best hotel location in taipei

Where is the best place to stay in Taipei?

By Daniel Parker. April 08, 2024

Taipei is a phenomenal city brimming with a variety of attractions befitting of all personality types. Whether it’s the location’s landmark buildings, such as Taipei 101 and Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, or the iconic shopping areas of Ximending and Xinyi that sound more like your scene, there truly is something for everyone. Food lovers will likely find their calling at the various night markets scatted across the city, as well as the famous Din Tai Fun restaurant, while those draw to local culture are bound to appreciate the capital’s prominent religious sites like Longshan Temple and Dalongdong Bao’an Temple.

The city is divided into several districts, and each of them have their own appealing qualities, as you can read about in more detail below. However, in our opinion, there’s one specific location that stands out above the rest and that’s Zhongshan. It’s located centrally, has plenty of popular attractions nearby, and is conveniently connected to two different MRT lines. Therefore, it’s perfectly placed for getting to anywhere you wish relatively quickly. Not to mention, this district boasts the perfect blend of history, culture, nature, highly praised eateries, bars and shopping areas. The next section will offer more details on Zhongshan’s qualities.

If you are interested in where to stay in Taipei, you may also be interested in where to stay in Beijing, where to stay in Shanghai and where to stay in Guangzhou.

Zhongshan, the best area to stay in Taipei

Trendy / Historic / Convenient

Zhongshan district truly is a location that is suited to everyone. Taipei is renowned for its night markets and this district has one of the capital’s very best. Shilin Night Market is the city’s most famous, and only a few stops away on the MRT line. However, if you’d prefer a version slightly less catered towards tourists with a more authentic feel, we strongly recommend trying the Shuangcheng Street Night Market instead. Prices aren’t ramped up to the same extent and the authentic Taiwanese food that can be sampled here is gorgeous.

Zhongshan is flooded with history and culture too. The National Martyrs’ Shine, which is remarkable in appearance and serves as a memorial to those that served in the military, Xingtian Temple, a favourite among locals, and Taipei’s Fine Art Museum are all situated in this district. MAJI Square is also an atmospheric spot to have a nice meal and a drink or two.

Hotels in Zhongshan

Other districts to stay in Taipei

Wanhua

Quirky / Shopping / Temples

This is a good location for backpackers, hipsters, and young couples; particularly Ximending. Ximending is generally regarded as one of the cooler places in the city. The district is extremely vibrant and lively, especially on weekends. Many people venture to this area for the abundance of shops, restaurants, and cinemas. Though there’s a great deal of expressiveness to be admire in the area too, by way of cosplay, graffiti, and stalls of talented people creating personalised crafts.

Longshan Temple, the city’s most renowned religious site, is also located in this district. All guests are welcome inside and allowed to snap photos. In return, it’s requested visitors remain respectful. It’s highly likely people will be in and around the grounds lighting incense sticks and peacefully saying a prayer during your visit. The displayed calligraphy, the carved dragons at its roof’s corners and the magnificent bronze pillars at its front hall are just a few of the reasons Longshan Temple has become such a popular tourist attraction.

Hotels in Wanhua

Da`an

Nature / Florists / Food

This is probably the best area to stay for nature-lovers. Da’an Forest Park ticks all the boxes for those that enjoy a pleasant stroll amongst beautiful greenery. At 64 acres, Da’an Forest Park is the largest of its kind in Taipei. Along with the wide range of beautiful flowers and trees which grow within its grounds, there are also two large ponds worth circling. On the subject of flowers, the Jianguo Holiday Flower Market is situated close by and is incredibly popular amongst locals. This wholesale marketplace offers potted flowers, cut flowers and fertilisers, amongst other garden affiliated items.

This is a great district when it comes to the best local cuisine too. The country’s most famous restaurant Din Tai Fung is located here, and the queue you’ll most certainly be required to join before entering, will soon be forgotten once you’re tucking into their mouthwatering xiao long bao.

Hotels in Da`an

Datong

Historic / Tradition / Authentic

Datong is a wonderful spot for those looking to emerge themselves into local culture and be among some of the city’s most important historical sites. Datong’s Dihua Street, for instance, is the oldest road in Taipei. Formerly used as a hub for trading during the time of the Qing Dynasty, Dihua Street is an 800-metre strip made up of traditional shops which sell a variety of interesting products such as creative fabrics and customary local tea. It’s a great place for those looking to find authentic souvenirs and gifts.

This region is also gifted with a plethora of spectacular temples. Dalongdong Bao’an Temple would perhaps be regarded as the most impressive of the bunch. This building is also steeped in history. When it was initially constructed in 1742, it was merely a wooden shrine. Following several reconstructions, it’s since been transformed into a temple consisting of beautiful craftsmanship and artwork.

Hotels in Datong

Xinyi District

Landmarks / Fashionable / Shopping

This is undoubtedly the perfect spot for those that appreciate the glitz and glamour of a capital city. Xinyi is considered one of the trendiest areas within the country’s capital for a reason, it has an extensive selection of upscale restaurants, high-end shops and swanky nightclubs. The district’s rightfully lavish reputation does generally equate to higher accommodation prices, though there are also plenty of options in the midrange bracket too for those wishing to cut costs.

Along with its many great eateries and huge malls, Xinyi also homes many of Taiwan’s most popular tourist attractions. Taipei 101, formerly the tallest building in the world, is situated on Xinyi Road. While Elephant Mountain, which is also located in the district, offers a fantastic view of the famous skyscraper and its surrounding area. So, if you want luxury and popular attractions on your doorstep this might just be the area for you.

Hotels in Xinyi District

Songshan District

Art / Airport / Convenient

This location is especially good for those interested in quirky, creative artwork. Should this sound like your thing, you’re bound to have a fantastic time at the district’s Is Art Gallery, which is filled with mesmerising oil paintings, ink wash paintings and sculptures. The Songshan Cultural and Creative Park is also worth visiting. There’s plenty of experimental artwork on display and a pleasant, tranquil pond to wander around.

There are two major airports that people tend to fly into when visiting Taiwan’s capital. The international airport, which is actually located in a neighbouring city called Taoyuan (though don’t worry, transport to Taipei is easy to navigate and comes in many forms), and Songshan Airport. So, this district would be a very convenient location for those flying into the latter. With the being said, there’s a whole host of additional reasons to consider staying in Songshan beyond convenience.

Hotels in Songshan District

Zhongzheng

Tourist Attractions / Culture / Bars

Zhongzheng is brimming with many of the city’s finest cultural attractions. For instance, this area has Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, the National Concert Hall and Liberty Square Arch, and they’re all located within the same grounds. These structures are gigantic, awe-striking and extremely picturesque. Of the three structures mentioned, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is the most prominent. It also homes a 6.3-metre-high bronze statue of the country’s former president. If you time your visit carefully, you may even get to see the changing of the guards who stand before the statue.

One of the city’s most popular tourist bars, Revolver, is also situated in this area. This is a great spot to mingle with both expats and locals, while enjoying a cold beverage at the tables inside the bar or standing in the extended pavement area in front of the entryway. I should warn you to avoid asking for Coldplay though, as this bar refuses to play their records.

Hotels in Zhongzheng