Kaohsiung is the second biggest city in Taiwan and has 38 administrative districts. But for a first time traveller, you only need to know three neighbourhoods: Yancheng District, Qianjin District and Xinxing District. These are the areas where you will find the most exciting accommodations for solo travellers.
I only know this because I’ve been to Kaohsiung several times and have spent more than a month staying at different hotels in different districts. So I want to share with you everything I know about staying in Kaohsiung and where to find the best accommodation.
In this post, I’ll show you all the highlights of the three districts I stayed in Kaohsiung, my honest opinion of the five hotels I stayed, and my overall recommendation for a first-time solo traveller to Kaohsiung.
My Kaohsiung accommodation reviews are my opinions, and I received no compensation. I only want to share what I love.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through them, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost. Thank you for supporting this website. For more information, please read the disclosure.
Best Places to Stay in Kaohsiung: what you need to know
Before booking a hotel in Kaohsiung, take a look at my post on all my best tips for travelling to Taiwan alone. I included information on getting a Taiwan SIM card, transportation around the country, and more.
Here are a few additional travel tips for searching for Kaohsiung accommodations:
- Check-in around 3pm and check-out is around 11am.
- Toiletries may or may not be included – it depends on the hotel’s policy.
- Every hotel has their own housekeeping schedule – they do not clean the room everyday.
- Kaohsiung accommodation prices can be higher on the weekends (especially Saturdays) and during high seasons (national holidays, Christmas, etc)
- Pay attention to payment details like cancellation policy, etc. If you are not sure of your travel dates, choose the option where you can get a refund if you change your mind or if something comes up unexpectedly.
Where to stay in Kaohsiung for Solo Travellers
If you are visiting Kaohsiung for the first time, definitely stay in central Kaohsiung, which includes Yancheng District (purple), Qianjin District (orange) and Xinxing District (green). This is especially important if you have limited time in the city.
Besides these districts, there are other areas to stay in Kaohsiung like Sanmin District (red), Zuoying District (blue), Gushan District (yellow) and Lingya District (beige). But these areas are a bit too far from major attractions and the options are not as abundant.
During my last trip, I stayed at five different hotels in three different districts. For my hotel review, I included a general overview of the hotel and my honest opinion of each in the highlight and lowlight sections.
Here is the list and a map indicating the hotels and areas of Kaohsiung:
| Areas in Kaohsiung | Characteristics | Kaohsiung Accommodations |
|---|---|---|
| Yancheng District (purple) | * Seafront district with many attractions and food options * Best area for budget travellers and foodies | Yan Chen Inn ($$) Agoda | Booking Papo’a Harbor Hotel ($$) Agoda | Booking |
| Cianjin District (orange) | * Smallest district but it is centrally-located and has many accommodation options * Best area for first time travellers and foodies | Just Inn Kaohsiung ($$) Agoda | Booking Greet Inn ($$) Agoda | Booking |
| Xinxing District (green) | * Downtown district of Kaohsiung City * Best area for shopping and nightlife | DaGang Bnb ($$) Agoda |
Yancheng District: Best Area for Budget Travellers and Foodies
Yancheng District is the smallest and least populated district in Kaohsiung City. But the small neighbourhood is packed with tourist attractions, local eateries, including Michelin-recommended restaurants, and is well connected by public transportation.
This seafront district is the best location to stay in Kaohsiung if you want to be close to local eateries, a walkable promenade and major tourist attractions. For solo travellers, there are plenty of excellent budget hotels. And for foodies, this neighbourhood is full of delicious local food.
