Taipei
Taipei is Asia's most underrated capital — legendary night markets (Shilin, Raohe), world-class museums (National Palace Museum), stunning mountain hikes (Elephant Mountain, Yangmingshan), and some of the friendliest locals you'll meet anywhere. The MRT is spotless and efficient, bubble tea was invented here, and the food scene is extraordinary.
Tours & Experiences
Browse bookable tours, activities, and day trips in Taipei
📍 Points of Interest
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📋The Rundown
Taipei 101 held the title of world's tallest building from 2004 to 2010 and its tuned mass damper — a 660-ton golden sphere — is visible on the observation deck
Taiwan's night market culture is legendary, with over 40 night markets in Taipei alone offering some of the best street food in Asia
The National Palace Museum holds over 696,000 Chinese artifacts, one of the largest collections in the world, including the famous Jadeite Cabbage
Taipei has one of the world's most efficient and cleanest MRT systems — eating, drinking, and chewing gum are banned on trains and platforms
The city sits in a basin surrounded by mountains, with hot springs in the Beitou district that were developed during the Japanese colonial era
Taiwan is widely regarded as the birthplace of bubble tea (boba), invented in Taichung in the 1980s and now a daily ritual for many Taipei residents
🏛️Must-See Spots
Taipei 101
🗼The bamboo-shaped skyscraper with indoor and outdoor observation decks on the 89th and 91st floors. The basement houses a gourmet food hall and the tower is surrounded by upscale shopping.
National Palace Museum
🏛️Home to one of the world's most comprehensive collections of Chinese art and artifacts spanning 8,000 years. Highlights include the Jadeite Cabbage and Meat-Shaped Stone.
Shilin Night Market
🏪The largest and most famous night market in Taipei with an underground food court and hundreds of street food stalls. Must-tries include stinky tofu, oyster omelette, and fried chicken cutlet.
Longshan Temple
🏯A magnificent Qing-dynasty temple built in 1738 and dedicated to Guanyin, the goddess of mercy. The intricate stone and wood carvings and active worship make it a living cultural landmark.
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
🗼A monumental hall honoring the former leader of the Republic of China, flanked by the National Theater and Concert Hall. The changing of the guard ceremony occurs hourly.
Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan)
🌿A short but steep hike offering the most iconic view of Taipei 101 and the city skyline. The trail takes about 20-30 minutes and is best at sunset or after dark.
Beitou Hot Springs
🌿A hot spring district in the northern mountains accessible by MRT. The public Beitou Hot Spring Park and Millennium Hot Spring offer affordable soaking in natural thermal waters.
Jiufen Old Street
📌A hillside mining town with narrow lanes, tea houses, and red lanterns that inspired the look of Spirited Away. Located 40 minutes from Taipei and often combined with nearby Shifen.
🗺️Where to Next
Jiufen & Shifen
The atmospheric mining towns of Jiufen (lantern-lit tea houses) and Shifen (sky lantern releases and a waterfall) make a perfect combined day trip from Taipei.
Taichung
Taiwan's creative city with Rainbow Village, the National Taichung Theater, Miyahara ice cream parlor, and the birthplace of bubble tea.
Tainan
Taiwan's oldest city and food capital, with over 200 temples, traditional snack streets, and the best beef soup and coffin bread in the country.
Hualien & Taroko Gorge
The gateway to Taroko Gorge, a dramatic marble canyon with hiking trails, bridges, and waterfalls carved through towering cliffs in Taroko National Park.
Tokyo
Japan's capital is one of the most popular flight routes from Taipei. EVA Air, China Airlines, Japan Airlines, and ANA all operate frequent daily flights.
Seoul
South Korea's dynamic capital with K-culture, street food, and palaces. EVA Air, China Airlines, Korean Air, and Asiana connect the two cities frequently.
Kaohsiung
Taiwan's port city with the Lotus Pond temples, Pier-2 Art Center, Liuhe Night Market, and a revitalized waterfront. The THSR connects Taipei's Nangang station to Kaohsiung's Zuoying in comfort.
📍Hidden Gems
Dadaocheng (Dihua Street)
Taipei's oldest commercial district with Baroque-style shophouses, traditional Chinese medicine shops, dried goods stores, and a growing cafe and art scene in restored heritage buildings.
