Where to Stay in Taipei: 5 Areas and My Two Hotel Stays
I stayed at two very different hotels here: inhouse in Ximending and citizenM by North Gate. Both were convenient, but for different reasons. The neighborhood you choose changes what Taipei feels like once the sightseeing is over.
I’ve stayed at inhouse Hotel in Ximending and citizenM Taipei North Gate. In Ximending, food, shops and the busy pedestrian streets were right outside. Around North Gate, I was much closer to Taipei’s transport hub, with Ximending still within walking distance. Seeing both sides made it easier to understand why the best hotel area depends on your plans.
Choosing where to stay in Taipei isn’t just about picking the nearest MRT station. These five areas feel surprisingly different, and so do the hotels. I’ve included 17 places, with inhouse and citizenM as my firsthand stays and the others selected for their locations, room types and what they offer.
Which Area of Taipei Is Best For First Time Visitors?
Ximending is my favorite base for a first city visit. At inhouse, I could head out for food or a walk without making another plan for the evening. North Gate is excellent for transport. Staying at citizenM put me close to the station area while keeping the older western side of Taipei within reach. Zhongshan offers a different mood: good restaurants and shops with less of Ximending’s bustle.
Ximending is lively from morning until late. It’s particularly handy if you’re out sightseeing all day and still want somewhere interesting to walk around afterward.
North Gate and Taipei Main Station are convenient for airport transfers and travel around Taiwan. Check which entrance you need: the station complex is bigger than it looks.
Zhongshan has small shops and restaurants; Da’an has parks and more residential streets. Both feel less hectic than Ximending.
Two Taipei Hotels I Know Firsthand, Plus One Alternative
Two of these hotels are places I’ve stayed: inhouse in Ximending and citizenM at North Gate. They suit different kinds of Taipei visits. I’ve also included Sotetsu Grand Fresa near Ximen MRT because its larger advertised rooms make it a useful alternative, although I haven’t stayed there myself.
inhouse Hotel
I stayed here in Ximending. The location made evenings easy: step outside and you’re among the shops, food and busy streets. Check the room size that comes with your rate.
Sotetsu Grand Fresa Taipei Ximen
Almost on top of Ximen MRT, with some advertised rooms over 30 m². A useful alternative if you’d prefer more space than many central Taipei hotels offer.
citizenM Taipei North Gate
My other Taipei hotel. North Gate was convenient for the station area, and I could still reach Ximending on foot. A good location when transport matters.
Affiliate disclosure: Hotel links are affiliate links. If you book through one, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Prices and availability change with your dates, so check the current listing and room category.
Best Areas to Stay in Taipei Compared
All five areas have their advantages, but they don’t feel the same once you leave your hotel. Here’s how they compare for getting around, eating out and spending an evening in the neighborhood.
| Neighborhood | Best for | Useful MRT stations | Main drawback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ximending | First visit, eating out, busy evenings, street life | Ximen (Blue and Green lines) | Crowds, street noise and small or windowless budget rooms |
| Taipei Main Station / North Gate | Airport MRT, HSR, TRA trains, short stopovers | Taipei Main, Beimen | Station passages can be longer and more confusing than expected |
| Zhongshan | Cafes, shopping, restaurants, good evenings without Ximen crowds | Zhongshan, Songjiang Nanjing | Hotel locations vary across the district |
| Da’an | Parks, restaurants, quieter residential streets | Dongmen, Da’an, Xinyi Anhe | Hotels can be spread out and often cost more |
| Xinyi | Taipei 101, modern city, skyline, upscale stays | Taipei City Hall, Taipei 101/World Trade Center | Less convenient for wandering old western Taipei |
These are neighborhoods, not precise hotel locations. Even a short walk can make a difference to which MRT entrance, shops or restaurants are nearest.
My Taipei map shows the five areas. Always check the hotel’s exact address as well; being in the same district doesn’t mean the same walk to the MRT.
What Mattered When Choosing a Taipei Hotel
Staying in Ximending and North Gate gave me two quite different versions of Taipei. One was all about stepping straight into the neighborhood after dinner; the other brought the station area much closer. I also walked around Zhongshan, Da’an and Xinyi to see how they compared.
