Where to Stay in Taipei – Neighborhoods & Area Guide

Taipei is one of the most culturally rich and vibrant cities in all of Asia. A sprawling city that has embraced modern technology while maintaining its heritage, Taipei is a fascinating city to discover.

Often overlooked as a travel destination, Taipei leaves travelers with memories aplenty. As the capital of Taiwan, there is always something of interest going on in Taipei. A buzzing and bustling 24-hour metropolis, Taipei can seem overwhelming to the uninitiated. Scratch beneath the surface, however, and travelers will discover a bright and welcoming city.

As with so many modern Asian cultures, the Taiwanese people love to shop. Taipei has more shopping malls than you could imagine. If you can’t find it in Taipei, it ain’t worth having.

If shopping is a national pastime, so is eating; Taiwanese food is simply incredible. With influences from colonizers Japan, there are a variety of must-try dishes to tick off in Taipei.

Whether you’re a city slicker seeking to live the high life in Taipei, or if you want to slow down and embrace a more traditional Taiwanese way of life, there is an ideal hotel in Taipei for you.

Let’s explore where to stay in Taipei.

Songshan District

Traditionally spelled ‘Sungshan,’ the Songshan District is one of the most central neighborhoods in Taipei.

The Songshan District is an ideal place to use as a base for whistle-stop travelers on a flying visit to the city. Songshan District is the home of Songshan Airport. Travelers can land, get through immigration, and be in the heart of the action in a matter of minutes – thanks, in part, to the fantastic infrastructure in place in Taipei.

In terms of tourist attractions, Songshan District does not disappoint. The famous Raohe Street Night Market can be found within the Songshan District and houses over 160 stalls. For travelers keen to have an authentic experience in Taipei, the Raohe Street Night Market should be one of the first ports of call. It is one of the oldest markets in the neighborhood and runs for over 600 meters – pretty impressive indeed.

Other must-visit gems in the Songshan District include Ciyou Temple and the very popular Breeze Shopping Center.

Good For: Active Travelers, Art Lovers, Architecture Enthusiasts, Budding Historians, Budget Backpackers, City Slickers, Couples, Culture Vultures, First Time Visitors, Families, Foodies, Luxury Travelers, Sightseers, Shopaholics, Whistle-Stop Travelers

Neighborhood Highlights: Raohe Street Night Market, Ciyou Temple, Breeze Shopping Center, Puppetry Art Center of Taipei, Taipei Arena, Taipei City Arts, Aurora Art Museum, Yingfeng Riverside Park, Sanmin Park, Japanese Cultural Center, Xinzhong Park, Xaihai City Lord Temple, Taipei City Lord Temple

Hotel Recommendations:

Capital Hotel Nanjing – Capital Hotel Nanjing is a good hotel in Taipei. Offering large family rooms and budget doubles too, Capital Hotel Nanjing offers something for every kind of traveler. Considering the close proximity to must-visit sights, Capital Hotel Nanjing offers great value for money. There is free WiFi and free parking available.
City Suites – Taipei Nandong – City Suites – Taipei Nandong offers guests complete freedom in Taipei. The suites come complete with a kitchenette facility and a private bathroom. City Suites – Taipei Nandong is just a 7-minute walk from iconic Raohe Street Night Market. The staff are helpful and very hospitable towards their guests.
Hotel East Taipei – Hotel East Taipei is a top pick in the Songshan District. The rooms are modern and feature warm, homely tones. There is a sense of class to the Hotel East Taipei and they offer premium facilities such a mini bar and luxury coffee maker in every room.

Shilin District

The Shilin District can be found to the north of central Taipei. Shilin District offers the perfect mix of city living and access to the great outdoors. Thanks to the ever-efficient public transport network in Taipei, travelers can connect to the inner city with ease.

The biggest drawcard of the Shilin District is easy access to the breathtaking Yangmingshan National Park. Featuring hot springs and hiking trails aplenty, Yangminghsan National Park is a glorious place to explore. Despite its close proximity to busy and bustling Taipei, it feels calm and quiet.

The focal point of the national park is Taiwan’s largest dormant volcano, Seven Star Mountain. The best time to visit the area is when the cherry blossoms are in bloom – from early March until early April. It is possibly one of the most photogenic sights in the country.

Within the city limits, a highly recommended place to visit is the Tianmu Creative Market, perfect for shopaholics on the hunt for authentic handicrafts to take home.

