taipei taiwan travel

A Travel Guide to Taipei, Taiwan’s Tantalizing Capital

Taipei City (臺北市) has everything you could possibly hope for in an awesome capital city.

The list of reasons to visit goes on: unbeatable street food and night markets, temples and culture galore, ultra-convenient public transportation and public share bikes, excellent museums, extremely safe streets, welcoming people, and beaches, volcanoes, hot springs and hiking opportunities right on Taipei’s doorstep.

Like any big city, planning a trip to Taipei can be a little intimidating. In this guide, I’ve condensed all the essential info for planning a trip to Taipei, based on many years of living in Taipei, writing about it, and helping travelers in my Taiwan Travel Planning group .

Table of Contents

Taipei City Introduction

The Taipei area was originally home to the Ketagalan aboriginal tribe – you can learn more about them at the free Ketagalan Culture Center at Beitou Hot Spring, Taipei’s premier hot spring village.

Taipei literally means “Taiwan North” (臺 / 台 or tai for Taiwan + 北 or bei for north). It only became the capital of Taiwan in 1894. The original capital of Taiwan was Tainan (臺南 or “Taiwan South”). There’s also a Tai-middle ( Taichung ), Tai-east ( Taitung ), and Tai-west (a tiny village called Taixi).

Taipei was originally a walled city, today’s Wanhua/Bangka District (萬華區). It was accessed by five traditional gates, four of which are still standing today, but only one in its original form (North Gate or Beimen/北門). This is considered the Old City of Taipei , where many travelers stay. Popular Ximending neighborhood and Longshan Temple are there, while Taipei Main Station is a short walk away.

Taipei’s Eastern District (東區) is, by contrast, a ritzy and glamorous neighborhood of upscale malls, luxury boutiques, and high end restaurants. There you’ll find Taipei 101, the city and country’s most recognizable landmark . Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) flanks Eastern District, providing the city’s most famous view.

Today, Taipei city is known for its world-class MRT , which makes getting around the city a breeze, high concentration of convenience stores, legendary night markets, vast array of restaurants, and cultural and historical attractions.     

The area surrounding Taipei used to be called Taipei County , but in 2010 it became a city of its own: New Taipei City . Most day trips from Taipei are to places in New Taipei City, like Jiufen, Shifen , Yehliu, and Yehliu (see them on this tour ). I cover these, and other popular day trips from Taipei, in my guide to New Taipei City.

New Taipei City (population 4 million) is technically Taiwan’s largest city by population. But in practice, Taipei City (population 2.4 million), New Taipei City, and Keelung form one mega city.

Called Greater Taipei or the Taipei-New Taipei-Keelung Metropolitan Area, it is the largest city in Taiwan , with 7 million people, or 30% of the country’s population.

Quick Tips for Visiting Taipei

• Try to avoid Lunar New Year (if you have to, see my guide to visiting Taipei during Chinese New Year ), Plum Rain Season (May to early June), and summer (too hot and typhoon season). Long weekends and NYE (December 31 weekend) are also very busy.
• Get an EasyCard for the convenience of swiping onto all public transportation in the city (see more details about EasyCard below). Also see the best apps to download here .
• The Taoyuan Airport MRT is the best way to get to the city, while the Taipei MRT is the best way to get around the city. Here’s a list of budget flights to Taoyuan Airport and you can find the best flight deals here . Also see my guide to Taoyuan Airport .
• Some restaurants and attractions in Taipei are closed on Mondays , so double check opening hours before going.
• You’ll need cash for most street food and smaller shops in Taipei. Exchange money at the airport or withdraw from ATMs.
• Book your regular (TRA) train tickets out of the city early, especially to Hualien . They often sell out. You can buy High Speed Rail tickets even last minute, but booking early gives you a discount. More info on all that below!
• Tipping in Taipei is almost always not required, and could even be offensive.
• Dress however you want , even for visiting temples, but going barefoot or without a shirt is not OK. Read more FAQs about Taiwan here .

Getting to Taipei

Taipei is extremely well connected to other cities in Taiwan, Asia, and around the world.

Taipei City has two airports. The larger, main airport is Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), located in Taoyuan City , about 30 kilometers west of Taipei. The smaller Songshan Airport (TSA) is in the Taipei city center. It handles mostly domestic flights and a limited number of international ones.

Budget airlines like Air Asia , Tigerair Taiwan , Peach , Jetstar , Scoot , Cebu Pacific , Thai Lion Air , T’Way , Jeju Air , and JinAir opeate low-cost flights between Taipei and other cities in Asia. I recommend using Kiwi.com to search all these budget airlines at once.

Air Canada , United Airlines , Cathay Pacific , and Japan Airlines are a few major airlines flying into Taipei, while Taiwan’s own Eva Airlines (the Hello Kitty one!) and China Airlines are well-rated. Try comparing their prices on Kiwi with booking direct – direct is usually best, but Kiwi is sometimes cheaper.

The smaller Uni Air and Mandarin Airlines operate domestic flights in Taiwan, including to some of the small offshore islands – search for their flights here on KKDay for discounted fares or if you find the airline websites hard to use.

High Speed Rail

Taiwan’s HSR (High Speed Rail) whizzes down the west coast only, from Taipei City in the north to Zuoying ( Kaohsiung ) in the south. There are two stations in Taipei City – the first is Nangang in eastern Taipei, and the second and most popular is Taipei Main Station – where you’ll also find the Airport MRT station, TRA station, and Taipei Main MRT station.

The HSR is the fastest but priciest way to travel from Taipei to/from other major cities on the west coast of Taiwan. However, Taipei is the only city where the HSR station is in the city center. In all other cities, the station is outside of the city center.

The HSR doesn’t go to Taoyuan International Airport. To connect to it, you’ll need to ride the Airport MRT to Taoyuan HSR station (going in the opposite direction from Taipei), a 20-minute ride.

You can book HSR tickets from Taipei at any station or convenience store, on the official site, here on Klook , or on the T Express app (the only option for e-tickets). On the official site, you can get an early bird discount (book up to 28 days in advance), while Klook offers a flat discount of 20% off.

You can also buy HSR tickets at the station before boarding, at full price. Just select “non-reserved ticket” on the machine, then sit anywhere in the non-reserved section (cars 10-12).

Find screenshots for all the steps to book HSR tickets 5 different ways here .

Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) operates regular trains, which do a full loop around Taiwan.

There are four TRA stations in Taipei from east to west: Nangang, Songshan, Taipei Main Station, and Wanhua.

These are a slower but cheaper alternative to the HSR, and the only way to reach destinations on the east coast of Taiwan. On the plus side, TRA stations across Taiwan are almost always in the city center.

There are a variety of TRA train types, including Local (free seating), Tze-Chiang and Chu-Kuang (reserved seats or standing allowed), and Taroko Express / Puyuma Express / Tze Chiang Limited Express 3000 (reservation only, fastest).

TRA tickets can be booked up to 28 days in advance at any station or convenience store, on the official site , or on the 臺鐵e訂通 app for e-tickets. Find more details and screenshots of each method in post covering how to book train tickets in Taipei .

Booking TRA tickets in advance is recommended, especially for express trains from Taipei to Hualien (an extremely popular route), or for trains on weekends or holidays. There are no discounts.  

A number of bus companies operate relatively inexpensive buses from Taipei to cities across Taiwan (except for Hualien and Taitung on the east coast – take the train for those). These buses are generally very comfortable, with large seats, and some even have WiFi.

Most depart from Taipei Bus Station just north across the street from Taipei Main Station, while Kuo Kuang Bus Company’s main bus station is on the Taipei Main Station side of the street.

Getting around Taipei

One of the best things about Taipei is how easy it is to get around. Visitor’s are often surprised at just how excellent Taipei’s public transporation is.

For the sake convenience, you’ll want to get an EasyCard for swiping on to the MRT and local buses in Taipei and all other major cities in Taiwan.

The card costs TWD 100 (non-refundable deposit) plus however much money you want to load onto it. Buy it on Klook for pickup when you arrive at Taoyuan Airport (note the available times), at any MRT station, or at convenience stores (super cute ones available).

You can also use EasyCards to pay for some taxis, some street food stalls, convenience stores, ferries (Tamsui, Cijin Island), TRA trains (standing tickets only), a few long distance buses in Taiwan (for example the bus from Sun Moon Lake to Alishan, but most long distance buses require a ticket), and a few attractions (like Taipei Zoo).

You can only reload EasyCards with cash, in any station or convenience store. Buying an EasyCard on Klook allows you to have a pre-loaded card when you first arrive in Taiwan.

The Taipei MRT system is the pride of Taipei. Most visitors to Taipei rely on it heavily for getting around. Download the Go! Taipei Metro app for a high-definition map, route planning, and more.

Kids under six ride free, while 6-12 can get a Concessionaire Card from the ticket window in any station – it only offers some very small discounts. You can also buy single-ride tokens from the machines in every station – cash only. All stations have restrooms, trash bins, and are wheelchair friendly.

There are some rules on the Taipei MRT: no eating, no chewing gum, dark blue seats are for the needy, line up in the designated spots, keep talking to a whisper, and the right side of escalators is for standing.

Note that the Airport MRT is operated by Taoyuan City, not Taipei. You can swipe EasyCard for the Airport MRT, but arriving at Taipei Main Station, you’ll have to swipe out of the Airport MRT station, walk 5-10 minutes, then swipe in to the Taipei MRT station for transferring to other areas in Taipei.

Local Buses

Sometimes it is more convenient, faster and/or cheaper to hop on a local bus in Taipei. You’ll need to swipe your EasyCard when you get on and again when you get off. For most buses, you can get on / off at the front or back door.

Buses are the only way to get to National Palace Museum or Yangmingshan National Park by public transportation .

GoogleMaps or the Bus+ app are good for finding bus times and bus stop locations.

Yellow Taxis are extremely common in Taipei. You can stand on just about any main road at any time of day or night and one will come by within a few minutes. A little red lights shines in the front window if it is available. Use the FindTaxi – Taiwan Taxi Finder to order one in English.

Taxis are relatively cheap, with a starting rate of TWD 85. They are safe and always use the meter. However, some taxis are old, messy, or smelly, and some drivers are a little wild. Most drivers speak little or no English, so it’s best to show your destination address in Mandarin.

Uber, on the other hand, almost always has new cars, safe drivers, plus the benefit of entering your destination first. They can be cheaper, similar price, or more expensive than taxis depending on the time of day.

Where to Stay in Taipei

With so many cool neighborhoods and hotels to choose from, choosing the right one for you can be tough. Ideally, you’ll want to be close to an MRT station for exploring the city.

Taipei Main Station Area

Staying close to Taipei Main Station is the most convenient for access to Taipei Main Station, which has the Airport MRT, HSR Station, TRA Station, Bus Station, and MRT.

Taipei Main Station is huge, with a maze-like network of underground walkways and malls. It’s easy to get lost. Sometimesit’s best to just go up to street level then find your way from there.

APause (see on Booking / Agoda ) is a good budget choice near Taipei Main Station. CityInn Taipei Station Branch III (see on Booking / Agoda ) is a popular mid-range choice with family rooms.

For rooms with an amazing view of the city, stay at Roaders Plus (see on Booking / Agoda ). It also has a children’s playroom and free snacks in the lobby.

Ximending (or Ximen) is the most popular neighborhood in Taipei for travelers. It’s only 10-20 minutes on foot, or one MRT stop on the blue line, from Taipei Main Station.

The core of the neighborhood is a walking and shopping district full of cool shops and restaurants. For budget travelers, I liked Ximen Garden Inn (see on Booking / Agoda ), which has self check-in. For mid-range travelers, Amba (see on Booking / Agoda ) is excellent and has 24-hour reception for late check-ins or the option to check in at 9 AM for half a day’s price.

GreenWorld Zhonghua (see on Booking / Agoda ) is great for families and has some connecting rooms.

For a unique experience, Ximen Airline Hotel (see on Booking / Agoda ) is an airline-themed hotel. Westgate (see on Booking / Agoda ) is a nicer option.

Best Hostels

The best hostels in Taipei are:

• Star Hostel (see on Booking / Agoda ) and Old Door Hostel (see on Booking / Agoda ) around Taipei Main Station
• Dan Hostel (see on Booking / Agoda ) in Ximending
• Star Hostel Taipei East (see on Booking / Agoda ) in Eastern District
• Dongmen 3 Hostel (see on Booking / Agoda ) in Da’an District.

To find out why I think these are the best, see my guide to the best hostels in Taipei .

Best Luxury Hotels

Taipei has some of the top luxury hotels in Taiwan . To summarize the top pics:

• Regent Taipei (see on Booking / Agoda ) for families
• Mandarin Oriental (see on Booking / Agoda ) for the most luxurious experience
• W Taipei (see on Booking / Agoda ) for the hippest choice
• Kimpton Taipei (see on Booking / Agoda ) for the most elegant choice
• Grand Hyatt (see on Booking / Agoda ) for the best Taipei 101 views
• Palais de Chine (see on Booking / Agoda ) for access to Taipei Main Station and for having Taipei’s only Michelin 3-star restaurant .

Top Things to Do in Taipei

I’ll only graze the surface here. For many more details and ideas, see my guide to the best things to do in Taipei.

The top Taipei attractions which almost every traveler visit are Taipei 101 Observatory (including the new Skyline 460 experience), Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall , Ximending walking district , Taipei Zoo & Maokong Gondola , Longshan Temple , and National Palace Museum .

Night markets are a huge attraction in Taipei, with the biggest and most famous ones being Shilin , Raohe , Ningxia , Tonghua , Huaxi , and Nanjichang Night Markets .

Read more about Taiwan’s best night markets here!

For temples, besides the most famous one, Longshan Temple, some others worth visiting are:

• Xingtian Temple (picturesque and incense-free)
• Taipei Tianhou Temple (small Matsu temple in Ximending)
• Songshan Ciyou Temple (large Matsu temple right next to Raohe Night Market )
• Bao’an Temple (overall impressive)
• Taipei Confucius Temple (most simple in design than typical Taiwanese temples)

Read more about Taipei’s best temples here .

If you’re into hiking, Elephant Mountain has the most famous city view but is very crowded, especially at sunset.

Other good ones are Jinmianshan , Jiantanshan , Four Beasts (which includes Elephant Mountain), Silver Stream Cave & Waterfall (at Maokong ), and Fuzhou Mountain . Here are some of the best hikes places to view Taipei 101 around the city.  

Yangmingshan National Park is a volcanic massif in Taipei and New Taipei City. There are several hikes and flower viewing locations – most visitors either plan a single hike there or visit multiple stops on a half-day trip by car . Find all the info in my Yangmingshan visitors’ guide .

Beitou Hot Spring in the north of the city is Taipei’s only hot spring village. It has some lovely Japanese-era buildings, steaming Thermal Valley, traditional bathhouses, and hot spring hotels. Avoid Monday, when several things are closed. See my guide to Beitou Hot Spring .

A few other attractions in Taipei include Huashan 1914 Creative Park , 44 South Village (Sisinancun), Jianguo Weekend Jade and Flowers Market , Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall , and Treasure Hill Artists Village .

Best Taipei Tours

Taipei is quite easy to explore on your own by MRT. You can hire a private driver here , but parking is difficult at many major attractions. Many people find taking the MRT and occasional Uber or taxi is sufficient.

For exploring Yangmingshan National Park , I recommend this private driver deal or this Beitou and Yangmingshan tour .

Here I introduce four free walking tours in Taipei . These are perfect if you’ve just arrived.

Many travelers take advantage of some high value day trip tours from Taipei . This one hits all the most popular stops, but there are variations like this one and this one .

How to Plan Your Taipei Itinerary

One day is too rushed to truly experience Taipei. If that’s really all you’ve got, visit Longshan Temple in the morning (Buddhist chanting takes place from 6-6:45 AM and 8-8:45 AM).

Next, head to Chian Kai-Shek Memorial Hall and Ximending for lunch. Spend the afternoon at Dihua Street or Huashan 1914 Creative Park. See the sunset from Taipei 101 or Elephant Mountain then have dinner at a night market.

With two days in Taipei city, you can add Taipei Zoo and Maokong Gondola in the south or Beitou Hot Spring, Yangmingshan, and/or Tamsui in the north. Another option is to use your second day for a day trip from Taipei.

With three days in Taipei (my most recommended), spend two full days in the city and use the third day for a day trip.

You could easily spend four, five, or more days in Taipei and never run out of things to do, especially with all the day trip possibilities. I’ve lived there for over 10 years, and there are STILL places on my need-to-visit list.  

Where to Eat in Taipei

Din Tai Fung is Taipei’s (and Taiwan’s) most famous restaurant chain. It specializes in xiaolongbao (soup dumplings). There are several branches, and all are very busy. You can’t reserve a table, but ordering your meal online will get you in a little faster.

Taipei is famous for its street food . Many visitors to Taipei eat every dinner at one of the city’s night markets . There are enough night markets that you could visit a different one every day for weeks and still have more to choose from.

Shilin Night Market is the largest and most famous. Raohe Night Market and Ningxia Night Market are tried-and-tested favorites, each with Michelin-recommended food stalls. Click the links to find out what to eat at each night market!

Tonghua (Linjiang Street) Night Market is close to Taipei 101, while Huaxi Street Night Market is rough around the edges and Nanjichang Night Market is the most local major night market.

If you’re vegetarian or vegan, see my recommended vegetarian food stalls in each night market, my favorite vegetarian restaurants in Taipei , and my vegetarian & vegan food guide .

Several districts of Taipei are also known for their food. Ximending has lots of cool restaurants and some street food, Yongkang Street is known for its excellent local restaurants and shaved ice, and Zhongxiao East Road area in Eastern Taipei has lots of BBQ, hot pot, and upscale restaurants.

For seafood lovers, the holy grail is Addiction Aquatic Development , a seafood market and upscale grocery store, with amazing take-away sushi, seafood and sushi bar, seafood hot pot, and outdoor grilled seafood restaurant.

There are some amazing food courts in Taipei – try Taipei Main Station (2F) or B1 of most department stores, including Taipei 101 Mall . Maji Square is an outdoor (but covered) food court at Yuanshan MRT station.

The b est traditional Taiwanese breakfast shops in the country can be found in Taipei. Read my guide to the best Taipei breakfast shops , my review of the most famous one, Fu Hang , and how to order breakfast foods in Taiwan .

Taipei has pretty much anything else you can think of – amazing sushi , fancy Michelin-star restaurants , noodle shops , Chinese restaurants , Taiwanese , hot pot , DIY BBQ , craft breweries , cocktail bars , and international food .

If you’re up late at night, check out these 24-hour restaurants , including breakfast shops, dim sum, and noodles.

Where to Go Shopping in Taipei

Wondering what to buy in Taipei? Start with my guide to the best souvenirs in Taiwan .

For shopping in Taipei, try Wufenpu Shopping District for discount clothing, Ximending for souvenirs and teenager clothing, Shida Night Market or the small lanes north and south of Zhongxiao East Road (try this street first ) for fashionable clothing and accessories,

For upscale shopping, try the boutiques along Zhongxiao East Road between Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT and Sun Yatsen MRT, Taipei 101 area, and departments stores like Taipei 101 Mall , Sogo , Shin Kong Mitsukoshi , Q Square , and Miramar .

For Taiwanese tea and traditional Chinese ingredients of medicines, Dihua Street in Dadaocheng is best. This is my favorite tea shop in Taipei for buying quality, bulk tea. For electronics, go to Guang Hua Digital Plaza , or for camera gear, go to Camera Street .

For Taiwanese snack souvenirs, Taoyuan Airport and High Speed Rail stations have an excellent supply. For regular souvenirs, again the airport, Ximending, or the gift shops at Taipei 101 Observatory or National Palace Museum.

Also don’t miss the chain Don Don Donki for quirky Japanese items.

Taipei Events

The biggest traditional holidays of the year in Taipei are Lunar New Year (not the best time to visit), Lantern Festival (just after Lunar New Year), Dragon Boat Festival (June), and Mid-Autumn (Moon) Festival (September/October). The dates are determined by the lunar calendar.

There are Christmas lights in locations throughout the city from late November to early January, but the biggest Christmas event is in New Taipei City (Christmasland in Banqiao).

New Year’s Eve (December 31) has an extremely popular fireworks display from Taipei 101, making it the busiest weekend of the year in Taipei. Here are the best places to watch the fireworks .

Late January to mid-March is cherry blossom season in Taipei and surrounding areas. You can also see tulips in February, roses and azaleas (the official Taipei city flower) in March, calla lilies and hydrangeas at Yangmingshan (March to April and May to June), and chrysanthemums in November to December.

For traditional (and usually very noisy) Taiwanese folk religion events, there’s the Baosheng Emperor’s Birthday (early spring), Xiahai City God’s Birthday (late spring), Ghost Festival (late summer), and Qingshan King’s Birthday (November).

Other Taipei events to watch for include Summer Festival (with fireworks) in Dadaocheng, Urban Nomad Film Festival , Taipei Fringe Festival , Nuit Blanche Taipei , Taipei Jazz Festival , Hakka Yi Min Festival , Pride Parade (Saturday closest to Halloween), and Taipei Marathon .

A Travel Guide to Chiayi, Gateway to Ali Mountain

Off-the-beaten track in taipei: 30+ unique sights & activities, 6 thoughts on “a travel guide to taipei, taiwan’s tantalizing capital”.

Hello there, I would like your advice my family of 3 thinking to visit Taiwan for a week in December would you please help me with a plans and where to stay. we thinking to flying Taipei on the Saturday from Ho chi Minh and leaving the following sat/sunday. I can drive but is it necessary to rent a car and drive? I am a Us citizen and also have US driver license as well. Again thankyou monique

Your US drivers license won’t help. You need an International Driver’s Permit to rent and drive a car in Taiwan. But renting a car here is really unnecessarily, and often slower or more burdensome than taking public transportation. In Taipei, the MRT is far more convenient for getting around. With only a week, you may only visit 1 or 2 other places outside of Taipei, such as Taroko Gorge, Sun Moon Lake, and/or Alishan. Trains and buses are very convenient for reaching these places. Only rent a car if you’re planning to do more of a road trip, visiting more smaller spots along the way rather than quickly getting to the final destinations. Also note that December is the busiest month of the year for tourism in Taiwan, so hotel prices are higher, and many are already selling out, while long distance train tickets are also crucial to book.

Me and the rest of my family of 4 are visiting Taipei at end of the month for a 3 day trip. We have tours booked on the first 2 days but the last day is free. What is the best way to get around the city if we are just visiting a few niche locations and none of us speak the local language? Like would getting an Easy card be worth it for a single day or would it be better to just Uber directly to where we can to go (can we even use Uber since we are tourists and our country doesn’t have Uber)? Also how much cash should be on hand for a three day trip for meals and souvenirs?

Thank you, Ana

Each EasyCard costs TWD 100, which is a non-refundable deposit, plus any money you load onto it. So if you’re only using it for one day, that would be NTW 400 lost, which isn’t really worth it. (keep in mind kids under 6 ride free). You can also just pay for MRT rides individually with cash at the station. Taxis are available everywhere in Taipei, too, and take cash. As for Uber, it doesn’t matter what country you are in, you just download the app, connect it to your credit card, and it will work wherever you go. The good thing about Uber is that you don’t need to speak. You just pin where you want to go, and there will never be a misunderstanding. With taxi drivers, it is better to show them a name or address in Mandarin rather than try to say it, as you will most likely not pronounce it wrong and they will have no idea what you are saying. As for how much $$ to bring, I normally tell people to prepare TWD 1000 to 2000 per person per day for sightseeing, food, and transportation. TWD would be a cheaper day with more street food and free or cheaper attractions (you could spend as low as 500 if you only did free things and ate cheap food). 2000 would be a bigger day with a more expensive attraction (like Taipei 101 Observatory is 600), nicer restaurant meals and/or a longer train ride to another city and/or some souvenir shopping.

Hi, just checking, is it possible to go Sun Moon Lake from Ximending and Return within the day at night? Is hiring a driver recommended in this case?

Sure, it’s doable. Walk or take the MRT one stop to Taipei Main Station, ride the HSR to Taichung (1 hr), catch the bus from taichung HSR to SML (90 minutes). Same way to come back. The bus schedule is here: http://www.ntbus.com.tw/tour-sml.html

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Asia , Itineraries , Taiwan · November 17, 2020

A Local’s Taipei Itinerary: How to Spend 1-5 Days in Taipei

Taipei is a multifaceted city brimming with deep-rooted history, a pulsating culture, incredible architecture, and a fantastic food scene. But with so many layers to uncover, things to do, and street food to taste, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when planning a Taipei itinerary.

To help you figure out what to do and where to go, I’ve compiled this  fully flexible   itinerary in Taipei for 1-5 days . It’s packed with must-do activities, places to see, and top tips to make the most of your time during your 5-day stay.

Ready to find the absolute best things to do in Taipei and see all Taiwan’s colorful capital city has to offer? Let’s go! 

Disclaimer: This post probably contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through one of these links, I might receive a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

How many days to spend in Taipei

While one could easily spend weeks in Taipei, not everyone has the luxury of unlimited time in this megacity. With 1 or 2 days in Taipei, you’ll be able to see the city’s most iconic sights. However, to really uncover the city’s DNA, I recommend staying at least 3-5 days in Taipei. 

Plan Your Taipei Trip

Before you start your Taipei itinerary, read my detailed guides to help you better understand the city.

• Travel Tips for Taipei
• Where to Stay in Taipei
• Getting from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei
• Taipei Nightlife guide
• Solo Traveler’s Guide to Taipei
• Best Taipei Side Trips

In a rush? Pin this itinerary for Taipei to read later.

Taipei Itinerary Essentials

Want to maximize your time in Taipei? Here are a few essentials you’ll need for a stress-free 5 days Taipei itinerary. 

