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Taiwan
Some areas are better for sightseeing, while others are ideal if you want to be surrounded by great food, shopping, or a more local atmosphere.
The good news is that Taipei has accommodation for every budget, whether you’re looking for a comfortable guesthouse, a stylish boutique hotel, or somewhere a little more luxurious. You don’t necessarily need to stay right in the city centre to have a great experience, but choosing a neighbourhood with convenient MRT connections will make getting around much easier.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best areas to stay in Taipei, what each neighbourhood is like, and which hotels are worth considering for different budgets.
Quick Answer: What is the Best Area to Stay in Taipei?
For most travellers, staying around Taipei Main Station or Ximending is a great choice, especially if it’s your first visit to Taiwan. Both areas are well connected by public transport, making it easy to explore Taipei’s main attractions, visit the famous night markets, and take day trips outside the city.
However, Taipei has several other neighbourhoods worth considering, depending on what kind of trip you have in mind. Zhongshan is a great option if you prefer stylish cafés, independent shops and a slightly more relaxed atmosphere, while Da’an offers leafy streets, local restaurants and a more residential feel.
Below you’ll see my three favourite hotels that I recommend checking out first. This is my personal favourite, and I highly recommend staying there if you want a practical and fun stay in Taipei.
CitizenM Taipei North gate
If you're looking for a stylish hotel without spending a fortune, this is an excellent choice. It was within walking distance of Ximending, Taipei Main Station, and several MRT stops, making it incredibly easy to get around. Everything is controlled through an iPad, which gave the hotel a fun, modern feel.
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Hotel Resonance
Hotel Resonance is one of the best-rated hotels in the city. The rooms are spacious by Taipei standards, beautifully designed, and the location is fantastic for exploring both the historic sights and modern districts. It's an ideal option for couples looking for a comfortable stay without paying luxury prices.
Check prices and availability
Humble House
This is one of Xinyi's best-rated hotels and combines contemporary design with a fantastic location. The rooftop swimming pool overlooking the Taipei skyline is a highlight, and it's within walking distance of Taipei 101, shopping malls, and some of the city's best restaurants.
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Map of the Best Hotels in Taipei
Below you'll find a map where I've pinned my favourite hotels in Taipei to make it easier for you to navigate when you're looking for where you want to base yourself.
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Ximending – Best Area to Stay in Taipei for First-Time Visitors
Ximending is one of the most popular areas to stay in Taipei, especially if you enjoy being somewhere lively with plenty of things to see, eat and do right outside your hotel.
It’s often compared to Tokyo’s Shibuya distict and is packed with shops, cafés, street food stalls and restaurants. It’s particularly fun in the evening, when the streets fill with people and the neon signs light up the neighbourhood.
One of the biggest advantages of staying in Ximending is that you can explore much of the area on foot, from browsing the shops along Ximending Pedestrian Area to trying Taiwanese street food and visiting the historic Red House.
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Ximen MRT Station also makes it easy to reach other parts of Taipei, including Taipei 101, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and the famous night markets.
If you’re visiting Taipei for the first time and want to be close to restaurants, shopping and public transport, Ximending is an excellent base.
The main downside is that it can get noisy and crowded, particularly on weekends, so I’d recommend checking recent hotel reviews and requesting a quieter room if you're a light sleeper. It’s also not the best choice if you’re looking for a peaceful, residential neighbourhood, but for convenience and atmosphere, it’s hard to beat.
Best Hotels in Ximending
Amba Taipen Ximending
If I were returning to Taipei and wanted to stay in Ximending, this is probably where I'd book. The rooms are spacious, modern, and bright, while the location couldn't be much better just steps away from Taipei's best shopping streets and nightlife.
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Just Sleep - Ximending
This is a solid option if you want a comfortable, modern hotel that makes exploring Taipei easy. The rooms have a contemporary style, and the location near Ximen MRT Station is especially convenient when you're planning to spend your days sightseeing and your evenings eating your way around Ximending.
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Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Taipei Ximen
If you want a modern hotel in a fantastic location, this is well worth considering. It’s close to Ximending's main shopping streets, so you'll have restaurants, cafés and shops right around the corner, while the modern rooms provide a comfortable place to relax after a day of sightseeing.
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Xinyi – Best Area to Stay in Taipei for Shopping and Luxury Hotels
Xinyi is Taipei's modern business and shopping district, and it's the area I'd recommend if you want to stay close to Taipei 101, stylish shopping malls, rooftop bars and some of the city's best-known restaurants.
This is where you'll find a more contemporary side of Taipei, with impressive skyscrapers, wide streets and plenty of places to shop, eat and enjoy a drink with a view. It's particularly attractive if you like modern hotels and want to experience Taipei's nightlife without having to travel far back to your accommodation.
