Easily one of the most underrated cities (and overall countries!) in all of Asia is Taipei.
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.
But backpackers who do venture to Taipei are treated to a city that has amazing food, sights and culture all for a discounted price.
With the help of this guide, you’ll be able to easily find a great hostel in Taipei that suits your travel style. No matter if you want to party, chill, or just save some money, my list of the 20 best hostels in Taipei has got you covered.
Let’s do it!
Quick Answer – The 5 Best Hostels in Taipei
- Overall Best Hostel in Taipei – Meander Taipei
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Taipei – Formosa 101
- Best Cheap Hostel in Taipei – Happy Taipei
- Best Party Hostel in Taipei – Star Hostel
What to Expect from Hostels in Taipei
When it comes to affordable places to stay, the best Taipei hostels are generally your cheapest option. That doesn’t just go for Taiwan, but pretty much everywhere.
However, that’s not the only good reason for staying at a hostel. Hostels tend to have a more lively and sociable atmosphere, which makes meeting other travellers and making new friends inevitable, which is perfect for anyone backpacking Taiwan on their own.
Most hostels come with a common room or communal area where you can meet other travellers and share travel stories and tips – you won’t get that opportunity in a hotel.
Taipei isn’t necessarily a cheap city in Asia, but the affordability of Taipei hostels is surprisingly good. Not to mention some hostels can have such modern amenities you’ll feel like you’re staying in a hotel. You’ll find plenty of places with the highest possible reviews and once you arrive, you’ll definitely know why.
If you’re looking for a party atmosphere, then you’ll find some party hostels in Taiwan, but these are not as common as other countries in Asia.
But let’s talk more about money for a second. Taipei’s hostels normally have three options: dorms, capsules, and private rooms (although capsules are less common). The general rule for affordable accommodation is the more beds in a room, the cheaper the price.
Obviously, you won’t have to pay as much for an 8-bed dorm as you would for a single bed private bedroom. To give you a rough overview of Taipei’s prices, I’ve listed the average numbers below:
- Dorm room (mixed or female-only): $20-40 USD/night
- Private room: $75-120 USD/night
When looking for hostels, you’ll find the best options on HOSTELWORLD. This platform offers you a super safe and efficient booking process. All hostels are displayed with a rating and previous guest reviews. You can also filter your personal travel needs easily and find the perfect place for you.
Since Taipei is a big city and there’s a ton of attractions to add to your Taipei itinerary, you’ll want to consider the area you stay in carefully to make sure you’re close to all the places you want to see when visiting Taipei. However, Taipei does have a very easy and reliable metro system that connects you to most parts of the city, and Taipei Bus Station and Taipei Main Station connect you to other parts of Taiwan.
Do You Want to Travel FOREVER??
Pop your email in below to get a FREE copy of ‘How to Travel the World on $10 a Day!’.
The 5 Best Hostels in Taipei
Now that you know what to expect from hostels in Taipei, let’s now take a closer look at my favourite five!
Overall Best Hostel in Taipei – Meander Taipei
- $$
- Self Catering Facilities
- Key Card Access
- Laundry Facilities
Out and out the overall best hostel in Taipei is Meander Taipei. The Meander team has ensured that they are the best hostel in Taipei in 2021 by continuing to build upon their phenomenal reputation within the backpacking community. Incredibly clean, bright, and spacious, Meander Taipei is a weary backpacker’s dream come true.
What you’ll love about this hostel:
- Large common area
- Organised events
- Luggage storage
The beds are super comfortable and the dorms give you plenty of room to spread out. There is a really welcoming vibe here, in true Taiwanese style! The staff are uber helpful and super efficient; you need it, they can get it! Complimentary shampoo and shower gel is a nice touch and the A/C throughout the hostel is a saving grace!
Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Taipei – Formosa 101
- $$
- Complimentary Breakfast
- Cafe
- Tours & Travel Desk
No doubt about it, the best hostel for solo travellers in Taipei is Formosa 101. Budget-friendly and accommodating, Formosa 101 has put itself on the map as being the best affordable youth hostel in Taipei. 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 hostel in Taipei that is ideal for solo travellers looking to find their travelling fam while backpacking Taiwan.
