Where to Stay in Kaohsiung, Taiwan → 6 Best Areas for Tourists

Welcome to the second-largest city in Taiwan! Are you ready to explore the exciting night markets in Kaohsiung and to eat a lot of delicious local dishes? For some time Kaohsiung has been known as the largest port city in the country but this town is so much more than that! With a super interesting culture and a stunning art scene, I’m sure you’ll want to spend at least a week here!

In this city even the public transport is cool, the Formosa Boulevard station is one of the most beautiful stations in Taiwan! But let’s get to more serious business now, like where to stay in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

I’ve made a list of the best accommodations to stay in the city from a 5-star hotel to a cheap place that has amazing reviews, you’ll find choices here for every budget. But make sure you book them in advance, I’m sure you know how packed the Asian cities can get with tourists and of course everyone wants to stay in a top hotel, so book it ASAP!

Let’s go, Kaohsiung central is waiting for us!

If you are in a hurry

If you want to book now, there’s no reason to wait. You can quickly browse this list with the best hotels where to stay in Kaohsiung, all located in the Xinxing District:

Here’s a map of all the areas for where to stay in Kaohsiung that I will be talking about in this post:

1. Xinxing District – where to stay in Kaohsiung for the first time

Busy boulevards filled with street food stalls, awesome night markets, friendly people, and the fabulous Kaohsiung Main Station! You’ll find all this and more in the vibrant Xinxing District, also known as Sinsing. This neighborhood is part of downtown Kaohsiung, and it’s one of the best places to stay in the city if you’re visiting for the first time.

Most of the popular attractions are within walking distance of here, and you’ll find some of the best hotels in this central area. But make sure you book them in advance because as you know, everyone will want to stay where all the action takes!

Xinxing District is a paradise for anyone who likes to shop during their holiday. There are many boutique stores located here that are just perfect for some souvenir hunting! And if you have a few days left of your vacation, why not visit Taipei, the capital city of Taiwan. It’s located just 4 hours away from Kaohsiung by rental car or, you can go to Zuoying High-Speed Rail Station and get a train to Taipei!

If you’re coming to Taipei I’m sure you have probably always wanted to attend an Asian night market right? Get ready to experience the thrill of not knowing what you could find among the stalls, all the delicious street food, and let’s not forget the cool pics that you can take here! The Liuhe Night Market takes place near Kaohsiung Main Station in this part of downtown Kaohsiung, and it’s one of the coolest things you can do here!

Other accommodation options in Xinxing District

Things to do in Xinxing District

• Explore and eat the best food in the Liuhe Night Market near Kaohsiung Main Station
• Catch an exhibition at the Ke Qi-Hua House Museum
• Enjoy the nightlife in Xinxing District at the Jhongsiao Night Market or at Guanghua Night Market
• Admire the art at Arcade Gallery
• Buy lots of souvenirs from the Shinkuchan Shopping District

2. Yancheng District – best place to stay in Kaohsiung for budget

Located west of the Xinxing District, just 2 miles (3 km) away from the area, Yancheng is a seafront neighborhood perfect for travelers looking for cheaper places to stay in Kaohsiung. It has a convenient location as well, so even if you can’t afford those 5-star hotels in Kaohsiung central area, you’re pretty close to it and all the attractions there.

But I’m sure you’ll first want to spend a few days exploring this neighborhood! It was once the city’s business hub, but that changed over the years and now Yancheng District is not as busy as it used to be. Some businesses are still located in the modern office buildings but don’t think you’ll only see that. There’s a balanced mix of old houses and shops as well.

You’ve also got good travel connections here, and an MRT station (metro) at almost every corner. If you want to explore other parts of the city or if you’re feeling adventurous, why not head to the airport and go to Hong Kong? It’s only a 2-hour flight away! I say go for it, especially if you have some days left of your trip!

