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🇹🇼 Taiwan

Taipei

A vibrant metropolis where tradition meets modernity. — Taipei, Taiwan's bustling capital, is a dynamic city where towering skyscrapers stand in harmony with ancient temples and lush natural landscapes. It's a sensory feast, offering an incredible array of culinary delights, vibrant street life, and rich cultural experiences.

▶ Video guide

Taipei in 60 seconds

A cinematic tour of the top sights, food and local tips. Get your own AI voice guide and a trip planned just for you in the Tripmi app.

  • 📍Top places to visit: Taipei 101, National Palace Museum, Yangmingshan National Park
  • 🍽️What to eat: Xiao Long Bao, Beef Noodle Soup, Braised Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan)
  • 🗓️Best time to visit: The best time to visit Taipei is during the spring (March to May) and autumn…

Good to know

Best time to visit
The best time to visit Taipei is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant, with less humidity and rainfall.
Getting around
Taipei boasts an efficient and user-friendly public transportation system, primarily the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit), making it easy to navigate the city.
Currency
New Taiwan Dollar (TWD). Credit cards are widely accepted in larger establishments, but it's wise to carry some cash for smaller shops and night markets.
Language
Mandarin Chinese is the official language. While Mandarin is dominant, English is commonly understood in tourist areas, hotels, and by younger generations.
Safety
Taipei is renowned for its exceptional safety, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere for tourists.
Daily budget
Budget: $50-80, Midrange: $100-200 per day
💶 Travel money in TaipeiCurrency, cards vs cash, costs & tipping in Taipei
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Top places to visit

1Landmark

Taipei 101

Once the world's tallest building, this iconic skyscraper offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city from its observation decks.

2Museum

National Palace Museum

Home to an unparalleled collection of ancient Chinese imperial artifacts and artworks, spanning thousands of years of history.

3Park

Yangmingshan National Park

A stunning natural escape with volcanic landscapes, hot springs, hiking trails, and vibrant flower fields, especially during cherry blossom season.

4Restaurant

Din Tai Fung (Xinyi Branch)

World-famous for its exquisite Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings) and other delicate Taiwanese dishes in a refined setting.

5Café

Oolong Tea House

Experience traditional Taiwanese tea culture in a serene setting, learning about different tea varieties and brewing methods.

6Nightlife

Ximending

Taipei's vibrant youth district, buzzing with street performers, trendy shops, cinemas, and an electric atmosphere after dark.

7Market

Shilin Night Market

One of Taipei's largest and most famous night markets, offering an endless variety of street food, snacks, clothing, and souvenirs.

8Viewpoint

Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan)

A short but rewarding hike provides the most iconic postcard view of Taipei 101 and the surrounding cityscape.

9Temple

Bao'an Temple

A beautifully preserved Qing Dynasty temple showcasing intricate carvings, vibrant colors, and a peaceful ambiance dedicated to Chinese folk deities.

10Shopping

Xinyi District

The city's modern commercial heart, featuring luxury boutiques, department stores, and the iconic Taipei 101.

11Activity

Maokong Gondola

A scenic cable car ride offering stunning views as it ascends to the Maokong tea plantation area.

12Temple

Longshan Temple

A historic and active temple where locals offer prayers to a variety of Buddhist, Taoist, and folk deities.

13Market

Huashan 1914 Creative Park

A former winery transformed into a hub for art, design, and culture, featuring exhibitions, shops, cafes, and performance spaces.

14Landmark

Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

A striking monument dedicated to the father of modern China, offering exhibits and a changing of the guard ceremony.

15Activity

Beitou Hot Springs

Relax and rejuvenate in the therapeutic mineral-rich hot springs located in the picturesque Beitou district.

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Things to do

Explore Taipei's Night Markets

Indulge in a culinary adventure through bustling night markets, sampling diverse street food and local snacks.

Hike Elephant Mountain for City Views

Embark on a short hike up Elephant Mountain for iconic, postcard-worthy views of Taipei 101 and the cityscape.

Visit the National Palace Museum

Immerse yourself in Chinese art and history with one of the world's most extensive collections of imperial treasures.

Ride the Maokong Gondola

Enjoy a scenic cable car journey up to the Maokong tea region for stunning views and tea tasting.

Experience a Traditional Tea Ceremony

Participate in a tranquil tea ceremony to learn about and savor Taiwan's renowned Oolong teas.

