Melo Villareal
Where to Stay in Taipei: Best Areas and Hotels for Filipino Travelers
Taipei is one of my favorite cities in Asia for a simple reason: it is incredibly easy to explore. The MRT is efficient, neighborhoods are packed with restaurants and convenience stores, night markets are everywhere, and you can move from modern shopping districts to historic temples within minutes.
Where to Stay in Taipei
But choosing where to stay in Taipei can make a big difference in your trip.
For Filipino travelers visiting Taiwan for the first time, the best area depends on what you want from your vacation. Do you want to be surrounded by shopping, street food, and nightlife? Would you rather stay somewhere quieter with excellent cafés? Are you planning day trips outside Taipei? Or are you looking for a luxury hotel with a view of Taipei 101?
The good news is that Taipei’s neighborhoods are well connected. The better news is that there is a neighborhood for almost every type of traveler and budget.
Here is my guide to the best areas and hotels in Taipei, with recommendations for first-time visitors, families, couples, budget travelers, and Filipino travelers seeking an easy, comfortable vacation in Taiwan.
Quick Guide: Where Should You Stay in Taipei?
| Taipei Area | Best For | Overall Character | Hotel Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ximending | First-timers, shopping, nightlife | Young, energetic, colorful | Budget to luxury |
| Taipei Main Station | Day trips, transportation | Convenient, busy, central | Budget to upscale |
| Zhongshan | Couples, cafés, foodies | Stylish, relaxed, central | Mid-range to luxury |
| Xinyi | Luxury, shopping, Taipei 101 | Modern, upscale | Mid-range to luxury |
| Da’an | Foodies, families, longer stays | Leafy, local, relaxed | Mid-range to luxury |
| Songshan | Night markets, local atmosphere | Residential, authentic | Budget to mid-range |
| Beitou | Hot springs, couples, relaxation | Peaceful, resort-like | Mid-range to luxury |
For most first-time Filipino visitors, I would narrow the choice to Ximending, Taipei Main Station, Zhongshan, or Xinyi.
1. Ximending: Best Area for First-Time Visitors
If you are visiting Taipei for the first time and want to step outside your hotel and immediately feel the city’s energy, Ximending is hard to beat.
Located in Wanhua District, Ximending is Taipei’s famous pedestrian-friendly entertainment and shopping area. Its streets are filled with restaurants, bubble tea shops, fashion stores, souvenir shops, cinemas, arcades, and street performers.
It is particularly lively after sunset, when the neon signs come on, and the neighborhood becomes one of Taipei’s most exciting places for an evening stroll.
Ximending is also extremely convenient for Filipino travelers because you can easily combine sightseeing, shopping, and eating without constantly taking the MRT.
Why stay in Ximending?
- Excellent location for first-time visitors
- Easy access to Ximen MRT Station
- Huge selection of restaurants and cafés
- Lots of shopping and entertainment
- Plenty of budget and mid-range hotels
- Great nightlife
- Convenient access to Longshan Temple and other historic attractions
Ximen Station is served by the Blue and Green MRT lines, making it easy to reach Taipei Main Station and other parts of the city.
Recommended hotels in Ximending
WESTGATE Hotel is a convenient choice for travelers who want to be right in the middle of Ximending. Its location on Zhonghua Road puts shopping, restaurants, and the pedestrian district close by.
amba Taipei Ximending is a good option if you want something more stylish and contemporary while remaining close to the neighborhood’s entertainment areas.
For travelers seeking a more affordable option, Tomorrow Hotel is worth considering for its central location in Ximending.
My take: If this is your first trip to Taipei and you want maximum convenience, Ximending is one of the safest choices.
2. Taipei Main Station: Best for Transportation and Day Trips
If your Taiwan itinerary includes several day trips, staying near Taipei Main Station can save you considerable time and hassle.
Taipei Main Station is essentially the city’s transportation crossroads. It connects MRT services with Taiwan Railway, Taiwan High Speed Rail, and the Airport MRT.
This makes the area especially useful if you are planning trips to places such as Taichung, Hualien, or other destinations outside central Taipei.
It is also convenient when arriving from or departing for Taoyuan International Airport.
Why stay near Taipei Main Station?