• Taipei has oodles of hotels and hostels. For the best prices,  search accommodation  at least 2-3 weeks in advance. Alternatively, see my insider’s guide on the best hotels & areas to stay in Taipei .
• Taipei has two airports, Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) and Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). While Songshan is closer to Taipei, Taoyuan is the main international gateway. Read my quick guide on how to get to Taipei from Taoyuan Airport . Alternatively, book a private transfer straight to your accommodation for a stress-free trip. 
• Grab a  Taipei Fun Pass  to see all the Taipei must-see sights at a discount. 
• While there are more than 4400 Wifi hotspots in Taiwan, it’s worth spending a few extra dollars on a local  4G Sim Card , Pocket Wifi , or this E-sim . By doing so, you can plan all your stops and access maps, schedules, and translations on the go. 
• Make sure to pack a  travel umbrella  as frequent downpours aren’t uncommon in Taipei. This guide on what to pack for Taiwan will also come in handy.
• Grab a  Lonely Planet guidebook  for more tips and things to do. It’s packed with awesome recommendations and insights into the culture, history, and more.
• Need travel insurance for your trip?  SafetyWing is my go-to travel insurance provider.

How to get around during your Itinerary in Taipei

Taipei is a sprawling city. While it is an exceptionally walkable city, an efficient transport network is ready to whizz you off to all corners. To maximize your 5 days in Taipei, use a mix of transport methods to access the best of Taipei’s attractions. Here’s how to get around during your 5-day stay.  

• MRT:  Taipei has an extensive subway system called the MRT. Tickets are cheap and you can buy them at any MRT station. However, to save time, grab Taiwan’s local top-up card, the  Easy Card . With this card, you can tap and go on the MRT, buses, and regional trains. See the metro map here . Also check out my guide on useful Taiwan travel apps to have on your phone.
• HOP ON HOP OFF BUS:  The Taipei sightseeing bus is a great way to get a well-rounded glimpse of the city while ticking off your Taipei must-visit list. The bus stops at all the major tourist attractions on this Taipei itinerary. It’s also a fun way to see the city from a different angle. There are two routes, and  9hr or 24hr passes  are available. 
• BY BIKE:  YouBike is an official bike sharing system in Taiwan. It allows you to rent a bike for as little as NT$10 per 30 minutes. You’ll find an endless supply of bicycle-sharing kiosks allover Taipei City, too. These are conveniently located outside MRT stations and tourist spots. Just a head’s up, you’ll need an  Easy Card  and a local number to register for this service. For single rent users, you’ll need to pay a NT$2000 deposit with your credit card. 
• TAXI:  Yellow taxis can be spotted and flagged down all over Taipei. They are reasonably priced, starting at around NT$120 for the first 1.25km and then increase with NT$5 for every 200m. Between 11 pm to 6 am, rates start at NT$140. 
• UBER:  Uber is a great and cheap alternative to get around Taipei quickly. Make sure to download the Uber app before you arrive. 

Best Hotels and Hostels to stay during an Itinerary for Taipei

Luxury: W Taipei  is the best luxury hotel in Taipei. The 5-star property features beautiful, spacious rooms accompanied by terrific views. But even on top of that, you’ll be steps from the trendy bars, shops, and restaurants of Xinyi.  Check rates/ availability here . 

Mid-Range: Via Hotel  is a 3-star hotel that combines comfort and design. It’s the perfect choice for mid-range travelers who want to be right in the city center. What’s more, it offers easy access to Taipei Main Station, as well as oodles of shops and eateries.  Check rates/ availability here .  

Budget:   Star Hostel  is a chic hostel offering both private and dorm rooms at great prices. Located mere steps from the Taipei Main Station, it’s the perfect base if you want to be close to the main transport hub.  Check rates/ availability here .  

Taipei Itinerary Quick Overview

Day 1 in Taipei:  Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall >> Longshan Temple >> Taipei 101 >> Elephant Mountain >> Raohe Night Market

Taipei Day 2:  Dihua Street >> North Gate >> Ximending >> Huashan 1914 Creative Park >> Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall >> Stroll the streets of Daan

Day 3 in Taipei:  National Palace Museum >> Beitou Hot Springs >> Tamsui >> Shilin Night Market

Taipei Day 4:  Yehliu Geopark >> Shifen >> Jiufen 

Day 5 in Taipei:  Taipei Zoo >> Maokong Mountain >> Taipei Fine Arts Museum >> Addiction Aquatic Development

Want to see the city’s best attractions without planning a thing? Check out this  city tour ,  night tour ,  walking tour , or this  popular sights private charter .

The Perfect Itinerary for Taipei: What to do in Taipei in 1-5 Days

Whether you have one day in Taipei or many, the city is jam-packed with places to see and fun things to do. 

Below you’ll find my top recommendations on how to spend up to 5 days in Taipei. I’ve included all the must-see attractions, iconic landmarks, and even a few hidden gems for those who’d like to experience Taipei’s quirky side! 

Throughout this Taipei itinerary, you’ll also get handy tips to help you experience the best of Taipei. With that said, though, feel free to mix things up as you see fit.

1 Day Taipei Itinerary

With only 1 day in Taipei, trying to figure out where to go and what to do in a megacity like Taipei can be challenging. While one day is not nearly enough to see all the city has to offer, it will allow ample time to get a taste of Taipei’s top attractions. Here are the best things to do in Taipei in 1 day. 

Oh, and travel tip – make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes . You have a lot of ground to cover on your first day! 

Get a glimpse into the past at Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

Kickstart your 1 day Taipei itinerary with a visit to the city’s most iconic square – Liberty Square ( 中正紀念堂廣場) .

Featuring neatly kept gardens, this sprawling area is home to the National Theater , the National Concert Hall , and of course, Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall (中正紀念堂).

Besides strolling the beautiful grounds and taking Instagrammable photos, it’s also a great spot to get a better understanding of Taiwan’s complex history. 

Within the main hall, browse the exhibitions and learn more about the country’s liberation struggles. Afterward, climb the 89 steps leading to the massive statue memorializing Chiang, Taiwan’s first president. It’s also worth watching the changing of the guards’ ceremony, which happens every hour on the hour. Entrance to Liberty Square, as well as Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, is free. 

Insider’s Tips:  If time permits, take a stroll over to the  Presidential Palace  (中華民國總統府). It was built during the Japanese Colonial era and has a gorgeous red brick exterior and large balconies. Today, it serves as the workplace of Taiwan’s president. Join the free guided tour (weekdays only) to get a glimpse of the inside. Afterward, take a stroll through the serene  2/28 Peace Memorial Park  (二二八和平公園). The park commemorates the victims of the anti-government uprising movement in 1947. Don’t miss the huge memorial monument at the center of the park! The nearby memorial museum also offers more insights into Taiwan’s turbulent past. 

Experience the Culture at Longshan Temple

Next up on your Taipei itinerary, head to Taipei’s most famous religious complex, Longshan Temple (龍山寺). Dating back to 1737, Longshan Temple is one of the most famous landmarks in Taiwan and a great place to get acquainted with Chinese folk religion. To this day, locals journey from near and far to make prayers and wish for good fortune in these incense-filled halls. 

Right near the entrance, you can relish in the local custom of throwing moon blocks . Make sure to throw these tiny blocks in unison. The way they fall will reveal whether the gods favor you or not. 

There is no entrance fee for Longshan Temple. But please remember to dress appropriately as this is still a place of worship. 

Insider’s Tips:  A short stroll from here, head to the  Bopiliao Historical Block  (剝皮寮歷史街區) where you’ll find stacks of 18th-century houses. To learn more about the area’s history, you can also join this free  walking tour . Afterward, browse the  Huaxi Street Market  (華西街觀光夜市) filled with weird and interesting traditional snacks. Or better yet, join this  fun food tour . Just a word of caution; this is Taipei’s red-light district and it can be a bit seedy at night. Although Taipei is a very safe city, I wouldn’t recommend visiting here late at night if you are a solo female traveler.  

Take in the Views Atop Taipei 101  

In Xinyi, often dubbed as the Times Square of Taipei, you’ll find one of Asia’s most iconic landmarks – Taipei 101 (台北101). 

This imposing bamboo-shaped skyscraper towers 509m above the city and showcases exceptional design inside and out. Taipei 101 also houses the world’s 3 rd fastest elevator, traveling at a speed of 1,010 meters per minute. It is the most prominent landmark in the city, rightly deserving a spot on your Taipei itinerary.

Within the tower, you can browse the world’s best luxury stores. These include the likes of Bvlgari, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Patek Philippe, to name just a few!

But arguably, the best thing to do here is get a bird’s-eye view over the entire city. Once you’re done browsing the stores, head to the Observation Deck. Besides taking in the excellent vistas, don’t miss getting a close-up look at the massive damper housed here. The damper weighs a whopping 660 tons and stabilizes the tower during strong winds or typhoons.

Just a word of warning – the Observation Deck’s lines are always long, and one could easily queue for hours. Grab a fast track pass to skip the lines. 

Insider’s Tips:  While here, don’t miss Taiwan’s very own Michelin Star restaurant  Din Tai Fung  (鼎泰豐). The eatery serves up the juiciest xiao long bao ever! If time permits, take a stroll through the lively  Att 4 Fun  (信義店) pedestrian area. Here you’ll find loads of trendy hangouts, hip bars, Taipei’s coolest clubs, and great shopping hotspots. A few blocks further, explore the  Breeze Songgao Store  (微風松高) filled with shops, hip food trucks, and restaurants. There’s a great vibe here, so don’t skip it! 

Catch the sunset at Elephant Mountain

Just one stop down the MRT Red Line is one of Taipei’s most Instagrammable places – Elephant Mountain (象山) 

Popular among sunset chasers and nature seekers alike, Elephant Mountain offers spectacular views over the entire city bowl. While it’s quite a steep trek to the view points, the sights along the way will be more than enough reward. 

Depending on your fitness level, it takes about 20 minutes to reach the first observation platform. For the best views, though, continue on a bit further. There you can scramble up on the boulders and snap an iconic selfie with the entire city as your backdrop.

Feast at Raohe Night Market

After a day out exploring all Taipei’s iconic sights, it’s time to sample some of the city’s best street food. And the best place to do just that is at Raohe Night Market (饒河街觀光夜市).

Raohe is one of the most famous night markets in Taiwan , and no Taipei itinerary would be complete without a visit here. The best part? There are loads of street food snacks to try. These include bubble milk tea, grilled squid, fried chicken steak, pepper pork buns, and stinky tofu. Prefer to visit with a guide? Here’s a great Raohe night market tour .

Besides filling up with all the delicious food, it’s also a great place to bargain hunt. You’ll find everything from clothes, cellphone accessories, bags, earrings, and more here! If you’re looking to squeeze in a bit of shopping, the nearby maze-like alleyways of  Wufenpu  (五分埔) is for you. Here you’ll find tons of cheap clothing stores selling the latest Korean and Japanese fashion trends. It’s also a great place to practice your haggling during your itinerary in Taipei. 

2 Day Taipei Itinerary

With 2 days in Taipei, you can get a closer look at the city’s quirky pop culture, visit a few more historical sites, and of course, relish in its bustling food scene. 

Follow my sample itinerary above, and then on day 2 check out these cool places in Taipei. 

Browse the historic Dihua Street 

Start your morning bright and early with a visit to one of the city’s best-preserved streets, Dihua (迪化街).

Right in the heart of Datong, you’ll find a bunch of restored buildings dating back to the 1800s. It’s a great place to stroll, people watch and of course, get acquainted with authentic Taipei. Don’t miss the bustling market that sells a mix of weird and wonderful food, teas, spices, as well as traditional Chinese medicinal products.

After taking in the sights and sounds of Dihua Street, make a quick photo stop at the impressive 19th century  North Gate  (臺北府城 北門), which was built as part of the city’s fortifications. 

Enjoy the vibe at Ximending Walking District

Next up, head over to the massive pedestrian walking street of Ximending (西門町).

Ximending is a bustling youth district on the western side of Taipei City, rightly nicknamed the Shibuya or Harajuku of Taipei. With hip clothing stores, brightly-lit billboards, themed cafes like Modern Toilet (便所主題餐廳 西門店), and alleyways dotted with the city’s best street art, it’s not hard to see why its such a firm favorite among tourists and locals alike. All in all, Ximending is a great place to stroll around, shop, eat, hunt for street art, and people watch.

Another noteworthy attraction to check out while here is the  Red House Theatre  (西門紅樓), which showcases cheap live performances.  Ningxia Night Market  (寧夏夜市) is also just around the corner and is another great Taipei night market. Join this cool Michelin night tour at Ningxia  to sample the best street food on offer here! 

Check out the Quirky Displays at Huashan 1914 Creative Park

Built in 1914, Huashan Creative Park (華山1914文化創意產業園區) has quite a unique history. It was once a Japanese sake brewery, and then later a camphor refinery. Today, the park is the city’s most prominent art center and a popular go-to spot among art lovers and those looking to escape Taipei’s concrete jungle. 

There are several buildings to browse filled with cute artisan shops, designer stores, bookshops, as well as several gourmet eateries and hipster hangouts. Don’t miss the cool outdoor art displays dotted around sprawling gardens. 

Stroll through Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall

After getting a taste of Taipei’s artsy side, head over to Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall (國立國父紀念館). It is one of Taipei’s most important historical buildings and another interesting place to learn a little about Taiwan’s history. 

The memorial hall was built in 1972 to honor Taiwan’s founding father, Sun Yat-sen. The main structure features intricate architecture and is surrounded by lovely gardens, which also house a massive fountain. Within its walls, you’ll find varied exhibitions offering insight into Sun’s life and his revolution efforts.

Insider’s tips:  Nearby, take a gentle stroll through the city’s largest park  Daan Forest Park  (大安森林公園). Alternatively, head over to  JenGuo Flower Market  or  Jianguo Jade Market  (建國玉市). Both are excellent places to shop for souvenirs and quirky trinkets. The buzzing alleyways jolting off from  Lane 137, Yanji Street  are just a stone’s throw from here and are chock-full with hipster hangouts, themed cafes, hidden izakayas, and posh international eateries. If you’re not hungry, it’s still an excellent place for a walkabout or to grab a cuppa. If you’re seeking a boozy cocktail, head out to the Instagrammable  Drunk Cafe  (爛醉咖啡). Alternatively, grab an ice-cold beer at the city’s best craft beer bar,  On Tap . 

Taipei 3 Days Itinerary

If you have 3 days in Taipei, you’ll have more than enough time to explore the far-flung corners of the city and get a closer look at a few more must-see attractions. Follow the steps above and on day 3 of your Taipei itinerary, head out to these places below. 

Browse the National Palace Museum 

Start your day early with a visit to one of the city’s most iconic museums, the National Palace Museum (國立故宮博物院).

Housing more than 700,000 pieces of ancient Chinese imperial artifacts, artworks, and relics, spanning over 8000 years of history, the museum holds the world’s most complete Chinese artifacts collection. The National Palace museum is a treasure trove for history buffs and art enthusiasts, rightly deserving a spot on any Taipei itinerary! 

The museum entrance fee is NT$350, but since the lines are always long, it’s worth grabbing a  discounted e-ticket here  in advance. 

Visit Beitou Hot Springs

Most visitors to Taipei don’t know that actual volcanoes are right within the city’s limits. So next up on your itinerary in Taipei, immerse yourself in nature with a visit to the steamy thermal pools of Beitou Hot Springs (北投溫泉).

Beitou  is one of Taipei’s most popular side trips, and it’s not hard to understand why. Surrounded by lush greenery and the allure of abundant hot springs is what really makes this Japanese-inspired retreat such a popular go-to spot among locals and those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of urban Taipei. This picture-perfect setting is perfect spot to unwind!

If you’re not checking in at one of the luxurious hot spring hotels, like  Grand View Resort , head out to one of the outdoor public baths to experience the geothermal activity like a local. 

Other things to do in Beitou include visiting the  Beitou Thermal Valley  or “Hell Valley” (地熱谷), the  Beitou Hot Spring Museum  (北投溫泉博物館), the  Beitou Museum  (北投文物館) and the  Xinbeitou Historic Station  (新北投車站).

For a unique experience, enjoy a traditional Japanese ceremony at the  Taiwan Folk Arts Museum  (北投文物館), visit the  Ketagalan Culture Center  (凱達格蘭文物館), or stop by one of the incense-filled temples like  Puji Temple  (北投普濟寺). 

Looking to get off the beaten path? Head out to one of Taipei’s best-hidden gems –  Wulai  (烏來). Wulai is an aboriginal village neatly tucked away in the mountains. Here you can soak in hot springs, hunt for waterfalls, eat traditional Atayal food, and take a fun ride on the cutest little train ever! Read my guide on  what to do in Wulai . 

Wander the streets of Tamsui

After enjoying a slice of nature, head out to Tamsui (淡水) – a scenic little town located on the Tamsui River banks right at the edge of Taipei City. 

Tamsui, also often spelled Danshui, has a lot going for it. From a bustling Old Street chock-full with cute artisan stores, souvenir shops, and vendors serving up the freshest seafood imaginable to several historical sites and a booming craft beer scene. But even on top of that, the star attraction here is the incredible sunset. 

While you can catch an epic sunset from anywhere along the boardwalk, the best spot to watch the sun melt away over the horizon is at Lover’s Bridge . It’s a popular spot among love birds and photographers, so expect it to fill up quickly!

Oh, and don’t miss stopping by the incredible Wuji Tianyuan Temple if you happen to visit Taipei during cherry blossom season.

Insider’s Tip: For those traveling between Hongshulin and Fishermen’s Wharf , the newly built Tamsui light rail line is a fun way to explore the area. The Blue Seaside Line, which will connect the Tamsui MRT and the Fisherman’s Wharf is scheduled to be completed in 2024.

Eat your way through Shilin Night Market

The last stop on your 3 days in Taipei itinerary is Shilin Night Market (士林夜市). 

Shilin is a bustling place jam-packed with food vendors and stalls selling all kinds of bits and bobs. What’s more, it is probably the best and most popular street food market in Taipei! It’s the perfect spot to sample local street snacks and authentic Taiwanese cuisine. 

Since the area really only comes alive at night, make sure to time your visit here. Whatever you do, though, come hungry, because there are lots to try! 

Taipei 4 Day itinerary

With so much to do in Taipei, it’s hard to get bored. But beyond the buzzing urban hub, there are a handful of must-see places worth a visit. So, on day 4 of your Taipei itinerary, it’s time to explore the city’s outskirts! Think quaint little towns, lush jungles dotted with waterfalls, epic ocean views, and great hiking opportunities! 

Visit the rock formations at Yehliu

Yehliu Geopark (野柳地質公園)   is a unique place along Taiwan’s north   coast that’s well worth a visit. Fringed by the Pacific Ocean, this massive geopark is home to cool fossils and the weirdest rock formations imaginable. Some of the most notable rock forms to look out for are the Queen’s Head, Fairy’s Shoe, Bean Curd, and Dragon Head. 

Yehliu is a great place to stroll around, take in the incredible ocean views and scenery, and of course, hunt for bizarre rock formations. Don’t forget your  camera , because you’ll want to take lots of photos of this alien-like wonderland! 

Insider’s Tips:  There is a small entrance fee (NT$120) to enter the park, but you can also grab an entry ticket online in advance. While it’s relatively straightforward to visit Yehliu independently, joining a day tour will save you the hassle of planning a thing. Another good option is this  tour which includes a pastry making sesh. If you have your own set of wheels, also check out the Twin Candlesticks and Shen’ao Elephant Rock nearby.

See Taiwan’s widest waterfall 

Just 32 kilometers northwest of Taipei City, lies Taiwan’s very own mini version of Niagara Falls measuring 40m in width – Shifen Falls (十分瀑布).

The waterfall is tucked away amid a lush jungle setting, and there are tons of lookout points covering all angles of the waterfall. It’s an incredibly scenic place to visit and the perfect choice for those wanting to spend a day immersed in nature.

I’ve written an extensive guide on Shifen , which includes absolutely everything you need to know about visiting this beautiful area – from how to easily get there to what to do in the quaint little town, as well as other cool places to check out nearby. If you prefer to join a guided tour,  this one  is a great half-day option. 

Wander the lantern-filled alleys of Jiufen

A visit to Taipei (or Taiwan as a matter of fact) would simply not be complete without a trip to Jiufen (九份). Located not too far from Shifen, this gorgeous little town is perched on a hillside and offers epic views over the ocean and mountains.

While the views are incredible and stand testament to Taiwan’s mind-blowing natural scenery, there is yet another reason to add Jiufen to your Taipei itinerary. Often touted as the inspiration to Miyazaki’s Spirited Away, Jiufen’s true charm lies in its rustic alleyways strewn with dangling red lanterns, charming traditional teahouses, hot spring hotels, and phenomenal food scene. 

While most people visit here on a half-day trip from Taipei, I highly recommend staying overnight if you can. The night view is absolutely breathtaking! And if you love photography, you could easily spend hours wandering through the little alleyways. Also read my guide on how to get from Taipei to Jiufen for the easiest routes there.

If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, hike up  Keelung Mountain  (雞籠山登山步道) or join this  Jiufen Village tour  to see other highlights like the  Golden Waterfall and the Ying Yan Sea  (陰陽海). 

Itinerary for Taipei 5 Days

On the final day of your Taipei 5 days itinerary, enjoy a different side of the city surrounded by greenery right in the heart of town. Pop by the zoo, take a thrilling gondola ride, and see some of the world’s finest artworks on display. Then, end your day with a massive feast at the city’s top seafood market. 

Meet furry friends at Taipei Zoo

If you’re visiting Taipei with kids, it’s worth stopping by the Taipei Zoo (臺北市立動物園). The zoo is the largest zoological garden in Taiwan, and is home to more than 2000 animals from various species, including pandas and koalas! 

While it is one of the city’s top attractions, the grounds are massive, making it quite easy to get away from the crowds and enjoy the varied animal life at your leisure. If you plan on spending several hours year, pack a picnic basket to enjoy on the grass. Grab a Taipei Zoo combo ticket here to skip the lines. 

Enjoy a tea ceremony at Maokong

After visiting the zoo’s furry friends, head over to the Maokong Gondola to  take a fun ride in a glass-bottom car  over the mountain tops. Besides enjoying the views below your feet, the views of the city’s skyscraper-studded skyline in the distance are just as magnificent. 

Once at the top, pop into cute coffee shops or tea houses offering  authentic tea ceremonies  and traditional Taiwanese fare with sprawling tea plantations at their doorstep.  

Browse Taipei Fine Arts Museum

If you still want to squeeze in another activity before dinner time, hop back on the MRT to Yuanshan Station and head over to the Taipei Fine Arts Museum (臺北市立美術館). 

Here you’ll find some of the best local and international artwork displayed in an impressive geometrical building. The museum showcases more than 5000 pieces of traditional and contemporary art, but I highly recommend checking out the photography section. The entrance fee is NT$30, and the museum is open until 20:30 on Saturdays. 

Insider’s Tips: If you’re looking for non-touristy things to do in Taipei, a stroll through the dreamy Floral Tunnel (花之隧道) or a visit to the Lin An Tai Historical House and Museum (林安泰古厝) should not be overlooked.

Enjoy the vibes at AAD

On the last night of your 5 days Taipei itinerary, head over to the city’s best indoor seafood market – Addiction Aquatic Development (上引水產). 

This massive complex is home to several eateries, dishing up everything from hot pot and barbecued skewers to melt-in-the-mouth sashimi, huge crabs and more. 

There’s also an incredible deli where you can buy all kinds of imported goods, tasty snacks, fresh seafood and Kobe beef. 

AAD gets quite lively at night, so don’t come too late. If the restaurants are packed, grab a few snacks at the deli instead. There are many seating areas scattered around the market where you can sit back and enjoy your food. Also, don’t miss the sangria! It’s the best you’ll find in the city! 

5 Days Itinerary in Taipei Conclusion

Taipei is truly a remarkable city with plenty to keep you busy. I hope this Taipei travel itinerary has helped you figure out what to do and where to go in Taipei!

That wraps up this Taipei itinerary for 5 days or less. Do you have any tips for fellow travelers planning an itinerary in Taipei? Feel free to share your top tips and epic things to do in Taipei below! 

Need More Help Planning a Taiwan Trip?

• 2 weeks in Taiwan
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• 3 days in Taichung
• Sun Moon Lake Travel Guide
• Alishan Travel Travel Guide  
• Kaohsiung 2 days itinerary
• Taitung Travel Guide

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October 9, 2023 at

Hello I am still confused of what to see in Taiwan…ours is pure cultural no adventure no beach. Can u help…with an itinerary For 7 nites..with 1/2 free days to walk around. Thanks Wynoma de Faria

October 11, 2023 at

Hey Wynoma,

Even if you’re looking for a more culturally oriented itinerary, there’s loads to do in Taiwan. With seven nights, you’ll have more than enough time to venture outside of Taipei and see a bit more of the island. Here’s some inspo:

– Spend 2-3 days in Taipei and visit the museums and temples. Check out the National Palace Museum, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Longshan Temple, and Taipei 101. Also, be sure to visit some of the night markets like Shilin or Raohe. – Take a day trip from Taipei to Jiufen. – Spend a day in Tainan (Taiwan’s ancient capital city). Visit Chihkan Tower, Koxinga Shrine, Anping Old Street, and the Anping Tree House. – Travel to Kaohsiung for 1-2 days and visit the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center, the temples and pavilions at Lotus Pond, and the Pier 2 Art Center.

Of course, there are loads more to see and do, but if you’re not really into nature/ adventure, the spots above should tick your boxes. Hope this helps!

December 19, 2023 at

Hello, I’m planning to visit Yehliu Geopark, Shifen and Jiufen for a whole day. I plan to go in that order and travel by public transport/taxi if needed, can you recommend me some bus/mrt I should take to go those places.

January 19, 2024 at

Hey Wendy, it might be tough to squeeze all three places in on one day, but if you start super early and make use of taxis/Uber it might be doable.