Best Cheap Hostel in Taipei – Happy Taipei
- $
- Free Breakfast
- Cafe
- Laundry Facilities
We all love a bargain and the perfect bargain has been found, in the form of the best budget hostel in Taipei, Happy Taipei. There’s no reason not to be grinning from ear to ear while staying at Happy Taipei as they offer a basic (but brilliant) complimentary 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, Taipei is dirt cheap but not dirty! Super clean, bright, and roomy. #Winning
Best Party Hostel in Taipei – Star Hostel
- $$
- Complimentary Breakfast
- Bar
- Self-Catering Facilities
Star Hostel is the best hostel for a party in Taipei and the best place to meet outgoing and fun-loving travellers for sure. Star Hostel, in fact, is HosteWorld’s Best Large Hostel in 2021! How incredible is that?!
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 head of an even to get your pre-drink 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, from the bar to the cosy dorm rooms, Star Hostel is the coolest hostel in Taipei for sure. The complimentary breakfast is a belter and the perfect cure for a Taipei-induced hangover!
It’s also very close to Taipei main station, which is perfect for anyone looking to explore more of Taiwan.
Best Hostel for Couples in Taipei – Sleepy Dragon Hostel
- $
- Self Catering Facilities
- Free Walking Tours
- Luggage Storage
Cosy and charming Sleepy Dragon Hostel is the best hostel for 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. You’ll no longer need to fork out for an Airbnb in Taipei to get a little privacy.
What you’ll love about this hostel:
- Friendly staff
- Organised tours
- A gym and park nearby for fitness
Located just a stone’s throw from Raohe night market; well before its time, EEDD is the coolest hostel in Taipei in that respect. 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.
Sleepy Dragon Hostel is one of our favourites in Taipei but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that still stands the test of time: the backpacker-approved Osprey Aether.
Want more deetz on why it’s so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REIMore EPIC Hostels in Taipei
Still not sure about where to stay in Taipei? Here are some more epic hostels in the city.
On My Way Taipei Hostel
- $
- Self Catering Facilities
- Cafe
- Key Card Access
On My Way Hostel is one of the best Taipei backpacker hostels for travellers who are seeking a relaxed and quiet place to stay. That’s’ not to say there is no atmosphere at On My Way, far from it. 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!
NK Hostel
- $$$
- Self Catering Facilities
- Cafe
- Laundry Facilities
NK Hostel is the hipster traveller’s dream. Stick a Gingham filter over this baby and watch those likes roll on in! 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.
Discover Hostel
- $$$
- Free Airport Transfer
- Self catering Facilities
- Outdoor Terrace
Discovery is a highly recommended hostel in Taipei and is deservingly so. So modern it’s almost space-age, Discover Hostel’s neon lights and colourful walls will brighten up your day no doubt! Unlike a traditional hostel, the dorms at Discover Hostel are divided up into individual cubes or pods so that you have that extra little bit of privacy.
Able to house up to 76 people per night, this Taipei hostel is always busy, but never feels overcrowded or overwhelming. Be sure to make the most of their free airport shuttle to Taipei Songshan Airport if you wanna save a few NTD!
Dongmen 3 Hostel
- $$
- Complimentary Breakfast
- Coffee Shop
- Capsule Beds
‘Calling all flashpackers, repeat calling all flashpackers!’ If you like the finer things in life, like the idea of a hostel but not the idea of ‘slumming it’ then stop your search now and book Gondmen 3 Hostel. This fancy youth hostel in Taipei 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!
Bouti City Capsule Inn
- $$$
- Free Breakfast
- Cafe
- Laundry Facilities
If you wanna splurge on accommodation the Bouti City Capsule is the best hostel in Taipei for you. This luxury, boutique hostel can be found in Zhongzheng District, just an 8-minute walk from the Main Train Station. The free breakfast at Bouti City helps on the value for money front, as does the free WiFi.
The beds are Bouti City Capsule are to die for! Imported from the UK, the mattresses and probably the best you’ll find in Asia. The team has put guest comfort high on the list of priorities and it’s paying off. Bouti City Capsule Inn is a highly recommended hostel in Taipei that you should seriously consider booking.
Travel Talk Taipei Backpackers Hostel
- $
- Common Room
- Secure Lockers
- Air Conditioning
If you are looking for the best budget hostel in Taipei then look no further than Travel Talk. As one of the cheapest hostels and super popular, you’ll find all your broke backpacking buddies here! Safe, secure, and most importantly clean and tidy, Travel Talk is ideal for non-fussy travellers who are just looking for a place to crash, meet a few wandering folks and get out exploring.