- Excellent transportation connections
- Convenient Airport MRT access
- Easy access to Taiwan Railway and HSR
- Good for day trips
- Lots of restaurants and convenience stores
- Wide selection of accommodation
- Particularly useful for short Taipei stays
For Filipino travelers with luggage, there is another advantage: you can minimize complicated transfers when arriving in and departing from Taiwan.
Recommended hotels near Taipei Main Station
Cosmos Hotel Taipei is a long-established option close to Taipei Main Station and is particularly convenient for travelers who prioritize transportation.
Palais de Chine Hotel offers a considerably more upscale experience and is particularly appealing if you want a comfortable hotel while keeping easy access to the station.
Roaders Plus Hotel Taipei Station is another interesting choice for travelers looking for modern accommodation in the station area.
For budget-conscious travelers, CityInn Hotel Taipei Station Branch II is worth checking.
Who should stay here?
I particularly recommend Taipei Main Station if you are:
- Taking the HSR to another city
- Planning multiple day trips
- Traveling with lots of luggage
- Staying only two or three nights
- Arriving or departing by Airport MRT
- Prioritizing convenience over nightlife
My take: It may not have the same atmosphere as Ximending or Zhongshan, but from a practical standpoint, it is hard to beat.
3. Zhongshan: Best Overall Area for Couples and Repeat Visitors
If you ask me to choose one Taipei neighborhood that offers an excellent balance of location, atmosphere, dining, and accommodation, Zhongshan would be near the top of my list.
Zhongshan feels more polished and relaxed than Ximending while remaining extremely central.
The neighborhood is known for cafés, restaurants, boutiques, design shops, and stylish streets. It is particularly attractive for travelers who enjoy exploring a neighborhood on foot rather than spending the entire day at major tourist attractions.
Zhongshan also offers excellent MRT connections through Zhongshan and Shuanglian stations.
Why stay in Zhongshan?
- Central location
- Excellent MRT connections
- Great café and restaurant scene
- More relaxed than Ximending
- Good selection of boutique hotels
- Convenient for Ningxia Night Market
- Excellent for couples and repeat visitors
You can also easily explore nearby Dihua Street and the historic Dadaocheng area.
Recommended hotels in Zhongshan
Amba Taipei Zhongshan is a strong choice if you want a contemporary hotel in a stylish part of the city.
FX Hotel Taipei is worth considering for travelers seeking a more affordable base in the broader Zhongshan area.
The Riviera Hotel offers a more traditional upscale experience.
Who should stay here?
Zhongshan is particularly good for:
- Couples
- Foodies
- Café lovers
- Repeat Taipei visitors
- Digital nomads
- Travelers who prefer a quieter neighborhood
- Travelers who want centrality without staying in a heavily touristy area
My take: If Ximending feels too busy and Xinyi feels too expensive, Zhongshan is the sweet spot.
4. Xinyi: Best Area for Luxury Travelers and Taipei 101
For travelers who prefer modern Taipei, upscale shopping, and luxury hotels, look at Xinyi District.
This is Taipei’s modern commercial center and the neighborhood most closely associated with Taipei 101.
The area is filled with department stores, restaurants, cafés, luxury brands, and entertainment venues. It is also one of the best areas to stay if you want a hotel with a spectacular city view.
Why stay in Xinyi?
- Taipei 101 is right here
- Excellent shopping
- Upscale restaurants
- Luxury hotels
- Modern atmosphere
- Great for couples
- Convenient for business travelers
- Excellent nightlife and rooftop bars
Recommended hotels in Xinyi
Grand Hyatt Taipei is one of the area’s established luxury choices and is particularly attractive if Taipei 101 and high-end shopping are major parts of your itinerary.
Humble House Taipei, Curio Collection by Hilton, offers an upscale experience in the heart of Xinyi.
Le Méridien Taipei is another premium option for travelers seeking a polished stay near the district’s commercial attractions.
For something more moderately priced, the Tango Taipei Xinyi is worth considering.
Who should stay in Xinyi?
Choose Xinyi if you are:
- A luxury traveler
- A couple celebrating a special occasion
- A business traveler
- A serious shopper
- Looking for Taipei 101 views
- Interested in upscale restaurants and bars
My take: Xinyi is where I would stay for a special Taipei trip or when the hotel itself is part of the vacation experience.
5. Da’an: Best for Foodies and Families
Da’an is one of Taipei’s most pleasant neighborhoods for travelers who want to experience the city beyond the major tourist areas.
