So you’re planning a trip to Taiwan and wondering about the best things to do in Taipei?
You’ve come to the right place!
I’ve been living in Asia for over 6 years now, and Taiwan has honestly become one of my favorite countries to explore.
Through local friends in Taipei, but also from China and South Korea, I’ve gathered lots of tips and hidden spots that I wouldn’t have found otherwise.
This post is going to take you through all those spots and activities, covering more than 20 things to do in Taipei:
20+ Things To Do In Taipei
First of all, here’s what I like so much about Taiwan’s capital: it’s got this mix of traditional Asian/Chinese culture and a relaxed, typical ‘island’ kind of vibe.
It never feels really rushed, unlike many other cities in Asia. Some call it ‘China-Lite,’ and I think that describes Taiwan perfectly.
This is because China blocks Western apps, it’s a bit less accessible in some ways, Chinese food isn’t for everyone, and CCTV is everywhere. Taiwan doesn’t have any of that, or simply much less, which makes it just a bit more relaxed to explore.
1. Yangmingshan National Park
I wanted to start this list of things to do with a place that totally surprised me. It’s not in the city center of Taipei but within a 30 to 45 minute drive, and it’s called Yangmingshan Park.
Yangmingshan is a massive park up in the mountains of Taipei, but not like any other park. There are many incredible places you can visit in this region:
Qingtiangang with several trails
Qingtiangang is a huge park on top of the mountains. This spot just blew me away, and I could have spent hours here. It’s a vast open field with wild water buffalo, birds, and other wildlife. It’s mostly quite flat, so it is easy to walk. There is a paved path and fences to protect you from any cranky water buffalo. Alltho, why would they be cranky in such a beautiful environment, right?
We had a whole day planned that time, and Qingtiangang was just one stop; otherwise, I would have stayed at Qingtiangang much longer. So my tip, plan a bit longer at Qingtiangang park as it is really worth it.
Zhuzihu / Bamboo Lake
Zhuzihu is a beautiful place with lots of Lily flowers
The Flower Clock
The flower clock in itself isn’t that interesting, but the surrounding area and nature are really beautiful. Everything is so nice and green; there are ponds, small streams going down the mountain, and you’ll see the occasional tiny wildlife.
Xiaoyoukeng volcano
An incredibly impressive sight to see, and smelly! You can smell the sulfur coming from the ground, which is just such an odd experience. It smells like eggs… Anyway, this is a must-visit when you go to Yangminshan or Taipei.
I never even knew this place existed until my local friend brought us here. It was the first time I saw a volcano up close, and although it is not active anymore, it was still very impressive. And it’s so easy to reach! You can park 50 meters from the volcano and just walk to it. So it’s pretty amazing to see this kind of unique landscape with such minimal effort. This way, our son could enjoy it as well.
Fun fact from my local friend: “Xiaoyoukeng” means little oil pit. The Japanese expected to find oil, but none was discovered.
All I can say is it’s just totally worth it to visit, especially if you’re already heading to Yangmingshan Park.
How to get to Xiaoyoukeng: By car or taxi would be the best way to get to Xiaoyoukeng, so you can easily continue after the volcano to Yangmingshan.
How to get to Yangmingshan: Take Bus S15 from Jiantan Subway Station, or Bus 260 from Taipei Main Station to Yangmingshan Park. It’s especially easy to reach if you’re staying in a hotel in the Zhongshan area, north of the city center, such as Mayfull or Taipei Marriott Hotel.
Get there by tour: I like group tours, but when I go to see several different places, such as in Yangmingshan park, I prefer to do it at my own pace. With a private guide, you can easily just say Hey, let’s hang around here a bit longer (such as at Qingtiangang park), and that makes the trip just more relaxed, and makes the higher price totally worth it in my opinion.
This private tour goes to the best spots, such as Qingtiangang, which is the flat land park on top of the mountain, the volcano (you can get really close), and the flower clock, which isn’t that interesting in itself, but the surrounding garden is really beautiful.
If I only go to one spot, I go with a group; otherwise, I try to go with a private driver if it isn’t too expensive. Plus, I like the personal connection you get with a local.
Best time to visit: March to May for cherry blossoms, avoid the summer midday heat. I went there at the beginning of May and it was already quite hot! Especially since I had our little one on my back.
2. Taipei 101 Building
Ok, back to the city!
