Anywhere near a MRT station will be convenient. The best area to stay in Taipei is near to the Zhongzhen Station or Taipei Station. I marked the best area on the map.
Stay in a Residential Area or a Tourist Area?
If you want to find shops and restaurants that are frequented by locals and have normal prices, then it is best not to stay in the popular tourist areas. Many of the goods and restaurants in Ximending are aimed at tourists, so the prices are higher than those in residential areas. My favorite place is outside the city center, where it’s quieter but still lively.
Both Taipei Station and Ximen Sttations are very crowded, but this can be easily avoided by choosing a hotel that is located near the intersection of other MRT lines. Public transportation is very convenient here. You’ll find great restaurants, night markets, and major attractions. There are lots of good breakfast options around and plenty of food to choose from.
Ximending is a popular tourist spot, so it is my last choice. However, if you like crowded environment, this may be your best choice.
Where To Stay in Taipei?
I am a Taiwanese in my fifties living in Taipei. Locals are reluctant to live in the busy Ximending area, but this is not the case for foreign tourists. If you come to Taiwan for tourism and only have 3-5 days in Taipei, you can choose to stay in the Ximending area. Just like you wouldn’t choose to live in a busy market or night market area in your own country. If you come to Taiwan for tourism and only have 3-5 days in Taipei, you can choose to stay in the Ximending area.
Taipei has a ton of great areas to stay in, depending on your travel style and what you want to explore. Here’s a quick breakdown of the best neighborhoods suggestions for each:
4. MRT Ximen Station (Ximending)
Ximending – Best for First-Time Visitors & Nightlife
Think of it as Taipei’s version of Harajuku/Shibuya – super lively and full of shopping, food, and young energy.
Good for: Street food, nightlife, shopping, LGBTQ+ friendly vibe
Stay here if: You like vibrant, walkable areas and want to be in the heart of the action.
1. MRT Zhongshan Station
MRT Zhongshan Station– Best for Boutique Hotels and Chill Vibes
A bit more upscale and quiet, but still central. Great food, cafes, and design hotels.
Good for: Couples, solo travelers, art lovers
Stay here if: You want a more laid-back atmosphere but still want MRT access.
2. MRT Taipei Main Station
Taipei Main Station – Best for Easy Transport
Convenient if you’re taking day trips or arriving/leaving by train or airport express.
Good for: Transit access, convenience
Stay here if: You plan lots of day trips (e.g., Jiufen, Taroko, Alishan).
3. MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing Station
Zhongxiao Fuxing Station – Best for Luxury, Shopping, Foodies and Local Culture
With famous eats like Din Tai Fung and near by the huge Daan Forest Park.
Good for: Food, markets, slightly quieter residential feel
Stay here if: You want to live more like a local but still have easy transport access.
If you are staying in Taipei for a week, your second hotel could be near Zhongxiao Fuxing Station, the intersection of the Wenhu MRT Line and the Bannan MRT Line. In the afternoon, you can walk east along Zhongxiao East Road. There are many cultural and creative stores, cafes, beverage shops, restaurants and various fashion stores in the alleys.
International Luxury Goods and Nightclubs?
The Zhongxiao Dunhua and Xinyi Shopping District are the main bases for international luxury goods, with world-renowned brands opening stores here. Compared to Ximending in the west district of Taipei, the cost of living in the east district is relatively high, and prices are relatively expensive. Most of the people who go shopping here are people with good incomes. The nightlife here is booming, and bars and dance halls sometimes invite DJs or bands to perform. Entertainment venues such as KTVs and cinemas are open until dawn.
5. MRT Taipei 101 Station (Xinyi)
Songshan/Xinyi – Best for Luxury and Shopping
Home to Taipei 101 and tons of upscale malls, bars, and restaurants.
Good for: High-end shopping, city views, business travel
Stay here if: You want to stay in a sleek part of town and don’t mind spending a little more.
