Located on the island of Taiwan, Taipei is a futuristic mega-city meets traditional Chinese feel. Being on an island has helped isolate Taiwan, making it slightly off the normal backpacker route. It’s easily one of the most underrated cities in all of Asia

But backpackers who do venture to Taipei are treated to a city that offers vibrant night markets, where cheap eats are legendary. Taipei’s street food is a huge draw – foodies rejoice!

Add in easy access to epic hiking trails, budget digs, and a welcoming vibe, and you’ve got the perfect budget-friendly city for backpackers looking for a mix of adventure, food, and culture.

Since the backpacker scene isn’t quite as booming as in some other Asian hotspots, the hostel hunt can feel a little tricky. That’s where my ultimate guide to Taipei’s best hostels comes in – your survival manual for all things comfy, cheap, and social in this buzzing metropolis.

Whether you’re here to embrace your inner history buff, sleep cheap, or find a comfy spot to call your office, this list will sort you out.

Are you ready? Let’s crack on.

neon lights of night market in taipei
Let’s get to explorin’ boys

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Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Taipei

The 5 Best Hostels in Taipei

Now that you’ve got the lowdown on Taipei’s hostel scene, it’s time to dive into my top five picks! These are the ones that truly stand out, so let’s get into it.

1. Meander Taipei Hostel – Ximending – Best Overall Hostel in Taipei

Meander Taipei Taiwan
  • Dorm (mixed): From $19
  • Private Room: From $61
  • Address: No. 163, Chengdu Road, Wanhua District, Taipei, Taiwan China

Incredibly clean, bright, and spacious, Meander Taipei Hostel – Ximending is a weary backpacker’s dream come true. These guys have built a serious backpacker community here, making it great for solo travellers. The beds are almost capsule style with a privacy curtain and are surprisingly spacious!

What you’ll love about this hostel:

  • Large common area
  • Organised events
  • Luggage storage

The beds are super comfortable and the dorms give you plenty of room to spread out. There is a really welcoming vibe here, in true Taiwanese style! The staff are uber helpful and super efficient; they can help you plan your perfect Taipei itinerary. It boasts a convenient location close to Taipei bus station too. Complimentary shampoo and shower gel is a nice touch and the A/C throughout the hostel is a saving grace!

2. Formosa 101 – Best Hostel in Taipei for Solo Travelers

Formosa 101 Taipei Taiwan
  • Dorm (mixed): From $24
  • Private Room: From $38
  • Address: 5F, No. 115, Section 2, Jilong(Keelung) Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan China

Budget-friendly and accommodating, Formosa 101 has put itself on the map as being the best affordable youth hostel in the city. Attracting a young and adventurous crowd, solo travellers will have no trouble making new friends in Taipei.

What you’ll love about this hostel:

  • Near Lingjiang Night Market
  • No curfew
  • Self-catering facilities

The staff are awesome and will point you in the direction of Taipei’s hottest bars and clubs so as to broaden your horizons a little more. Formosa 101 is a highly recommended Taipei hostel that is ideal for solo travellers looking to find their travelling fam while backpacking Taiwan.

3. Happy Taipei Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Taipei

Happy Taipei best hostels in Taipei
  • Dorm (mixed): From $9
  • Private Room: From $38
  • Address: Xiaobei Street, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan China

We all love a bargain and the perfect bargain has been found, in the form of this budget hostel, Happy Taipei Hostel. They’ve nailed all of the basics with a great free breakfast, free WiFi, awesome hospitality, and a great night’s sleep.

What you’ll love about this hostel:

  • 24 Hour Reception
  • Heating & Air Conditioning
  • Near Shilin Night Market

There is a wonderful laid back vibe at Happy Taipei and everyone is greeted like an old friend. Unlike so many dirt-cheap hostels around the world, Taiwan is dirt cheap but not dirty! Super clean, bright, and roomy.

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4. Star Hostel Taipei East – Best Party Hostel in Taipei

Star Hostel best hostels in Taipei
  • Dorm (mixed): From $30
  • Private Room: From $71
  • Address: 4F., No.50, Huayin Street, Datong District, Taipei, Taiwan China

Star Hostel is the best hostel for a party in Taipei and the best place to meet outgoing and fun-loving travellers. It’s also very close to Taipei main station and Taipei bus station, which is perfect for anyone looking to explore Taiwan’s best sights. The complimentary breakfast is a belter and the perfect cure for a Taipei-induced hangover!

What you’ll love about this hostel:

  • Complimentary breakfast
  • Near Taipei Main Station
  • Warm and friendly hostel

The Star Hostel bar is the place to get your pre-drinks ON before heading out on the town to explore Taipei’s thriving nightlife scene. Everything about this hostel is phenomenal, from the staff to the super-fast WiFi and the bar to the cosy dorm rooms.

