Where to Stay in Taipei (9 Best Areas & Places in 2026)

👉 Jump to: Best Places to Stay in Taipei | Neighborhoods & Areas | Tips | FAQ

After a month in Taipei, I’ve gotten to know the enticing characteristics and little quirks of its many neighborhoods well. 

On your first trip to Taipei, I suggest staying in Ximending. This central area is near points of interest for first-timers, has lots of places to eat, and offers a range of reasonably-priced accommodations. Like the COMMA Boutique Hotel where I got an apartment-sized suite with a massive balcony overlooking the city for around $100 per night. 

While that stay is exceptional, my pick for the best hotel in Taipei overall is the arTree Hotel in the trendy Songshan district. The hotel’s design is one-of-a-kind, the giant bed was the most comfortable one I’ve ever slept in, and the value for price is off-the-charts here. 

That’s just the beginning. Below, I’m going to break down nine of the best places to stay in Taipei and tell you about all the top accommodations, restaurants, and things to do in each area. Let’s get started with my top hotel recommendations in Taipei.

Best Places to Stay in Taipei

If you’re short on time, these are my top hotel picks: 

• 🏆 Best Overall Hotel – arTree Hotel
• 📍 Best Location – Hotel Resonance Taipei
• 💎 Best Luxury Hotel – Eslite Hotel (full hotel review here)
• ❤️ Best for Couples –arTree Hotel (full hotel review here)
• 👪 Best for Families – Shangri-La Far Eastern, Taipei
• 🛎️ Best Boutique – Humble Boutique Hotel
• 💻 Best for Business Travelers – MGH Mitsui Garden Hotel Taipei Zhongxiao
• 🚆 Best Near Taipei Main Station – Hotel COZZI Zhongxiao 
• 🎒 Best Hostel – OwlStay Flip Flop Hostel
• 🛏️ Best Budget – Comma Boutique Hotel

Ok, now scroll down for a deep dive into the pros (and cons) of each area of Taipei: 

9 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Taipei

In comparison to some of the bigger Asian metropolises, the capital city of Taiwan is fairly small and manageable. It’s split into Taipei City and New Taipei City by the Tamsui River. Most visitors will gravitate toward Taipei City since that’s where the popular neighborhoods, attractions, and eateries are located. 

Taipei’s diverse districts can appeal to solo travelers on a budget, partiers, couples, or even families with kids. There’s a homebase for any budget level, too. Out of them all, these are the 9 best Taipei neighborhoods for any sort of trip – romantic, family-friendly, or adventurous. 

Ximending

👉 Best Area For First Timers | ✨ Best Ximending Hotels: Comma Boutique Hotel • At Home Hotel Ximen • Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Taipei Ximen

For your first time in Taipei, stay around Ximending to be in the center of the action. This subsect of the larger Wanhua district is often called the “Harajuku of Taipei.” Ximending Walking Street in particular is by far the most tourist-filled part of the city, but there is a reason why so many visitors flock there. 

The first being that there are many affordable accommodations around this area. I actually stayed at Comma Boutique Hotel twice because it was so comfortable, clean, and cheap. Rooms were as little as $50 per night for a standard room or around $100 per night for a huge suite. 

If you want to treat yourself a little more, Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Taipei Ximen is an excellent choice. This spot has gorgeously-designed, sound-proofed rooms and their staff members are super attentive to guest needs.  

Ximending is in a prime location encircled by other cool Taipei districts you’ll want to visit like Datong and Zhongzheng. The only major attraction inside the tiny neighborhood is its acclaimed walking street filled with street food, performers, and endless stores. But that’s plenty of entertainment in itself and everything else is easily reachable from here. 

First time visitors will be able to try a bunch of super affordable culinary treats around Ximending, like xiao long bao, stinky tofu, scallion pancakes, and beef noodles. Or my personal favorite, crispy milk donuts. Whether you want cheap street food or a sophisticated sit-down meal, Ximending has it. 

