Taipei was one of those cities we had on our list for quite some time – a multifaceted destination according to Lonely Planet. A place that sparked our curiosity and ended up being the final stop on our three-week Taiwan trip. If you’re also planning to visit the capital and want to know where to stay in Taipei, keep reading – we’ll tell you all about the best areas of the city and suggest accommodations for all tastes and budgets.
During our days in Taipei, we also took a side trip to Jiufen, that magical mountain village that looks like it’s straight out of a movie. And since we enjoyed it so much while planning, we ended up spending a night there. So if you’re also thinking about visiting Jiufen and want to know where to stay there, we’ve got tips for you.
We visited Taipei and Jiufen in April 2025 and loved the experience.
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Best Areas to Stay in Taipei
Taipei is a vibrant city full of contrasts and surprises. Each neighborhood tells a different story, and where you choose to stay can completely change your experience of the city. We spent several days there, tested different districts, and stayed at some of these hotels.
If you want to be in the center of everything, with transportation at your doorstep and easy access to main tourist attractions, Zhongzheng District is the most practical choice. For a more vibrant experience full of energy, where pop culture and street food go hand in hand, choose Ximending. And if you prefer a quieter, more local side of the city, full of cozy cafes and green parks, you’ll love the atmosphere of Da’an District.
Zhongzheng District
If it’s your first time in Taipei and you want a practical base to explore the city, Zhongzheng District is an excellent choice. You’ll be right in the center, next to the main train and metro station, which makes getting around extremely easy, whether within the city or to other parts of Taiwan. It’s also an area rich in museums, markets, good restaurants and lots of local life.
We started our stay here at the Guide Hotel Taipei Chongqing, and it was exactly what we needed: comfort, unbeatable location, and a peaceful environment to recharge after each day.
Recommended Hotels in Zhongzheng
- Budget: Inn Cube Taipei Main Station – Simple, functional and just steps from the main station. Ideal for those wanting to spend less without compromising on location.
- Mid-range: Guide Hotel Taipei Chongqing – Where we stayed. Spacious rooms, comfortable bed and impeccable staff.
- Luxury: Palais de Chine Hotel – A five-star hotel with elegant decor and top-notch services, perfect for those seeking a more sophisticated experience.
Ximending
If there’s one area that truly captures Taipei’s bold and youthful vibe, it’s definitely Ximending. This is where pop culture thrives: quirky shops, street food on every corner, and a creative energy that pulls you in. It feels like a mix between Shibuya and Hongdae — with a distinctly Taiwanese soul.
We stayed at N Hotel and loved the contrast between the buzzing chaos outside and the cozy calm inside — a true urban refuge in the heart of the action.
Recommended hotels in Ximending
- Budget: Tomorrow Hotel – You can’t beat the location. Ideal if you want to be in the middle of everything without spending much.
- Mid-range: N Hotel – Modern, comfortable, and right in the heart of Ximending. Great value for money.
- Luxury: amba Taipei Ximending – A trendy design hotel with lots of attention to detail and a super cool vibe.
Da’an District
If you’re looking for a more laid-back, local experience in Taipei, the Da’an District will win you over. It’s a neighborhood where you could easily imagine living — wide tree-lined streets, indie cafés, local shops, and a calmer pace that invites you to explore slowly. It’s also home to Da’an Park, one of the city’s largest green spaces.
For us, it was one of the places where we truly felt the everyday, authentic side of Taipei.
Recommended hotels in Da’an
- Budget: Star Hostel Taipei East – Modern hostel with a relaxed vibe and great common areas. Perfect for young travelers.
- Mid-range: NiHao Café Hotel – A small and cozy hotel with a charming café on the ground floor. Great for those who like to start the day slowly.
- Luxury: Kimpton Da An Hotel – Elegant boutique hotel with bright rooms, attentive service, and a rooftop terrace perfect for unwinding at the end of the day.