While tourists flock to Ximending and Shilin, Dadaocheng offers a glimpse of old Taipei with fewer crowds. The fabric and tea shops have operated for generations.
Treasure Hill Artist Village
A hillside settlement of old military dependents' housing that has been transformed into an artist residency and open-air gallery. The maze of narrow lanes and tiny studios overlooks the river.
This living art village is one of Taipei's most atmospheric spots, combining street art, history, and community in a way that feels entirely unplanned.
Nanjichang Night Market
A small, purely local night market in a residential area with no tourist stalls. The food vendors here serve some of the best and cheapest night market food in Taipei.
Unlike Shilin or Raohe, this market has zero tourist infrastructure. It is where local families eat dinner, and the quality-to-price ratio is unbeatable.
Yangmingshan National Park
A volcanic mountain park on the northern edge of the city with hot springs, hiking trails, sulfur fumaroles, and cherry blossoms in spring. Easily reached by city bus.
Most visitors only see Taipei's urban side. Yangmingshan offers genuine mountain wilderness, volcanic landscapes, and forest trails just 40 minutes from downtown by bus.
☀️Weather
Taipei has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild, damp winters. The city sits in a basin which traps heat and moisture. Typhoon season runs from June to October. Rain is common throughout the year, with the northeast monsoon bringing persistent drizzle in winter.
Spring
March - May61-82°F
16-28°C
Warming gradually with occasional rain. Cherry blossoms appear in March at Yangmingshan. April and May can see heavy showers as the plum rain (meiyu) season approaches.
Summer
June - August79-97°F
26-36°C
Hot, humid, and stormy. Typhoons are possible and can bring heavy rain and wind. When no typhoons are present, skies are often sunny and the heat is intense.
Autumn
September - November64-86°F
18-30°C
September remains hot with typhoon risk. October and November are arguably the best months with comfortable temperatures and drier weather.
Winter
December - February54-68°F
12-20°C
Cool and damp with persistent drizzle from the northeast monsoon. Rarely freezing but the humidity makes it feel colder than the thermometer suggests.
🛡️Safety
Very Safe
out of 100
Taipei is one of the safest major cities in Asia. Violent crime is extremely rare, and even petty theft is uncommon. The city feels safe to walk around at all hours, including for solo female travelers. The biggest risks are typhoons, earthquakes, and traffic.
Things to Know
- •Keep valuables secure on crowded MRT trains during rush hour, though pickpocketing is very rare
- •Watch for scooters and motorbikes when crossing streets — they often run red lights
- •Carry an umbrella at all times, especially from May to October when sudden rain is common
- •During typhoon warnings, stay indoors and follow government advisories
- •Be prepared for earthquakes — Taiwan sits on an active seismic zone. Know the drop-cover-hold procedure
- •Taxi scams are rare but use the meter or Uber/LINE Taxi apps for full transparency
Natural Hazards
Emergency Numbers
Police
110
Fire & Ambulance
119
General Emergency
112
Tourist Information Hotline
0800-011-765
🚕Transit & Transport
Taipei has an excellent MRT system that is clean, efficient, and covers most tourist areas. Combined with buses, YouBike, and affordable taxis, getting around is easy and cheap. An EasyCard is essential for seamless travel across all modes.
Taipei MRT
NT$20-65 ($0.60-2) per ride; 20% discount with EasyCardSix color-coded lines covering the city and suburbs. Trains run every 2-5 minutes during peak hours. Immaculately clean with English signage throughout.
Best for: All major tourist areas — Taipei 101, Shilin Night Market, Beitou, and CKS Memorial
City Buses
NT$15 ($0.47) per sectionAn extensive bus network that fills gaps in MRT coverage. All buses accept EasyCard with tap-on/tap-off payment. Routes are well-signed in English.
Best for: Reaching Yangmingshan, Jiufen, and neighborhoods between MRT stations
YouBike
NT$5 per 30 min ($0.15)A public bike-sharing system with over 1,300 stations across the city. Register with an EasyCard and a local phone number. Electric YouBike 2.0 models are available.