Pros of Staying in Ximending Neighborhood:

• Center of the city 
• Easy to reach other neighborhoods and attractions 
• Tons of food options for any palate 
• Many affordable accommodations 

Cons of Staying in Ximending Neighborhood:

• Crowded 
• Extremely touristy

Zhongzheng

👉 Best Area For Central Location | ✨ Best Zhongzheng Hotels: Sotetsu Grand Fresa Taipei Ximen • Hotel Resonance Taipei • Hotel COZZI Zhongxiao • Citizen Hotel

If location is your primary concern when picking a place to stay in Taipei, check out the hotels around Zhongzheng. There is such a wide range of accommodations here to fit practically any budget. Travelers can live in the lap of luxury in the gigantic king-size rooms at Hotel Resonance Taipei that’s front desk even provides currency exchange. 

Or, spend less than $100 per night for a spotless, bright room at Citizen Hotel. Even for that price it has nice additions, like free parking and front desk service all night long. No matter which you pick, you’ll have the benefit of being in a very central location in Zhongzheng. 

Zhongzheng is also great for a short trip to Taipei because it’s near other neighborhoods. Da’an, Ximending, and Datong are all a quick ride away on public transportation. Taipei Main Station is also in this district, which is convenient for taking day trips from Taipei and getting to the airport. 

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, National Taiwan Museum, and more attractions are situated in Zhongzheng. So, it’s also ideal for first-time visitors to Taipei who want direct access to the city’s sites. 

The only big downside of staying in Zhongzheng is that lots of other people have the same idea, so it can get pretty busy. It’s a bit less aesthetic than some of the other Taipei districts in my opinion, too. 

Pros of Staying in Zhongzheng Neighborhood:

• Central location 
• Near Taipei Main Station for day trips & airport access
• Many hotels at varying price points
• Attractions nearby

Cons of Staying in Zhongzheng Neighborhood:

• Busy
• Less trendy vibe 

Da’an

👉 Best Area For Families & Business Travelers | ✨ Best Da’an Hotels: MGH Mitsui Garden Hotel Taipei Zhongxiao • Shangri-La Far Eastern, Taipei • Chez Nous

Da’an has a calmer, more modern atmosphere. This makes it a good fit for both families and business travelers alike. For families traveling in Taipei, Shangri-La Far Eastern, Taipei has a stunning rooftop pool to keep kids entertained and immaculate deluxe family rooms that include two twin beds and a king.

After the pool, you can check out the largest park in Taipei, Da’an Forest Park. The free-to-enter green space has all sorts of features that could appeal to families, like a massive playground. There are also chances to see wildlife, including various species of fish at the lake, birds, and very curious squirrels. 

As a digital nomad, MGH Mitsui Garden Hotel was exactly what I needed to get some work done. Their refined lounge felt like a cute cafe with fast wifi and free coffee/tea. There’s also an airport shuttle, laundry services, and even public bath facilities to recharge after a long day. 

In Da’an, you won’t be constantly surrounded by hectic streets filled with tourists the second you step outside your hotel. Business trips or a family vacation will feel comfortable. 

This peacefulness means you won’t have too much of a bar scene around this area. There’s still lots of metro stops around that can take you right into the city center for all that, though. The other thing to consider is that Da’an is more expensive than other districts like Wanhua and Zhongzheng. 

Pros of Staying in Da’an Neighborhood:

• Quieter and feels less hectic 
• Green spaces like Da’an Park
• Well-connected by public transportation
• Many high-end hotels 

Cons of Staying in Da’an Neighborhood:

• Limited nightlife 
• Pricey

Zhongshan

👉 Best Area For Boutique Hotels & Stylish Vibe | ✨ Best Zhongshan Hotels: Humble Boutique Hotel • Ambience Hotel Taipei • The Okura Prestige • The Tango Hotel ChangAn

I stayed in Zhongshan for a good chunk of my Taipei trip because I became so fond of the district. It’s basically a maze of pretty back streets and adorable cafes like 8%ice CAFÉ and CAFE ACME mini. Even better, there are a bounty of top-quality accommodations around this area. 

