Taipei, Taiwan’s capital, is a buzzing metropolis renowned for its seamless mix of tradition and innovation. Modern architecture like Taipei 101 towers above ancient temples and bustling street markets, creating a city that feels both contemporary and deeply connected to its history. Visitors are often drawn by Taipei's welcoming atmosphere, diverse neighborhoods, and energetic pace, making it a favorite destination for curious travelers seeking both urban excitement and cultural depth.
The city is packed with memorable experiences, from wandering through the lantern-lit corridors of Longshan Temple to gazing at the skyline from Taipei 101’s observation deck. Night markets—especially Shilin, Ningxia, and Raohe—are legendary for their array of street foods and local delicacies. Green spaces like Elephant Mountain and Daan Forest Park provide an urban retreat, while the National Palace Museum dazzles with one of the world’s greatest collections of Chinese art and artifacts.
Taipei’s rich cultural traditions are woven into daily life, reflected in the colorful festivals, tea houses, and friendly interactions with locals. The city is easy to navigate; its MRT system is clean, efficient, and well-signed in English. Neighborhoods like Ximending pulse with youthful energy, while Zhongshan and Daan offer stylish boutiques, cozy cafes, and vibrant nightlife. Accommodations suit all budgets, from sleek hotels downtown to artsy hostels and Airbnb stays.
Dining in Taipei is a particular highlight, whether you want to sample soup dumplings at Din Tai Fung, try a traditional breakfast of soy milk and youtiao, or sip locally grown tea in Maokong. The subtropical climate means Taipei is lively year-round, but autumn (October to December) brings cooler, comfortable weather and fewer typhoons. Travelers should pack an umbrella and be ready for sudden showers any time of year.
The city is packed with memorable experiences, from wandering through the lantern-lit corridors of Longshan Temple to gazing at the skyline from Taipei 101’s observation deck. Night markets—especially Shilin, Ningxia, and Raohe—are legendary for their array of street foods and local delicacies. Green spaces like Elephant Mountain and Daan Forest Park provide an urban retreat, while the National Palace Museum dazzles with one of the world’s greatest collections of Chinese art and artifacts.
Taipei’s rich cultural traditions are woven into daily life, reflected in the colorful festivals, tea houses, and friendly interactions with locals. The city is easy to navigate; its MRT system is clean, efficient, and well-signed in English. Neighborhoods like Ximending pulse with youthful energy, while Zhongshan and Daan offer stylish boutiques, cozy cafes, and vibrant nightlife. Accommodations suit all budgets, from sleek hotels downtown to artsy hostels and Airbnb stays.
Dining in Taipei is a particular highlight, whether you want to sample soup dumplings at Din Tai Fung, try a traditional breakfast of soy milk and youtiao, or sip locally grown tea in Maokong. The subtropical climate means Taipei is lively year-round, but autumn (October to December) brings cooler, comfortable weather and fewer typhoons. Travelers should pack an umbrella and be ready for sudden showers any time of year.
Expected Weekly Budget
$900–$1400 USD (per person, excluding flights)
Known For
Things to Do
- Hike up Elephant Mountain for stunning city views
- Sample street food at Shilin and Raohe night markets
- Explore the treasures of the National Palace Museum
- Ride to the top of Taipei 101
- Relax in Beitou’s hot springs
- Wander through historic Dihua Street
- Enjoy shopping and people-watching in Ximending
- Take a scenic Maokong Gondola ride and visit tea plantations
Notable Sites
- Taipei 101
- National Palace Museum
- Longshan Temple
- Shilin Night Market
- Elephant Mountain
- Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
- Beitou Hot Springs
- Daan Forest Park
General Advice
Taipei is an extremely visitor-friendly city with efficient public transport, signage in English, and an abundance of free Wi-Fi hotspots. Many locals speak at least basic English, especially in service industries, and are welcoming to foreign travelers. Plan for a mix of city exploration, food adventures, and scenic escapes—Taipei is compact but packed with diverse experiences, so it’s best enjoyed with a flexible schedule and an appetite for discovery.
Security & Safety
Taipei is one of the safest major cities in Asia, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. Still, use common sense: keep valuables secure on crowded trains and at markets, be cautious on busy streets when crossing traffic, and avoid isolated areas late at night. Watch for petty theft in crowded places, and always keep an eye on personal belongings, particularly at night markets and on public transport.
Travel Tips
- Purchase an EasyCard for convenient travel on MRT, buses, and even some taxis.
- Carry cash—night markets and smaller shops often don’t accept credit cards.
- Most attractions are easily reached by public transit; taxis are reliable and affordable.
- Street food is generally safe, but be cautious if you have dietary sensitivities.
- Tap water is technically potable but locals usually drink filtered or bottled water.
