Trying to figure out where to stay in Taipei? This is probably the most important decision you’ll make when planning your trip. Taipei consists of 12 districts, and not all of them are the best area to stay in Taipei. I have chosen 6 of the best districts in Taipei to stay for first time visitors and returning travellers.
Taipei is honestly one of my favourite cities in Asia. It achieves the perfect balance between traditional and modern that’s hard to find elsewhere. You’ve got ancient temples sitting next to sleek skyscrapers, night markets alive with energy just blocks from quiet tea houses. And let’s not even get started on the food – from street vendors to mala hotpots, the options here are insane. The food is criminally underrated.
Unlike cities such as New York or London, Taipei doesn’t really have one central downtown area where everything happens. Instead, it’s more like a collection of neighbourhoods, each with its own personality and attractions. This means you need to think about what you want to do during your trip before deciding where to base yourself. Some districts are perfect for shopping and nightlife, while others put you closer to major sights or natural attractions.
Although getting around Taipei is pretty easy thanks to the excellent MRT system, staying in the right district will save you tons of time on transportation and help you experience the city more like a local. So, let’s find out the best places to stay in Taipei.
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Tips On Choosing Where To Stay In Taipei
Taipei’s districts are large, staying close to an MRT Station is key to getting around conveniently. If you stay close to the MRT, you can move to other districts in as little as 10 minutes. Additionally, due to districts’ size, some areas within the districts tend to be better than others. I point these out in this Taipei accommodation guide too.
Average Price Of Hotel In Taipei
According to Booking.com, prices per night range from NT$2,770(€75/$85/£64) from 3-star hotels to NT$7,800 (€211/$240/£180) upwards for 5-star hotels. Prices will also fluctuate per month, July is the cheapest month while December is the most expensive to stay in Taipei.
Where To Stay In Taipei Map
Where To Stay Taipei: 6 Best Areas For First Timers
1. Da’an District (大安區)
Located in the centre, Da’an is the heart of Taipei that offers you a local experience. Many consider it the best area to stay in Taipei for those seeking authenticity. It’s my personal favourite area to stay, there are noticeably fewer tourists here when compared to Xinyi and Ximen, which is refreshing for those wanting a more authentic experience.
The areas around Zhongxiao E Road and Xinyi Anhe Station have many trendy restaurants and cafes, this is also where many expats/immigrants go. Fuxing S Road, especially the southern part close to Da’an station, is also another good base. The main road has views of Taipei 101, which of course adds to its charm.
Yongkang Street is probably the most “hipster” area in Da’an, close to Dongmen Station it was voted the coolest street in Asia, and the 4th in the world, with many cafes, restaurants and boutiques. It’s also close to Da’an Park for travellers who like to unwind in nature and escape the city for a bit. For a more local vibe head to Tonghua Street where the Linjiang Night Market is also located.
RELATED: Yongkang Street Guide
Top Things To Do In Da’an
- Explore the 64 acre Da’an Park
- Eat and shop your way around Yongkang Street
- Spend a night at Linjiang Night Market
- Browse the weekend Jianguo Holiday Flower Market
- Experience a mini Japan at Ronjin Gorgeous Time
Sounds Too Good To Be True
Da’an can see higher prices for accommodation and dining compared to other districts, however budget-friendly options exist, particularly around the university areas and in traditional markets.
Recommended Hotels In Daan
You might also like: Ultimate 4 Day Itinerary Taipei
2. Xinyi (信義區)
Xinyi is the luxury shopping district of Taipei, it is one of the most modern districts to stay in Taipei with many large shiny skyscrapers. There are plenty of upscale shopping malls, specifically between the Taipei 101 Mall and the Breeze (a large cluster of department stores and malls.)
Away from the luxury shopping malls and Taipei 101, Xinyi has many charming corners. The area around Taipei Dome and Songshan Culture Park (Section 4, Zhongxiao E Rd) has many nice cafes and restaurants. Whereas bustling Wuxing St offers a more local experience with street vendors, markets and authentic Taiwanese restaurants. along with being walking distance to Xiangshan Mountain.
Most of Xinyi is expensive, I found simple things like coffee it be 10-20% higher priced than other areas of Taipei. Additionally, if you only stay around the shopping areas then Xinyi can be a bit soulless, so if you do stay here than don’t forget to explore the charming side streets.
Top Things To Do In Xinyi
- Visit Taipei 101
- Climb Elephant Mountain
- Grab breakfast at Wuxing Street Market
- Explore the grounds and stalls at Songshan Creative Park
- Shop until you drop…literally
You might also like: Xinyi District – Neighbourhood Guide
Sounds Too Good To Be True
Due to the commercial nature of this district, at night some areas can feel empty. Unless you have time to explore outside the touristy areas, then Xinyi might feel soulless with international chains and tall buildings. Lastly, restaurants and cafes tend to be pricier than other districts which might not suit those on a budget.
Recommended Hotels In Xinyi
- $: Formosa 101
- $$: CHECK inn
- $$$: Hanns House
3. Ximen (西門町)
Ximen is the entertainment district of Taipei, much smaller than all the other districts on this list it still packs a lot into the small space. Its vibrant pedestrianised streets have colourful clothing and pop culture shops, fun cafes such as Una Monster and a lively nightlife scene that is very LGBTQ+ friendly (side note the Pride festival here is amazing!).
Aside from Ximen’s entertainment value, you will be near a few significant cultural sights such as Longshan Temple, 228 Peace Park and Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Conveniently located on the red line, just 1 stop away from Taipei Main Station. Budget travellers will be happy to know that many budget hotels are located in Ximen.