Why you should stay in Yancheng District
- Nearby attractions including Yancheng 1st Public Market, Milk Tea Street, Pier-2 Art Centre, Yanchengpu (Pier 2) Night Market, Love Pier, Kaohsiung Music Center and Wenwu Temple
- Walking distance to many excellent Taiwanese restaurants including affordable Michelin recommended places
- Direct access to MRT (Hamasen Station and Yanchengpu Station), LRT (Love Pier Station, Dayi Pier-2 Station, Penglai Pier-2 Station, Hamasen Station, Shoushan Park Station, Wenwu Temple Station) and several Kaohsiung bus lines
Best places to stay in Yancheng District
1. Yan Chen Inn
Yan Chen Inn 塩晨.宿 is a 3-star contemporary hotel located in Yancheng District. It is considered as a “minsu” (homestay) since butler service is only available between 9am to 5pm. But honestly, the hotel and room aesthetic feels more like a small boutique hotel.
The three-storey hotel has two room types. I chose the Standard Double Room which is a 24sqm room with a double bed, a sitting area, and ensuite bathroom. The room is spacious and very clean.
Yan Chen Inn: highlights and lowlights
- Highlights: super clean room, modern finishes, quiet, new hotel, excellent neighbourhood (lots of food options)
- Lowlights: no facilities, no onsite laundry facility (laundromat is 5 min walk), no staff onsite after between 5pm to 9am
Address: No. 29, Dagong Rd, Yancheng District, Kaohsiung City | Rate: Standard Double from NT$1,600
2. Papo’a Harbor Hotel
Papo’a Harbor Hotel is a 4-star contemporary hotel located right in Pier-2 Art Centre in Yancheng District. The building was formerly a staff dormitory but it been transformed into a high-end hotel for travellers.
There are 16 different room types where each room is designed with minimalistic aesthetics that features vertical mosaic, wood grain and serpentine marble. When you step into the room, it feels like you’re in a traditional Taiwanese home because of the terrazzo flooring and high ceiling.
As for me, I chose the Classic Double Room which has a queen bed, a desk area, a sitting area and an ensuite bathroom with a tub. The 19sqm room feels extra spacious because of the large windows.
Papo’a Harbor Hotel: highlights and lowlights
- Highlights: affordable high-end hotel, new hotel, clean and well-designed room, next to Penglai Pier-2 LRT Station, close to PX Mart (supermarket), laundry facilities (laundry NT$50, dryer NT$30), easy online check-in process
- Lowlights: not much to eat in the immediate area – have to walk closer to the heart of Yancheng District, the digital code for room door is too long
Address: No. 4, Lainan St, Yancheng District, Kaohsiung City | Rate: Classic Double Room starts from NT$2,000
Cianjin District: Best Location for First Timers and Foodies
Cianjin District, or Qianjin District, is the third-smallest district in Kaohsiung City. The urban district is centrally located and offers an abundance of accommodations to choose from.
It is the best district to stay in Kaohsiung if you are visiting the city for the first time, since there are plenty of accommodations to choose from. And if you want to try excellent Taiwanese food, there are many Michelin-level restaurants in the area.
Why you should stay in Cianjin District
- Nearby attractions including Central Park, Love River and shopping places like Talee Department Store and Hanshin Department Store
- Walking distance to many excellent local eateries including affordable Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants
- Direct access to MRT (Cianjin Station) and several Kaohsiung bus lines
Kaohsiung Accommodations in Cianjin District
3. Just Inn Kaohsiung
Just Inn Kaohsiung is a 3-star boutique hotel in Cianjin District. It is part of an art hotel group with hotels in Taipei and Kaohsiung. The 7-storey building features five room types where each room has an earthy colour palette and handcrafted artworks.
I chose the Standard Double Room which is a 15sqm room that has a queen bed, a sitting area, and an ensuite bathroom. The hotel is quite new so the room finishes are all brand new and very clean.
Just Inn Kaohsiung: highlights and lowlights
- Highlights: comfortable room, clean and new bathroom, walking distance to Sanfong Temple, many Michelin-recommended restaurants around
- Lowlights: no facilities, not sure if the lobby lounge is functioning or just for staff
Address: No. 220-8, Qixian 2nd Rd, Qianjin District, Kaohsiung City | Rate: Standard Double Room starts from NT$1,500
4. Greet Inn
Greet Inn is a 4-start modern hotel in Cianjin District that values comfort and design. The 15-storey building has five room types, a fitness centre, a meeting room, a bistro for breakfast buffet and laundry facility (washing machine and dryer) that is free for hotel guests.
