Taipei
Taipei, the vibrant capital of Taiwan, is renowned for its bustling night markets, towering skyscrapers and a rich blend of Chinese, Japanese, and Western influences in its architecture and culture.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Taipei is during the fall, from October to December, when the weather is typically cooler and drier, providing an ideal climate for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
How to Get There and Around
To get to Taipei, you'll typically fly into Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, which is well-connected with many global destinations. From the airport, you can take a taxi, bus, or the Airport MRT (a rapid transit line connecting the airport to downtown Taipei) to reach the city center.
Once you're in Taipei, there are many ways to get around:
MRT (Mass Rapid Transit): This is the most efficient way to travel around Taipei. It's clean, reliable, and the routes cover most of the city's major attractions.
Buses: Taipei has an extensive bus network, which can be a bit more challenging for foreigners due to language barriers, but Google Maps or other similar apps can guide you effectively.
Bicycles: You can rent bicycles from YouBike stations scattered across the city for short trips.
Taxis: Taxis are plentiful and relatively inexpensive compared to many western cities. Most taxi drivers don't speak English well, so it's advisable to have your destination written in Chinese.
Walking: Taipei is a safe and walkable city with many of its attractions located close together, particularly in areas like Ximending and Tamsui.
Remember, the EasyCard, a contactless smartcard system, is a convenient way to pay for rides on the MRT, buses, and even YouBikes, and can be purchased at any MRT station.
Top 25 Attractions in Taipei
Taipei is a city filled with diverse attractions that reflect its rich history and vibrant modern culture. Here are some of the top attractions you may want to consider visiting:
Taipei 101: Once the world's tallest building, this skyscraper is a symbol of Taipei's economic rise and offers an observatory on the 89th floor for panoramic city views.
National Palace Museum: Home to one of the largest collections of Chinese art and artifacts in the world, this museum is a must-visit for art and history enthusiasts.
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: This landmark honors Taiwan's former president and offers an insight into the country's history and politics.
Longshan Temple: One of the most iconic temples in Taiwan, this is a place of Buddhist and Taoist worship and a testament to Taiwan's spiritual traditions.
Shilin Night Market: This is Taipei's largest and most famous night market, where you can try a variety of local street foods and shop for clothing, accessories, and more.
Beitou Hot Springs: Located in the Beitou District, these natural hot springs are the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Maokong Gondola: Offering stunning views of Taipei, this gondola ride will take you up to the tea-growing area of Maokong, where you can enjoy a cup of freshly brewed Taiwanese tea.
Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan): A hiking trail that leads to a breathtaking view of the Taipei city skyline, including a clear view of Taipei 101.
Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall: Dedicated to the founding father of the Republic of China, this memorial hall showcases the life and contributions of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen.
Taipei Zoo: One of the largest zoos in Asia, it houses a variety of animals including pandas and Formosan animals native to Taiwan.
Huashan 1914 Creative Park: This early 20th-century wine factory turned creative park hosts exhibitions, concerts, and movie screenings. It's a great place to explore unique local art and design.
Dihua Street: This historic street in the Dadaocheng district is famous for its Chinese medicinal herbs, fabrics, teas, and a spectacular display of goods for the Chinese New Year.
Yangmingshan National Park: This park offers beautiful landscapes, hot springs, and hiking trails. It's also home to Taiwan's tallest dormant volcano, Seven Star Mountain.
Taipei Fine Arts Museum: This was the first museum in Taiwan built in a modern style, offering a vast collection of Taiwanese art.
Raohe Street Night Market: One of the oldest night markets in the city, Raohe Street is packed with food vendors, quaint shops, and carnival games.
Red House Theater: Located in the Ximending district, the Red House is an iconic historic theater, which hosts art exhibitions and small-scale performances.
Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf: Known for its beautiful sunset views, the wharf is also packed with seafood restaurants and offers a lovely riverfront walk.
Jiufen: While not in Taipei city itself, this mountain town northeast of Taipei is famous for its tea houses and the narrow alleyways of its old town, and is well worth a day trip.
Treasure Hill Artist Village: A historical community transformed into an arts village, it hosts resident artists from around the world and offers an array of art exhibitions and workshops.
