Although Taipei is one of Asia’s most compact capitals, it’s still surprisingly easy to get lost when exploring this beautiful city, famous for the forested hills that surround it and the sky-scraping buildings that tower over its temples, night markets, and museums.
Dadaocheng
Best Neighborhood for Local History
Say hello to one of Taipei’s oldest neighborhoods. Dadaocheng is a wonderful tangle of narrow streets full of beautiful architecture, family-run businesses, and heritage sites. Chief among them is Museum 207, a former private home filled with artifacts aimed at providing insight into Taipei’s rich history.
Dihua Street, running north to south, is the neighborhood’s main artery and Taipei’s oldest street. Head here for a reminder that the city was once at the forefront of the export trade. Although most tea factories and tea shops that lined this road are now gone, several remain alongside independent stores specializing in everything from pottery to art.
Beitou
Best Neighborhood for Hot Springs
Beitou, Taipei’s northernmost district, is a wonderfully wild neighborhood easily accessible from the city center. It’s home to the country’s only metro-accessible hot springs, nestled at the base of the mountains filling Yangmingshan National Park. The park is dominated by Qixingshan, a dormant volcano.
Don’t miss the Beitou Hot Spring Museum, featuring an 800kg chunk of Beitou stone known for its white, diamond-shaped crystals. Be sure to take the time to enjoy a soak as well. Image-based information boards explain the etiquette, which involves some level of nudity.
We also recommend visiting Thermal Valley, a short walk from the metro station. This steamy area filled with hot springs offers a network of walking trails weaving around the sulfur pools.
Ximending
Best Neighborhood for Shopping and Nightlife
A city center area often compared to Tokyo’s Harajuku district, Ximending is home to everything from cosplay cafés and street art to luxury hotels and some of the city’s best independent boutiques. It’s also a major nightlife hub; head to bars like Hanko 60 or Geography Bar & Café to sip cocktails and enjoy people-watching.
However, the main draw is shopping. Ximending is often referred to as Taipei’s arts district, centered around the historic Red House, filled with independent arts and crafts stores. On weekends, it hosts a vibrant market. A sneaker enthusiast? This area boasts Taipei’s top trainer stores, including ABC-Mart, renowned for limited editions.
Xinyi
Best Neighborhood for Luxury Shopping
Often likened to Manhattan, Xinyi is Taipei’s newest district, dominated by the soaring Taipei 101 building. This iconic skyscraper rises over luxury shopping malls and departmental stores.
Moreover, Xinyi offers plenty of cultural experiences. The National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall and the Discovery Center of Taipei are must-visit locations. One of the best aspects of Xinyi is its ease of navigation, making on-foot exploration a breeze.
Despite the high-rises, there’s ample green space, and on weekends, its outdoor plazas transform into venues for festivals and concerts.
Tamsui
Best Neighborhood for Historical Sites
Tamsui is a riverside area often considered part of Taipei but is actually a 40-minute metro ride north of the city center. It thrived as a trading port during the 19th century, influenced by Spanish and Dutch colonization, which is evident in its diverse historic sites, ranging from a castle built by the Spanish in 1626 to the British Consulate, constructed in the late 1800s.
Surrounded by beautiful mountains and rivers, Tamsui is perfect for anyone eager to escape the city for a little while. Explore narrow streets along the riverside and indulge in fantastic street food, whether it’s ah gei (oily bean curd) or delectable fish dumplings.
Songshan
Best Neighborhood for Night Markets
Songshan is a buzzing commercial district featuring Taipei International Airport. The recent opening of the Songshan railway and metro station has made this popular shopping area much more accessible.
This is also the site of Raohe Street Night Market, the oldest in Taipei, along with the Taipei Arena, which hosts significant events, including performances by global pop stars.
Da’an
Best Neighborhood for Urban Greenery
Da’an is easily accessible and boasts ample space, primarily thanks to the sprawling Da’an Forest Park, the city’s largest green space. It’s an excellent locale for cultural experiences, being home to the Taipei Grand Mosque and Wistaria Tea House, dating back to the 1920s.
You’ll also find exceptional food options in Da’an, including the original outpost of Din Tai Fung, the famous Taiwanese restaurant renowned for its xiao long baos (steamed pork dumplings) that now has branches in several countries.
