Where to Stay in Kaohsiung, Taiwan → 5 INCREDIBLE Areas

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Image of the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas at Lotus Pond in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, featuring twin pagodas with dragon and tiger statues at the entrance.

Welcome to the second-largest city in Taiwan! Are you ready to explore the exciting night markets in Kaohsiung and eat delicious local dishes? If this sounds like something that’s right up your alley, then you’re probably already thinking about where to stay in Kaohsiung – and I’m here to help!

To make your vacation planning easier, I carefully compared each district in Kaohsiung City and created a definitive list of the 5 best places to stay in Kaohsiung.

If it so happens that you’re visiting the city for the first time, the best area to stay in Kaohsiung is the Xinxing District, home to some of the top Kaohsiung attractions and some amazing hotels.

I’ve also made a list of the best accommodations in the city, ranging from 5-star hotels to cheap places with amazing reviews, so you’ll find choices here for every budget, sorted by price. 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!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

If you want to book now, browse this list of the best hotels in Kaohsiung, situated in the Xinxing District:

Here’s a map of all the Kaohsiung areas I will be talking about in this post:

1. Xinxing District – where to stay for first-timers

People sit on stools eating at food stalls amidst bright neon signs in a bustling night market.

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 and lively Xinxing District, also known as Sinsing. This neighborhood is part of downtown Kaohsiung, and it’s the best place to stay in Kaohsiung if you’re visiting for the first time.

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! Of course, you absolutely have to explore the Shinkuchan Shopping District (map), where you can shop for clothes and jewelry at affordable prices, but also get some tasty street food.

If you’re coming to Kaohsiung, 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, and let’s not forget the cool pics that you can take here! The Liuhe Tourist Night Market (map) takes place near Kaohsiung Main Station in this part of downtown Kaohsiung, and it’s one of the coolest things to do in Kaohsiung, Taiwan!

If you want to explore the rest of the city, Formosa Boulevard Station (map) is the main metro station in the city, where all of the metro lines intersect, so you can easily get to any other spot in the city!

And in case 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!

Luxury hotel

Hotel Indigo Kaohsiung

The city view from the rooftop terrace of this hotel is just breathtaking! Conveniently located near Kaohsiung Central Park station, this luxurious hotel has a super modern design and clean rooms with private bathrooms. Make sure to get a cocktail and catch a sunset on that stunning rooftop!

Other accommodation options in Xinxing District

Mid-Range

Kindness Hotel – Qixian

Situated near the train station, this hotel serves a daily buffet breakfast and offers 24-hour ice cream

Budget

Ahiruyah Guesthouse

Located just a 2 minute walk away from the Formosa Boulevard station, this hostel has modern rooms and free wifi

Airbnb

The 12th Story

This cozy suite features 1 bedroom with a double bed and a bright living area with a comfortable couch

Things to do in the Xinxing District

Spend a day shopping at the Shinkuchan Shopping District
Go for a relaxing stroll in Central Park (map)
Try the best food in the Liuhe Night Market near Kaohsiung Main Station
Enjoy the nightlife at the Jhongsiao Night Market (map)
Try the delicious hot pots at the Shantou Chuan Cheng Hotpot (map)
Stop by the Dome of Light (map) and snap a photo

2. Yancheng District – where to stay in Kaohsiung on a budget

A traditional Chinese archway adorned with red and gold decorations spans a busy urban street with cars and buildings in the background.

Located West of the Xinxing District, just 2 miles (3 km) away from the area, Yancheng is a more laid-back 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 the Kaohsiung central area, you’re pretty close to it and all the attractions.

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 modern office buildings but don’t think you’ll only see that. There’s a balanced mix of old houses and shops as well.

When looking into Kaohsiung and things to do, you’ll find that many attractive activities and attractions are available right here in the Yancheng District. I’d recommend you start with a visit to The Pier2 Art Center, where you can see a variety of cool art exhibitions.

From here, you can move on to KW2 (map), a large complex of shops and restaurants situated in an old warehouse. The Hamasen Railway Cultural Park (map) is another great place to visit if you want to walk around, see some of the city’s historical locomotives, and even go on mini-train rides!

Night view of a cityscape featuring a river, a modern pedestrian bridge with cable supports, and numerous people gathered on a plaza. The skyline is illuminated with colorful lights.

If you like exploring museums, the Kaohsiung Museum of History showcases a wide range of cultural, as well as art exhibitions. After your museum visit, don’t miss the chance to walk along the Love River (map); this is one of the city’s main landmarks, and its promenade is lined with beautiful gardens and cute coffee shops where you can relax after a long day.

