Visit Taipei

Zhongzheng District

0.5 miles from city centre

Those courting culture will find much to admire in Zhongzheng. Flanked by museums, malls, elite schools, and national theatres, the area is two parts history, one part shopping. It’s also home to the President’s chamber and a beehive of other offices. Adored by the deep and the deeply consumerist, you won’t be the only one besotted by these streets.

Places to stay from £7 per night

Songshan District

2.5 miles from city centre

Fly into this airport district. On the city outskirts, most land in Songshan for the Taipei Arena’s attractions. After a concert or sporting event, follow the red lights to Rahoe Night Market. Like any Taipei night market, this one will surely leave you stuffed from meats and millions of flavours. We recommend the stinky tofu. It tastes better than it smells!

Places to stay from £12 per night

Beitou District

5.8 miles from city centre

Hot springs, hot springs, and more hot springs. Tourists and locals love to let their hair down in Beitou. Just a stone’s throw from the city, pleasure-seekers should opt in. Follow the rising steam. It marks the geothermal spot. There’s also a hot spring museum, which chronicles the customs of the area’s original bathers.

Places to stay from £15 per night

Daan District

1.9 miles from city centre

The richest district in Taipei is also the greenest. Da’an Park is dubbed the “Lung of Taipei” and it's the perfect place to stretch your legs – especially if you’ve just come from Yongkang Street. The edible avenue presents a slew of dumplings, hot pots, potstickers and even a gourmet coffee stand whose beans are harvested from the dung of civets!

Places to stay from £12 per night

Datong District

0.6 miles from city centre

Head to Datong for the Ningxia Night Market. Eat your weight in oyster pancakes and pan-fried buns. You’ll see fewer tourists, more locals in these parts. Many come here to bargain for traditional wares and fireworks for the Chinese New Year celebration. Round it off with a visit to Confucius Temple, your door to philosophy and Confucian culture.

Places to stay from £7 per night

Xinyi District

3.2 miles from city centre

Shop, date and dine in lively and luxurious Xinyi. Begin your day with a trek to the top of elephant mountain, which holds the finest view of Taipei 101 Tower. Sing through the streets karaoke-style, or stop to gawk at street performers. Walk beneath the skyscrapers and high-end stores until you find Sisinan, an old military village turned cultural centre.

Places to stay from £14 per night

Zhongshan District

1.2 miles from city centre

Art galleries, fashion hotspots, boutiques and a Ferris Wheel. Sounds like a culturephile’s fair to us. For history, refinement and a little art education, head to the Fine Arts Museum and the SuHo Paper Museum (where you can partake in your own DIY papermaking). Stroll by the Keelung River to top off your day or two-wheel your way with a rented bike.

Places to stay from £10 per night