You can catch Kuo-Kuan Bus 1815 from TPE Bus Station. The journey takes about 1h30. From there, I’d suggest getting a taxi/Uber to the Ruifang Train Station so that you can catch the train Shifen. You can check with the driver if he’s willing to take you all the way to Shifen but it’s quite rural and it will be pricy. From Shifen, you’ll need to catch the train back to Ruifang from where you’ll need to get a bus to Jiufen. There aren’t many taxis in Shifen, but just walk around and ask the locals. We got a taxi there once and it saved us the hassle of dealing with public transport. It was rather expensive though for such a short distance.

Google Maps works extremely well in TW and once you have an idea of your timings it will give you the best options on which buses/ trains to take. Just make sure you check the timings of the last bus/train. Here’s a link to the TRA website if you want to get a better idea of the train schedules in the meantime.

January 17, 2024 at

I am traveling alone to Taiwan for 7D, possible to purchase a local day trip to Jiufengand Sifen Falls, another day trip to Tainan, and the third day to Sun Moon Lake? Please give me your suggestion.

Hey Sue, Jiufen and Shifen are popular day trips from TPE and there are loads of guided tours that will get you there (check on Klook).

Tainan is accessible from Taipei and the HSR (bullet train) can get you there is less than 2hrs. Here’s my guide on how to get to Tainan from Taipei . For SML, the best way to get there is to first take the HSR to Taichung where you can catch the bus to SML. I’ve written a guide on that too, see here . Just a side note, Tainan and SML are both really great places to visit with lots to do, so I recommend spending at least 2D1N in each to make the most of your time there.

February 15, 2024 at

Hello, I’m planning to visit Yehliu Geopark, Shifen and Jiufen for a whole day with my wife and would like to take a private tour (so that we can be flexible with the timing etc). Can you recommend any reliable companies that offer private tours? Thank you very much.

Hey TH, thanks for stopping by.

My go-to provider for tours in Taiwan is Klook . They have a wide selection of tours, so it’s easy to find the right option that suits your schedule and budget. (Here’s my affiliate link to all the tours they have to Yehliu, Jiufen & Shifen )

Alternatively, you can also check out this tour on GetYourGuide which has an option for a private tour.

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Home » Asia » Taiwan » Taipei

19 BEST Places to Visit in Taipei (2024 • MUST-SEE SIGHTS)

Taipei is the modern capital of Taiwan. The diverse city has a great infrastructure and it’s easy to explore the key places of interest in Taipei as well as travel to nearby cities and towns. From one of the tallest towers in the world and a globally renowned zoo to places of natural interest and terrific shopping, Taipei offers plenty for everyone.

Taipei doesn’t feature on many travellers’ radars, particularly people from outside of Asia, and is often overlooked in favour of other East Asian cities. It can be difficult to find information on what to see and do if you are planning a trip to Taipei, especially if you want to hit up more offbeat attractions and head off the beaten path.

With this ultimate list of the best places to visit in Taipei, you’ll be able to make sure to cover all the top attractions. No matter your age or travelling style you’ll find plenty of reasons to add Taipei to your travel wish list.

Warning: some of these best places to visit in Taipei are sure to surprise you!

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Taipei:

These are the best places to visit in taipei, faq on the best places to visit in taipei, final thoughts on the best places to visit in taipei.

Datong is the perfect place to stay if you are travelling on a shoestring budget. It is located just north of Zhongzheng and remains very central to explore Taipei’s many destinations.

• Take a look at the humble features of the Confucius Temple
• On the contrary, marvel at Bao’an Temple, one of Taipei’s most ornate temples
• Try some local delicacies at the Ningxia Night Market

And now onto the fun stuff …my top picks for where to go in Taipei:

Ready for the breakdown of Taipei’s must-see places? Don’t miss these gems. These are the top things to see for crafting the ultimate Taipei itinerary!

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#1 – Taipei 101 – One of the most amazing places in Taipei

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• Eco-friendly structure
• Among the world’s tallest towers
• Rich symbolism
• Sweeping views

Why it’s awesome: This is top of the Taipei places to visit list for good reason. Up there, you feel top of the world! Shaped like a traditional pagoda and standing at 508 meters (1,667 feet) tall, the soaring Taipei 101 was once the world’s tallest tower. It’s is still said to be the biggest green building in the world, both because of the coloured glass on its facades and due to its many environmentally friendly features.

Steeped in symbolism, the impressive tower has 101 floors. One hundred is usually viewed as perfection, so this gleaming modern tower goes one step beyond being perfect! There’s a large and luxurious shopping mall next to the tower and inside there are various offices, an observation level, displays, a conference centre, and a VIP Club.

What to do there: Ride in the super-fast elevators to reach the observation levels, with both indoor and outdoor viewing areas to enjoy. Feast your eyes on the sweeping city views and see interesting displays related to the tower’s construction, use, and symbolism. Spot various symbolic features around the tower and see many of the best places in Taipei from a completely different perspective.

#2 – Taipei Zoo – Awesome place to visit in Taipei with kids

• Beautiful landscaping
• Home to diverse creatures
• Educational exhibits

Why it’s awesome: The largest zoo in Asia and one of the biggest zoos in the world, the modern and well-kept Taipei Zoo is often said to be among the best zoos on the planet. Spread over a large area, the zoo is home to an abundance of interesting species from across the globe.

Admission costs are low and it’s a fantastic place to spend a fun-filled day with the kids. Indeed, it’s one of the best places in Taipei for a family outing. There are various places to eat and drink throughout the zoo and the terrain is stroller friendly. Lush gardens, wide, open spaces, and educational displays add to the appeal.

What to do there: Plan to spend at least half a day (if not a whole day) exploring the large zoo. Seeing the cute pandas is often a highlight for many visitors, though don’t be disappointed if they are resting in the air conditioning! The children’s theatre, insectarium, and nocturnal animal house are also often popular with younger visitors.

#3 – Shilin Night Market – A must-see in Taipei for foodies!

• Array of items
• Lively vibe
• Lots of street food
• Popular with locals and tourists

Why it’s awesome: Large and lively, Shilin Night Market draws many locals and tourists alike every day of the week. Stalls spread through a maze of streets, and you’ll find a great selection of local goods and international brands, usually at discount prices.

Some places have fixed prices and there are somewhere you can haggle so make sure you perfect your haggling skills . It’s especially worth asking for discounts if you’re buying in bulk. It’s not only a great place for shopping, though; Shilin Night Market is also one of the top spots in Taipei for delicious street food. It’s veritable foodie heaven!

What to do there: Stroll along the streets, letting your senses guide you as you sample a huge selection of local cuisine. Inhale the rich aromas, watch as vendors cook up dishes on the spot, and see an exciting array of delicacies set out to tempt the hungry.

Sink your teeth into things like fried buns, dim sum, stinky tofu, tempura, grilled meats, oyster omelet, and much, much more. Once you think it couldn’t get any better, pop into the underground Shilin Night Market Food Court for even more mouth-watering treats! It really is one of the best places to eat in Taipei.

Another famous night market in Taipei if you liked the Shilin Night Market is the Ningxia Night Market which is another great place to try some street food.

Discover Taiwanese culture and cuisine on this exclusive tour . Sample a variety of snacks including pineapple cake, grilled octopus, mango shaved ice and more to experience the flavours of Taiwan.

#4 – Longshan Temple – One of the most religious places to see in Taipei

• Long history
• Gorgeous architecture
• Spiritual ambience
• Ornate statues

Why it’s awesome: Built in the late 1730s by people from Fujian, Taipei’s Longshan Temple became a major spiritual and community centre for settlers from mainland China; it was built in honour of an ancient temple in their home province.

Still an active place of worship today, it is also one of the most significant religious landmarks in Taipei. The Longshan Temple features ornate and colourful details and the vibe is tranquil and serene. It’s a place to go in Taipei to have a breather from the city.

What to do there: Admire the striking building from the outside, feasting your eyes on the decorative pillars and roof, statues, and grand doorways. Step inside, where you’ll likely see people praying and making merit, inhale the sweet smells of incense, and see even more spiritual statues and artwork.

Wander through the grand halls and pause to take in the details of the various altars. There are shrines to various Chinese gods and goddesses as well as to the Lord Buddha. As far as cultural places in Taipei go, this is one of the best.

Explore the origins of Taipei, experience authentic Taiwanese culture, discover the fascinating stories of our folk gods and learn how they influence the lives of believers in Taiwan during this Taiwan Cultural Walking Tour with a local guide.

#5 – Danshui River Mangrove Nature Reserve – One of the most underrated places to see in Taipei

• Interesting wildlife
• Pretty views
• Free attraction

Why it’s awesome: A short train ride from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, Danshui River Mangrove Nature Reserve is an interesting and peaceful outdoor spot.

One of the coolest lesser-visited attractions in Taipei, there is no charge to explore the nature reserve. Also known as Tamsui River Mangrove Nature Reserve, the area protects the large Hongshulin mangrove swamp as well as all the creatures that call the salty swamp home.

What to do there: Step into the small but informative education centre to learn more about the swamp and its eco-diversity before wandering along the boardwalk. Peer into the mangroves to spot an array of flora and fauna. Some of the most unusual creatures to look out for are the curious mudskippers – fish that can walk on land.

You’re also likely to see crabs and many types of birds. The ambiance is calm and there are great views of city life in the distance.

#6 – Jiufen – A very cool place in Taipei to go for a day

• Great shopping
• Plenty of photo opportunities
• Stunning vistas
• Historical vibe

Why it’s awesome: Jiufen is an old gold mining town in the wider Taipei area. Built by the Japanese, it is perched on the craggy mountainside near the coast. Easy to reach by road and rail from the heart of the city, it’s one of the most picturesque places of interest in Taipei.

There’s an olde-worlde vibe and plenty to see and do. The covered shopping area is especially popular and the views are beautiful. The town has featured in a number of movies and TV shows and if you’re backpacking Taiwan , be sure to include Jiufen on your itinerary.

What to do there: Visit the ornate Chinese temple and soak up the sense of spirituality and stand at the nearby observation point to enjoy beautiful views out over the water. Explore the two main hillside pedestrian streets of Shuchi Street and Jishan Street, pausing to look in the assortment of shops filled with an array of goods.

Stop for refreshments in a charming tea house and refuel in one of the traditional restaurants.

Although no longer open to visitors, you can see the outside of the historic Taiyang Co. Ruifang mining Operation Office and the now-derelict Jiufen Shingpeng Theatre, which was one of the earliest theatres in Taiwan. Feeling active? Go hiking up Mount Jilong and enjoy the terrific vistas!

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#7 – National Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall – Possibly one of the most important places to visit in Taipei

• Magnificent building
• Interesting and educational displays
• Traditional guards
• Beautiful grounds

Why it’s awesome: Among the most famous places in Taiwan, the National Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall is a well-known city landmark and a popular tourist attraction. Located at one end of the large Liberty Square, the iconic blue and white building is an attractive sight.

Open since 1980, it was constructed to honour the memory of the late president. Inside there is a large bronze statue of Chiang Kai Shek, guarded by solemn-looking soldiers in ceremonial uniforms, as well as educational displays and a library.

What to do there: Climb the 89 steps that lead to the upper level of the memorial hall, noting that the number of steps represents the age at which the former leader died. See the large statue of the late leader and snap some pictures of the smartly dressed guards. Descend back to ground level to learn more about the leader and Taiwan’s history in the museum.

There are many interesting objects and artifacts and comprehensive information is provided in English as well as Chinese languages. It’s one of the best places to visit in Taipei to get more of a sense of the culture and history of Taiwan.

#8 – Fort San Domingo – One of Taipei’s coolest historical sites

• One of Taiwan’s oldest buildings
• Controlled by various powers throughout history
• Informative displays
• Pleasant gardens

Why it’s awesome: Located in Tamsui, the striking red-colored fortress of San Domingo stands on the site of an earlier wooden fort. The original fortress was built by the Spanish, while the present building was constructed in the 1640s by the Dutch. It was later expanded and fortified further by the Qing regime and served as the British consulate from 1868.

It was occupied by the Japanese during the Pacific War, then later passed back to British control. One of the oldest buildings in Taiwan, today it is a National Historic Site and among the most popular tourist attractions in Taipei’s district of Tamsui.

What to do there: Pay the reasonable admission fee and climb the shaded steps to reach the entrance to the historic fortress. See the flag flying proudly above before following the sightseeing route through the fortress’s diverse areas.

In addition to the red fort, the site also has the original gate that was constructed during the Qing era, leafy gardens, and the English-style former residence of the British Consul. You can learn more about Taiwan’s history and see varied displays, period furnishings, and artifacts.

#9 – Houtong – Quite the quirky place to visit in Taipei!

• Former mining town
• Home to many cats
• Unusual features

Why it’s awesome: A short train ride from the heart of Taipei brings you to Houtong, an old coal-mining town built by the Japanese that is now known for its many felines. The hillside town was abandoned when the mines dried up, leaving cats to roam free, multiply, and claim the space as their own.

Today, Houtong is a Taipei must-see for any animal lover, particularly those with a penchant for cats. Volunteers care for the animals and have created many cool and quirky cat-themed attractions. I dunno about you, but this is my personal best place to visit in Taipei!

What to do there: Get up close and personal with the friendly cats that call Houtong home. You can buy food to pamper the kitties, but don’t feed them human treats as it can make them sick.

See the feline-themed artworks that adorn many walls, spot the small houses built to afford shelter to the strays, and enjoy snacks and drinks in one of the quaint cafes. There are plenty of great photo opportunities and you can purchase a range of cat-themed memorabilia.

Cat town: top sight in Taipei!

#10 – Beitou – Great place to visit in Taipei for couples

• Unusual sights
• Diverse museums
• Places of natural interest in Taipei

Why it’s awesome: Although soaking in hot springs may not be the most obvious choice of things to do when experiencing hot and humid conditions, taking a dip is surprisingly relaxing and soothing. Beitou Hot Springs has a number of well-maintained and clean hot springs, with private changing areas and lockers.

Signs clearly state the temperature of each pool. It’s one of the best public hot springs around the city, though you will also find some private hot springs if you want a more exclusive experience. Beitou also boasts stunning geothermal features and several interesting attractions.

What to do there: Melt your problems away! If you’re looking for things to do in Taipei to take your mind off all those measly problems you left back home, this is the place to go!

Marvel at the milky blue steaming waters of Beitou Thermal Valley, also known as Hell Valley (closed on Mondays), set in beautiful natural surroundings. Discover more about the area at Beitou Hot Spring Museum, Ketagalan Culture Center, and Beitou Library. Stroll through the scenic Beitou Hot Spring Park and Plum Garden, visit the small and secluded Puji Temple, and soothe away any aches and pains in the hot springs.

#11 – Ximending – A great place in Taipei if you love to shop!

• Youthful vibe
• Energetic at night time
• Japanese influence

Why it’s awesome: Ximending is one of the best places to visit in Taipei if you’re looking for cool shopping with a trendy and youthful vibe. Lively by day and by night, it has a wealth of recreational and leisure options too. Made popular when there was a heavy Japanese presence in Taiwan , it has gone from strength to strength since the 1980s.

It’s easy to spot the Japanese influences still today, though there is also a strong local feeling too. Brimming with clothes shops and accessory stores, the area also has cool karaoke joints, cinemas, and eateries.

What to do there: Spend hours browsing in a large variety of stores in Ximending, trying not to get swept away in the exuberant crowds. It’s an especially great place to shop in Taipei for alternative styles and items generally associated with various sub-cultures. Try out new fashions and perhaps add some funky pieces to your wardrobe. Stop for a bite to eat in one of the local restaurants and, as night falls, sing your heart out in one of the KTVs.

#12 – Ghost Mask Museum – One of the more unique places to visit in Taipei

• Quirky attraction
• Cultural and spiritual insights
• Hand-made items
• Lesser-visited museum

Why it’s awesome: The Ghost Mask Museum started life as one man’s private collection of hand-made ghostly masks. Nestled down a quiet alley, visitors can peer at some 1,500 unusual masks, with some that are rather grotesque and others that border on the comedic. Seeing the creepy collection of masks is definitely among the most unusual things to do in Taipei!

What to do there: Gaze in curiosity at the large collection of masks created by sculptor Wu Jyh Chyang and appreciate the effort and passion that must have gone into painstakingly creating each item by hand. Some masks are embellished with various items, including animal hair, cigarette butts, and scraps of cloth.

The museum provides insights into local ghost beliefs and some seek to teach valuable life lessons and warn of punishments that await one in the afterlife if people fail to live a righteous life. This may not be the top must-see in Taipei for those with a deep-seated fear of their own mortality… but I think it’s awesome!

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#13 – Taipei Botanical Garden – One of the nicer places in Taipei to sightsee!

• Centre for botanical research
• Pleasant walking trails
• Various gardens
• Wide selection of plants

Why it’s awesome:   Switching gears from Taipei’s more morbid attractions, the Taipei Botanical Garden is home to some 1,500 species of plants… and super pretty! Established as a botanical garden by the Japanese in the early 1920s, there has been a garden at the same place for many decades. The pretty and peaceful garden is split between 17 different areas, with historical buildings, sparkling ponds, and well-maintained footpaths too.

What to do there: Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque botanical garden, admiring a wide range of plants and flowers from different parts of the world. There are species native to the island of Taiwan, as well as those from neighbouring nations and farther afield. Some species are rare and there’s good information provided about the various flora.

#14 – Taipei Fine Arts Museum – A great place to visit in Taipei if you are alone/traveling solo

• Lovely building
• Interesting art works
• Activities for kids
• Learning opportunities

Why it’s awesome: The Fine Arts Museum is a Taipei must-do for anyone interested in art. A great place for solo travellers to immerse themselves in visual creativity, the museum has been capturing people’s interest since 1983. It was Taiwan’s first art museum to focus on contemporary and modern art. Now located at Taipei Expo Park, it’s a cool place to go in Taipei to escape the heat and enjoy a few hours in air-conditioned comfort.

The building has interesting architectural elements and there are many thought-provoking and stimulating art pieces to enjoy. There are regularly changing temporary displays in addition to the permanent exhibits, and the museum often hosts a range of special events.

What to do there: Wander along the tube-like suspended corridors, soaking up the Chinese influences, peer out through the gigantic windows to see nearby landmarks and open spaces, and, of course, feast your eyes on an abundance of fascinating art. Pieces span from the start of the twentieth century to the present day and there are works by both local and international artists.

Aiming to take visitors through the history of art in Taiwan, the museum also houses a number of antiques alongside modern works. If you’re visiting Taipei with children, don’t miss popping into the Children’s Art Education Centre too because kids love museums of fine art!

If you want to visit some more sites in the area, the Taipei Confucius Temple is just a ten-minute walk away and is a really stunning Chinese temple that doesn’t take too long to see.

#15 – Yehliu Geopark – A beautiful outdoor place to visit in Taipei

• Natural attraction
• Splendid views
• Brilliant photo opportunities
• Coastal setting

Why it’s awesome: Yehliu Geopark is a fascinating natural attraction to add to your bucket list when you travel to Taipei. Although fairly remote, it is easy to reach by bus, making it an ideal day trip from Taipei. There are many interesting geological formations, created by the mighty powers of Mother Nature over thousands of years. The unusual landscapes are photogenic and there are amazing views out over the ocean so make sure you bring your camera !

What to do there: Walk along the coast, soaking up the views and marvelling at the unusual rocky landscapes. The cape runs for around 1,700 metres (5,577 feet), and highlights include features named the Kissing Rock, Sea Candles, Ice Cream Rock, Elephant Rock, Fairy Shoe, and Ginger Rocks. Take plenty of pictures of the stunning Queen’s Head. You can also pay a visit to the nearby Yehliu Ocean World where you can observe an interesting selection of aquatic creatures.

#16 – Dahu Park – A cool place to see in Taipei with friends

• Enjoy being outdoors
• Lake and mountain vistas
• Varied activities
• Home to local wildlife

Why it’s awesome: Located in the Neihu District of Taipei, Dahu Park was established in 1979. One of the city’s prettiest parks, it is known for its large and scenic lake. The park sits in the shadow of Mt. Bailushi. There are various leisure options and it’s one of the best Taipei vacation ideas for families and groups of friends looking for somewhere to unwind in nature.

Combining natural and man-made features, there’s plenty to keep you occupied for several hours and it’s also one of the best places to stay in Taipei . If you visit Taipei on the weekend you’ll likely find the park teeming with local families, but if you go on a weekday you can enjoy a quieter ambiance.

What to do there: Cross the pretty Jindai Bridge that spans the large Egret Lake and enjoy the views of the lake and the surrounding nature.

Follow nature trails through the park and spot diverse flora and fauna, relax in the traditional Chinese-style pagoda next to the water’s edge, have a go at fishing, unwind in the heated swimming pool, and enjoy a little TLC in the sauna and steam room. If you’re feeling active, climb Mt. Bailushi for terrific views over the area.

#17 – Taipei City Mall – The Underground Mall in Taipei

• A great place to shop for boutique clothing and souveniers
• Easily connected to Taipei Main Station
• The oldest market in Taipei
• A cool place to pass the time

Why it’s awesome: Taipei City Mall is an underground mall between the Daan and Zhongzheng districts in Taipei City. It was the first underground market to open in Taipei City though it’s had its share of history. In the 90s, the government decided to knock down the original market and build a new one. It opened in the year 2000, eight years later, and provided shops for the 810 market stalls that originally stood there.

Now, the 825-meter long underground mall is composed of modern shops, filled with boutique brands and traditional stalls intertwined. It connects to Taipei Main Station and the metro, which is right underneath the mall. So it’s pretty easy to get to.

What to do there: shop until you drop! It’s a mall, so of course, it’s the place to be to buy clothing and souvenirs. You can find contemporary brands or something a little more traditional, or you can find a cafe or restaurant to relax in and enjoy some good food.

#18 – Yangmingshan National Park – The Most Beautiful National Park in Taipei

• One of the 9 National Parks in Taiwan
• A great place to enjoy nature and being outdoors
• Hiking and wildlife activities available
• A quiet place to escape the busy city center

Why it’s awesome: The Yangmingshan National Park is one of nine national parks in Taiwan and is conveniently located between Taipei and New Taipei City. 

Historically referred to as Caoshan (which means Green Mountain in English) the national park is a breath of fresh air away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are some nice scenic spots in the park to enjoy a nice picnic or you can just enjoy being out in nature.

You’ll find hiking trails that take you through stunning gardens, over rolling landscapes and past the hot springs. If you are staying in Taipei City for more than a week I would definitely recommend taking the trip up here.

If you don’t have a lot of time and you want to see some nature, consider checking out the Elephant Mountain hike. The Elephant Mountain is located within the city close to the Xiangshan MRT Station.

What to do there: As it’s a national park, the best thing to do here is to unwind in nature and just stroll around the hills and gardens. 

If you’re visiting on a weekend, you can only get to the national park by bus. From Taipei Main Station, take the 260 bus or the Red 30/208 from Jiantan MRT Station. These buses will drop you off at Yangmingshan bus station where it’s just a 700 meter walk to the park entrance.

#19 – National Palace Museum – The Largest Collection of Chinese Artifacts in The World

• Largest collection of Chinese artefacts in the world
• In a gorgeous building that’s worthy of Instagram photos
• Located in the Shilin district, perfect for those who want street food after
• A nice, quiet indoor activity to do when it rains

Why it’s awesome: The National Palace Museum is known for its permanent collection of nearly 700,000 pieces of Chinese artwork, relics, and artifacts. This is the largest collection of its type in the world. 

Spanning 8,000 years of Chinese history, mostly from the Ming and Qing dynasty, but also dating as far back as the neolithic age. The collection of high-quality pieces was usually collected by Chinese emperors, and they are now on display for public viewing. 

Many of the artifacts used to be housed in the Forbidden City in Beijing, but during the Civil War in China, many items were moved to Taipei to protect them from getting destroyed in the conflict.

A total of 2,972 crates of artifacts were moved from the Forbidden City, which was only 22% of the original number of crates due to be sent here, but it is said that the pieces that made it to the National Palace Museum represented some of the very best of the collection.

What to do there: Walk around and enjoy the incredible artifacts, from pottery and ceramics, weapons, paintings, clothing, and tools. There’s so much to see here, it could easily take you a whole day. 

The exterior is also one of the most beautiful buildings in Taipei City. You should take your time to admire the outside as well as inside. It’s also located in the Shilin District, so if you go in the afternoon, you can head to the night market for some food after.

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Find out what people want to know about the where to go in Taipei.

What is a free place to visit in Taipei?

The Danshui River Mangrove Nature Reserve is free to visit and a beautiful area in Taipei.

How many days should I spend in Taipei?

Taipei is a city you can see in a long weekend. 2 or 3 days is enough to see all the main highlights, but you might want to hang around longer if you want to do the hikes too.

What is Taipei famous for?

Taipei is famous for being the capital of Taiwan and the birthplace to bubble tea.

Is Taipei an expensive place to visit?

Yes, Taipei is generally quite expensive. However, it is still cheaper than Japan.

So, Taiwan is awesome and so is the capital; Taipei is filled with beautiful places to see indulging in rich culture and vibrant history.

I’d even say that Taiwan is criminally unexplored when compared to its other East Asian neighbours.

There’s no shortage of secrets in the city if you’re aching to break away from Taipei’s tourist attractions. Even if you stick to visiting Taipei’s popular places, you’re still going to have an awesome time!

Taiwan is a fantastic little island and another gem of East Asia with its own unique history.

When you get there, make sure you soak it up. Go to some places, hit up Taipei’s best destinations, and, most of all, eat yourself into that mother of all food comas at one of the incredible night markets, because there are so many. Whether you go to the Shilin Night Markets, Raohe Night Markets or Ningxia Night Market, don’t be afraid to try some BBQ.

And, most of all, have a blast!

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I want to buy a large paper map of Taipei that has the street names written in pinyin. Do you know where I can buy this kind of map?

I’m curious but I’ve read that the Ghost Mask Museum now has been closed. Do you know anything about this?

We haven’t heard about this. We don’t have anybody on the ground to go and check so if you find anything, please do let us know!