Best for: Short trips along riverside paths, exploring neighborhoods like Dadaocheng or Gongguan
Taxis
NT$70 flag fall + NT$5 per 200m; typical trip NT$100-300 ($3-9.50)Yellow taxis are metered and reliable. Drivers may not speak English so have your destination written in Chinese characters. The Uber and LINE Taxi apps also work well.
Best for: Late-night travel, trips with luggage, or reaching places not on the MRT
Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR)
NT$700-1,490 ($22-47) depending on destinationBullet train connecting Taipei to Taichung (50 min), Tainan (1h45), and Kaohsiung (1h35). Departs from Taipei Main Station or Nangang Station.
Best for: Day trips or traveling to other major cities in western Taiwan
🚶 Walkability
Central Taipei is very walkable with wide sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly intersections. The Xinyi shopping district, Zhongshan area, and Ximending are excellent on foot. Some older neighborhoods have uneven sidewalks. The riverside bike paths are also popular for walking.
✈️Getting In & Out
✈️ Airports
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport(TPE)
40 km southwest of city centerTaoyuan Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station in 35-50 min (NT$160 / $5). Airport bus (1819 Kuo-Kuang) to Taipei Main Station in 55 min (NT$145 / $4.50). Taxi/Uber NT$1,000-1,300 ($31-41), 40-60 min.
Taipei Songshan Airport(TSA)
5 km from city centerTaipei MRT Brown Line from Songshan Airport station to city center in 10-15 min (NT$20-25). Taxi NT$150-250 ($4.70-7.80). Handles domestic flights and some international routes to Tokyo Haneda, Seoul Gimpo, and Shanghai Hongqiao.
🚆 Rail Stations
Taipei Main Station
City center (Zhongzheng)The central hub for MRT, Taiwan Railways (TRA), and High Speed Rail (THSR). Connected to a massive underground shopping mall. Most domestic trains depart from here.
Nangang Station
8 km east of city centerEastern terminus for the High Speed Rail with less crowding than Taipei Main Station. Convenient for travelers heading south.
🚌 Bus Terminals
Taipei Bus Station (QSquare)
The main intercity bus terminal adjacent to Taipei Main Station, with services to all major Taiwan cities. Kuo-Kuang and Ubus operate frequent departures.
🛍️Shopping
Taipei excels at both modern mall shopping and traditional market browsing. Night markets are prime shopping spots for affordable clothing and accessories. Taiwanese design brands, tea, and unique snacks make great souvenirs.
Xinyi District
luxury & mallsTaipei's modern commercial district centered around Taipei 101 with Breeze Center, ATT 4 FUN, and Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department stores.
Known for: International brands, Taipei 101 mall, electronics, designer fashion
Ximending
youth & street fashionTaipei's pedestrianized youth culture hub with Japanese-influenced street fashion, cosplay shops, indie boutiques, tattoo parlors, and vintage record stores.
Known for: Street fashion, anime merchandise, vintage shops, youth culture
Dihua Street (Dadaocheng)
traditional & artisanTaipei's oldest commercial street with dried goods shops, traditional medicine stores, and an increasing number of artisan tea rooms and design studios in restored heritage buildings.
Known for: High-quality tea, Chinese dried goods, traditional fabrics, artisan crafts
Zhongshan District
boutique & designA sophisticated area with concept stores, Taiwanese designer brands, independent bookshops, and the underground Zhongshan Metro Mall connecting two MRT stations.
Known for: Taiwanese design brands, coffee shops, independent fashion, bookstores
🎁 Unique Souvenirs to Look For
- •Taiwanese oolong tea and high mountain tea from specialty shops on Dihua Street
- •Pineapple cakes (fengli su) from Chia Te, Sunny Hills, or Lee's Bakery
- •Sun Moon Lake black tea from Nantou County
- •Taiwanese ceramic teaware and Yingge pottery
- •Hakka-style floral fabric (kehua bu) accessories
- •Nougat and mochi from traditional confectioners
- •Locally designed stationery from Eslite or Pinkoi brands
- •Jiufen taro balls and dried fruit from mountain markets
💵Money & Tipping
New Taiwan Dollar
Code: TWD
1 USD is approximately 32 TWD (as of early 2026). ATMs are widely available at convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart). Exchange cash at banks or airport counters. Foreign currency exchange bureaus are less common than in other Asian cities.