Travel Talk is in a great central location so you can hit up all of Taipei’s must-visit sights and landmarks with relative ease. As a highly recommended hostel in Taipei Travel Talk should be high on your shortlist of options if you’re travelling on the cheap.
Travel Talk Taipei Backpackers Hostel is one of our favourites in Taipei but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
DAAN PARK x taipei
- $$$
- Ensuite Rooms
- Tours & Travel Desk
- Key Card Access
With all the facilities of a hotel but with the family feel of a hostel, DAAN PARK is the perfect Taiwan youth hostel in Taipei for travelling couples. DAAN PARK is super modern, light and the rooms are amazing. Getting rave reviews time after time DAAN PARK is a firm favourite Taipei backpackers hostel.
You’ll find DAAN PARK 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. FYI, if you and your lover are proper foodies you’ll be chuffed with DAAN PARK, the world-famous DinTaiFung restaurant is just around the corner!
DAAN PARK x taipei is one of our favourites in Taipei but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
TaipeiTaipei
- $$
- Complimetary Breakfast
- Tours & Travel Desk
- Bar & Cafe
It’s a thumbs up all round for TaipeiTaipei! This is one of the hottest lively hostels in Taipei, with its own hostel bar, laid-back feels, and great location TaipeiTaipei ticks all the boxes. With a Taiwanese passion for hospitality and a party-focused ethos, TaipeiTaipei is the kinda hostel that you never want to leave.
Located within an easy walk of Taipei Main Station TaipeiTaipei puts you right at the heart of the action. Whether you’re a hardcore party animal or just fancy an easy night out on the town, it matters not. If you are down for a good time, not necessarily a long time, TaipeiTaipei is the place to stay!
TaipeiTaipei is one of our favourites in Taipei but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Sleepy Dragon
- $$$
- Complimentary Breakfast
- Bar
- Self Catering Facilities
Taipei is making a name for itself as being the next best city for digital nomads. With that in mind, the best hostel for digital nomads in Taipei is Sleepy Dragon. 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 (cus’ sometimes eating out gets boring!), laundry facilities (no one likes dirty undies) and each bed has its own plug socket. This place is epic! Modern yet homely, Sleepy Dragon is the best hostel in 2021 for digital nomads for sure.
Sleepy Dragon is one of our favourites in Taipei but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Taipei City Home
- $$
- Self Catering Facilities
- Complimentary Breakfast
- Laundry Facilities
Taipei City Home is another top hostel in Taipei for digital nomads. Ticking all the boxes on the amenities front, City Home is a little gem. What’s more, the City Home team offers a hefty discount for travellers staying on a month-by-month basis! Perfect!
Your breakfast is included, as is the odd snack throughout the day; tea and coffee too! The WiFi is fantastic, super-fast, and super reliable. What makes City Home that bit extra is its location. Less than 10- minutes from Ningxia night market, Museum of Contemporary Art, and Hua Yin St, City Home is slap bang in the middle of everything you could possibly need access to in Taipei and more!
Taipei City Home is one of our favourites in Taipei but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Come Inn
- $
- Self Catering Facilities
- Cafe
- Key Card Access
Come Inn is a great budget hostel in Taipei. Offering everything the modern backpacker needs while being super affordable, Come Inn is a little treat. Located in Zhongzheng District Come Inn makes it is super easy for guests to get out and about.
Simply decorated and with a real homely feel, Come Inn is perfect for solo travelers who like a low-key affair, digital nomads who are on a budget, and couples too. Come Inn’s private rooms are super cute but do have shared bathrooms. If you wanna keep your costs down be sure to make use of the guest kitchen!
Come Inn is one of our favourites in Taipei but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Flip Flop Hostel – Main Station
- $$
- Self Catering Facilities
- Laundry Facilities
- Air Conditioning
Flip Flop is a fantastic Taipei backpackers hostel for solo travellers. FYI, there are 3 Flip Flop Hostels in Taipei, the others are FF Garden and FF Jiufen both of which are great for solo wanders too. Flip Flop Main Station is the most popular of the Flip Flop Hostels fam and there always seems to be a cool crowd hanging out here.
Not a party hostel by any stretch but you are welcome to share a beer or two in the common room before hitting up Taipei’s party district if that takes your fancy! The coffee at Flip Flop Hostel is the shizzz…freshly ground cuppa Joe anyone?!