The Humble Boutique Hotel had the best amenities out of all the places I stayed in Taipei. With its spectacular indoor pool, saunas, gym, and swanky restaurant – I hardly wanted to leave the premises. Oh, and this place’s breakfast was a favorite as well. They had a menu with several tasty prepared options (I got the Japanese-style breakfast with grilled salmon), a small buffet, and cafe-quality lattes. 

Another world-class boutique stay in Zhongshan for a slightly lower cost is Ambience Hotel Taipei. Their rooms are absolutely pristine and can accommodate up to a family of four. Former guests were really fond of the breakfast and friendly staff here. 

Travelers who are renting a car might prefer The Tango Hotel ChangAn since they provide free on-site parking. That’s very valuable in a city like Taipei. 

The other big draw to Zhongshan for me is that it’s on the outskirts of the city center. This means it’s closer to some of the hikes in Taipei. Jiantanshan Trail had such rewarding views over the whole city for instance. 

If you happen to be flying to another destination in Taiwan or Asia, Songshan Airport is super convenient to reach from this neighborhood. 

My only big complaint about staying in Zhongshan is that there aren’t quite as many restaurants. There are a few solid gems, like Feng Delicious Taipei Nanjing E. Branch. But overall, it’s not the ‘foodie’ part of Taipei. 

Pros of Staying in Zhongshan Neighborhood:

• Pretty, trendy area
• Variety of nice hotels from budget to luxury
• Hikes nearby 
• Close to Songshan Airport (domestic travel and destinations in Asia)

Cons of Staying in Zhongshan Neighborhood:

• Not as many restaurants
• Slightly removed from the city center

Datong

👉 Best Area For Shopping & Eating | ✨ Best Datong Hotels: Lore Hotel 樂爾公寓 • OwlStay Flip Flop Hostel • Jian Shan Hotel

When I started planning a trip to Taiwan, I couldn’t wait to indulge in the local food scene, and Datong is the neighborhood to do that. I returned to a bunch of restaurants here again and again, like Lei Hou Restaurant. Specifically for their black truffle shumai and hot and sour noodles. 

In the mood for something other than Taiwanese food? Grab a memorable dinner spread from Omakase・食卓 for a very reasonable price. It could compete with the omakases I had in Japan. This neighborhood has easy access to awesome Taipei night markets too, such as Ningxia Night Market. 

Whenever I wasn’t perusing local menus, I was making my way through the neighborhood’s shops like LIBERATED RHYTHMS 解放之聲, Samo Ondoh, and Qinjing Old Warehouse. If you’re not sure where to start shopping or eating in Datong, Dihua Street is a safe bet for both. It’s particularly lively around Lunar New Year when it’s decorated for the occasion. 

The only problem with visiting during that time of year is that Taipei gets very expensive. Luckily, Datong has lots of affordable places to stay. I paid about $25 per night to stay at OwlStay Flip Flop Hostel and it really exceeded my expectations. Every space was sparkling clean, my dorm bed was a cozy little nook, and there were so many nice spots to work. 

If you don’t want to stay in a hostel, Lore Hotel 樂爾公寓 is still affordable and their sound-proofed rooms are quite opulent. 

Pros of Staying in Datong Neighborhood:

• Amazing restaurants galore 
• Solid shopping scene 
• Affordable places to stay
• Cultural attractions like temples
• Several night markets 

Cons of Staying in Datong Neighborhood:

• Can get crowded
• Not many bars 

Songshan

👉 Best Area For Couples & Quieter Atmosphere | ✨ Best Songshan Hotels: arTree Hotel • ILLUME Taipei • 森浩文旅

My pick for the best hotel in Taipei is the arTree Hotel in the Songshan district. I couldn’t believe the quality for the price. Their deluxe double room cost less than $150 per night, and it was so extravagant and romantic. Perfect for couples. The whole hotel is designed in an elegant nature theme that makes it feel otherworldly. For more, see my complete hotel review here.