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The First-Timer’s Taipei Travel Guide

Updated March 2024

Whether this is your first time in Asia or your second, this first-timer’s Taipei travel guide will show you all that there is to discover. Taipei is a sprawling city and with so much to see and do, you could get lost down the lantern-stringed streets for hours.

Taipei was not the kind of city I had expected for Asia. It was my first time visiting Taipei so I was excited to explore it on my own. It was organized yet there were whizzing motorcycles, it was cosmopolitan yet felt tropical. There was the kind of upscale dining you’d expect, but for every 5 star restaurant there was a food cart to match. You could experience both sides of the spectrum and truly enjoy both. Taipei is a city for those who love food and who love to explore endless streets. A trip to Taipei is the experience for those looking to be surprised by somewhere that is too often overlooked.

There are so many things to do in Taipei, so take a look at where to say in Taipei and use this travel guide to help plan your trip!

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in Taipei:

• CHECK inn , for the best centrally-located hotel
• W Taipei , for the best elevated hotel

For more Taipei planning resources, don’t miss why I fell in love with Taipei and my guide to the top things to do !

What to Know Before Visiting Taipei

Getting to Taipei

Taipei has a great international airport that is easily reached with many direct flights. Landing in Taoyuan International Airport, you can take the shuttle bus (U-bus) to the Taoyuan High Speed Rail station to access Taipei Main Station. Pre-arranged transfers with a hotel is also advised.

Getting Around Taipei

Once in the city of Taipei, the MRT (metro) is easy to use. Be sure to get an Easy Card at a Seven Eleven to use for easy entry into train stations.

Uber is very affordable and practical for getting around Taipei. Avoid rush hour as traffic can be painfully slow.

Currency and Money

The Easy Card is your best friend as you can use it for trains, busses, buying food at Seven Eleven and even taxis. This is like their local credit card.

Cash is king here and though most nice restaurants and cafes will accept credit card, cash is still needed for many places.

I’d suggest a translating app to assist while traveling in Taiwan. English is widely spoken in Taipei but a few phrases in the local language always helps.

I would recommend a minimum of 4 nights if you plan to do a day trip at least once. The city is big, with plenty to do and eat.

If you’re not to sure what to expect in Taiwan, take a look at this post on why I fell in love with the city.

Weather and When to Visit

Through looking at the different seasons, I believe the best time to visit Taipei is during the fall. It is cool weather and the least amount of rain.

The summers in Taipei can be hot and humid, so I’d avoid the peak of summer if you don’t love the heat.

Where to Stay in Taipei

Check inn (where i stayed).

Centrally located and footsteps from the MRT, this is a good, well-priced option. It is a young hotel and features a good cafe for breakfast and coffee as well. Book the best rates here .

For those looking for a luxe experience, this design-forward hotel is the spot. Well located and beautiful, it’s an upscale stay. Book the best rates here .

Where to Eat in Taipei

Addiction Aquatic Center

Easily some of the best sushi I have ever had, this place is a must. A cash-only sushi bar inside a fish market that is stunning and a great night out in Taipei.

Din Tai Fung

This is a classic and almost on everyone’s list when in Taipei. Dim sum and soup dumplings are a must on a visit to Taipei. Pro-tip: Put your name on the list and head to the top of Taipei 101 before settling for lunch or dinner.

Choose me Cafe & Restaurant

Solid cafe for coffee and small plates.

Restaurant Pinecone

Inventive dishes in a beautiful space, like Japanese-fried chicken over spaghetti.

Aura Pizzeria

Come here for your pizza cravings.

Ay Chung Flour Rice Noodles

The place (with lines) which serves some incredible Taiwanese noodles and food.

Yongkang Beef Noodles

An iconic dish from Taiwan, beef noodle soup is a staple during a trip.

Beautiful space with a brunch menu.

Ice Monster

A must try is Taiwanese shaved ice and this place serves some of the best.

What to Do in Taipei

• Book a private full-day tour of the city
• Check out the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall . This is one of the best things to do in Taipei
• Shop and cafe hop down the tree-lined Fujin Street
• Go to the top of Taipei 101 Observatory for a great view of the city. Be sure to put your name down at Din Tai Fung before going up
• Catch sunset over the city from Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan Trail, Nangang District Hiking Trail)
• Explore the National Palace Museum to see Chinese art and artifacts
• Head to the neighborhood of Ximending District where you can shop through multiple merchants and there’s plenty to eat
• Hit a night market while in town, like the Shilin Night Market
• Take a day trip to Jiufen
• One of my favorite places to visit from Taipei is also Sun Moon Lake

If you’re looking for a guided day tour, take a look at these options:

*Bon Traveler was welcomed as a guest of Taiwan Tourism Bureau. As always, all opinions are own.

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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!

These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you . If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here .

1. Book Your Flights

Use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.

2. Book Your Accommodations

Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

4. Book Your Car

Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

Get a Priority Pass membership to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

• World Nomads (best for all-around)
• Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)

Xx, Jessica

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This is great thank you so much! I’m hoping to go there in the spring and will definitely go to some of the places you recommend. it looks amazing!

Amazing! Have a wonderful trip!!!

Thank you so much for this! I am studying abroad in Taipei this summer and I am so excited to explore the places you mentioned. Your pictures also look AMAZING. May I ask what camera you used to take these?

Ah thank you! They are all taken on a Sony A7ii. I have a full post on my camera gear if you want to see the list!

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• 1.1 Central districts
• 1.2 Suburban districts
• 2.1 Climate
• 2.2 Tourism
• 4.1.1 Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport
• 4.1.2 Songshan Airport
• 4.2.1 Baggage storage
• 4.4 By boat
• 5.1 By metro
• 5.3 By taxi
• 5.4 By bicycle
• 5.6 Address system
• 6.1 Landmarks
• 6.2 Museums and galleries
• 6.3 Parks and outdoors
• 6.4 City gates
• 7.1 Hot springs
• 7.3 Theme parks
• 7.4 Festivals and events
• 8.1 Shopping areas
• 8.2 Electronic goods
• 8.3 Specialty items
• 9.1 Night markets
• 9.2 Restaurants
• 9.3 Vegetarian
• 10.1 Bars and clubs
• 10.2 Tea houses
• 12.1 Buddhism
• 12.2 Universities
• 12.3 Language
• 12.4 Taichi
• 12.5 Cooking
• 14.1 Hospitals
• 14.2.1 WiFi
• 14.2.2 Internet cafés
• 14.3 Major airlines
• 14.5 Telephone
• 14.6 Tourist and emergency numbers
• 14.7 Printing documents
• 14.8 Reservations
• 15 Stay safe
• 16.1 Foreign missions
• 16.2 Embassies

Taipei (臺北; Tâi-pak in Taiwanese, Táiběi in Mandarin) is the national capital of Taiwan and one of the world's major global cities. Sitting in the northern part of the island in a basin between the Yangming Mountains and the Central Mountains, Taipei serves as the island's financial, cultural, and governmental center. The city is a diverse mix of Chinese, Japanese and Western influences, vibrant in its own right yet unhurried by global standards. In addition to popular tourist destinations such as Ximending and Taipei 101, Taipei is also rich in tea houses, art galleries, night markets, and other cultural sights. Taipei has plenty of green space in the form of both parks within the city as well as natural areas easily accessible by both public transportation and private vehicle. A very livable city, Taipei has excellent public transportation that gives visitors access to all the various neighborhoods in addition to relaxing natural areas like Maokong. Taipei's dining culture is accessible to people of all tastes and dietary restrictions: small local markets provide inexpensive high-quality Taiwanese food of all kinds; night markets sell snacks, meals, and fresh ingredients; and restaurants of various types and nationalities are spread throughout the city. Taipei also have a diversity of districts and neighborhoods that can variously feel like Seoul, Tokyo, Bangkok, or Beijing. The capital is also a great jumping off point for day trips to hot springs, old mining towns and national parks around the Northern Taiwan area.

Taipei is a fast-growing city, but despite the pressure on land, a park is never far away, especially in the suburban areas. The downtown area is culturally divided into East and West. The west side, with its narrow streets and road side vendors, is considered the bastion of old Taipei life, whereas East Taipei, with its bustling supermalls, chic boutiques, stylish restaurants and classy cafes, reminiscent of those found in Tokyo , Seoul , Paris or New York City represents its metamorphosis.

The Greater Taipei metropolitan area beyond Taipei City boundaries includes the surrounding New Taipei City (新北市) and Keelung (基隆市), representing the largest urban cluster in Taiwan with nearly 7 million people, though run by three different government authorities.

Central districts

Suburban districts

In 1884, the Qing dynasty governor of Taiwan, Liu Mingchuan, decided to move the prefecture capital to Taipei. With the construction of government offices and the influx of civil servants, Taipei's days as a sleepy market town were over. When Taiwan was granted provincial status in 1887, Taipei remained the provincial capital. As Taipei is in the north of Taiwan (the closest area to Japan), the city continued to thrive when Taiwan was ceded to Japan in 1895. However, as Japan was in the throes of a 'modernize-come-what-may' period, little regard was paid to Taipei's traditional Chinese-style architecture, and many of the old buildings, including the city walls, were demolished. Nevertheless, several Qing Dynasty structures, including the old North Gate, the former Provincial Administration Hall and several temples still survive. In addition, several distinctive buildings were constructed in the city under Japanese rule - these include the Presidential Palace and National Taiwan University.

The city's architecture again suffered a major onslaught when the KMT government arrived from mainland China in 1945. In order to cope with the influx of millions of mainland refugees, temporary housing estates sprang up all around the city. Later, these were replaced by Soviet-era style (or 'no-style') concrete apartment buildings, which characterized Taipei's landscape for decades. Many of these building still survive, but as Taiwan's economy took off and people became more affluent, a brighter and bolder city began to emerge from the 1980s. New districts were established, tree lined boulevards were laid, high quality apartment blocks constructed, and chic and stylish cafes and restaurants opened.

The Taipei of today is rated as one of the planet's wealthiest and most innovative cities, and is characterized by its friendly people and safe streets. While it is not usually high on the list of tourist destinations, in reality it is a fascinating place to visit and live, and Taipei's local cuisine has deservedly earned its place among Asia's finest. Furthermore, despite its size, Taipei does not have any rough areas that are considered unsafe, even at night, which in itself is attractive.

Taipei has a semi-tropical climate characterized by hot and humid weather. The most comfortable season to visit is the fall, when the rainfall is at its lowest and the temperatures average a pleasant mid 20 °C. February to April are particularly damp with little sunlight, while the summers can be very hot, but often punctuated by heavy thunder showers. Taipei is prone to typhoons from May to October, though the highest concentrations are in August and September. Winters can be quite chilly, with temperatures occasionally falling below 10 °C at night, though snowfall has never been known to occur except on very rare occasions at higher elevations in Yangmingshan National Park.

• Taiwan Tourism Bureau – The official Tourism Bureau website.
• Taipei Travel Net – The official travel guide from the Taipei City Government.

Taipei is a city of people from many different origins, most of the Chinese population can be divided between those whose families arrived in Taiwan during the 17th to 19th centuries, and those who came over with the ROC government after the Chinese Civil War in the 1940s and 1950s. While Mandarin is the lingua franca , and is spoken and understood by most people under the age of 60, other Chinese languages can be commonly heard as well. Among the earlier immigrant groups, while speakers of Taiwanese form the majority, there is also a significant number of Hakka -speakers living in Taipei.

English is compulsory in all Taiwanese schools, and most people under the age of 40 will have at least a basic grasp of English. Learning some Mandarin and/or Taiwanese will make your trip much smoother. Japanese is widely spoken in hotels and the main tourist areas due to the large number of Japanese tourists. Korean , Thai , Vietnamese and Indonesian are also spoken by some service staff in the main tourist areas.

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport

The Taoyuan Airport MRT rail is the fastest travel option fo/from the airport.

• Between 06:00 and 23:00, two trains run every 15 minutes in each direction, one Express, one Commuter. The journey to Taipei by the Express Train takes roughly 38 minutes and the fare is NT$160 for either train type (NT$150 if paid by EasyCard). The train terminates at Taipei Main Station (on the red and blue MRT lines), and there is also an underground walkway to Beimen MRT Station (on the green MRT line). For passengers heading to Taipei, it is best to wait for the Express Train, as the Commuter Train stops at every station.
• At Taipei Main Station, some airlines (China Airlines, EVA Air and their subsidiaries) allow you to check-in and check your bags ahead of time, which are also then sent to the airport on the MRT. However, you must do this between 6 hours and 3 hours before your flight departure time. Follow the signs for “In-Town Check-in” on the upper levels of the Taipei Main Airport MRT station.
• The platform at Taipei Main Station is some 300 meters from Taipei MRT platforms.

Other options, listed from cheapest to most expensive:

• Express airport buses cost between NT$120-150 depending on the bus company, 50–70 minutes depending on traffic and there are stops at both terminals. Most Taipei routes are divided into West and East, with each company operating a service every ten to fifteen minutes on each route. The western line bus terminates at Taipei Main Railway Station and also makes a stop at Yuanshan MRT Station on the Xindian line. (The Airbus company buses on the western line meander through local towns before joining the freeway and therefore take much longer than the blue and white Guoguang buses which enter the freeway directly.) Buses plying the eastern route terminate at the Taipei Grand Hyatt Hotel and make a stop at Zhongxiao-Fuxing MRT Station on the Nangang and Muzha lines. There is also a bus connecting to the domestic Songshan Airport. Ticket counters display route maps showing all stops. In addition, there are some non-express buses which are slightly cheaper, but pass through towns such as Taoyuan (桃園), Nankan (南崁) or Kueishan (龜山) before arriving in Taipei.
• It is also easy to get to 25.0131 121.2148 3 Taoyuan High Speed Rail station from the airport. You can take the MRT rail line there (previously, you had to take a bus). From there, you can catch one of the HSR trains to Taipei Main Station (where it is easy to take a taxi or MRT to your final destination). The bus is NT$30 and the train is NT$165. The total journey time takes 5–15 minutes waiting time, 18–25 minutes on the bus, and 19 minutes to Taoyuan HSR; roughly 1 hour in all. On the way back, there are check-in counters at the station for China Airlines, EVA Air flights.
• A one-way taxi fare between the airport and Taipei will cost at the minimum NT$900 (generally NT$1,000-1,200 from the airport). In Taipei, don't make the mistake of asking a taxi driver to take you to the Taipei airport (Songshan) if you actually mean Taiwan Taoyuan Airport. The international airport is actually about an hour's drive from Taipei, while Songshan is in downtown Taipei.
• A one-way pre-arranged car fare between the airport and Taipei will cost at the minimum NT$1,300-1,500. Generally these sedans are pre-arranged through your hotel and the car company or driver will meet you as soon as you exit baggage claim. Since the price is not much more than taking a taxi, it is usually recommended that you ask your hotel if they offer this service. This is a more comfortable half-hour ride to the hotel.
• Direct bus connections between the airport and other cities in Taiwan are also available. U-bus also runs shuttle buses every 15 min from both terminals to THSR Taoyuan station (15 min away), from where you can continue your journey by high-speed train.

In addition to the transit hotel within the airport terminal, there are several hotels near the airport if you want more comfortable quarters for an extended transit or would rather lodge by the airport than in Taipei. The Novotel Taoyuan International Airport, next to the China Airlines headquarters building, is mere minutes from both terminals and has commanding views of the airport's runways. Also nearby is the CitySuites Gateway Hotel [dead link] , 10 minutes from the Cing-pu High-speed Rail Station and three minutes away from Taoyuan International Airport.

There is a night service , although it's really hard to find information about it. Best source is the airport website . As of February 2012 there is overnight bus service to Taipei Railway station at the following times 01:30, 03:00 for Terminal 1 (exit B5), add 10 mins for Terminal 2 (bus station, 1819 stand). Ticket can be purchased from the driver - NT$165. Another bus at 04:00, Wednesday & Saturday at Terminal 2, is unconfirmed. From the Taipei Railway you can take overnight train to connect to other cities or bus from the adherent bus station. It takes about 55 min from the airport to the city (at night).

Songshan Airport

All inter-city trains, operated by the Taiwan Railway Administration (臺鐵) and Taiwan High Speed Rail (臺灣高鐵), arrive at and depart from 25.0478 121.5171 5 Taipei Railway Station on Zhongxiao West Road, Sec 1 - opposite the 53 story Shinkong Mitsukoshi Building (新光三越). Taipei Main Station is a huge facility. Ticket counters are on the first floor and platforms on B2. There is also a food court on the second floor, several underground shopping malls, and directly connects to Taipei Main Station on the Taipei Metro which is served by Tamsui (Red) line and Bannan (Blue) line. In addition to ticket counters, the first floor also has a tourist office, a post office, stores selling aboriginal handicrafts and several booths offering head and neck and full body massage (NT$100 for every ten minutes).

There are also three other train stations in Taipei city. Wanhua Station (萬華車站) is in the south-western part of the city and is within walking distance of MRT Longshan Temple Station and is only served by local trains. Songshan Station (松山車站) is close to Raohe Street Night Market and all trains operated by the Taiwan Railway Administration stop at the station. Nangang Station (南港車站) is on the eastern end of the city and is served by local trains and some express trains. It is directly connected to Nangang Station on Taipei Metro's Bannan (Blue) line and the Taiwan High Speed Rail is expected to operate into the station by the beginning of 2015. All train stations in Taipei city accept Easy Cards to enter the station in addition to tickets bought at the vending machines or counters.

The THSR stations and platforms are wheelchair-friendly and all trains include a wheelchair-accessible car (wider doors, ample space, accessible bathroom). The official English guide for online reservations distinguishes between "senior or disabled tickets" and "handicap-friendly seats"; while it's possible to buy a ticket for the former online ("correct passenger ID" required), a ticket for the latter has to be reserved by calling the ticketing office on the phone.

Baggage storage

• Lockers of different sizes are available at the Taipei Main Station. NT$20-50 per 3 hours, maximum 3 days.
• 25.047428 121.51892 1 Taipei Railway Station carry-on baggage center ( 臺北車站行李託運中心 ) ( leave Taipei Main Station by the Exit East 3, cross the road at the traffic light where the taxis wait, walk down the road and turn left into the alley just before the parking lot entrance, the building is on your right side ). daily 08:00–20:00 . NT$70 per bag . ( updated Jul 2022 )

Intercity buses arrive and depart from the 25.0491 121.5186 6 Taipei Bus Station , which is on Chengde Road, behind Taipei Main Station. Generally speaking, the buses operated by private companies are more comfortable and sport such amenities as wide reclining seats and individual game and video monitors. The government run buses are blue and white and are called guóguāng hào (國光號). All intercity buses are known as kèyùn (客運) and can be distinguished from the local city buses called gōngchē (公車) by the fact that they do not have a route number, but only the name of the destination.

CSF operates fast ferries (about 3 hr) from Pingtan in mainland China to Taipei (actually Bali District in New Taipei) and back. As of Feb 2019, the Taipei-Pingtan-Taipei route runs Tu W F and Sa ( full schedule ). Adult fares for non-Taiwan citizens start at NT$3,000/5,300 one-way/round-trip if purchased in advance ( fare table ), a couple hundred more if purchased at the pier ( fare table ). Fares are cheaper for Taiwan/ROC citizens ( advance / pier ).

Taipei City has a very clean, efficient and safe Mass Rapid Transit system known most commonly as the MRT , but also called Metro Taipei (臺北捷運). Fares are between NT$20 and NT$65 for one-way trips around town. It has been widely lauded as one of the most reliable and efficient systems in the world, and is often cited as a gold standard to which Metro systems around the world should aspire to. Stations are clearly identified in English as well as Chinese. All stops are announced in four languages: Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hakka and English. All stations have information booth/ticket offices close to the ticket vending machines. There is no eating or drinking while in the stations or on the trains. There are priority seats. If you need a seat, there are stickers offered at the information booth that allow passengers to identify those in need. Trains generally run from 06:00 to 00:00, with convenient bus connections outside the stations.

Women and/or children traveling at night can benefit from the Safe Zones - sections of platforms that are under heavy surveillance - in some of the subway lines. Stations and trains (including the monorail) are wheelchair-friendly, but when there are multiple exits from a single station, usually only one of these is equipped with a lift. All trains have priority seats (博愛座 bó ài zuò ) that have a dark blue colour distinct from that of the other seats; these are reserved for the elderly, disabled people, pregnant women and women carrying young children, so do not sit in them unless one of those situations applies to you.

In addition to single journey tickets, you can use the EasyCard or youyouka (as in 'yo-yo-ka', also 悠遊卡). These cards only need to be "touched" (sensor) past the barrier monitor to gain entry and exit from paid areas. One great advantage of using the EasyCard is that it gives you a 20% discount on all MRT rides, and if you transfer from the MRT to an ordinary city bus, or vice versa, within an hour, the bus ride is only NT$7. The discount is automatically calculated when you leave the MRT station. It is also possible to buy day cards just for the metro system for NT$200 (refundable deposit of NT$50) and for NT$180 you can buy a card that works on both the metro and buses. Alternatively, the Taipei Pass costs NT$250 (no deposit) and covers travel on the metro and Maokong Gondola for one day, which is cheap and convenient if you take at least six trips.

Often limited-edition cards are issued by the transit authority depicting artworks, famous characters, landscapes, etc. These are quite collectible and are perfect souvenirs for your trip. Single-journey tokens are recycled when you exit the stations, so if you want to keep a particular one you should purchase an extra.

If you're coming from southern Taiwan, Kaohsiung 's iPass can be used interchangeably with the EasyCard in Taipei.

When using escalators, be sure to stand on the right so people in a hurry can pass you on the left.

Taipei City has a very efficient bus service , and because all buses display information (destination and the names of stops) in English, the system is very accessible to non-Chinese speaking visitors. Payment can be made by cash (NT$15) or EasyCard (see Taiwan#Get around ) for each section that the bus passes through. For local buses (all local buses have a number, so do long-distance buses) the maximum will be two sections with a total cost of NT$45. The confusion, however, arises by not knowing where the section boundaries are, and the fact that there is often a buffer zone to prevent people who get on one stop before the boundary from overpayment. Besides that, if you are transferring from the MRT to a bus within one hour, there is a discounted bus fare when using the EasyCard, and vice versa, see #By metro .

As of July 1st, 2019, riders paying by cash must always pay when boarding the bus, and riders paying by EasyCard must tap both on and off when entering/exiting the bus. Prior to this change, there was a somewhat confusing system where riders would sometimes pay when entering the bus, and other times pay when leaving the bus. The EasyCard system will automatically calculate the number of zones travelled and deduct this from your card balance. Starting on February 1, 2020, failure to tap your EasyCard upon exiting the bus will not lock your card; however, you will not receive the MRT, bus, or YouBike transfer discount.

Taxis are the most flexible way to get around, and are extremely numerous. They are expensive in comparison to mass transit, but are cheap compared to taxis in the rest of the world. Taxis are metered, with the meter starting at NT$70 (an additional NT$20 is added at night). Most taxi drivers cannot speak English, and non-Chinese speakers will need to have their destination written down in Chinese . Tipping is neither necessary nor expected.

Since 2012, all passengers are required to buckle their seatbelt. Women and/or children traveling at night are advised to use one of the reputable taxi companies. The toll free taxi hotline is 0800-055850 (maintained by Department of Transportation).

Taiwanese taxi drivers tend to be more honest than in many other countries. They are notorious for their strong opinions on politics. A large majority of them support Taiwan independence as they spend all day listening to talk radio. They will probably be unable to share any of this with you if you do not speak Chinese. Avoid any potential political discussion.

It is not advisable for lone women at night to hail a random taxi from the street - it is best to have the number of one of the bigger taxi companies and to call for a cab.

Even though motorized traffic is very heavy in Taipei, bicycles are still legitimate vehicles to get around. There are long cycle paths beside most rivers in the city. Bicycles can also be carried on the Taipei metro but only at Saturdays, Sundays, and National Holidays and via certain stations - bicycles aren't permitted in larger interchange stations such as Taipei Main Station and Zhongxiao Fuxing, and bicycles are only permitted in the first and last carriages. Properly packaged folded bicycles are exempt from the restrictions upon ordinary bicycles. There are not many segregated bike lanes but on some busy streets cycling on the pavement (US English: sidewalk) is permitted where signed or marked, as in Japan.

Taipei has a great bike sharing system - YouBike . It is very cheap if you register through their site or via large touch panel screen at major parking stations but you need a local mobile number to have a 4 number code sent to it to prove it's yours. The first half hour is NT$5, which is enough for most every ride you need, then additional half hours are charged at NT$10. You use EasyCard or iPass (the same as for the subway and buses) to rent them. It's all very easy and the bikes are modern and convenient. Check each bicycle for defects before you use them; bike seats are turned backwards to signal some form of maintenance is required. You can't take another bike from the same parking station for 15 minutes after parking. A very useful smart phone app called bikefriend shows where each Youbike bike station is located and how many bikes or parking spots are available.

Renting a car is not only unnecessary, but not recommended in Taipei unless you are planning to head out of the city. Traffic tends to be frantic, and parking spaces are expensive and difficult to find. Most of the main tourist destinations are reachable by public transport, and you should use that as your main mode of travel.

Address system

The Taipei address system is very logical and user-friendly. The hub of the city is the corner of the east–west running Zhongxiao (忠孝) and north–south running Zhongshan (中山) Rds, however while the north–south divide is made at Zhongxiao here, further east it is made instead at Bade (八德) Rd, something which confuses even people who have lived in Taipei for years. All major roads are identified by their direction in relation to these roads. For example, all sections of the north–south running Fuxing (復興) Rd north of Bade are called Fuxing North Rd (復興北路). Likewise, those sections to the south are called Fuxing South Rd (復興南路). Those that cross Zhongshan road are similarly identified as either east or west. Section (段; duàn) numbers begin at 'one' near the two defining roads and increase at intersections of major highways. For example, Ren'ai (仁愛) Rd (which has only an east location and therefore does not have a direction suffix), Section 1 will be close to Zhongshan South Rd. The section number will increase as one moves further away from Zhongshan Rd. So, for example, when Ren'ai Rd reaches Dunhua South Rd (敦化南路) far in the east of the city, a typical address could be: 7F, 166 Ren'ai Rd, Section 4. The house and lane numbers begin at zero every section. Lanes (巷; xiàng) lead off roads (路; lù) and streets (街; jiē), while alleys (弄; lóng) branch off lanes.