Relax in Beitou Hot Springs

Unwind and soak in the natural volcanic hot springs known for their therapeutic properties.

Where to stay

Ximending

Ideal for young travelers and those seeking vibrant nightlife, shopping, and entertainment.

Xinyi District

Suited for luxury shoppers and those who appreciate modern architecture and upscale dining.

Da'an District

Appeals to foodies and shoppers, offering a mix of trendy boutiques, cafes, and diverse culinary options.

Wanhua District

Perfect for history buffs and culture seekers, home to historic temples and traditional markets.

What to eat

Xiao Long Bao

Delicate steamed dumplings filled with savory broth and minced pork, a must-try Taiwanese specialty.

Beef Noodle Soup

A hearty and flavorful noodle soup featuring tender braised beef, rich broth, and fresh vegetables.

Braised Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan)

Comforting rice bowl topped with slow-cooked, savory braised pork and served with pickled radish.

Stinky Tofu

Fermented tofu with a pungent aroma but surprisingly delicious crispy exterior and savory interior.

Bubble Tea

The quintessential Taiwanese drink made with tea, milk, sugar, and chewy tapioca pearls.

Oyster Omelet

A popular night market dish combining fresh oysters, eggs, and starch for a chewy, savory pancake.

Day trips

Jiufen

A charming former gold mining town with narrow streets, traditional teahouses, and stunning coastal views (approx. 1 hour by public transport).

Shifen

Famous for its sky lanterns and the picturesque Shifen Waterfall, offering a nostalgic rural experience (approx. 1.5 hours by train).

Tamsui

A historic port town offering a seaside promenade, Dutch fort ruins, and fresh seafood (approx. 40 minutes by MRT).

Insider tips

  • Purchase an EasyCard for seamless travel on the MRT and buses.
  • Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months; carry a reusable water bottle.
  • Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases; locals appreciate the effort.
  • Embrace the street food culture – it's delicious and affordable.
  • Utilize Google Maps for public transport navigation; it's very accurate.
  • Be prepared for occasional rain, even during drier seasons; carry a small umbrella.

Traveler reviews

4.8
★★★★★
5 traveler reviews
M
Mei C.
Singapore
★★★★★
last month

Absolutely loved Taipei! The night markets, especially Shilin, were a foodie paradise – the oyster omelets and stinky tofu were surprisingly delicious. Explored the National Palace Museum and was blown away by the imperial artifacts. Such a vibrant and welcoming city.

D
David K.
United States
★★★★★
in April

Taipei 101 offered incredible panoramic views, especially at sunset. We took the train to Jiufen Old Street, a charming mountain town that felt like stepping back in time, and enjoyed some delicious taro balls. The MRT system is so efficient for getting around.

A
Ana S.
Brazil
★★★★☆
two months ago

Taipei is a fantastic city with so much to offer. We enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere of Longshan Temple and the bustling energy of Ximending. While the food was generally amazing, some of the spicier dishes were a bit too much for my palate. Still, highly recommend!

K
Kenji T.
Japan
★★★★★
in May

The blend of modern and traditional in Taipei is captivating. Visiting Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall was a solemn experience, and hiking Elephant Mountain for a view of the cityscape was rewarding. The bubble tea culture is real and I'm officially addicted.

F
Fatima A.
United Arab Emirates
★★★★★
last year

Taipei was an unforgettable trip. Exploring the creative hub of Huashan 1914 Creative Park was inspiring, and the street food tour was a highlight – trying scallion pancakes and gua bao was a must! The people are incredibly friendly.

Good to know — FAQ

Is Taipei expensive to visit?
Taipei offers great value for money, especially compared to other major Asian cities. Accommodation, food, and transportation are relatively affordable, making it accessible for various budgets.
What is the best way to pay for things?
While credit cards are accepted in larger hotels, restaurants, and department stores, many smaller eateries, market stalls, and shops prefer cash. It’s advisable to carry New Taiwan Dollars (TWD) for these transactions.
Do I need a visa to visit Taiwan?
Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. Many countries can enter Taiwan visa-free for short stays (typically 90 days). It's essential to check the latest regulations with the Taiwan's Bureau of Consular Affairs or your local embassy.
What are the must-try local dishes?
You absolutely must try Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings), Beef Noodle Soup, Braised Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan), and Stinky Tofu. Don't forget to indulge in a refreshing Bubble Tea from a local shop.

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