5. Meander 1948 Hostel – Taipei Main Station – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads In Taipei

Meander 1948 Hostel - Taipei Main Station Taiwan
  • Dorm (mixed): From $26
  • Private Room: From $63
  • Address: No. 42 Tayuan Rd, Datong Dist., Taipei, Taiwan, Taipei, Taiwan China

Meander 1948 Hostel – Taipei Main Station is a gem for digital nomads who value comfort, convenience, and a laid-back vibe. Located near Taipei’s main station and just steps from the airport train, it’s got the perfect location for exploring Taipei city centre without any hassle. Plus, having a 7/11 next door for those inevitable midnight snack runs is a dream.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

  1. Convenient Location
  2. Cosy AF Beds
  3. Free Breakfast Vouchers

Inside, the rooms are spacious, super clean, and blessed with ice-cold AC for those sticky summer nights. The beds are absolute heaven – you’ll struggle to roll out of them in the morning. Plus, with a fully-equipped kitchen and laundry facilities, it’s perfect if you’re hanging around Taipei for a bit longer. The staff are so helpful and kind, they’re pros at giving solid recommendations for places to eat, things to do, and more.

There’s tons of a freebies here too which just sweeten the deal more, free locking storage, coffee, water bottles, AND breakfast vouchers. If you utilise on those free breakfast vouchers you’ll be stretccccccching that backpacker budget – and if you need to know anything about me, I love a freebie. This is deff a solid pick for digital nomads kicking it back in Taipei and one of my fave hostels in Taiwan!

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More Epic Taipei Hostels

Haven’t found the right hostel for you yet? Don’t worry, there are plenty more options waiting for you. To make the search a bit easier, I’ve listed more of the best hostels in Taipei below.

Heading to Taipei with the gang? Why not check out my favourite Airbnbs in Taipei too!

6. NK Hostel

NK Hostel best hostels in Taipei
  • Dorm (mixed): From $20
  • Private Room: From $65
  • Address: 5F, No. 399, Sec. 5, Nanjing East Road, Songshan District, Taipei, Taiwan China

NK Hostel is the hipster traveller’s dream. Cosy and homely NK Hostel is the kinda place where you can check in, drop your bags, and fall in a heap! Traveling is tiring AF and NK Hostel has been designed with relaxation and comfort in mind.

There are plenty of spaces to hang out with your hostel buddies at NK, whether that be in the cute cafe or on the sofas in the common room. As you would have come to expect from a Taipei backpackers hostel, NK is super clean and the staff are on the ball 24/7.

7. Dongmen 3 Hostel

Dongmen 3 Hostel Taipei Taiwan
  • Dorm (mixed): From $38
  • Private Room: From $122
  • Address: NO. 110, Sec.2, Xinyi Rd., Da’an Dist., Taipei, Taiwan China

This fancy Taipei hostel is classy AF and is a total luxury! The beds are so comfy that you could easily sleep for a week if you didn’t set an alarm. And what a shame that would be as Dongmen 3 Hostel is right at the heart of Taipei and there is just so much to explore. The staff are eager to help and share their local knowledge with guests so don’t be afraid to ask!

8. Beimen WOW Poshtel

Beimen WOW Poshtel Taipei Taiwan
  • Dorm (mixed): From $14
  • Private Room: From $42
  • Address: No.2-1, Ln. 92, Taiyuan Rd., Datong Dist., Taipei, Taiwan China

Beimen WOW Poshtel gives you a boutique hostel experience in a prime Taipei spot. You’re just a short walk away from Taipei Main Station and the buzzing Ximending night market. If you do any tours of the city, chances are the starting point will be in this area too. Despite Taiwan’s quiet hostel scene, the vibe here is surprisingly friendly and laid-back, with a spacious living room where guests can chill out.

Everything is kept spotless, and the free 24/7 coffee is a great touch. Security is tight, with keycard access needed everywhere so you can feel super safe here when travelling Taiwan. The dorms are clean and comfy, and the genius layout of separate sinks from the toilet and shower makes life a lot easier, especially when things get busy!

9. Easymind Guesthouse, Hostel in Taipei Main Station

Easymind Guesthouse, Hostel in Taipei Main Station Taiwan
  • Dorm (mixed): From $15
  • Private Room: From $36
  • Address: 12Floor, No. 66, Sec. 1, Chengde Road, Datong District, Taipei, Taiwan China

Easymind Guesthouse is right by Taipei Main Station, making it a prime spot for exploring the city with ease. The staff are gems, always ready to inspire and help you settle in as you start your Taiwan adventure. The whole space has a cosy, fun vibe, and the dorm room designs are perfect for some serious R&R after a day of sightseeing.

There’s a fully equipped kitchen for whipping up meals, and a living room to relax and meet fellow backpackers. Dorm rooms come with ensuites, and if you’re lucky, you might score a room with a balcony – ideal for kicking back with a view!