- Weather can be humid and rainy—pack a light raincoat or umbrella.
- Public restrooms are clean and widely available, especially in MRT stations.
- Free public Wi-Fi (Taipei Free) is available in many public spaces.
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Traveler Comments
Visited in May 2024
My husband and I spent five days in Taipei and loved the energy of the city. We hiked Elephant Mountain for sunset, which was busy but really worth it. Night markets are wild—so many snack options. Sometimes the crowds downtown got overwhelming, but overall, we left wishing we had more time to explore.
Traveled here in April 2024
Taipei’s food blew me away! Din Tai Fung’s soup dumplings really are as good as everyone says. The metro makes getting around a breeze, and the city always felt safe, even late at night. Already thinking about my next visit.
Stayed in January 2024
Visited Taipei solo for a week and mostly explored museums and temples. The National Palace Museum was a highlight but pretty crowded on weekends. Trying local breakfast at a street stall was a fun way to start the day. Weather was a bit cool, but that made walking around pleasant.
Visited in March 2024
Took the kids to Taipei Zoo and they were thrilled to see pandas. We loved the family vibe at Daan Forest Park and tried lots of funky snacks at Shilin night market. MRT is super easy, but some signs in markets weren’t very clear. Still, a great trip for families!
Traveled here in November 2023
The city has an awesome blend of old and new. I loved wandering Dihua Street and shopping for tea. Beitou’s hot springs were perfect for a rainy day. Taipei feels more relaxed than other big cities I’ve been to.
Visited in June 2024
I came for business but Taipei totally surprised me. Evenings in Ximending were so lively, and the coffee culture here is strong. Was able to fit visits to the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial and a hot spring hotel into my schedule. All around, a comfortable and stimulating city.
Stayed in December 2023
We landed here on a layover and crammed a lot into two days. Taipei 101’s views were amazing but the ticket line took ages. Loved browsing quirky shops in Zhongshan. Definitely want to come back when we have more time.
Traveled here in February 2024
My favorite part of Taipei was exploring temples and night markets after dark. The Lunar New Year decorations and dances were an unforgettable experience. Public transport was easy, even for a non-English speaker like me. I felt very welcome.
Visited in September 2023
Came with friends for a girls’ trip. We toured tea farms in Maokong and took the gondola ride—the views were lovely. Street fashion in Taipei is really fun to check out. The humidity was intense, though, so pack light!
Traveled here in October 2023
Taipei is a tech lover’s dream. Visited lots of gadget shops and even an e-sports cafe. Prices for electronics were decent. City is modern, but I wish there were more English menus in smaller restaurants.
Stayed in July 2023
During the summer Taipei can be super hot and sticky, but escaping to Beitou hot springs made up for it. Loved the vibe in the Da’an area with all the food stalls. Next time, I want to take some day trips further outside the city.
Visited in December 2023
Christmas lights around Xinyi District were a nice surprise. Our hotel staff were so helpful, and MRT got us everywhere. Taipei felt safe and clean all the time. Don’t skip local bakeries—so many cool pastries to try!
Traveled here in May 2024
Had a great time showing my partner my hometown. The city has changed so much, but the night markets are still unbeatable. Some places got crowded fast, but locals were always patient. MRT is still the easiest way to get around.
Visited in August 2023
Visited Taipei with my parents and everyone found something to enjoy. I loved the coffee houses and parks, my folks enjoyed the temples. One rainy day meant we spent more time in malls than planned. Still a solid city break.
Stayed in March 2024
Longshan Temple is a peaceful spot in the middle of the city. I ended up getting snacks from a street vendor and people-watching for ages. Everything felt organized and easy—especially the public transportation. Would recommend to solo travelers!
Traveled here in April 2024
While Taipei is full of interesting things to see, I found some areas too commercial for my taste. Ximending was hectic, but I did enjoy the art around Red House. Food options more than made up for the hustle and bustle.
Visited in February 2024
Our family loved Taipei’s parks and the friendly people everywhere. Kids played for hours at Daan Park playground. Getting around was simple with the EasyCard. Can’t wait to come back for longer next time.
Stayed in October 2023
From the light shows at Taipei 101 to the peaceful tea gardens in Maokong, every day was different. The weather was perfect for evening walks. Only downside: Some attractions close early, so check hours in advance.
Traveled here in June 2023
Had a blast eating my way through the city. Pork buns, bubble tea, stinky tofu—you name it, I tried it! Taxi drivers were friendly, though a couple got lost, so having the address in Chinese helped. Would come back for the food alone.
Visited in January 2024
I traveled for work but managed to squeeze in visits to Shilin Night Market and the National Palace Museum. Both are worth the hype! The city is busy but not overwhelming, and there are so many park spaces to unwind.
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