Those who take the time to visit and look around will soon find that Taipei is just as vibrant as any other major city, and is full of a certain charm which makes it unique in its own right. Just spend a day wandering around Taipei's streets and you will start finding many surprises.

Several memorial halls like the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Zhongzheng District and Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in Xinyi commemorate the most recognized leaders of the Nationalists to the lesser known war dead in the Martyrs' Shrine in Zhongshan District . All three have honor guards which change at set hours, demonstrating military precision and solemn respect for the ROC leaders and soldiers before them. Built in the middle of large parks, the memorial halls are also good places for some quiet reflection.

While Taipei is largely secular, the elaborate Taoist and Buddhist temples such as Longshan Temple and Bao'an Temple in the older districts of Wanhua and Datong still draw locals who maintain the old rituals and traditions. On the glitzier side of town , Taipei 101 may have relinquished its tallest building status but remains a very popular attraction for its architectural style and observatory deck. On New Year's Eve, Taipei 101 becomes a beacon of lights and fireworks.

Museums and galleries

Anyone with even the slightest interest in Chinese history should visit the National Palace Museum in Shilin , which holds the singular best collection of historical artifacts from China, expertly curated by its staff. It is large enough that only one percent of what it owns is displayed at any one time, chief among them ancient paintings, scrolls, books and ceramics that span over 5000 years. The National Museum of History in Zhongzheng also holds valuable relics. Unfortunately, the National Museum of History has been closed for renovations indefinitely. There are other quirky little private museums such as the Miniatures Museum (Adult NS$200) and Museum of Drinking Water for more off-beat exploration.

Art in classical and contemporary forms can be appreciated too, in the Taipei Fine Arts Museum and the Taipei MOCA . Local artists have gathered in various artist villages to find inspiration and cultural centers like Huashan Cultural Center are interesting informal spaces for a creative spark. Taiwanese auteurs dream of becoming the next Ang Lee, displaying their independent films in the Spot-Taipei Film House. All these can be found in Zhongshan .

Parks and outdoors

If the cityscape gets a little dreary, there are plenty of parks to escape to. Daan Park is one of the largest in the city, earning the moniker of Taipei Central Park. 228 Peace Park in Zhongzheng was named to remember the bloody 228 Incident of 28 February 1947 and also holds the National Taiwan Museum and the 228 Memorial Museum. A few green spaces can also be found along the banks of the Keelung River, such as Zhongshan District 's Dajie Riverside Park.

Visit the Taipei Zoo in Wenshan to see giant pandas, brown bears and gorillas for a low, low price. It's more akin to a walk in a leafy park, where animals are free to roam around in their open enclosures. Combine it with a ride up on the Maokong Gondola , which has a few special glass-floor carriages, to relax further in the hilltop teahouses.

Even though very little ancient architecture remains in Taipei, four of Taipei's five original city gates still stand. The city walls which surrounded the old city and the West Gate were demolished by the Japanese to make way for roads and railway lines. Of the four gates still standing, the Kuomintang renovated three of them in its effort to "sinicize" Taipei and converted them from the original South Fujian style architecture to northern Chinese palace style architecture, leaving only the North Gate ( beimen 北門 or more formally Cheng'en men 承恩門) in its original Qing Dynasty splendor today. Long obstructed by a busy elevated freeway, the freeway was decommissioned and removed in 2016, and a park has been built around the gate.

Hot springs

Hot springs (溫泉) come in various brands in Taipei, ranging from basic natural pools, to plush spas at five star hotels. The three main places to have a soak in the Greater Taipei area are: Beitou (北投), Wulai (烏來) and Yangmingshan National Park (陽明山). The basic free 'rub and scrub' type public baths are run by the city. Most hotels offer the option of a large sex-segregated bathing area that generally consists of several large baths of various temperatures, jacuzzi, sauna and steam bath and also private and family rooms. Some hotels also have outdoor baths (露天溫泉), which offer restful views over the surrounding countryside. Prices range from around NT$300 to NT$800.

The law in Taiwan states that for safety reasons, individuals are not allowed to bathe in the private rooms, and there must be at least two people. Etiquette requires that bathers thoroughly wash and rinse off their bodies before entering public baths, do not wear clothing (which includes swimwear, though this is not the case for mixed-sex public areas) and tie up their hair so that it does not touch the water. Finally, people with high blood pressure, heart disease or open wounds should not enter the baths.

The mountains around Taipei make hiking is a popular exercise in the city. The main hiking spot closest to the city is the Four Beasts Mountain which border Xinyi and Nangang . One of the most rewarding walks is on Elephant Mountain , where steep steps lead up to several different viewpoints that give a striking contrast between Taipei 101 and its neighboring low-rise buildings, especially against the orange hues of sunset. Continuing on separate trails will head towards the remaining 'beasts' of Leopard, Lion and Tiger, and Nangang mountain and Jiuwufeng beyond them.

• Yangmingshan National Park ( 陽明山國家公園 ) ( just north of Beitou ). A favourite destination, particularly during spring when thousands of calla lilies, peonies and cherry blossoms bloom in the valleys. Besides that public hot springs, as well as hot sulphur blow holes and sources are equally worth the visit. There are dozens of hiking trails in the park, most marked out on maps from the visitors centre. Qixingshan is the highest peak in Yangmingshan, and looks out over the Taipei Basin and the north coast.  

Theme parks

There are a few amusement parks around Taipei. One is the Children's Recreation Center in Shilin , great for younger kids. The Taipei Water Park near Museum of Drinking Water in Gongguan is also a good place to spend time during summer, with its water slides and swimming areas.

Festivals and events

Taipei hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, but as many follow the lunar calendar the dates according to the Gregorian calendar are inconsistent. Check the Taiwan Tourist Bureau's events section before planning to attend an event.

• The Lantern Festival is a dazzling display of lanterns and lasers which runs for several days around the fifteenth day of the lunar new year. While the main city event is held at the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall and Taipei City Hall grounds, Renai Road perhaps offers the most elegant display, with the whole tree-lined boulevard transformed into a delicate tunnel of lights. Pingxi in New Taipei City celebrates the festival with the release of huge lanterns that float serenely across the night sky, carrying with them the dedications and aspirations of those who release them.
• Dragon Boat Festival commemorates the death of the Chinese patriotic poet Qu Yuan (born 340 BC), who drowned himself in a river out of despair that his beloved country, Chu, was being plundered by a neighboring country as a result of betrayal by his own people. The festival is marked by races of colorful dragon boats held at various locations throughout the island, with one of the best places to view a race in the Taipei area being the Bitan River in Xindian . Special sticky rice balls called zongzi (pronounced like "dzongdz") are also eaten on this day. The festival falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month.
• Taipei Pride Parade .  

It has been said that Los Angeles has no center. In contrast, one could say that Taipei is all center, and as such it has been given the epithet - "the emporium without end." Basically, however, the main shopping area can be divided into two districts: East and West. West Taipei is the old city and is characterized by narrow streets packed with small shops. East Taipei boasts wide tree lined boulevards and the biggest shopping malls are in this area.

Shopping areas

The busiest part of East Taipei is in between MRT Zhongxiao Dunhua Station and MRT Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall Station (Bannan Line). The axis of this shopping area is Zhongxiao East Road, Sec. 4 , which is surrounded by numerous department stores. SOGO has three branches in this area, mainly sales various of boutique. Another notable one is Mingyao Department Store which has the flagship store of Uniqlo in it. East Taipei is also famous for the small stores inside the alleys. On the other hand, Daan Road in the other side of the area, has more elegant clothing shops.

Xinyi is arguably the premier shopping area in Taipei, if not all of Taiwan, and is anchored by a number of department stores and malls. Key among them is Taipei 101 Mall , as part of the larger Taipei 101 complex, and the massive Xinyi branch of the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi departmental store chain, which is the largest department store in Taiwan. Eslite Mall is an upscale market-style shopping center with a 24-hour bookshop (with a good English selection) on the second floor and ethnic music store in basement. For absolute luxury, try Bellavita Shopping Mall or Breeze Center . Also in the East District at near the Zhongxiao Fuxing Metro station is the flagship store of the Far Eastern Sogo department store chain, consisting of two separate buildings. Songshan has some shopping malls with distinctive architectural features, such as the Miramar Entertainment Park , which sports a giant ferris wheel along with an IMAX theater.

For trendier fashion catering to youths, check out Ximending (西門町) in Wanhua just west of Downtown. If it's pink, plastic, and imported from Japan, you can probably find it on sale in a store. Sneakerheads will also find shoe stores with the latest limited releases here in sneaker-crazy Taipei, though you need to get a number and wait in a queue buzzing with anticipation. Several night markets don't just sell food but also have a large variety of clothing, handbags and more, like Shida Night Market near the university areas in Gongguan and Shilin Night Market .

Electronic goods

As the sales headquarters for many homegrown multinational electronics manufacturers (including Asus, Garmin and Acer among others), good bargains and unique models can be found in Taipei. Those interested in picking up inexpensive electronic goods and cameras should wander the lanes and alleys around Kaifeng Street and Zhonghua Road, as well as the malls connected to Taipei Main Station .

Computer buffs will enjoy a visit to Guanghua Digital Plaza (光華數位新天地). Specializing in computer and electronic goods, this market has the largest number of stalls selling hardware and software under one roof in Taiwan, and all at very competitive prices. Along with it is Syntrend Creative Park (三創生活園區) opened in 2015, specializes in electronics of all kinds and is a location for large companies such as Asus, Samsung, BenQ, and Acer to showcase their newest products. The Taipei Zhongshan Metro Shopping Mall (Easy Mall) is a long underground shopping area that houses several stores selling all manner of items, not necessarily limited to electronics. A few stores in the Easy Mall carry current and vintage video games, hardware and software.

Specialty items

For jade, flowers and jewelry in one central location, check out the Jianguo Holiday Market in Daan . There are actually three different markets, the Weekend Jade Market, Weekend Flower Market and Weekend Handicrafts Market in this same location. As the names suggest, they are open only on weekends until 18:00. The Chinese Handicraft Mart in Zhongzheng is also good for handicrafts.

Wanhua's Dihua Street, Bopiliao Old Street and Snake Alley night market are throwbacks to the older days of Taipei, back when herbal remedies and aphrodisiacs were extremely popular. Pottery enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to Yingge in New Taipei City . Its old street is a crescent of beautiful pottery shops interspersed with coffee shops and tea houses.

Zhongshan North Road (中山北路) is a tree-lined boulevard featuring numerous international and local brands. Gucci and Louis Vuitton are among the brands who operate stores along this street. This road, particularly along the second section, is also famous for its numerous wedding picture studios and gown boutiques . It is possible to find a great deal for wedding portraits here as competition is stiff.

Go to just north of the junction with Zhongxiao West Rd on Zhongshan North Rd, sec 1 (west side of the road) for trekking and backpacking stores selling a wide range of high quality equipment, and you'll be ready for all the outdoor hiking that Taipei and Taiwan offers.

Taipei has great book shops , and roads such are Chongqing South Road are packed with stores specializing in Chinese language books. The Station Front Area (站前) is a section of downtown Taipei just south of the Taipei Railway Station. It is a bustling area filled with shops and stores of all kinds, but it is particularly well known for its high concentration of bookstores due to the bloom of bushibans (also known as cram schools).

The following book stores all have good selections of English titles:

• Eslite , ☏ +886 2 2775-5977 . (誠品) – Eslite offers a good selection at most of their branches, although the 24 hour flagship store (2F, 245 Dunhua South Rd. has the best selection. Eslite Book Store and shopping mall (11 Songgau Road), which incidentally is the largest book store in Taiwan, have the greatest selection. The Songgau Rd branch is next to MRT Station 'Taipei City Hall'.  
• Caves Books (敦煌) has two branches (54-3 Zhongshan North Road, Sec 2, near Yuanshan MRT Station. tel +886 2 2599-1166). This is a temporary location, while the old store is demolished and rebuilt. The other branch (5, Le 38, Tianyu St, Tianmu. Tel: +2 886 2874-2199) is one of the original book stores in Taipei specializing in English titles. And, although it has been surpassed by the newer arrivals, it is still a good place to pick up a popular novel and English language textbooks.
• Lai Lai ( 來來 ), 4F, 271 Roosevelt Road, Sec 3 , ☏ +886 2 2363-4265 . This shop has a small but interesting selection of English material.  
• Crane Publishing Company , 200 Section 2, Jinshan S Rd, Da’an District , ☏ +886 2 2393-4497 . Specialists in English language textbooks and teaching material.  
• Bookman Books , Room 5, 2F, 88 Xinsheng South Road, Sec 3 , ☏ +886 2 2368-7226 . This is an excellent collection of English literature books, albeit a little expensive.  
• Mollie Used Books , 12, Alley 10, Lane 244, Roosevelt Road sec 3 , ☏ +886 2 2369-2780 . You'll find a reasonable selection of English titles here.  

NB : In order to protect the environment, a government policy rules that plastic bags cannot be given freely at stores in Taiwan, but have to be bought (NT$1) - bakeries being an exception as the items need to be hygienically wrapped. Re-usable canvas and nylon bags are sold at most supermarkets.

Taipei is a foodie's paradise. Almost every street and alley offers some kind of eatery. Although Taiwanese cuisine is primarily based on the cuisine of southern Fujian, the huge influx of Kuomintang refugees from mainland China after losing the Chinese Civil War means that Taipei is also one of the best places in the world to sample regional cuisines from all over China, with many of these also having been given a unique Taiwanese twist. In addition, Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean and Italian cuisines are also popular. Basically, East Taipei , especially around Dunhua and Anhe Roads, and also the expat enclave of Tianmu are where to clash chopsticks with the rich and famous, whereas West Taipei offers more smaller, homey restaurants.

Night markets

There are several night markets (夜市) in each district. Some are open during daytime, and all are open until around midnight. Night markets consist of restaurants and stores at the permanent locations and little booths along the center. Every night market has a huge variety of food, so a visit to any one is a good bet for good food.

A lot of Taiwanese street food hasn't actually originated from Taipei, but any popular xiaochi (small snack) eventually makes their way up to the capital. Some of the best known night market snacks are: oyster vermicelli (蚵仔麵線; ô-á mī-sòa), oyster omelet (蚵仔煎; ô-á-chian), fried chicken fillet (雞排; jīpái), stinky tofu (臭豆腐; chòudòufǔ) and aiyu jelly (愛玉冰; ài-yù-bīng) among a long list of others. Because of the vast selection, the recommendation is to go with a few people and share the food. Otherwise, honestly the best way to eat is to join the longest queue in the market, or just buy whatever catches your eye! Vendor food is generally safe to eat, but use common sense though if you have a sensitive stomach.

The most famous one in Taipei is the Shilin Night Market (士林夜市). It is easily accessible via the MRT at either the Jiantan (劍潭) or Shilin (士林) stations. Locals in Taipei view Shilin as touristy, with food catering to the tastes of mainland visitors. Another excellent option is Ning Xia Night Market (寧夏夜市) in Datong near the Taipei Circle (建成圓環) and accessible via the MRT at Zhongshan (中山) station. Raohe Street Night Market (饒河街觀光夜市) is also a viable option. It is a mere stone's throw away from the Songshan (松山) railway station.

Restaurants

While it might be possible to spend all your dinners at night markets, Taipei also has plenty of sit-down restaurants with more substantial dishes. For upmarket Taiwanese cuisine, which revolves around the mild yet flavorful trio of basil, garlic and chili, in addition to white rice or sweet potato congee (no wheat-based products for example), try Ching-yeh Aoba in Zhongshan or Shinyeh Table in Daan . But for more down-to-earth experiences, don't forget to go to one of the many "hot fry" (熱炒) restaurants in Taipei where the locals go to eat Taiwanese food and drink beer and kaoliang. Be prepared for a noisy atmosphere, tiny seats, lots of empty beer bottles and excellent food at a low price.

The influx of KMT refugees makes Taipei one of the easiest places to sample a quality spread of regional Chinese cuisines. Xiaolongbao (小籠包) or soup dumplings is a Shanghainese dish made famous by Din Tai Fung , whose first storefront at Xinyi Road remains heavily patronised by fans of the world-wide franchise. They have many branches all over the city too, though their branch at Taipei 101 is also extra crowded. Around the corner from Xinyi Road is Yongkang Street , which boasts quite a mix of old and new restaurants like Kaochi or Jin Ji Yuan . Both serve xiaolongbao , along with other dishes such as fried chicken, good alternatives for when the queue to Din Tai Fung is an hour long.

Beef noodle soup is a national icon; Taipei even holds a yearly judging event every September to appraise competitors. There are two main types: hongshao (紅燒牛肉麵), a strongly flavored dish derived from Sichuan spicy bean paste and soya sauce braised beef, and qingdun (清燉牛肉麵), a clear light broth, derived from the cuisine of Shandong , although there are even tomato varieties popping up around the city. On Yongkang St alone, there're already two beef noodle shops, Yongkang Beef Noodle and Lao Zhang , which have their own regulars. Those more game to get to hard-to-find places can reward themselves at Lin Tung Fong in Zhongshan or the one at Taoyuan Street near Ximending .

Another popular dish in Taipei is ginger duck (薑母鴨)，which originated in South Fujian , but has undergone its own unique evolution in Taiwan. It is only eaten in the winter, and shops selling this dish close for the summer months. Ba Wei Ginger Duck (霸味薑母鴨) is a famous shop selling this dish, and while its main branch is in Sanchong , it also has many branches throughout the city.

Vegetarian food (素食) is also common fare, with the city boasting more than two hundred vegetarian restaurants and vendor stands. Another Taipei specialty is vegetarian buffets . They are common in every neighborhood, and unlike the 'all-you-can-eat' buffets listed below (which charge a set price, usually ranging from NT$250-350 including dessert and coffee/tea), the cost is estimated by the weight of the food on your plate. Rice (there is usually a choice of brown or white) is charged separately, but soup is free and you can refill as many times as you like. NT$75-120 will buy you a good-sized, nutritious meal. Many of these veggie restaurants are Buddhist in nature and so meals do not contain garlic or onion (which traditionalists claim inflames passion).

• Minder Vegetarian . This is a restaurant chain offering the above-mentioned vegetarian buffet. Aside from the usual line of vegetarian dishes, contemporary cuisine such as rice rolls, tempura and a range of desserts, all entirely vegetarian, are offered as well. Major branches in Taipei are available at Taipei Main Station 2F, Breeze Taipei Branch , No. 3, Beiping North Road, Eslite Bookstore B2, Xinyi Branch , Xinyi District, No. 11, Songgao Road and Eslite Bookstore B1, Dunhua South Branch , Da-an District, No. 245, Dunhua South Road, Sec. 1.
• [dead link] Lotus Pavilion Restaurant , 153-155 Xinyi Rd B1, Sec. 4 ( entrance in alley behind Changhwa Bank ), ☏ +886 2 2703-5612 . An upscale all-you-can-eat buffet.  
• King Join , No 18 Shin-Wei Rd , ☏ +886 2-2701-3225 . Traditional Chinese setting.  
• For a special Taipei street experience, check out the veggie vendor outside No. 30, Lane 216, Zhongxiao East Road Sec. 4 (in the alleys behind the Dunhua South Road Eslite Mall and book store). The rice noodles are especially delicious and cheap and a plate of their dougan (dried tofu) makes a great side dish.

The nightlife in Taipei runs from boisterous night markets to equally exuberant clubs and bars, and indeed the city comes alive with glittering lights after the last rays of the sun leave the grey buildings.

Bars and clubs

Xinyi is where the biggest and most flashy clubs are, especially the ATT4FUN Building which has an excellent view of Taipei 101, while smaller shophouses around the Taida and Shida university areas host live music gigs (although lessened after noise complaints). The "Combat Zone" in Zhongshan used to be the go-to district for US soldiers in the Vietnam War and remains fairly gritty with quite the collection of dive bars. The area around Red House Theater near Ximending has a large number of outdoor bars which are generally known to be gay-friendly. Visit the Taiwan Beer Bar , also known as Taipei Brewery, in Zhongzheng if you fancy trying cheap and fresh brews of the local favorite Taiwan Beer.

Cover charges are usually required for entry, but these will include a free drink at the very least, with some places even offering free flow of house pours for the whole night after payment. Wednesday nights are ladies' night in most venues.

Taiwan's speciality tea is High Mountain Oolong (高山烏龍, a fragrant, light tea) and Tieguanyin (鐵觀音, a dark, rich brew).

The mountainous Maokong area of Muzha in the Wenshan district of the city has dozens upon dozens of teahouses, many of which also offer panoramic views of the city. Its especially spectacular on a clear evening. A Maokong Gondola (cable car) system services the Taipei Zoo MRT station to Maokong. The S10 bus comes up from the Wanfang Community MRT station.

While traditionally a nation of tea drinkers, the Taiwanese have really embraced the cafe culture, and all the usual chains can be found here in abundance. For cafes with more character, roam the back streets near National Taiwan University between Xinsheng South Road and Roosevelt Road in Gongguan . More cafes are in the area around Renai Road, Section 4 and Dunhua South Road. There are also some interesting and characterful places between Yongkang Park and Chaozhou Street, and in the alleys around Shida Road. However, for a particularly impressive range of styles, visit Bitan in Xindian , where all the cafes offer restful views over the river and mountains beyond (though can be noisy during weekends).

Taipei offers an important number of various accommodations ranging from basic dorms to 5-star luxury hotels. See the districts articles to read detailed listings.

Tourists sleeping one night in Taipei might want to stay in Zhongzheng , near the Main Train Station, where many budget accommodations can be found. Hostels can be found in the old Taipei area. Hotels around the Ximending area would be convenient for those wanting to eat, shop and party all in one area. Business travelers would probably prefer to stay in Xinyi , the financial district, where many luxury hotels are found. The Grand Hotel in Zhongshan , built back when Chiang Kai-shek decided there wasn't a suitable hotel in which to welcome foreign dignitaries, may appeal to those interested in classical Chinese architecture and history. 10% service fee and 5% VAT are usually not included in the top end hotel rates.

If you're staying a bit more long-term in Taipei, do as some daily commuters do and get cheaper rooms outside city boundaries, in places such as Xindian and Yonghe , which are still somewhat accessible through the Taipei MRT network.

• The internationally acclaimed Chan (Zen) Master Sheng-yen (who passed away in Feb 2009) has a monastery in Beitou where there are regular meditation meetings with instruction given in English. See Beitou page for more information.
• Tibetan Buddhism has become very popular in Taiwan, and the Taipei area alone boasts more than fifty centers. So, on any given night there will be teachings and rituals being held in the city. Taipei has become a regular port of call for many of the well known rinpoches. While most teachings are given in Tibetan with translation into Chinese, some are given in English. For information on teachings, check notice boards at vegetarian restaurants. (For purchase of Buddha statues and other Buddhist artifacts, see 'Potala' under listings for 'Buy')
• The international Buddhist foundation The Corporate Body of the Buddha Educational Foundation has its headquarters in Taipei. The foundation publishes books on Buddhism in various languages (including English) which it offers for free. For detailed information check the foundation's web site [dead link] .

Universities

• National Taiwan University ( 國立臺灣大學 ). Taiwan's uncontested number one university. Colloquially known by the shortened 臺大 ( Táidà ).  
• National Taiwan Normal University ( 國立臺灣師範大學 ). Colloquially known by the shortened Shida , one of the oldest universities in Taiwan. NTNU runs the Mandarin Training Center, an excellent program teaching several levels of Mandarin Chinese in semester-long segments.  
• [formerly dead link] National Taiwan University of Science and Technology ( 國立臺灣科技大學 ). The first technical university in Taiwan.  
• Mandarin Training Center , National Taiwan Normal University (Shida), 162 Heping East Rd, sec. 1. , ☏ +886 2 2321-8457 , +886 2 2391-4248 , fax : +886 2 2341-8431 , [email protected] . This school, which is part of Shi-da University, remains one of the most popular schools in Taiwan for serious students of Mandarin.  
• International Chinese Language Program National Taiwan University ( Taida ). This program, which used to be called the IUP program, has a long history of Chinese language training, especially for advanced learners and primarily targeting graduate students, scholars and professionals studying in China and Taiwan. It has very small classes, very high quality instructors and textbooks, but may be considerably more expensive than the alternatives. Only students who expect a very intensive experience, usually with a year or more of time to dedicate to study, should consider this program.  
• Mandarin Daily News Language Center ( more commonly known locally as Guo-Yu-Ri-Bau ), 2F. 2 Fu-zhou Street , ☏ +886 2 2391-5134 , +886 2 2392-1133 ext 1004 , fax : +886 2 2391-2008 . Along with the Center for Chinese Language and Culture Studies, this is one of the most popular schools in Taiwan for serious students of Mandarin.  
• Maryknoll Language Service Center , Rm. 800, 8 Fl., Chung Ying Bldg. 2 Zhongshan North Rd., Sec. 1 ( Near a Taipei Station MRT stop exit ), ☏ +886 2 2314-1833 . The Maryknoll Language Service Center offers Mandarin, Taiwanese, and Hakka classes. Mostly one-on-one tutorials although you may be able to arrange a group class.  
• Unless you have a recommendation, the best way to find a good teacher is to visit a park at sunrise and check out the scene for yourself. If you spot a group that impresses you, approach one of the students and inquire about joining them. Most teachers will be happy to have a new student, though some old masters may 'play hard to get.' In the latter case, persistence is required. Most teachers will expect some sort of fee for their tuition. However, as it is considered impolite to directly ask the teacher this question, use a fellow student as mediator. Furthermore, when offering the money on the allotted day, place it in a red envelope ( hongbao - available at all convenience and stationery stores) and slip it to the teacher subtly. Offering cash openly to a teacher of a traditional art or religion is considered undignified and demeaning. Most parks host tai'chi groups, but the most popular places are the grounds of the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (nearest MRT station - CKS Memorial Hall) and Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall (nearest MRT station - SYS Memorial Hall) as well as 228 Peace Park (formerly known as New Park - nearest MRT station - National Taiwan University Hospital).
• The Coriander Cooking Studio . Offers Taiwanese small eats cooking classes, Certificate of Excellence From Tripadvisor in 2019.  
• Jodie's Kitchen Cooking School , 2F, 29-1 Zi Yun St. , ☏ +886 2 2720-0053 . Offers Taiwanese and Chinese cooking classes  
• Many community colleges, such as Zhongzheng Community College and Tamsui Community University offer weekly cooking courses. These include Chinese, Italian and Thai cooking, for example. The classes are in Chinese or Taiwanese language only. The prices are quite low because the colleges are government-funded.

