Cavemen Hostel Taipei Station — the friendly, no-fuss hostel in central Taipei
The name might conjure up images of damp caves, but Cavemen Hostel Taipei Station is anything but — it's a relaxed, welcoming hostel in the Datong/Zhongzheng district, sitting close enough to Taipei Main Station to make onward travel genuinely effortless. Whether you're catching the MRT, boarding the High Speed Rail, or heading to the airport, everything starts right here. From NT$660/night, this is one of the best-value bases in central Taipei.
Picture stepping off the train at Taipei Main Station, rolling your bag out, and walking just a few minutes to drop it off at your hostel — that's the reality of staying at Cavemen Hostel Taipei Station. Sitting in the Datong/Zhongzheng district, the hostel is positioned between Taipei Main Station and several key sightseeing areas, making it one of the most convenient launching pads in the city. From here you can take the MRT to Ximending, board a train south to Tainan, or ride the Airport MRT to Taoyuan in around 40 minutes — all from a single transport hub.
"Friendly atmosphere, helpful staff, great location — a lot of guests say it's the best value for money at this price point in Taipei."
What gets mentioned most in positive reviews is the genuinely welcoming atmosphere from the moment you arrive. Despite the adventurous name, Cavemen Hostel is warm, comfortable, and easy to settle into — more like staying at a friend's place than checking into budget accommodation. Staff are approachable and happy to help with everything from restaurant tips to transit directions, pointing out the kind of local spots that don't make the tourist maps.
Guests consistently praise the cleanliness and sleeping comfort here. Beds are soft, the air-conditioning is set just right, and the bathrooms are kept clean — the three things every traveller checks first when choosing a hostel. There are lockers provided for valuables, so you can head out exploring without worrying about your belongings back at the hostel.
The surrounding area is another clear advantage. Step outside and you're immediately surrounded by food options and convenient transport — local noodle shops, convenience stores, and casual eateries within walking distance. For anyone trying to keep costs down by not eating out at tourist restaurants every meal, this part of the city makes it very easy. And for more variety, night markets and Ximending are just one MRT stop away.
Another thing guests appreciate is how naturally social the hostel feels. Cavemen welcomes travellers from many countries, and more than a few solo guests have left with a group of new friends. The staff and general vibe make it easy to start a conversation without the over-the-top noise of a party hostel — it's the kind of easygoing friendliness that suits travellers who want a bit of company without the chaos.
Before you book, there are a couple of things worth knowing. The Taipei Main Station area is busy throughout the day — street noise and foot traffic are a constant feature. Light sleepers will want to bring earplugs. It's also worth noting that independent review counts on some platforms are still relatively limited, so it's a good idea to check multiple OTA platforms (Agoda, Booking.com, Trip.com) to get a full picture of the latest guest feedback.
All in all, Cavemen Hostel Taipei Station is a reliable, well-priced choice for backpackers who want a central location, clean basics, and a friendly atmosphere without the heavy price tag of a hotel. Starting from NT$660/night (~฿730), it's a hostel that doesn't try to be everything — but delivers exactly what travelling on a budget actually needs.
Summary from Booking & Agoda
- ✓ Great location — very close to Taipei Main Station, easy onward travel
- ✓ Friendly atmosphere and helpful staff
- ✓ Excellent value for a central city location
- ✓ Well suited to social travellers wanting to meet new people
- ! Busy district — street noise throughout the day
- ! Review counts on some platforms are still limited — check multiple OTAs
- ! Dorm-focused hostel — not for guests who need full privacy
- ✓ Staff are friendly and give genuinely useful travel tips
- ✓ Comfortable beds, clean bathrooms
- ✓ Lockers available for valuables
- ✓ Walking distance to many key attractions and transit options
- ! Busy, noisy neighbourhood — earplugs recommended for light sleepers
- ! Dorms have several beds — you may hear other guests
- ! Check-in is 15:00 — arrive earlier and you'll need to store your bags
- 💡If you're a light sleeper — the Taipei Main Station area is busy all day → bring earplugs and, if possible, request a room away from the main street.
- 💡If you need full privacy — this is a dorm-focused hostel → ask about private room availability, or consider a budget hotel if privacy is essential.
- 💡If you rely heavily on online reviews to decide — review counts are still relatively limited on some platforms → cross-check Agoda, Booking.com and Trip.com for the most complete picture.