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    7 Taipei neighbourhoods every traveller should know
    We break down the best Taipei neighbourhoods to explore on your next visit, from its quirkiest corners to cultural hubs and foodie havens
    Overview of the Taipei skyline
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    Taipei

    A cosmopolitan, efficient city famous for its night markets, Taipei is a popular destination for a weekend break. There’s always something new to explore among its varied neighbourhoods, from central Xinyi to hip Da’an and the mountain trails and teahouses of Wenshan to the south. Follow along as we go deep into seven Taipei neighbourhoods to show you the best things to see and do in each.

    Malls and department stores in Xinyi, one of the Taipei neighbourhoods every traveller should know

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    Songshan Cultural Creative Park in Taipei

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    Xinyi and Songshan

    Bright lights, big city centre

    Often the first port of call for both first-time and returning visitors, Xinyi is an ideal spot to get your bearings in central Taipei. Make W Taipei  your base, as its prime location puts a whole host of slick bars, restaurants and attractions at your doorstep. Top on the list is Taipei 101 , one of the world’s tallest and greenest buildings with observation decks, shops and offices. It makes the biggest impact when lit up by night, so opt to start your day at Songshan Culture Park  instead. The former tobacco factory offers a range of exhibitions and performances, as well as a bookstore and several cafes.

    Also in Songshan, Chia Te Bakery serves one of the city’s most popular sweet treats –award-winning pineapple cakes – but be prepared to wait as there’s often a queue here. If you’re looking to continue eating on the go, wander through Raohe Street Night Market to uncover its many street-food finds. Stop for a night cap at speakeasy Room by Le Kief  for a molecular approach to mixology or at FRANK  for sweeping city views, with Taipei 101 clearly visible through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

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    Entrance to the Shilin Night Market in Taipei, Taiwan China

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    Shilin

    Museums by day and market by night

    Shilin in Taipei’s northeastern corner is packed with museums and historic sites. Begin at the National Palace Museum  for thousands of years’ worth of impressive Chinese art and artefacts and then take your pick among speciality museums, including the nearby Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines ; the Taipei Astronomical Museum ; and the Chinese Culture and Movie Center, a former movie studio where you can stroll the sets used in many kung fu hits.

    After getting your cultural fix, head to mainstay attraction Shilin Night Market. Dumpling shack Chung Chia Sheng Jian Bao  (which achieved Michelin Bib Gourmand status) and Hometown Barbecue Chicken’s giant chicken cutlets are popular choices, though you won’t want to limit yourself to only two stalls. We also suggest stopping at local craft brew bar Funky Fresh, before retiring for a well-deserved sleep at the Renaissance Taipei Shihlin Hotel .

    Da'an Forest Park office tower in Taipei, Taiwan China

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    Xiao long bao dumplings at Din Tai Fung in Da'an, one of Taipei's neighbourhoods

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    Da’an

    An eclectic local favourite

    Traditionally a commercial hub, Da’an has undergone a makeover in recent years that’s given it a rep as one of the hippest Taipei neighbourhoods. It features a medley of traditional architecture, skyscrapers, street eats, Michelin-starred restaurants – and nearly everything in between. Stroll through Da’an Forest Park or indulge in a little retail therapy at the Jade Market (conveniently close to the Flower Market). When it’s time for an afternoon pick-me-up, head to historic Wistaria Tea House  for brews in a tranquil setting, complete with a koi pond and garden

    Da’an is also where you can dine at the world’s first Din Tai Fung  for bragging rights and visit Yong Kang Beef Noodle, reputed to have the best bowl of beef noodle soup (Taiwan’s unofficial dish). For a more elevated evening, book a table at Michelin-starred Longtail , where chef-owner Lam Ming Kin draws on his experience in the kitchens of New York, Paris and Hong Kong to create fusion menus. At the end of a day well spent, check in to 129-room Kimpton Da An , designed by Neri&Hu  with mid-century flair and Taiwanese touches.