Good For: Active Travelers, Art Lovers, Architecture Enthusiasts, Budding Historians, Budget Backpackers, Couples, Culture Vultures, Families, Foodies, Hikers, Nature Lovers, Luxury Travelers, Sightseers, Shopaholics, Longer-term Travelers

Neighborhood Highlights: Yangmingshan National Park, Seven Star Mountain, Tianmu Creative Market, National Palace Museum, Menghuan Pond, Yangmingshan Flower Clock, Yangmingshan Chungshan Hall, Grass Mountain Chateau, Hushan Green, Hengling Historic Trail, Qianshan Park Swimming Pool, Yangmingshan Fountain, Statue of Wang Yangming, Shilin Night Market, Laodifang Lookout

Hotel Recommendations:

reedon hotel – reedon hotel is an air-conditioned hotel in fuguo road. there is free wifi throughout the hotel. premium rooms offer a private bathroom complete with a spa bath there is a laundry service available as well as a daily maid service. The front desk is open 24-hours for guest convenience.
Les Suites Grandee – Les Suites Grandee is a fabulous hotel in the Shilin District. The whole hotel is modern and bright and offers high levels of comfort. The closest MRT station is just a 3-minute walk away, so guests have easy access to Taipai. All rooms offer free bottled water and a mini bar.
Yusense Hotel – Yusense Hotel is a top pick in Taipei. There is a modern and stylish feel to the hotel. The hotel offers little luxuries, like an open plan in-room environment and a deep soaking bathtub. All rooms have air conditioning and access to free WiFi. Many rooms offer views of Yangmingshan National Park.

Tamsui District

Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf — Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf

Tamsui District can be found in New Taipei City and sits right on the coast. Offering not only a wonderful environment all of its own, Tamsui District offers easy access to Taipei City Centre and to Yangmingshan National Park.

Tamsui District offers travelers the chance to experience a slower pace of life in Taipei; some would argue a more authentic view of Taiwan as a whole.

Tamsui Old Street is a popular starting point for explorations in Tamsui District. The quaint street is lined with shops and street food vendors. Must-try Taiwanese street foods include grilled squid and smelly tofu. Deep fried milk is one of the more obscure delicacies loved by locals.

For couples traveling to Taipei, an opportunity to take a stroll over Lover’s Bridge should not be missed. Located on Guanhai Road, Lover’s Bridge connects the two sides of Fisherman’s Wharf.

In terms of historical landmarks, Tamsui District does not disappoint; Hobe Fort and Fort San Domingo are fascinating to explore.

Good For: Active Travelers, Art Lovers, Architecture Enthusiasts, Budding Historians, Budget Backpackers, Couples, Culture Vultures, Families, Foodies, Hikers, Nature Lovers, Like-a-Local Travelers, Sightseers, Shopaholics, Longer-Term Travelers

Neighborhood Highlights: Tamsui Old Street, Lover’s Bridge, Hobe Fort, Fort San Domingo, Fisherman’s Wharf, New Taipei City Martyrs’ Shrine, Drop of Water Memorial Hall, Oxford College Heritage Building, The House of Maidens, Tomb of Dr. Mackay, Taiwan Golf & Country Club, Huweipaotai Park, Gongqi Nature Park

Hotel Recommendations:

Park City Hotel – Tamsui Taipei – Park City Hotel – Tamsui Taipei is a budget-friendly hotel that can be found a 5-minute walk from Hongshulin MRT Subway Station. There is free WiFi throughout the hotel and a business center for guests to use as they need. There is a cafe in-house and the breakfast is served in buffet style.
Hotel RegaLees – Hotel RegaLees is a very good hotel in Tamsui District. There is an outdoor dining terrace that offers views of the mountains in the distance. There is a pool table and a fitness center for guests to use as they please. The staff at the tours desk are very helpful.
Fullon Hotel Tamsui Fishermen’s Wharf – Fullon Hotel Tamsui Fishermen’s Wharf is an upmarket, luxury hotel that boasts 5-star service. Many rooms offer views of Mount Guanyin. There is a luxurious spa in-house, as well as an outdoor swimming pool. There are family rooms available and some rooms have a bathtub.

Beitou District

The Beitou District is one of the most picturesque areas of Taipei City. Located to the north of the city center, Beitou District is a fantastic place to stay for travelers seeking an all-encompassing experience in Taiwan.

Beitou District is best known for its vast green spaces and hot springs. The world famous Beitou Hot Springs Park attracts travelers from across the globe. The natural hot spring water is said to have healing properties and the area is highly photogenic.

Travelers can learn more about the hot springs and the incredible history of the Beitou District at the Beitou Hot Spring Museum. The museum is set within a Tudor-style mansion house and features dozens of fascinating exhibits.

