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πŸŽ’Backpackers

Where to Stay in Taipei

Cheapest areas, hostel districts, and budget tips

πŸ›‘οΈ Very SafeπŸ’° Budget: TWD 1800/day🚢 Very Walkableβ˜€οΈ Best: Jan, Mar, Dec

Top 3 Areas to Stay in Taipei

Most affordable areas with the best value accommodation

Wanhua District (near Longshan Temple)

Taipei's oldest district, offering a glimpse into traditional life with historic temples and bustling local markets.

Our top picks in Wanhua District (near Longshan Temple)

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Star Hostel Taipei Main Station$

Conveniently located near the main station, offering clean dorms and a social atmosphere.

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Hotel Riverview Taipei$$

Offers comfortable rooms with river views and good access to public transport.

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Taipei Charming Hotel$

A no-frills, budget-friendly option close to Longshan Temple.

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πŸ›‘οΈ Generally safe, but exercise c...Budgetfirst-timersculture
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Ximending

A vibrant, youthful district buzzing with street art, trendy shops, and entertainment.

Our top picks in Ximending

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Amba Taipei Ximending$$$

Stylish, modern hotel with a focus on art and design, right in the heart of the action.

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Hotel Midtown Richardson Taipei$$

Comfortable and well-located with friendly service and good amenities.

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Ximen Taipei Star Hostel$

A popular choice for budget travelers, offering clean dorms and private rooms.

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πŸ›‘οΈ Generally safe, but be aware o...Mid-rangefirst-timersnightlife
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Da'an District (near Yongkang Street)

A sophisticated yet relaxed area known for its charming cafes, boutiques, and gastronomic delights.

Our top picks in Da'an District (near Yongkang Street)

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Hotel Indigo Taipei East$$$

Stylish hotel with a local touch, featuring vibrant decor and excellent service.

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Sheraton Grand Taipei Hotel$$$

A well-established luxury option offering spacious rooms and comprehensive amenities.

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The Sherwood Taipei$$$

Known for its impeccable service and elegant ambiance, a long-standing luxury choice.

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πŸ›‘οΈ Very safe day and night; it's ...Luxuryfoodiescouples
View Hotels in Da'an District (near Yongkang Street)

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Neighbourhood Comparison for Backpackers

NeighbourhoodBudgetVibeBest For
#1Wanhua District (near Longshan Temple)
BudgetTaipei's oldest district, offering a glimpse into traditional life with historic temples and bustling local markets.
first-timersculture
Ximending
Mid-rangeA vibrant, youthful district buzzing with street art, trendy shops, and entertainment.
first-timersnightlife
Da'an District (near Yongkang Street)
LuxuryA sophisticated yet relaxed area known for its charming cafes, boutiques, and gastronomic delights.
foodiescouples
Zhongshan District (near Nanjing Fuxing)
LuxuryA blend of upscale shopping, business centers, and quiet residential streets with a sophisticated feel.
business travelersluxury
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Find budget-friendly hostels in Taipei

Affordable stays in the best backpacker areas

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Tips for Backpackers in Taipei

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Book Hostels with Kitchens

Self-catering saves significant money in Taipei. A hostel with a good kitchen can cut your food budget by half.

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Walk Where Possible

Many city centres are walkable. Save transport money for longer journeys and use your feet for neighbourhood exploring.

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Find Free Activities

Free walking tours, museum free days, parks, and markets are everywhere. Ask hostel staff for the best free experiences.

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Carry a Water Bottle

A refillable bottle saves money and plastic. Many cities have free water fountains; check the local tap water safety first.