    Exterior of the Red House, a heritage building full of shops in Taipei

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    Ximending Walking District, a popular area in Taipei full of shops, bars and restaurants

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    Ximending

    A bustling pop-culture destination

    Youth culture reigns in Ximending, a shopping and entertainment area popular with locals, expats and backpackers alike. Taipei Cinema Park  is the perfect entry point – a factory site converted into an outdoor space that welcomes skateboarders, hip-hop dancers and graffiti artists. There’s also a performance hall and schedule of regular movie screenings. It’s about a 15-minute walk from here to the Bopiliao Historical Block, where heritage buildings include The Red House , Taipei’s first public market and now full of indie shops worth browsing for souvenirs.

    As evening settles in, opt for a pre-dinner drink at speakeasy Hanko 60 , choosing from over 40 crafted cocktails in a relaxed, ambient setting. Elsewhere in this Taipei neighbourhood, Geography Bar  offers a range of cocktails infused with local fruit and teas. For dinner inspiration, saunter down Ximending Walking District to scope out its varied bars, restaurants and shops; Ay Chung Flour Rice Noodle is one satisfying, if standing-room-only, choice.

    The National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial, the most famous attraction in Taipei's Zhongzheng neighbourhood

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    Lily pond at the Taipei Botanical Garden

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    Zhongzheng and Shida

    Major landmarks and student hangouts

    Zhongzheng’s most famous attraction is the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial  and surrounding 228 Memorial Park, which pay tribute to Taiwanese history. Government buildings are clustered in this neighbourhood, along with stately public spaces like the Taipei Botanical Garden and The National Theater and Concert Hall . For a leisurely meal, stop in at one-Michelin-star restaurant Mountain and Sea House , serving Taiwanese food in 1930s-era interiors. Order ahead for its famed six-hour braised chicken.

    Shida district is next door, and students at Shida and Taida Universities inject a dose of energy – helping make Shida one of Taipei’s trendiest neighbourhoods. You can also continue eating your way through the city with a visit to Shida Night Market for a smorgasbord of quick-and-cheap Taiwanese staples. Grab drinks at The Shrine , a quirky watering hole filled with knickknacks from all over the world before resting your head at Sheraton Grand Taipei Hotel  back in Zhongzheng. Pick up the next day with more culinary adventures – a breakfast of soy milk, egg pancakes and crepes at Fu Hang Dou Jiang.

    Cable car up the mountains to Taipei's Wenshan neighbourhood, where the Taipei Zoo is located

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    Tea field plantation in the Maokong hills above Taipei in Taiwan China

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    Wenshan

    A mountain retreat in the city

    The southern Taipei neighbourhood of Wenshan appeals to outdoorsy types and those looking for a change of pace and break from the hustle-bustle. It’s home to two popular attractions – the Taipei Zoo , which has a few resident giant pandas, and the Maokong  tea fields. Take the cable car to the mountain top and have a cup among the clouds or weave your way through the farmland on foot

    Hikers will also enjoy traversing the nearby Zhangshan Temple trail. Refuel at Big Tea Pot  for cuisine imbued with smoked tea flavours, drawing influence from its surroundings, or for a quicker bite to eat, stop in at Auntie Fumei . Popular with students, this hole-in-the-wall restaurant is known for hearty plates of fried chicken and fried rice. Wash it all down with pints from Temper Beer , whose selection of European and locally brewed beer will leave you spoiled for choice.

    More inspiration

    Taipei travel information

    Country / Region
    Taiwan China
    Language
    Putonghua, Taiwanese
    Airport code
    TPE
    Currency
    TWD
    Time zone
    GMT +08:00
    Climate
    Humid subtropical
    Country / Region
    Taiwan China
    Time zone
    GMT +08:00
    Currency
    TWD
    Airport code
    TPE
    Language
    Putonghua, Taiwanese
    Climate
    Humid subtropical
    Find the best fares to
    Taipei