ILLUME Taipei is another upscale stay with large rooms in the heart of Songshan. It has two eateries on-site including an international buffet and an acclaimed Chinese restaurant called Magnolia Court. Along with a well-stocked gym, sauna, and a high-ceiling ballroom that can accommodate up to 1,000 people. 

While these accommodations are phenomenal, Songshan has significantly fewer hotel options than other Taipei neighborhoods. Top-rated stays sell out fast, so make sure you book in advance.

Outside the hotel doors, the streets of Songshan are undeniably dreamy. It’s low-key, but charming with plenty of bars and inviting cafes. Spots like 台北酒驛 Turnout Taipei and OriginBAR 源 ensure that you’ll never be bored. But the party scene still isn’t overwhelming or tacky. 

Songshan is also home to the most famous night market in Taipei – Raohe Night Market. Taking yourself on a food tour through all the vendors is a must for any trip to Taiwan. Besides Raohe though, there aren’t too many big attractions in this neighborhood. Which can be nice depending on your preference because it keeps things on the quieter side. 

Pros of Staying in Songshan Neighborhood:

• Aesthetic, peaceful atmosphere 
• Fun, but not too crazy nightlife scene 
• Adorable cafes 
• Easy access to central neighborhoods
• Diverse restaurant scene 

Cons of Staying in Songshan Neighborhood:

• Fewer hotels to choose from
• Limited attractions besides Raohe Night Market

Xinyi

👉 Best Area For Luxury | ✨ Best Xinyi Hotels: Eslite Hotel • W Taipei • Grand Hyatt Taipei • Hanns House 

Treat yourself to a stay in Xinyi if you’re on a honeymoon or any other big celebration in Taipei. The streets around this neighborhood feel lavish and tranquil. To match that energy, there are tons of luxury hotels here.

The 5-star Eslite Hotel is just dripping in grandeur from the lobby to the rooms that are fit for royalty. Mine even had a clear view of Taipei 101 and the bathroom was simply insane. They were serving lox with all the proper fixings at breakfast too, so this New Yorker was in heaven. For more, see my in-depth hotel review.

It was nice staying here because it was fairly close to Elephant Mountain where we could watch the sunset over the city and hit other nearby hiking spots. There are a few other key attractions in Xinyi too, like Taipei 101, Songshan Fengtian Temple, and Taipei Dome. 

Grand Hyatt Taipei speaks to Xinyi’s stylish vibe. In addition to fantastic views, this Taipei hotel has very useful amenities, such as yoga classes, a kid’s club, an outdoor pool, and spa. Former guests were also really charmed by the staff. 

Similarly to the hotels, the Xinyi food and drink scene is elevated. Dine on a meal you’ll be dreaming about forever at spots like À POINT STEAK & BAR and ho • shabu. Then, get exquisite cocktails encircled by city views at CÉ LA VI Taipei. Just expect these experiences to cost a pretty penny. 

There aren’t really any major night markets in this neighborhood. You should plan to travel on public transportation to reach them and other major sites if you stay in Xinyi. 

Pros of Staying in Xinyi Neighborhood:

• Lots of high-end hotels to choose from 
• Chic and peaceful 
• Close to the mountainous surroundings of Taipei
• Key attractions here like Taipei 101 and Elephant Mountain
• Cool and classy bar scene 

Cons of Staying in Xinyi Neighborhood:

• Expensive
• A bit far from central Taipei 
• Basically no night markets 

Wanhua

👉 Best Area For Budget Travelers & Cultural Highlights | ✨ Best Wanhua Hotels: Cho Hotel • Energy Inn • MEANDER Taipei

The larger neighborhood that encompasses the Ximending district is called Wanhua and it can be a smart place to stay on a budget in Taipei. Everything in this area is slightly less expensive, starting with the food. 

You can try all types of Taiwanese dishes in Wanhua without worrying about spending too much. I got such a juicy gua bao that’s won prestigious awards for just $3 in this neighborhood. The braised pork rice from Wang’s Broth inside Huaxi Street Night Market is exceptional and cheap. Fuhong Beef Noodles is a local favorite. 

