Yan Zhou
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I've been guiding travelers through Taipei for over a decade. And every time someone asks me where to stay near Longshan Temple, I pause. Not because it's hard—but because most tourists book the wrong spot. They end up in a noisy hostel with no elevator, or a hotel that looks great online but requires a 20-minute taxi ride to the temple. Let me save you that pain.
After countless visits, I can tell you this: the best area is Wanhua District, specifically around Ximen or Longshan Temple MRT Station. But the exact hotel matters. In this guide, I'll break down the neighborhoods, recommend specific hotels (with prices and pitfalls), and give you the insider details most guides skip.
Best Areas to Stay Near Longshan Temple
1. Ximending — 5-minute MRT ride
Ximending is Taipei's bustling shopping district. It's vibrant, full of street food, and has excellent MRT connectivity. From Ximen Station to Longshan Temple is just one stop (or a 10-minute walk). I usually recommend Ximending for first-timers because you'll never get bored. But here's the catch: weekends can be overwhelmingly crowded. If you hate crowds, avoid the main pedestrian street and choose a hotel on a side lane.
2. Longshan Temple MRT Station Area — Literally at the temple
If your sole priority is visiting Longshan Temple multiple times (maybe for the night market or the Dragon-Shaped Water Feature), staying near Longshan Temple Station is ideal. The area is more local, less touristy, and cheaper. However, few international-style hotels exist here—mostly older guesthouses. The advantage: you're steps away from Huaxi Street Night Market and the temple's morning prayer atmosphere.
3. Zhongzheng District — 10-minute MRT
Just east of Wanhua, Zhongzheng offers a quieter, more residential vibe. It's great for families who want spacious rooms at lower prices. The MRT ride from Xiaonanmen Station to Longshan Temple takes about 7 minutes. Downsides: fewer dining options, and you'll need to plan your meals.
Top Hotel Picks
Here are my hand-picked hotels based on budget, location, and guest reviews (from Google Maps and Agoda). Prices are per night for a double room, subject to seasonal fluctuations.
| Hotel Name | Area | Price (USD) | MRT Distance | Best For | Pain Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citizen Hotel Zhonghua | Ximending | $80–120 | 3 min walk to Ximen Station | Solo travelers, couples | No breakfast included; thin walls |
| Just Sleep Ximending | Ximending | $100–150 | 2 min walk to Ximen Station | Business, families | Small rooms for 3+ people |
| Tonlin Garden Hotel | Near Longshan Temple | $50–80 | 1 min walk to Longshan Temple Station | Budget backpackers | No elevator; staff limited English |
| Check Inn Taipei | Zhongzheng | $70–100 | 5 min walk to Xiaonanmen Station | Families, quiet sleepers | Limited restaurant choices nearby |
Budget & Money-Saving Tips
Most tourists blow their budget on accommodation without realizing how easy it is to save. Here's what I've learned:
- Book direct with hotels that offer free cancellation. Many add a 10% markup on Booking.com for foreigners.
- Avoid weekends (Friday-Sunday) if possible. Prices can double. Aim for Tuesday-Wednesday check-in.
- Use the MRT instead of taxis. A taxi from Ximending to Longshan Temple costs about $5 USD, but the MRT is $0.60 and faster during rush hour.
- Eat at Huaxi Street Night Market (right outside the temple) instead of overpriced hotel restaurants. A bowl of beef noodle soup costs $2.50.
Getting Around from Longshan Temple
The best way to explore Taipei from Longshan Temple is the MRT. Longshan Temple Station (BL11) connects to the Blue Line, which takes you directly to Taipei Main Station in 5 minutes, and to Dongmen (for Yongkang Street) in 10 minutes. If you're staying in Ximending, you can even walk—it's a pleasant 15-minute stroll through Bopiliao Historical Block.
For taxi services, download the Uber app (works with foreign credit cards). Local taxis are cash-only in Wanhua. Always carry small bills—many drivers can't break large notes.
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