Most people spend only a few days in Taipei, meaning that they have a short amount of time to explore the city. With so much to do in Taipei, the best way to maximise your trip is by choosing your accommodation carefully. This might mean staying right in the city where many of the main attractions are, like in Zhongshan, or if you prefer a quieter area, you can venture slightly outside of Taipei, but still stay close to the MRT (Taipei Metro) and public transportation for easy and efficient access.
Here’s some info regarding the city’s layout, and a detailed guide on where to stay in Taipei for first-timers, with a neighbourhood guide and accommodation options.
Taipei and its layout: what to know about the city
Getting around Taipei
Taipei/Taipei City is located in the north of Taiwan, and is surrounded by mountains. It’s an interesting city where you’ll see tradition and history mixing with modern amenities and skyscrapers. It’s also very accessible and convenient to explore, with public transportation taking you all over the city and beyond, even all the way to the south of Taiwan to places like Tainan.
This means that despite the busy vibe that comes with most capital cities, in Taipei you can easily experience nature and the country side by hopping on a train that will take you to small quaint villages, or even national parks (such as Yangmingshan National Park) nearby with hiking trails.
Taipei City vs New Taipei City
Taipei/Taipei City lies east of the Tamsui River. It’s different from New Taipei City, which lies to the west of the river, but also physically surrounds Taipei. While both Taipei and New Taipei City share the same metropolitan area (known as Greater Taipei or Taipei–Keelung Metropolitan Area), they are two separate cities and municipalities.
Taipei is the capital of Taiwan, and is the historical, cultural, and economic centre, while New Taipei City is mostly a suburban, residential area.
Taipei’s city layout
There’s no “downtown” area in Taipei, and there’s not one location where all the main attractions are located. Everything is spread out, which unfortunately makes it more complicated to figure out where to stay in Taipei. But fret not, we break it all down below.
Where to stay in Taipei for first-timers?
If you’re in Taipei for the first time, you’ll likely be visiting a few temples, maybe do a food tour with a local guide at the night markets, hit up Taipei 101 observatory for views, take a day trip to Wulai to learn about Taiwan’s Indigenous population, or explore Yangmingshan National Park and soak in hot springs.
This is exactly what I did on my trip to Taiwan (here’s a detailed Taipei itinerary), and I didn’t want to waste time getting to places, so I chose to stay in the city centre with easy public transportation access.
Below is a guide to the best neighbourhoods (not districts) and places to stay in Taipei for first-time visitors, all centrally located to keep you close to public transport, amenities like restaurants and shops, top attractions, and either a quiet, calm area or a party hub, should you wish to experience Taipei’s nightlife.
Zhongshan neighbourhood
Zhongshan is Taipei’s trendiest neighbourhood, and you can expect to find lots of cute cafes, high end shops, concept stores, shopping malls, and restaurants like the famous dumpling chain Din Tai Fung, and the award-winning pineapple cake Fong Da (insider tip: it’s at the Mitsukoshi Department Store, on B2 floor).
The Zhongshan neighbourhood’s location is absolutely perfect, as you’ll be centrally located and can even explore on foot. It’s a charming area, very well connected to the metro stations, and full of life but without the chaotic nightlife scene. Based on my time in the city, I think it’s one of the best places to stay in Taipei.
Here are the accommodation options in Zhongshan.
Dadaocheng
The Dadaocheng neighbourhood is Taipei’s oldest district, and offers a calm vibe with historical buildings and museums. The oldest street in Taipei is in Dadaocheng, called Dihua Street. Moreover, Ningxia Night Market, one of the most popular night markets in Taipei, is also located there.
If you’re looking for a more “traditional” Taipei feel, but still with creative shops, cafes, and other amenities, Dadaocheng is where you should stay.
Check out the best hotels in Dadaocheng.
PS: my personal recommendation, if you’re a cat lover like me, is to stay at OrigInn Space; their resident orange cat Opan demands pets and cuddles.
Ximending
Ximending (also known as Ximen) is the “young and lively spot” and main tourist area of Taipei. In all honesty, this means that it can be a bit busy and chaotic, but if you’re looking to experience the famous nightlife in Taipei, with city lights, cocktail bars, and street performers, Ximen is the place to be.
During the day, you’ll be able to explore quirky shops, craft markets, a long shopping street, and bubble tea shops, as well as the Red House Creative Market, a historic building with artisanal and local shops.
Here are the best hotels in Ximen.
Da’an Park
If you’re looking for a calm residential stay in Taipei, Da’an Park is the spot. It has a quiet, almost suburban vibe, with plenty of space for short walks, without the regular hustle and bustle of capital cities. It’s still centrally located, has plenty of independent shops to explore, cafes, and restaurants.
Da’an Park is best suited for people looking for a quieter experience in Taipei, and people with children looking for a residential stay.
Here are the best hotels in Da’an Park.
Xinyi
Taipei’s Xinyi district offers a upscale, modern vibe, and is known for its fine dining restaurants, rooftop bars, high-end shopping malls like Breeze, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, and Bellavita, and skyscrapers including Taipei 101 and its observatory, from which you can get panoramic views of Taipei.
Insider tip: for the best view of Taipei 101, head to the Zhucun Izakaya, a cosy Japanese-style restaurant. Right outside the restaurant, look up and you’ll see the streets framing Taipei 101, making a perfect photo spot.
Despite the luxury feel of Xinyi, you can find all kinds of hotels for all budgets, from affordable options to luxury 5-star hotels.
FAQs: Where to stay in Taipei?
What’s the best neighbourhood to stay in Taipei?
Since Taipei doesn’t have a “downtown” area, and the top attractions are spread out, there are a various excellent neighbourhoods to choose from for your stay in Taipei. These include the quiet Da’an Park area, the commercial nightlife scene of Ximen, the historic vibes of Dadaocheng, the high end modern Xinyi area, and the upscale but charming Zhongshan neighbourhood.
What’s the safest neighbourhood in Taipei?
Taipei, and Taiwan in general, is a safe country to visit, especially for solo female travellers. So while there’s not one neighbourhood that’s particularly safer than others, there are some places that are more peaceful and quiet, away from the nightlife scene where you’ll more likely encounter rowdy young crowds.
The “safest” neighbourhoods in Taipei are Da’an Park, Xinyi, Dadaocheng, and Zhongshan.
What’s the busiest and most fun area to stay in Taipei?
The most busy and fun area to stay in Taipei is Ximen/Ximending, and that’s where you’ll find the nightlife scene with plenty of bars, nightclubs, and a rowdy young crowd.
