Kaohsiung is an up-and-coming city in Taiwan and is a spot that many more backpackers are adding to their travel list. And you’ll see why!

One of the first things that comes to mind when I think about Kaohsiung is their out-of-this-world food. Like many places in Taiwan, this city is home to food that will make your taste buds do a tiny dance with every mouthful.

But don’t forget to look up when devouring Kaohsuing’s mouth-watering food, as you’ll find huge skyscrapers lining the city. Buildings such as the 248m TuntTax Sky Tower will have you craning your neck to admire.

The city is also known for its diverse green spaces and parks with Love River at its centre. The river is lined with paths and cafes that you can stroll down and relax in. Spend your day sipping coffee and watching the cruise boats float down the river.

Kaohsiung has been growing in tourism in recent years and is now filled with epic music clubs, museums, green spaces and incredible hotels. Growing tourism means more accommodation options, which is good news for us travellers!

However, deciding where to stay in Kaohsiung can be tricky as there are loads of different areas to choose from. Whether you want to stay near the beach, in the city of the city, or near the historical attractions, each area offers something slightly different to the next.

But don’t worry about a thing, I’ve compiled the best places to stay in Kaohsiung depending on your travel style and budget. There is somewhere for everyone in here!

So, let’s dive in and find which area of Kaohsiung is best for you.

Where to Stay in Kaohsiung

Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Kaohsiung.

backpacking taiwan
The massive glass art installation at the Kaohsiung Formosa Station is quite a trip.

Legend Hotel Kaohsiung Liuhe | Best Hotel in Kaohsiung

This hotel in Kaohsiung offers comfortable surroundings in a convenient location. It offers a kids’ club, free Wi-Fi, and 24-hour room service as well as all the usual amenities. There’s also an in-house restaurant where you can grab a meal after a long day sightseeing and a tour desk where you can book activities around the city.

The Tree House Design Hotel | Best Hostel in Kaohsiung

Whether you’re trying to decide where to stay in Kaohsiung for families or with friends, this quirky hotel is a great choice. It offers creative rooms with a TV, environmental fridge, seating area, and private bathroom. The hotel also has an outdoor pool, an onsite bar, and laundry facilities.

The Tree House Design Hotel is one of our favourites in Kaohsiung 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.

Kaoshiung Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Kaoshiung

FIRST TIME IN KAOHSIUNG
Where to stay in Kaohsiung
FIRST TIME IN KAOHSIUNG

Xinxing District

Xinxing District, sometimes known as Sinsing District, is a fairly small area that includes part of Downtown Kaohsiung. It’s the best choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Kaohsiung for nightlife or for shopping and has a busy and affluent vibe.

ON A BUDGET
Yancheng, kaohsiung
ON A BUDGET

Yancheng District

Yancheng is a seafront area that was filled with salt fields during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Later, the Kaohsiung City Government moved to the area, so it became the city’s business hub.

FOR FAMILIES
Sanmin, Kaohsiung
FOR FAMILIES

Sanmin District

If you’re looking for a quieter area (relatively speaking), then Sanmin District might be for you. It attracts fewer tourists and is still a mostly local area where you can live and eat like the locals do.

Kaohsiung is rapidly becoming one of the best cities to visit in Taiwan. It’s filled with interesting neighborhoods that are full of shopping areas, great eateries, historical attractions, and trendy, vibrant clubs and bars. Each part of the city has its own distinct personality and attractions, so make sure you choose your Kaohsiung accommodation based on what you most want to see, eat, and experience.

The first area to consider is Xinxing District. This is a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Kaohsiung for nightlife as it’s close to the best bars, restaurants, and clubs. This part of the city is small but affluent, and also offers amazing shopping and eating.

But if you’re on a tighter budget, then consider finding your Kaohsiung accommodation in the Yancheng District. This is close to the city center and offers great public transport links to the rest of the city. It’s also filled with historical monuments and attractions, so you’ll find plenty of things to do close to where you’re staying.

The final area to consider is Sanmin District. This part of the city is a good choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Kaohsiung for families as it’s a more local area. But it’s still close enough to the city center to offer easy access to eateries, shopping, and attractions.