Songshan Cultural and Creative Park: This was once a tobacco factory but is now a multi-purpose park hosting design and cultural exhibitions.
Confucius Temple: Dating back to 1879, the Taipei Confucius Temple is a center of Confucian study and a serene place that provides insights into the traditional Chinese reverence for the scholar Confucius.
Bopiliao Historical Block: This historical block located in the Wanhua District has been restored and now serves as a cultural education center, offering visitors a glimpse of Taipei's past with its Qing Dynasty and Japanese colonial architecture.
Ximending Shopping District: Known as the "Shibuya of Taipei," this is the city's first pedestrian zone and a hub of fashion, arts, and food. It's especially popular among the younger crowd.
228 Peace Memorial Park: A historic site and municipal park, the 228 Peace Memorial Park commemorates the victims of the February 28 incident in 1947, an anti-government uprising in Taiwan.
Puppetry Art Center of Taipei: This center is dedicated to puppetry, a beloved traditional art in Taiwan. Here you can watch puppet shows and even learn to operate the puppets yourself.
Top 25 Activities to do in Taipei
Taipei offers a wealth of activities for all types of travelers. Here are some top activities to consider:
Ascend Taipei 101: Take a ride in the world's fastest elevator to the observatory at Taipei 101 for a panoramic view of the city.
Explore Night Markets: Visit the Shilin or Raohe Night Market to try out local street food, shop for souvenirs, and experience the vibrant local culture.
Bike Along the Tamsui River: Rent a YouBike and enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the river, stopping at various parks and sights along the way.
Take a Hot Spring Bath in Beitou: Unwind in one of the many hot spring resorts in Beitou district.
Hike Up Elephant Mountain: For the best view of Taipei city, especially Taipei 101, take a hike up Elephant Mountain, particularly beautiful at sunset.
Visit Temples: Explore the Longshan Temple and Confucius Temple to learn about Taiwan's religious traditions.
Tea Tasting in Maokong: Take the Maokong Gondola and taste some of the best tea in Taiwan, while enjoying a fantastic view of the city.
Learn Calligraphy at the National Palace Museum: After exploring the vast collection of Chinese artifacts, take a calligraphy class to learn this traditional art form.
Participate in a Cooking Class: Learn to make Taiwanese dishes like bubble tea and beef noodle soup.
Stroll Through Huashan 1914 Creative Park: Visit galleries, artist studios, and enjoy a coffee in one of the many hip cafes in this creative park.
Go on a Food Tour: Join a guided food tour to sample a variety of Taiwanese delicacies from beef noodles to soup dumplings (xiaolongbao) and stinky tofu.
Visit Jiufen: Take a day trip to the mountain town of Jiufen, explore its old streets, and have tea at one of its famous teahouses.
Explore Ximending District: Often compared to Tokyo's Harajuku, this vibrant shopping district is filled with shops, restaurants, and street performers. It's a great place to experience youth culture in Taipei.
Take a River Cruise at Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf: Enjoy the beautiful sunset and evening cityscape of Taipei from the water. This is a perfect way to wind down after a day of sightseeing.
Visit the Puppetry Art Center of Taipei: Experience a traditional puppet show and explore the history and techniques behind this fascinating form of storytelling, which has a long history in Taiwan.
Visit the Rainbow Village: Take a day trip to Taichung to see the vibrant Rainbow Village, a collection of houses painted with colorful murals by the late Huang Yung-Fu, a former soldier who turned the village into an art project.
Explore the Underground Shopping Malls: Taipei City Mall and Zhongshan Metro Shopping Mall are underground shopping streets where you can find clothes, accessories, toys, and local snacks.
Taiwanese Craft Beer Tasting: Taiwan has a budding craft beer scene. Visit some of the local breweries or craft beer bars in Taipei for a tasting session.
Photowalk in Treasure Hill Artist Village: The combination of quaint houses, art installations, and beautiful views make this a great place for photography enthusiasts.
Attend a Performance at the National Theater & Concert Hall: If you're a lover of performing arts, check out the schedule and attend a ballet, opera, or concert at these premier venues.
Visit the Flower and Jade Markets: The weekend markets along Jianguo South Road are filled with beautiful flowers, bonsai, and jade jewelry, perfect for a leisure stroll.