Payment Methods
Cash remains important at night markets, smaller restaurants, and traditional shops. Credit cards are accepted at department stores, hotels, chain restaurants, and convenience stores. Visa and Mastercard are most common. Mobile payments via LINE Pay and JKoPay are growing. An EasyCard works for transit, convenience stores, and many small purchases.
Tipping Guide
Tipping is not customary and not expected. High-end restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill. Do not leave extra tips — it may cause confusion.
No tipping expected. Some specialty coffee shops have a tip jar but it is entirely optional.
No tipping expected. Simply pay the metered fare. Drivers do not expect tips.
Not customary. Porters at luxury hotels may receive NT$50-100 per bag but this is optional.
Tipping guides is appreciated but not mandatory. NT$200-500 per person for a day tour is generous.
💰Budget
budget
$35-60
Hostel dorm, night market meals, MRT transit, free temples and parks, YouBike
mid-range
$80-150
Boutique hotel, mix of night market and restaurant meals, MRT and taxis, Taipei 101 and museums
luxury
$250+
Five-star hotel, fine dining, private tours, hot spring resorts, high-end shopping
Typical Costs
| Item | Local | USD |
|---|---|---|
| AccommodationHostel dorm bed | NT$500-800 | $16-25 |
| AccommodationMid-range hotel (double) | NT$2,000-4,500 | $63-141 |
| AccommodationLuxury hotel | NT$7,000-15,000 | $219-469 |
| FoodNight market meal (3-4 items) | NT$100-200 | $3-6 |
| FoodBubble tea | NT$40-80 | $1.25-2.50 |
| FoodLunch at a local restaurant | NT$100-200 | $3-6 |
| FoodDinner at mid-range restaurant | NT$400-800 | $12.50-25 |
| FoodLocal beer (Taiwan Beer, 600ml) | NT$35-60 | $1.10-1.90 |
| TransportMRT single ride | NT$20-65 | $0.60-2 |
| TransportYouBike (30 min) | NT$5 | $0.15 |
| TransportTaxi across town | NT$150-350 | $4.70-11 |
| AttractionsTaipei 101 observation deck | NT$600 | $19 |
| AttractionsNational Palace Museum | NT$350 | $11 |
| AttractionsBeitou public hot spring | NT$40 | $1.25 |
💡 Money-Saving Tips
- •Get an EasyCard at any MRT station or convenience store — it gives a 20% discount on all MRT rides
- •Eat at night markets for cheap, delicious meals — three to four dishes for under NT$200
- •Longshan Temple, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, and many parks are free
- •YouBike is incredibly cheap and stations are everywhere — great for short trips
- •The public hot spring at Beitou Millennium costs only NT$40 per visit
- •Convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) sell excellent cheap meals, onigiri, and tea eggs
- •Drink free water from fountains in MRT stations and public buildings
- •The airport bus (1819) is cheaper than the Airport MRT and nearly as fast
🗓️When to Visit
Best Time to Visit
October and November are the best months with warm but not oppressive temperatures, lower humidity, and less rain. March to May is also pleasant. Avoid the typhoon-prone months of July through September if possible, and January through February can be rainy and chilly.
Spring (March - May)
Crowds: ModerateWarming weather with cherry blossoms in March and azaleas in April. Rain increases as the plum rain season approaches in late May.
Pros
- + Cherry and azalea blossoms at Yangmingshan
- + Comfortable walking temperatures
- + Fewer tourists than autumn
- + Good hotel prices outside holidays
Cons
- − May brings the plum rain season with persistent drizzle
- − Humidity increases through the season
- − Some outdoor activities affected by rain
Summer (June - September)
Crowds: High in July-August (domestic travel season)Hot, humid, and wet with typhoon risk. Afternoon thunderstorms are common. Despite the weather, night markets and indoor attractions remain enjoyable.
