Budget ($)
DONGMEN 3 Hostel
Highly rated hostel that offers both capsule beds and bunk beds. Check rates and availability on booking.com / agoda.com / expedia.com
Mid-Range ($$)
Chaiin Hotel – Dongmen
Affordable hotel with simple decor, located close to the MRT. Check rates and availability on booking.com / agoda.com / expedia.com
7. Shilin (Home of Taipei’s Biggest Night Market)
Shilin, the perfect Taipei neighborhood to stay in for:
- Street-food and food courts
- Family fun and activities
- Historic temples and bustling lane-ways
Shilin is perhaps best known for its Shilin Night Market, one of the biggest 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 plus keep an eye on the street for colouful manhole covers.
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 accommodation
Mid-Range ($$)
Boutech JianTan Hotel
Affordable 4 star hotel located within walking distance of Shilin night market. Facilities include a laundry room Check rates and availability on booking.com / agoda.com / expedia.com
Luxury ($$$)
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 / agoda.com / expedia.com
8. Gongguan & Longquan
Gongguan & Longquan, the best area to stay in Taipei for:
- Under the radar evening eats like Gongguan Night Market
- Offbeat attractions like Treasure Hill Artist Village & Hakka Cultural Park
- Side streets full of cafes, shops and thrift stores
Taipei’s student areas and not so well known by tourists, Longquan has sublime side streets full of little shops and cafes whilst Gongguan has many things to enjoy (and eat!).
Things to do in Gongguan and Longquan, Taipei
- Kishu An Forest of Literature, a designated historical site and pavilion dating back to 1917
- Eat, drink and be merry at Shida night market or Gongguan night market, home to a Michelin Bib Gourmand flaky scallion pancake stall
- Grab some bargains at lots of Longquan Street thrift stores and boutique shops
- Explore the vast green spaces in and around Taipei City Hakka Cultural Park (great for kids at the weekends when festivals are).
Accommodation in Gongguan and Longquan
Mid-Range ($$)
Goodmore Hotel
Clean and comfortable rooms located a 5 minute walk away from Shida Night Market. Check rates and availability on booking.com / agoda.com / expedia.com
Luxury ($)
Just Sleep – Taipei NTU
Chic hotel located a 3-minute walk away from Gongguan MRT station and near the university. Check rates and availability on booking.com / agoda.com / expedia.com
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9. Dong Qu / East District 東區
Dong Qu is the perfect Taipei area for:
- Shopping stays and fashion fixes
- Dining with the locals at affordable eateries
- Night-time bars, entertainment boozing and fun
Taipei’s East District is often less explored by tourists and Taiwan travellers which is exactly the reason you should stay here on your next trip.
Busy with shoppers by day and an array of craft beer bars, cocktail clubs and authentic local restaurants at night, this is staying in the real Taipei without the tourist trappings of say Ximen.
Donq Qu / East District things to do
- Shop ‘til you drop at big malls like Far Eastern SOGO Taipei Zhongxiao or check out all the side streets for cool shops
- Night owls are spoilt for choice with loads of evening options such as signature cocktails at the stylish East End Bar at HOTEL PROVERBS (Taiwan’s first hotel bar to be included in Asia’s 50 Best Bars list) – or go for Taiwan craft beer at Taihu Tasting Room, Hit Cat Brewing or Beer Rush.
- Some of the best beef noodles in Taipei can be found at Master Jim Beef Noodle – join the queue of eager locals and devour their award winning dishes including truffle braised beef noodle soup.
Best accommodation in Taipei East District
Luxury ($)
HOTEL PROVERBS ($$$)
We stayed at HOTEL PROVERBS and would highly recommend staying here to experience Taipei’s East District. This beautiful boutique hotel was created by designer Ray Chen and has a rooftop swimming pool plus an onsite Italian restaurant and the award winning East End bar.
We enjoyed a stylish deluxe room complete with lounge area and opulent bathroom, plus there are five different a la carte breakfast choices every morning. Check rates and availability on booking.com / agoda.com / expedia.com
10. Dunhua / South Road Business District
Dunhua is the perfect place in Taipei to stay for:
- Business trips to Taipei or a more authentic experience
- Close to Xinyi
- Fine food choices and Linjiang Night Market
Close to Xinyi, Dongmen and a vibrant business district, Dunhua is an easy and convenient choice for epic eating spots and local night markets.
With so many Taipei attractions on your doorstep and good transport links, you should consider Taipei’s Dunhua district for your next Taiwan trip.
Dunhua / South Road Business District things to do
- Linjiang Night Market – this is more of a local night market than tourist night market and also had the distinction of having several Michelin Bib Gourmand rated stalls including Tien Hsiang Stinky Tofu and the ‘soup balls’ at Yu Pin Yuan Iced and Hot Tangyuan. It features in our top Taipei night markets guide
- Daan Park – a green oasis in a very busy city, Daan Forest Park is a sprawling open space popular with families and walkers. Read our guide >
- Xinyi District – Taipei’s best shopping district is only a short bus or MRT ride away but sometimes it is best to visit Xinyi but stay in Dunhua if you prefer to escape the tourist crowds.
Best accommodation in Taipei Dunhua / South Road Business
Luxury ($)
Shangri-La Far Eastern
One of Taipei’s tallest (43 floors) and most well-established hotels. We stayed in a ‘Premier Taipei 101 King room’ which was super spacious and had Taipei 101 views.
Facilities include a heated outdoor rooftop pool with a separate hot tub plus several different onsite restaurants, bars, spa and a fitness centre.
Check rates and availability on booking.com / agoda.com / expedia.com
11. 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).
Check out our guide to Beitou plus the Thermal Valley.
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. Sulfur Valley is also worth a visit.
- 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 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 / agoda.com / expedia.com
Luxury ($$$)
Hotel Double One
Elegant hotel with suites that include a balcony with hot spring bathtub. The hotel also provides a free shuttle bus to the MRT station. Check rates and availability on booking.com / agoda.com / expedia.com
Luxury ($$$)
The Gaia Hotel – Taipei
Elegant hotel with outdoor pool, hot spring, spa, 3 restaurants and free shuttle bus to the MRT station. Read more about our stay at The Gaia Beitou. Check rates and availability on booking.com / agoda.com / expedia.com
12. Dazhi
Dazhi is a perfect place in Taipei to stay for:
- Escape the tourist crowds and see how expats live
- Shopping malls and indoor activities
- Foodie fun from food-courts to premium restaurants
- Get back to nature with mountain hikes
Easily accessible via the brown Wenhu MRT line, if you want to see where the locals and foreign expats reside in Taipei, get down to the Dazhi District.
From tree-lined avenues to fancy condominiums and red brick apartment buildings, Dazhi is a great place for crowd-free streets, luxury retail plus fun shopping malls. We also noticed several dog hotels here so it is a perfect place for pampered pets too!
Dazhi things to do
- Miramar Mall Taipei & Entertainment Park – one of the best Taipei shopping malls, Miramar Mall, has 12 floors of fun shopping including a massive ferris wheel and kids theme park on the top floor.
- Chiou Hwa 九華樓 – classic Cantonese cuisine with a modern twist. Their GLORIA Signature Peking duck is prepared by the chef in front of your table and sets the standard for an epic epicurean evening. Read our detailed review of Chiou Hwa 九華樓 here >
- Chun Place – this modern complex is also home to many upscale restaurants and a rather fancy food court on the ground floor.
- Mountain walks and hillside hikes – Dazhi is dominated by Jiannan Mountain and Jinanshan Nature Area – the skyline here is a pretty picture and locals head into the hills to get up close with nature and escape city life.
Dazhi hotels and accommodation
Mid-range to Luxury ($$$)
Hotel Indigo Taipei North
A modern luxury Taipei hotel with 150 rooms and clad with over half a million handmade Japanese bricks. It has Taipei’s only Thai style seafood buffet restaurant. Check rates and availability on booking.com / agoda.com / expedia.com
Luxury ($$$)
Grand Victoria Hotel Taipei
A 5* luxury Dazhi hotel, Grand Victoria is famous for its redbrick exterior, gorgeous gardens and mountain views. Unwind in the rooftop swimming pool or ‘meat’ up at their signature steak restaurant. Check rates and availability on booking.com / agoda.com / expedia.com
13. Minsheng
Minsheng District is a perfect place in Taipei to stay for:
- Coffee culture and cool hunting
- Classic Taipei where old and new combine
- Concerts at Taipei Arena
A historic and trendy neighborhood of Taipei along DunHua North Road, we enjoyed exploring Minsheng recently whilst staying at Taipei’s newest luxury hotel, Capella.
It is situated in the Songshan District and close to Taipei Arena and Songshan Airport (great for plane spotters!) and the epicenter of Taipei’s coffee culture.
Minsheng things to do
- Fujin Street -One of Taipei’s trendiest areas with lots of cool cafes, garden terraces and epic eats. Some of the most popular bakeries include ‘but. we love butter’ and Sunny Hills bakery.
- Prefer tea over coffee? Then check out Wolf Tea, famous for its Taiwanese tea served in a modern style setting.
- Gorgeous galleries and gem stores – check out the local Minsheng galleries and shops including Words Studio, PALM Gallery and Bally Jewellery.
- Songshan Airplane Alley – ‘take off’ with the family to Taipei’s Airport Alley to get VERY close to airplanes landing at Songshan Airport.
- Taiwan’s First McDonalds opened right here in Minsheng in January 1984 and it is still going today.
Minsheng hotels and accommodation
Luxury ($$$)
Capella Taipei
Opened in late 2025 and one of Taiwan’s newest luxury hotels, Capella is an exceptional stay with stylish interiors, impeccable service and decadent dining experiences – and yes, there is an outdoor pool with views of Taipei 101. Read our full Capella Review here. Check rates and availability on booking.com / agoda.com / expedia.com
14. Tamsui, North Taipei’s riverside district
Tamsui is best neighborhood to stay in Taipei for:
- Escaping the city
- Riverside walks, cafes and restaurants
- Taiwanese food and decadent desserts from Tamsui Old Street
- A base to also explore Bali
Tamsui is located near Taipei and is a historic port and riverside city located at the end of the Xinyi – Tamsui Metro line. Its scenic setting, numerous food stalls and restaurants plus easy access from Taipei make it a popular day-trip for local families and couples.
Tamsui has seen much change over the centuries with many European and Japanese influences. There are several grand old buildings to explore from Fort San Domingo to the Tamsui Customs Officers’ Residence.
Things to do in Tamsui
- Tamsui Old Street – a hotchpotch of shops, restaurants and gift shops, this is the main shopping and eating area of Tamsui
- Fort San Domingo – a 17th century bastion with a red brick exterior and gorgeous grounds (complete with cannons!) and wonderful waterside views
- Take the boat to Fisherman’s Wharf, Lover’s Bridge or Bali – read our guide to Bali here >
- Just relax! Fish, cycle or walk along the Tamsui boardwalk looking out to the river – best served with street-food or an ice-cream tower.
Read more in our guide to Tamsui >
Tamsui Taipei accommodation and hotels
Budget ($)
Hotelday Tamsui
Just across the water, the 3* Hotelday Tamsui is a 15 minute walk from Fisherman’s Wharf and an easy way to see Bali by night and enjoy Tamsui’s night-time delights. Check rates and availability on booking.com / agoda.com / expedia.com
Luxury ($$$)
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 / agoda.com / expedia.com
15. 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 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 / agoda.com / expedia.com
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