10. Taiwan Youth Hostel & Capsule Hotel

Taiwan Youth Hostel & Capsule Hotel Taipei Taiwan
  • Dorm (mixed): From $25
  • Private Room: From $56
  • Address: B1,NO.11 West Qingdao Rd., ZhongZheng District,Taipei City, Taipei, Taiwan China

In a convenient location, Taiwan Youth Hostel & Capsule Hotel is a seriously nice hostel that I could’ve stayed a lot longer at. Everything is thoughtfully designed and spotlessly cleaned. More of a capsule hotel than hostel, privacy is maximised here in your own capsule pod which is uuuber comfortable. The place is clean and well organised, with different dorm areas separated by key card entry.

The beds are comfy, the bathrooms are clean, and a good shower is guaranteed. There are ample common areas for work and chatting. Coffee and tea were free and the kitchen was big enough for a few people to sit down or prepare their own food. The 24-hour reception desk is also a massive plus, making checking in after that late-night flight a breeze.

11. Taipei Discover Hostel

Discover Hostel best hostels in Taipei
  • Dorm (mixed): From $24
  • Address: 5F., No.21, Sec. 2, Mincyuan E. Road, Jhongshan District, Taipei, Taiwan China

Taipei Discover Hostel is a highly recommended hostel in the city and is deservingly so. So modern it’s almost space-age, the neon lights and colourful walls are a super nice touch. Unlike a traditional hostel, the dorms are divided into individual cubes or pods so that you have that extra little bit of privacy.

Able to house up to 76 people per night, this Taipei hostel is always busy but never feels overcrowded or overwhelming. Be sure to make the most of their free airport shuttle to Taipei Songshan Airport if you wanna save a few NTD!

12. Bouti City Capsule Inn

Bouti City Capsule Inn best hostels in Taipei
  • Dorm (mixed): From $31
  • Private Room: From $123
  • Address: No. 7, Sec. 1 Chongqing S. Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei, Taiwan China

If you wanna splurge on accommodation the Bouti City Capsule is a solid choice. This luxury, boutique hostel can be found in Zhongzheng District, just an 8-minute walk from the Taipei Central Station. The free breakfast at Bouti City helps on the value for money front, as does the free WiFi. The beds are Bouti City Capsule are to die for! Imported from the UK, the mattresses and probably the best you’ll find in Asia. The team has put guest comfort high on the list of priorities and it’s paying off.

13. DAAN PARK x taipei

DAAN PARK x taipei best hostels in Taipei
  • Dorm (mixed): From $16
  • Private Room: From $45
  • Address: F., No. 271, Section 2, Xinyi Road, Zhongzheng District, 100 Taipei, Taiwan

With all the facilities of a hotel but with the family feel of a hostel, DAAN PARK is the perfect Taiwan youth Taipei hostel for travelling couples. It’s super modern, light and the rooms are seriously impressive.

You’ll find DAAN PARK just a 3-minute walk from Dongmen station and Dongmen you can connect directly to Elephant Mountain, Taipei 101 (formally the world’s tallest building!) and Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall. FYI, it’s also a foodie’s dream as the world-famous DinTaiFung restaurant is just around the corner!

14. Star Hostel Taipei East

Star Hostel Taipei East Taiwan
  • Dorm (mixed): From $32
  • Private Room: From $97
  • Address: 3F, No.5, Lane 147, Zhong Xiao East Road Section 4, Da’an District, Taipei, Taiwan China

Any hostel offering a complimentary breakfast must be considered one of the best Taipei Hostels in my books! Star Hostel Taipei East, the sister of Star Hostel near Taipei Main Station, is a stylishly furnished hostel in the hippest east area of Taipei.

Star Hostel Taipei East makes it really easy for you to get out and explore as it’s right next to the metro, which takes you to all the leading places to visit in Taipei. When you come back, you can relax in your plushy dorm room or private room with a balcony. Signs and maps can be a touch confusing so be sure to ask the staff before you head out if you are unsure; they’re always happy to help!

15. Sleepy Dragon Hostel

Sleepy Dragon Hostel Taipei Taiwan

Cosy and charming Sleepy Dragon Hostel is a great choice for travelling couples looking for a budget accommodation option. You can choose between a double bed in a dorm room or a quaint private guest room with a balcony. Giving you and your lover the opportunity to retreat to the privacy of your room, or mingle in the buzzing common areas, Sleepy Dragon offers the best of both worlds.

It’s located just a stone’s throw from Raohe night market; which is a cool thing to do in the evening. The staff here are genuinely happy to help and you and bae will feel like you are leaving friends behind when you come to check out.

