Things To Do
in Taipei
Taipei is Taiwan's vibrant capital where modern skyscrapers and century-old temples sit within walkable neighborhoods. The city is famous for its lively night markets, diverse street food, and a thriving cafe and craft beer culture. Taipei is surrounded by green hills and hot springs, making nature escapes possible within a short ride.
Friendly, safe, and well connected by an efficient metro, Taipei is a convenient base to explore northern Taiwan.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the National Palace Museum, home to an extensive collection of Chinese artifacts and art. Wander through the exhibits as you learn about Taiwan's rich history and culture. Afterward, enjoy a traditional Taiwanese breakfast at a nearby eatery, savoring dishes like soy milk and fried dough sticks.
Head to the iconic Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, where you can explore the vast gardens and witness the hourly changing of the guard ceremony. Take some time to stroll through the surrounding Liberty Square, appreciating the grand architecture. For lunch, try some local street food from the nearby vendors, including the famous beef noodle soup.
As the sun sets, visit the bustling night market at Shilin, one of the largest in Taipei. Indulge in a variety of Taiwanese snacks, such as stinky tofu and bubble tea, while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Finish your evening with a leisurely stroll through the market, shopping for unique souvenirs and enjoying live performances.
Take a scenic MRT ride to Tamsui, a charming district known for its riverside attractions. Begin your morning by exploring Fort San Domingo, a historical site that offers breathtaking views of the Tamsui River. Afterward, wander along the waterfront, enjoying the fresh sea breeze and quaint shops.
Visit the Tamsui Old Street, where you can sample delicious local snacks like A-gei (fried tofu stuffed with noodles) and fish ball soup. Spend some time exploring the artisan shops and picking up handmade crafts as mementos. As the afternoon progresses, relax at the Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf, enjoying the scenic views and taking photos.
Stay in Tamsui for a magnificent sunset at the Lover's Bridge, a stunning spot for couples and photographers alike. Dine at one of the waterfront restaurants, feasting on fresh seafood while listening to the sound of the waves. Conclude your day with a peaceful walk along the boardwalk, reflecting on the day's experiences.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee (regular cafe) | $3-5 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (3–5 km) | $4-10 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel (per night) | $60-120 |
| 🎟️MRT single ride / daily pass | $0.7-2 / $5-7 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent public transport and walkable neighborhoods
- World-class street food and diverse dining options
- Close access to nature, hot springs, and day trips
- Safe, clean, and English-friendly in many areas
- Hot, humid summers and typhoon risk in season
- Scooter traffic can be chaotic for pedestrians
- Language barriers can occur in smaller, local-only shops
- Limited personal space during festivals and peak tourist times
- "你好 (nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "謝謝 (xièxie)" - Thank you
- "請問… (qǐng wèn...)" - Excuse me / May I ask...
- "這個多少錢？ (zhè ge duōshǎo qián?)" - How much is this?
- "我吃素 (wǒ chī sù)" - I am vegetarian
- "不用謝 (bú yòng xiè)" - You're welcome / No need to thank me
Places to Visit in Taipei
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic skyscraper offering panoramic city and mountain views, spectacular at sunset and after dark when the tower lights up.
A short but steep hike with one of the best vantage points for photographing Taipei 101 framed against the city, especially during golden hour.
Grand white marble monument with symmetrical gardens and large plazas — ideal for architectural and ceremonial shots.
Beautiful traditional temple with ornate carvings and atmospheric interior lighting; strong for cultural candid photography.
Historic waterfront with sunsets, colorful vendor stalls, and the iconic Lover's Bridge for evening and sunset photography.
Picturesque mountain-side old street and teahouses overlooking the ocean — moody and photogenic, especially in misty weather.
Steamy sulfuric pools and historical Japanese-era bathhouses yield dramatic natural and architectural shots.
Food in Taipei
Taipei Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rich braised beef soup with noodles — available at specialist shops across the city; try Yongkang Street or well-known beef noodle shops in Da'an.
Must-Try!
Steamed dumplings filled with flavored pork and hot broth; Din Tai Fung is the famous chain, but many local dumpling shops are excellent.
A night-market classic of eggs, small oysters, and a tangy-sweet starch-based sauce — best tried at Raohe or Shilin Night Market.
Comforting bowl of minced braised pork over rice; ubiquitous and cheap—great for quick meals in local eateries.
