Da-an

Rowdy and raucous wallet-friendly hub
Noteworthy for: The district's Zhongxiao Dunhua street has become the city's crossroads for shopping - underground and overground options are flanked by alley after alley of independently owned shops and quaint cafes.

Tipple of choice: Head to the aptly named Tea Street - a lane of tea shops that are open 24/7.
Da-an district in southern Taipei is favoured by students and working class families alike. The district is alive day and night thanks to the large number of universities - TaiDa, ShiDa and several other schools are here - with many of the attractions catering to the student population. Expect plenty of cute cafes, family eateries and the rowdy ShiDa Night Market, which has expanded in the past decade and spilled - much to the annoyance of some - into the neighbouring streets.

Across Heping East Road is Yongkang Street, another spot for funky shops and fashionable yet affordable food, and closer to Xinyi district is the equally rowdy Tonghua Night Market with the requisite food stalls and cheap eats.

Residents need not travel far to escape the oft noisy streets. Da-an Park, the largest greenspace in the city, is located here. The park has a jogging path and is packed on weekends and mornings with locals practicing tai chi, running, and picnicking.