One of my favorite things to do while traveling is to go for a stroll around the area of my hostel, hostel or AirBnB. But this experience becomes much more pleasant when the environment is stimulating and interesting.
One question I always ask myself when I book accommodation in a foreign city is, where are the best areas to stay? And it’s too bad I don’t have local friends from every country to help me out.
But if you’re wondering the same about Taipei, this local (me) is here to help.
Taipei is a relatively spread out city with lots of activity going on at any given time. The area where you end up staying in Taipei can sometimes make or break your trip depending on what you’re looking for.
So, the purpose of this guide is to help you find the best area to stay in Taipei for all your traveling needs and purpose. I’ve made recommendations based on what you’re looking for in your trip.
Table of Contents
1. Where to Stay in Taipei For Nightlife
Recommendation: Stay in Xinyi District
I personally think Taipei’s nightlife is one of the best in all of Asia. Not only are the nightclubs and lounges extravagant, but drinks are also relatively inexpensive.
Hotels in Xinyi district are filled with like-minded young adults that want to be in the heart of Taipei’s nightlife when the sun goes down. There’s a lot of hustle and bustle, but less of the chaos you would see in other parts of the city.
For those that don’t enjoy partying or sipping on cocktails, Xinyi offers great plazas consisting of top-notch restaurants and high-end department stores.
Areas like Vieshow, Neo 19 and Shin Kong and Breeze Center are all amazing places to spend the night (or day) out. Unless you’re looking to shop for cheap novelty items, Xinyi is the place to be.
Xinyi Taipei offers many upscale hotels built within and outside those plazas for the best convenience is you’re all about the nightlife. This may all sound perfect, but these hotels are definitely the most expensive in all of Taipei.
Best Attractions in this Area
- Elephant Mountain (best view of the city)
- Taipei 101
- Tonghua Night Market
- Hushan Hiking Trail
- Taipei Zoo
Pros of Staying in Xinyi
- Walking distance to Taipei’s top bars, lounges and nightclubs.
- Great restaurants with cuisine from all over the world.
- Close proximity to the country’s most famous building – Taipei 101.
- High-end shopping malls and brand stores.
- Street entertainment (musical acts, street art, acrobatics) on the weekends.
- Plenty of people – all the time (great for people watching).
- Ease of transportation. Finding an english-speaking taxi driver is no problem.
Cons of Staying in Xinyi
- The most expensive area to stay in all of Taipei.
- Loud and a lot going on – may not be ideal for families.
- Not many options for budget travelers – few hostels nearby.
- Not close to many night markets.
Best Hotels in Xinyi
These recommendations will cost a pretty penny. But it’s the price to pay to stay in one of the most prosperous areas of all of Taiwan. If you can afford it, I highly recommend one of these hotels.
Grand Hyatt Taipei
It’s one of the most popular and famous high-end hotel in Taipei, mostly because it’s been around for so long. It’s a short 5-8 minute walk to Taipei 101 and all the great nightlife that surrounds it.
But because it’s been around for so long, the rooms and decor can feel a little old. Still, it’s very “grand” as the name says. When it was built in 1990, it was called “the first, true international luxury hotel in the capital.”
W Taipei
A more modern take on 5-star luxury, the W Taipei is as you would expect from any one of their hotels. It’s much newer than the Grand Hyatt and has all the amenities that make it the luxury powerhouse it is today.
It’s right in the heart of the nightlife, so that’s a big plus. Whether you want to go out for a night of partying or shop at one of the many shopping centers, everything is just downstairs!
Space Inn Xinyi (Hostel)
The Space Inn Xinyi is one of the very few hostels situated in Xinyi district. And as with most hotels in this area, this hostel is considered “high end.” It’s clean and modern, as to match with the rest of the area.
But the best part is that it’s just a short 10 minute walk to Taipei 101. If you’re looking for a night market, it’s less than 10 minutes away from the only night market in the downtown area.