Kaohsiung’s 3 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in

Taiwan is a vibrant, exciting vacation destination. So, when you visit there, you want your accommodation to match that vibe. With that in mind, here’s where to look for the coolest places to stay in Kaohsiung.

#1 Xinxing District – Where to Stay in Kaohsiung First Time

Xinxing District, sometimes known as Sinsing District, is a fairly small area that includes part of Downtown Kaohsiung. It’s the best choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Kaohsiung for nightlife or for shopping and has a busy and affluent vibe. It’s a favorite for all travelers and backpackers in Taiwan. You can find everything in this part of the city, from high-quality stores to cheap and cheerful souvenirs at the local markets.

Xinxing District, Kaohsiung

Obviously, this part of the city is well connected to other areas via the metro and bus system. There is also the best neighborhood to stay in Kaohsiung for hotels at every price point. No matter how much you want to spend while you’re in the city, you’ll find somewhere to stay that’s comfortable and suits your budget.

Ahiruyah | Best Hostel in Xinxing District

This hotel in Kaohsiung is brand new and offers the latest in budget comfort. The local is perfect, close to Formosa Boulevard metro station so you can explore the rest of the city at your leisure. The rooms range from single to double privates or dorm rooms to suit every travel group and preference.

The Icon Hotel | Best Hotel in Xinxing District

This hotel is in the best area in Kaohsiung to stay in if you want to be right in the middle of the city’s downtown. It offers air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi as well as a tour desk, and on-site restaurant with an a la carte breakfast. The hotel is also close to the Metro station, making it easy for you to get around the city.

Comfy Stay in the Heart of Kaohsiung | Best Airbnb in Xinxing District

This is one of the best places in Kaohsiung to stay if you’re on a budget but want to be close to everything. It’s right in the heart of the city’s downtown area and offers a private room and shared bathroom. It’s close to Formosa Boulevard Station for easy access to the rest of the city and the furnishings are modern and clean.

Comfy Stay in the Heart of Kaohsiung is one of our favourites in Kaohsiung 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.

Things to See and Do in Xinxing District:

  1. Grab some souvenirs at the Liuhe Night Market.
  2. Do some serious shopping at the Yuansu Yuchu Shopping Area or the Shinkuchan Shopping District.
  3. Make sure you eat as much street food as possible in every market or shopping area you spend time in.
  4. If you get tired of street food, try some of the popular local restaurants near the night market like Shantou Chuan Cheng Hotpot.
  5. Check out the amazing Dome of Light.
  6. Wander along Formosa Boulevard and check out the local restaurants and shopping.
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#2 Yancheng District – Where to Stay in Kaohsiung on a Budget

Yancheng is a seafront area that was filled with salt fields during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Later, the Kaohsiung City Government moved to the area, so it became the city’s business hub. However, as the city developed, businesses moved away and Yancheng became one of the least populated areas in the city center.

This has changed recently as real estate tycoons move in, but there are still plenty of houses and shops in Yancheng that are more than 50 years old. So, if you’re looking to experience the city’s history, this is the best neighborhood in Kaohsiung to stay in.

Yancheng District, kaohsiung

Yancheng is a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Kaohsiung for one night or for a longer visit as it offers lots of bargain accommodation options. This part of the city also contains a good concentration of the less expensive places to eat and shop. So, it’s a great choice if you’re visiting the city on a tight budget.

It’s also very close to the city center and has good transport connections. And, of course, it’s just as safe as the rest of the city, so you shouldn’t have any trouble wandering around and exploring on your own.

Private Condominium | Best Airbnb in Yancheng District

This condominium is close to local attractions like the Ruifeng night market and Liuhe night market as well as to the train station. You’ll have the entire space to yourself, which is big enough for up to 2 guests and offers a private bathroom and kitchen. It’s also one of the best places in Kaohsiung to stay if you want to be close to local shops where you can eat what the locals eat!

F Hotel Kaohsiung | Best Hotel in Yancheng District

This hotel is ideal when you’re trying to decide where to stay in Kaohsiung for your first time. It offers laundry facilities and fully equipped room with rain showers and fridges. There’s also an on-site restaurant and it’s close to local sightseeing spots like the Pier-2 Art Center and the International Convention Center Kaohsiung.

