Premium experiences in Taiwan

Planning my first trip to Taiwan in the next few months. I've read through a lot of the older threads but wanted to check if the info is still current.

My main questions:
- Best area to stay for easy access to the scene?
- Realistic daily budget?
- Any areas to avoid?
- How welcoming are the locals to foreign visitors?

I'm coming from Australia and have experience in Southeast Asia but this would be my first time in Taiwan.

Thanks for any help!

Adding my experience from February.

The scene has improved since pre-COVID. Biggest change: more competition.

100% agree. The quality is hard to beat.

I'd also recommend downloading Grab before you go. Essential.

With respect, my experience was more mixed. But maybe I went at the wrong time.

+1 on this. Exactly my experience too. Great destination.

What was your total spend roughly? Trying to budget for mine.

Excellent write-up. This is why this forum is the best resource out there.

I was there in March and prices were great value.

Spent about $128/day all-in. Quality was good.

My tip: midweek is golden hour.