Best neighborhoods in Taipei

6 areas in Taipei, Taiwan — what each one feels like, who it suits, and roughly what it costs.

Xinyi ($$) — Taipei 101, malls Best for Shopping + views. The tower, the department stores and the trailhead up Elephant Mountain. New-build living with everything close and prices to match. Getting around: Red line at Taipei 101/World Trade Center
Beitou ($) — Hot springs, wooded hills Best for Slow days. Public and private hot springs in a green valley at the end of the line. A restful, low-rise escape still on the metro map. Getting around: Red line branch to Xinbeitou
Ximending ($) — Neon, youth crowds Best for Nightlife + budget. Pedestrian streets, cinemas and street food, busy until very late. Cheap and loud; better for a stay than a settled life. Getting around: Blue and Green lines at Ximen
Da'an ($$) — Park, boutiques, cafes Best for First-timers. The city's best park with lanes of good restaurants and coffee around it. Taipei's most desirable district — green, central and calm. Getting around: Red and Brown lines at Daan Park
Shilin ($) — Night market, museum Best for Families + food. The biggest night market plus the National Palace Museum up the road. Suburban and affordable, twenty minutes north of the centre. Getting around: Red line at Jiantan
Zhongshan ($$) — Tree-lined lanes, coffee Best for Cafes + design. Japanese-era streets full of small galleries, bookshops and roasters. Central, quietly stylish and better value than Da'an. Getting around: Red and Orange lines at Zhongshan