Wanhua can also be budget-friendly because there are free attractions here, such as Lungshan Temple and Bangka Old Street. 

There are lots of affordable places to stay in Wanhua, too. Guests loved the prime location of MEANDER Taipei near major train stations and thought the property was upkept really well. And they have rooms for whatever you need – small 4-bed dorms for less than $30 per night and private double rooms for under $75. 

Energy Inn is another place to stay in Wanhua that provides a lot of value and comfort for a very reasonable price. Their deluxe double room with a snug bed and big bathroom is only a little over $100. They have room service, laundry, a hearty breakfast, and airport pick-up (additional fees). 

This area can be nice for young travelers because beyond the affordability, there’s a fun nightlife scene in Wanhua. Geography Bar and 獅鬥cdou bar both have vibrant atmospheres and delectable cocktails. Although, this means it gets a little rowdy around here on the weekends. 

Pros of Staying in Wanhua Neighborhood:

• Delicious and low-cost food 
• Fun nightlife scene
• Reasonably-priced hotels
• Major cultural attractions like Lungshan Temple

Cons of Staying in Wanhua Neighborhood:

• Can get noisy
• Feels a little less clean and modern

Beitou

👉 Best Area For Nature Lovers & Relaxation | ✨ Best Beitou Hotels: Hotel Royal Beitou• Radium Kagaya Taipei • Beitou Sweet Me Hot Spring Resort • Grand View Resort Beitou 

Want to experience a metropolis like Taipei, but be close to striking nature at the same time? Plan to stay in the Beitou neighborhood. The chaotic streets around places like Ximending and Datong are a distant memory here. 

There are a bunch of hikes that you can actually reach from Beitou on foot, like Junjianyan Trail. I really appreciated the views from Battleship Rock because it gave me such an expansive perspective of Taipei. 

This part of the city is well-known for its rejuvenating hot springs. It’s such a big thing that many accommodations tote hot spring access as one of their top features. Like the Japanese-style Radium Kagaya Taipei with its upscale hot springs, steam room, and spa. 

If the hot spring isn’t enough to get you back to center, Hotel Royal Beitou goes a step beyond by offering full-body massages, fitness classes, and even has a convenience store right on the premises. 

The other fun aspect to Beitou is that there’s a pretty varied bar selection. For a glass of wine in a fashionable setting, you have La Copa Obsura. Visitors who prefer a dive can grab a pizza and pint from Kahu Craft Beer Garden. 

Since Beitou has less of a touristy atmosphere, there are slightly fewer hotels to choose from here. Another big thing to consider is that this area is at least a 30-minute train or bus journey away from all the central neighborhoods and sites. 

Pros of Staying in Beitou Neighborhood:

• Beautiful hikes within walking distance 
• Relaxing hot springs 
• Lots of green spaces and nature
• Variety of chill bars
• Feels more authentic, less tourist-driven

Cons of Staying in Beitou Neighborhood:

• 30-minute train/bus ride to the city center 
• Less hotels available

Tips for Staying in Taipei

Get an EasyCard at any convenience store and use the public transportation

One of the reasons why Taipei’s public transportation is so simple to navigate (even as a foreigner) is the EasyCard. You can pick up one of these bad boys at just about any convenience store or train station, and they can be used for the buses, metro, and select trains out of the city (including one to the airport!). 

Many locals even use the EasyCard like a debit card because it can be used at many stores around Taipei. Once you’ve run through the funds, it can be topped up at any convenience store with cash. 

Stay at a luxury hotel or two (you may be surprised at the price!)

I couldn’t believe my eyes at all the low-cost, high-end hotels across Taipei. 

The 4 and 5 star hotels in Taiwan’s capital were a mere sliver of the cost that a similar place would be in North America or Europe. For example, the deluxe room at the arTree Hotel above was less than $150 per night. That’s nearing the budget hotel prices in many parts of the United States these days.

Take advantage and treat yourself to a luxury hotel in Taipei. 