It is greener, quieter and more residential than Ximending, but you are never far from restaurants, cafés and MRT stations.
The area around Yongkang Street is particularly popular with food lovers. Meanwhile, Da’an Forest Park provides a welcome break from Taipei’s dense urban landscape.
The district has several MRT stations, including Da’an, Da’an Park, Dongmen, and Zhongxiao Dunhua, making it easy to explore the city.
Why stay in Da’an?
- Excellent restaurants
- Yongkang Street food scene
- Da’an Forest Park
- More residential atmosphere
- Good MRT access
- Great for longer stays
- Good for families
- Excellent cafés
Who should stay here?
I would recommend Da’an for:
- Families
- Couples
- Foodies
- Repeat visitors
- Longer stays
- Travelers who prefer a local atmosphere
One thing to remember: Da’an is a large district, so choose a hotel close to an MRT station. A hotel that looks centrally located on a map can still require a substantial walk to public transportation.
6. Songshan: Best for Night Markets and Local Taipei
Songshan is an excellent alternative if you want a more local experience while staying within easy reach of Taipei’s attractions.
One of its biggest attractions is Raohe Street Night Market, one of Taipei’s best-known night markets.
This makes Songshan especially appealing to travelers whose idea of a perfect Taiwan evening involves wandering through food stalls, trying pepper buns, grilled seafood, noodles, and other Taiwanese snacks.
Why stay in Songshan?
- Close to Raohe Night Market
- More local atmosphere
- Excellent food
- Good MRT access
- Generally less touristy
- Good for repeat visitors
It is not my first choice for someone visiting Taipei for only two days, but for a longer trip, it can be a very enjoyable base.
7. Beitou: Best for Hot Springs and a Relaxing Escape
If your idea of a Taiwan vacation includes soaking in a hot spring after a day of sightseeing, consider spending one or two nights in Beitou.
Located in northern Taipei, Beitou is famous for its hot springs and more relaxed atmosphere.
I wouldn’t necessarily recommend Beitou as your only base if you have a short itinerary in Taipei. But adding a night or two here can create a completely different experience from staying in central Taipei.
Beitou is best for:
- Couples
- Honeymooners
- Spa lovers
- Hot-spring enthusiasts
- Travelers seeking relaxation
- A special-occasion stay
My tip: Consider spending most of your trip in central Taipei and then finishing with one relaxing night in Beitou.
Taipei Hotel Areas: My Recommendations by Traveler Type
Best for first-time visitors: Ximending
You have shopping, restaurants, nightlife, attractions, and MRT access right outside your door.
Best for families: Da’an or Zhongshan
Both provide convenient transportation while offering a calmer environment than Ximending.
Best for couples: Zhongshan or Xinyi
Choose Zhongshan for cafés, restaurants and neighborhood charm. Choose Xinyi for luxury hotels, shopping, and Taipei 101.
Best for budget travelers: Ximending or Taipei Main Station
These areas have plenty of affordable accommodation and inexpensive dining options.
Best for luxury travelers: Xinyi
If you want five-star hotels, skyline views, fine dining, and shopping, Xinyi is the obvious choice.
Best for foodies: Da’an
Yongkang Street and surrounding neighborhoods make this an excellent base for eating your way through Taipei.
Best for day trips: Taipei Main Station
If your itinerary includes HSR or Taiwan Railway journeys, stay close to the station.
Best for hot springs: Beitou
Make it a one- or two-night extension rather than necessarily your entire Taipei stay.
How Much Should Filipinos Budget for a Taipei Hotel?
Hotel rates in Taipei vary significantly depending on the season, weekend demand, location, and room type.
Rather than choosing a hotel based solely on its nightly rate, I recommend considering the total value.
For example, paying slightly more for a hotel five minutes from an MRT station can be worthwhile if it saves you long walks and repeated taxi rides.
A rough way to organize your accommodation budget is:
Budget: Hostels, simple hotels, and compact rooms
Mid-range: Comfortable three- to four-star hotels with good locations
Upper-mid-range: Larger rooms, better facilities, and more established brands
Luxury: Five-star hotels, premium rooms, suites, and resort-style amenities
For Filipino travelers, remember that Taiwan uses the New Taiwan Dollar (NT$). Your actual PHP cost will depend on the exchange rate at the time you book.
