When it comes to choosing accommodation in Taipei for solo travellers, there are many hostels and hotels to choose from. Maybe too many! Taipei accommodations range from budget hostels for travellers who want to spend as little as possible to bougie boutique hotels for travellers who want a bit of luxury.
After visiting Taipei many times over the past few years and staying in different neighbourhoods, I recommend staying near Taipei Main Station or along the MRT line because you want to get around the city easily. These are the best spots for solo travellers who have never been to Taipei.
In this post, I will show you all the best areas to stay in Taipei. I also included my hotel reviews of the places I stayed in the past, so you can see what Taipei accommodations are like. Also, I will include my overall recommendation for a first-time traveller to Taipei, Taiwan.
My Taipei accommodation review is my opinion, and I received no compensation. I only want to share what I love.
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Before you search for Taipei accommodations
Before you book your accommodation in Taipei, take a look at my post on all my best tips for travelling to Taiwan. I included a lot of information, such as how to get a Taiwan prepaid SIM card, transportation options around the country, and more.
And check out more tips on my solo travel guide to Taipei and learn about what to do in the capital city on your own.
Here are a few additional tips for searching for Taipei 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.
- Taipei accommodation prices can be pricier on the weekends (especially Saturdays) and during high seasons (national holidays, Christmas, etc.)
- Pay attention to payment details, such as the cancellation policy. If you are not sure of your travel dates, choose the option that allows a refund if you change your mind or if something comes up unexpectedly.
Where to stay in Taipei Taiwan for Solo Travellers
If you are visiting Taipei for the first time, stay somewhere near Taipei Main Station. The actual transportation hub is located in Zhongsheng District. But if you can stay in Datong District, Wanhua District, or Zhongshan District, as long as you are within walking distance of Taipei Main Station.
As mentioned, I stayed at different hotels in different districts over several trips. I included my reviews for 7 hotels across 5 districts. 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 hostels, hotels, and areas of Taipei.
| Areas in Taipei | Characteristics | Taipei Hostels and Hotels |
|---|---|---|
| Datong District (red) | * near Taipei Main Station and Taoyuan Airport MRT Station * Most budget-friendly Taipei accommodations * many old neighbourhoods including Dadaocheng | * Star Hostel Taipei Main Station ($-$$) Agoda | Booking * Meander 1948 Hostel ($-$$) Agoda | Booking * OrigInn Space ($$) Agoda | Booking |
| Wanhua District (purple) | * Taipei’s oldest neighbourhood * many local eateries, night markets, shops and historical buildings | * Monka Hotel ($$) Agoda | Booking |
| Zhongsheng District (green) | * Taipei’s commercial center with many restaurants and shops * excellent for nightlife * near Ximending | * Tango Inn Taipei Kaifong ($$) Agoda | Booking |
| Da’an District (blue) | * near Taipei Main Station and Taoyuan Airport MRT Station * Most budget-friendly Taipei accommodations * many old neighbourhoods, including Dadaocheng | * Kimpton Da’an Taipei ($$$) Agoda | Booking |
| Songshan District (orange) | * northeast end of Taipei * financial center * out of the hustle and bustle | * Waterfront Hotel ($-$$) Agoda | Booking |
Datong District: Best Area for Budget Travellers and Foodies
Datong District is an old district in Taipei. The old neighbourhood has many local eateries and the famous Dihua Street in the Dadaocheng area. The area is well connected to Taipei Main Station
This old neighbourhood is the best area to stay in Taipei if you want to be near the shopping streets in Dadaocheng. And it is close to the Zhongshan shopping district and Ximending. For solo travellers, there are plenty of excellent boutique budget hostels. And for foodies, this neighbourhood has lots of delicious local food.
Why you should stay in Datong District
- Nearby attractions include shops and eateries in Dadaocheng, Ximending, Ningxia Night Market, Chifeng Street, and Zhongshan shopping district
- Walking distance to many excellent Taiwanese restaurants, including affordable Michelin-recommended places
- Direct access to MRT (Beimen Station and Zhongshan Station), close to MRT, TRA and HSR (Taipei Main Station) and several Taipei bus lines
Best places to stay in Datong District
1. Star Hostel Taipei Main Station
Star Hostel Taipei Main Station is one of the best budget hostels in Taipei. Even though it is called a “hostel,” it has shared accommodations and private rooms.