Take a Taiwanese Tea Ceremony Class: Learn about the rich history and intricate rituals of traditional Taiwanese tea ceremonies.
Try Out Indoor Shrimping: A popular pastime in Taipei, indoor shrimping allows you to catch your own shrimp in indoor pools and barbecue them right there for a unique dining experience.
Stroll Down Dihua Street: Wander down this historical street in the Dadaocheng area, lined with Chinese medicinal herb shops, fabric vendors, tea shops, and traditional grocery stores.
Visit a Themed Cafe: Taipei is famous for its variety of quirky themed cafes - from cat and dog cafes, to cafes based around books, cartoons, and various other themes. Enjoy a coffee and the unique ambiance each cafe has to offer.
Best Shopping
Taipei is a shopper's paradise with a mix of modern malls, traditional markets, and unique shopping districts. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best shopping options in Taipei:
Ximending Shopping District: Often referred to as the "Harajuku of Taipei", Ximending is a shopping and entertainment area popular among young people. It's full of trendy clothing stores, street food stalls, movie theaters, and sometimes even street performances.
Taipei 101 Mall: Located at the base of Taipei 101, this upscale mall houses luxury brands from around the world, along with some exclusive boutiques.
Shilin Night Market: One of the most famous night markets in Taipei, Shilin is not only great for street food but also offers an array of clothing, accessories, souvenirs, and gadgets at affordable prices.
Dihua Street: A historic street where you can find traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, teas, fabrics, and Chinese New Year goodies. It's a great place to buy souvenirs and experience traditional Taipei.
Gongguan Shopping Area: Located near the National Taiwan University, this area caters to students and has a lot of shops selling books, fashion, and accessories at reasonable prices.
East Taipei Shopping District: This area around Zhongxiao East Road is packed with department stores, including the iconic Shin Kong Mitsukoshi and Breeze Center, and is known for high-end shopping.
Underground Shopping Malls: Taipei City Mall and Zhongshan Metro Shopping Mall are underground shopping streets connected to MRT stations. They're great for clothes, accessories, toys, and even local snacks.
Wufenpu Garment Wholesale Area: This is the largest garment wholesale market in Taipei. Shoppers can find the latest fashion at wholesale prices.
Eslite Bookstore: Eslite is not just a bookstore but a wide-ranging lifestyle store. The branch at Xinyi is open 24 hours and is a must-visit for book lovers.
Guang Hua Digital Plaza: If you're into electronics, this is the place to go. From the latest gadgets to DIY computer parts, you can find everything related to electronics here.
Tonghua Night Market: Besides delicious street food, this night market also offers a good selection of clothes, accessories, and souvenirs.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Taipei has a vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene that caters to a wide variety of interests. Here are some of the highlights:
Night Markets: Night markets are an integral part of life in Taipei. Famous ones like Shilin and Raohe Night Market not only offer a wide variety of delicious street food but also various forms of entertainment including shopping and games.
Bars and Clubs: Taipei has a lively bar and club scene. The area around Anhe Road is known for its stylish bars, while clubs like OMNI and Myst in the Xinyi District draw crowds looking for electronic dance music. For a more laid-back vibe, try the speakeasies and craft beer bars in the Zhongshan District.
Live Music: For live music, venues like The Wall and Revolver host a variety of performances ranging from indie bands to international acts. There's also the annual Urban Nomad Music Festival that features local and international indie artists.
Theater and Performing Arts: The National Theater & Concert Hall in the Zhongzheng District host ballet, opera, and symphony performances. The TaipeiEYE is known for traditional Chinese performing arts including Peking opera, Taiwanese opera, and puppet theatre.
Comedy Shows: The Taipei Comedy Club hosts English stand-up comedy shows and is a great place to unwind.
Cinemas: Taipei has several cinemas that show both local and international films. SPOT-Taipei Film House is a popular venue for independent and non-commercial films.
LGBTQ+ Nightlife: Taipei is known for its thriving LGBTQ+ scene. The Red House complex in Ximen is home to a cluster of LGBTQ+ friendly bars and clubs.
Rooftop Bars: Bars like Frank's and Barcode offer a chance to enjoy a drink while taking in the stunning Taipei skyline, including a great view of Taipei 101.