Other accommodation options in Yancheng District

Things to do in Yancheng District

• Learn new things at their culture Kaohsiung Museum of History
• Take a night stroll along the Love River and admire the city lights
• Indulge in the local food at Popo Bing
• Visit the ​​Yancheng Sanshan Kings Temple
• Find out cool facts about the city’s movie history at the Kaohsiung Film Archive
• Catch an exhibition at the Pier 2 Art Center
• Head to the Sky Balcony Observation Deck for a panoramic view
• See how a Taoist temple looks at the Kaohsiung City Wenwu Temple

3. Sanmin District – where to stay in Kaohsiung for families

Located 2 miles (4 km) north of Xinxing District, this neighborhood covers a pretty big part of Kaohsiung city. It’s not as busy as the other neighborhoods as it attracts fewer tourists, making it a great location to visit if you’re traveling with the family.

Sanmin District is mostly a residential area, so you won’t find as many attractions or night markets as in the central part of Kaohsiung city. While I’m sure the kids would be happy to skip the museums in the downtown area for a day or two at the PlayHouse Children’s Creative Space Amusement Park, remember you can always use public transport to get around and explore.

There are also a few parks here where you can get away from the city noise and allow the kids to play all day long. The Shuanghu Forest Park offers some pretty scenic views of the city, plus it’s so beautiful when all the flowers bloom! But I think you’ll also love a visit to the temples here, the Fudingjin Baoan Temple is one of the most important in the Sanmin District and definitely something to add to your itinerary!

You’ll find some of the best hotels in Kaohsiung in the Sanmin District along with a few nice local restaurants and cafes. And for the parents who need to get tons of souvenirs to remind them of their trip, the Hou Yi Shopping District is perfect for some last-minute shopping.

Other accommodation options in Sanmin District

Things to do in Sanmin District

• Take the kids to the PlayHouse Children’s Creative Space Amusement Park
• Visit the National Science and Technology Museum
• Have some family fun in the Shuanghu Forest Park in Sanmin District
• Walk around the Tzu Chi Kaohsiung Jing Si Buddhist Temple
• Catch a sunset near the Jinshihu Scenic Area
• Admire the city lights with the little ones near the Heart of Love River Bridge
• Learn new things about their culture at the Xinglongjing Temple or at the Fudingjin Baoan Temple

4. Lingya District – best place to stay in Kaohsiung for shopping

This neighborhood is located just 3 km (2 miles) south of Xinxing District, and it’s my top recommendation for where to stay in Kaohsiung city if you love shopping in a foreign country as much as I do!

Lingya District is home to the famous Shinkuchan Shopping District and Sanduo Shopping District. In the first one, you’ll find products and clothes that are more affordable and the second one also hosts a few high-end shops, perfect for those of you who like to buy expensive designer items!

Although shopping is the main thing to do here, there are also a few cool attractions that you should visit. We all know how exhausting stores can get at times! The Asian skyscrapers are always a nice sight, and the Kaohsiung 85 Observatory offers one of the best views over the city!

Lingya is also quite a big district, and it extends to the harbor, there you’ll probably find some nice restaurants and cafes and let’s not forget that some of the best hotels are also located here, so let’s have a look!

Other accommodation options in Lingya District

Things to do in Lingya District

• Buy cool stuff from the Shinkuchan Shopping District
• Admire the city skyscrapers from above at the Kaohsiung 85 Observatory
• Make a bag at the Bag Treasure Tourist Factory
• Relax in the Birthday Park
• Treat yourself to an expensive product from the Sanduo Shopping District
• Enjoy the city’s nightlife at the Singjhong Night Market
• Take a stroll around the Kaohsiung Harbor Nr.18 Pier

5. Zuoying District – where to stay in Kaohsiung for history

Located 5 miles (8 km) north of the Xinxing District, this neighborhood will be the favorite place to stay in Kaohsiung for anyone who loves visiting historical places and learning new things about a city’s culture.