Beitou District is a great place to stay for families. Many hotels in Taipei offer family rooms. Not all districts have that many family-friendly attractions, but Beitou District is home to the mesmerizing Taipei Children’s Amusement Park and the interactive National Taiwan Science Education Center.

Good For: Active Travelers, Art Lovers, Architecture Enthusiasts, Budding Historians, Budget Backpackers, Couples, Culture Vultures, Foodies, Fun Seekers, Hikers, Nature Lovers, Luxury Travelers, Sightseers, Shopaholics, Young Families

Neighborhood Highlights: Beitou Hot Springs Park, Beitou Hot Spring Museum, Taipei Children’s Amusement Park, National Taiwan Science Education Center, Dharma Drum Mountain Nung Chan Monastery, Beitou Park, Junjianyan Hiking Area, Sulfur Valley Recreation Area, Beitou Cisheng Temple, Beitou Museum, Yangmingshan National Park

Hotel Recommendations:

Beitou Sweet Me Hot Spring Resort – Beitou Sweet Me Hot Spring Resort offers simple yet elegant rooms. All rooms feature their own private hot spring bathtub, which is a complete luxury. The room rates are great value for money. All rooms have cute little touches like slippers and bathrobes. There are generous family rooms available.
Les Suites Grandee – Les Suites Grandee is a fabulous hotel in Beitou District. The closest MRT Station is just a 3-minute walk away. Breakfast is included in some room rates and is served in buffet style with international options. There is an al fresco dining area where many guests enjoy a relaxed coffee.
Beauty Hotels – Beautique Hotel – Beauty Hotels – Beautique Hotel is top pick hotel in Taipei. Offering air conditioning and rooms with modern decor, Beauty Hotels is a hidden gem. Guests have access to free tea and coffee around the clock. There is a mini bar in each room and access to free and unlimited WiFi too.

Zhongzheng District

Zhongzheng District can be found in central Taipei. A culturally abundant neighborhood with lots to explore, Zhongzheng District is ideal for first-time travelers to Taipei. With so much to see and do, travelers should prepare for a jam-packed itinerary.

One of the most popular attractions in Zhongzheng District is the Presidential Office Building. Built in Baroque-style, the Presidential Office Building is one of the most impressive buildings in the city.

Another must-visit historical landmark in Zhongzheng District is National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. The manicured gardens and stately memorial hall have become one of Taipei’s most popularly visited spaces.

Art lovers will certainly enjoy Zhongzheng District. Both the Museum of Contemporary Art Taipei and the Taipei Artist Village can be found within the neighborhood. The leading cultural hub of the neighborhood is, of course, Huashan 1914 Creative Park.

Once a sake winery, Huashan 1914 Creative Park features art and film exhibitions within an atmospheric environment. There are local crafts for sale too.

Good For: Active Travelers, Art Lovers, Architecture Enthusiasts, Budding Historians, Budget Backpackers, City Slickers, Couples, Culture Vultures, First Time Visitors, Families, Foodies, Luxury Travelers, Sightseers, Shopaholics, Whistle-Stop Travelers

Neighborhood Highlights: Huashan 1914 Creative Park, National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Presidential Office Building, Museum of Contemporary Art Taipei, Taipei Artist Village, National Central Library, Yongkang Park, Postal Museum, Suho Memorial Paper Museum, Miniatures Museum of Taiwan, Kwoh-ting Li’s Residence, Dazhong Gate, Central Art Park

Hotel Recommendations:

PALAIS de Chine Hotel – PALAIS de Chine Hotel is a fabulous 5-star hotel in the heart of Taipei. There is a swimming pool available for guests to enjoy and a very good fitness center too. All rooms have a Hi-Fi audio system, access to free WiFi and a 40-inch TV.
Cosmos Hotel Taipei – Cosmos Hotel Taipei is a modern and stylish hotel in the center of the Zhongzheng District. The rooms are compact and functional with high levels of comfort. All rooms have a flat-screen TV and tea and coffee making facilities. Breakfast is included in some room rates and served in buffet style.
Finders Hotel – Finders Hotel is a super-stylish boutique hotel in the Zhongzheng District. Easily one of the bestselling hotels in the district, Finders Hotel is a popular choice that gets booked up well in advance. The rooms offer just the right amount of space and a modern ensuite bathroom too.

Zhongshan District

Zhongshan District is one of the more business-orientated neighborhoods in Taipei. Bordering Zhongzheng District, the district of Zhongshan District joins its southerly neighbor along the Taibeishidongxixiang Expressway. Both the Huashan 1914 Creative Park and Taipei Artist Village are close to Zhongshan District.

