Planning a trip to Taipei and not sure which areas to hit up for the best holiday yet? Whether you’re looking to dive head first into Taipei’s hipster culture, night food markets or rich cultural heritage, this quick and easy guide to the city’s districts will help you map out exactly which places to go for the full Taipei experience.
Xinyi
Short hand: Go for the tourist attractions. Stay for the cosmopolitan vibes.
Low-down: Every traveler to Taipei will inevitably find themselves in Taipei’s financial district gawking at one of the world’s tallest buildings, Taipei 101. Just a short walk away, there’s no shortage of shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs in the ten-story ATT4Fun mall and the surrounding neighborhood. There’s also Elephant Mountain to hike, where you’ll be rewarded with mesmerizing city views.
Must See: Taipei 101, ATT4Fun and Elephant Mountain
Zhongzheng
Short hand: Dive head first into Taipei’s rich culture and history.
Low-down: As the political epicentre of the city, Zhongzheng District is known for being home to the majority of Taiwan’s Government buildings. But there’s so much more – a large number of Taipei’s key cultural and creative institutions can also found at this location. Don’t miss out on seeing the magnificent Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in person and we know that you’ll love the historic architecture at 228 Peace Memorial Park as much as we do. While you’re at it, drop by the Treasure Hill Artist Village and Huashan 1914 Creative Park for a sense of Taipei’s unique culture.
Must See: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Treasure Hill Artist Village, Huashan 1914 Creative Park, and 228 Peace Memorial Park.
Daan
Short hand: Eat until you can eat no more.
Low-down: Daan District is easily one of the city’s most bustling districts. Here, you’ll find three of Taipei’s major universities, department stores galore, and even the 24 hour Eslite bookstore. This is also the place to satisfy all your food cravings, with the infamous Yongkang Street, Tonghua Night Market, and Shida Night Market being located within this area. Be sure to walk off all the calories you’re sure to consume whilst in Taipei by taking a stroll around the beautiful 26 hectare Daan Forest Park!
Must See: Eslite bookstore, Yongkang Street, Tonghua Night Market, Shida Night Market and Daan Forest Park
Songshan
Short hand: Taipei’s creative hub.
Low-down: In Songshan District, you’ll be able to cross of a bunch of “Taipei’s must dos” off your list. In particular, make space in your itinerary for Raohe Night Market, a well-known spot for pepper buns. Once you’re done, rent a YouBike and peddle along the Keelung Riverside until you spot the Rainbow Bridge. You can even enjoy some exhibits and an upscale lunch at Songshan Cultural Park. There’s also the Taipei Arena where you can catch a concert or sporting event.
Must See: Raohe Night Market, Keelung Riverside, Rainbow Bridge and Songshan Cultural Park
Zhongshan District
Short hand: Taipei’s CBD with skyscrapers, super luxe hotels and everything else in between.
Low-down: Known as Taipei’s administrative district, this area offers travelers a little taste of everything. If it’s recreation you’re after, head to one of the district’s numerous parks for an escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. For a dose of culture, the historic Xingtian Temple or the array of unique museums here will help you better understand Taipei’s history and people. And if alleyways filled with one-of-a-kind boutiques and hipster cafes are what you’re all about, take a wander outside Zhongshan MRT. You’ll be spoiled for choice!
Must See: Xingtian Temple, Taipei Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) and Taipei Fine Arts Museum
Wanhua
Short hand: People watch to your heart’s content.
Low-down: What can you expect to discover at Taipei’s oldest district, Wanhua? Not only is it home to Ximending, Taipei’s answer to Harajuku, where quirky shops and people-watching opportunities abound. It’s also the place to go for some night market and wholesale market action. The beautiful Longshan Temple and Taipei’s infamous Snake Alley is also in this part of the city, so don’t forgot to take some time out for these two spots.
Must See: Ximending, Longshan Temple and Snake Alley