Pros
- + Mango season with incredible tropical fruit
- + Summer festivals and events
- + Swimming at north coast beaches
- + Air-conditioned malls and museums provide refuge
Cons
- − Typhoons can disrupt travel plans
- − Oppressive heat and humidity
- − Heavy rain can cause flooding
- − Outdoor hiking is uncomfortable
Autumn (October - November)
Crowds: High — peak tourist seasonThe most popular time to visit with clear skies, moderate temperatures, and lower humidity. Perfect weather for hiking and outdoor exploration.
Pros
- + Best weather of the year
- + Ideal for hiking Elephant Mountain and Yangmingshan
- + Low typhoon risk
- + Comfortable day and night temperatures
Cons
- − Higher accommodation prices
- − Popular spots like Jiufen are more crowded
- − Book ahead for weekends
Winter (December - February)
Crowds: Low outside Chinese New YearCool and damp with grey skies and persistent northeast monsoon drizzle. Chinese New Year (January/February) brings festive atmosphere but higher prices and closures.
Pros
- + Lowest hotel prices outside CNY
- + Hot springs are at their most enjoyable
- + Cherry blossom season begins in late February
- + Cozy night market atmosphere
Cons
- − Persistent rain and grey skies
- − Cool temperatures feel colder with humidity
- − Some outdoor attractions less enjoyable
- − Chinese New Year closures
🎉 Festivals & Events
Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year)
January/FebruaryThe biggest holiday in Taiwan with temple celebrations, fireworks, and red decorations everywhere. Many businesses close for several days. The Dihua Street New Year market is a highlight.
Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival
February (Lantern Festival)Thousands of sky lanterns are released into the night sky at Pingxi, about an hour from Taipei. One of Taiwan's most magical annual events.
Dragon Boat Festival
JuneDragon boat races on the Keelung River and across Taiwan. Zongzi (sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves) are the traditional festival food.
Mid-Autumn Festival
September/OctoberMooncake season and family barbecue night. Taiwanese uniquely celebrate by having outdoor barbecues, filling parks and streets with the aroma of grilled food.
🛂Visa & Entry
Taiwan offers visa-free entry to citizens of many countries for stays of 90 days. The process is straightforward with no pre-registration required for most Western passport holders. Taiwan is not part of mainland China and has its own immigration system.
Entry Requirements by Nationality
| Nationality | Visa Required | Max Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | Passport must be valid for the duration of stay. No visa required for tourism. Proof of return ticket may be requested. |
| UK Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | Visa-free entry. Passport must be valid for the duration of stay. |
| Canadian Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | No visa required. Standard passport validity requirements apply. |
| Australian Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | Visa-free for tourism. Working Holiday visa available for ages 18-30. |
| Indian Citizens | Yes | 30 days | Visa required. An online Travel Authorization Certificate is available for Indian nationals meeting certain criteria (holding a valid visa or residence permit from select countries). |
Visa-Free Entry
Tips
- •Taiwan has its own immigration system separate from mainland China — PRC visas do not apply
- •Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay (no minimum validity period beyond that)
- •Proof of onward travel may be requested at check-in or immigration
- •The 90-day visa-free stay cannot be extended for tourism purposes — you must leave and re-enter
- •Taiwan uses traditional Chinese characters on signage, not simplified Chinese used in mainland China
💬Speak the Language
Taiwan uses traditional Chinese characters (not simplified). Mandarin is the official language, though Taiwanese Hokkien and Hakka are also spoken. Younger Taiwanese often speak some English, and signage in Taipei is bilingual. Romanization uses Hanyu Pinyin on most signs.
| English | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Ni hao | nee HOW |
| Thank you | Xie xie | shyeh shyeh |
| You're welcome | Bu ke qi | boo kuh chee |
| Excuse me / Sorry | Bu hao yi si | boo how yee suh |
| Yes / No | Shi / Bu shi | shuh / boo shuh |
| How much? | Duo shao qian? | dwoh shaow chee-EN? |
| Too expensive | Tai gui le | tie gway luh |
| Delicious | Hao chi | how CHUH |
| Where is...? | Zai na li...? | zai nah lee...? |
| The bill, please | Mai dan | my DAHN |
| I don't understand | Wo ting bu dong | woh ting boo dohng |
| Bubble tea | Zhen zhu nai cha | jen joo nye chah |