There is so much to explore in Taipei, so let’s just start with the obvious one, Taipei 101.
This was the world’s tallest building for six years, and even now, it’s an absolute beast to look at. The cool thing: 101 has this massive damper on the 87th floor that keeps it stable during earthquakes and typhoons; it’s actually pretty fascinating to see. No other building in the world has this.
The observation deck is worth it. You get views of Taipei with the entire city below you, and on clear days, you can see all the way to the mountains.
It’s nice to start a Taipei trip here, so you get a good overview of the city, and you’ll see many attractions in the distance that you will visit later on.
How to get there: Take the Subway to Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station (Red Line), it’s right there.
Best time to visit: Early morning for fewer crowds, or late afternoon for sunset views of Taiwan. But in my experience, it is never super crowded. Visiting the tower can be done within an hour.
3. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
This massive white structure sits in the middle of the city and is a big part of Taiwan’s history. The memorial hall and structures are very impressive. The entire area is so big, it reminded me a bit of the Forbidden City in Beijing.
You’ll see everything from tai chi practitioners in the morning to local families in the evening and people who are live-streaming their trip. The gardens in the area are nice as well. There is not much shade on the square, so it’s nice to be able to escape into the gardens on the left and right of the square.
How to get there: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Subway Station (Blue or Green Line), exit 5
Best time to visit: Early morning to avoid crowds and see morning exercise groups, but any time of the day is great, basically. It is starting to get pretty hot halfway through May.
4. Dadaocheng Historic District
Dadaocheng is where old Taiwan comes alive, and it’s one of those neighborhoods where you can spend hours just walking around. This area used to be the main trading port, and you can still feel a lot of energy in the shops and tea houses.
I just love how many of these authentic areas there are in Taipei. Areas rarely feel touristy, which is just a unique thing of Taipei and Taiwan in general.
In this area, you’ll find Dadaocheng Wharf & the famous “Scooter Waterfall”
5. Dadaocheng Wharf
The riverside area along Dadaocheng Wharf has become a popular local hangout spot, especially during sunset hours. You get these wide views across the Tamsui River, and when the light is right, the whole scene becomes pretty magical. It’s not touristy at all, just locals relaxing after work or on weekends.
There are bike paths, grassy areas for sitting, and some decent food vendors setting up in the evenings. The area connects to the historic Dadaocheng district, so you can easily combine a riverside walk with exploring the traditional shops and tea houses. It’s one of those places to visit in Taiwan that feels authentically local.
How to get there: Walk from the Dadaocheng area to the gate, or bike along the riverside paths.
Best time to visit: Late afternoon into evening, avoid major holidays unless you want the full festival experience
Where to stay: Around Dadaocheng, you’ll find the most hostels and boutique hotels of Taipei. Energy Inn was recommended to me.
6. Scooter Waterfall
This isn’t so much an attraction as something that became one because of the way Taipei is built. Taipei is a very organic, flowing city with streets and alleys everywhere. This road is one of those typical Taipei things. It’s a bridge that only allows scooters and motorbikes, and when these motorbikes go off the road, take the exit and drive down into the city center, it creates this “waterfall” of scooters. Really fascinating to see. And if you’re in the area, like at District 1, it is definitely worth the short walk.
How to get there: By subway, go to Daqiaotou station and walk to the crossroads.
Best time to visit: One tip, the only time I had time to go there was during a weekend, and it was much less busy with scooters, so it was only a minor “waterfall”, my tip: Go during a weekday! 🙂
Morning (7:30-9 am) and evening (5:30-7 pm) are when you’ll see the biggest scooter buildups. The evening rush is even better with a sunset sky in the background.
The traffic light cycle is pretty long, maybe 2-3 minutes, so scooters have time to really pile up. You’ll see them lining up for like half a block, then go! It’s kind of mesmerizing to see. It’s one of the very few times I get excited about traffic 😉
7. Longshan Temple
This temple is absolutely alive with energy, and I mean that literally. From early morning until late at night, there’s a constant stream of worshippers, tourists, and locals just hanging out in the surrounding area. The temple itself dates back to the 1700s and has survived earthquakes and wars.
What makes Longshan special is the traditional architecture, waterfalls (yes!), and the atmosphere. You’ll see people praying, making offerings, practicing fortune telling, and just living their daily lives. The market nearby adds another great experience with food and street vendors.
