The Best Areas to Stay in Taipei for Any Budget

For the traveler who wants to dive head first into Taipei's frenetic street food and night life scene there's no better choice than Ximending. Centrally located on the east bank of the Tamsui River, Ximending's large pedestrian zone is the equivalent of a giant night market in its own right. When one factors in the enormous department stores with glowing video billboards, street performers, and heavy crowds that never seem to dissipate, there's no question that Ximending is the most dynamic neighborhood in Taipei.

To the east of the center is Xinyi District, which is the most modern and cosmopolitan area of Taipei. Xinyi boasts enormous shopping centers such as Xiangti Avenue Plaza, which contains the behemoth skyscraper Taipei 101. The malls in Xinyi are so extensive both underground and above ground that it's possible to spend the whole day shopping and eating without ever going outdoors. Xinyi keeps going all night as well with the Tonghua and Likou night markets as well as many of Taipei's most popular bars and nightclubs.

Attractions in Xinyi District

• Grand Hyatt Taipei
• Taipei Railway Workshop
• Taiwan Design Museum

Zhongzheng District has the advantage of being very central with several metro lines passing through. At the center of Zhongzheng is Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, probably the foremost historical attraction in Taipei. The area around the memorial is filled with energetic and crowded produce markets. Zhongzheng is also the location of the Taipei Botanical Garden, Huashan 1914 Culture Park, and several museums of national importance.

Attractions in Zhongzheng District

• National Central Library
• National Theater and Concert Hall
• 228 Peace Memorial Park
• National Taiwan Museum
• Taipei Botanical Garden
• Zhongshan Hall
• Museum of Drinking Water
• National Museum of History
• Chunghwa Postal Museum
• Republic of China Armed Forces Museum

South of the center, the Da'an District boasts Forest Park, Taipei's largest central green space. Close to the park are Yongkang Food Street and the weekend Jianguo Holiday Jade and Flower Markets, allowing for a full day of enjoyment without ever stepping into a cab or bus. Da'an is also the location of National Taiwan University and several large shopping malls, and is a favorite neighborhood for expats living in Taipei.

Attractions in Da'an District

• Museum of Anthropology
• Museum of Zoology

North of Ximending but still central is a small neighborhood called Dadaocheng, in the southern party of the Datong District.

Dadaocheng is famous for having the oldest and most traditional shopping areas and markets in Taipei. It is easy to lose track of time completely wandering through the atmospheric streets and browsing stores offering traditional snacks and herbal remedies. Dadaocheng is also close to the Ningxia night market, reputedly one of the largest and best in Taipei.

Attractions in Dadaocheng

• Ama Museum
• Taiyuan Asian Puppet Theatre Museum