For the other hotels, I looked at the things that made a difference when choosing my own: the nearest MRT, the size of the room, the street outside and how easily you can get around. A convenient address on paper isn’t always the same as an easy journey with luggage.
1. Ximending: Where I Stayed in Taipei
I stayed at inhouse Hotel in Ximending. One of the best parts was coming back after a long day and still having so much going on nearby. Restaurants, food stalls and shops were part of the neighborhood rather than another destination I had to travel to. That made a real difference on a short city visit.
Ximen MRT is served by the Blue and Green lines, so I found it easy to explore other parts of Taipei. Longshan Temple, Bopiliao and the older western neighborhoods are also relatively close. Taipei 101 is farther away, but getting across the city by MRT is straightforward.
Ximending isn’t quiet. The pedestrian streets fill up, particularly in the evening, and some budget rooms are very small or don’t have windows. I’m glad I stayed in the area, but light sleepers should check recent reviews and the room’s position before booking.
Hotels in Ximending
inhouse Hotel
This is where I stayed in Ximending. I enjoyed being able to walk straight out into the neighborhood, especially when I wanted something to eat in the evening. It’s a practical place to base yourself if you want to explore the city on foot and by MRT. Pay attention to the exact room category when you book, as sizes vary.
Check rooms and ratesSotetsu Grand Fresa Taipei Ximen
Sotetsu is very close to Ximen MRT and advertises some rooms over 30 m². That’s worth comparing against the smaller room categories at other Ximending hotels, especially if you’re traveling with a lot of luggage.
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amba Taipei Ximending
amba is a more polished option right in Ximending, with room categories that can offer more space. It suits travelers who want the neighborhood’s restaurants and activity nearby, but prefer a more hotel-focused stay.
Check rooms and ratesXimending or North Gate? I’ve stayed in both. Ximending won me over for the evening atmosphere; North Gate was better positioned for the station area. Neither requires giving up access to the rest of Taipei.
In my Taipei 3-day itinerary, I show how I grouped the sights by area instead of crossing the city unnecessarily. It’s useful when deciding which neighborhood to use as a base.
2. Taipei Main Station and North Gate: Practical for Moving On
My other stay was at citizenM Taipei North Gate. The contrast with Ximending was obvious: fewer pedestrian shopping streets outside, but easier access to the wider station area. Taipei Main Station itself took a little getting used to. The different rail systems and underground passages aren’t as simple as a single station entrance on a map suggests.
This area makes sense if Taipei is only one stop on a longer Taiwan trip. The Airport MRT, High Speed Rail, regular TRA trains and city MRT all meet in the wider station complex. Around North Gate and Beimen, Ximending is still close enough to reach on foot, so the evenings don’t have to revolve around the station.
My stay at citizenM showed me that the station area doesn’t have to feel cut off from the city. It was a useful base near the transport hub, without losing the option of walking into Ximending. If you’re sorting out onward travel, my Taiwan train-ticket guide and Taiwan transport guide explain the different trains and connections.
Hotels around Taipei Main Station and North Gate
citizenM Taipei North Gate
I stayed at citizenM Taipei North Gate. Its location was the main advantage for me: close to the station area, with Ximending still an easy walk away. It’s a good balance if you want efficient transport without spending every evening around the railway hub. Check the route to the exact Airport MRT entrance if you’re arriving with luggage.
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Palais de Chine Hotel
Palais de Chine is an upscale choice by Taipei Main Station, convenient for rail connections without settling for a basic stopover hotel. The extra comfort comes at a higher price, so compare room types and rates carefully.
Check rooms and ratesOne station tip from experience: don’t treat the Airport MRT, city MRT, HSR and TRA entrances as the same doorway. Taipei Main Station is a large complex. Look up the entrance you need, especially when you’re carrying bags.
3. Zhongshan: My Favorite Alternative to Ximending
Zhongshan was one of the neighborhoods I most enjoyed walking around. It’s full of smaller shops, restaurants and cafes, and the evenings felt less frantic than around Ximending’s pedestrian streets. It’s a good option when the area around your hotel is part of what you want to explore.
Zhongshan also has good MRT connections, but check the hotel’s actual position. Some properties described as being in Zhongshan are closer to Songjiang Nanjing than Zhongshan Station. Both can work; just don’t assume they’re the same walk at the end of the day.