Top Things To Do In Ximen
- Visit one of Taiwan’s oldest temples – Longshan Temple
- Huaxi Night Market
- Snap the colourful murals along Cinema Street
- Shop the independent stall at the Red House
- Step back 200-years to Bopiliao Historical Block
Sounds Too Good To Be True
Ximen can become very crowded, especially on weekends and evenings. It can be noisy late into the night so for any light sleeper I would carefully check reviews for mention of noise complaint. Ximen is a touristy district which some people might not enjoy. Additionally, if you are searching for luxurious and spacious hotels they are harder to find in Ximen.
Recommended Hotels In Ximen
- $$: Orange Hotel
- $$$: Sotetsu Grand Fresa
4. Zhongzheng (中正區)
Zhongzheng District is the administrative area of Taipei ie; it’s where many government buildings are located. Staying in Zhongzheng will place you within walking distance of iconic landmarks like Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and the Presidential Office Building, while also providing easy access to Taipei’s transportation network via Taipei Main Station.
The district balances historical significance with practical amenities, featuring a mix of government buildings, educational institutions, affordable accommodations, and authentic local eateries that are budget-friendly.
Top Things To Do In Zhongzheng
- Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
- 228 Peace Park
- National Taiwan Museum
Sounds Too Good To Be True
Due to the number of government buildings Zhongzheng can feel more formal. There are fewer trendy restaurants here than in Daan or Xinyi, however with the MRT you are just a few stops away from this.
Recommended Hotels In Zhongzheng
- $: Hankou Inn
- $$$: HINOEN Hotel
You might also like: Jiufen Itinerary: Taiwan’s Magical Old Town
5. Datong (大同區)
As Taipei’s historical district, Datong is famous for its traditional teahouses and olden buildings, especially along Dihua Street. It’s a charming district full of tradition. If you enjoy temples, there are many here along with traditional architecture from the Qing Dynasty. With Datong I recommend you stay in the southern part of the district between Dihua Street and Dadacheng, this will be much more convenient for you.
Located beside the river the Dadacheng Wharf offers a unique container market along with excellent cycle routes along Tamsui River. Additionally if night markets are your thing, Datong has 3 to explore; Dalong, Yansan and Ningxia Night Market.
Overall Datong is one of the best neighborhood to stay in Taipei for families. It’s an excellent option for anyone interested in traditional architecture and wanting to stay in a more local and less tourist area of Taipei. This combination
Top Things To Do In Datong
- Explore one of Taipei’s oldest street Dihua Street
- Dadaocheng Wharf Container Market
- Dadaocheng Cisheng Temple Food Street
- Visit a traditional teahouse
- Visit Dalong, Yansan and Ningxia Night Market
- Close to Shilin Night Market
Sounds Too Good To Be True
Datong can fall flat at night, if you like to stay out socialising then Datong may be inconvenient for you. Accommodation tends to have smaller rooms which may be frustrating if you are staying more than 2-3 nights. As Datong is an old district, some parts of it can appear run down.
Recommended Hotels In Datong
- $$: Hù House
- $$$: Lore Hotel
6. Zhongshan (中山區)
Zhongshan has the title as the trendiest district of Taipei, however there is one caveat, most of the “cool” stuff is located around Zhongshan MRT Station. Once a neighbourhood where Japanese soldiers resided during the occupation, their influence can still be seen today with izakayas and ramen bars. Anyone that loves a cute cafe will be obsessed with the number of trendy cafes, boutiques, and restaurants here.
Aside from Zhongshan MRT, the rest of Zhongshan is not necessarily a “bad” place to stay, but it’s not as central or as modern.
Top Things To Do In Zhongshan
- Grand hotel Taipei
- Huashan Creative Park
- National Revolutionary Guard
- Miramir Ferris Wheel
- Taipei Fine Arts Museum
- Airplane Observation Deck
- Yuanshan Trail
Sounds Too Good To Be True
There are a few adult entertainment businesses around Linsen North Road that may not suit families or solo travellers. Unlike Da’an or Xinyi, Zhongshan lacks cohesive planning, and it lacks the charm of either modern luxury or authentic heritage.
While reasonably well-connected by public transit, portions of the district require significant walking to reach MRT stations. Travelers seeking either Taipei’s modernity or its traditional side might find Zhongshan’s middle-ground position unsatisfying, offering neither the full convenience of central districts nor the authentic local experience of older neighbourhoods.
Recommended Hotels In Zhongshan
- $: Hub Hotel
- $$: Gloria Residence
- $$$: The Okura Prestige
You might also like: How To Spend 3 Days In Tokyo
Summary Of Where To Stay In Taipei
Best area to stay in Taipei for nightlife: Ximen + Xinyi + Zhongshan
Best area to stay in Taipei for local life: Da’an + Datong
Best area to stay in Taipei for shopping: Xinyi
Best area to stay in Taipei on a budget: Ximen
Best area to stay in Taipei for history: Datong or Zhongzheng
Best area to stay in Taipei for hiking: Xinyi + Zhongshan
Taipei FAQ
Yongkang Street is not only the coolest street in Taipei, but it was actually voted as the coolest in Asia. Packed full of cute cafes and restaurants, once you visit you’ll understand why. I wrote in detail about Yongkang Street here.
Absolutely not. Although there are many tourists and prices are higher than other districts, it’s a fun place to visit, especially if you are looking to bar crawl.
4 days in Taipei will allow you to see most of the city, along with a day trip. However 5-7 days is much better if you want to experience Taipei’s incredible nature.
Taipei main station is located in Zhongzheng. If you plan to take day trips or have an early morning train, then Zhongzheng is a fantastic base for you.