2. Where to Stay in Taipei For Shopping
Recommendation: Stay on Zhongxiao East Road (Dongqu)
Staying on Zhongxiao East Road (Dunhua) in Taipei is a fine option for those that like lively shopping areas with big malls and bright lights.
This road is parallel to the MRT blue line and runs through the stations of Zhongxiao Xinsheng to Sun Yat San Memorial with a lot of activity going on in between.
Not only is there a plethora of name brand stores, but the food is very good as well. In fact, the first Din Tai Fung is found on this street.
The crowd found on Zhongxiao East Road ranges, but is generally filled with people older than those in the Xinyi area of Taipei. There are only a handful of nightclubs or lounges in this area, as it’s mostly meant for shopping.
But because of the high-end stores and restaurants, this area is filled with tourists and locals alike. And when tourists flock to a certain area, you can bet that those hotels in the area will be relatively more expensive.
Best Attractions in the Area
- Taiwan Design Museum
- Yongkang Street
- Daan Forest Park
- Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall
- Tonghua Night Market
- Huashan Creative Park
Pros of Staying on Zhongxiao East Rd
- Close to many shops, including high end retailers and smaller shops.
- Busy and lively atmosphere with a lot of people at all hours.
- Very close to several MRT stations on the blue line – easy transportation.
- Great restaurants with a lot of different cuisines.
- A good number of hostels and budget hotels for travelers that want to save money.
- This area is located in the center of the city.
Cons of Staying on Zhongxiao East Rd
- Relatively expensive area to stay at.
- Not too close to many night markets.
- Can be a little overcrowded on weekends and holidays.
- If you travel by taxi/car, traffic can be bad during peak hours.
Best Hotels Near Zhongxiao East Road
Not every hotel in this area is cheap. You’re able to find some of the most expensive hotels, but also some great budget hotels and hostels. Though the “budget hotels” are more expensive here, it’s still a great bang for the buck.
San Want Taipei (Budget Hotel)
The San Want is what you would expect from a 3-star hotel. It’s clean, has nice but old furnishing and comes at a reasonable price depending on when your trip is.
For Zhongxiao East Rd area, it’s probably in the prime location. Literally right across the street, there are a few high-end lounges and nightclubs. Plus, plenty of shopping on the main street and hidden gems in the back alleys.
Star Hostel Taipei East (Hostel)
In my opinion, the Star Hostel is the best bang for the buck. It’s a very modern hostel that’s located in the heart of the Dongqu area. It’s right where Dunhua Rd intersects with Zhongxiao East Rd. Plus, the MRT station is only a few minutes of walking.
It’s frequently booked. I’ve heard of people trying to book half a year in advance without finding any availability. However, it doesn’t hurt to try.
Eastin Taipei Hotel
Eastin Taipei is a great choice, mainly because of the location. It’s right next to the Zhongxiao Dunhua MRT station (blue line) and is in the hub of the city center.
It’s a little bit old, so the decor and furniture isn’t as nice as those you’ll find in Xinyi. However, it’s a reasonable price and the customer service is superb.
3. Where to Stay in Taipei For Solo Traveler
Recommendation: Stay in Ximen
The Ximen district in Taipei is most famous for their amazing night market – Ximending. This area is as lively as it gets, especially on weekends.
Ximen area is great for the younger crowd because this is where junior high, high school and college students congregate after class and/or work. You’ll also find plenty of tourists in this area.
Because this area is geared towards the younger generation, the food and stores are generally cheaper. Some highlights of Ximending include: Taipei’s largest Uniqlo, a massive arcade, a 3-story KFC, a row of movie theaters and more.
This is an excellent area to be in if you’re planning to visit Taipei for the first time. It’s easy to get around, has a lot of lively energy and has a lot of delicious food.
You can find many hostels, bed & breakfast, homestays, hotels, etc. here for a great price. Yes, it’s a little far away from the city center, but it’s a great deal if you don’t want to break the bank on your first trip here.
I would not recommend Ximen area to those who prefer the older, more mature crowd.