16. On My Way Taipei Hostel

On My Way Taipei Hostel best hostels in Taipei

On My Way Hostel is one of the best Taipei backpacker hostels for travellers who are seeking a relaxed and quiet place to stay. This place is super friendly and sociable but there’s no rowdiness or chaos; perfect. Created by a team of travel-loving locals On My Way has been created with real backpackers in mind.

Being run by locals means that guests have access to all the best hints, tips, and travel hacks they could wish for. Just get chatting to the guys and girls on reception! They’ll be all too happy to share their fav hangouts with you!

17. Travel Talk Taipei Backpackers Hostel

Travel Talk Taipei Backpackers Hostel best hostels in Taipei

If you are looking for the best budget hostel in Taipei then look no further than Travel Talk. As one of Taipei’s top-rated hostels, it’s super cheap and popular – meaning you’ll find all your broke backpacking buddies here! Safe, secure, and most importantly clean and tidy, Travel Talk is ideal for non-fussy travellers who are just looking for a place to crash, meet a few wandering folks and get out exploring.

Travel Talk is in a convenient location in downtown Taipei, so you can hit up all of the city’s must-visit sights and landmarks with relative ease. As a highly recommended hostel in Taipei, Travel Talk should be high on your shortlist of options if you’re travelling on the cheap.

18. TaipeiTaipei

TaipeiTaipei best hostels in Taipei

This is one of the hottest lively hostels in Taipei, with its own hostel bar, laid-back feels, and great location TaipeiTaipei ticks all the boxes. With a Taiwanese passion for hospitality and a party-focused ethos, this is the kinda hostel that you never want to leave.

Walking distance from Taipei Main Station, this hostel puts you right at the heart of the action. Whether you’re a hardcore party animal or just fancy an easy night out on the town, it matters not. If you are down for a good time, not necessarily a long time, TaipeiTaipei is the place to stay!

19. Sleepy Dragon

Sleepy Dragon best hostels in Taipei

Taipei is making a name for itself as being the next best city for digital nomads. Digital nomads are a rare breed who have slightly different expectations of what a hostel should deliver.

Rest assured Sleepy Dragon is digital nomad proof! Free super-fast WiFi throughout the building, guest kitchen (cos’ sometimes eating out gets boring!), laundry facilities (no one likes dirty undies) and each bed has its own plug socket.

20. Taipei City Home

Taipei City Home best hostels in Taipei

Taipei City Home is one of Taipei’s top-rated hostels for digital nomads. Ticking all the boxes on the amenities front, City Home is a little gem. What’s more, the City Home team offers a hefty discount for travellers staying on a month-by-month basis! Perfect!

Your breakfast is included, as is the odd snack throughout the day; tea and coffee too! The WiFi is fantastic, super-fast, and super reliable. What makes City Home that bit extra is its location. Less than 10- minutes from Ningxia night market, Museum of Contemporary Art, and Hua Yin St, City Home is slap bang in the middle of everything you could possibly need access to in Taipei and more!

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Taipei

Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Taipei.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

FAQs About Hostels in Taipei

Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Taipei.

What to Pack for your Taipei Hostel

Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.

Product
Description
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!

Ear Plugs

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Keep your laundry organized and stink free
Keep your laundry organized and stink free

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Stay Dry With a Micro Towel
Stay Dry With a Micro Towel

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Make Some New Buddies…
Make Some New Buddies…

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!
Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!

How much does a hostel cost in Taipei?

The average price range for hostels in Taipei is $20-$40 for dorms (mixed or female-only) and $75-$120 for private rooms. If you wanna find cheap hostels in Taipei, booking in advance is deff your best bet.

What is the best Taipei hostel with a private room?

DAAN PARK x taipei is an ideal hostel for those wanting to kick it back in their own space but still get all the perks of a hostel. It is just a 3-minute walk from Dongmen station and Dongmen you can connect directly to Elephant Mountain, Taipei 101, and Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall.

What is the best Taipei hostel near the airport?

Taipei Discover Hostel is 2.5 km from Taipei Songshan Airport and your best bet if you have an early morning flight. It’s a modern and comfy hostel.

Final Thoughts on Taipei’s Hostels

That’s Taipei in a nutshell – packed with flavour, adventure, and plenty of budget-friendly options to keep your backpacking trip rolling. Taiwan might still fly a bit under the radar, but that’s even more reason to hit this hidden gem before everyone else catches on!

Still unsure of where to stay? My fave is Meander Taipei Hostel – Ximending – it’s got an epic location, comfy dorms and amenities that give you a whole loada bang for your buck. What more could you want?

So, grab your backpack, get those shoes on, and make the most of what this lively, food-filled city has to offer.

Oh, and if you stumble across any secret spots or can’t-miss eats, drop a comment – I’m always hunting for the next hidden gem. Safe travels!

lanterns surrounded by traditional architecture in taipei
Get stuck in.
Looking for more info on travelling to Taipei and Taiwan?

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the broke backpacker team at the water temple in bali
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