Inside the temple, I stumbled upon these red wooden pieces called jiaobei, or “moon blocks,” which I found incredibly fascinating. Locals toss them to get yes-or-no answers from the gods. How do these moon blocks work, you might ask? My friend explained it to me as follows:
- Ask a question: Hold the two blocks and quietly ask the gods a simple yes-or-no question.
- Drop them: Toss the jiaobei on the ground.
- Read the result:
- Both flat sides up → that’s a yes.
- Both curved sides up → that’s a no.
- One flat and one curved side → the gods find the question irrelevant, or they’re just having a laugh at the question.
So fascinating! Longshan Temple is probably the most famous temple, so it can get quite busy, but I found it totally worth it.
How to get there: Longshan Temple Subway Station (Blue Line), exit 1
Best time to visit: Early evening when the temple is active but not overwhelmingly crowded. But even in the morning, it will be busy.
8. Huashan 1914 Creative Park
This place is one of Taipei’s many creative spaces. A part of it was a former wine factory that’s been transformed into this hip cultural place where local artists, designers, and creatives go. The industrial architecture mixed with contemporary art installations creates this really cool aesthetic.
You never know what you’ll find here: a pop-up art exhibition, random promotion events, or just some really interesting shops selling locally designed goods. The outdoor spaces are nice to just chill with a coffee or bubble tea, of course!
I honestly had a good time here. Shops were actually fun to explore.
How to get there: Zhongxiao Xinsheng Subway Station (Blue or Orange Line), exit 1, then a 5-minute walk
Best time to visit: Weekends for events and markets, weekday afternoons for a quieter creative atmosphere
9. Daan District
Daan, or actually Da ‘an, is where Taipei gets trendy, and I mean that in the best way possible. This district has this perfect mix of upscale shopping, great restaurants, local life and tree-lined streets that make it in my opinion one of the best areas to just wander around without any plan.
It’s also a bit more accessible for pedestrians than most other areas.
Daan Park sits right in the middle of it all like a green oasis where locals hang out. We stopped there for a bit after a long walk, and we got in touch with locals immediately.
Our son, who was 1,5 years old back then, made some friends right away. That was really fun to see. We even got some recommendations for restaurants from the parents.
The shopping here ranges from high-end boutiques such as Le Labo to local designer stores. You can spend an entire afternoon just hopping between shops and restaurants.
One of the restaurants they recommended to us was Dongmen Dumplings. It’s a great and really affordable restaurant that I highly recommend for a great local dining experience.
How to get there: Daan Subway Station (Brown Line) puts you right in the heart of it.
Best time to visit: Weekday afternoons for a more local feel, evenings for the restaurant and bar scene.
Where to eat: Dongmen Dumplings.
10. National Palace Museum
Look, I’ll be honest, museums aren’t everyone’s thing, but this place is quite different. The National Palace Museum has one of the world’s largest collections of Chinese art and artifacts, and some of this stuff will blow your mind.
The museum is very accessible with good English explanations and interactive displays. Plus, the building itself sits on this hillside with great views over Taipei.
How to get there: Shilin Subway Station (Red Line), then bus 255, 304, or Red 30 to the museum.
Best time to visit: Weekday mornings for smaller crowds, allow at least 3 hours
11. Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) for Best Views
This hike has become super popular on Instagram, and while that means it can get crowded, the views really are spectacular. It’s not a difficult hike, maybe 30-40 minutes to the main viewpoint, but those last few minutes are pretty steep. The payoff, though? Perfect views of Taipei 101 with the entire city sprawling out behind it.
What’s cool is that there are actually multiple viewpoints along the trail, so you can find spots that work for different times of day and different crowd levels. Sunrise and sunset are obviously popular, but I’ve had some great experiences going up in the middle of the day when the light is harsh but the crowds are minimal.
How to get there: Xiangshan Subway Station (Red Line), exit 2, then follow hiking trail signs. Best time to visit: Early morning for sunrise, late afternoon for sunset. Bring water and good shoes.
12. Night Markets
Night markets are scattered all over Taipei, with some being bigger than others. No matter where you’re staying, there will be a night market. It’s a fun experience to walk through a market, but I wouldn’t recommend visiting more than 1 or 2 on your trip, as there are so many other things to discover in Taipei.