Tea Houses: For a more traditional Taiwanese nightlife experience, visit one of the city's many tea houses, particularly in Maokong, a rural tea-growing area accessible via gondola.
Remember, the legal drinking age in Taipei is 18, and it's respectful to keep noise levels down when in residential areas at night. Enjoy the diverse nightlife and entertainment options the city has to offer!
Local Cuisine
Taipei's culinary scene is a feast for food lovers, offering a range of dishes from traditional Taiwanese delicacies to innovative fusion cuisine. Here are some local foods you must try when visiting Taipei:
Beef Noodle Soup: Often considered Taiwan's national dish, this comforting bowl of braised beef, hearty broth, and noodles is a must-try.
Bubble Tea (Boba): Originating in Taiwan, this popular drink consists of milk tea and chewy tapioca balls. You can find it almost everywhere, but the original shop, Chun Shui Tang, is in Taipei.
Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings): These delicate steamed dumplings are filled with a small amount of broth and meat, usually pork. Din Tai Fung is the most famous restaurant for xiao long bao, but there are many other local spots to try.
Oyster Omelet: A popular night market food, this dish is made from small oysters, eggs, and a starchy batter, often served with a savory-sweet sauce on top.
Stinky Tofu: Despite its strong odor, stinky tofu is a beloved street food in Taipei. It's typically deep-fried and served with pickled vegetables.
Braised Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan): This dish consists of a flavorful ground pork sauce served over rice. It's a simple, but delicious staple of Taiwanese cuisine.
Gua Bao: Sometimes called a "Taiwanese hamburger", gua bao is a soft, fluffy bun filled with braised pork belly, pickled vegetables, peanut powder, and fresh cilantro.
Dan Bing (Taiwanese Breakfast Crepe): A thin crepe with egg and often some fillings like cheese, ham, or bacon, rolled up and sliced. It's a common traditional breakfast item.
Pineapple Cake: A popular dessert and souvenir, pineapple cakes are sweet, with a crumbly, buttery outer layer and a tart pineapple jam filling.
Aiyu Jelly Dessert: Made from the seeds of a local fig-like fruit, this refreshing jelly is often served with lemon over ice, making it a popular dessert in the hot summer months.
Taipei is renowned for its diverse and vibrant food scene, providing a blend of traditional Taiwanese dishes, Chinese regional cuisines, and international food trends. Here's an overview:
Night Markets: Taipei's night markets are an integral part of the city's food culture. They offer a variety of local street foods like stinky tofu, oyster omelettes, and bubble tea. Shilin and Raohe Night Markets are among the most famous.
Hawker Stalls: Many of Taipei's best foods can be found in small hawker stalls, where vendors have been perfecting a single dish for years, such as beef noodles or gua bao (Taiwanese pork belly buns).
High-End Dining: Taipei is home to a number of Michelin-starred restaurants, such as Le Palais (known for its Cantonese cuisine) and RAW (serving innovative Taiwanese fusion), demonstrating the high quality of its culinary scene.
Seafood: Given Taiwan's island status, seafood plays a big role in local cuisine. Fresh seafood can be enjoyed at restaurants, night markets, and even at dedicated seafood markets like Addiction Aquatic Development.
Vegetarian and Vegan Food: With a significant Buddhist population in Taiwan, vegetarian and vegan food is widely available and varied in Taipei, from dedicated Buddhist vegetarian restaurants to modern, innovative plant-based eateries.
Tea Houses: Tea culture is deeply rooted in Taiwan. Traditional tea houses, particularly in the Maokong region, offer a peaceful setting where visitors can enjoy local teas and light snacks.
Café Culture: In recent years, a booming café culture has emerged in Taipei, with plenty of independent coffee shops serving high-quality, locally sourced coffee and creative café food.
Bakeries and Desserts: From traditional Taiwanese pastries and pineapple cakes to French patisseries and Japanese-style desserts, Taipei has a sweet spot for baked goods and desserts.
International Cuisine: Given its cosmopolitan nature, Taipei offers a wide range of international cuisines, from Italian and French to Japanese, Korean, and Southeast Asian restaurants.
Cooking Classes: For those interested in learning how to cook Taiwanese food, there are cooking classes available, such as Cookinn Taiwan, where you can learn to prepare local dishes.
