Taipei Travel Guide (Northern Taiwan/Taiwan/East Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Taipei

Taipei, the capital city of Taiwan, is a bustling metropolis that boasts a unique blend of modernity and tradition. It’s home to some of the world’s most impressive skyscrapers, mouth-watering street food, and modern public transportation systems, as well as its historic temples and intricate Chinese architecture. Taipei is a favorite destination for international tourists who come to see its magnificent beauty, a glimpse of ancient Chinese culture, and its hospitable people. In this comprehensive tour guide, we will explore Taipei’s best offerings and help you plan your perfect trip to this cosmopolitan city.

List of Places to Visit in Taipei

Taipei boasts a plethora of tourist attractions such as museums, temples, night markets, natural parks, and scenic spots. Here is a list of must-visit places in Taipei:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

When looking to immerse yourself in the rich Taiwanese history and culture, Taipei has a lot to offer. From the National Palace Museum to the Taipei 101 Observatory, here are some of the best cultural landmarks to visit:

National Palace Museum
Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
Longshan Temple
Taipei 101 Observatory
Taipei Confucius Temple
National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine
Taiwan Provincial Museum
National Taiwan Museum

Natural Attractions of Taipei: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

For nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts, Taipei is the perfect destination. From hiking trails to hot springs, there is something for everyone to enjoy:

Yangmingshan National Park
Maokong Gondola
Elephant Mountain
Beitou Hot Springs
Wulai Scenic Area
Yehliu Geopark
Taipei Zoo
Taipei Botanical Garden

Hiking/Biking Routes of Taipei

Taipei is also an excellent destination for outdoor activities such as hiking and biking. Here are some of the best routes to explore:

Elephant Mountain Hiking Trail
Yangmingshan National Park trails
Wulai Old Street Hiking Trail
Tamshui Riverside Bike Path
Tamsui River Estuary Bike Path
Taipei City Bike Path
Daan Forest Park Hiking Trail

Best Things to Do in Taipei: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of activities and tours to take part in while in Taipei. Here are some of the most popular:

Taipei 101 Observatory
Night markets, such as Shilin and Raohe
Hot springs thermal baths
Taipei street food tour
Maokong Gondola ride
Taiwanese tea experience
National Palace Museum visit
Taipei Zoo tour

Week-Long Itinerary for Taipei

Here is a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Taipei:

Day	Activity
Day 1	Arrival and Taipei 101
Day 2	National Palace Museum and Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Day 3	Yangmingshan National Park and Beitou Hot Springs
Day 4	Visit temples like Lungshan and Taipei Confucius Temple
Day 5	Explore Wulai Scenic Area and Yehliu Geopark
Day 6	Tamsui Old Street and Riverside Bike Path
Day 7	Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Taipei

Taipei is famous for its vibrant food culture and delicious local delicacies. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Bubble tea
Beef noodle soup
Oyster omelet
Xiao long bao
Stinky tofu
Hot pot
Braised pork
Scallion pancakes

Local Beverages

Bubble tea
Fresh sugarcane juice
Taiwanese beer
Kaoliang liquor

Where to Stay in Taipei: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Taipei offers a mix of budget-friendly accommodation options and luxurious hotels. Here are some of our favorites:

Grand Hyatt Taipei
W Taipei
The Landis Taipei
Citizen M Taipei
Taipei Garden Hotel
La Casa Hotel Taipei
The Longstay Hotel
Via Hotel

What to Buy in Taipei: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Taipei’s street markets offer various unique souvenirs and local products to bring back home. Here are some of the best places to shop:

Shilin Night Market
Raohe Street Night Market
Ximending
Yongkang Street
Huashan Creative Park

Local Culture and Customs of Taipei

In Taipei, locals mostly speak Mandarin Chinese, and most people observe Chinese culture and customs. It is customary to remove your shoes in someone’s home, and always try not to step on someone’s doormat. Bowing or nodding is also a sign of respect. Taiwanese people are hospitable and always willing to help visitors.

Best Time to Visit Taipei

The best time to visit Taipei is between October and December. It’s cooler and less humid, making it an ideal time to visit outdoor attractions like Yangmingshan National Park. Spring (March-May) is also a beautiful time to visit when the weather is warm, and flowers are blooming.

Do’s and Don’ts of Taipei

Here are some do’s and don’ts to consider while visiting Taipei:

Do:

Respect temple and museum customs
Try street food
Drink lots of water
Take advantage of public transportation
Bargain at night markets

Don’t:

Wear revealing clothing to temples
Smoke in non-designated areas
Haggle at shops other than night markets

Safety and Health

Safety in Taipei

Taipei is known to be a relatively safe destination for travelers, with a low crime rate. Still, it’s always advisable to be vigilant and take necessary precautions, such as keeping your valuables close and not leaving your belongings unattended.

Health in Taipei

Taipei is well-equipped to deal with medical emergencies, and there are many hospitals and clinics readily available. Tap water is safe and drinkable in Taipei, so there’s usually no need to buy bottled water.

Getting to Taipei: Transportation Options and Logistics

Taipei is well-connected to the rest of the world with its international airport, Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). Here are a few transportation options to consider:

Air: Taoyuan International Airport links Taipei to many major cities in Asia and other parts of the world.
Bus: Taipei has an extensive bus network that offers affordable transportation to other parts of the city.
Metro: Taipei’s MRT system is excellent, affordable, and easy to navigate.
Taxi: Taxis are another option for getting around, but they can be more expensive than other modes of transportation.

Airports Near Taipei

Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA)

Bus Stations Near Taipei

Taipei Bus Station - reachable by the MRT

Other Options

Car rental services
High-speed rail network

How to Get Around in Taipei

Taipei has a well-developed transportation system, making it easy to navigate around the city. Here are some options for getting around:

Metro: Taipei’s MRT system is affordable, efficient, and easy to navigate.
Bus: Taipei’s bus network is extensive, and bus rides are quite affordable.
Taxi: Taxis are widely available in Taipei, and they are metered.

Where to Go Next from Taipei: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to explore other destinations near Taipei, there are plenty of options within a couple of hours’ drive or reachable by public transportation. Some of the best options include:

Jiufen
Tamsui
Yilan
Wulai
Taichung
Sun Moon Lake

Conclusion

Taipei is a melting pot of Taiwanese culture and is truly a destination worth visiting. With its rich history, delicious food, excellent museums, breathtaking scenery, and friendly locals, Taipei has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventure, cultural experience or trying out delicious food, Taipei is the perfect destination for your next adventure. Use our comprehensive tour guide for Taipei to plan your perfect trip and have an unforgettable experience.