Shilin Night Market
I know, every Taiwan travel guide mentions Shilin Night Market, but here’s the thing, there’s a reason for that. This place is absolute chaos in the best possible way, with hundreds of food stalls, game booths, and shops packed into this maze of alleys and covered areas.
The underground food court is where the real action happens. You’ll find everything from stinky tofu (don’t knock it till you try it) to those famous XXL fried chicken cutlets that are literally bigger than your head. The atmosphere is pure energy, vendors shouting, crowds moving, and this wild mix of smells.
How to get there: Jiantan Subway Station (Red Line), exit 1, then follow the crowds
Best time to visit: After 7 pm, when everything is open and the energy is highest
Raohe Night Market
Raohe feels more authentic and less touristy than Shilin, which makes it one of my favorite night market experiences in Taiwan. It’s smaller and more manageable, but the food quality is absolutely top-notch. This is where locals go for their night market fix, so you know you’re getting the real deal.
Ningxia Market
The pepper bun here is legendary; these baked buns filled with pork and green onions come out of traditional ovens blazing hot. The whole market sits under this covered walkway, so the weather is never an issue. You’ll find great seafood, traditional sweets, and some of the friendliest vendors in the city here.
How to get there: Songshan Subway Station (Green Line), exit 1, the market is right there. Best time to visit: 7 pm-10 pm for the best selection and atmosphere
13. Taipei Coffee Culture: Simple Kaffa Huashan
Taipei’s coffee scene is seriously impressive, and I’m not just talking about Starbucks everywhere. The city has developed a wild coffee culture with roasters, specialty shops, and cafes that rival those anywhere in the world.
Especially in Seoul, South Korea, there are sooo many coffee shops, but the ones I visited in Taipei were really different. The cafes don’t really focus on a theme, or ‘cute cupcakes’, but more on making the best coffee they can and serving it in the best way possible. I love it!
Simple Kaffa Huashan
My favorite coffee place was the “Simple Kaffa Huashan Flagship Store”. Truly a special experience to have a coffee there. Afterwards, you can explore Huashan 1914 Creative Park, which is less than a 5-minute walk.
Louisa Coffee
Louisa Coffee is basically Taiwan’s Starbucks, but way more affordable, and just as good, if not even better tasting. You’ll find these coffee shops all over Taipei.
How to get there: Coffee shops are everywhere; explore different neighborhoods to find your style.
Best time to visit: Any time you want a good cup of coffee!
14. Drink Original Taiwanese Bubble Tea
Bubble tea is this super cool Taiwanese creation from the 80s that’s basically tea mixed with milk or fruit flavors, plus these chewy balls that everyone calls boba or bubbles. You drink it through a thick straw so you can slurp it up and chew on those little pearls at the same time.
What started in Taiwan has totally taken over the world. You can find bubble tea shops everywhere, probably somewhere in your hometown as well.
There’s more than just the classic milk tea version; you’ve got fruit flavors, different toppings like jelly cubes, and plant-based milk options.
15. Traditional Markets
Beyond the famous night markets, Taipei has traditional markets where locals do their daily shopping. Places like Nanmen Market or the various morning markets scattered throughout residential neighborhoods give you a completely different perspective on daily life in the city.
These markets focus on fresh ingredients, household goods, and prepared foods that locals actually eat every day. The vendors know their customers, there’s lots of chatting and negotiating, and you’ll see ingredients and foods that don’t show up in tourist areas. It’s a more authentic look at Taiwanese food culture.
How to get there: Ask locals about their neighborhood morning market, or visit Nanmen Market near Zhongzheng District.
Best time to visit: Early morning when everything is freshest and most active
16. Bopiliao Historic Block
The main attraction here is just walking through these restored buildings and soaking up the atmosphere. Each building has been turned into something different. Some have exhibits about old Taipei, others show traditional crafts or art.
There’s also this cool section where they’ve preserved the original kitchen area of one house. Cast iron stoves, clay pots, wooden cutting boards, everything just like families would have used 150 years ago. Makes you appreciate modern conveniences.
The architecture itself is the real star, though. Look up at the roof tiles, check out the wooden beam construction, and notice how they built drainage systems. These buildings survived earthquakes, typhoons, and wars because they were built to last.
Best Times to Visit: Weekdays are ideal for taking your time and exploring without crowds. The galleries and exhibits are open Tuesday through Sunday, 9 am to 6 pm. It’s not one of the main attractions in Taipei, so overall it is never too busy.