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Find free walking tours in Taipei

Budget-friendly ways to explore

Best Neighborhoods for Backpackers

Ranked by relevance for backpackers visiting Taipei

1

Wanhua District (near Longshan Temple)

Budget

Taipei's oldest district, offering a glimpse into traditional life with historic temples and bustling local markets.

first-timersculturebudgetfoodies
  • +Rich historical and cultural sites
  • +Authentic local experience
  • +Very affordable dining and accommodation
  • -Can feel gritty and less polished than other areas
  • -Some streets can be less well-lit at night
2

Ximending

Mid-range

A vibrant, youthful district buzzing with street art, trendy shops, and entertainment.

first-timersnightlifefoodiessolo travelers
  • +Excellent public transport access
  • +Abundant dining and shopping options
  • +Lively atmosphere
  • -Can be extremely crowded, especially on weekends
  • -Noise levels can be high
3

Da'an District (near Yongkang Street)

Luxury

A sophisticated yet relaxed area known for its charming cafes, boutiques, and gastronomic delights.

foodiescouplescultureluxury
  • +Excellent culinary scene
  • +Green spaces and relaxed atmosphere
  • +Good shopping opportunities
  • -Can be pricier than other districts
  • -Less nightlife-focused
4

Zhongshan District (near Nanjing Fuxing)

Luxury

A blend of upscale shopping, business centers, and quiet residential streets with a sophisticated feel.

business travelersluxurycouplesdigital nomads
  • +Excellent transport links
  • +High-end shopping and dining
  • +Good for business and longer stays
  • -Can feel less 'touristy' and more corporate
  • -Fewer budget-friendly options

Daily Budget (Budget)

TWD 1800/day

Star Hostel Taipei Main Station dorm bedTWD 700
Breakfast from a local street vendor (e.g. egg crepe)TWD 50
Lunch at Raohe Street Night Market (e.g. pepper buns)TWD 200
EasyCard for MRT and bus ridesTWD 150
Explore Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and Liberty SquareTWD 0
Visit the National Palace MuseumTWD 350
Dinner at Shilin Night Market (e.g. oyster omelet)TWD 250
Walk around Ximending shopping districtTWD 0
See all budget tiers

Hidden Gems in Taipei

Lesser-known spots the locals love

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Dihua Street

Step back in time on this historic street, famous for its traditional Chinese medicine shops, dried foods, and beautiful Baroque-style architecture. It's a vibrant sensory experience, especially during Lunar New Year.

marketDadaocheng
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Shida Night Market

Less crowded than Shilin, this market near Taiwan Normal University offers a fantastic array of local snacks, trendy clothes, and a more relaxed atmosphere. It's a great place to sample authentic Taiwanese street food.

foodDa'an District

Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Taipei

Hand-picked guided experiences you can book in advance on GetYourGuide.

Guided walking tour through a European city
1

Taipei Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems

Discover Taipei on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.

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Local street food and cuisine
2

Taipei Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites

Eat your way through Taipei with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.

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Famous museum and attraction entrance
3

Best of Taipei: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions

Skip the queues and get straight into Taipei's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.

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Scenic countryside day trip
4

Day Trip from Taipei: Scenic Excursion

Escape Taipei for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

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Local cultural experience and traditions
5

Taipei Cultural Experience: History & Traditions

Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Taipei's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.

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1 area to be cautious about

Read our full safety guide for Taipei

Backpackers in Taipei: FAQ

What is the best area in Taipei for backpackers?
Wanhua District (near Longshan Temple) is our top pick for backpackers in Taipei. Taipei's oldest district, offering a glimpse into traditional life with historic temples and bustling local markets. It is a budget-friendly area known for first-timers, culture, budget.
Is Taipei safe for backpackers?
Taipei is rated "very safe" overall. Generally very safe, with well-lit streets and plenty of people around in commercial and entertainment areas. Exercise common sense in quieter residential alleys. Our neighbourhood guides include area-specific safety advice.
How much does it cost per day in Taipei for backpackers?
Expect to spend around TWD 1800 per day in Taipei as a backpacker. This covers accommodation, food, transport, and activities at the budget level.
When is the best time for backpackers to visit Taipei?
The ideal time depends on your priorities. Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) typically offer the best balance of pleasant weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds. Budget travellers often find the best deals in winter or early spring.
Where are the cheapest hostels in Taipei?
The most affordable hostels in Taipei are typically found in Wanhua District (near Longshan Temple). Budget accommodation options are highlighted in each neighbourhood breakdown above.

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