Teaching English (or to a lesser extent, other foreign languages) is perhaps the easiest way to work in Taiwan. Work permits will be hard to come by and will take time. Consult your local Taiwan consulate/embassy/representative as far in advance as possible.

Anyone staying in Taiwan for an extended period of time can find English teaching work, albeit illegally. Many people teach English (or other languaged) for pay without a permit in Taipei and elsewhere in Taiwan.

• Buddhist Tzu-chi Hospital ( 慈濟醫院 ), Jianguo Road, Xindian City , ☏ +886 2 6628-6336 , +886 2 6628-9800 . A very friendly and efficient hospital with an especially caring environment.  
• Yang-ming Hospital ( 陽明醫院 ), 105 Yusheng Street, Shilin . Popular with the Tianmu expat community  

The free iTaiwan is available all over the city – for more information read the country article . You need to (freely and easily) register to use it. Other WiFis like TPE-Free [dead link]

Internet cafés

Internet cafés are plentiful, especially in the maze of alleys between Taipei Main Station and Peace Park. However, you may have to wander around (and look up and down as many are on higher floors or in the basement) before finding one. Some computers are coin operated. Internet cafes are known as wang-ka in Chinese (a combination of wang , the Chinese word for 'net', and ka an abbreviation of 'cafe'). Below is a list of a few recommended internet cafes:

• ( B1 on the corner of Shida Road and Lane 117, two minute walk from Taipower Building MRT station exit 3 ).  
• Aztec , 2F. 235 Zhongxiao East Road, sec. 4 .  
• LHH Cyber Cafe , 28 Guangfu South Road .  
• Skywalker Multimedia Entertainment Center , B1, 119 Minsheng East Road, sec. 2 .  

Major airlines

• Cathay Pacific (國泰航空) – +886 2 2715 2333
• China Airlines (中華航空) – +886 2 2715 1212
• EVA Airways (長榮航空) – +886 2 2501 1999
• KLM Asia (荷蘭皇家航空) – +886 2 2711 4055
• Delta (達美航空) – +886 2 2772 2188
• Singapore Airlines (新加坡航空) – +886 2 2551 6655
• Thai Airways (泰國航空) – +886 2 2509 6800

For up-to-date information on cheap flights, check the advertisement pages of one of the three local daily English newspapers (see 'Media' section below).

Taiwan has a very free and liberal press. As of November 2023, there is one daily local newspapers available in English, the Taipei Times (founded in 1991). Its two former English-language competitors, The China Post (founded in 1952) and Taiwan News (founded in 1949 as China News ) are no longer available on paper. Taiwan News continues to exist online. The website of The China Post was closed in 2021. Most media in Taiwan has a political slant. The Taipei Times largely supports the pan-green political alliance.

Free news and information are available from the following:

• Centered on Taipei [dead link] is a free monthly designed for expats living in Taipei, but it is also very useful for visitors. It can be found in many of the major hotels throughout Taipei, and also in many businesses in the Tian Mu area.
• This Month in Taiwan [formerly dead link] is a free magazine that lists events and has an exhaustive directory of useful numbers in Taiwan. It can be found at tourist offices and major hotels.
• FTV English Edition [dead link] – This show is an hour of English news shown on Channel 53 (2005) on the local TV station Formosa TV (FTV) at 23:00 every night. The program features 30 minutes of local news, as well as cultural events. The show is archived online.
• ICRT (short for "international Community Radio Taipei") is an English-language radio station available across Taiwan on FM 100. The programming consists mostly of popular music. There are news bulletins every hour on the hour M-F between 07:00 and 20:00, and Sa between 10:00 and 18:00.

Mobile phone coverage is relatively good in Taipei. Among the major providers are Chunghwa Telecom (中華電信), Taiwan Mobile (臺灣大哥大), and Far EasTone (遠傳電訊). Taipei has both 4G and 5G networks and roaming might be possible for users of such mobile phones, subject to agreements between operators. Most payphones work with telephone cards (電話卡) which are available at all convenience stores. Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased ranging 300NT~1000NT depending on use cases with a passport. The cheapest available data rated SIM is 280NT for 2.4GB(16 days), and 300NT for unlimited 4G(5 days). 5G packages tend to be more expensive than their 4G counterparts. The prices are competitive enough that all the major companies provide roughly the same rate.

Tourist and emergency numbers

• Tourist Information Office: 9F, 290 Zhongxiao East Road., Sec. 4. TEL:2349-1500 – There is also a branch tourist office next to the ticket purchasing counters at Taipei Main Station, and near exit 16 in the Metro Mall underground shopping plaza that runs between MRT the Zhongxiao-Fushing and Zhongxiao-Dunhwa Stations.
• Tourist Information (emergency number) - ☏ +886 2 2717-3737 .

Printing documents

All 24-hour convenience stores, such as 7-11 and Family Mart, have a flat screen monitor. With a USB, this monitor can be used to print documents on the store's photocopy machine.

Reservations

All 24 hour convenience stores offer a reservation service. A flat screen monitor (usually near the check-out) has lists of trains, theater, and movie screenings. Once a reservation has been confirmed, payment can be made at the check-out in exchange for a ticket.

Taipei is one of the safest cities you will ever visit, and violent crime is extremely rare. Most people, including female travellers, will not encounter any problems roaming the streets alone at night. However, while not as rampant as in major European cities, pickpockets operate in crowded areas, so you should be vigilant of your belongings, particularly in night markets.

Local police are a resource you can turn for help, and many officers speak at least basic English.

• Central Weather Administration [dead link] – In addition to giving a seven-day forecasts for Taiwan(including districts in Taipei), this website also has detailed maps showing the path of an approaching typhoon and up-to-the-minute information of earthquakes, giving their location and magnitude.
• Taipei City Police Department Foreign Affairs Service Station , No. 80, Dadong Rd , ☏ +886-2-2556-6007 . Branch office of TCPD's Foreign Affairs Division. ( updated May 2020 )
• Police: 110
• Ambulance, Fire brigade: 119

Foreign missions

As the People's Republic of China (PRC) does not allow other countries to have diplomatic relations with both itself and the ROC on Taiwan, many of the world's nations do not have official embassies or consulates in Taiwan. However, as the PRC allows recognition of Taiwan as a separate economy, many nations maintain a "Trade Office', "Institute" or something of a similar name in Taipei. These missions serve as de facto embassies that perform consular activities, such as issuing visas.

The following countries maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan and have embassies in Taipei.

Taiwan's excellent rail system makes day trips easy, and there's lots to see around the New Taipei and Keelung .

• Tamsui , an old port town northwest of Taipei, is the main scene of the Taiwanese movie- Secret by Jay Chou. It's very popular with tourists.
• Jiufen is a former gold mining town on the northeast coast and now a popular tourist destination.
• Banqiao is a town and administrative capital of the other city in the Taipei Metro Area, New Taipei City .
• Fulong is on the eastern coast of New Taipei City. There you will find a coastal town with an excellent beach. Every July, there is the three day Ho-hai-yan Rock Festival which is a must-see.
• Yingge is famous for its high concentration of potters and ceramic makers.

It's even possible to travel to anywhere along the west coast of Taiwan all the way to Kaohsiung and back within a day, although at the price of a high-speed rail ticket. The eastern parts are a little harder to get to, and Taroko Gorge warrants more than a night's stay anyway.

• Taroko Gorge – Here, the Liwu River cuts through 3,000-foot marble cliffs. The area around the gorge is also designated as Taroko Gorge National Park .
• Hsinchu is a city with an old heritage and modern science park.
• Shei-pa National Park spans mountains and rivers and is in Hsinchu County has great hiking trails. Hsinchu County is also home to Leofoo Village Theme Park [dead link] , Taiwan's most popular amusement park.
• Sun Moon Lake in Nantou County is a crystal clear lake embedded into lush mountains.
• Tainan for a laidback atmosphere and in-depth look into the history of Taiwan.

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8 of the best things to do in Taipei

Oct 12, 2023 • 6 min read

City views, culture and history: here are the best things to do in Taipei © Nate Hovee / Getty Images

There's plenty to do on a visit to Taipei  – you could be admiring spectacular views over the city, experiencing the very best foods in the legendary night markets or learning all about Taiwan's history and culture in its many temples and memorial halls. 

Put these activities at the top of your list to experience the very best of Taipei on your next visit.

1. Take a hike in the wilderness surrounding the city

Taipei is a city surrounded by forested mountains and reaching the lush tracts of wilderness from the city center is surprisingly easy. The route I like best is the spectacular Jinmianshan Trail. It starts just a short walk from Xihu Station and connects with a large number of other trails, which means you can opt to hike for as little or as long as you like. But the most popular hiking route has to be the Xiangshan Trail weaving up the side of Elephant Mountain, which nudges right up against the city center.

Planning tip: The Xiangshan Trail is a one-hour circular route and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views over the city and of the Taipei 101 tower.

2. Admire the rarities at the National Palace Museum

Love a good artifact? You’ll love the National Palace Museum , which has 700,000 ancient imperial artifacts from both China and Taiwan. You’ll find plenty of rarities from China – the museum has close connections with the Palace Museum in Beijing’s Forbidden City, and many of the exhibits were originally displayed in the museum there. 

The museum is especially popular with art fans, who flock here to admire the enormous collections of decorative carvings, enamelware, ceramics, lacquerware and ceremonial bronzes. My favorite exhibit is the beautifully carved jade cabbage, complete with a locust hiding amongst its leaves. It’s believed the sculpture was given to a former emperor’s consort in the late 19th century.

3. Check out Taipei's beautiful temples 

Taipei lays claim to some of Asia’s most beautiful temples, many of which subscribe to the Southern Chinese style of Qing Dynasty architecture – a style you’ll probably recognize if you’ve been to Singapore. Most Taipei temples pay nods to Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism, while a smaller number are dedicated entirely to Buddhism. 

To see the best ones, head to Taipei’s oldest neighborhoods  such as Wanhua, which was once a walled city (only one of the original city gates remain). This is where you’ll find the Bangka Longshan Temple , which dates back to 1738, and the Qingshan Temple , where you’ll find a statue of Zhang Gun – a Taoist deity whose eyes are said to follow visitors as they move around the temple.

Planning tip:  There’s no formal dress code, but remember to dress respectfully, remove shoes and step over each temple’s door sill, rather than on it. These sills are believed to ward off unwanted spirits and remind visitors they’re about to enter a sacred space.

4. Head up Taipei 101, one of the world's tallest buildings

Got a head for heights? Make a beeline for Taipei 101 , which claimed the title of world’s tallest building between 2004 and 2009 when it was eclipsed by Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. The 1,667-ft (508m) skyscraper has been designed to withstand strong earthquakes – handy considering it’s 600ft from a major fault line.

There are observation decks on levels 88, 89, and 91, although it’s worth noting that the one on level 88 has been designed mainly to provide visitors with a view of the (admittedly spectacular) mass damper – the largest and heaviest one in the world. This enormous steel sphere moves back and forth to counter any movement by the building itself. Head to level 91, which is open-air and has been the setting for several concerts, including performances by Japanese pop band AKT48.

5. Go shopping at a night market 

Taiwan’s night markets are legendary. You’ll find them throughout the city: sprawling clusters of stalls serving up traditional dishes such as braised pork rice, Taiwanese spring rolls and tempura. The most famous ones include Wanhua's Huaxi Night Market, where there’s a focus on traditional dishes (salty rice pudding washed down with snake wine, anyone?) although I'm also a huge fan of the market on Linjiang Street , known for its wallet-friendly cuisine. The offerings aren’t just limited to food either – market stalls sell everything from homeware to clothes.

Planning tip: Hardcore foodies should also squeeze in a visit to Ningxia Night Market, where specialties include oyster omelets, sesame-coated mochi and taro balls.

6. Eat at Din Tai Fung, Taipei's best dumpling restaurant

It’s said that you haven’t tried xiao long bao dumplings unless you’ve sampled the ones at Din Tai Fung , a chain of restaurants which dates back to the 1970s and was founded by Bing Yi-Yang, who moved to Taiwan as a youngster. In 2010, the Hong Kong branch earned a Michelin star – a first for a Taiwanese restaurant – and there are now restaurants in America, Europe and the Middle East. 

Planning tip:  The best place to try the dumplings is the branch at the base of Taipei 101 – a glass-walled kitchen allows visitors to watch chefs at work and waiting staff dash across the restaurant floor carrying wobbling towers of dumpling baskets. I recommend the original xiao long bao dumplings, although the braised beef soup is legendary, too.

7. Tour the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is a national landmark and memorial erected to honor the late Chiang Kai-shek, the former president of China who fled to Taiwan in 1949 after Communists established the People's Republic of China. Once in Taipei, he established a government in exile and to this day remains Taiwan’s longest-serving leader, albeit a divisive one – his party was responsible for the imprisonment of 140,000 Taiwanese and it’s believed Chiang Kai-shek hoped to regain control of China until the day he died.

Many Taiwanese feel their country’s countless memorials to Chiang Kai-shek should be removed, but whatever your viewpoint, a visit to this one, with its bronze statue of Chiang and the emblem of the Chinese Nationalist Party adorning the vaulted roof, is a great option for anyone keen to learn more about Taiwan’s turbulent past.

8. Visit the National Dr Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall

For a different insight into Taiwan’s past, visit the National Dr Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall , a tribute to the man who many see as the father of the Republic of China. He was a physician, revolutionary and political leader who helped overthrow the Qing dynasty in the late 1800s. He became the first President of the Republic of China in 1912 and is revered in both China and Taiwan, where his portrait hangs in parliament. 

There are several exhibition halls filled with Chinese art and a library stuffed with thousands of Chinese manuscripts. For me, though, the biggest attraction is the Central Hall’s hourly changing of the guard, when soldiers in immaculate white uniforms perform a choreographed routine in front of an enormous statue of Dr Sun Yat-Sen.

This article was first published Jan 6, 2022 and updated Oct 12, 2023.

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TAIPEI TAIWAN TRAVEL GUIDE with Budget Itinerary

When people ask me what my favorite destinations are, I have a difficult time responding. To me, a “favorite destination” can mean many things. It can mean a place that I totally fell in love with during my visit. But it can also mean a place where I would want to stay for a looong time or maybe for good. There’s no thin line between these two favorites. For example, the most memorable trip I ever had was in the Australian Outback, but I don’t think I would enjoy staying a month, much less spending the rest of my life there.

In my library of travel experiences, filed under where-I-want-to-settle is Taiwan. It was a surprising addition to a very short list previously occupied only by Thailand and Japan. Taiwan was never in my bucket list, but as early as my first day in Taipei, I realized it was a travesty not wanting to see this island. I had been to Taiwan twice since then, and we’re geared to return on two different occasions this year!

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

Understanding Taipei

Taipei City is the capital and the political and economic center of Taiwan. Situated near the northern tip of the island, it is completely surrounded by New Taipei City. (I know this can be confusing, but these are two separate units.) Together with Keelung, Taipei and New Taipei form Taiwan’s largest metropolitan area, which is home to over 7 million people.

For the longest time, tourism was not a major economic driver in Taipei or Taiwan in general. Just like the Philippines, Taiwan is on the so-called “wrong side” of the South China Sea. Most Asia-bound travelers head for Thailand and then travel by bus or train to other parts of the ASEAN peninsula. Taiwan requires plane tickets, which means additional budget and effort. But you know what they say, those who go the extra mile get the reward, or something like that. Hahaha. (Is there such a saying? Let’s make it a thing.)

However, tourism has grown significantly over the past several years! Taiwan has been so aggressive in promoting destinations internationally that immigration policies have been relaxed in many countries.

Other info you need to know:

• Language: Mandarin. Standard Chinese and Taiwanese Mandarin are mostly mutually intelligible. But Hakka and Formosan languages are also recognized national languages. Street signs are written in Chinese characters with English translations. The metro stops are announced in Mandarin, English, Taiwanese Hokkien and Hakka.
• Currency: New Taiwan Dollar (NT$, TWD). NT$ 100 is around USD 3.25, EUR 2.83, SGD 4.5, PHP 175 (as of September 2018).
• Modes of payment: Most establishments prefer cash payment, but many of them also accept credit card transactions.

Taiwan Visa-Free Requirements

If you’re carrying a Philippine passport , no need for a visa or a travel authorization certificate. You may enter Taiwan VISA-FREE until July 31, 2020 , provided that your visit is no longer than 14 days , that you’re visiting as a tourist, that you have no criminal record in Taiwan, and that you meet the following requirements.

• Passport with at least 6 months validity
• A return ticket or onward ticket (to your next destination and a visa for that destination)
• A proof of accommodation. It may be hotel booking or host’s contact information or tour arrangements
• Sufficient travel funds. This can be in the form of cash, credit cards, travelers checks, etc.

Where to Stay in Taipei

Hmmmm. The thing with Taipei is that it’s so convenient to get around and daily commute doesn’t go as crazy as Tokyo (or Manila). Their MRT system isn’t complicated at all. Most tourist spots are located along the Red (2) and Green (3) lines so when it comes to choosing accommodations, as long as you’re staying somewhere near a red or green station, you’re good!

In particular, the Ximending area is an ideal place to stay because of its energy and high concentration of budget dining and lodging options, especially those catering to backpackers. Many tours also start and end here. It also has its own MRT station, Ximen Station .

In addition, the areas surrounding the following MRT stations are great options:

• Taipei Main Station . Main MRT and bus terminal, so transportation won’t be a problem especially if your flight is set to arrive past midnight. There are also malls around.
• ZhongXiao Fuxing Station . Also a big station, where Lines 1 and 5 connect.
• Taipower Building station . Near Shida Night Market.

Top Budget Hotels in Taipei

If you have limited budget for accommodations, here are the top budget hotels according to Agoda users.

• Apartment 10F . Check Rates & Availability!
• Meander 1948 . Check Rates & Availability!
• Bouti City Capsule Inn . Check Rates & Availability!
• miniinn . Check Rates & Availability!
• Via Hotel Taipei Station . Check Rates & Availability!
• Click Hotel – Taipei Main station branch . Check Rates & Availability!
• HATAGO+ HOTEL . Check Rates & Availability .
• Cho Hotel . Check Rates & Availability

Top Taipei Hostels

• Taipei Sunny Hostel. Check Rates & Availability!
• Star Hostel Taipei Main Station. Check Rates & Availability!
• Taiwan Youth Hostel & Capsule Hotel. Check Rates & Availability!
• Flip Flop Hostel – Garden. Check Rates & Availability!
• Ximen Wow Hostel. Check Rates & Availability!
• Meander Taipei Hostel. Check Rates & Availability!

Search for more: Taipei Hotels

Pocket wifi rental and data sim in taipei.

You can make your life easier during your trip by staying connected to the Internet. You have two options: rent a pocket wifi or purchase a local data SIM.

Pocket Wifi Rental is more convenient because you just need to connect to the device, which can accommodate up to 5 devices at once. Klook’s wifi rental service also provides unlimited 4G data with no decelaration to 3G. You can pick it up at Taipei Taoyuan Airport. The number of available units so reserve one as soon as you can.

You can also buy a Welldone 4G SIM Card that will give you unlimited data without worrying about roaming costs. Each sim also allows unlimited incoming calls. It also includes calling credits (NT$300 credit for 5 days, NT$150 credit for 7 days, NT$100 credit for 10 days). If you buy online, you can pick it up at the airpot when you arrive.

How to Get to Taipei

The Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is the primary gateway to the island and the 11th busiest airport in the world. It is also hub of China Airlines and EVA Air.

Manila to Taipei

If you’re coming from Manila, AirAsia offers the cheapest year-round ticket, sometimes as low as USD33 for a seat. Other airlines don’t even come close. (In case you’re wondering: This post is NOT sponsored by AirAsia. Price comparison websites just reveal they offer the lowest fares.)

If you’re coming from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, AirAsia shares the budget crown with Scoot and JetStar. However, some flights require transfers in another ASEAN city.

Taipei Taoyuan Airport to City Center

Located in Taoyuan County, Taoyuan Airport is less than an hour away from Taipei City. The two efficient modes of transportation are the Taoyuan Airport MRT and the bus. (Taxis are available too, but they’re expensive so let’s pretend they don’t exist. Haha.)

By Train/Metro

Both Terminals 1 and 2 have their own station: A12 Station for Terminal 1 and A13 for Terminal 2.

• Operating hours: 6am to 11pm
• Travel time: 37 minutes (if Express)
• Fare: NT$160

Several bus companies ply various routes from the airport. If you have decided where to stay, you may ask the hotel/hostel staff in advance what bus number you should take. For more info, check out: Taoyuan Airport Bus Info

To book a ticket, go to the Bus Counters near the Arrival section of the terminal. You’ll find it easily. There are a lot of bus signs around the airport. Fare varies depending on bus company, but it’s within the NT$125-145 range.

However, the Taoyuan MRT and most of the buses do NOT operate 24 hours a day. Last trip of these carriers are usually between 11pm and 1am.

If your flight is scheduled to arrive outside these hours, your only choice is Bus 1819, operated by Kuo-Kuang Motor Transport. Bus 1819 terminates at Taipei Main Station. From here, you may take a taxi to your hotel. Travel Time : 55 minutes Fare : NT$125

Taipei Tours

Traditional Chinese : 台北101觀景台 Simplified Chinese : 台北101观景台 Nearest MRT Station : Taipei 101 station (Red Line 2) Operating Hours : Daily 9am-10pm Entrance Fee : NT$600

You can get a bit of a discount and skip the lines if you book in advance with Klook.

• National Palace Museum

Traditional : 國立故宮博物院 Simplified : 国立故宫博物院 Nearest MRT Station : Shilin station (Red Line – 2), then take Bus R30 (NT$15) Hours Open : Daily 8:30am-6:30pm Entrance Fee : NT$350

You can skip lines if you book with Klook!

Taipei City Tour

Taipei’s map is dotted with historic shrines and other interesting sites. Here are some of them:

• Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall
• Martyrs’ Shrine

There are many ways to do this: DIY-style, by double-decker bus, and by guided tour.

• DIY Tour. Most of the key attractions are located near an MRT Station so it won’t be that hard. If you want to explore Taipei City on your own, check out the Places to Visit section below. I indicated the nearest stations, admission fees, opening hours, and even the Chinese translations.
• By Double-Decker Bus. It stops at most major landmarks in Taipei. This is great if you’re traveling with kids or seniors because it’s more convenient. The double-decker bus also offers FREE wifi and headset commentary so you won’t need a guide for the most part.
• By Guided Tour. Best option if you want better understanding of and insights into each sight because you will have a tour guide. Most guided tours take half-a-day.

Jiufen, Shifen and Yehliu Geopark Tour

This is one of the best-selling tours on Klook. This is NOT a guided tour but a shuttle bus service that will follow a full day Taipei itinerary and will take you to some of the best day trip destinations from Taipei including the following:

• Yehliu Geopark
• Ying Yang Sea
• 13 Layer Remains
• Golden Waterfall

The meeting point is at Ximen Station (often at GaKuDen Bakery near Exit 4, but confirm before the trip to be sure).

Yangmingshan National Park Tour

Traditional: 陽明山 Simplified: 阳明山 How to get there: From Jiantan Station (Red Line 2), take the City Bus R5 or small bus S15 or S17 to Yangmingshan station. Fare: NT$15 Entrance Fee: FREE

If you’re after convenience, you can book a tour online. The tour usually includes coach transportation with hotel pickup and drop off. The tour also includes a visit to the hot springs !

Jiufen Village & The Northeast Coast

This tour will allow you to explore the following sites. Coach transportation and hotel pickup are included in the package:

• Jiufen Town, famous for its unique teahouse culture
• Pitou Cape and its caves and sea cliffs
• Rock formations at Nanya

Other Day Tours from Taipei

You might also want to consider a day tour of any of these destinations:

• Wulai Atayal Aboriginal Village and Hot Springs 烏來 How to get there: Make your way to Xindian Station (Green Line 3), walk to Bus Stop B along Beiyi Road, and take Bus route 849 going to Wulai. Get off the last station. Fare: NT$15
• Beitou Hot Springs (Xinbeitou) 北投溫泉 How to get there: From Beitou Station (Red Line 2), transfer to a train bound for Xinbeitou.
• Fulong Beach 福隆 How to Get There: Make your way to Taipei Main Station, Nangang Station (MRT Blue Line 5), or Songshan Station (MRT Green Line 3). Then, board a train to Fulong Station.

FREE Places to Visit in Taipei

Here are some of the top places to visit in Taipei. I have also included translations so you could easily show this to a local in case you get lost, the operating hours, the nearest MRT stations, and the admission fees. But as you will see, most attractions in Taipei can be enjoyed for FREE.

Martyrs’ Shrine

Traditional : 國民革命忠烈祠 Simplified : 国民革命忠烈祠 How to get there : From Jiantan Station (Red Line 2), take Bus 267, 556, or 902. Open : Daily 9am-5pm Entrance Fee: FREE

Don’t miss the changing of the guards, which happens hourly from 9am to 4pm and at 4:45pm.