How to get there: Bopiliao Historic Block
17. Shinjuku Plaza – Ximendi
Ximending is basically the most tourist-packed area in Taipei. This place is like stepping into organized chaos, and honestly, I kind of like it because there’s always something new happening.
Think of it as Taipei’s version of Myeongdong but with a bit more charm. Street performers everywhere, pop-up shops selling fascinating stuff, food vendors, and random pop-up stores. Yes, it’s crowded and half the people have cameras out, but the vibe is still pretty cool. I’ve walked through Ximending a few times, and it still surprises me.
How To Get There: Super easy, take the Subway to Ximen Station, close to Shinjuku, on either the blue or green line. Exit 6 drops you right into the main pedestrian area.
Once you’re there, everything is walkable. The main action happens in a few blocks around the Red House Theater. Streets are marked in English, but getting lost a bit is part of the fun.
Bikes don’t really work because it’s so crowded, especially evenings and weekends. Just plan to walk and take your time exploring all the side alleys and hidden corners.
18. Wulai Falls and Old Street Day Trip
Getting out to Wulai feels like stepping into a different world, even though it’s not that far from central Taipei. This village has maintained its character while becoming a relaxed hot spring destination.
Wulai Falls
The waterfall was absolutely beautiful to see, just how it’s surrounded by so much green, while hearing birds chirping and the sound echoing was beautiful.
Wulai Old Street
The Wulai old street has this local town vibe with traditional foods you won’t find in the city. The little train ride from the waterfall is pretty fun too, especially if you’re traveling with kids. Although it creeks and makes quite some noise while seeing the cliff beside you…, which was a little bit scary. But our son loved it.
How to get there: Take the Subway to Xindian Station (Green Line), then bus 849 to Wulai. Or, take a tour with a driver, like we did. It costs a bit more, but it’s great to get more info from a local, support them, and you will not have to worry about bus times on the way back.
Get There By Tour Tips:
Best time to visit: Weekdays to avoid crowds, autumn, and winter for the best hot spring experience
19. Yehliu Geopark Day Trip
This coastal park is touristy, but it’s one of those places that makes you realize Taiwan’s natural beauty goes way beyond the mountains. The rock formations here have been shaped by thousands of years of wind and waves into these sculptures.
Although I really liked visiting it, around the sculptures, it was a lot more crowded than any other place we’ve been to in Taipei. And the weather wasn’t even that great.
Queen’s Head
The most famous one is the Queen’s Head, which really does kind of look like an Egyptian queen. The queue to take a picture with the Queen’s Head was surprisingly long, so I just took a photo from a distance with my zoom lens.
What’s cool about Yehliu is how easily accessible it is; you can walk around these geological wonders on well-maintained paths while getting hit by ocean spray from the waves below. The coastline views are pretty cool too, especially on clear days when you can see far up Taiwan’s coast.
Hiking Trail
If you walk all the way to the back, there is a hiking trail that goes to the edge of the cliff. It’s a beautiful walk, lots of big butterflies and flowers, and to my surprise, there was no one there! While at the rock sculptures at the start, it was very crowded.
Definitely worth it, the hike takes about 45 minutes up to the viewing point, which was really cool. I hiked there with my son in our hiking backpack. Be careful for some strong winds coming around the corner, but other than that, it’s an easy walk.
How to get there: Take bus 1815 from Taipei Main Station to Yehliu Geopark. Taxis are also an option, which is what we did. Getting a taxi there to return to the hotel was no problem.
By Tour Tips: Not far from Yehliu Geopark, there are several cool places to see, such as Jiufen Old Street and Shifen Waterfall. Going on a tour such as this full-day north Taiwan tour will be much easier than getting taxis from location to location. Just make sure you have some extra time, about 2 hours extra, at Yehliu Geopark if you want to walk to the edge of the trail.
Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for better lighting and fewer tour groups
20. Pinglin Tea Plantation Day Trip From Taipei
Getting out to Pinglin is like venturing into rural Taiwan, even though it’s only about an hour and a half from central Taipei. This area is famous for its tea fields, and you can visit working tea farms where they’ll show you the entire process from plant to cup.
The drive through the mountains is beautiful, going through valleys and alongside rivers. Pinglin itself is a quiet town where tea culture is very much alive. You can visit the Tea Museum, take guided tours of plantations, and participate in traditional tea ceremonies. The pace of life here is completely different from the city.
