Being a student in Taipei is awesome, but the budget is real. Finding a midway@ spot that's fun, cheap, and easy to get to for everyone is key. Here are the top ideas for your next student hangout.
1. The Ultimate Midway@: Gongguan Night Market (ๅ ฌ้คจๅคๅธ) ๐ข
Located right next to National Taiwan University (NTU), this market is literally designed for students. It's packed with cheap, delicious food (hello, bubble tea and fried chicken cutlets) and has a super relaxed vibe.
Why it works: It's on the MRT Green Line, making it a fantastic midway point. You can have a full meal and a drink for under 200 NTD. The ultimate student-friendly spot.
2. The Study & Chill Spot: A Manga Cafe ๐
Need a place to half-study, half-hangout? Head to a manga cafe (QTime is a popular chain). You pay a small hourly fee for your own little cubicle, unlimited drinks, and access to thousands of comics and magazines.
Why it works: It's a quirky, quiet, and super cheap way to spend a few hours together, especially on a rainy day. Find one in a central location like near Taipei Main Station for an easy midway point.
3. The Active Hangout: Riverside Biking ๐ฒ
Taipei has an amazing network of riverside parks with bike paths. You can rent a YouBike for next to nothing and go for a ride. It's a great way to de-stress from exams and actually talk without shouting over music.
Why it works: Pick a YouBike station near a central MRT stop like Gongguan or Yuanshan. It's a healthy, fun, and affordable meetup that gets you out of the city hustle.
4. The Brainy Meetup: Eslite Spectrum Songyan ๐
It's more than a bookstore; it's a cultural experience. You can browse books for hours for free, check out the cool design shops, and then grab a (relatively) cheap coffee at the food court. It feels sophisticated, even if you're broke.
Why it works: Located in the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park and near Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall Station, it's a central and inspiring place to meet.
5. The People-Watching Paradise: Ximending ๐งโ๐ค
Ximending is pure energy. It costs nothing to just walk around, soak in the atmosphere, watch street performers, and browse the endless little shops. It's the heart of Taipei's youth culture.
Why it works: As a major interchange, Ximen is the definition of a convenient midway point. It's stimulating, fun, and you can find some of the cheapest food in the city in its back alleys.