For couples, food-focused trips or a slower visit, Zhongshan has a lot going for it. There’s plenty to do close to your hotel without the crowds of Ximending. For very early long-distance train departures, though, Taipei Main Station has the transport advantage.
Hotels in Zhongshan
Humble Boutique Hotel
Humble Boutique combines a modern hotel feel with easy access to restaurants and cafes around Songjiang Nanjing. Its pool and other facilities make it worth a look if hotel comfort is important as well as neighborhood atmosphere.
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The Tango Hotel Taipei Linsen
The Tango Linsen is a useful option for a comfortable city base near restaurants and shops. Check the walking route to your preferred MRT station rather than relying on the district name alone.
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Parkview Taipei
Parkview is a quieter boutique-style option within reach of Zhongshan’s restaurants and shops. Compare its room types and exact MRT walk with the other hotels in this area.
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Dandy Hotel – Tianjin Branch
Dandy Hotel Tianjin is a more straightforward mid-range choice, handy for exploring Taipei during the day and having restaurants and shops nearby in the evening. A good one to compare on value.
Check rooms and rates4. Da’an: For a Calmer Base With Good Food
Da’an felt different from the western side of Taipei. Around Da’an Park and Dongmen, there are leafy streets, neighborhood restaurants and cafes, and a more everyday pace. It’s a pleasant area to walk around, particularly if you don’t need a busy shopping district outside the hotel.
The important thing with Da’an is its size. Dongmen, Da’an Station and Xinyi Anhe serve different parts of the district. Dongmen is useful for Yongkang Street and the park; Xinyi Anhe places you nearer Tonghua Night Market. Check the MRT station before comparing hotels.
Da’an works especially well for longer stays or anyone who wants a quieter neighborhood at night. It’s still well connected, but it doesn’t have Ximending’s nonstop street activity, which can be either a plus or a minus depending on your trip.
Hotels to consider in Da’an
Hotel Eclat Taipei
Hotel Eclat is the design-focused option here, with art-filled interiors and a boutique feel. It makes most sense if you care about the hotel experience itself, not just having a room near an MRT station.
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Chez Nous
Chez Nous sits on a quieter part of Da’an and offers a more intimate boutique-hotel atmosphere. Check its location against the places you want to visit, since the district covers quite a large area.
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Taipei Fullerton Hotel – South
Fullerton South is a more conventional, full-service hotel with access to Da’an’s restaurants and MRT connections. It’s worth comparing if you prefer established hotel facilities over a small design property.
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Taipei Charming City Hotel
Charming City is a straightforward option near Xinyi Anhe, handy for Tonghua Night Market and the eastern side of Taipei without paying the rates of Xinyi’s big luxury hotels.
Check rooms and rates5. Xinyi: The Taipei 101 Side of the City
I enjoyed visiting Xinyi, but it felt like a different Taipei from the older western neighborhoods. This is the city of Taipei 101, big shopping centers, wide streets and modern towers. It’s an interesting contrast, especially after spending time around temples and markets.
Xinyi is best suited to stays centered on Taipei 101, Elephant Mountain, shopping and upscale hotels. It has plenty happening after dark, but you’re farther from the historic streets and temples on the western side of town.
Hotel choice matters here too. Some properties are right by the big shopping centers and MRT; others are farther away than the district name suggests. Check the exact station and room category before letting the skyline photographs make the decision.
Hotels in Xinyi
W Taipei
W Taipei is the big luxury choice for skyline views, a pool, restaurants and a stay centered on Xinyi’s modern side. It’s an experience-led hotel rather than a budget-friendly base for seeing the older parts of Taipei.
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The Tango Hotel
The Tango offers a more restrained hotel option on the eastern side of Taipei. Check the specific branch shown in the booking link, because there are several Tango properties around the city.
Check rooms and ratesPacific Business Hotel
Pacific Business Hotel is geared toward travelers who want easy access to Taipei 101 and the nearby business and convention area. Check the room category and MRT walking distance; the booking link has the property’s current photos and details.
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Home Hotel
Home Hotel puts you among Xinyi’s shops, restaurants and Taipei 101 area. It’s a convenient choice when that modern part of Taipei is the focus of the stay.
