Taipei is Taiwan's capital, a city of busy streets, mountain views, temples, markets and excellent public transport. You come for night-market food, tea culture, museums and the easy contrast between dense urban neighbourhoods and nearby nature.
Taipei is straightforward to explore independently. The metro connects many major attractions, while local streets reward wandering between cafés, small shops and food stalls. The city feels particularly inviting in the evening, when markets become lively and the heat often eases.
How many days: 4
Spend your first day exploring central landmarks and historic districts. Use the second for museums, temples and neighbourhood food. The third can focus on Taipei 101, a viewpoint and a night market.
Keep the fourth day for hot springs, tea-growing hills or a short excursion outside the centre. If you want to visit Jiufen or explore the north coast, adding another day gives you more flexibility.
What to do in Taipei
- Visit Taipei 101
- See the city's landmark skyscraper and visit its observation areas if available. Check the official site for admission arrangements and visibility.
- Explore the National Palace Museum
- Discover an extensive collection of Chinese art and historical objects. Allow several hours if you enjoy museums.
- Walk around Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
- Explore the monumental square, gardens and surrounding cultural buildings. The site also offers insight into Taiwan's complex modern history.
- Visit Longshan Temple
- Explore a historic Buddhist and folk religious temple in Wanhua. Respect worshippers and follow photography guidance.
- Browse a night market
- Walk through stalls selling snacks, drinks and small goods. Try a few dishes rather than committing to one large meal.
- Walk through Dihua Street
- Explore traditional shopfronts, tea merchants and historic architecture in the Dadaocheng area. It is a good place to browse slowly.
- Hike Elephant Mountain
- Climb a stepped trail for views across Taipei and towards Taipei 101. Take water and avoid the hottest part of the day.
- Explore Ximending
- Walk through a lively shopping and entertainment district with pedestrian streets, food stalls and youth culture.
- Visit Beitou's hot spring district
- Explore the area's geothermal history, parks and bathing culture. Check individual facilities for etiquette and access rules.
- Ride the Maokong Gondola
- Travel into the hills above Taipei for tea-growing scenery and views. Operations can be affected by weather, so check official information.
What to eat and drink
- Try beef noodle soup
- Enjoy a bowl of noodles in a rich broth with tender beef. It is one of Taiwan's familiar comfort foods.
- Explore night-market snacks
- Sample grilled foods, dumplings, fried snacks and local sweets. Choose busy stalls with freshly prepared food.
- Try xiao long bao
- Eat delicate steamed dumplings containing savoury broth. Take care with the hot filling.
- Enjoy Taiwanese bubble tea
- Try tea with chewy tapioca pearls or other toppings. You can usually choose sweetness and ice levels.
- Explore traditional tea culture
- Visit a tea house or tea-growing area to try Taiwanese oolong and learn about brewing methods.
- Eat a Taiwanese breakfast
- Look for soy milk, savoury pastries, egg pancakes and other morning staples. It is a satisfying way to start the day.
Getting around
The metro is fast, clean and signed in English; a rechargeable card covers it and the buses. Many central districts reward walking, and riverside paths suit cycling. Trains from the main station make day trips along the coast and into the hills straightforward.
Good to know
- Taipei's metro is efficient and straightforward. A rechargeable transport card is useful for many local journeys.
- Summers can be hot and humid, while heavy rain and typhoons may affect travel. Follow official weather warnings.
- Carry a small umbrella or waterproof layer, as showers can arrive unexpectedly.
- Tipping is generally not expected in Taiwan. Some establishments include a service charge.
- Follow local etiquette at temples, including respecting worshippers and any photography restrictions.
- Taiwan experiences earthquakes. Familiarise yourself with local safety guidance and emergency procedures.