In Taipei, you can embark on an endless culinary journey, from traditional foods that trace back to the island's indigenous peoples and early Chinese immigrants, to innovative fusion cuisine that symbolizes the city's modern, global outlook.
Accommodations
Choosing the best area to stay in Taipei depends on your interests, whether you want to be closer to historical sights, vibrant nightlife, or shopping districts. Here are some recommended areas:
Xinyi District: This is the modern and commercial center of Taipei. You'll find a number of shopping malls, restaurants, and the famous Taipei 101 here. The area also has good metro connectivity and plenty of accommodation options ranging from luxury hotels to budget stays.
Zhongzheng District: Home to the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and the National Museum, this district is great for those interested in Taiwan's history and culture. There are several MRT stations in the area, making travel convenient.
Da’an District: This is a popular residential area, home to the prestigious National Taiwan University and its surrounding shopping district, Gongguan. It's a quieter area with tree-lined streets, local markets, and numerous cafes.
Songshan District: Songshan is known for the Raohe Street Night Market, one of the oldest and most popular night markets in Taipei. The district is also home to the beautiful Ciyou Temple and the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park.
Wanhua District: This is the oldest district in Taipei, best known for the bustling Ximending shopping area, which is often compared to Tokyo's Harajuku. Wanhua is a great area to stay for food lovers, shoppers, and those who want to experience Taipei's youth culture.
Zhongshan District: Named after Sun Yat-sen (also known as Sun Zhongshan), this district is known for its parks, temples, and a good mix of high-end and boutique shopping, especially around the Zhongshan Metro Shopping Mall.
Datong District: One of the older districts in Taipei, Datong is home to Dihua Street, known for its Chinese medicine shops and the Lunar New Year Market. It's a good place to stay for those who prefer a bit of history and culture.
Each of these areas has its own charm and unique offerings. No matter where you stay, Taipei's excellent public transportation system makes it easy to get around and explore the city.
Itinerary
Exploring Taipei: A 3-Day Immersion into Taiwan's Vibrant Capital
Day 1: Discover Taipei's History and Culture
Morning: Start your day at the remarkable Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, a national monument erected in memory of General Chiang Kai-shek. Spend your time exploring the park, museum, and witness the mesmerizing changing of the guards.
Late Morning: Visit the National Palace Museum and get lost in Taiwan's history with its vast collection of Chinese Imperial art and artifacts.
Afternoon: Head to the Taipei Confucius Temple and the neighboring Baoan Temple, which are beautiful examples of Taiwan's religious culture.
Evening: Finish the day at the Shilin Night Market, where you can sample a variety of local street foods, shop for souvenirs, and soak up Taipei's bustling night market culture.
Day 2: Taipei's Natural Beauty and Scenic Views
Morning: Begin the day early by taking the Maokong Gondola, enjoying the stunning views of Taipei. Spend your time exploring the tea plantations and visiting a traditional teahouse.
Afternoon: Take a trip to Beitou, Taipei's hot spring district. Visit the Beitou Hot Spring Museum and then enjoy a relaxing soak in one of the public or private hot springs.
Late Afternoon: Visit the Tamsui District and stroll along the Tamsui River. Explore the local shops, enjoy a sunset at Fisherman's Wharf, and try local snacks like A-Gei and iron eggs.
Evening: Head back to the city and enjoy a meal at one of Taipei's many fine dining restaurants, followed by a nightcap at a rooftop bar with views of the Taipei skyline.
Day 3: Modern Taipei and Shopping Extravaganza
Morning: Start your day by visiting Taipei 101, once the world's tallest building. Take the fast elevator to the observatory for panoramic views of the city. Don't miss the Wind Damper, a giant sphere that stabilizes the building against strong winds.
Afternoon: Spend your afternoon exploring Xinyi Shopping District, where you can find numerous shops, department stores, and eateries. This is also a great chance to visit the Eslite Bookstore, known for its selection of art and design books.
Late Afternoon: Head to the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, a multi-purpose park that is home to design studios, art exhibits, and a creative hub.
Evening: End your day at the Raohe Street Night Market for more street food delights. Make sure to stop by the nearby Ciyou Temple, a six-level temple dedicated to the goddess Mazu.
