Stays in Tainan: prices and the best time to book
Tainan is Taiwan's oldest city and its former capital, full of 17th-century landmarks such as the Chihkan Towers and Anping Fort, and the island's culinary capital. People come here for the temples and forts, walks along the Anping Canal and, above all, for the food at the night markets, from beef soup to danzai noodles and oyster omelettes. The choice of stays runs from cheap budget hotels to five-star towers. Touring the city with its food takes two or three days. This list holds 704 properties. Below you will find the dates with lower rates, prices by property type and specific addresses with figures.
When booking in Tainan costs the least
The climate is subtropical, so sightseeing is most pleasant in spring, March to May, and in autumn, September to November, before the heat sets in. Summer can be hot and humid, with a risk of typhoons, which is why July is the cheapest, up to two fifths below the average. It is priciest in February, around Chinese New Year, when Taiwanese travel en masse. Across the week the lowest rates fall on Wednesday, and weekends, Friday in particular, run noticeably higher. For February and the peaks it pays to book ahead, even around two months.
What a night costs by property type
The spread is fair, but the price level is affordable. Indicative nightly rates:
| Property type | Indicative price per night (from) |
| Budget hotel or simple room | from about NT$ 900 |
| Three-star hotel | from about NT$ 1,280 |
| Four-star hotel | from about NT$ 2,059 |
| Five-star hotel | from about NT$ 4,066 |
Indicative rates for a double room; they depend on the dates and standard. Chinese New Year and weekends run higher. You will see the real figure for your dates once you enter them in the search box above.
Where to stay in Tainan
The most convenient base for a first visit is the centre, around the historic sights and night markets, close to the Chihkan Towers, a short walk from the food and temples. Those keen on history and the harbour feel choose the Anping district, with its fort, tree house and canal, though it is a little further from downtown. The evening scene centres on Haian Road and the night markets. Around the centre it is easiest to walk, cycle or scooter, and you reach Anping and the further sights by bus or taxi. The nearest airport is Tainan, and the high-speed rail links the city with the rest of the island.
Which hotel suits whom in Tainan
- Families. The centre near the markets and temples works well, along with the Anping district with its fort and tree house. For a day out, the Chihkan Towers, the Anping Canal and a trip to Taijiang National Park are solid picks.
- Couples. For two, the feel of the old town is best, an evening at a night market and a walk in Anping, with the fort and the Cigu Salt Mountain by day.
- Foodies. Anyone coming for the food chooses a hotel near the night markets and Haian Road, within walking distance of beef soup, danzai noodles and oyster omelettes.
- With breakfast. Many hotels include breakfast, from Fuward Hotel Tainan to the larger places in the centre.
- On a budget. The cheapest options are budget hotels and simple rooms in the centre, from about NT$ 900 a night, such as the Retro Tai-Pan.
Sample hotels in Tainan with prices
From a budget room to a five-star tower, a few places that show the local price ladder well. Rates from, per night:
| Property | Category | Price per night (from) |
| the Retro Tai-Pan 2 | Budget | from about NT$ 900 |
| Hotel Brown Zhongzheng | In the centre | from about NT$ 1,170 |
| Finders Hotel Tainan Ximen | Three-star | from about NT$ 1,280 |
| Fuward Hotel Tainan | Three-star | from about NT$ 1,869 |
| Roots Chew Hotel | Four-star | from about NT$ 2,059 |
| Lakeshore Hotel Tainan | Four-star | from about NT$ 2,859 |
| Silks Place Tainan | Five-star | from about NT$ 4,066 |
| Shangri-La Far Eastern Tainan | Five-star tower | from about NT$ 4,073 |
When Tainan gets pricier
The busiest time is spring and autumn, when the weather is best for sightseeing, and February around Chinese New Year, when prices can double. Summer is the cheapest, as the heat and typhoons put off some visitors. Weekends run higher than weekdays all year round, as Tainan is a popular destination for domestic trips, mainly for the food and the heritage.