I found the Deluxe Double Room to be super comfortable. It is a 34sqm room and it has a king bed, a sitting area, and ensuite bathroom with bathtub. All the materials and finishes are very high-end and modern.
Greet Inn: highlights and lowlights
- Highlights: luxury hotel but very affordable, clean room, nice bathtub, free use of washing machine and dryer, close to the famous Xing Long Ju (breakfast restaurant), close to Liuhe Night Market, many Michelin-recommended restaurants around, Family Mart next door
- Lowlights: none
Address: No. 161, Liuhe 2nd Rd, Qianjin District, Kaohsiung City | Rate: Deluxe Double Room starts from NT$2,200
Xinxing District: Best Area for Shopping and Nightlife
Xinxing District, or Sinsing District, is a downtown district of Kaohsiung City. The small neighbourhood is located in the central part of the city and is well connected to the MRT and Kaohsiung buses.
Xinxing is the best place to stay in Kaohsiung if you want to be close to night markets, shopping and nightlife. Attractions are within walking distance, and there are plenty of good food options, including Michelin-level restaurants.
Why you should stay in Xinxing District
- Nearby attractions including Dome of the Light, Liuhe Night Market, Nanhua Tourist Night Market, and shopping areas like Shinkuchan Shopping District
- Walking distance to many excellent local eateries including affordable Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants
- Direct access to MRT (Formosa Boulevard Station, Central Park Station, Xinyi Elementary School Station) and several Kaohsiung bus lines
Best place to stay in Xinxing District
5. DaGang Bnb
DaGang Bnb 大港小住 is a local “minsu” (homestay) in Xinsing District. From the outside, the homestay looks like an old building in an alley. But the inside is completely renovated in an industrial chic aesthetics with exposed concrete and retro finishes.
There are several room types and I booked the Sun Room, which is one of the upgraded rooms on the 4th floor. It is a 28sqm room with a double bed, a sofa (also a sofa bed), an ensuite bathroom, and a balcony facing the front of the building.
DaGang Bnb : highlights and lowlights
- Highlights: spacious room, clean, nice balcony, walking distance to Shinkuchan Shopping District and Central Park, close to Central Park MRT Station
- Lowlights: basic lobby, no facilities, no elevator
Address: No. 33, Lane 5, Wenhengyi Rd, Sinsing District, Kaohsiung City | Rate: Sun Room starts from NT$1,700
Other Kaohsiung Accommodations in Other Districts
Besides Yancheng District, Qianjin District and Xinxing District, there are other neighbourhoods in Kaohsiung that you could stay. But I wouldn’t recommend it. Here’s why:
Sanmin District
Sanmin District (red area on the map) is a large district covering the central and northern parts of Kaohsiung City. The area has been a residential area since the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It is a quieter neighbourhood because there aren’t as many tourist attractions as in other districts.
Actually, I stayed at Watermarked Hotel Kaohsiung. But I wouldn’t recommend this hotel because there’s not much to do in the area and the hotel isn’t that exciting. Plus, my room had a weird smell.
Zuoying District
Zuoying District (blue) is at the north end of Kaohsiung, and the area has several attractions, including the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas and the Lotus Lake. Zuoying HSR Station is located here, and the high-speed train connects other cities like Tainan and Taipei.
As for accommodations, there aren’t many good choices. They are mostly mid-range hotels but nothing exciting so I didn’t stay here.
Gushan District
Gushan District (yellow) is part of the northwest side of Kaohsiung. The majority of the district is Shoushan National Natural Park. Other attractions like Pier-2 Art Centre and Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts are also in this area.
Accommodations are located south and east of Gushan Mountain. I found two interesting ones if you are looking for a budget or luxury option.