Check rooms and ratesFor Xinyi, location is everything: the appeal is being close to Taipei 101, shopping and the eastern neighborhoods. If most of your plans are in old Taipei, there are more convenient places to sleep.
7 Things to Check Before Booking a Taipei Hotel
- Actual walking time to the right MRT entrance. Five to eight minutes is a good target, though the right station exit matters just as much when you’re carrying luggage.
- Room size in square meters. With two people and luggage, 18–20 m² feels like a reasonable starting point, and more space helps on longer stays. A small room is fine when you know that’s what you’re booking.
- Whether my room has a real window. Interior and windowless rooms do exist, including at otherwise perfectly decent hotels. Check the room category for natural light, not just the main hotel photos.
- Street-facing noise. Especially in Ximending, recent reviews about noise can matter more than the hotel’s overall score.
- What the rate really includes. Breakfast, flexible cancellation, taxes and different bed types can make two apparently similar offers quite different.
- Arrival and onward connections. Check the route to the Airport MRT or HSR if Taipei is only the first stop of a longer Taiwan trip.
- Weekends and local holidays. If you’re visiting during a festival or major holiday, compare dates early. Midweek rates can also differ noticeably from weekends.
Taipei was one stop on a larger Taiwan journey for me, so the onward connections mattered. My two-week Taiwan route and Taiwan transport guide help with that planning. I also cover mobile data in my Taiwan eSIM comparison.
Using Taipei as a Base for Day Trips
I found that having places to eat and walk around near my hotel made evenings easier in both Ximending and North Gate. For excursions beyond the city, transport becomes more important. My four day trips from Taipei cover the places I visited in northern Taiwan, while my Taipei tour guide is useful if you prefer a guided outing.
For places farther away, especially Alishan, plan an overnight stay rather than treating everything as a Taipei day trip. My Alishan itinerary covers the route and forest area, and my Alishan hotel guide explains the different bases.
Where to Stay in Taipei FAQ
What is the best area to stay in Taipei for a first visit?
Ximending is an excellent first base for its food, shopping and MRT connections. North Gate is just as practical when trains and the airport matter. For a quieter evening atmosphere, Zhongshan has plenty of restaurants without Ximending’s crowds.
Is Ximending too noisy for sleeping?
Some streets are busy late into the evening, so noise depends on the hotel’s position and your room. I enjoyed staying in Ximending, but it’s worth reading recent reviews if you’re a light sleeper.
Is Taipei Main Station or Ximending better?
Both worked well for me, but for different reasons. Ximending wins for evening street life; North Gate puts the station complex closer, and you can still walk to Ximending.
Should I stay in Zhongshan or Da’an?
Zhongshan has more restaurants, cafes and little shops to browse in the evening. Da’an is greener and more residential, especially around the park and Dongmen. Both have useful MRT links.
Where should I stay in Taipei for three days?
For three days of sightseeing, Ximending is an easy base, with plenty happening after dark. That was the attraction of my inhouse stay. North Gate suited the transport side of the trip better.
Is Xinyi a good area to stay in Taipei?
Yes. Xinyi is ideal for Taipei 101, Elephant Mountain, modern shopping and higher-end hotels. It’s farther from the older streets and temples in western Taipei, so it suits a different kind of stay.
How far should my hotel be from an MRT station?
Five to eight minutes on foot is a useful target. Check the route to the right station entrance, not just the distance to the station name shown on the listing.
Do Taipei hotels have windowless rooms?
Yes, some hotels sell interior rooms without windows. Don’t rely on the property’s main photo gallery; check the details of the specific room you’re booking.
Do I need a hotel near Taipei Main Station for day trips?
No. Ximending and Zhongshan have good MRT links too. But if you have several early long-distance trains or a quick airport connection, the Taipei Main Station and North Gate area saves time.
Ximending and North Gate: Two Bases That Worked for Me
After trying both inhouse in Ximending and citizenM at North Gate, the choice feels pretty clear. Ximending was more fun to come back to at night; North Gate had the edge for getting around. I enjoyed exploring Da’an, Zhongshan and Xinyi too, but what matters most is what you plan to do in Taipei and how close your hotel is to the places you’ll use every day.
Last Updated on 12/10/2026 by Panos