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!

In case you only have time for a fun day trip, then head to Gushan Ferry Pier Station (map) and board the ferry to Cijin Island, where you can explore many amazing landmarks, such as the Kaohsiung Lighthouse (map) and the Qi Jin Old Street (map). Better yet, you can hit Cijin Beach (map) on a sunny day and go for a relaxing swim.

Luxury hotel

Kaohsiung Chateau de Chine Hotel

Chill in your modern room after a full day of sightseeing, or go to the fitness center to do some stretching and get ready for a new day of exploring this luxury hotel in Kaohsiung. The suites have private bathrooms with bathtubs, and in the morning, you can have breakfast before heading out to explore the city.

Other accommodation options in Yancheng District

Mid-Range

Q21 Hotel

A short walk away from Love River, this hotel boasts cozy rooms with wooden flooring and air conditioning

Budget

237 Hotel

This cheap hotel offers travelers bikes to rent, family rooms with private bathrooms, and a complimentary breakfast

Airbnb

Modern Apartment

A super spacious apartment room in the city that provides access to the rooftop and a shared backyard

Things to do in Yancheng District

Catch an exhibition at the Pier 2 Art Center
Explore the shops and restaurants at the KW2 complex
Learn new things at the Kaohsiung Museum of History
Find out cool facts about the city’s movie history at the Kaohsiung Film Archive
Take a night stroll along the Love River and admire the city lights
Spend a relaxing afternoon at Hamasen Railway Cultural Park
Admire the architecture of the Kaohsiung Music Center building (map)
Head to the Sky Balcony Observation Deck (map) for a panoramic view of the city

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

Street scene with numerous colorful umbrellas suspended above, creating a canopy over buildings, shops, and people. Cars and motorbikes are parked along the road.

Located 2 miles (4 km) North of Xinxing District, this neighborhood covers a pretty big part of Kaohsiung City. The Sanmin District is a mostly residential area, so it’s not as busy as the other neighborhoods as it attracts fewer tourists. So, if you were wondering which area to stay in Kaohsiung with family, there’s no better spot for it than the Sanmin District.

This district is not as crowded with attractions and night markets as some of the other popular neighborhoods in the city, but seeing it’s such a large area, it still offers plenty of ways to spend your time.

The National Science and Technology Museum is a must-visit in the area. With its many science and tech exhibits, kids’ area, and 3D theater, I can guarantee the whole family will have fun!

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 (map) offers some pretty scenic views of the city, plus it’s so beautiful when all the flowers bloom!

Front view of a traditional Chinese temple with ornate decorations, green-tiled roofs, and red lanterns. A modern high-rise building is visible in the background.

But I think you’ll also love a visit to the temples here, the Fudingjin Baoan Temple (map) is one of the most important in the Sanmin District and definitely something to add to your itinerary!

If you want to keep the kids entertained for a bit longer, I highly recommend making the 20-min drive out to Shoushan Zoo, which offers family interactions with the animals as well as education camps, so it’s definitely a great place to have a fun family outing.

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 parents who need to get tons of souvenirs to remind them of their trip, the Hou Yi Shopping District (map) is perfect for some last-minute shopping.

Luxury hotel

The Grand Hotel Kaohsiung

This upscale Kaohsiung hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms, as well as family rooms, each equipped with a flat-screen TV and air conditioning. During your stay, you can also enjoy a complimentary breakfast and benefit from the free parking available on the premises. And if you’re after a hotel with a pool, this is your top choice!

Other accommodation options in Sanmin District

Mid-Range

Papo’A Hotel

I like the trendy design of this hotel that’s located near the Liuhe Night Market and has family rooms

Budget

Paper Plane Hostel

Offering both private rooms and shared dormitories, this hostel is a great choice for families traveling on a budget

Airbnb

Cozy Apartment

This 2-bedroom apartment can accommodate up to 4 guests, has 1 bathroom, plus a full kitchen to cook your meals

Things to do in Sanmin District

Visit the National Science and Technology Museum
Have some family fun in the Shuanghu Forest Park in Sanmin District
Stop by the Fudingjin Baoan Temple
Catch a sunset near the Jinshihu Scenic Area (map)
Admire the stunning Sanfong Temple (map)
Spend a fun-filled day at Shoushan Zoo
Do some shopping at the Hou Yi Shopping District
Go for an evening stroll at Lover River Waterfront Park (map)

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

Aerial view of the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, situated on a lotus-filled lake with surrounding greenery and urban buildings.

