Taipei is a vibrant metropolis where towering skyscrapers sit alongside centuries-old temples and world-class street food culture. It is known for its safe, efficient transit system, lush mountainous backdrop, and the legendary hospitality of its locals. The best time to visit is during the mild, pleasant months of October through December or in the spring.
Top Things to Do in Taipei
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Getting Around Taipei
From the Airport
Train. The Taoyuan Airport MRT provides a direct, efficient link between the airport and Taipei Main Station in about 35-50 minutes for approximately $5 USD. Bus. Various airport buses (such as Kuo-Kuang Motor Transport) offer 24-hour service to different parts of the city for a budget-friendly price. Rideshare. Uber operates extensively in Taipei and is a convenient, reliable way to get from the airport directly to your hotel door.
Once You're There
Metro. The Taipei Metro (MRT) is clean, safe, and covers almost every major tourist site in the city; buy an EasyCard for seamless payment. Walking. The city center is very walkable, though be prepared for high humidity and occasional rain, especially during summer months. Rideshare. Uber is the standard rideshare app used throughout Taipei, offering a reliable alternative to the city's many yellow taxis.
Where to Stay in Taipei
Kimpton Da An Hotel★★★★★No. 25號, Lane 27, Section 4, Ren'ai Rd, Ren'ai Village, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
9ine Hotel★★★★103, Taiwan, Taipei City, Datong District, Nanfang Village, Section 2, Yanping N Rd, 255號2樓More hotel picks are coming soon. In the meantime, search directly:
Where to Eat in Taipei
小林麵食館★★★★No. 28號, Section 1, Da'an Rd, Guangwu Village, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
大橋頭米糕★★★★★No. 41號, Section 3, Yanping N Rd, Longhe Village, Datong District, Taipei City, Taiwan 103A casual Taiwanese eatery famous for traditional rice cake dishes and simple comfort food.
San Da Beef Noodle Restaurant★★★★No. 5, Dalong St, Penglai Village, Datong District, Taipei City, Taiwan 103牛肉麵很大碗。麵很多又好吃。番茄紅燒湯不錯喔!
Liu Shan Dong★★★★★No. 2號, Lane 14, Section 1, Kaifeng St, Liming Village, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100Very good traditional Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup. Near Taipei Main Station. Not spicy nor too salty. Just right amount of Hong-sau. Very fast and economical at 160 TWD a bowl. It used to be 110 :)
紅燒牛肉麵還不錯。靠近台北車站。不辣也不會太鹹。很快又實惠。一碗160元。漲價了，以前110元。
Din Tai Fung★ 4.4 (13,161)No. 194號, Section 2, Xinyi Rd, Fuzhu Village, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106Famous globally for its precision-made xiao long bao, the original Taipei 101 branch is an essential culinary pilgrimage.
Shin Yeh★ 4.2 (6,470)No. 34之1號, Shuangcheng St, Qingguang Village, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10491An upscale venue serving refined, traditional Taiwanese banquet-style dishes that showcase the island's authentic flavors.
Fu Hang Soy Milk★ 4.1 (24,266)100, Taiwan, Taipei City, Zhongzheng District, Xingfu Village, Section 1, Zhongxiao E Rd, 108號2樓This legendary breakfast spot is known for its thick, crispy shao bing and savory soy milk that draws massive morning queues.
Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle★ 4.1 (18,447)No. 8-1號, Emei St, Ximen Village, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108An iconic Ximending street food stall where you stand on the sidewalk to enjoy bowls of silky, umami-packed vermicelli soup.
Modern Toilet Restaurant★ 4.1 (4,744)108, Taiwan, Taipei City, Wanhua District, Wanshou Village, Lane 50, Xining S Rd, 7號2樓A quirky, themed dining experience where you eat curry and pasta out of miniature toilet bowls, perfect for a fun photo op.
Addiction Aquatic Development★ 4.0 (13,261)No. 18號, Alley 2, Lane 410, Minzu E Rd, Xingxiao Village, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10491A high-end, sophisticated seafood market and restaurant complex where you can feast on the freshest sashimi and sushi.
Tours & Activities
Bookable through Viator.
3 Days in Taipei
Iconic Landmarks & Heights
Morning. Start your Taipei adventure by heading straight to the base of Taipei 101, the city's most recognizable architectural marvel. Arrive right when it opens to beat the tour groups and whisk yourself up to the 89th-floor observatory for panoramic views of the entire Taipei Basin. After descending, walk over to the nearby Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, a beautifully repurposed tobacco factory that now hosts art exhibitions and boutique design shops. Spend an hour wandering the lush courtyard and galleries before grabbing a coffee at one of the trendy cafes housed in the old factory structures. It is the perfect blend of modern engineering and historical preservation to kick off your trip.
