Where To Stay In Taipei – A Guide To The Best Hotels And Neighborhoods
TaiwanAs the capital of Taiwan, Taipei, is a diverse and thriving city with a population of almost 3 million…
Notable Places
Discover Taiwan
Use the map to explore Taiwan, or start with our 12-day itinerary to hit all the best spots.
Taiwan Quick Guide
- Currency: New Taiwan Dollar (TWD)
- Language: Mandarin Chinese (Traditional script)
- Emergency Number: 110 (police), 119 (ambulance/fire)
- Tipping: Not expected; service charge often included in restaurants
- Fun Fact #1: Taiwan has one of the highest densities of convenience stores in the world
- Fun Fact #2: Taipei 101 was once the tallest building globally (508m)
- Fun Fact #3: Night markets are a cornerstone of Taiwanese food culture
Where to Stay in Taiwan
Taipei offers modern hotels and budget-friendly hostels near bustling night markets and metro lines. Taichung is great for art lovers and central access, while Tainan has charming guesthouses near historic temples. For nature, head to Hualien (gateway to Taroko Gorge) or Sun Moon Lake for lakeside resorts and peaceful views.
Start by planning out where you would like to visit and then search for accommodation in those areas. We use Booking.com for all our hotel stays, many hotels have pay later offers and you can build up your Genius level to get discounts on your stays.
Plan Where to Stay
How to Get Around Taiwan
Taiwan’s transport system is clean, efficient, and foreigner-friendly. The High-Speed Rail (HSR) connects major west coast cities like Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung in under two hours. Regular trains and buses reach smaller towns and scenic areas like Taroko Gorge and Alishan. Taipei and Kaohsiung have excellent metro systems, and local buses are reliable across the country. In cities, EasyCards can be used for metro, buses, and some taxis. Taxis are plentiful and reasonably priced but may require a translation app outside major cities.
For remote areas, renting a scooter or car is common, though international licenses may be needed. Taiwan is also incredibly bike-friendly, with rental systems in most cities and scenic routes like the Sun Moon Lake or east coast stretches.
Must-Visit Places in Taiwan
- Taipei – Night markets, Taipei 101, temples, and museums
- Taroko Gorge – Marble canyons, waterfalls, and dramatic hiking trails
- Sun Moon Lake – Serene lake views, cycling paths, and temples
- Jiufen – Historic mountain town said to inspire Spirited Away
- Alishan – Misty mountains, sunrise trains, and ancient forests
- Tainan – Taiwan’s oldest city with temples, forts, and local snacks
- Kaohsiung – Art-filled waterfront city with the Pier-2 Art Center
- Penghu or Green Island – Scenic offshore islands perfect for snorkeling and slow travel
Stay Connected
Don’t waste time hunting for SIM cards or stressing about roaming. With an eSIM, you can get connected as soon as you land and stay online wherever your adventures take you.
🔗 Check out our guide to the cheapest eSIMs for international travel.
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Taiwanese Food to Try
Taiwanese food is legendary for its flavor-packed street eats and comforting noodle and rice dishes:
- Beef Noodle Soup – Hearty bowl of slow-braised beef, noodles, and aromatic broth
- Lu Rou Fan – Minced pork belly stewed in soy sauce over rice
- Gua Bao – Steamed bun filled with braised pork, pickles, and coriander
- Oyster Omelette – Chewy egg and oyster pancake topped with sweet-sour sauce
- Bubble Tea – Taiwan’s most famous export: sweet milk tea with chewy tapioca pearls
- Stinky Tofu – Fermented tofu, deep-fried and served with pickled cabbage (an acquired taste!)
- Ba Wan – Large glutinous rice dumpling filled with meat and mushrooms
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Top 5 Things To Bring On Every Trip
- Travel Insurance: Protect yourself against unforeseen events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
- Power Bank: Keep your devices charged on the go, ensuring you stay connected and capture every moment.
- Universal Travel Adapter: A must-have for international travelers to plug in and power up devices in different countries.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste; many destinations have refill stations available.
- Packing Cubes: Organize your luggage efficiently, making it easier to find items and maximize space.
Top Day Tours to Discover Taiwan
- Shifen, Jiufen, and Yehliu: Discover Taiwan’s northeastern wonders within a day trip from Taipei. Release a traditional sky lantern in Shifen Old Street, admire the majestic 20 m ‘Little Niagara’ water cascades, stroll Jiufen’s nostalgic Old Street,said to inspire Spirited Away, and explore Yehliu Geopark’s striking Queen’s Head and coastal rock formations.
- Beitou and Yangmingshan National Park: If you are short on time and can’t head to the parks in the south this is a great option from Taipei. Head out of the city to Taipei’s volcanic and hot‐spring heritage. Wander through Geothermal Valley and Beitou Hot Spring Museum, hike fumaroles at Xiaoyoukeng and grasslands at Qingtiangang, enjoy a foot‑bath in Lengshuikeng, and picnic among seasonal blooms in Zhuzihu.
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