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 place has a very vibrant atmosphere and provides plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in Taiwanese culture.

The famous Zuoying Lotus Pond (map) is home to a few big temples, which I would personally spend a whole day visiting – the architecture and atmosphere here are so unique! Kaohsiung City Temple of Confucius (map) looks like it is straight from a movie, and the statue at Zuoying Yuandi Temple (map) is just breathtaking!

However, the most popular attractions around the Lotus Pond and in the entire city, in fact, are the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas (map). These colorful pagodas are unique because the entry is actually through the mouths of the dragon and tiger statues – extremely cool, right?

And if you’re looking for other fun things to do around here, I recommend trying out wakeboarding at the Lotus WakePark.

NOTE: the Taiwan High-Speed Rail Zuoying Station (map) is quite close to the Lotus Pond, so if you stay here, you can easily get around the city thanks to the great connectivity of the metro lines.

Large statue of a seated figure above a traditional building adorned with green roofs and red lanterns. Several people and cars are visible in the foreground.

The Old City of Zuoying (map) 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 that will make you forget you’re in a city, as they’re super peaceful and zen! The Shoushan National Natural Park (map) 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 (map) 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 with amazing reviews, but don’t worry! I’ve found 2 lovely accommodations and an Airbnb that I’m sure you’ll love!

Other accommodation options in Zuoying District

Mid-Range

Luna’s House

Admire the flowers on the balcony of this boutique house that has family rooms and an on-site coffee shop

Budget

Traveler Station R15

A nice budget hotel in Kaohsiung that has spacious rooms with a TV and free Wi-Fi

Airbnb

Trendy Apartment

Enjoy the city view from the comfort of your room in this apartment which has 2 rooms and a kitchen

Things to do in Zuoying District

Admire the architecture of Kaohsiung Confucius Temple and Zuoying Yuandi Temple
Visit the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas and the Spring and Autumn Pavilions (map)
Try wakeboarding at Lotus WakePark
Explore the Old City of Zuoying
Spend a relaxing day at Shoushan National Natural Park
Eat some street food at the Rueifong Night Market
Attend an event or a performance at Kaohsiung Arena
Go visit the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum

5. Lingya District – best place in Kaohsiung for shopping

A tall skyscraper, the 85 Sky Tower, stands against a blue sky with scattered clouds, surrounded by smaller buildings and green trees. In the foreground, there is a water feature and red sculptures.

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! It’s an energetic place with plenty of things to see and do, so don’t expect to get bored for even a minute!

Lingya District is home to the famous Sanduo Shopping District, centered around a metro station (map). Here, you’ll find high-end shops perfect for those of you who like to buy expensive designer items! There are also quite a few coffee spots and restaurants in the area, so you can easily spend an entire day here, just shopping and dining.

TIP: if you want to do more shopping, head to the nearby Cianjhen District and find the Dream Mall (map), home to a huge variety of shops, restaurants, and even an amusement park.

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 85 Sky Tower (map) has an amazing observation deck that offers one of the best views over the city!

A modern tram travels on grassy tracks through an urban area with trees and buildings lining both sides, with a tall skyscraper visible in the background.

Then, head to the waterfront and the Glory Pier (map), which is not just an excellent spot to stretch your legs but also a great photo op! A giant rubber duck is floating near the pier, and that’s definitely a pic I want to add to my feed. Also, the sunsets from Glory Pier are absolutely stunning – try to catch at least one during your time here!

If you’re still looking for cool photo ops, the Kaohsiung Exhibition Center (map) boasts a very unique architectural design, and it’s within walking distance of the Glory Pier.

And of course, you have to eat after all the sightseeing! Your best bets are the Guanghua Night Market (map) and the Lingya/Ziqiang Night Market (map), where you can choose among different varieties of delicious street food! Just in case you find yourself still looking for new places to explore, I suggest you rent a car and make the 30-min drive out to Hongmaogang Cultural Park (map), a lovely waterfront complex with a park and a great place to escape the heat of Kaohsiung City.

Luxury hotel

Han Hsien International Hotel

Get a room on one of the upper floors to see the view of the city, it is breathtaking! Other than that, your room will have all the amenities, and as the name suggests, it is very international, so you can expect good service and international cuisine if you are missing it! I liked the hotel very much, it was a great place to relax after a long day.