
Taipei is a city that blends modern vibrancy with historic culture, and every neighbourhood has its own character. The accommodation options are diverse. Whether you prioritise convenient transport links, shopping, cultural flair or relaxing hot springs, there’s always a neighbourhood to suit. In this article, we introduce the seven most popular areas to stay in Taipei, based on transport connections and proximity to attractions, to help you find the ideal base for your stay.
Where to Stay in Taipei: Best Areas for Every Traveller
Travel Style | Best areas to stay in | Top Activities | Average hotel price per night |
🎒 Backpacker | Ximending, Shilin | Ximending trendy neighbourhood, Film Street, Shilin Night Market | £25 – £70 |
💑 Couples | Xinyi, Beitou | Taipei 101 Observation Deck, Xinyi Nightlife, Beitou Hot Springs | £70 – £170 |
👯♀️ Groups of friends | Ximending, Zhongshan | Ximending Shopping Street, Huashan 1914 Creative Park, bars on Linsen Road | £50 – £125 |
👨👩👧👦 Families | Zhongshan, Shilin | Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, National Palace Museum, Yangmingshan National Park | £70 – £150 |
* Prices are for guidance only and may vary by season.
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Zhongzheng: The first-timer's transport hub

🚇 Transport: Zhongzheng is Taipei’s transport hub, served by Taiwan Railways, the high-speed rail and the MRT. From Taoyuan Airport, the Airport MRT whisks you to the main station, from where all the major sights are within easy reach.
📸 Attractions & Activities
- Taiwan Museum: Located in 228 Peace Park, the collection focuses on Taiwan’s nature, indigenous culture and historical artefacts.
- National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: Directly adjoining Liberty Square, showcasing traditional Chinese architecture; you can watch the changing of the guard every hour on the hour.
- Presidential Office Building: the seat of the Taiwanese administration, its architecture blends Western and Chinese styles; the façade looks dignified and elegant (interior visits are only possible with advance registration).
- Huashan 1914 Creative Park: A cultural and creative park transformed from an old brewery, where historic atmosphere meets modern lifestyle.
- Liberty Square: Its central landmark is a majestic Chinese-style archway, and the entire complex is symmetrically laid out and surrounded by expansive open spaces.
🏨 Hotel tips
- Budget: Meworld Hotel Taipei Main Station
- Mid-range: Cosmos Hotel Taipei
- Luxury: Hotel Cozzi Zhongxiao Taipei
Xinyi: Luxury shopping and night-time skyline

🚇 Metro: The Taipei 101/World Trade Center and Xiangshan stations provide direct access to the very heart of the shopping and business district.
📸 Attractions & Activities
- Taipei 101: An absolute must in Taipei. From the tower, you can enjoy a fantastic view over the city, and on the 89th-floor observation deck you can experience the world’s fastest lift.
- Xiangshan Hiking Trail: A popular spot for night-time photography. From the summit, you get a fantastic view of Taipei 101 and the Xinyi District’s night-time skyline.
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall: A memorial to Dr Sun Yat-sen with a vast square and exciting cultural events.
- Xinyi Shopping District: Everything’s here—Shin Kong Mitsukoshi with several branches, ATT 4 FUN for on-trend brands and street food, Breeze Xinyi with luxury brands—perfect for shopping fans.
- Songshan Cultural and Creative Park: A creative hotspot with ever-changing art exhibitions and markets, perfect for anyone who loves art and a creative atmosphere.
🏨 Hotel tips
- Budget: CHECK inn Taipei XinYi
- Mid-range: Humble House Taipei, Curio Collection by Hilton
- Luxury: Grand Hyatt Taipei
Ximending: Backpacker hub for shopping & nightlife

🚇 Metro: At Ximen Station, the Bannan and Tamsui-Xinyi lines intersect, and from here you can reach Taipei's top attractions quickly and easily.
📸 Attractions & Activities
- Red House Ximen: A historic building with over a hundred years of history, now a creative space where craft markets and small performances take place regularly.
- Ximen Pedestrian Area: Trendy boutiques and shops packed with anime and gaming merchandise invite you to stroll and soak up the vibrant youth culture.
- Huaxi Street Night Market: One of Taipei’s oldest night markets, with a wide selection of street food and especially lively in the evenings.
- Cinema Street: Home to numerous cinemas offering affordable tickets and a quintessential Taipei cinema-going experience.
🏨 Hotel tips
- Budget: Caesar Metro Taipei
- Mid-range: Just Sleep Ximending
- Luxury: Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Taipei Ximen
Zhongshan: Convenient shopping districts and stylish city life

🚇 Metro: Well connected via the MRT stations Zhongshan, Nanjing Fuxing and Songjiang Nanjing. Songshan Airport is only about a 10-minute drive away.
📸 Attractions & Activities
- Taipei Zhongshan Memorial: a memorial to Dr. Sun Yat-sen with historical exhibitions; the adjacent square invites you to take a stroll.
- Miniature Museum: Asia's first museum specialising in miniature art. Tiny, intricate models captivate visitors of all ages.
- Taipei Fine Arts Museum: A collection of modern and contemporary art with temporary exhibitions and cultural events.
- Spot Taipei: A former US military club, now a creative hub with a small cinema and a cosy café.
- Breeze Center + Ming Yao Department Store: High-end shopping centres with international brands and Taiwanese designer labels.
- LinSen Road dining strip: Numerous restaurants and bars tempt you to indulge and go out. In the evenings, the street is particularly lively.
🏨 Hotel tips
- Budget: The Grand Hotel
- Mid-range: Regent Taipei
- Luxury: DoubleTree by Hilton Taipei Zhongshan
Da’an: Uni vibes, cafés and creative atmosphere

🚇 Metro: The area is served by Da’an, Guting and Da’an Forest Park stations. It’s only 3–5 stops on the MRT to the Xinyi and Zhongzheng districts.
📸 Attractions & Activities
- Da’an Forest Park: The largest city park in the heart of Taipei, with lush greenery and fresh air, ideal for strolling, jogging and picnicking.
- Yongkang Street: A culinary and cultural neighbourhood with cafés, dessert shops and Taiwanese speciality restaurants; iconic dishes like beef noodle soup and mango shaved ice are not to be missed.
- National Taiwan University campus: A leading university open to the public; the palm-lined avenue and the Fu Clock Tower exude academic and cultural flair.
- Linjiang Night Market: A popular spot for foodies and shoppers, offering a wide range of snacks and affordable clothing and household goods, close to the East District shopping area.
- Shida Night Market: A lively student neighbourhood with inexpensive snacks, creative shops and affordable clothing; the street is full of life and activity.
🏨 Hotel Tips
- Budget: Rido Hotel
- Mid-range: Taipei Fullerton Hotel South
- Luxury: Park Taipei Hotel
Shilin: Culture, nature and night market

🚇 Metro: Shilin and Jiantan stations are on the Tamsui–Xinyi Line (Red Line) and offer convenient connections to Taipei’s top attractions.
📸 Attractions & Activities
- National Palace Museum: Taiwan’s largest museum, home to a collection of around 700,000 artworks and historical artefacts.
- Shilin Night Market: One of Taipei’s most vibrant night markets, offering a wide range of snacks at great-value prices – perfect for sampling Taiwanese cuisine.
- Shilin Residence: The former residence of Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Mei-ling, with a rose garden and Kaige Hall; tranquil surroundings, perfect for leisurely walks.
- Yangmingshan National Park: Home to volcanic landscapes, hot springs and sweeping natural vistas – perfect for short breaks and soaking up nature.
🏨 Hotel tips
- Budget: Boutech Jiantan Hotel
- Mid-range: The Tango Hotel Taipei Shilin
- Luxury: Renaissance Taipei Shihlin Hotel
Beitou: Hot springs for relaxation and tranquillity

🚇 Metro: The Tamsui–Xinyi Line (Beitou Station) and the Xinbeitou branch line (Xinbeitou Station) take you straight to the hot spring area.
📸 Attractions & Activities
- Beitou Hot Springs Museum: Converted from an old hot spring bathhouse, it offers insights into the history and culture of the Beitou hot springs.
- Geothermal Valley: A natural geothermal landscape with steaming springs and lush green walking trails.
- Beitou Library: a showcase project for eco-friendly timber construction, peacefully located and ideal for relaxing and reading.
- Thermal baths and foot baths: Many spa hotels offer public or private thermal pools for pure relaxation.
🏨 Hotel tips
- Budget: Spring City Resort
- Mid-range: Sweetme Hotspring Resort
- Luxury: Asia Pacific Hotel Beitou
Top hotels in Taipei
5 star
Business travel
Family friendly
Hot spring
Breakfast
Frequently Asked Questions
Which area of Taipei is best to stay in?
For first-time visitors, Zhongzheng (around the Main Station) or Ximending are ideal for their central location, excellent transport links, and wide variety of dining and shopping options. Those looking for luxury, shopping and nightlife should head to the Xinyi district, while Beitou and Da'an offer quieter parks, hot springs and cultural spots.Is it better to stay in Ximending or near the Main Station?
Ximending is lively, perfect for shopping, street food and nightlife, while staying near the Main Station offers convenient access to trains, the MRT and buses. If you'd like the best of both, a hotel with MRT links to both areas is your best choice.Where do backpackers stay cheaply in Taipei?
Backpackers tend to stay in Ximending or the area around the Main Station for their affordable hostels and hotels, as well as good transport connections.Where can you stay for a historical and authentic experience in Taipei?
Datong or Shilin offer traditional streets, temples and markets. Here you'll find boutique hotels or guesthouses in restored heritage buildings, ideal for an authentic Taipei experience.How many days should you plan for Taipei?
3–4 days is enough for main sights like Taipei 101, the National Palace Museum, Ximending and Beitou. With more time, you can plan day trips to the surrounding mountains or other nearby destinations.

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