Cheap Hotels in Taipei

Cheap Areas to Stay in Taipei

Taipei might come across as an expensive place to visit, but booking a place to stay in Taiwan's capital doesn't have to take a large chunk of your budget. There's a large number of good, cheap hotels in various areas of the city. For instance, in Wanhua, Taipei's oldest district, you can find plenty of budget accommodations within a stone's throw of some of the city's most historic buildings. If you want to be in the thick of the action, consider the northern part of the Da'an district, where shopping and dining options abound. Great Taipei hotel deals can also be found in the Zhongshan District, which is famous for its vibrant nightlife.

Cheap Hotels in Taipei

If you're travelling as a group, you should consider staying at Easymind Guesthouse, a cosy, no-frills hostel offering snug dorms with free Wi-Fi, plus laundry facilities and a comfortable common area with a TV. This accommodation is also a quick stroll to the city's main railway station. You can also check out SPACE INN XINYI, a futuristic-themed hostel with a neon-lit lounge/bar and nightclub, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi. UINN TRAVEL in Zhongzheng is a modern hostel that has colourful dorms and an airport shuttle, along with freebies that include Wi-Fi and buffet breakfast.

Where to find cheap food in Taipei

Tantalizing your tastebuds with traditional Taiwanese cuisine and international favourites without stressing out your wallet isn't hard to do, as the city is practically overflowing with inexpensive dining options. Night markets are particularly good places for cheap eats. The food court at the colourful Shilin Night Market, for instance, is crammed with stalls hawking local classics like oyster omelettes and stinky tofu. Walk along the streets surrounding the universities in the Da'an District, and you'll come across eateries where you can rub elbows with students munching on dumplings and prawn fried rice. And if you're hankering for all the healthy food you can eat, head for the cheap vegetarian buffets in the Zhongzheng District.

Cheap Things to do in Taipei

Taipei offers plenty in the way of activities and attractions that are free or extremely affordable. For a taste of local art, head over to the Taipei Artist Village on Treasure Hill, a historic enclave where resident artists regularly hold free exhibitions of their work. Taipei may be a high-tech city, but that doesn't mean nature takes a backseat. In the city's northeast corner you'll find Daan Forest Park, a 26-hectare oasis where you can relax by the Ecological Pool and indulge in a bit of birdwatching. Yangminshan National Park, about a half-hour ride away from downtown Taipei, charges no entrance fees, and is home to picturesque hiking trails, verdant gardens, and soothing hot springs. And for an unusual bargain shopping adventure, make your way to Snake Alley, also known as the Huaxi Street night market in the Wanhua District, where you can buy cheap souvenirs and sample exotic delicacies such as snake meat and turtle blood.

Cheap Ways to Get Around Taipei

Exploring Taipei on foot an be a pleasant undertaking as it's a pedestrian-friendly city and has a variety of eye-catching attractions for those strolling its streets. Getting around by bicycle is another option. With the city's YouBike programme, you can rent a bicycle at most metro stations and pedal your way along riverside cycle paths. Using the efficient Metro Taipei or MRT rapid transit system is another cheap way to travel in Taipei. Its clean and punctual trains stop at stations throughout various parts of the city. To reach areas not covered by the MRT, you can take one of the city's numerous public buses.