The Most Convenient Area?
Taipei has nightlife everywhere, and the most important thing is to choose the area that you think is more interesting. The most convenient area to stay in Taipei is next to the Zhongzhen Station or Taipei Station entrance which is less than 10 minutes walk. From these two stations, you can easily visit Taipei and New Taipei attractions. If two MRT lines intersect at a MRT station, then MRT lines can be taken in all directions. You can reach Taipei’s main bustling areas in about 30 minutes by MRT.
Taipei Nightlife: A Vibe You Don’t Want to Miss
When the sun goes down, your nightlife begins. The streets of Taipei are flashing with neon lights, and it is a must-visit nightlife destination when you come to Taiwan. After a wonderful day in Taipei, the city is still full of vitality and charm at night. Let you continue to enjoy the romantic night view and experience the rich nightlife. From trendy restaurants, street food, night markets to nightclubs and bars, you can easily find your nightlife in Taipei. Whether you’re looking for a place to grab a drink or a late night snack, Taipei won’t disappoint.
whether you’re into bar-hopping, night markets, live music, or just vibing with locals, Taipei has something for everyone:
Taiwan Night Markets
Taiwan Night Markets – The Heartbeat of the Night
What to expect: Street food, shopping, games, people-watching
Top Picks:
Raohe Night Market – More local feel, great pepper buns and night temple atmosphere
Ningxia Night Market – Best for traditional Taiwanese snacks in a smaller setting
Shilin Night Market – The biggest and most famous (try the giant fried chicken and bubble tea)
Perfect if you’re looking for something casual, tasty, and authentically Taiwanese.
Nightclub, Bar or Lounge, LGBTQ+ Bar
Taiwan NightLife Guide Nightclub: If you’re looking to live music, dance or chill
Taiwan NightLife Guide Bar or Lounge: Taipei’s bar scene is seriously cool—hidden speakeasies, creative cocktails, and killer views.
Taiwan NightLife Guide LGBTQ+ Bar: Taipei is proudly LGBTQ+ friendly (host of Asia’s biggest Pride.)
Taiwan NightLife Guide Hookah Bar
Taiwan NightLife Guide Show Bar
When the sun sets in Taipei, the city doesn’t wind down—it switches gears. Taipei’s nightlife is a vibrant mix of neon-lit streets, bustling night markets, chic rooftop bars, underground clubs, and cozy late-night cafés. Whether you’re a party animal, a foodie, or just want to soak in the local culture, there’s something happening every night.
Quick Tips:
Last MRTs run around midnight; taxis are easy and safe after that.
Dress code: Casual is fine most places, but some clubs/bars may expect a little effort.
Legal drinking age: 18 (carry ID just in case).
Prepare your trip to Taiwan?✈️
🔥ChiaTe Pineapple Cake / Delivery or Airport Pickup
■ ChiaTe Bakery Pineapple Pastry-Delivery(Home / Hotel) / Airport Pickup (klook)
Buy discounted tickets in advance (Klook)
■ EasyCard and SIM Card Package
■ Taipei 101 Observatory Ticket
■ Taipei Double Decker Sightseeing Bus
■ National Palace Museum Ticket
■ Taipei Fun Pass (Taipei 101, National Palace Museum, Taipei MRT, city buses, and 6 Taiwan Tourist Shuttle)
■ Taipei Transport Fun Pass (Taipei MRT, city buses, 6 Taiwan Tourist Shuttle routes, and Maokong Gondol)
■ Taipei Metro (MRT) Day Pass
■ (Taiwan Pass) HSR + MRT + Taiwan Tourist Shuttle
■ Taiwan High Speed Rail Day Pass
■ Taiwan High Speed Rail Ticket for non-Taiwanese Discounts or Buy 1 Get 1
■ Taiwan High Speed Rail Joint Ticket
■ (Taiwan Pass) Taiwan Railways + MRT + Taiwan Tourist Shuttle