Best Things To Do: Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei is one of Asia's most underrated cities — a buzzing, neon-lit metropolis where ancient temples sit next to bubble tea shops and world-class night markets stay open until the early hours. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned Taiwan traveller, the city always has something new to offer. Here's your complete guide to making the most of your time in this incredible capital.
Overview
Taipei is the capital of Taiwan and home to around 2.6 million people. It sits in a lush basin surrounded by mountains, making it one of the most scenic urban destinations in East Asia. The city is remarkably safe, easy to navigate, and offers outstanding value for money — your dollar goes a long way here. English signage is widely available on the metro and at most tourist attractions, so getting around independently is straightforward even for first-time visitors. The best time to visit is between October and December when temperatures cool down and humidity drops, making it ideal for exploring on foot.
Top 10 Activities
- Visit Taipei 101: The iconic skyscraper dominated the world's tallest building rankings for years. Head to the observation deck on the 89th floor for panoramic city views. Tickets cost around $20 USD and are worth every cent at sunset.
- Explore Jiufen Old Street: This hillside village about an hour from central Taipei is famous for its red lanterns, winding alleys, and teahouses perched over the ocean. It inspired the visual aesthetic of Spirited Away and is genuinely magical in the evening.
- Wander Ximending: Taipei's answer to Tokyo's Harajuku, this pedestrian-friendly district is packed with street food, independent fashion boutiques, cinemas, and youth culture. It's lively day and night and completely free to explore.
- Night markets — Shilin and Raohe: No trip to Taipei is complete without diving into a night market. Shilin is the most famous and largest, while Raohe feels more local and less overwhelming. Try stinky tofu, oyster vermicelli, and scallion pancakes — most dishes cost between $1–$4 USD.
- Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: A striking piece of architecture set in beautiful public gardens, this memorial is both a cultural landmark and a popular gathering spot for locals. The changing of the guard ceremony takes place every hour and is well worth watching.
- Hike Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan): A short hike from Xinyi MRT station, this trail rewards you with some of the best views of Taipei 101 and the city skyline. It takes about 20–30 minutes to reach the top and costs nothing.
- Day trip to Beitou Hot Springs: Just 30 minutes from central Taipei on the MRT, Beitou has a long history as a hot spring resort town. You can soak in a private or public bath for as little as $5 USD and explore the charming Thermal Valley.
- National Palace Museum: Housing one of the world's finest collections of Chinese art and artefacts, this museum could fill an entire day. Entry is around $4 USD and the jade and bronze collections alone are breathtaking.
- Yongkang Street for food and coffee: This leafy neighbourhood in Da'an District is Taipei's foodie heartland. Find the original Din Tai Fung for legendary soup dumplings, independent coffee roasters, and excellent Japanese-style ramen — all within a few blocks of each other.
- Longshan Temple: One of Taipei's oldest and most active places of worship, Longshan Temple in the Wanhua district is a fascinating window into local religious life. Visit in the morning when worshippers come to pray and the incense smoke fills the air — entry is free.
Practical Tips
- Get an EasyCard from any MRT station on arrival — it covers metro, buses, and YouBike rentals. A day of travel rarely costs more than $3–4 USD.
- Taiwan's tap water is technically safe, but locals prefer filtered water. Convenience stores like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart are everywhere and stock cold drinks, hot meals, and SIM cards.
- Tipping is not customary in Taiwan. Don't leave tips at restaurants or in taxis — it can actually cause confusion.
- Download the Taiwan Railways app and Google Maps before you travel. Offline maps are a lifesaver when navigating between districts.
- The Taiwanese New Year (Lunar New Year) sees many shops and markets close. Avoid planning a food-focused trip during this period unless you plan carefully.
Getting There
Taipei's main international gateway is Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), located about 45 minutes west of the city. Direct flights operate from major hubs including Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore, Seoul, and Los Angeles. From Europe, you'll typically connect through one of these hubs — total journey times from London or Frankfurt range from 14–18 hours. The Airport MRT line runs directly from TPE into central Taipei in around 35 minutes and costs roughly $5 USD.
Accommodation Options
Budget: The area around Zhongshan and Taipei Main Station has a good range of hostels and guesthouses from $15–30 USD per night. Star Hostel Taipei Main Station is a popular, well-reviewed option with a sociable atmosphere.
Plan your trip to Taipei
Mid-range: The Da'an and Xinyi districts offer excellent mid-range hotels with great transport links. Expect to pay $70–130 USD per night for a comfortable, well-located hotel. The Cosmos Hotel near Taipei Main Station offers solid value.