Taipei

Taipei Travel Guide

Welcome to Taipei, the vibrant capital city of Taiwan! This bustling metropolis is a treasure trove of culture, history, food, and entertainment. As a traveler, you’ll find plenty to see, do, and experience in this exciting city.

Places to Go

1. National Palace Museum

  • Address: No. 2-1, Yuzheng Rd., Zhongzheng Dist.
  • Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (closed on Mondays)
  • Admission: NT$250 (approximately USD $9)

Home to the world’s largest collection of Chinese art and artifacts, including the famous Jadeite Cabbage.

2. Taipei 101

  • Address: No. 7, Section 5, Xinyi Rd., Xinyi Dist.
  • Hours: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
  • Admission: NT$600 (approximately USD $22) for the observation deck

Experience breathtaking views of the city from the world’s tallest building at the time of its completion.

3. Longshan Temple

  • Address: No. 211, Guangzhou St., Wanhua Dist.
  • Hours: Open 24/7
  • Admission: Free

A historic temple dedicated to Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, and a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

4. Elephant Mountain

  • Address: No. 15, Section 3, Xinshan Rd., Nangang Dist.
  • Hours: Open 24/7
  • Admission: Free

A scenic hiking trail with stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains.

5. Raohe Street Night Market

  • Address: Section 1, Bade St., Songshan Dist.
  • Hours: Friday - Sunday, 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM
  • Admission: Free

A bustling night market with a wide variety of street food, souvenirs, and local goods.

6. Maokong Tea Village

  • Address: No. 1, Section 4, Xinshan Rd., Nangang Dist.
  • Hours: Open 24/7
  • Admission: Free

A scenic tea plantation with a variety of teas to taste and enjoy the beautiful views.

7. Taipei Zoo

  • Address: No. 30-1, Sec. 2, Xizhou Rd., Wenshan Dist.
  • Hours: Open 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (closed on Mondays)
  • Admission: NT$50 (approximately USD $2)

Home to over 400 species of animals, including giant pandas and koalas.

Activities

1. Try Street Food

Taipei is known for its delicious street food, with popular options like beef noodle soup, stinky tofu, and oyster omelets.

2. Explore Night Markets

In addition to Raohe Street Night Market, there are many other night markets throughout the city, offering a wide variety of street food, souvenirs, and local goods.

3. Visit Local Cafes

Taipei is home to many trendy cafes serving coffee, tea, and delicious pastries.

4. Go Hiking

There are plenty of hiking trails in and around Taipei, offering stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains.

5. Take a Taoyuan Day Tour

Visit the nearby town of Taoyuan, known for its traditional temples, historic sites, and delicious food.

Where to Eat

1. Beef Noodle Soup at Ah-Ba Beef Noodle Soup

  • Address: No. 55, Section 4, Xinyi Rd., Xinyi Dist.
  • Hours: Open 24/7
  • Price Range: NT$100 - NT$200 (approximately USD $4 - $8)

A popular spot for beef noodle soup, a classic Taiwanese dish.

2. Stinky Tofu at Shilin Night Market

  • Address: No. 101, Jihe Rd., Shilin Dist.
  • Hours: Friday - Sunday, 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM
  • Price Range: NT$50 - NT$100 (approximately USD $2 - $4)

Try the infamous stinky tofu at this popular night market.

3. Oyster Omelets at Gua Ba Street Food

  • Address: No. 11, Section 4, Xinyi Rd., Xinyi Dist.
  • Hours: Open 24/7
  • Price Range: NT$50 - NT$100 (approximately USD $2 - $4)

A popular spot for oyster omelets and other street food.

4. Taiwanese BBQ at Xiao Ya Yuan

  • Address: No. 12, Section 5, Xinyi Rd., Xinyi Dist.
  • Hours: Open 24/7
  • Price Range: NT$100 - NT$200 (approximately USD $4 - $8)

Try Taiwanese-style BBQ at this popular spot.

Where to Stay

1. Hotel D’Uva Taipei

  • Address: No. 10, Section 5, Xinyi Rd., Xinyi Dist.
  • Price Range: NT$2,000 - NT$3,000 (approximately USD $67 - $100)

A modern hotel with comfortable rooms and a great location.

2. Grand Hyatt Taipei

  • Address: No. 2, Section 7, Xinsheng N Rd., Daan Dist.
  • Price Range: NT$4,000 - NT$6,000 (approximately USD $134 - $200)

A luxurious hotel with a range of amenities and services.

3. Howard Civil Service International House Taipei

  • Address: No. 1, Section 5, Xinyi Rd., Xinyi Dist.
  • Price Range: NT$2,000 - NT$3,000 (approximately USD $67 - $100)

A budget-friendly hotel with clean and comfortable rooms.

4. Les Suites Taipei

  • Address: No. 135, Section 3, Minsheng E Rd., Daan Dist.
  • Price Range: NT$2,500 - NT$4,000 (approximately USD $83 - $134)

A boutique hotel with a range of amenities and services.

Things to Know

1. Language

Taiwanese is the official language, but Mandarin Chinese and Taiwanese Hokkien are also widely spoken.

2. Currency

The New Taiwan Dollar (NTD) is the local currency.

3. Weather

Taipei has a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters.

4. Safety

Taipei is generally a safe city, but take usual precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Transportation

1. Metro

Taipei’s metro system is efficient and convenient, with four lines covering the entire city.

2. Bus

There are many bus routes throughout the city, offering an affordable alternative to the metro.

3. Taxi

Taxis are widely available, but make sure to use a reputable company.

4. Car Rental

Renting a car is not recommended due to heavy traffic and parking difficulties.

Tips

1. Learn Some Chinese

Try to learn some basic Chinese phrases like "" (hello), "" (thank you), and "" (excuse me).

2. Bring Cash

Many street food vendors and small shops only accept cash, so bring plenty of NT$100 bills.

3. Try Local Food

Don’t be afraid to try new foods and drinks, but make sure to eat at reputable restaurants or stalls.

4. Respect Local Culture

Be mindful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples or other cultural sites.

Other Things

1. Shopping

Taipei is a shopper’s paradise, with many malls, markets, and street vendors selling everything from electronics to clothing.

2. Nightlife

Taipei has a vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from.

3. Events

Check out local event calendars for concerts, festivals, and other events happening throughout the year.

4. Getting Around

Use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Grab to get around the city, especially during peak hours.

Taipei is a vibrant and exciting city with plenty to see, do, and experience. By following this guide, you’ll be able to navigate the city with ease and make the most of your trip.