Elephant Mountain

Chinese : 象山 (Xiàngshān) Nearest MRT Station : Xiàngshān station (Red Line 2) Entrance Fee : FREE

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Chinese : 中正纪念堂 Nearest MRT Station : Chiang Kai-shek (CKS) Memorial Hall (Red Line 2 or Green Line 3) Open : Daily 9am-6pm Entrance Fee : FREE

Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

Traditional : 國父紀念館 Simplified: 国父纪念馆 Nearest MRT Station : Sun Yat-sen (SYS) Memorial Hall Station (Blue Line 5) Open : Daily 9am-6pm Entrance Fee : FREE

Dalongdong Bao’an Temple

Traditional : 大龍峒保安宮 Simplified: 大龙峒保安宫 Nearest MRT Station : Yuanshan Station (Red Line – 2) Open : Daily 6:30am-10:30pm Entrance Fee : FREE

Shilin Night Market

Chinese : 士林夜市 Nearest MRT Station : Jiantan Station (Red Line – 2) Best Time to Visit : 5pm-1am Entrance Fee : FREE

Other attractions to visit:

• Presidential Office Building 总统府 Nearest MRT Station: NTU Hospital Station (Red Line 2) Open: Daily, 9am-11:30am NO Entrance Fee (with passport)
• Longshan Temple 龍山寺 Nearest MRT Station: Longshan Temple Station (Blue Line 5) Open: Daily, 6am-10pm NO Entrance Fee
• Ximending Youth Shopping District 西門町 Nearest Station: Ximen (Blue Line 5 or Green Line 3) NO Entrance Fee
• Shida Night Market 師大夜市 Nearest Station: Taipower Building Station (Green Line 3) Open: 12pm-12am NO Entrance Fee
• Raohe St. Night Market 饒河街觀光夜市 Nearest Station: Songshan (Green Line 3) Open: 5pm-11pm NO Entrance Fee

Sample Taipei Itinerary

Here’s a sample 3-day 2-night Taipei itinerary. Note that this assumes you’re staying near Taipei Main Station or Ximen Station.

Feel free to tweak to match your preferences and flight schedule.

This itinerary will set you back NT$3300 (USD107, EUR93, SGD147, PHP5770) , excluding airfare and hotel.

If you manage to book a room or a bed for only NT$500 per night, this Taipei itinerary will cost you NT$4300 (USD140, SGD192, PHP7520, EUR120) , excluding plane tickets.

Inter-city travel is fast and convenient in Taiwan so I always recommend seeing other parts of the island like Hualien and Taichung. Here are more sample itineraries that would allow you to visit these other cities: Taiwan Itineraries

More Tips for the Poor Traveler

• There are lockers at many MRT stations . If you’re coming from other parts of Taiwan and you wish to explore Taipei on a day tour, you can leave your bags inside a locker and wander around the city baggage-free. I’ve tried this myself. Most lockers will give you a small printout of the code. Take a photo of the code immediately just in case you lose it. Rate: NT$20 per hour.
• Have NTD or USD before coming to Taiwan . Only banks and/or licensed stores are allowed to do currency exchanges, and they don’t accept peso. If you fail to bring NTDs, you can exchange at the airport or withdraw from ATM. (contributed by: Andrew Del Pilar) . We prefer withdrawing from ATM.
• Taipei is a very walkable city . It’s clean and safe, and there are wide sidewalks. If your destination isn’t that far, travel on foot! For example, the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall is just a few blocks from Taipei 101, which is also not too far from Elephant Mountain.
• Get a Metro Pass or Easy Card if you feel like you’re going to take the train often. Taipei’s MRT system is easy to use (much less complicated than the bus system) and there is often an MRT station near key tourist spots. Having a Metro Pass or Easy Card will allow you to skip getting single-journey tickets every ride. There are many types available depending on validity duration. A 24-hour pass is at NTD180, 48-hour pass at NTD280, and 72-hour pass at NTD380. You can get one at the Information Counter of any MRT Station.
• Prepare for language barrier . Many locals, including many taxi drivers, do not understand English at all. Make sure you have a Translation app on your phone or ask hotel staff to write down the name of the destination for you.
• Some of our readers commented that they found Taipei not budget-friendly because of expensive food. Hmmmm, they probably ate at restaurants a lot. I don’t think Taipei food is costly at all. If you’re looking for good but inexpensive places to eat, try Gongguan St., which is located near a university so meals are at student price. I also found small eateries in many parts of the city that serve cheap pre-cooked food. They usually have small trays which they fill with dishes that you want. You’re expected to have 2-3 dishes per tray. And they’re super cheap, like NTD70 per full meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit taipei.

Quick answer: autumn. November is ideal. But I wouldn’t mind going in winter. The last thing I want is for the rain or typhoons to ruin my plans, and they are least likely to make a mess from November to March.

Taipei enjoys a humid subtropical climate that is heavily influenced by the monsoon. This means that although people keep referring to the four seasons, they are not as pronounced as in temperate countries like Japan or Korea.

• Summer (June-September) is hot, reaching as high as 35C, and wet, sometimes bringing powerful typhoons.
• Autumn (September-November) is pleasant. October marks the end of the typhoon season, and precipitation drops significantly (although you’ll never know these days). The temperature is also comfortable, playing between 22 and 28C in October, and 19 and 24C in November.
• Winter (December-February) is mild, rarely dipping below 10C. But it is the driest period.
• Spring (March-May) has comfortable temperatures but are unpredictable in terms of rainfall.

Is Taipei safe?

Yes, Taipei is very safe generally. But as in other places, follow the rules and don’t leave your things unattended.

What is tipping policy in Taipei?

Tipping is NOT mandatory or expected in Taipei. At restaurants, a 10% service charge is usually already added to the bill so no tips necessary. Taxi drivers don’t expect to be tipped either, but you can just round off the meter.

The only exception is the hotel bellman, whom you can pay 1 USD per bag. The housekeeper is also usually not tipped, but feel free to leave a dollar if you enjoyed their service.

Where to exchange money in Taipei?

If you’re carrying US dollars or another major currency, you can exchange at banks or licensed stores.

If you’re carrying Philippine peso, it will be hard to find one that accepts peso. If you can, buy NTD before your trip so you’re covered. If you fail to bring NTDs, you can exchange at the airport or withdraw from ATM.

What is the power socket used in Taipei?

110V, 60Hz. Type A sockets are most common. Plugs have two flat pins. Type B, with an extra hole for a grounding prong, is also usual.

Do I need a visa to visit Taiwan?

• Your passport must have at least 6 months validity.
• A proof of accommodation. It may be hotel reservation or your host’s contact information or tour arrangements
• Enough travel funds. This can be in the form of cash, credit cards, travelers checks, etc.

Nationals of Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam need to get an ROC Travel Authorization Certificate (aka Visa-Free Certificate).

• It is valid for 90 days.
• Each stay must be not longer than 30 days.
• It can be used for multiple entries.
• It is FREE.

The whole process takes 5-10 minutes. Here’s how to get one: Travel Authorization Certificate .

2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣0️⃣ • 1️⃣ • 1️⃣7️⃣ (updated) 2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣7️⃣ • 5️⃣ • 1️⃣3️⃣ (first up)

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

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Amazing information, guys. Thank you so much for your passion and advice. Looking forward to Taipei in October.

Hi is taiwan a kid friendly zone? And how much would it cost for staying in a hotel thanks!

Dear Drew We would like to know how long you stayed and was it an organised tour or did you travel round on your own. We are planning to go for about a week at the beginning of October. Thank you Jean

Hi, thanks for the information you have provided but I was curious as to why it is preferred to withdraw money at an ATM over exchanging at the airport?

Hi! I am planning to travel with my family for Sept 2018. If its not too much to ask, can you please share your full itinerary?

Very nice blog. Informative and helpful. I’ll be visiting Taiwan this June. I’m done booking my flight when I’ve read that June is its rainy season. I should start praying that it wont rain on my travel dates. :) :) :) Anyways, looking forward to hearing more tips and hope to you see all soon in Taiwan.

Thanks too for visiting our blog! :) Have a great time planning your Taiwan trip!

Hi! Very nice information…

Can I ask for a 2 Days best Itinerary pretty please., I only have 2 days to visit the Best Place in Taiwan because this is my only free day. I am planning to go by 3rd week of July 2018. Also can I ask If I really need to book an Hotel if I dont really dont have exact place to visit?? Please help need your advise..

Are childred aged 7years old allowed on hostels and inns?

I would like to know because there is no policy posted on their online page.

Depends on the property. Best to contact them directly.

Hello po tanong ko lang po im plan po naman ng friend ko mg tour sa taiwan sa dec..ang arrival po sa kaohsiung taiwan airport..free visa din po ang mga pinoy dun?tnx po

HI! A friend and I were lucky enough to score a ticket to Taiwan on Feb 19, 2019, just in time for the Pingxi Lantern Festival. We will be arriving Feb 19 around 1am. We already booked a 2 night stay at Juifen and a 7 night stay in Taipei, all free to cancel. We plan to check in first in Taipei to have a place for luggage then onward to Juifen. Just wondering it is best to keep the 7 nights stay or look for a 4 night stay in Taipei and just look for a locker that can accomodate 2 days? is there a Juifen-Shifen-Yehliu tour coming from Juifen? All I see are coming from Taipei. Sorry for a lot of questions. Thanks!

Is it best to keep the 7 nights stay or look for a 4 night stay in Taipei and just look for a locker that can accommodate 2 days? — Your Jiufen stop isn’t sandwiched by your days in Taipei? Kasi if Taipei-Jiufen-Taipei ung mga hotels mo, I think you can ask the hotel staff to keep the luggage for you for the next two days since you’ll return naman after two days and you’re booked with them. Kasi yung lockers lang na naaalala ko, nasa NT$20 per hour, so ang mahal nun if 2 days kayo mawawala. Di ko alam if merong per day ang charge.

Is there a Juifen-Shifen-Yehliu tour coming from Juifen? —- Wala akong alam pero feeling ko merong tours from Jiufen mismo.

Thank you so much for the information, I’ll be in Taiwan this coming March 2019 and staying there for 6 days. Im doing solo travel since nagbackout yung kasama ko (huhuhu due to work-related reason). Can I get an advice from you guys for Solo traveler, It would be my first in taiwan and first ko din magbyahe ng abroad mag.isa. Hoping to hear from you guys.

Hi! Could you update us on your experience? I’m planning to do this next year. I’m a female solo traveler (not sure if it matters). First time din mag solo.

Thank you! =)

Hi Anton, tip #1 namin if you’re traveling alone is to stay in a hostel so you get to meet other solo travelers and may kasama ka mag-explore. :)

Hi, ask ko lang san exact pwede mag apply ng tourist visa for 2 persons (dalawa kami ng baby ko). Plan ko kasi mag stay kami dun ng 3 weeks (visit ng hubby ko nagwork dun) This January kasi alis namin. 2nd visit na namin, last time nung January din kaso mejo nabitin kami sa 14 days na stay… May iba pa kaya akong need gawin maliban sa pag apply ng visa? Thank you so much & Merry Christmas…

Hi Jessie, naku, di po namin alam pag longer than 14 days. :(

Hi! Thank you po rito! Sobrang helpful! Ask ko lang po kung nasubukan niyo ng magtravel sa taiwan ng Chinese New Year? Feeling ko po magiging madugo ang itinerary sa buwan na yon. Thanks!

Hi Jaymee, ako personally, hindi pa. Di ko kasi gusto ung madaming tao masyado, hehe. Pero oo mukhang madugo pag yan ung travel dates.

Hi! I’m sure Taiwan is cheaper than Japan but malaki be difference?

Yep, malaking malaki. :)

Your blogs are always reliable and complete!!! Thanks guys for this awesome blog!

Thanks, Len! Happy to help always!

Hi help me nmn po kasi magtravel ako taiwan this feb 5 anu po kaya requirements na kailangan ko dalin kc kinuhanan po ako ng asawa ko ng invitation letter nagwowork po kasi xa sa taiwan.. Yung requirements po na kailangan patunayan ko n mag asawa kami Bukod sa marriage cert anu pa po mga requirements?thank you pls help me po

Hi Jessica, ivivisit nyo po yung asawa nyo sa Taiwan?

Sa Taiwan Immigration, need nila makita ang contact details ng asawa nyo po and return ticket nyo pabalik ng Pinas.

Sa PH Immigration, pwede na ung marriage certificate to prove relationship. Minsan pwede sila humingi ng proof na nagwowork nga dun asawa nyo, so prepare na rin po yun (copy of contract, etc).

Okay din ang invitation letter.

Hello. Very informative, thank you for sharing it. Is taipei and the attraction you mentioned in your sample itinerary, wheelchair friendly? My parents and I plan to visit taipei this holy week, april 2019, for a 4d3n trip. Naka wheelchair na ang father ko, so i need to do some research. Another question, since visa free, pwede na ako magpurchase ng airfare ticket, provided pagdating sa immigration complete ako sa requirement?

Hmmm di ko sure. Di ko masyado napansin kung may elevators or mga ramps when we were there. Pero when we asked the members of our Support Group for destinations na sa tingin nila ay senior friendly, kasama ang taipei sa Top 10.

Regarding immigration, yep, basta complete ung requirements mo and yung travel date mo is before July 31, 2019.

I love this guide! Planning on visiting Taiwan this year and will definitely use this post.

Thanks, Stephen!

thank you po sa travel guide..planning to visit taiwan this coming april ..tanong ko lang po, pano po yung “no criminal record” san po kukuha nun?thanks po..

Thanks for the guide sir!

I went with the 3 day itinerary. It feels a bit short organized and efficient. I would suggest going 5 days if you really want to enjoy shopping and exploring more areas.

Nevertheless, I really enjoy the country, the people and their street foods and would like to return with my friends next time.

Like someone said earlier in the comments, we can withdraw using our bpi debit card on atms (i tried it only on the one at 7-11 branches), there’s a service fee of 100ntd.

Thanks for sharing! :)

No need for papers po for that. Basta wala po kayong criminal record sa Taiwan, okay na yun. Machecheck nila un sa record nila.

My wife and I are planning to visit Taiwan this coming May, and as I’ve heard many many times now, Taiwan is Visa-free until July 2019. The simplistic side of me says that , “oh, ok then, let’s go then”, but the control freak in my wants proof that Taiwan doesn’t really need Pinoy’s to have visa to enter. Are there website (except Rappler) that documents this?

Moreover, do you have any heads up for people travelling to Taiwan during Spring time aside from the unpredictable rains?

Regards, Kevin B

The official website of the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in PH also has this information: roc-taiwan.org/ph_en/post/2950.html

TECO is the Taiwanese government’s equivalent for an embassy/consulate.

Hi! thanks for this informative guidelines. My friends and 1 are heading to Taipei this June for 3 days and 2 nights and to my surprise your sample itinerary is almost the same as what i’ve been planning so far. Our hostel is really close to the Main Station as well, again just as you’ve recommended. I guess my biggest concern is the currency exchange. would you recommend to exchange your entire budget or half of your budget (Peso to NTD) at Taoyuan Airport before you go exploring? I just get the sense that it will be hard to get a hold of cash once you ran out, especially if you’re there for the weekend. Also is it better to have PHP exchanged to USD before going to Taiwan or it’s better to exchange PHP to NTD once you get there? Thanks!

Exchange while you’re here in the Philippines. :)

Don’t exchange to USD then to NTD. You’ll lose some from double conversion. Convert directly from PHP to NTD.

HELLO. kelangan pa ba magdala ng adapter para sa phone/ tablet chargers? o nagpo-provide na hotels sa taiwan? 2nd question, advisable ba na sa Taiwan ATM na magwithdraw ng pera? Thanks.

Magdala na lang kayo ng adapter.

And if kaya nyo na magpapalit dito pa lang sa Pinas, mas okay.

Amazing information, guys. such a beautiful and long content explaining the minute things to take care about our selves during travel times

Great post guys!! This is basically our itinerary when we went this February 2019! We’re going back on my bday – July 2019. We super enjoyed our first time, PLUS huling hirit before paid visa hehe. Any suggestions to go to with the super hot weather?

Hi Tricia, will you be staying in Taipei or are you open to exploring other cities/destinations in Taiwan?

Do “Financial Statement” really a requirement po in the Immigration?? Or basic docs lang just like travelling in other visa-free countries? (Passport, Flight Itinerary, Hotel Booking, Departure Card)

Please advise.

Hi Kristine, we’re still trying to get answers regarding Financial Statement. We’ll update this post as soon as we can.

Hello! Is it advisable to travel night time to taichung or nantou para hindi masayang ang daytime na ilaan na lang for other tours?

hi po//my husband and I and some of our friends plan to visit taiwan this coming april 2019..nagtatalo pa kmi kung mag diy or avail kami ng tour package…mas cheaper ba pag diy..dba nkakatamad at ubos oras…

Hi Evanrose, nasa travel style nyo po kasi yun. If you asked us 5 years ago, we would have said DIY in a heartbeat. But ngayon na medyo tumatanda na kami (hahaha) and ayaw na naming napapagod masyado, mas preferred na namin ang group tour.

Pero yes, cheaper talaga pag DIY. Pero ang OK naman sa guided tour, may insights bawat stop so mas naaappreciate yung lugar.

Hello! Thanks for the guide. :) I just have some few quesitons tho. Uhm, dun po sa pag book niyo ng flight kasi I find it weird lang when I was filling out the guest details it says “For guests with single names (i.e. ‘Kristianto’), please enter ‘FNU’ (First Name Unknown) in the GIVEN NAME field and your name in the FAMILY NAME/SURNAME field.”

so for example, if my name is Sara Lim, the field should be, Given Name: FNU Surname: Sara Lim

Ganyan po ba dapat? And, I actually tried to book without a passport yet, okay lang po ba yun? Will wait for your response. Thanks much :)

Hi Sara, hala, hindi po.

If first name mo ay Sara, sulat mo sa Given Name/First Name ay SARA.

If last name mo ay LIM, sulat mo sa Family Name/Surname ay LIM.

Pano po kapag wala nmn work pero may ng support naman ng fund para s travel niya may possibilities po ba na ma hold s immigration meron nmn ticket n balikan

Hi kiel, may risk pa rin talaga na ma-offload sa Pilipinas pa lang kapag unemployed. Lagi namang may risk, pero mas malaki lang ang risk ng mga unemployed.

More info here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2014/03/offloaded-philippine-immigration-rules-requirements-airport/

Nice article. The place looks lovely. I will visit the place.

If Mag book kami ng friend q through travel agency my chance pa rin ba ma offload kht complete requirements na

Yep. Lagi namang may ganung chance.

wow, thanks for this. I’ll be visiting the country next month and meron na akong idea to get around the area, this helps alot. yong itinerary na lang need ma plot ng mabuti. thank you

Enjoy Taiwan! :)

Thanks for sharing! :D

Is it better to withdraw NTD at airport than buying USD from bank in PH then exchange at airport? I’m slightly scared of leaving the country penniless so I’m thinking of buying USD in PH. Withdrawing money from an ATM at the airport will incur my local bank’s fee + international bank fee.. Am I right?

Is smoking strictly prohibited in Taiwan (Ximending area)? Or are there areas where smokers can freely do what they want? Thank you!

hello po. i’m planning to travel next year. spend 3 days in taiwan and proceed to south korea for the rest of the vacation. ask ko lng po is english ba immigration nla or yung in authorities? bakja kc di ako matuloy ng korea dahil lng sa language barrier. thank you po

Hello. Ano pong difference ng Terminal 1 & Terminal 2 ng Taoyuan Airport? Di ko rin kasi kita ang details sa flight itinerary namin hehe. Was about to book a Klook 4G Wifi kaso i was being asked about the pick-up location, Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 but I honestly don’t know which to pick. Thank you!

Hi po Interested po sana ako mag travel Taiwan pero yung gusto ko pong dates ay July 29 – Aug 2,2020 since yun lang date na di gaano busy sa work. Pero yung Visa Free nila til July31, 2020 lang po. Okay lang po ba yun?

Thanks for your information…..

Thank you for sharing the information. That helps me so much

Taipei, the capital of Taiwan. a city full of sky scrappers. It is one of the best places to visit in Asia.Thanks for exploring such a nice place.

Wow! I envy you. After this pandemic I’m planning to do good travel in Taiwan. Now I have your writeup wouldn’t look for any other things about the country.

is still visa free this 2022?

hi! I impulsively booked cheap flights to Taiwan for July without considering the weather conditions. Would it still be worth it? Do you know anyone who have been there during summer?

Can you use your credit card directly tapping in and out in (contacless) in their Bus and Train?

Informative as always! As a foodie, I’ve done my own research on must-try Taiwanese food (and there are a lot!). I wonder if you have any favorites? For exampe,I still dream of Hong Kong’s egg tarts and Japan’s beef bowls :)

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Taiwan Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 11, 2023, taiwan - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

Exercise normal precautions in Taiwan.

Read the  Taiwan International Travel Information  page for additional information on travel to Taiwan.

If you decide to travel to Taiwan:

• Follow the U.S. Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Review the  security report for Taiwan  from the Overseas Security Advisory Council.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.

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2024 taipei taiwan travel guide blog with diy itinerary, things to do, tourist spots, tips and budget for first-timers.

Traveling to Taiwan for the first time this 2024? Let this Comprehensive Taipei Taiwan Travel Guide Blog 2024 with Sample DIY Taiwan Itinerary (pdf), list of top things to do in Taipei, and breakdown of expenses help you plan your trip. Best of all, Filipinos can enter Taiwan Visa-Free! Read on this post to learn more!

Updated 2024 first-timer's travel guide blog to taipei, taiwan, if you're looking for a trip to taiwan package from the philippines , this is not a packaged tour. but i could help you plan your trip diy (do-it-yourself) style. now, let’s get started., quick facts about taipei taiwan.

• Currency - New Taiwan Dollar (NTD / NT$)
• Language - Mandarin Chinese. Learn a few Mandarin words and phrases before traveling to Taiwan.
• Weather - 4 Seasons (Winter/Spring/Summer/Fall)
• Electricity - 110 Volts at 60 Hertz (uses Type A socket with 2 flat pins and type B socket with 2 flat pins and an extra prong for grounding)
• Time Zone: - UTC+08:00

Visa Requirements to enter Taiwan

Requirements for visa-free entry to visit taiwan for filipinos.

• An ordinary/regular passport with remaining validity of at least six months from the date of entry (Diplomatic & official passport holders are not eligible for visa-free treatment);
• A return ticket or a ticket for the traveller's next destination and a visa for that destination if it is required;
• No criminal record in Taiwan;
• A proof of accommodation (hotel) booking or host/sponsor's contact information /or arrangements of tour, travel, visit, events and meeting etc.
• Sufficient travel funds.

Taiwan Quarantine Rules

• For all foreign travelers arriving in Taiwan, you must undergo a 3-day quarantine in a designated quarantine hotel and a 4-day self-initiated epidemic prevention following the end of quarantine.
• By October 13, 2022, Taiwan government eyes to end COVID-19 quarantine.
• Taiwan COVID-19 Quarantine Rules are continuously changing. Restrictions implemented for arriving travelers can change quickly. Please check regularly the updated quarantine rules in the destinations you're travelling to and transiting through before you travel.

Cheap Flights to Taipei Taiwan

How to Get from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei City?

Taoyuan airport mrt, private car transfer, taiwan weather, when is the best time to visit taiwan, how many days to spend in taiwan, taiwan time zone, useful mandarin words and phrases.

• Hello - Nĭ hăo (sounds like Nee how)
• Thank You - Xièxiè (sounds like Shieh-shieh)
• Good morning - Zǎo (sounds like Zhow)
• Goodnight - Wǎn'ān (sound like One-un)
• I don't understand - Tīng bù dǒng (sound like teeng boo dong)
• How much? - Duō shǎo qián (sounds like dwo shaow chyen?)
• Excuse Me / Pardon / Sorry - Bù hǎo yìsi (sounds like boo haow eeh si)
• Where is…? - Zài nǎli (sounds like dzaiy nah lee)
• I want to go to… - Wǒ yào qù… (sounds like wo yaow chyoo)
• Restroom - Cèsuǒ (sounds like Tse soo-oh)

Where to Exchange Taiwan Currency?

Pocket Wifi Rental and Data SIM in Taipei

Pocket wifi rental in taiwan, taiwan data sim card.

How to Get around Taipei?

Taipei transport fun pass, taipei unlimited fun pass.

• Taipei 101 Observatory

National Palace Museum

• Main Building of Chiang Kai-Shek Shilin Residence
• Miramar Entertainment Park Ferris Wheel
• Taipei Children’s Amusement Park
• Tamsui Historical Museum
• Tamsui to Fisherman’s Wharf roundtrip ticket

Gold Museum

• Yeliu Geopark

Juming Museum

• Sky Lantern Police Station Electric Sky Lantern ticket
• National Museum of Marine Science & Technology

5-DAY JOINT TRAIN PASS (THSR+TR)

Maokong gondola.

Where to Stay in Taipei?