Fried or steamed fermented tofu with a strong aroma and crunchy exterior — night markets are the best places to sample it with pickled vegetables.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The largest and most famous night market with an endless selection of snacks, desserts, and carnival-style games — try the giant fried chicken and crab stew.
One of the older markets with a great atmosphere and must-tries like black pepper buns and herbal soups near Songshan Ciyou Temple.
Smaller but food-focused; known for oyster vermicelli, pork knuckle, and traditional Taiwanese snacks.
Popular with locals and near Xinyi/Da'an — a good place for late-night eats after bars.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Taiwanese value orderly queues and polite behavior; avoid cutting lines and keep voices moderate, especially on public transport.
Dress modestly when visiting temples, remove hats, and avoid touching offerings; step back when people are praying and follow local practices respectfully.
Many homes require shoes to be removed at the entrance; look for shoe racks or follow the host's lead.
Showing deference to elders is important — allow older people to board first and use polite phrases when addressing seniors.
Safety
Tipping in Taipei
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan and service charges are sometimes added in higher-end restaurants; rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated but not expected. For exceptional service, a small tip is fine, but most taxi drivers and street vendors do not expect tips.
Cash (New Taiwan Dollar, NT$) is widely used for small stalls and some taxis, while credit/debit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops. Get an EasyCard for seamless metro, bus, and bike rentals; mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are increasingly accepted in larger stores.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
March–May brings mild temperatures and blooming cherry blossoms and azaleas in higher parks; expect occasional rain and comfortable days for walking and hiking.
June–August is hot, humid, and rainy with frequent afternoon thunderstorms and the typhoon season peaking in July–September; stay hydrated, use sun protection, and have indoor alternatives for stormy days.
September–November offers some of the best weather — cooler, drier, and pleasant for outdoor activities and festivals; bring a light jacket for evenings.
December–February is mild compared to temperate climates but can be cool and damp; higher elevations like Yangmingshan may be chilly, so pack a warm layer and a raincoat.
Taipei at Night
Hiking in Taipei
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, steep trail with steps and platforms leading to classic views of Taipei 101 and the city skyline; very popular at sunset.
Multiple trails ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes, with volcanic geography, hot springs, flower fields, and seasonal blooms.
Coastal mountain hikes offering dramatic cliffside views, historic mining-era landscapes, and photogenic rock formations.
Scenic trails through indigenous Atayal territory with waterfalls, river views, and cultural experiences; good for a half-day trip from Taipei.
Gentle trails through tea plantations with multiple teahouses and panoramic views over Taipei — perfect for a relaxed afternoon hike.
Airports
How to reach Taipei by plane.
Primary international gateway ~40–50 minutes from central Taipei by Taoyuan Airport MRT, shuttle bus, or 40–60 minutes by taxi depending on traffic.
City-center airport located in Songshan with domestic flights and some regional routes to Japan, Korea, and China; close to Xinyi district and easily reachable by MRT.
Further away but options for domestic/low-cost flights if combining multi-city Taiwan travel; reachable by high-speed rail or short domestic flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of Taipei's population consists of Han Chinese groups, including descendants of early Minnan (Hoklo) settlers, Hakka communities, and Mainlander families who arrived after 1949.
Taiwan's indigenous Austronesian peoples are a recognized minority with cultural presence and events, though smaller in Taipei than in rural areas.
Active expatriate communities including Japanese, Southeast Asian migrant workers, Westerners, and students contribute to a multicultural urban scene.
A large portion of the population in Taipei are young professionals and university students shaping the city's nightlife, startup scene, and cultural trends.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Taiwan's most popular spectator sport with lively professional games, enthusiastic fans, and seasonal leagues.
Widely played and followed at amateur and professional levels, with many public courts around the city.
Common recreational sports with many indoor courts and clubs.
Traditional racing sport highlighted during the Dragon Boat Festival with colorful teams and local events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Taipei.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available in Taipei, including fully vegetarian restaurants and many Buddhist-style eateries; ask for '全素' (quán sù) for vegan and '素' (sù) for vegetarian. Many night market stalls use lard or fish sauce — tell vendors '我吃素' (wǒ chī sù) and confirm ingredients.
Gluten-free options are less common; rice-based dishes are safe, but check soy sauce / wheat-containing sauces and ask staff. Foreign-language translation apps or carrying a short ingredient card in Chinese helps.
Peanuts, shellfish, and soy are common. Always state severe allergies clearly in Chinese and consider showing a printed allergy card. Hospitals and pharmacies are well stocked if needed.