Thousand-Island Lake
From Pinglin, you can see Thousand-Island Lake: an incredible view. Our local friend drove us to this spot, where we stopped for a bit. It’s along a quiet road. You could hear the sounds of birds, wild animals, and just jungle vibes in the distance. I loved it.
How to get there: Take a bus from Xindian Subway Station to Pinglin, or get a taxi. We included this in our day trip to Wulai and Pinglin, which was a perfect duration of the trip from 9 am to 5 pm.
By Tour Tips: This Tour takes you to the tea plantations in Pinglin, beautiful viewing points of Thousand-Island Lake, and Pinglin Old Street.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall for nice weather and active tea harvesting. We went there the first week of May, and while it was already quite hot in the city, in Pinglin, the temperature was a bit more pleasant.
The Pinglin Tea Museum is closed on Monday.
Getting Around
Before we dive into the practical stuff, in my opinion, the best way to explore Taipei is on foot.
Although the city is massive, starting somewhere in the center and just exploring a piece of it every day is the best way to get a real sense of the life there. There are so many things to see that you easily miss a lot of great things if you go by taxi from spot to spot.
And everything just flows so organically in the city; plants grow on buildings, old trees fill the streets, and ancient temples and buildings just mix so well with everything, so there is a lot happening everywhere.
There’s a bit of a jungle vibe in Taipei; people are kind and relaxed, and I never felt unsafe anywhere.
Here are my tips on how to get around in Taipei:
Subway
Taipei’s Metro system is great. I’ve used public transportation in cities all over the world, and this subway system is clean, efficient, and easy to navigate, even if you don’t speak Chinese. The stations are clearly marked in English, the trains run frequently, and you can get pretty much anywhere in the city for under $2 USD. Not every train has AC, but many of them don’t go underground, so it’s great to have a window open while watching the city.
The EasyCard works great; you can get one at any subway station and use it for trains, buses, and even convenience store purchases.
What’s even more practical is that you can pre-book the EasyCard at Klook, including a SIM card.
To keep it short: The pro is that you can pre-buy it with your credit card, so you won’t have to worry about any surprises, like no SIM card desk or your credit card not working. The downside is that you need to pick up the card at the Klook desk between 4:30 am and 11:00 pm. If you arrive very late, it might be better to buy a card later at a subway station. But otherwise, it is very convenient to pre-buy it. Especially getting the SIM card so you’re connected quickly after you land.
Here is the essential info for getting the EasyCard with Klook:
Taoyuan Airport (TPE)
- Terminal 1: Unite Traveler Counter
- Hours: 04:30–23:00
- Directions: From the arrival hall, turn left and walk straight to the end to reach the Unite desk.
- Terminal 2: Unite Traveler Counter
- Hours: 04:30–23:00
- Directions: From the arrival hall, the counter is on your right-hand side.
Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH)
- International Terminal 1 (1F): Unite Traveler Counter
- Location: Between Chunghwa Telecom and Door 5
- Card Pickup Hours: 09:00–20:00
It works for all public transportation in the Taipei area, including New Taipei City. The Subway runs from around 6 am to midnight, with longer hours on weekends.
Bus
Buses fill in the gaps where Subway doesn’t reach, and while they can be a bit more challenging if you don’t speak Chinese, Google Maps does a pretty good job with public transportation directions. Unlike in China, Google Maps isn’t blocked. All the apps work like in most other countries.
Taxis
Taxis are everywhere and relatively affordable, especially if you’re traveling with a group or heading somewhere not easily accessible by public transit. Most drivers don’t speak English, so having your destination written in Chinese characters is helpful, but Google Maps works perfectly in Taipei.
Overall, Taipei is pretty easy to explore on foot. Distances are big between areas, but there is plenty of space to walk and plenty of things to see! We walked there with a stroller and with our son in a hiking backpack, and we had no issues whatsoever.
Finally, Apple Pay works perfectly, even in small shops and taxis. This made it much easier for us to get around.
Where to Stay
Somehow, I always find it a bit difficult to find the best hotel that is still affordable in Taipei. If I go for a relaxed trip, I’d like to have an outdoor pool, which isn’t easy to find. And if I go for a quick visit, it’s a bit difficult to find accommodation that’s both centrally located and reasonably priced, especially near the main attractions and Subway stations.
