Trip to Taipei
Taipei, Asia · TPE
Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, offers a compelling blend of East Asian influences without the overwhelming scale of Tokyo or Seoul. It's a city that hums with efficiency, powered by a sophisticated public transport system and a relentless culinary scene. The pace is energetic yet manageable, with a friendly, accessible vibe that welcomes newcomers. You'll find gleaming skyscrapers adjacent to centuries-old temples, and the ubiquitous aroma of street food wafting from every corner, creating a unique urban tapestry.
Neighborhoods to know
Ximending
Known as Taipei's 'Harajuku,' Ximending is a pedestrian-heavy district buzzing with youth culture, fashion boutiques, street performers, and cheap eats. It's a prime spot for people-watching, especially on weekend evenings. Expect crowds but also a vibrant energy. Accommodation here can range from budget hostels to mid-range hotels, with most options clustered around the MRT station.
Da'an
Da'an is a more sophisticated and residential area, home to the famous Da'an Forest Park and a concentration of trendy cafes, independent bookstores, and upscale shopping along Yongkang Street. It's quieter than Ximending but offers excellent dining and boutique shopping. Ideal for a relaxed stroll, people-watching in the park, or enjoying a leisurely brunch.
Zhongshan
This district balances business with leisure, featuring department stores, art galleries, and a growing number of chic cafes and restaurants, particularly around the Nanjing Fuxing and Zhongshan MRT stations. It's a good base for exploring museums and enjoying a sophisticated urban experience, with a mix of hotel options from business-oriented to boutique.
Wanhua
As one of Taipei's oldest districts, Wanhua is steeped in history, most notably around Longshan Temple and Huaxi Street Night Market. It offers a glimpse into traditional Taipei life, with bustling markets, traditional medicine shops, and older residential areas. It's a fantastic place to explore historical sites and experience authentic local life, often with more budget-friendly food options.
Top attractions
Taipei 101
Once the world's tallest building, this iconic skyscraper offers panoramic city views from its observatory. Tickets cost approximately 22 EUR for the observatory. Go early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the longest queues, especially on weekends.
National Palace Museum
Housing an immense collection of Chinese imperial artifacts and artworks, this museum is a must for history buffs. Admission is around 15 EUR. Allocate at least 3-4 hours to explore its vast treasures; it can get busy, so consider visiting on a weekday.
Longshan Temple
An active Buddhist and Taoist temple dating back to 1738, it's a vibrant center of local worship and a stunning example of traditional temple architecture. Entry is free. It's most atmospheric in the early morning or late afternoon when locals gather to pray.
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
A grand monument honoring the former president, featuring impressive architecture, expansive grounds, and daily changing of the guard ceremonies. Admission to the grounds and halls is free. The changing of the guard happens hourly from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan)
Offers the most iconic postcard view of Taipei 101 and the city skyline. The hike up involves numerous stairs but takes only about 20-30 minutes from the MRT station. It's free and best visited at sunset for breathtaking views.
Dihua Street
A historic street in Wanhua district famous for its traditional goods, dried foods, herbs, and textiles. It's particularly lively during Lunar New Year celebrations but offers a glimpse into old Taipei year-round. Explore its shops and sample local snacks.
When to go to Taipei
The best times to visit Taipei are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). During these periods, temperatures are pleasant, ranging from 18°C to 26°C, with moderate humidity and less rainfall. Summer (June-August) is hot and humid (28°C-34°C) with frequent typhoons and heavy downpours, while winter (December-February) is cooler and damp (14°C-20°C). Major events include the Lunar New Year festivities (late Jan/early Feb) which can disrupt some services but offer unique cultural experiences, and the Taipei Lantern Festival.
Eating out
Dishes to try
- Beef Noodle Soup (Niu Rou Mian): A hearty soup featuring tender braised beef, chewy noodles, and a rich, flavorful broth, often with hints of star anise and soy sauce. It's a national dish and widely available.
- Xiao Long Bao: Delicate soup dumplings filled with hot broth and minced pork, known for their thin wrappers that hold the precious liquid. Din Tai Fung is famous for them, but many smaller eateries offer excellent versions.
- Stinky Tofu: Fermented tofu with a pungent aroma but a surprisingly delicious, crispy exterior and soft interior, often served fried with pickled cabbage and chili sauce. A true test for adventurous eaters.
Where to eat
Night markets are the undisputed kings of Taipei's food scene, with Shilin and Raohe Street being the most famous. For a more concentrated street food experience, explore the alleys around Ximending or the food stalls near Longshan Temple. You can easily assemble a full meal from various stalls for under 7 EUR. For sit-down meals, Yongkang Street in Da'an offers a range of Taiwanese and international cuisine, with main dishes typically costing 10-15 EUR.
Getting around
From the airport
The most convenient way to reach the city from Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is the Airport MRT. The express train takes about 35-40 minutes to Taipei Main Station and costs approximately 4.5 EUR. Alternatively, airport buses run to various city locations, taking 50-70 minutes and costing around 3-4 EUR. Taxis are available but significantly more expensive, typically 40-50 EUR.
In the city
Taipei boasts an exceptionally efficient and clean MRT system (Mass Rapid Transit) that connects most major attractions. Single journey tickets range from 0.5 EUR to 2 EUR depending on distance. You can purchase single-use tickets or opt for an EasyCard (悠遊卡), a rechargeable stored-value card that also works on buses and some ferries, offering slight discounts. Walking is feasible in denser areas like Ximending or around Da'an Park. Taxis are readily available and relatively affordable for shorter distances.
Local culture & tips
Taipei is known for its politeness and orderliness. Queuing is common and expected. While not strictly necessary, a small gift is appreciated when invited to someone's home. Tipping is generally not expected in restaurants or taxis, as service charges are often included. Many temples have specific etiquette; be respectful, dress modestly, and avoid loud conversations. The city is very safe, with low crime rates, but always exercise common sense, especially in crowded night markets. Meal times are similar to Western schedules, with lunch around noon and dinner from 6 PM onwards.
How long to stay in Taipei?
We recommend at least 7 days on site to enjoy Taipei without rushing. Add 1-2 extra days if you're pairing it with another Asia stop. For a short city-break, 3 days already cover the highlights.
Quick facts
- AirportTPE
- RegionAsia
- CountryTW
Travel budget in Taipei
Taipei can be very budget-friendly. A frugal traveler could manage on 40 EUR per day by staying in hostels (around 20 EUR/night), eating exclusively from night markets (5-7 EUR/day), and using the MRT extensively. A standard daily budget of 55 EUR allows for a mid-range hotel (around 35 EUR/night), enjoying a mix of street food and casual restaurant meals (15 EUR/day), and museum entries. Comfort travelers might spend 80 EUR or more, opting for nicer hotels (50 EUR+/night), fine dining experiences (25 EUR+/day), and taxis or private tours.
Where to stay in Taipei
Plan ~€35/night mid-range in Taipei — central neighbourhood, double room with breakfast. To compare availability and real pricing for your dates, we send you straight to Booking.com with a pre-filled search.
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Other destinations in Asia
Taipei pairs well with other cities in the same region. Add one or two to your itinerary to amortize the long-haul flight and mix up the experience.