Taipei is a vibrant metropolis where ultramodern skyscrapers seamlessly blend with historic temples and a world-class culinary scene. It is best visited during the mild spring or autumn months to enjoy the bustling night markets and lush mountain trails surrounding the city.
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, taking about 35-50 minutes depending on whether you take the Express or Commuter train. Bus. Several Kuo-Kuang Motor Transport bus routes operate 24/7, connecting the airport to various hubs across the city for a budget-friendly price. Rideshare. Uber is widely available and operates legally in Taipei, providing a convenient door-to-door service from the airport arrival terminals.
Once You're There
Metro. The Taipei Metro (MRT) is exceptionally clean, safe, and covers almost every major tourist site in the city; use an EasyCard for seamless tap-and-go access. Walking. The central districts like Ximending and Xinyi are highly walkable, though the city is large, so combining walking with the MRT is the most effective strategy. Rideshare. Uber is the standard rideshare app for the city and is very reliable for late-night travel when the MRT has closed.
Where to Stay in Taipei
Hotel picks for Taipei are coming soon. In the meantime, search directly:
Where to Eat in Taipei
Din Tai Fung★ 4.4 (13,161)No. 194號, Section 2, Xinyi Rd, Fuzhu Village, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106This global institution is mandatory for its iconic xiao long bao, which are precision-crafted with exactly 18 delicate folds.
Mala Hot Pot★ 4.3 (10,839)108, Taiwan, Taipei City, Wanhua District, Ximen Village, Xining Rd, 157號2fThis popular all-you-can-eat spot is perfect for experiencing Taiwan's love for spicy, numbing Sichuan-style hot pot with high-quality marbled beef.
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Expect a long queue for their legendary thick-baked savory flatbread and freshly pressed soy milk, a quintessential Taiwanese breakfast experience.
Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle★ 4.1 (18,447)No. 8-1號, Emei St, Ximen Village, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108Famous for its standing-room-only crowds, this Ximending staple serves a unique, thick, and silky vermicelli soup topped with tender pork intestines.
Addiction Aquatic Development★ 4.0 (13,261)No. 18號, Alley 2, Lane 410, Minzu E Rd, Xingxiao Village, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10491This upscale fish market complex offers a high-end sushi bar and fresh sashimi platters that rival the best seafood spots in Tokyo.
Chun Shui Tang★ 4.0 (1,903)100, Taiwan, Taipei City, Zhongzheng District, Liming Village, 忠孝西路一段66號B2Visit the birthplace of bubble tea to sip on the original pearl milk tea in a refined, traditional teahouse setting.
Tours & Activities
Bookable through Viator.
3 Days in Taipei
Iconic Landmarks & Heights
Morning. Start your Taipei journey by heading straight to the base of the Taipei 101 skyscraper, the architectural icon that once held the title of the world's tallest building. Arrive right when it opens at 10:00 AM to beat the tour groups and head up to the 89th-floor observatory for a panoramic view of the Taipei Basin. After taking in the skyline, descend to the basement food court for a quick snack before walking over to the nearby Xinyi Shopping District. This area is incredibly modern, featuring wide boulevards and high-end malls like Bellavita. It is the perfect place to get your bearings before heading toward the more traditional side of the city.
Afternoon. After grabbing a quick lunch, take the MRT to the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, a massive, imposing structure set within a sprawling plaza. Spend an hour wandering the gardens and watching the changing of the guard ceremony, which occurs on the hour. From there, take a short taxi ride to the Huashan 1914 Creative Park. This former wine factory has been repurposed into a vibrant arts hub filled with independent boutiques, galleries, and pop-up exhibitions. It is a fantastic spot to grab a coffee, browse local crafts, and soak in the city's burgeoning hipster culture.
Evening. As the sun sets, head to the trailhead of Elephant Mountain for a moderate 20-minute hike up the stairs. The view from the top provides the most famous vantage point of Taipei 101 illuminated against the night sky, making it the premier spot for photography. Once you have captured your shots, descend and head toward the Shilin Night Market for dinner. This is the city's largest night market, where you can navigate narrow alleys packed with stalls selling everything from oyster omelets to fried chicken cutlets. It is loud, chaotic, and an essential part of the Taipei experience.
Old City Traditions & Tea
Morning. Begin your morning in the historic Wanhua District, the oldest part of Taipei, by visiting the Longshan Temple. This site is a spiritual epicenter where locals offer prayers amidst intricate carvings and clouds of incense. After soaking in the atmosphere, walk a few blocks to the nearby Bopiliao Historical Block. This area features beautifully preserved red-brick architecture from the Qing Dynasty, offering a stark contrast to the modern city center. It is a quiet, photogenic spot that feels like stepping back in time, so make sure to bring your camera for the narrow, winding alleys.
Afternoon. Head north to Dihua Street, the heart of the Dadaocheng neighborhood, famous for its traditional shops selling dried goods, medicinal herbs, and fine teas. Wander through the historic storefronts and consider picking up some local snacks or artisan crafts as souvenirs. From there, take the MRT to the Shilin district to visit the National Palace Museum. This massive museum houses the world's largest collection of Chinese imperial artifacts and artworks. Budget at least three hours here, as the sheer volume of treasures, including the famous Jadeite Cabbage, is truly staggering.
Evening. Travel to the southern edge of the city to board the Maokong Gondola, a scenic cable car ride that climbs high into the tea-growing mountains. The glass-bottom 'crystal cabins' provide a thrilling bird's-eye view of the lush valleys and the city lights in the distance. Once you reach the top, explore the quaint village of Maokong, which is dotted with traditional teahouses. Select a spot to enjoy a locally grown oolong tea ceremony while overlooking the city skyline. It is a peaceful, meditative way to end your second day before heading back down to the urban bustle.
Culture, Parks & Local Flavors
Morning. Start your final day in the Datong District with a visit to the Bao'an Temple, a UNESCO-recognized site renowned for its stunning traditional architecture and detailed folk art. It is much quieter than Longshan, allowing for a more intimate look at local religious practices. After your visit, stroll through the nearby Taipei Confucius Temple, which offers a serene, minimalist aesthetic that is unique among Taipei's temples. The surrounding streets are filled with hidden gems and small breakfast stalls, perfect for grabbing a quick second breakfast or a local coffee as you prepare for your final afternoon of exploration.
Afternoon. Spend your afternoon at the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, another former industrial site that has been transformed into a hub for design and creativity. Explore the lush courtyard and the various pop-up design shops housed within the old tobacco factory walls. Afterward, walk over to the nearby Raohe Night Market just as the sun begins to set. While it is smaller than Shilin, it is arguably more focused on high-quality street food. Be sure to try the famous pepper pork buns baked in traditional clay ovens right at the market entrance; the line is long, but they are absolutely worth the wait.
Evening. For your final evening, head to the Ximending pedestrian area, the 'Harajuku of Taipei.' This vibrant neighborhood is the center of youth fashion, street art, and entertainment. Walk through the neon-lit streets, catch a glimpse of the historic Red House theater, and soak in the high-energy atmosphere. It is the perfect place to do some last-minute shopping or to find a late-night dessert. End your trip with a bowl of mango shaved ice at a nearby cafe, reflecting on the incredible mix of tradition and modernity that defines this unforgettable city.