Bobo Hostel | Best Hostel in Yancheng District

This hostel in Kaohsiung is surrounded by all the history that the city can offer. It’s within walking distance of MRT Yanchengpu Station and close to local attractions like the Kaohsiung Museum of History and Love Pier. The Shinkuchan Shopping District is close by and the rooms are clean and cozy.

Bobo Hostel is one of our favourites in Kaohsiung 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.

Things to See and Do in Yancheng:

  1. Wander the main road to see the old watchmaker shops, bookstores, and gold shops still peddling their wares.
  2. Try some local eateries like Jinwenzhou Wonton King and Popo Bing for local delicacies.
  3. Wander the small alleys to find unknown eateries that offer food and snacks you won’t find anywhere else.
  4. Delve into the past at the Kaohsiung Museum of History.
  5. See what’s on at the famous Kaohsiung City Music Hall
  6. Learn about the city’s movie history at the Kaohsiung Film Archive.
  7. Head down to Love Pier for amazing scenery, shopping, and eating.
  8. Walk along Love River or take a boat ride to see more of the city.
  9. Experience the city’s creative heart at the Pier-2 Art Center.

#3 Sanmin District – Best Neighborhood in Kaohsiung for Families

If you’re looking for a quieter area (relatively speaking), then Sanmin District might be for you. It attracts fewer tourists and is still a mostly local area where you can live and eat like the locals do. This district is south of Zuoying and north of Xinxing and it’s the best area in Kaohsiung to stay in if you want to be in a mostly residential area with shopping districts throughout.

Sanmin District, Kaohsiung

You’ll find a wide variety of the coolest places to stay in Kaohsiung in this area, from homestays to hostels. This is a large area, so you can choose to stay closer to the city center or further out, where you’ll find fewer tourists and more local accommodation. If you like to eat, then try the local eateries in this area. If you choose ones that are crowded with locals, then you’re in for a treat!

Zac’s Sweet Home | Best Airbnb in Sanmin District

This apartment is a great choice if you’re deciding where to stay in Kaohsiung on a budget. You’ll enjoy a private bedroom and private bathroom as well as brand new furnishings. And while you’re there, you’ll be able to use the building’s gym, swimming pool, kitchen, and washing machine too.

Kiwi Express Hotel | Best Hotel in Sanmin District

If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Kaohsiung with kids, this is a great choice. It offers a kids’ club and playground as well as a bike rental service. Breakfast is served in the hotel every morning and the rooms offer city views and all the usual amenities. The hotel is also close to local restaurants and landmarks like the Ruifeng Night Market.

Knock Knock Hostel | Best Hostel in Sanmin District

Offering comfortable private or dorm rooms, this hostel in Kaohsiung is ideal when you’re on a budget. It’s right in the center of the Sanmin district, walking distance from the metro and high-speed rail station, and is also close to the local night markets. The property is stylish, modern, and welcoming and provides a simple breakfast every morning.

Knock Knock Hostel is one of our favourites in Kaohsiung 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.

Things to See and Do in Sanmin District:

  1. Check out the impressive and often ignored Fudingjin Baoan Temple.
  2. Walk down to the nearby riverfront area for parks, boat rentals, and tours.
  3. Head down to the Lotus Pond for the most popular temples in the city.
  4. Get up to date at the National Science and Technology Museum.
  5. Bask in the green spaces at the Zhongdu Wetlands Park.
  6. Learn more about the largest cultural minority in Taiwan at the Kaohsiung Hakka Cultural Museum.
  7. If you get sick of the city, then spend some time in the beautiful Jinshi Lake.
  8. Spend a few hours at the Kaohsiung Vision Museum.
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FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Kaohsiung

Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Kaohsiung and where to stay.

What To Pack For Kaohsiung

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.

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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung’s best neighborhoods offer a great combination of easy access to the rest of the city, amazing food, and lots of shopping opportunities. And that’s exactly what these three neighborhoods offer. When you stay there, you’ll experience the best that the city has to offer. And, as the recent influx of tourists can attest, this city offers an awful lot in a relatively small area.

Looking for more info on travelling to Kaohsiung and Taiwan?

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!