Where to Stay in Jiufen (Bonus: Day Trip Option)
Jiufen feels like stepping into a movie set — literally, since it inspired the magical world of *Spirited Away* (the creator denies it, but the town has embraced it). Regardless of the debate, this mountain village, wrapped in mist and lined with stone alleys and red lanterns, is the perfect escape from Taipei.
Many people plan only a day trip, but we had something else in mind — and we’re glad we did. Seeing Jiufen in silence, after the crowds leave, is a completely different experience — more authentic, more magical.
We stayed at Owlstay Jiufen Wander and it was one of those places that stays with you: cozy, welcoming, and with a view that felt like a dream.
Recommended Hotels in Jiufen
- Budget: Jiufen HappyLand B&B – A simple and charming option with cozy rooms and a beautiful view of the mountains and the sea. Perfect for travelers on a budget who don’t want to miss Jiufen’s unique atmosphere.
- Mid-range: Owlstay Jiufen Wander – This is where we stayed. Rooms with minimalist decor and a balcony overlooking rooftops and the ocean. Delicious breakfast and a super helpful staff made the experience even better.
- Luxury: Two Easy Inn – Perfect for those looking for comfort and privacy. Spacious rooms with panoramic views, bathtubs overlooking the scenery, and a peaceful location to enjoy the village outside peak hours.
Practical tips for traveling around Taipei and Jiufen
How to get to Taipei
We arrived in Taipei from Sun Moon Lake after a few peaceful days by the water. The journey was simple: bus to Taichung and then a local train to Taipei. There are also high-speed trains (HSR) connecting Taichung and Taipei in under an hour — a great option if you’re in a hurry.
Getting around Taipei
The best way to get around is with an EasyCard, a rechargeable card you can use on the metro, buses, local trains, and even in some convenience stores. Buy it online, at the airport or a metro station.
How to get from Taipei to Jiufen
The most budget-friendly way is bus 1062 from Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT station. But if you want more comfort or are carrying luggage, a direct Uber takes about 45 minutes and is super convenient.
Best time to visit Taipei and Jiufen
We visited in April and had sunny days mixed with some fog — especially in Jiufen, where the mist adds to the charm.
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are the best times to visit, with pleasant temperatures and less rain than in summer. Avoid July and August — it’s hot, humid, and there’s a risk of typhoons.
Check if your trip coincides with any local festivals (like the Lantern Festival or Chinese New Year) — it makes everything more magical, but prices may rise and reservations can be tricky.
Our suggested itinerary
If you’re planning your trip, here’s what worked really well for us:
- 4 nights in Taipei, split between two different areas (for example, 2 nights in Zhongzheng and 2 in Da’an or Ximending), to really feel the city’s vibe.
- 1 night in Jiufen, to enjoy the village without the crowds of day tours.
- 1 final night in Taipei, if you have time, to end the trip slowly — maybe with one last dumpling dinner!
Frequently asked questions about where to stay in Taipei
How many days should I stay in Taipei?
We recommend staying at least 4 nights in Taipei. The city has so much to see and experience, and splitting your stay between two different neighborhoods (like Zhongzheng and Ximending) gives you a more complete perspective of Taiwan’s capital.
Is it worth staying overnight in Jiufen, or is a day trip enough?
If you have time, it’s definitely worth spending a night in Jiufen. During the day, the village gets packed with tourists, but at night everything calms down, the lights come on, and the magic happens. Staying overnight gives you a more authentic and unique experience.
What’s the best way to get from Taipei to Jiufen?
The most convenient way is by Uber or taxi, especially if you’re traveling with luggage or in a group. But there are also direct buses (like the 1062) departing from the Zhongxiao Fuxing area. The trip takes about 1 hour.
When is the best time to visit Taipei and Jiufen?
The best time to visit Taipei and Jiufen is in spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). Avoid the summer months, which are humid and come with typhoon risk. April was a great time for us — mild weather and beautiful mist in Jiufen.
Do I need an EasyCard to get around Taipei?
Yes! The EasyCard makes everything much easier. You can use it on the metro, buses, and even in some convenience stores. Buy it online, at the airport, or at a station and you’re ready to explore hassle-free.
