Taipei is a city where the downtown divides culturally into an older west side of narrow streets and roadside vendors, and an east side of supermalls, boutiques, stylish restaurants and classy cafes. Despite the pressure on land, a park is never far away, especially in the suburban areas.
For a visitor, the practical question is which part of that east–west split to base yourself in, and how far out you are willing to sleep. The city is served by the Taipei MRT network, and the areas below are the ones the source material identifies for different kinds of trips. This guide covers where to stay by area, what each area suits, and what to expect at different price levels.
Best areas to stay in Taipei
1. Zhongzheng
Zhongzheng is the area around the Main Train Station, and it is the most convenient base if you are in Taipei for only a short time. Many budget accommodations can be found here, which makes it the natural choice for travellers who want to arrive, drop their bags and reach the rest of the city easily.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone passing through for a night or two. Because it centres on the Main Train Station, it connects you directly to the wider rail network as well as the city itself.
2. Ximending
Ximending is a shopping district, and staying in a hotel around this area is convenient for those wanting to eat, shop and party all in one area. It is the strongest choice if you want your evenings to happen on your doorstep rather than across town.
It suits nightlife-oriented visitors and shoppers more than anyone seeking quiet. The trade-off is that you are basing yourself in a busy commercial district rather than a residential one.
3. Xinyi
Xinyi is the financial district, and it is where many luxury hotels are found. Business travellers would probably prefer to stay here, and it also works for visitors who want a polished, contemporary side of Taipei as their base.
This is the east-side counterpart to the old west of the city, with the supermalls, boutiques and stylish restaurants that characterise East Taipei. Expect the top end of the market rather than budget rooms.
4. Zhongshan
Zhongshan is worth considering if you are interested in classical Chinese architecture and history. The Grand Hotel here was built back when Chiang Kai-shek decided there wasn't a suitable hotel in which to welcome foreign dignitaries, which gives the area a distinct character among Taipei's accommodation districts.
It suits travellers who would rather stay somewhere with a sense of the city's past than in a purely commercial quarter.
5. The old Taipei area
Hostels can be found in the old Taipei area, making it the reference point for travellers looking for the cheapest beds in the city. The old west side, with its narrow streets and roadside vendors, is considered the bastion of old Taipei life.
It suits budget travellers and longer-staying visitors who value atmosphere and low costs over proximity to the main transport hub.
6. Xindian and Yonghe
If you are staying a bit more long-term in Taipei, you can do as some daily commuters do and get cheaper rooms outside the city boundaries, in places such as Xindian and Yonghe. These are still somewhat accessible through the Taipei MRT network.
This suits long-stay visitors and anyone willing to trade a longer commute for lower rent. It is not the right choice for a short first visit, when the time lost in transit outweighs the saving.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: basic dorms and hostel beds, with hostels concentrated in the old Taipei area and many budget accommodations around the Main Train Station in Zhongzheng.
- Mid-range: ordinary hotels in the central districts, including around Ximending, where you can eat, shop and party all in one area.
- Splurge: the many luxury hotels of Xinyi, the financial district, and historically styled properties such as those in Zhongshan. Note that at the top end, a 10% service fee and 5% VAT are usually not included in the quoted hotel rates.
Best area for a first visit
Zhongzheng, near the Main Train Station, is the best base for a first visit. Tourists sleeping one night in Taipei might want to stay here, and it is where many budget accommodations can be found. Basing yourself at the main transport hub makes the rest of the city and the wider rail network easy to reach while you find your bearings.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I stay if I only have one night in Taipei?
Zhongzheng, near the Main Train Station, is the practical choice. Many budget accommodations can be found there, and the location keeps your transfer time to a minimum.
Which area is best for nightlife, eating and shopping?
Ximending. Hotels around the Ximending area would be convenient for those wanting to eat, shop and party all in one area.
Where do business travellers usually stay?
Xinyi, the financial district, where many luxury hotels are found.
Can I stay outside the city and still get around?
Yes, if you are staying longer term. Places such as Xindian and Yonghe have cheaper rooms and are still somewhat accessible through the Taipei MRT network, which is how some daily commuters manage it.
Compare live prices for these areas with the booking tools on this page before you decide.