One of the biggest advantages of staying in Xinyi is how much there is to do within walking distance. You can visit Taipei 101 and its observation deck, browse the shops at the surrounding malls, explore the area around Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, or head to Elephant Mountain for one of the best views of the city.
The neighbourhood is also well connected by the MRT, making it easy to explore other parts of Taipei.
Compared with Ximending, Xinyi generally feels more upscale, with international hotel brands, designer shops and stylish cocktail bars rather than a focus on street shopping and budget-friendly eateries. Accommodation can be more expensive here, but it's a great choice if you're looking for a special hotel or prefer to stay in a modern part of the city. If your budget allows and you want Taipei 101 on your doorstep, Xinyi is definitely worth considering.
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Best Hotels in Xinyi
Humble House
This is one of Xinyi's best-rated hotels and combines contemporary design with a fantastic location. The rooftop swimming pool overlooking the Taipei skyline is a highlight, and it's within walking distance of Taipei 101, shopping malls, and some of the city's best restaurants.
Check prices and availability
Grand Hyatt Taipei
If you're celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself, the Grand Hyatt Taipei is hard to beat. Located next to Taipei 101, the hotel offers spacious rooms, multiple restaurants, a beautiful outdoor pool, and incredible views over the city skyline.
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W Taipei
This is the hotel I'd look at if you want a glamorous stay with a lively atmosphere. The modern interiors, stylish bars and pool make it more than just a place to sleep, while the location above Taipei City Hall Station puts you close to Xinyi's shopping and nightlife. Some rooms also have impressive city views.
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Zhongzheng & Taipei Main Station - Best for Short Stays & Sightseeing
If convenience is your top priority, it doesn't get much better than staying around Taipei Main Station. This is where I stayed during my weekend in Taipei, and if you're only visiting for two or three days, I genuinely think it's one of the best locations in the city.
Taipei Main Station is the city's main transport hub, connecting the MRT, high-speed rail, local trains, airport MRT, and buses. That means you can get almost anywhere in Taipei, or even the rest of Taiwan, with minimal effort.
Zhongzheng is also a good base for sightseeing, with several of Taipei's best-known attractions nearby. You can visit Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, explore the historic streets around North Gate, or head towards the Presidential Office Building. There are plenty of cafés, local restaurants and shopping areas around the station, although the neighbourhood feels more functional and less lively in the evenings than Ximending or Xinyi.
One thing to keep in mind is that Taipei Main Station and Zhongzheng cover a fairly large area, so it's worth checking the exact location of your hotel before booking. Staying within walking distance of the station or an MRT entrance will make a big difference.
Best Hotels in Zhongzheng & Near Taipei Main Station
CitizenM Taipei North gate
If you're looking for a stylish hotel without spending a fortune, this is an excellent choice. It was within walking distance of Ximending, Taipei Main Station, and several MRT stops, making it incredibly easy to get around. Everything is controlled through an iPad, which gave the hotel a fun, modern feel.
Check prices and availability
Hotel Resonance
Hotel Resonance is one of the best-rated hotels in the city. The rooms are spacious by Taipei standards, beautifully designed, and the location is fantastic for exploring both the historic sights and modern districts. It's an ideal option for couples looking for a comfortable stay without paying luxury prices.
Check prices and availability
Palais de Chine
If you're looking for something more luxurious without leaving the Taipei Main Station area, Palais de Chine is a fantastic choice. The hotel combines European-inspired interiors, spacious rooms, multiple restaurants, and direct access to the Q Square shopping mall.
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Da’an – Best Area to Stay in Taipei for Digital Nomads and a Quieter Atmosphere
If I were staying in Taipei for a week or longer, Da'an would probably be my first choice. It feels noticeably calmer than Ximending or Xinyi, while still being incredibly central.
You’ll find tree-lined streets, independent cafés, lots of restaurants, local boutiques, and beautiful parks give the neighborhoud a much more relaxed atmosphere.
It's the kind of place where you can spend an entire morning café hopping before wandering through quiet residential streets that barely feel like you're in one of Asia's biggest cities.
Da'an also has fantastic MRT connections, so exploring the rest of Taipei is still incredibly easy.
Best Hotels in Da’an
Dandy Hotel
This hotel is one of the best-value options in the area. Located opposite Da'an Forest Park, it offers bright rooms and easy MRT access. If you're looking for something budget friendly and peaceful, this is a great option.
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Madison Taipei Hotel
This hotel offers spacious rooms, elegant interiors, and a quieter atmosphere than many city-center hotels. It's an excellent choice if you're looking for comfort while still being close to Taipei's best restaurants and cafés.