Hotel prices can also change substantially between weekdays, weekends, and peak travel periods, so compare several dates before finalizing your reservation.
What Filipino Travelers Should Look for When Booking a Taipei Hotel
1. Stay near an MRT station
This is probably my number-one hotel booking tip for Taipei.
A beautiful hotel in an inconvenient location can become frustrating after several days of sightseeing.
Ideally, choose accommodation within approximately 5–10 minutes’ walk of an MRT station.
2. Check the actual location, not just the district
“Ximending” or “Zhongshan” can cover a surprisingly large area.
Before booking, open the map and check the hotel’s walking distance to the nearest MRT station.
3. Look at room size
Taipei hotel rooms can be compact, especially at the budget end.
If you are traveling with family or large suitcases, don’t choose a hotel based solely on the room photographs. Check the listed room size.
4. Check luggage storage
This is particularly useful if you arrive before check-in or have a late flight home.
5. Consider breakfast
Taiwan is a fantastic food destination, so hotel breakfast isn’t essential for everyone. If the hotel charges a significant breakfast premium, you may prefer to explore local breakfast shops.
6. Check the latest reviews
Pay attention to recent comments about:
- Cleanliness
- Noise
- Bed comfort
- Bathroom condition
- Air-conditioning
- Elevator access
- Staff service
- Room size
- Location
Don’t rely entirely on the hotel’s star rating.
Taipei Hotel Strategy for a 4-Day Trip
If you have four days in Taipei, I would keep things simple and choose one central hotel rather than changing accommodation.
Option 1: Ximending
Stay in Ximending and use it as your base for sightseeing in Taipei.
This works particularly well for first-time visitors.
Option 2: Zhongshan
Choose Zhongshan if you want something slightly more sophisticated and relaxed.
Option 3: Taipei Main Station
Choose this if you are combining Taipei with day trips to other parts of Taiwan.
Option 4: Xinyi
Choose Xinyi if you are prioritizing luxury, shopping, and Taipei 101.
Taipei Hotel Strategy for a 7-Day Taiwan Trip
For a week-long Taiwan trip, you can either stay in Taipei for the entire trip and make day excursions or split your accommodation between Taipei and another city.
If you are planning to explore Taiwan by train, staying near Taipei Main Station becomes particularly attractive.
If Taipei is the main focus, however, I prefer staying in Ximending, Zhongshan or Da’an and taking day trips when convenient.
For a more luxurious itinerary, you could spend several nights in central Taipei and add a night in Beitou for a hot-spring experience.
My Personal Picks: Where I Would Stay in Taipei
If I were planning a Taipei trip today, these would be my choices based on travel style:
For my first Taipei trip: Ximending
For a romantic trip: Zhongshan
For a luxury getaway: Xinyi
For a food trip: Da’an
For a Taiwan multi-city itinerary: Taipei Main Station
For a relaxing ending to the trip: Beitou
For a night-market-focused trip: Songshan
For most Filipino travelers, however, I would narrow it down to Ximending or Zhongshan.
Ximending is more exciting and immediately accessible. Zhongshan is calmer and feels more sophisticated. Both make it easy to explore Taipei without spending too much time commuting.
Final Thoughts: Where Is the Best Place to Stay in Taipei?
There is no single “best” area in Taipei. The right neighborhood depends on how you want your Taiwan vacation to feel.
If you want energy, shopping, and street food, choose Ximending.
If you want convenience for trains and day trips, choose Taipei Main Station.
If you want cafés, restaurants, and a stylish neighborhood, choose Zhongshan.
If you want luxury, shopping, and Taipei 101, choose Xinyi.
If you want local life and great food, choose Da’an.
If you want night markets and a more residential atmosphere, consider Songshan.
And if you want hot springs and relaxation, spend a night or two in Beitou.
For Filipino travelers visiting Taipei for the first time, my strongest recommendation is to prioritize location over hotel facilities. Taipei is a city you will want to explore from morning until night, so having an MRT station, restaurants, and convenience stores nearby can make your trip considerably easier.
Most importantly, don’t be afraid to compare several hotels before booking. Taipei has accommodation for practically every budget, and a few extra minutes spent checking the location, room size, recent reviews, and access to transportation can make a huge difference to your Taiwan experience.
Taipei Travel Tour Packages You Should Try
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