Best Attractions in this Area
- Ximending Walking Street
- Longshan Temple
- Huaxi Night Market (Snake Alley)
- Taipei Botanical Garden
- National Taiwan Museum
- Chiang Kai Shek Memorial
Pros of Staying in Ximen
- Home to Ximending – one of the liveliest and best street markets in the city.
- A lot of cheap accommodation available in Ximen.
- Many small authentic hole-in-the-wall restaurants surrounding Ximending.
- Ximending street has some of the best street foods in the city, at an affordable price.
- Great for shopping if you’re not into high-end brands.
- Ximen (MRT Green Line) is close by. In fact, it’s right next to Ximending.
Cons of Staying in Ximen
- A bit far from the city center of Taipei.
- Can get a little overcrowded and noisy if you stay near Ximending walking street.
- Not ideal for families with small children or infants.
- Not as safe as the prime areas of Taipei during night time (but still pretty safe).
Best Hotels in Ximen
Ximen (Wanhua District) offers a lot of great options for first time visitors that aren’t sure what they want. It has a lot of everything, from mid-end hotels to budget hotels and hostels.
Cho Hotel (Budget Hotel)
The Cho Hotel is just a short walk to Ximending Walking Street. It’s clean and nicely designed, but the best part is the price you get for the location.
You can literally walk to Ximending every night to enjoy the festivities and grab some good food. Plus, it’s reasonably well priced for the area its in.
Meander Taipei (Hostel)
I love this hostel. I haven’t personally stayed here but have had a lot of friends tell me good things. The best part of this place is the rooftop! You need to see it for yourself. It’s a nice little area if you want to mingle with other travelers.
It’s a little pricey for a hostel, but I think it’s well worth the price. Of course, it’s clean, modern and well designed. Definitely highly recommended if you’re looking to book in Ximen on a budget.
Hotel Midtown Richardson
This boutique-style luxury hotel is located literally right next to the Ximen MRT station and Ximending walking street. Though it’s a little bit pricey, the service and amenities are worth the extra price.
The private baths are simply stunning and each room comes with a nice 50-inch flat screen TV. You may not be using the TV much since the location is so great. Food, massage parlors and night life (market) is all around.
4. Where to Stay in Taipei For Hot Springs
Recommendation: Stay in Beitou
Sometimes you just want to relax while on vacation. What better way to do it than to spend your days soaking in hot spring water?
The surrounding areas of Taipei offer great hot springs, but Jiaoxi and Wulai may be a little too far away from all the city buzz. The closest and most convenient hot springs destination in Taipei is Beitou.
Beitou is an ideal destination if hot springs are a must on your to-do list. You can stay in a cheaper hostel/hotel and visit one of the many hot springs in Beitou, or stay at a (more expensive) hot spring hotel in the area.
Beitou is a much more convenient location because its right next to Taipei’s MRT red line. You will be just a 20-minute MRT ride away from the city center.
Best Attractions in this Area
- Yangmingshan National Park
- Beitou Thermal Valley
- Beitou Hot Spring Museum
- Beitou Park
- Beitou Public Hot Spring
Pros of Staying in Beitou
- Lots of hot springs, both private and public springs.
- Away from the business of the inner city.
- Plenty of nature hikes and sights to see.
- Close to Shipai Night Market.
- Many great tourist attractions and landmarks to visit.
Cons of Staying in Beitou
- Far from the heart of Taipei. It can take 30 minutes to travel to city center.
- Much more limited in variety of cuisines. There will be a lot of Taiwanese options though.
- Not many good options for shopping, especially for known brands.
- Can be a little more difficult to get around. There are fewer English speakers (older crowd).
Best Hotels in Beitou
There are many different options in Beitou. If you’re looking to stay in this area, chances are you’re looking for hot springs. There are some more expensive hotels that have in-room hot springs. However, there are also budget options that are close to some hot springs.
On My Way Taipei (Hostel)
On My Way is a nice little hostel near all the hot spring buzz of Beitou. It’s not the most luxurious accommodation, but travelers love to rave about this place. Plus, there are plenty of board games for you to kill time when you’re not enjoying the hot springs.