Afternoon. After a light lunch, take the MRT to the Xiangshan station to tackle the hike up Elephant Mountain. The trail is steep and consists of many stone stairs, but the 20-minute climb is rewarded with the single most famous postcard view of the Taipei 101 skyline. Carry plenty of water, as the humidity can be intense even on cloudy days. Once you have captured your photos, head back down and make your way to the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. The massive blue-roofed structure and the surrounding Liberty Square are breathtaking, especially when you arrive in time to witness the hourly changing of the guard ceremony.
Evening. Wind down your first day by diving headfirst into the chaotic, delicious energy of the Shilin Night Market. It is the largest and most famous night market in the city, packed with stalls selling everything from oyster omelets to stinky tofu. Navigate the narrow, crowded alleys and don't be afraid to queue for anything that smells particularly good. After indulging in snacks, walk over to the nearby Shilin Official Residence garden if it is still dusk for a peaceful contrast to the market's noise. End your night by wandering through the vibrant street life surrounding the market's main entrance.
History & Old Town Charm
Morning. Begin your second day in the historic heart of the city at Longshan Temple, one of the oldest and most significant religious sites in Taiwan. Observe the locals praying and burning incense amidst the intricate wood carvings and dragon pillars, but be respectful and avoid blocking the worshippers. From there, take a short walk to the nearby Bopiliao Historical Block to see the preserved red-brick architecture that dates back to the Qing Dynasty. It is a fantastic place to walk through narrow corridors and imagine life in old Taipei. Afterward, head toward the Ximending pedestrian district to see the contrast between the historic temples and the neon-lit, youth-oriented shopping streets.
Afternoon. Spend your afternoon exploring the Dihua Street area, the oldest street in Taipei and the hub of the city's traditional apothecary and dried goods trade. You will find beautiful baroque-style storefronts selling everything from medicinal herbs to artisanal tea and dried fruits. Stop into the Taipei Xia-Hai City God Temple to pray for good fortune or a happy marriage, as it is one of the most popular shrines for romance. Afterward, walk over to the nearby Dadaocheng Wharf to enjoy the riverfront views. It is a peaceful place to rest your feet and watch the sunset over the Tamsui River before your evening plans.
Evening. For your evening, head to the Bao'an Temple, which is renowned for its stunning restoration and traditional architecture. The temple is especially beautiful when illuminated at night, offering a serene atmosphere compared to the bustling downtown. After your visit, take a short taxi ride to the Ningxia Night Market, which is smaller and more food-focused than Shilin. This is a local favorite where you can find high-quality street food like fried taro balls and oyster vermicelli. It is the perfect spot to end your day with a authentic, less touristy culinary experience.
Nature & Tea Traditions
Morning. Escape the city center by heading south to the Maokong Gondola, a scenic cable car system that takes you up into the lush mountains. The ride offers spectacular views of the tea plantations and the Taipei skyline in the distance; try to book a 'crystal cabin' with a glass floor if you aren't afraid of heights. Once you reach the top, spend your morning wandering the winding paths of the Maokong tea village. Stop at one of the many traditional tea houses to enjoy a tea ceremony using locally grown Tieguanyin oolong. The air is significantly cooler and fresher up here, making it a perfect mountain retreat.
Afternoon. After returning to the city base, take the MRT to the National Palace Museum, which houses one of the world's largest collections of Chinese imperial artifacts. You could spend the entire afternoon here admiring the jade carvings, ancient calligraphy, and intricate porcelain. The museum is massive, so focus on the famous 'Jadeite Cabbage' and 'Meat-shaped Stone' exhibits first before exploring the rest of the galleries. The surrounding grounds are also quite beautiful and feature a traditional Chinese-style garden called the Zhishan Garden, which is a tranquil spot to reflect on the historical treasures you have just seen.
Evening. Conclude your trip in the vibrant Yongkang Street area, which is famous for its dense concentration of incredible restaurants and boutiques. Start by grabbing a bowl of world-famous beef noodle soup at Yong Kang Beef Noodle, then walk the tree-lined streets to find the perfect souvenir. No trip to Taipei is complete without a massive bowl of mango shaved ice from the original Smoothie House nearby. Spend your final hours window shopping for unique Taiwanese crafts and enjoying the relaxed, upscale vibe of this iconic neighborhood. It is the perfect way to soak in the city's charm one last time before you depart.