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Kimpton Daan
If boutique luxury is more your style, it's hard to beat Kimpton Da An. It's one of Taipei's highest-rated boutique hotels, with stunning rooms, great service and the location is perfect for exploring Da'an's cafés, bars, and restaurants.
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Beitou - Best Area for Hot Springs & Relaxation
This isn't technically in the city centre so if you're in Taipei only for sightseeing I wouldn't stay here. However, if you have more time or if you’ve visited Taipei before I would head here for a couple of days of relaxation.
Instead of busy shopping streets and skyscrapers, you'll find steaming thermal springs, peaceful parks, traditional bathhouses, and some of Taiwan's best spa hotels.
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Best Hotels in Beitou
Hotel Royal Beitou
This is one of the area's most popular hotels. It offers spacious rooms, private hot spring baths, and a relaxing spa atmosphere. It's ideal if you want a wellness-focused stay without splurging on ultra-luxury.
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Grand View Resort
This is consistently ranked among the best hotels in Taiwan so if you want to treat yourself this is the place to book. Expect beautifully designed rooms, private hot spring baths, mountain views, and one of the city's best spas.
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Beitou Sweet Me Hot Spring Resort
For travellers looking for something a little more affordable while still enjoying the hot spring experience, this offers excellent value. Many rooms include private hot spring tubs, making it a great option for couples looking for a relaxing getaway.
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Tips for Booking Hotels in Taipei
After my visit, here are a few things I'd keep in mind when choosing accommodation.
Stay near an MRT station
Taipei's MRT is one of the best public transport systems I've ever used. Being within a five-minute walk of a station will save you a lot of time during your trip.
Book early
Taipei has become an increasingly popular destination, especially during spring and autumn. The best hotels often sell out well in advance.
Think about your itinerary
Rather than simply booking the cheapest hotel, consider what you'll spend most of your time doing. If you're planning lots of sightseeing, staying near Taipei Main Station or Ximending makes sense.
If your focus is food, cafés, and local neighborhoods, Da'an is a fantastic choice. If relaxation is your priority, head for Beitou.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best area to stay in Taipei?
For most first-time visitors, I'd recommend Ximending or Taipei Main Station. Both offer excellent transport connections and make it easy to reach Taipei's top attractions.
Is Ximending or Xinyi better?
It depends on the kind of trip you're planning.
Ximending is better if you enjoy shopping, nightlife, and a lively atmosphere.
Xinyi is ideal if you're looking for luxury hotels, rooftop bars, and easy access to Taipei 101.
Is Taipei expensive for hotels?
Not compared to many other major cities in Asia.
You'll find everything from affordable hostels to world-class luxury hotels, and I was impressed by how much value you get for your money.
How many days should I stay in Taipei?
I spent a weekend in Taipei and managed to see many of the city's highlights, but I definitely left wanting more.
I'd recommend:
- 2 days for the main attractions.
- 3–4 days to include Beitou, Maokong, or the National Palace Museum.
- 5–7 days if you also want to take day trips to Jiufen, Shifen, or Yangmingshan National Park.
Is Taipei safe?
Yes. Taipei consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in Asia, and I felt completely comfortable walking around both during the day and in the evening.
As always, it's worth taking normal travel precautions, but it's an excellent destination for solo travelers, couples, families, and first-time visitors.
Final Thoughts: Where To Stay in Taipei
One of the things I loved most about Taipei was how different each neighbourhood felt. That variety is part of what makes Taipei such a rewarding city to explore.
If you're only visiting for a couple of days, I'd recommend staying in either Ximending or near Taipei Main Station. Both are incredibly convenient, especially if it's your first time in the city.
Personally, I really enjoyed staying at CitizenM Taipei North Gate. Its central location made getting around effortless, and it was the perfect base for exploring Taipei's temples, night markets, viewpoints, and neighbourhoods.
If I return for a longer trip, and I definitely plan to, I think I'd split my stay. A few nights in Da'an for the cafés and local atmosphere, followed by a relaxing night or two in Beitou, sounds like the perfect combination.
No matter which neighbourhood you choose, you're never far from incredible food, friendly locals, beautiful temples, and one of the easiest cities in Asia to explore.
Plan Your Trip to Taipei
Hopefully this guide has given you everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip to Taipei. To make planning even easier, I've included all the resources I personally use when I travel.
Every recommendation is based on tools and services I genuinely use and would recommend to friends and family.
Every recommendation is based on tools and services I genuinely use and would recommend to friends and family.
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If you have any questions about travel in Taiwan, or just want to follow along as I travel the world full time, don‘t hesitate to reach out to me on social media.
I would love to connect and help out!
-Ingrid
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