KW2 Hostel (Agoda | Booking) is a new hostel furnished with Muji furniture if you want a budget option. And Kaohsiung Marriott Hotel (Agoda | Booking) is a high-end chain hotel that is worth staying if you want the luxury and earn Marriott Bonvoy points.
But overall, I would recommend staying in other central districts especially if it is your first time in Kaohsiung or have limited time in the city.
Lingya District
Lingya District (beige) covers the southern part of Kaohsiung. The area has a handful of attractions, including Glory Pier and Kaohsiung Exhibition Center. Plus, there are a few excellent night markets, including Ziquang Night Market and Guanghua Night Market.
There are many minsu (homestay), hostels and hotels in Lingya District but I didn’t find any exciting places to stay. And because there are better accommodation options in other districts, I decided to skip this area.
Cianjhen District & Fengshan District
Cianjhen District and Fengshan District are located at the southern end of the city. They are even further away from central Kaohsiung. Unless you have specific things to do or have family nearby, there isn’t a good reason to stay at either district.
Where to Stay in Kaohsiung Taiwan: My Recommendation
If I were visiting Kaohsiung for the first time, I would stay at Yan Chen Inn or Papo’a Harbor Hotel in Yancheng District because I like to be in walking distance to attractions, MRT, LRT and excellent food options. Even while I was staying in other districts, I always find myself going back to Yancheng because I really liked the old school neighbourhood.
If I can get a good rate at Greet Inn in Cianjin District, I wouldn’t mind staying there either. I’m not a nightlife person but I do enjoy going to Liuhe Night Market, which is close to the hotel. Plus, it is always a bonus when you can stay at a semi luxury hotel without the expensive price tag.
If you enjoy nightlife, staying at DaGang Bnb in Xinsing District is definitely a good option. Many shops and food places open from late afternoon to very late in the night. But I’m not a late night person so this wouldn’t be for me.
So there you have it! Let me know which Kaohsiung hotel you decide to book for your next trip. Or if you found any other hotels worth recommending to solo travellers. I would love to know, too!
Ready to plan your trip to Kaohsiung? Here are some of my go-to travel planning resources:
* Book your flight: find flight deals on Skyscanner
* Book accommodation: find the best Kaohsiung accommodations on Agoda or Booking
* Buy insurance: Safetywing is my go-to provider for travel insurance, as it covers many things. I will never travel without the Nomad Insurance Package because it protects me against unforeseen events. Get a quote today.
* Order a SIM card: order a SIM card in advance, collect it upon arrival, and set up your mobile phone before arriving at your destination. Or find out how and where to get a SIM Card in Taiwan.
* Join tours: check Klook or Get Your Guide for the best tours in Kaohsiung.
Thank you for reading my solo Kaohsiung Accommodation guide
I have many posts on Taiwan, and you might also like these other posts on solo travel in Taiwan:
Introduction to Taiwan
- Things to know before visiting Taiwan
- How and where to buy a Taiwan prepaid SIM card
- How to spend 3 weeks in Taiwan
- 22 must-eat food in Taiwan
- Top 10 must-try Taiwan 7-11 Food
Southern Taiwan posts
- Best things to do in Chiayi Taiwan
- How to travel from Chiayi to Alishan
- Alishan 2-day solo itinerary
- Things to do in Tainan as a solo traveller
- Where to stay in Tainan: Best Areas & Hotel Reviews
- Tainan Food Guide: What & Where to Eat
- 6 Best night markets in Tainan
- Best Things to do alone in Kaohsiung
- Kaohsiung Food Guide: What and Where to Eat
- 5 Best night markets in Kaohsiung
- Qishan Old Street in Kaohsiung City
- Kenting Travel Guide: things to do
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Hi, my name is Queenie, and I’ve been a solo traveller for 20+ years and currently based in Hong Kong. Follow me on my adventures through Instagram and my blog!