I stayed in the dorm room twice during two separate trips. The dorm bed is comfortable and clean. They also have a double guest room with a desk and an ensuite bathroom if you want privacy.
The hostel has a shared kitchen, a lovely common area, and wonderful staff who speak perfect English. And breakfast is included, no matter which accommodation you choose.
The hostel organizes daily social activities, such as movie or video game nights. Plus, the hostel kitchen doubles as a bar at night, serving local craft beers.
Star Hostel Taipei Main Station: highlights and lowlights
- Highlights: excellent common space, overall design aesthetics, bathrooms are always clean, centrally located
- Lowlights: challenging to book last minute
Address: 4F, No. 50, Huayin Street, Datong District, Taipei | Rate: NT$775 for a Single Bed in an 8-bed Female Dormitory
2. Meander 1948 Hostel – Taipei Main Station
Meander 1948 Hostel is a 3-star hostel near Taipei Main Station. A mix of dormitory beds and regular guest rooms occupies the first three floors. And the 4th floor (top floor) has a common area with a kitchenette, a reading area, a balcony, and a mezzanine with a hammock-style bed.
I stayed in an all-girl dormitory room, which was spacious and clean. The dorm bed is comfortable; it even has two lights and a privacy curtain. Just outside the bed, there is a locker for your belongings. It is big enough for a carry-on backpack. If your luggage is too large, there is a dedicated space to store it.
There are on-site laundry facilities and free walking tours. Moreover, your accommodation price includes a gourmet breakfast every morning.
Meander 1948 Hostel: highlights and lowlights
- Highlights: excellent hostel if you want to ease into hostel living, gourmet breakfast included
- Lowlights: small communal areas, not enough bathrooms
Address: No. 42, Taiyuan Road, Datong District, Taipei | Rate: NT$725 for a Single Bed in an 8-bed Female Dormitory
3. OrigInn Space
OrigInn Space is a tiny boutique hotel which occupies the second and third floors above a retail space on Dihua Street in Dadaocheng. The second floor has three guest rooms and shared bathrooms, while the third floor has two ensuite units.
I booked the double room with a shared bathroom on the second floor. The 18 sqm room is outfitted with retro furniture, including a double bed, a desk area and a sitting area. There were some extra thoughtful touches in the room, like a tea set with instructions for making tea, scented herbs next to the headboard to promote restful sleep, a record player, and an electric diffuser.
The first floor is open to the public. It is an actual retail space that has a variety of home goods for sale. And they serve coffee too.
OrigInn Space: highlights and lowlights
- Highlights: retro furniture, all the thoughtful details in the guest room, 1-minute walk to Dihua Street
- Lowlights: shared bathroom is outside of main building and is super hot during summer, expensive for a room with shared bathroom
Address: No. 247, Nanjing W Rd, Datong District, Taipei | Rate: NT$3,600 for a Standard Double Room with shared bathroom
Wanhua District: Best Area for Local Vibes
As Taipei’s oldest neighbourhood, the Wanhua District has many cultural attractions and historical sites. From temples, preserved streets, and night markets to the most famous (and touristy) area, Ximending, Wanhua district has it all.
Located on the west end of the city, this area is best for travellers who want to stay in a local neighbourhood and see and feel how Taipei was back in the day.
Why you should stay in Wanhua District
- Nearby attractions, including the Red House and Rainbow Six in Ximending, Bangka Old Street, Lungshan Temple, Bopiliao Historic Block, Huaxi Street Night Market and Guangzhou Street Night Market
- Walking distance to many excellent Taiwanese eateries, including affordable Michelin-recommended places
- Direct access to MRT (Ximen Station and Longshan Station), close to MRT, TRA and HSR (Taipei Main Station) and many Taipei bus lines
Taipei Accommodation in Wanhua District
4. Monka Hotel
Monka Hotel is one of the best budget boutique hotels in Taipei. Located next to Lungshan Temple, the 3-star hotel has 3 floors of guest rooms, each with an industrial minimalist aesthetic. I stayed in the standard double room, a modern, well-designed 13 sqm room with a double bed, a desk area, and an ensuite bathroom.
However, there are no public areas for travellers to hang out. There is a small 1-person elevator, though.