Here are my recommendations:
Budget/Boutique Choice: Energy Inn
Most hostels and boutique hotels are around Ximending in Taipei. What I love most is how these hotels connect you to the local scene. My friend recommended the Energy Inn as a budget option. Although I haven’t stayed here, I still wanted to mention it.
Mid-Range Choice: Mayfull or Taipei Marriott Hotel
Both hotels are just outside the city center, but that makes them much more affordable. The pros are that the area is quieter, they both have an outdoor pool, and the service and breakfast are amazing. If you don’t mind taking the subway for a 15-minute ride to get to the city center, then these are great. The subway close to both hotels goes above ground, so it’s like a quick, fun tour.
Luxury Choice: Shangri-La Far Eastern, Taipei
There are quite a few luxury options in Taipei, but most of them are around the skyscraper Taipei 101. But, in my humble opinion, that area isn’t that much fun or interesting to go to besides going to the Taipei 101 building. Shangri-La Far Eastern sits right between the Taipei 101 area and the authentic and much more fun area, Da’an (or Daan) District. You can walk easily to both areas, which makes it much easier to see more of Taipei.
Best Time to Visit
Taiwan is pretty much a year-round destination, but each season definitely has its own pros and cons.
Spring (February to beginning May) is my favorite time; the weather is comfortable, flowers bloom in the mountains, and you get beautiful, clear days perfect for outdoor exploration. The temperatures are mild, usually in the 70s F, and humidity hasn’t reached summer levels yet. Although the last time I went was in the first week of May, I have to say it was hotter than I thought it would be.
Summer (June to August) is hot and humid, no way around it. But this is also when the city really comes alive with festivals and other outdoor events. If you don’t mind sweating a bit and want to experience the full intensity of the best night markets and street life, summer can be great. Just pack light, breathable clothing, and plan indoor activities during the hottest parts of the day.
Fall (September to November) brings cooler temperatures, of course. This is a great time for hiking in places like Yangmingshan, and the city feels more comfortable for walking around.
Winter (December to February) is mild compared to many places, but locals consider it cold!
Temperatures stay in the 50s and 60s F, which makes it perfect for hot springs and indoor cultural activities.
I haven’t been in Taiwan during Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year, but from what I’ve heard, it is similar to China: locals go visit friends and family, and most shops and restaurants are closed, so unless you have friends or family in Taipei, it’s not a great time to visit.
FAQ
Here are the questions I get asked most often about Taiwan travel, based on years of helping friends plan their trips and my own experiences traveling to the country.
What are the DOs and DONTs in Taiwan?
Do try the street food!
Do go on foot (get some good walking shoes)
Do bring cash, some places still don’t accept cards, especially smaller vendors and traditional establishments, but Apple Pay is pretty widely accepted already.
Do learn a few basic Mandarin (Chinese) words!
Don’t eat or drink on the Subway.
Don’t walk through a red light.
Is Taiwan expensive?
Taiwan is affordable compared to other major Asian destinations like Japan or Singapore. Street food meals cost $2-5 USD, Subway rides are under $2, and even mid-range restaurants rarely cost more than $10-15 per person. Accommodation ranges from $55 hotels to $200 luxury hotels, but there are lots of good options in the $60-100 range. Your biggest expenses will probably be shopping and any guided Taiwan tours you decide to take.
Is visiting Taiwan worth it?
Absolutely! Taiwan has this perfect combination of culture, modern life, epic food, and natural beauty all within easy reach because everything just blends and mixes in the city. And besides the city, there is such incredible nature not far from Taipei. Go on a day trip to Wulai, Pinglin, or Yangmingshan Park, I superduper highly recommend it!
Is Taiwan safe?
Taiwan is one of the safest countries in the world. Violent crime is extremely rare; you can walk around at night without concern, and locals are generally helpful if you need assistance. The biggest safety concerns are traffic (watch for scooters) and occasional typhoons with heavy rainfall during the summer months.
Final Thoughts & Tips
Taiwan and Taipei always surprise me. It’s a city where you can keep on exploring, or find yourself in conversation with locals who want to share their favorite neighborhood spots with you, as we did in the Da’an District.
The best of Taiwan really comes through when you take time to connect with locals, explore as much as you can on foot, and walk a bit beyond the tourist spots. Have an epic time exploring this fantastic country!