Flip Flop Hostel – Main Station is one of our favourites in Taipei but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Star Hostel Taipei East
- $
- Free Breakfast
- Laundry Facilities
- Self Catering Facilities
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 Railway Station, is a stylishly furnished hostel in the hippest east area of Taipei.
As a top hostel in 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!
Star Hostel Taipei East is one of our favourites in Taipei but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
First Hostel
- $$$
- Self Catering Facilities
- Free City Tour
- Free Breakfast
First Hostel may be a little on the pricey side but on closer analysis, it’s actually epic value for money. Included in your room rate are complimentary breakfast (and a cracking one at that), free WiFi, and a free city tour! Worth every penny! First Hostel is a top hostel in Taipei that seemingly can’t stop the stream of rave reviews from rolling in!
The guest kitchen at First Hostel is one of the best in Taipei, perfect for those days when you just wanna whip up some home comforts and sprawls out on the sofa for a Netflix binge. FYI you totally can have a Netflix binge as the WiFI is SO good!
First Hostel is one of our favourites in Taipei but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Uinn Travel Hostel
- $$$
- Free Breakfast
- Tours & Travel Desk
- Key Card Access
Uinn Travel Hostel is one of the best hostels in Taipei in 2021. Uber modern, colourful and bright Uinn is a welcoming and friendly home from home for travellers. The free breakfast is a great way to start the day and before you hit the city streets be sure to grab a free city map to help you on your way.
As is the trend in Taipei Uinn has dorm rooms that feature individual pods for added privacy. Each pod has its own reading light and plug socket. WiFi is available for free throughout the hostel and there is air conditioning in every room too.
Uinn Travel Hostel is one of our favourites in Taipei but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…
Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.
FAQ about Hostels in Taipei
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Taipei.
Travel Safety Tips for Taipei
World Nomads’ mission is to support and encourage travellers to explore their boundaries. They offer simple & flexible travel insurance, and safety advice to help you travel confidently.
They’ve been doing it since 2002 – protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you.
Get a quote below or read our in-depth review!
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
More Epic Hostels in Taiwan and Asia
Hopefully, by now, you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Taipei.
Planning an epic trip all across Taiwan or even Asia itself?
Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered!
For more cool hostel guides around Asia, check out:
Final Thoughts on Hostels in Taipei
By now I hope my epic guide to the best hostels in Taipei has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure! And if you’re planning on visiting other parts of Taiwan, consider reading up on where to stay in Taiwan to help you plan your trip!
If you’re still unsure about which is the best hostel for you, consider checking out again my overall favourite hostel – Meander Taipei, which has an awesome location, a good price, and comfortable and clean rooms. What more could you want?
If you think I’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit me up in the comments!
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
From my trip to Taipei. Tried some of the hostels listed here.. unfortunately, not as described In fact, it’s quite off. Not sure if you’ve actually stayed in all these hostels. But here are my thoughts. The atmosphere at Meander is much much much more of a party hostel than Star Hostel. Travelers play drinking games together and plus there are many bars around the hostel, you can easily find another person to go out and drink with you. 😉 it was fun, young. Staff is friendly. Facility wise, it’s standard. Fooseball, dart, was a plus. Clean and young design. Second one I stayed was Star Hostel, no parties but a lot of social engagement and events everyday. Very chillax handcraft beer bar at night, with world award winning beer, too. It is a poshtel. Room price is a little higher but worth every penny. Expensive facility. The bed was so comfortable I didn’t want to wake up! and I checked the bed, it was the famous “S” brand bed!! In a hostel! Amazing breakfast with fresh brew coffee. Oh! And the lounge was amazing! As for the travelers there, they’re more sophisticated, chill, and sharing amazing life stories. Staff is very friendly and eco conscious. But what amazed me is how they speak fluent English, Korean, Japanese, and French, I’m talking about not just the front desk. But almost EVERY STAFF knows 2-3 languages. WTF!? Anyway, another thing is, they’re extremely clean. I see people cleaning around the clock. I saw a staff picks up the tiniest hair on the ground and puts it the trash. I saw a lady staff maybe manager, checking odd surfaces with her finger to check for dusts every morning. Anyway, this hostel kept surprising me amazing services and facilities.
Overall, I think I prefer Star Hostel over Meander, because for the price, it’s much better valued. I get a really good night sleep, and actually met amazing friends that are not just party friends. Yea, both has their uniqueness, so it depends on what you want.