Monka Hotel: highlights and lowlights
- Highlights: affordable boutique hotel, modern contemporary room, lots to do in the area
- Lowlights: no common area
Address: No. 139, Section 1, Xiyuan Road, Wanhua District, Taipei | Rate: NT$1,775 for a Standard Double Room
Zhongsheng District: Best Location for First Timers and Budget Travellers
Zhongsheng District is sandwiched between Wanhua and Da’an Districts and is well connected by public transportation. The majority of travellers will go through Taipei Main Station, where you can access MRT, TRA and HSR.
First-time travellers will like how convenient this neighbourhood is. There are also some of Taipei’s best cultural attractions and delicious Michelin-starred restaurants right in this district.
Why you should stay in Zhongsheng District
- Nearby attractions include Liberty Square, Ximending, Dadaocheng, Zhongshan shopping district, Nanjichang Night Market
- Walking distance to many excellent Taiwanese eateries and night markets, including affordable Michelin-recommended places
- Direct access to MRT, TRA and HSR (Taipei Main Station), many MRT stations along the Bannan (blue), Songshan-Xindian (green), Tamsui-Xinyi (red) and Zhonghe-Xinl (yellow) lines, and many Taipei bus lines
Taipei Accommodation in Zhongsheng District
5. Tango Inn Taipei Kaifong
Tango Inn Taipei Kaifong is a brand new hotel just south of Taipei Main Station. It is part of the Tango Hotels & Resorts group which has many hotels in the capital city.
The hotel has 11 room types occupying 8 floors. I stayed in the Charm Room, a 13 sqm room with a queen bed, a desk, and an ensuite bathroom with a window.
Besides the lobby area, there isn’t anywhere else travellers can hang out. But you can use the laundry facilities for free.
Tango Inn Taipei Kaifong: highlights and lowlights
- Highlights: convenient location, very clean room
- Lowlights: no facilities, check-in time at 4pm
Address: No. 33, Sec. 1, Kaifeng Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei | Rate: NT$2,160 for a Charm Room
Da’an District: Best Area for Foodies and to Live like a Local
Da’an District is a residential and commercial area in central Taipei. The area is most well-known for Yong Kang Street and its surrounding neighbourhood. It has many local Taiwanese restaurants, bubble tea shops, souvenir shops and Michelin-recommended restaurants. The original Din Tai Fung is local there.
If you want to see how locals live, then you will want to stay in this district. Besides the local residential feel, foodies will love eating at all the local joints.
Why you should stay in Da’an District
- Nearby attractions, including Yong Kang Street, Da’an Park, Linjiang Night Market, Shida Night Market, Zhongxiao-Fuxing commercial area which includes Sogo and Breeze Center
- Walking distance to many excellent Taiwanese restaurants, including affordable Michelin-recommended places
- Direct access to many MRT stations along the Bannan (blue), Tamsui-Xinyi (red), Zhonghe-Xinl (yellow) lines and Wenhu (brown) lines and many Taipei bus lines
Best place to stay in Da’an District
6. Kimpton Da’an Taipei
Kimpton Da’an Taipei is the best luxury modern contemporary hotel in Taipei. Located in the residential neighbourhood of Da’an District, the hotel has 129 rooms, a spacious lobby with a cozy sitting area, an open bar, and a fantastic restaurant, The Tavernist, on the top floor.
The King Essential Room has a comfortable king bed, a sitting area, an open closet, and a spacious bathroom. It is modern and well-designed with luxurious materials and finishes.
Kimpton Da’an Taipei: highlights and lowlights
- Highlights: best luxury boutique hotel in Taipei, high-end finishes, free bike rental, complimentary snacks and drinks during Wine Hour, near Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT Station
- Lowlights: high-end hotel means high-end prices
Address: No. 25, Lane 27, Section 4, Ren’ai Road, Da’an District, Taipei | Rate: NT$6,700 for a King Essential Room
Songshan District: Best Area for Shopping
Songshan District is at the eastern end of Taipei and lies south of the Keelung River. This area is excellent for travellers who want a more laid-back feel and to experience local life in Taipei. There are excellent eateries, cute cafes and a vibrant night market. And it is well-connected by MRT, TRA, and Taipei buses.
Why you should stay in Songshan District
- Nearby attractions include Raohe Night Market, Songshan Ciyou Temple, the promenade along Keelung River and Rainbow Bridge
- Walking distance to one of the oldest night markets in Taipei and close to the cafes on Fujin Street in the Minsheng neighbourhood
- Direct access to MRT and TRA (Songshan Station) and many MRT stations along the Songshan-Xindian (green) and Wenhu (brown) lines, and many Taipei bus lines
Taipei Accommodation in Songshan District
7. Bouti Waterfront Hotel
Bouti Waterfront Hotel is a modern boutique hotel along the Keelung River in Songshan District. The hotel offers several affordable accommodation options, including standard rooms, Japanese-style rooms, and river-view rooms.