But don’t be afraid of the budget hotels or hostels in Taipei either!

Budget hotels in certain destinations are like playing a game of booking Russian Roulette. Thankfully, even the cheaper rooms in Taipei were clean and cozy. 

RF Hotel Linsen in the Zhongshan neighborhood was so affordable during a holiday weekend that I was suspicious. However, it was totally comfortable and had some of the nicest staff of my entire trip. So, don’t fear the budget hotels in Taipei – just make sure you read customer reviews. 

Get a sound-proofed room (or prepare to hear every noise)

Anyone who has traveled in Asia likely knows about this rule-of-thumb already, but it was especially necessary in Taipei. The few times I didn’t opt for a sound-proofed room to save a few bucks, I spent the entire night hearing every single noise from the halls, other rooms, and outside. 

While it was funny hearing the neighbor’s date night at first, it became way less humorous at around 4 am. Plus, you don’t want everyone else hearing your every move either. 

Book tours on Klook to take day trips or rent a car to explore the whole country on your own

My usual go-to for booking tours in the U.S. or Europe is Viator, but that simply wasn’t the best option traveling in Taiwan. Here, Klook is the name of the game. I’d find such ridiculously lower prices through Klook and the day trips are extensive. 

Just look at this Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen, Shifen and Golden Waterfall Day Tour that conveniently takes you to all those Taiwan highlights from Taipei Main Station for less than $25 per person. 

My boyfriend and I had a rental car in Taipei for a bit and that made it super easy to leisurely reach all these spots and more. Make sure you search through all the options on Discover Cars to get the best rate, though.

Get a Michelin-recommended meal for $3 from 一甲子餐飲

Taipei is one of the few places where ‘Michelin-recommended’ and ‘$3’ go hand-in-hand in a sentence. There are actually quite a few places where you can get an affordable bite with enough accolades to catch the attention of the Michelin guide. 

But my favorite was actually my last meal before my flight home from 一甲子餐飲 in the Wanhua district. I got their famed gua bao and braised pork rice for just a little over $3. It was one of my favorite things I ate in the country. Don’t let the long line scare you, though. This place is worth a little extra wait. 

Consider the season you visit Taipei carefully

Everyone wants the chance to see the cherry blossoms in Taiwan, but most don’t realize that peak flower season is also pretty rainy. That shouldn’t deter you completely (clearly, it didn’t deter me), but it should be a consideration. 

Another thing to think about are holidays. When I was visiting during Chinese New Year and Taiwan’s annual Lantern Festival, the prices of accommodations shot up so fast. It was probably the most I ever paid for a hotel in Asia. So, think about your budget carefully if you want to be there for a big event. 

Don’t sleep on Taipei’s free attractions

Some of my favorite attractions in Taipei didn’t cost me a dime. 

Hiking up the stairs to the top of Elephant Mountain to watch the sunset over the city is something I’ll never forget. The manicured grounds of Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall were way prettier than I expected. And experiencing Longshan Temple during Chinese New Year celebrations was so interesting. 

Every single one of those experiences were completely free. 

Try out night markets in different neighborhoods like Raohe, Shilin, and Ningxia

Night markets in Taiwan are a huge part of the culture. There’s so many of them across Taipei and they tend to be the tastiest and cheapest places for local cuisine. So, make sure you try a few of them across different districts. 

While Raohe had the most stalls and famous bites, I actually preferred Ningxia Night Market in Datong personally. 

Keep cash on-hand because many places won’t accept cards (and expect you to pay BEFORE eating)

Most night market vendors and even many sit-down restaurants in Taipei will only accept cash. Sometimes, they’ll offer things like Line Pay, but typically visitors won’t have that off-hand and cash is just simpler. 

By the way, it’s very common for eateries to request that you pay before your meal. Don’t be surprised if they approach you with the check right after ordering.  

People are obsessed with their dogs in Taiwan, so expect to see them everywhere

As a woman who travels with a dog all over the world, I truly appreciate a place that shares my adoration of the canine species. Taipei was definitely one of those – they absolutely love their dogs there!