The famous Lotus Pond is home to a few big temples, which I would personally spend a whole day visiting – the architecture and atmosphere here is so unique! Kaohsiung Confucius Temple looks like it is straight from a movie, and the statue at Zuoying Yuandi Temple is just breathtaking! The Old City of Zuoying is located south of the Lotus Pond, and although most of the very old constructions are gone, you’ll still find some parts of the ancient city walls and some historic buildings.

After all these history lessons, I would take a break! Zuoying District has some nice natural spots which will make you forget you’re in a city, as they’re super peaceful and zen! The Shoushanguojia Natural Park is a wonderful place to have a long walk and just sit in silence for a few moments.

But if you love that city noise and being with the crowds, remember you’re still in Kaohsiung, the nightlife is a big thing here, and after the sun sets, the Ruifeng Night Market will start coming to life! And if you stay in this part of the city you can rent a car and go visit the famous Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, a huge place, where you’ll probably spend a full day!

There are many amazing Kaohsiung hotels in this part of the city, but unfortunately, there aren’t any luxurious ones that I can recommend to you. As you know, I make it my top priority to offer you a list of hotels that have amazing reviews, but don’t worry! I’ve found 2 lovely accommodations and an Airbnb that I’m sure you’re going to love!

Other accommodation options in Zuoying District

Things to do in Zuoying District

• Admire the architecture of the Kaohsiung Confucius Temple
• Relax in the Shoushanguojia Natural Park
• Take a pic of the big statue at the Zuoying Yuandi Temple
• Visit the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas
• Eat some street food at the Rueifong Night Market
• Go visit the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum

6. Love River – best place to stay in Kaohsiung for the views

One of the biggest attractions in the city, the Love River starts in Renwu District just in the south part of the city and flows 7 miles (11 km) through Kaohsiung and Kaohsiung harbor. The local people care a great deal about the river, it’s kind of how the Thames River is for Londoners.

The Love River area is the best one to stay in the city if you’re all about the views! Whether you take morning or night strolls along the river, or you want to sit in a nice cafe while drinking a hot cup of tea and admire the views, be sure that you’ll enjoy every minute of it.

Usually, tons of couples would book a 5 star hotel near the Love River, and at night once the city lights start to flicker the atmosphere can get super romantic here. On top of that add a super romantic river cruise and you’ve got yourself a lovely night filled with lots of love!

And if you’re lucky enough to visit the city while some of the festivals take place, like the Lantern Festival or the Dragon Boat Festival, then you’ll definitely fall, even more in love, with this place!

Other accommodation options in Love River

Things to do in Love River

• Go on a romantic river cruise along the Love River
• Learn how to make pineapple cake at the Vigor Kobo The Castle of Golden Pineapple
• Attend one of the festivals, like the Lantern Festival
• Visit the Kaohsiung Museum Hakka Cultural
• Admire the views from the Heart of Love bridge

Frequently asked questions about Kaohsiung

🏊 What are the best hotels in Kaohsiung with a swimming pool?

💯 What is the best area to stay in Kaohsiung?

Xinxing District is the best area where to stay in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, all the main attractions are here like the Liuhe Night Market, and you can stay at Hotel Indigo which is the best hotel in Kaohsiung.

💰 Which are the best cheap hotels in Kaohsiung?

Ahiruyah Guesthouse and 237 Hotel are 2 of the best budget hotels to stay in Kaohsiung, they offer amazing services and have great reviews. 

🚆 Hotels in Kaohsiung near the train station?

Conclusion

Here is where I leave you! I hope this post helped you decide where to stay in Kaohsiung and which boutique hotel to book.

I know there are many hotels here and they’re all amazing but here are my 2 favorite ones both located in Xinxing District

Enjoy your time in Kaohsiung Taiwan, eat all the food you can in the Liuhe Night Market, and catch an exhibition at the Pier 2 Art Center. I’m sure you’re going to love it but if you’re looking for more adventure just go to the Zuoying High Speed Rail Station and arrive in a second in any destination you want!

Whatever you plan, make sure to book it in advance, this city is super popular! And of course, I want to hear all about it, so leave me a comment below to let me know which one you picked!.

Safe travelers,

Victoria