SLEEPBOX HOSTEL XIMEN

• Mixed Dormitory - PHP 926.00 per person
• Female Dormitory for 8 - PHP 927.00 per person
• Standard Double Room, 1 Double Bed - PHP 1,806.00 for 2 persons

ANGELS' HOSTEL - TAIPEI XIMEN

• Shared Male Dormitory - PHP 512.00 per person
• Shared Female Dormitory - PHP 512.00 per person
• Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm (1 Double Bed) - PHP 1,617.00 for 2 persons

GRAND HYATT TAIPEI

INN CUBE XIMEN

• Room Selected By Hotel, Shared Bathroom - PHP 1,001.00 for 1 person
• Room, Shared Bathroom (Bunk Bed) - PHP 1,717.00 for 2 persons
• Double Room, Shared Bathroom - PHP 1,860.00 for 2 persons

SHILIN HOME TAIPEI

• Double Room - PHP 2,957.00 for 2 persons
• Twin Room - PHP 2,957.00 for 2 persons
• Triple Room - PHP 3,827.00 for 3 persons
• Quadruple Room - PHP 4,697.00 for 4 persons

CITY INN HOTEL PLUS XIMEN

• Standard Room - PHP 3,858.00 for 2 persons
• Elite Double - PHP 4,328.00 for 2 persons
• Twin Room - PHP 5,034.00 for 2 persons
• Deluxe Room - PHP 5,034.00 for 2 persons
• Triple Room - PHP 6,672.00 for 3 persons
• Family Room - PHP 7,562.00 for 4 persons

ART INN HOSTEL XIMEN TAIPEI

• Twin Room - PHP 1,500.00 for 2 persons
• Standard Quadruple Room - PHP 4,000.00 for 4 persons
• Family Room - PHP 5,387.00 for 6 persons

TOP-RATED HOTELS IN TAIPEI

Here are the popular and highly-regarded hotels in taipei, taiwan with excellent ratings from previous guests. you can save as much as 50% discount on published room rates when you book in advance., other hotels & hostels in taipei, here are the other popular and top-rated hotels in taipei, taiwan. book now to save as much as 50% off on your hotel bookings.

• Hotel Papa Whale - See rates and room availability
• San Want Hotel - See rates and room availability
• New Riverside Suites - See rates and room availability
• Hotel Midtown Richardson - See rates and room availability
• Sato Castle Motel - See rates and room availability
• Westgate Hotel - See rates and room availability
• Amba Taipei Ximending - See rates and room availability
• CitizenM Taipei North Gate - See rates and room availability
• Fortune Hiya Taipei - See rates and room availability
• Just Sleep Hotel Ximending - See rates and room availability

THINGS TO DO IN TAIPEI + TOURIST SPOTS & ATTRACTIONS

Taipei 101 and Observatory

Travel tip:.

Elephant Mountain

Martyrs' Shrine

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

• Memorial Hall - 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM, daily
• Memorial Parl - 05:00 AM - 12:00 MN, daily

Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

Hop on hop off bus ticket prices:.

• 4 Hour Pass - PHP 454.00
• 1 Day Pass - PHP 1,059.00

Longshan Temple

Bopiliao Historical Block

Shilin Night Market

Miramar Entertainment Park

Dadaocheng District

Chiang Kai-Shek Shilin Residence

Ximending Shopping District

And just outside Taipei...

Side trips and day tours from taipei.

Shifen Waterfalls

Pingxi Old Street

Jiufen Old Village

Nanya Rock Formations

Ying Yang Sea

Yehliu Geopark

Top Best Things to do in Taipei, Taiwan

Visit the taipei 101 observatory.

• Taipei 101 is one of Taiwan's most popular tourist attractions and most photographed landmarks. This is one of the reasons why I've been wanting to visit Taiwan is to see and climb the famed Taipei 101 . Read more here.

Climb Elephant Mountain and Enjoy the Best View of Taipei

• If you're wondering where to get the best view of the city and of Taipei 101 , I highly suggest that you climb the Elephant Mountain . It requires a hike to the stairs to get to the viewpoint where you will be greeted with an amazing view of Taipei City and the towering Taipei 101 dominating the city's skyline. The best time to visit is during the late afternoon to catch the sunset. Read more here.

Eat, Shop, and Wander at the Best Night Markets in Taipei

• Food trip and shopping are two of the best ways to enjoy a visit to Taiwan. Forget about bars and night clubs. The night markets are the best places to visit at night when in Taiwan! The night market is a Taiwanese cultural tradition that you should experience when visiting Taiwan. Eat, shop, stroll, and immerse yourself with the night market culture as you share the experience with the Taipei locals and tourists visiting Taiwan. Read more here.

Taipei City Double Decker Sightseeing Bus Tour

• This tour is a Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour to some of the major tourist spots and attractions in Taipei. Composed of 23 bus stops and 2 routes, it gives you the convenience of taking the bus that goes to the different interesting sites in Taipei. With this tour, you can choose to hop off at any stop for sightseeing, and hop back on when the next bus on the schedule arrives. Read more here.
• Jiufen Village and Northeast Coast Tour in New Taipei City, Taiwan
• This northeast coast tour in New Taipei City will bring you to some scenic spots in Taiwan, such as the Bitou Cape, Nanya Rock Formations, and Ying Yang Sea. The highlight of this tour is the visit to Jiufen Village which is an old mining town that is now a popular tourist destination near Taipei City. Located in the mountain area of Ruifang District in New Taipei City, Taiwan, Jiufen Village is a quaint village with rich history and culture to tell. Read more here.

Shifen Waterfalls, Pingxi Old Street, and Keelung Miaokou Market

• This tour will bring you to Shifen Waterfalls which is located within a beautiful forested mountainside in Pingxi District, New Taipei City. It is popular tourist destination that is about 20 meters high and 40 meters wide, making it the broadest waterfall in Taiwan. Also not to be missed is the Pingxi Old Street which is located near a train station that is rich in culture and history to tell. You could end your tour with a visit to Keelung Miaokou Street where you could explore the different shops and food stalls in the area. Read more here.

Pineapple Cake Making Workshop in Taipei

• Don’t miss this workshop that will let you to experience the handmade process of pineapple shortcake making when visiting Taiwan. Located in Shilin District , The Kuo Yuan Ye Museum of Cake and Pastry is a pastry culture and making museum in Taipei, Taiwan. Read more here.

The Shu's Pottery DIY Workshop

• Learning pottery making for the very first time is such an awesome and memorable experience. There's no better way to learn it than from the guidance of experts and from a place rich in history. This is recommended for your group of friends, family, and even kids. Read more here.

Soap Making Workshop at TeaSoap since 1957

• This activity will surely bring out the creativity in you. It's an ideal activity and new things to do in Taiwan that the family, group of friends, and kids of all ages will surely love and enjoy. Read more here.

Blue Dye Making Workshop at The Can

• This traditional Taiwanese cloth dyeing technique can still be found in Sanxia District in New Taipei City. Because of the abundance of the dye plant called "Da Jing" in the area, Sanxia became the center of the cloth dyeing industry of Northern Taiwan during the late Qing dynasty. To keep the tradition alive, locals have set up dyeing workshops along the old streets of Sanxia to let other people learn and appreciate the art of Blue Dye . Read more here.

Best Food and Must-eats in Taipei

Din Tai Fung

Meat boss hot pot in taipei, buffet options.

• Eatogether in Taiwan
• Chao Guo Shabu in Banqiao Station
• Cafe83 at Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall Station
• Mantanghung Spicy Hot Pot at Taipei City Hall Station
• Jing He Jia at Fuzhong Station

Other Tours and Experiences in Taiwan

A Day at Sun Moon Lake

Yangmingshan National Park & Hot Springs Tour

Taiwan's Northern Coast

Fo Guang Shan and Cheng Ching Lake

Wuling Farm Day Tour from Taipei

Sightseeing Carpool Between Taipei and Hualien (via Jiufen)

Gaomei Wetland & Rainbow Military Community

Leofoo Village Theme Park

Thousand Island Lake & Pinglin Tea Plantation

Taroko Gorge, Swallow Grotto, & Seven Star Lake Day Tour

Qingshui Cliff Sea Kayaking in Hualien

Alishan National Forest Recreation Area

Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen and Shifen Shuttle Bus from Ximen

Sample 5 days and 4 nights taipei diy itinerary.

• Arrival in Taiwan
• Check-in at the Hotel
• City tour via Hop on Hop off sightseeing bus tour
• Dinner and Taipei at Night Tour
• Back at the hotel/hostel
• Morning walk in Taipei, go to Bopiliao Historical Block
• Jiufen Village and Northeast Coast Tour
• Jingmei Night Market Tour and Dinner
• Half day Explore Taipei City Tour
• Visit Taipei 101 Observatory
• Climb Elephant Mountain
• Dinner at Tonghua Night Market
• Join the FREE Taipei Walking Tour Historic Route
• Explore Bopiliao Historical Block
• Shop for pasalubong
• Walk around Ximending Shopping District
• Dinner at Shilin Night Market
• Prepare for departure
• Check out of the hotel
• Flight back to Manila

Taipei Trip Budget and Expenses

List of basic expenses.

• Accommodation: PHP 1,000 - 5,000 per night
• Food: PHP 500 - 800 per day
• Transportation: PHP 300 - 400 per day
• Taipei 101 Observatory Ticket - PHP 859 per person
• Half-day Explore Taipei City Tour - PHP 1,704 per person (includes entrance ticket to the National Palace Museum)
• Taipei at Night Tour - PHP 2,324 per person (includes dinner at Din Tai Fung )
• Jingmei Night Market Tour - PHP 842 per person (includes tasting 12 local snacks)
• Taipei Sightseeing Hop on Hop off Bus Tour
• 4 Hour Pass - PHP 454.00 per person
• 1 Day Pass - PHP 1,059.00 per person
• Jiufen Village and Northeast Coast Tour: PHP 2,014 per person
• 4G Pocket WiFi Rental: PHP 133 per day
• Airport Transfers: PHP 1,390 per way good for 4 persons

Sample Expenses for 14,000 PHP Budget

• Train to Taipei - 272.00
• Hostel (1st night) - 512.00
• One day Bus Tour via Klook - 1,059
• Food Expenses - 300.00
• Dinner and Taipei at Night Tour via Klook - 2,324
• TOTAL - 4,467
• Hostel (2nd night) - 512.00
• Jiufen Tour - 2,014.00
• Jingmei Night Market Tour via Klook - 842.00
• Transportation - 60.00
• TOTAL - 3,728
• Hostel (3rd night) - 512.00
• Explore Taipei via Klook - 1,704
• Taipei 101 Observatory Ticket via Klook - 859.00
• Elephant Mountain - Free
• Transportation - 100.00
• Food Expenses - 500.00
• TOTAL - 3,675.00
• Hostel - 512.00
• TOTAL - 1,112.00
• Train to Taoyuan Airport - 272.00
• TOTAL - 772.00

GRAND TOTAL = 14,086.00 per person

• Round trip airfare Manila-Taipei-Manila
• NAIA terminal fee and travel tax
• Budget for pasalubong and tips
• Food expense for snacks

You can download a PDF copy of this Taiwan DIY Itinerary Travel Guide, HERE .

Sample 3 Days 2 Nights (3D2N) Itinerary for 8,000 Pesos

Day 1 - gold museum, jiufen and miramar entertainment park.

• 06:00 - Arrival in Taipei. Take the Airport Express to Taipei Main Station
• 07:30 - Leave bags at the hotel/hostel
• 08:00 - Have Breakfast at JSP Ximen
• 08:10 - Eat breakfast at JSP Ximen
• 08:40 - Walk to Ximen Bus Stop Station
• 09:00 - Take the city bus number 965 to Gold Museum
• 10:10 - Gold Museum Tour
• 11:50 - Lunch
• 12:30 - Gather and head to Jiufen by taking bus 965
• 13:00 - Explore Jiufen Old Street
• 14:30 - Gather and take bus 965 to Taipei
• 15:30 - Arrive at Taipei's Beimen MRT Station
• 15:45 - Take the MRT Green line and alight at Nanjing Fuxing
• 16:00 - Transfer the MRT brown line and take the train to Jiannan Rd. Station
• 16:30 - Go to Miramar Entertainment Park, ride the Ferris Wheel
• 18:30 - Dinner
• 20:00 - Head back to Ximen by taking the MRT Brown Line from Jiannan Rd. Station to Nanjing Fuxing
• 20:30 - Transfer to MRT Green Line to Ximen Station
• 21:00 - Back at the hotel/hostel

Day 2 - National Palace Museum, Shilin Residence, Dadaocheng, and Taipei 101

• 07:00 - Breakfast
• 08:00 - Take the MRT to Shilin Station and transfer to the Bus Red 30 (R30) which will take you directly to the National Palace Museum.
• 09:10 - Arrive at National Palace Museum, explore
• 10:50 - Gather at the exit and take the bus Bus Red 30 (R30) and head to Main Building of Chiang Kai-Shek Shilin Residence
• 11:10 - Tour of Main Building of Chiang Kai-Shek Shilin Residence
• 13:00 - Lunch
• 14:00 - Take the MRT to Daqiaotou Station. Take exit 1 and walk towards Dadaocheng district
• 15:00 - Arrive at Dadaocheng district
• 15:45 - Explore the district of Dadaocheng
• 18:00 - Dinner
• 19:00 - Walk back to Daqiaotou Station
• 19:30 - Take MRT from Daqiaotou Station to Dongmen Station and transfer to red line to Taipei101/World Trade Center Station.
• 20:00 - Arrive at Taipei 101 and visit Shou Xing Fang for souvenir shopping
• 20:30 - Go up to Taipei 101 Observatory
• 22:00 - Take the MRT back to Ximen Station
• 22:30 - Back at hotel/hostel

Day 3 - Yehliu Geopark and Juming Museum

• 06:00 - Leave bags at the hotel/hostel
• 06:30 - Breakfast
• 07:00 - Take the MRT from Ximen to Taipei Main Station then transfer the MRT Red Line to Tamsui Station
• 08:30 - Arrive at Tamsui Station. Take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle service 862 to Yehliu Geopark
• 10:00 - Arrive at Yehliu Geopark, explore
• 12:00 - Lunch
• 13:00 - Depart for Juming Museum by taking Bus 862
• 13:30 - Tour Juming Museum
• 15:30 - Gather at the entrance of Juming Museum
• 15:45 - Take the Bus 862 back to Tamsui Station
• 17:00 - Arrive at Tamsui Station. Take the MRT Red Line to Taipei Main Station then transfer to Ximen Station via the Blue Line.
• 17:40 - Arrive at Ximen Station/Taipei Main Station and Go to the hotel to pick-up bags
• 18:00 - Take the Airport Express Train to Taoyuan Airport
• 19:00 - Arrive at Taoyuan Airport. Check-in for your flight.
• You will be staying in a hostel for 1,000 pesos per night.
• Your food expenses is 800 pesos per day.
• You'll be taking the Airport Express Train from and to the Airport for 544 pesos round trip.
• You will be using a 3-day Unlimited Taipei Fun Pass worth 3,243 pesos. You can buy Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass here .

Breakdown of Expenses:

• 3 days Unlimited Taipei Fun Pass - PHP 3,243
• Hostel for 2 nights - PHP 2,000
• Food for 3 days - PHP 2,400
• Round trip Airport Express Train - PHP 544

TOTAL - PHP 8,187 per person

Taiwan travel blogs.

• Sample Taiwan Itineraries for 3, 4, 5 Days Tour
• 10 Free Things to Do in Taipei + Tourist and Attractions
• Taipei Taiwan Night Markets: Est, Shot and Explore!
• 3 Awesome Ways to Explore and Discover Taipei, Taiwan
• Taipei 101 & Elephant Mountain (Best Views of Taipei + Travel Tips)
• Top Best Budget Hotels and Hostels in Taipei, Taiwan
• The Perfect 3-Day Itinerary for Taipei using the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass
• Sample 2 Days Nantou, Taiwan Itinerary using the Nantou Fun Pass

I hope this COMPREHENSIVE TAIPEI TAIWAN TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG for First-timers help you in planning a memorable Taiwan Adventure! Enjoy and have fun in Taiwan!

Follow my adventures on youtube @pinoyadventurista, 10 comments :.

Hi my husband is working in taiwan for almost 4 years and i will visit him this may 2018...in this case do i still need to show in the immigration a hotel accommodation or is it enough to show to them the address where my husband is staying as my proof of accommodation?

Great to know this TAIWAN VISA-FREE ACCESS for Filipinos is extended until July 31, 2019! I'm planning a trip soon, this Taipei Budget Travel Guide with sample DIY Itinerary is very helpful. This First-Timer's Travel Guide to Taipei, Taiwan is such a big help especially for first-timer like me.

Indeed, there are so many THINGS TO DO IN TAIPEI. I used this as my travel guide. Get to Know the City on a Hop On Hop Off Tour. Get a Killer View of Taipei from the Taipei 101 Observatory. Eat Your Way Through Shilin and Raohe Night Markets. Get Artsy at a Museum or Creative Park. Go on a Free Walking Tour. Feel Tiny at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Planning a trip to Taiwan sometime soon? This is a comprehensive DIY itinerary travel guide that covers attractions and activities every first timer’s should not miss.

yong iti's mo is "for your eyes only" we cant even print it. enable mo naman yan para ma print ng readers and followers

yong iti portion mo is "for your eyes only" we cant even print it. enable mo naman yan para ma print ng readers and followers, i mean not the whole post

Hi. Me and my brother are planning to travel to Taiwan next month. It will my first time while second trip for my brother because he's already been to SG last year. Question, cos i'll be really on a tight budget for this trip like everything will be budgeted. Im just afraid that i'll be checked regarding my financial capability. Well, im actually employed for two years already but i dont have that "show money" thing. Is it okay? Thank you so much.

Hi, paano po kapag sa apartment ng bf/gf ka magtitigil for the rest of your vacation? Okay lang po bang sabihin na you'll be staying at your boyfriend's or girlfriend's place?

I love how detailed you are when explaining everything! Thank you for this! Excited to visit Taiwan again!

Thank you for this guide! Super detailed and helpful! God bless 🙏

thank you for this is very helpful. can i ask if how much money needed for my bank to not get offloaded if i want to travel i taiwan.

Looking for Budget Travel Guide Blogs, Hotel Reviews, and Sample DIY Itineraries? Welcome to Pinoy Adventurista, "Your Next Ultimate Adventure Starts Here!" Pinoy Adventurista is one of the Top Travel Blogs in the Philippines and the World. In 2013, he visited all the 81 provinces in the Philippines.

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U.S. Lawmakers Visit Taiwan and Vow Support in Face of Chinese Military Drills

A bipartisan delegation promised to stand by the island’s newly elected president, Lai Ching-te, after Beijing surrounded the self-governing island with naval vessels and aircraft.

• Share full article

By Catie Edmondson

Reporting from Taipei, Taiwan

After China performed two days of military drills intended to punish Taiwan, Representative Michael McCaul of Texas on Monday stood alongside the island nation’s newly elected president, Lai Ching-te, and issued a promise.

“The United States must maintain the capacity to resist any resort to force or coercion that would jeopardize the security of the people of Taiwan,” Mr. McCaul, the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said. “That is what we stand for, and that is what we continue to say.”

Mr. McCaul, a Republican, traveled this week to Taipei with a bipartisan delegation of other American lawmakers in an attempt, he said, to show that the U.S. government stood in lock step with Mr. Lai and Taiwan.

The trip, which will last through the week, comes at a fraught time: Just days after Mr. Lai was sworn into office and vowed in his inaugural address to defend Taiwan’s sovereignty, China responded by surrounding the self-governing island with naval vessels and military aircraft. Before the lawmakers arrived, the Chinese government had publicly warned them to “seriously abide by the one-China policy” and “not to schedule any congressional visit to Taiwan.”

Just a few days ago, China “conducted two days of military drills in the Taiwan Strait to express their displeasure with President Lai,” Lin Chia-lung, Taiwan’s foreign minister, told Mr. McCaul at a news conference on Monday.

“You can say in this critical time, it is a powerful display,” Mr. Lin added.

Even as many Republicans in Congress balked at providing continued U.S. military aid to Ukraine, support for Taiwan has remained a largely bipartisan endeavor. A number of conservatives have argued that the United States should pull back its investments in Ukraine and instead bolster deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region. In April, the House voted to approve $8 billion for Taiwan in a lopsided 385-to-34 vote.

“Even though there are debates about other theaters of war,” Mr. McCaul said, “I can tell you there is no division or no dissension when it comes to Taiwan in the Congress.”

But deep challenges remain. Even though there are few political hurdles to approving fresh tranches of aid for Taiwan, the backlog of undelivered orders of arms and military equipment to the island from the United States has grown to nearly $20 billion. Some weapons systems that Washington approved for Taiwan in 2020 have yet to be sent.

By far, the biggest part of the undelivered inventory is an order approved by the Trump administration in 2019 for 66 F-16 fighter jets, which makes up over 40 percent of the backlog, according to Eric Gomez, a researcher at the Cato Institute in Washington who, with a co-researcher, has compiled a running estimate of the delays . Other items that Taiwan is waiting for include a Harpoon coastal defense system, mobile rocket launchers called HIMARS and Abrams tanks.

The additional $8 billion of military spending support for Taiwan and the Asia-Pacific region approved by Congress would not make a big dent in the backlog, Mr. Gomez said. That amount includes $1.9 billion to enable the Pentagon to release weapons to send to Taiwan from U.S. stockpiles, with the money then used to replenish the American inventory. But the United States “does not have the capability in its stockpile to send” those, Mr. Gomez said.

And there are quietly growing fears among supporters of Taiwan that Western allies, chief among them the United States, will become bogged down in other intractable conflicts — in Ukraine and the Middle East — that will further erode their capacity to send arms.

“People in Taiwan look at what happened in Hong Kong, they look at Afghanistan, they look at Putin,” Mr. McCaul said in an interview. “They’re worried that this is going to be the next shoe to drop, and they should be.”

“I don’t want anyone to think that we can’t support Taiwan because of Ukraine,” he added. “The stuff going to Ukraine is old and it’s old NATO stuff; this is all brand-new for Taiwan. But I just think our defense industrial base is overloaded right now, and it cannot handle this amount of conflict in the world.”

Mr. Lai, in remarks delivered at the Office of the President, alluded to the critical role that the United States had played in assisting the Taiwanese people’s “determination to defend their homeland.” He praised former President Ronald Reagan — a favorite among conservatives, and especially with Speaker Mike Johnson, who frequently quotes him — for his “concept of peace through strength.”

“With your support, I hope that Congress through legislative action will continue to assist Taiwan,” Mr. Lai said.

The aim of the delegation’s visit, Mr. McCaul said, was to show lawmakers’ commitment to do just that. He said he was heartened by how little backlash he and other Republicans had received after Congress moved to pass the enormous aid package for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan.

“You can see the impact that vote has here,” Mr. McCaul said. “It has real-life consequences; it’s not some political game on the floor. It has real consequences here, it has real consequences in Ukraine.”

The visiting delegation includes Mr. McCaul and Representatives Young Kim, Republican of California; Joe Wilson, Republican of South Carolina; Jimmy Panetta, Democrat of California; Andy Barr, Republican of Kentucky; and Chrissy Houlahan, Democrat of Pennsylvania.

Christopher Buckley contributed reporting.

Catie Edmondson covers Congress for The Times. More about Catie Edmondson

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Mon, Jun 10, 2024 page3

Keelung seeking a status upgrade, special municipality if keelung were to be merged with taipei and new taipei city, its political prominence might decrease, an academic warned.

• By Lu Heien-hsiu, Yang Hsin-hui and Huang Tzu-yang / Staff reporters

Taipei and New Taipei City have adopted a reserved stance on Keelung’s bid to be upgraded to a special municipality.

More than half of Keelung residents supported the upgrade in a survey conducted by the local government last year, Keelung Department of Civil Affairs Director Chang Yuan-hsiang (張淵翔) said on Saturday.

Most Keelung residents backed the plan to merge the city with Taipei and New Taipei cities into a new special municipality, Chang added.

Keelung Harbor is pictured from the air in an undated photograph.

Photo courtesy of Hsieh Chih-huang

There are six special municipalities in Taiwan — Taipei, New Taipei City, Taoyuan, Taichung, Tainan and Kaohsiung — while Keelung is an autonomous municipality, which is a second-level administrative division.

The Keelung City Government has allocated an additional budget of NT$3 million (US$93,023) this year to hold forums, carry out surveys on the city’s i-Voting online polling platform and conduct referendums to build consensus on the issue, Chang said.

The Taipei and New Taipei governments have been neutral toward the bid.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) has been promoting close exchanges in the metropolitan area — including Keelung, Taipei, New Taipei City and Taoyuan — since he took office, the Taipei City Government said.

A partnership has been established among the four cities on issues of shared concern such as transportation, environment and sustainability, it said, adding that Taipei is to continue working with its partners.

The New Taipei City Government said that the four cities form a “common living circle” and would continue to work closely.

The New Taipei City Government said that it would respect the public’s opinion on Keelung’s upgrade plan.

The central government should review the issue comprehensively as part of a master plan, it said.

Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Keelung City Councilor Cheng Kai-ling (鄭愷玲) said she supported allocating the budget in preparation for the upgrade.

The biggest challenge Keelung is facing is that its population is not big enough, she said.

Forums should be held to discuss how Keelung could be merged with Taipei and New Taipei, and seek consensus, she added.

Taipei should be merged with Keelung as the nation’s capital should have an airport and a port, Independent Keelung City Councilor Chang Keng-hui (張耿輝) said.

Such a merger should take New Taipei City’s Sijhih District (汐止) into consideration as it is located between Keelung and Taipei, he added.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Keelung City Councilor Cheng Wen-ting (鄭文婷) said that Keelung’s citizens are looking forward to the upgrade, but Keelung Mayor George Hsieh (謝國樑) should first elaborate on the details to the city council.

DPP Keelung City Councilor Chang Hao-han (張顥瀚) said the upgrade would have a wide impact, but the Keelung City Government failed to propose a concrete plan.

When asked about the issue by reporters, some Keelung citizens agreed that the city should merge with Taipei, while some said that it is more reasonable for Keelung to merge with its seven neighboring districts including New Taipei City’s Jinshan (金山), Wanli (萬里) and Rueifang (瑞芳) districts.

Keelung cannot be upgraded without merging with other cities, according to the Local Government Act (地方制度法), said Cheng An-ting (鄭安廷), an academic at National Chengchi University’s Department of Land Economics.

If Keelung were to be merged with Taipei and New Taipei City, it would not be a political center and its importance would lessen, he said.

On the other hand, the upgrade could help promote resource integration, he said, adding that Keelung residents should carefully consider the pros and cons of a potential upgrade.

Additional reporting by Lin Cheng-hung

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DPP proposes axing two government branches

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