Instead of booking a standard room, I chose a deluxe balcony room because it is on a high floor and it has a balcony with a wonderful view of the Rainbow Bridge over the Keelung River, especially at sunset and at night.
In addition to the cozy guest room, the hotel also offers a lounge area with complimentary coffee, snacks, and coin-operated laundry services.
Bouti Waterfront Hotel: highlights and lowlights
- Highlights: spacious guest room, 2-minute walk to Raohe Night Market
- Lowlights: not much else to do in the area
Address: No. 112, Songhe St, Songshan District, Taipei | Rate: NT2,8500 for a Deluxe Balcony Room
Taipei Accommodations in Other Districts
I left out two districts in Taipei. Either I didn’t get a chance to stay, or I couldn’t find a hotel that I wanted to book during my last trip. I highly recommend looking for accommodation in Zhongshan District, but you might want to skip Xinyi District if you can’t find a hotel within your budget.
Zhongshan District
Zhongshan District (the brown area on the map) is a trendy, youthful district with many boutique shops, local cafes and bars. The walkable neighbourhood centers around Xinzhongshan Linear Park and Zhongshan Shopping District.
This area is best for younger travellers who enjoy the local vibe. It is close to MRT, TRA and HSR (Taipei Main Station), which is super convenient for first-time solo travellers.
I didn’t get a chance to stay here, but I pinned two hotels I was interested in (they were full for the days I wanted, so I stayed at Tango Inn Taipei Kaifong instead). When I return, I will book either Tango Inn Taipei Zongshan (Agoda | Booking) or K Hotels Taipei Linsen (Agoda | Booking).
Xinyi District
Xinyi District (the grey area on the map) is located at the eastern end. It is the financial center with many skyscrapers and luxury shopping malls. This is the perfect neighbourhood for anyone who wants to stay in a high-end brand-name hotel and enjoys shopping and nightlife.
Some attractions in the area include Taipei 101 and Songshan Cultural and Creative Park. Shopaholics can spend hours in shopping malls and department stores such as Breeze Xinyi and Shin Kong Mitsukoshi. For a panoramic view of the city, Elephant Mountain is within walking distance.
I couldn’t find any good boutique hotels in Xinyi, and I’m not much of a shopper, so I decided to skip this district. But if you stayed in Xinyi and have a good hotel recommendation, let me know in the comments.
Where to Stay in Taipei Taiwan: My Recommendation
If I were visiting Taipei for the first time on a tight budget, I would stay at Star Hostel Taipei Main Station (Agoda | Booking). It is an excellent introduction to hostel living because the dorm rooms and bathrooms are clean. And there is a wonderful common space to meet other travellers.
However, if I want privacy and my own hotel room, I would book a room at Tango Inn Taipei Kaifong (Agoda | Booking). I was surprised by how much I like this hotel – the room is very clean, and the location is very central. And most of all, the room was affordable.
I liked staying at Bouti Waterfront Hotel (Agoda | Booking), but I wouldn’t recommend it for a first-time visitor. If you’ve been to Taipei before and want to stay in a budget boutique hotel, then definitely stay here. The hotel is nice, rooms are affordable, but there’s not much to do in the area.
I hope you find these Taipei accommodation recommendations helpful for your next trip to Taiwan! Let me know in the comments if you are staying in one of these hostels or hotels, or if you find excellent accommodations that should be part of this list.
Ready to plan your trip to Taipei? Here are some of my go-to travel planning resources:
* Book your flight: find flight deals on Skyscanner
* Book accommodation: find the best Taipei 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 around Taipei.
Thank you for reading my post on solo Taipei accommodation
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
Northern Taiwan posts
- Things to do alone in Taipei Taiwan
- Dadaocheng Taipei: what to do, buy and eat on Dihua Street
- 9 Places to eat breakfast in Taipei
- Top 21 food to try in Ximending in Taipei
- 14 Best day trips from Taipei
- A complete beginner’s guide to Beitou Hot Spring
- How to travel from Taipei to Jiufen
- Bitoujiao Trail: short and easy hike from Taipei or Yilan
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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!