I’ve never seen so many dogs being happily strolled around or sitting in motorbike baskets. This was a welcome surprise for me, but keep in mind that a furry friend or two will probably be everywhere from cafes to temples. 

Leave room in your bag, so you can indulge in the Taipei shopping scene

Be prepared to buy a little something on a trip to Taipei because it’ll be tough to resist. There are big malls like Taipei 101 Shopping Center in Xinyi and Zhongshan Metro Mall for international brands. Along with smaller vendors at spots like Wufenpu Shopping District. 

I’d recommend wandering around the Datong neighborhood to weave in and out of shops. This area had tons of cool stores selling unique pieces within walking distance of each other. 

Most Taipei hotels will offer free luggage storage if you need it

There’s nothing more antagonizing than that period before or after check-in/out where you have absolutely nowhere to go for a few hours. Hotels in Taipei make it a little easier because pretty much all of them will store your stuff for free. Even the budget hotels are happy to do it. 

Check out temples, respectfully

Ever since my first international trip to Thailand, I’ve always ended up visiting at least a handful of temples when I travel to Asia. And I was overjoyed at the number of temples in Taipei. They’re in basically every single neighborhood. 

While I think these are intriguing places to visit, keep in mind that they’re still religious sites. Be respectful in terms of what you wear and how you behave. 

Eat all the Taiwanese street food staples such as stinky tofu, peanut ice cream rolls, and scallion pancakes

There are so many dishes that I never knew about before my trip to Taiwan. A few that every visitor should taste are peanut ice cream rolls, scallion pancakes, and stinky tofu. 

Whether you try it or not, you will be forced to smell the stinky tofu against your will in the streets of Taipei. Trust, it tastes way better than its scent will lead you to believe. 

Don’t flush toilet paper down the toilet

It might take a little de-programming if you’re a Westerner, but it’s very important that you never throw anything down the toilet in Taiwan. Including toilet paper! 

This is common in many Asian travel destinations and Taiwan is one of them. Many places will leave a reminder in the bathroom, though. 

Check out hikes surrounding Taipei that are easily accessible by train or bus

Many cities leave you starving for a little green and are far from the closest hikes. But that’s not the case in Taipei. There were tons of challenging and stunning hikes in the mountains surrounding the city. 

A couple of my favorites were the Jiantanshan and Junjianyan Trails. Both provided the ideal mix of nature with cityscape views and were less than 30 minutes on the train from the city center. Elephant Mountain is amazing as well, but much more populated since it’s a major attraction. 

FAQs

How many days is enough for Taipei?

Around 5 days is enough time in Taipei to get a solid feel for the city and even embark on a couple of the surrounding day trips. Visitors need at least 5 days to appreciate a few of Taipei’s many neighborhoods and see all the top attractions without feeling rushed. 

What areas of Taipei should I avoid staying in? 

While you don’t need to outright avoid any neighborhood as a whole, visitors should avoid staying directly outside of Taipei Main Station or Longshan Temple. These spots tend to have a rougher, busier atmosphere. It’s fine to stay within walking distance, but try not to be on the same block. 

What are the best parts of Taipei to stay on a budget?

Wanhua and Zhongzheng are the best parts of Taipei to stay on a budget. These neighborhoods have plenty of affordable places to stay, eat, and drink. They’re both centrally-located too, so it’s possible to save extra money by walking everywhere. 

What are the best areas of Taipei to stay for a weekend?

The best areas in Taipei to stay for a weekend are Datong and Zhongzheng. Datong has a very cute atmosphere with tons of restaurants and it’s close to the city center/main attractions, but not directly in the center of all the chaos. Whereas Zhongzheng is great for a weekend stay because it’s home to many attractions, Taipei Main Station, and near other neighborhoods.  

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Hopefully, one of these spots stood out among the rest and you figured out where to stay in Taipei for your ideal trip. No matter where you pick though, every other neighborhood will be easily accessible. That’s just one of the many things I loved about visiting Taiwan.