The Zhongshan District sprawls up and over the Keelung River towards the northern side of the city. In all reality, a whistle-stop traveler could stick within the limits of the Zhongshan District and experience the best of Taipei.

The Zhongshan District is another of Taipei’s neighborhoods that is fit for art lovers; there is so much art culture to explore. The Taipei Fine Arts Museum is a fantastic starting point. In terms of architecture, the Zhongshan District has a lot to offer too. Lin An Tai Ancestral House is one of the most impressive examples of traditional Taiwanese architecture in the area.

If a moment of tranquility is in order, travelers can explore the Garden Maze and the Taipei Collective Botanical Garden.

Neighborhood Highlights: Huashan 1914 Creative Park, Taipei Artist Village, Taipei Fine Arts Museum, Keelung River, Garden Maze, Taipei Collective Botanical Garden, Taipei Rose Garden, Changchun Phra Phrom, Siping Yangguang Shopping District, Rongxing Garden, Lin An Tai Ancestral House, Naval Command War History Gallery, Yingfeng Riverside Park

Hotel Recommendations:

The Landis Taipei – The Landis Taipei is a 5-star hotel offering not one, but three in-house restaurants. The rooms are modern with a stylish feel. Guests have access to the hotel’s fitness center for free. WiFi is complimentary within the room, as is tea and coffee. There are rooms and suites available.
Grand Mayfull Taipei – Grand Mayfull Taipei is a top pick hotel in Taipei. The rooms all have a luxurious feel to them and the beds are exceptionally comfortable. The ensuite bathrooms are generous and offer a deep soaking bathtub. Guests are welcomed to the hotel with complimentary water and fruit.
The Riviera Hotel Taipei – The Riviera Hotel Taipei is a 4-star hotel in Taipei. The hotel is situated a 7-minute walk from the closest MRT station. There is a very good fitness center in-house and guests are welcome to work out at a time that suits them. There is an airport shuttle service.

Daxi District

Daxi District sits just outside the reach of Taipei City but is well worth considering. For travelers keen to explore a more off the beaten track destination in Taipei, Daxi District is just the ticket.

Surrounded by lush, green parkland and home to a wealth of cultural heritage, Daxi District is a hidden gem. The starting point for travelers new to Daxi District should be Daxi Old Street. Wandering through the narrow streets, travelers will feel as if they are stepping back in time.

From specialty food stores to local artisans selling handicrafts, there are plenty of opportunities to get spending those New Taiwan dollars in Daxi District. On the other side of the town, the Taxi Tea Factory is an impressive place to visit; there are so many varieties of tea to try.

The Cihu Mausoleum is one of the most culturally significant places to visit in Daxi District. The hourly changing of the guard is worth waiting around to observe.

Good For: Active Travelers, Art Lovers, Architecture Enthusiasts, Budding Historians, Couples, Culture Vultures, Families, Foodies, Hikers, Nature Lovers, Sightseers, Shopaholics, Longer-term Travelers

Neighborhood Highlights: Daxi Old Street, Taxi Tea Factory, Cihu Mausoleum, Jiaobanshan Park, Sanmin Bat Cave, Howard Lake, Craftsman Story House, Daxi Wood Art Ecomuseum, Li Teng Fang Mansion, Lianzuoshan Guanyin Temple, Kimlan Soy Sauce Museum, music4fun

Hotel Recommendations:

Yaward Hotel – Yaward Hotel is a fantastic hotel with an incredible array of facilities. There is a 27-hole golf course within the grounds of Yaward Hotel. There is an outdoor swimming pool and bicycles are available for hire too. There are large family rooms available, sleeping up to six people.
Howard Lake Resort Shihmen Dam – Howard Lake Resort Shihmen Dam is a good hotel in Daxi District. The rooms are affordable and offer great value for money. There is an indoor swimming pool for guests to use at their leisure. All rooms feature a bathtub in the private ensuite bathroom. Breakfast is served in buffet style.
Leefoo Resort Guanshi – Leefoo Resort Guanshi is a top pick hotel in Daxi District. Perfect for families, all the rooms have wildlife themes and there is a kids club too. Gourmet coffee is provided on a complimentary basis in the rooms, as is WiFi. There is free parking at Leefoo Resort Guanshi.

Songshan District

Shilin District

Tamsui District

Beitou District

Zhongzheng District

Zhongshan District

Daxi District

Where to Stay in Taipei – Neighborhoods & Area Guide: