Taipei, Taiwan Tips: The Neighborhood & Hotel Guide ๐น๐ผ
Xinyi
The "financial district" / upscale and modern neighborhood known for its shopping malls, luxury hotels, and lit nightlife. This is where you'll find THE Taipei 101 as well as the Elephant Mountain hiking trail. A hub for tech and finance, you'll find everything from business hotels to comforting stays. I lived here for 5 months and personally enjoyed the convenience of the Tonghua Night Market and the nearby late night massage spots! ๐
Must-Dos:ย
- Visit Taipei 101 - shop all the brands and eat in the dining halls! ๐
- Shopping is a must in Xinyi. My favorite malls are the Breeze Taipei, Eslite, and Shin Kong Misukoshi (not kidding, set aside a whole day!) ๐
- Elephant Mountain Hike is THE classic Taipei hike, 30. min to the top and go on a sunny day or during golden hour for the best views ๐
- Nightlife: Kor, Omini C'est La Vie, Marquee, Ruff Taipei ๐ธ
Hotels Recommendations:ย
Da'anย
I lived here for my first month and would say this is the place to start if you love tree-lined streets, an excellent food/cafe scene, cute boutiques, and a calm, youthful energy! The Da'an Park is lovely to stroll through and it's also home the Jiangguo Jade & Flower Market, a must-stroll for any tourist visiting Taipei for the first time. ๐ธ
Must-Dos:ย
- Daan Forest Park: the largest park in Taipei to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city; check out the serene birds, walking trails, lake, and garden! ๐ณ
- Yongkang Street: a foodie's paradise with the cutest street food stalls, cafes, and restaurants. Try out the traditional Taiwan eats like scallion pancakes, beef noodle soup, and soup dumplings. ๐ฅ
Hotel Recommendations:ย
Ximending
Lively neighborhood, which is home to historic sites & temples, flashing city lights and plenty of shopping, dining and entertainment options catered to the youth ๐
Must-Dos:ย
- Shopping (again): this are has a lot of cute boutique shops perfect for souvenirs ๐ค
- The Red House: historical building that has been transformed into a cultural center with shops, cafes, and galleries to learn about Taiwan's art and culture. ๐
- Local food: try the stinky tofu, fried chicken, and bubble tea ๐ง
Hotel Recommendations:ย
Zhongshan
The heart of the city, known for its excellent dining options, ranging from street food to Michellin-starred restaurants ๐
Must-Dos:ย
- Taipei Fine Arts Museum: the largest museum of modern and contemporary art in Asia ๐จ
- Miramar Entertainment Park: popular shopping and entertainment complex: wide range of restaurants and a Ferris wheel ๐ก
Hotel Recommendations:ย
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