Where to Stay in Taipei: Best Districts and Areas for Every Traveler
Choosing where to stay in Taipei can make a big difference, especially for first-time visitors. Taiwan’s capital has everything from modern attractions and historic neighborhoods to busy shopping districts and amazing night markets.
Taipei is one of my favorite cities in the world, but with so many places to choose from, figuring out the best area to stay in Taipei can feel a bit overwhelming.
I’ve visited Taiwan ten times now and probably have been to Taipei at least eight time. I make it a goal to stay in different areas each time, including districts like Tamsui, Shilin, Wanhua, and New Taipei City.
I’ve learned that the best districts depends on what you want to experience during your visit to Taipei. In this guide, I’ll break down the best districts, what to see, and pros and cons to help you better decide were to stay in Taipei.
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| Districts | Best For | Main Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Zhongzheng District | First-time visitors, attractions | Major rail and MRT connections, access to popular attractions |
| Wanhua District | History, temples, and local culture | Near Lungshan Temple and night markets |
| Da'an District | Relaxed city experience and parks | Residential streets, restaurants, and parks |
| Xinyi District | Taipei 101 and shopping | Taipei 101 and modern shopping areas |
| Wenshan District | Families and nature | Taipei Zoo and Maokong Gondola |
| Songshan District | Night markets and shopping | Raohe Night Market and Keelung River |
| Banqiao District | Quieter and couples | Attractions and malls |
| Yingge District | Couples and specific shopping | Old Street, Ceramics |
| Shilin District | Foodies and night life | Night Market and Restaurants |
| Tamsui District | Leisure and markets | Waterfront and less tourists |
I’ve visited Taipei at least eight times now, it’s one of my favorite cities. I’ve stayed in touristy districts like the Wanhua District but also districts that are farther from the city center, like Tamsui District and Yingge District.
I’ve visited nearly all districts in Taipei and have explored a decent percentage of the city.
Based on my visits o Taipei and passion for exploring the city, I came up with a list of some of the best places to stay in Taipei. I’ll cover why it’s worth staying or at least visiting, nearby attractions, and my honest opinion about the area.
Zhongzheng District
Zhongzheng District is a great place to stay in Taipei for travelers who want convenient transportation and easy access to some of Taipei’s main attractions.
Zhongzheng District is home to Taipei Main Station, so getting around Taipei and other parts of Taiwan is easy. There are plenty of hotels, restaurants, and shopping here. It’s a practical base for first-time visitors.
Why Stay Here:
- Zhongzheng District is home to Taipei Main Station.
- Walkable to famous attractions like the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial.
- Museums, like the National Museum of History and National Taiwan Museum.
Top Things to do in Zhongzheng District:
- Walk through the Liberty Square Archway and admire Chiang Kai-shek Memorial.
- Stroll through 228 Peace Park.
- Try Taiwan’s best Pepper Cakes at Fuzhou Ancestral Pepper Cake.
Where to Stay in the Zhongzheng District:
Check out my list of Things to do in Taipei
From visiting Taipei 101 to exploring night markets, here are my recommended Things to do in Taipei.
Wanhua District
Wanhua is one of Taipei’s oldest districts and personally one of my favorites. If you are visiting Taipei and want to see historical attractions, traditional temples, and local culture, then I recommend Wanhua District.
Here you can find Longshan Temple, traditional markets, and the Ximending shopping area.
Why Stay Here:
- Historical charm and vibrant temples.
- Night markets and shopping streets.
- Walkable to many attractions and lively.
Top Things to do in Wanhua District:
- Visit Lungshan Temple both during the day and at night.
- Walk around Ximending and see the Red House.
- Sample food at Huaxi Street Night Market.
Where to Stay in the Wanhua District:
Da'an District
Da’an is an excellent district in Taipei that has a more relaxed and local vibe. I’ve stayed here and honestly enjoyed the slower pace. I walked around Daan Park in the morning and really just took my time here.
Da’an has beautiful parks, it’s well connected, and ideal for longer stays for visitors who want to experience everyday life in Taipei.
Why Stay Here:
- Perfect area to relax and take in the local atmoshpere.
- Local night markets and dining options.
- Local shopping for things made in Taiwan.
Top Things to do in Da’an District:
- Start the morning in Da’an Park, watch local wildlife, and exercise.
- Browse the Jade Market.
- Try local Taiwanese food at Linjiang Night Market.
Where to Stay in the Da’an District:
Xinyi District
Xinyi District is great for shopping and entertainment. This is a great place to stay if you like upscale hotels, shopping malls, and nightlife.
This district is home to Taipei 101, which is a must if visiting Taipei. There are also plenty of great dining options and bars. There is always something going on in the Xinyi District, whether it’s a fest or local celebration.
Why Stay Here:
- Must-visit attractions in Taipei.
- Modern shopping with malls and shopping centers,
- Hiking
Top Things to do in Xinyi District:
- Go up to the observation deck at Taipei 101.
- Stroll Zhongshan Park and see the National Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall.
- Hike Elephant Mountain for an iconic Taipei 101 view.
Where to Stay in the Xinyi District:
Read my Guide on the Elephant Mountain Hike
For that iconic Taipei 101 view and a little bit of nature, I cover the hike and what to expect.
Wenshan District
Taipei’s Wenshan District is serviced by the Green and Yellow Line. Most visitors will take the Yellow Line to visit the Taipei Zoo and Maokong Gondola.
There are also some great hikes in this area that are perfect for mornings.