It also has a nice little outdoor rooftop with some chairs and tables set up to get some fresh air. At the end of the day, it’s a great cheap option for backpackers that want to save some money but still enjoy the nearby hot springs of the area.
Hotel Leisure Beitou (Budget Hotel)
Hotel Leisure is a nice budget hotel option, though it’s still pretty expensive because it’s close to all the hot springs in Beitou. But for the price, you’re able to comfortably stay in the prime spot of the area.
It’s a pretty clean and relatively modern hotel. However, the rooms may be a little on the small side. But according to the thousands of happy visitors, customer service is an A+.
Asia Pacific Hotel Beitou (Hot Spring Bath)
The Asia Pacific Hotel is hands down one of our top picks for hotels in Taipei. It’s screams luxurious, but comes with the luxurious price tag. However, if you want a hot spring bath in your hotel room, then all hotels are roughly this price.
The modern design is gorgeous, having been built and furnished with contemporary and Japanese-style elements. The service is world-class, so in this case, you really get what you paid for.
5. Where to Stay in Taipei for Food
Recommendation: Shilin District
If you’ve been doing your research, you should have already heard about Shilin Night Market. If not, head to this guide immediately! It’s the biggest and most famous night market in Taipei.
There are plenty of hole-in-the-wall restaurants and food stalls within the areas of the market. It’s truly a food-lover’s paradise and a huge part of the reason why tourists flock here every year.
So if you’re here for the food, there’s no better place to stay than in Shilin District, preferably next to the night market! Cost of accommodation is pretty cheap in this area, unless you’re staying at the historic Grand Hotel Taipei.
You’ll find plenty of hostel and budget hotel options in Shilin District. And the MRT Red Line runs right through this area so it’s pretty convenient too.
Best Attractions in this Area
- Shilin Night Market (largest night market in Taipei)
- Shuangxi Park & Chinese Garden
- Meilun Park
- Zhishan Ecological Garden
- Yangmingshan National Park
Pros of Staying in Shilin
- Close to Shilin Night Market, of course.
- Lively neighborhood, but not as loud as the city center.
- Red MRT Line convenient runs through the district.
- Cheap accommodation, offering budget hotels and hostels too.
- Close to some of the best nature hikes in Yangmingshan Park.
- Many great Taiwanese restaurants in the small alleys.
Cons of Staying in Shilin
- Far away from the prime night life area (Xinyi).
- Far away from the city’s most popular attraction, Taipei 101.
- Not a good selection of international cuisine.
- Not as clean and modern as other areas of the city.
Best Hotels in Shilin
In addition to Ximen, Shilin is also a fantastic area for solo travelers that want to experience the liveliness and culture of the city without breaking the bank. There are amazing deals you can find in Shilin district!
Mono Taipei (Hostel)
Mono Hostel is one of the best hostels located near Shilin Night Market. It really is that close, taking just a couple minutes to walk there! It’s also right next to Jiantan MRT station (Red Line) for extra convenience.
It’s surprisingly very clean and modern – from the bathrooms to the common area. The rooms are also very spacious in case you’re backpacking with a bunch of bags. For the price, it’s a bargain!
Uinn Business Hotel (Budget Hotel)
Don’t worry, this hotel isn’t meant for business. But the modern decor and lighting does make it seem fairly upscale. It’s definitely a good bargain and even has a cafe inside the hotel.
However, because it’s so close to Shilin Night Market (walking distance), you may not even get the opportunity to try out the cafe. If you’re looking for a clean and modern budget hotel with great customer service, then you should look into the Uinn Business Hotel.
The Grand Hotel
The Grand Hotel is one of the most monumental landmarks in Taipei. Despite the flashy exterior, it’s not as expensive as you would think, especially if you come during the off-season.
Chiang Kai-Shek actually had this hotel built because there were a lack of 5-star hotels to accommodate foreign ambassadors. And up until the early 1980’s, the Grand Hotel was the tallest building in Taipei! They’ve come a long way since.
6. Where to Stay in Taipei for Families
Recommendation: Daan District
Our recommendation for where to stay in Taipei for shopping, Zhongxiao East Road, is technically part of Daan District. However, for families, this neighborhood is one of the best in the city.
Daan is a very safe area, if not the safest district. It’s perfect for strolling around the neighborhood with your children at all hours of the day.
Take them to go shopping in one of the many super malls on Zhongxiao East Road, or take them to lush Daan Park (the Central Park of Taipei). There’s just many family-friendly things to do in this area!
Like with our previous recommendation, this area is not that cheap. Sure, you’ll find hostels in this district but they’re more expensive. Plus, I don’t think you would want to stay at a hostel with your kids.
Best Attractions in this Area
- Daan Forest Park
- Yongkang Street
- Dongmen Market
- Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall
- Tonghua Night Market
Pros of Staying in Daan
- Safe and family-friendly environment.
- Many shopping areas – both name brands and local brands
- Many options for food of all cuisine, including great Taiwanese food.
- Lively area with many small streets to discover.
- Budget hotel options to save some money.
- Located in the center of Taipei
- Convenient to travel to other parts of Taipei (MRT, taxi, etc.).
Cons of Staying in Daan
- Can be a little expensive to find accommodation in.
- You’ll need to travel a bit to get to the nearest night market.
- Can be a little overcrowded on weekends and holidays.
- If you travel by taxi/car, traffic can be bad during peak hours.
Best Hotels for Families
Daan is the place to be to fully explore and discover Taipei with your family. And as a result, there are plenty of family-friend hotels (and budget hotels) in the area! Here are our top recommendations for this wonderful district.
San Want Taipei (Budget Hotel)
We’re going to make this recommendation once again because we love it so much and it’s technically in Daan District. Again, the hotel is a bit outdated but what’s important is that it’s clean with great customer service.
As for location, San Want Hotel is in prime location for Daan District. Though it’s a little bit far from the Forest Park, it’s still very accessible because of all the nearby MRT stations. Most importantly, it’s in a safe area for you and your kids.
Eastin Taipei Hotel
Eastin Taipei is another recommendation we’ve already made for those looking to do a bit (or a lot) of shopping. The locations is fantastic, and if your kids don’t mind, you can be shopping for hours with the ridiculous amount of shops and malls around.
The customer service is, as always, excellent and for where it’s at, the price is more than worth it. Though it’s a little bit on the old side, the rooms are certainly clean. But staying in this area, we doubt you’ll be spending too much time in the hotel rooms.
Royal Palace Hotel
The Royal Palace Hotel in Daan is long-standing hotel situated in the heart and soul of Daan District. A few steps out of the hotel and you’re met with plenty of things to do and people to see. It’s in a great location and close to the Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT station (the ultimate transfer station).
The interior of the hotel is nice and classic, but a little old as with all hotels on this street. Zhongxiao Road is a nice clash of both modern and old. But the location gives you the flexibility to see everything you want in Taipei.
Does it Matter Which Area You Stay?
The short answer is, not really. The whole city is fairly safe in my opinion, especially if you don’t plan to go out in the late hours of the night.
Taipei also boasts one of the most convenient and best subway system in Asia, and to be frank, the world. Not only is it efficient, cheap and safe, but also easy to use. Even the most novice of travelers won’t have a hard time figuring this out.
According to Insider, you’ll never have to wait more than 5 minutes for a train – even in rush hour. There’s a lot the world can learn from Taipei’s MRT system.
So what this means is that no matter where you stay, you have easy and convenient access to nearly any part of Taipei. Just because you’re staying in Ximen, doesn’t mean you can’t make it to Xinyi quickly with less than a few dollars USD.
So don’t feel obligated to stay in a certain area of the Taipei just because we recommend it. We’re just shooting out the facts to make it slightly more convenient for certain types of travelers and tourists.
So, if you’re in Taipei or planning to visit, make sure to visit our Complete Travel Guide to Taipei City.