Why Stay Here:
- Wenshan District has a few must-visit attractions in Taipei.
- It’s well connected and has a more local vibe.
- There are decent hiking trails.
Top Things to do in Wenshan District:
- Take a family trip and visit the Taipei Zoo.
- Go up the Maokong Gondola.
- Access a trailhead and go for a hike.
Where to Stay in the Wenshan District:
Songshan District
I recommend Songshan District mainly because that is where the famous Raohe Night Market is and it’s close to the Green Line.
Songshan District has a nice mix of local culture, markets, and cheaper shopping opportunities.
To break it down further, I recommend staying near the Songshan Train Station, it’s within walking distance to Raohe Night Market.
Why Stay Here:
- Access to one of Taipei’s most popular Night Markets.
- Songshan District has a great night life.
Top Things to do in Songshan District:
- Eat anything and everything at Raohe Night Market.
- Walk the Rainbow Bridge at Night.
Where to Stay in the Songshan District:
Banqiao District
I recently stayed 3-nights in the Banqiao District and it’s honestly one of my favorite places in Taipei to stay.
Banqiao was more modern then I expected. There are large malls here with great dining options. It’s located along the Blue Line and easily reachable from Taipei Main Station.
I found accommodations to be pretty cheap for what you get and this area had a completely different feel then other districts in Taipei, I really like the Banqiao District as an option for any traveler.
Why Stay Here:
- Modern feel with great shopping.
- Historic attractions that are not to touristy.
- Decent hotel rates.
Top Things to do in Banqiao District:
- Explore the Lin Family Mansion and Garden.
- Shop at Mega City, a mall with some decent shops and restaurants.
- Banqiao Nan Ya Night Market.
Where to Stay in the Banqiao District:
Yinggee District
Yinggee District is a bit further outside the city center but still easy to reach by public transportation. Yinggee is known for potter and ceramics, meaning it’s a unique place to stay for travelers interested in arts and culture.
Yinggee is full of ceramic shops, galleries, museums, and charming streets. This is a nice option for a quieter and more culturally focused visit.
Why Stay Here:
- Yinggee is completely different then the rest of Taipei.
- Yes, it is further out but makes for a great day of shopping.
Top Things to do in Zhongzheng District:
- Walk and shop along Yingge Old Street.
- Buy Ceramics and local souvenirs.
Where to Stay in the Zhongzheng District:
Shilin District
Shilin District is a popular choice for food lovers mainly for travelers who want to experience Taipei’s famous Shilin Night Market.
Shilin District is a great option for venturing into Northern Taipei and visiting the National Palace Museum.
Why Stay Here:
- Shilin is home to one of Taipei’s most famous night markets.
- Lively atmosphere and night-life.
- Museums.
Top Things to do in Shilin District:
- Eat your way through Shilin Night Market.
- Spend the day at the National Palace Museum.
- Play with Cats at the world’s first cat cafe.
Where to Stay in the Shilin District:
Debating Whether or Not to Stay at the Grand Hotel?
I wrote a review on my stay here. I covered everything from the rooms to the dining experiences.
Tamsui District
Located along the northern coast of New Taipei City, Tamsui offers a completely different atmosphere from Central Taipei. Tamsui has nice waterfront promenades, historic streets, and beautiful views.
Tamsui is a great choice for visitors who like local markets, scenic walks, seafood, and a slower pace of exploring. It is further out from Taipei, so it’s suited for those that don’t mind the commute.
Why Stay Here:
- Tamsui District is far out from Taipei but offers a different experience.
- The river walk offers amazing views and exciting establishments.
- Historical buildings and unique architecture.
Top Things to do in Tamsui District:
- Walk the waterfront promenade and enjoy the views.
- Learn about history at Fort San Domingo.
Where to Stay in the Tamsui District:
Frequently Asked Questions About Where to Stay in Taipei
For first-time visitors to Taipei, I recommend staying in Wanhua or Zhongzheng Districts. Both areas are well connected and are ideal for shopping, restaurants, and nightlife. Both areas have great accommodation options.
Taipei is a big city, I recommend a minimum of two days in Taipei but 3-4 days is ideal. The 3-4 days gives you plenty of time to visit the many attractions, explore new areas, and eat at multiple night markets.
Yes! Taipei is very easy to explore without a car. It's never even crossed my mind to rent a car since the public transportation in Taipei is so good. If the MRT metro system can't get you to where you need to go there are great bus networks and Uber is available in Taiwan.
If you are on a budget and visiting Taipei, I recommend the Wanhua area or some of the districts that are further out, like Tamsui. Wanhua District is a great place to start though and it's near public transportation and major attractions. I stayed here my first time in Taipei ad found a guest house. You can also find hostels and affordable hotels in Wanhua.
Final Thoughts: Where to Stay in Taipei
Choosing where to stay in Taipei depends on the kind of experience you are looking for. After visiting Taipei several times and staying in different areas, I’ve learned that each district or neighborhood offers something unique.
For first-time visitors, I recommend staying near major attractions, so Zhongzheng area makes sense, for those that want to see a completely different side of Taipei, I recommend checking out Tamsui.
Wherever you decide to stay, Taipei is an incredible city with an amazing food scene, exciting culture, and plenty of attractions to keep you busy. I hope this guide helps you find the perfect area for your next trip to Taipei.
If you have any other recommendations or areas to check out that I did not include, feel free to let me know in the comments so I can stay there next time. Safe Travels!
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