The city and the countryside, the old and the new, high culture and the downright gritty — whatever you are looking for, Taipei has everything today’s discerning traveller could wish for. Set in a natural basin amongst lush green mountains, the city is just a stone's throw away from unspoiled beaches and wild coastline, and boasts all the distractions a modern metropolis can offer while at the same time providing a glimpse into its ancient past.
If you’re looking for a taste of old Taipei, then head for the Wanhua district. Located on the Tamsui River, Wan Hua was an important Chinese trading post and the prosperity of the period is reflected in its ornate temples, one of which is the Lungshan temple. Another historic part of the city is the Da Tong (Tatung) district. Among the winding alleys you will find European style colonial buildings standing beside intricate Chinese temples.
Take a stroll down Di Hua Street, which is lined with traditional shops selling all manner of potions and cure-alls! The Shi Lin (Shihlin) district is renowned for its bustling night market, whilst Taipei’s vibrant night scene bumps and grinds until the early hours in nearby Da An (Ta An). In the bustle of modern Taipei, Zhong Shan (Chungshan) the former commercial centre is now known for its shops, bars and cultural sights, which include the Taipei Fine Arts Museum. The current hub of commercial activities, Song Shan (Sungshan) is also one of the most cosmopolitan districts and packed with foreign restaurants. Zhong Zheng (Chungcheng), the political centre, is home to municipal parks and museums, of which the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall is the most renowned.
Taipei has so much to offer, lots to see and experience. There is everything from ancient temples to night markets to keep both first-time and return visitors occupied. There are also plenty of museums to visit, like the National Palace Museum, and abundant green parks to stroll around.
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Ximending District
Yehliu Geopark
Lungshan Temple
National Palace Museum
Taipei 101
Tamsui Riverside Cycle Path
The Yangmingshan National Park
Taipei Zoo
TaipeiEYE
National Revolutionary Martyrs' Shrine
Sanxia Old Street
Fine Arts Museum
Maokong Gondola
Beitou Hot Springs
Xingtian Temple
Daan Forest Park
Cycling Tours
Museum Of Contemporary Arts
The regional cuisine is a mix of Chinese, Japanese and aboriginal Hakka styles. It is also influenced by its island geography and the scarcity of arable land. Fish and poultry, therefore, play a major role in local cooking. However, the base of all dishes is made up of seasoning varieties particular to Asian cooking, such as soy sauce, rice wine, and sesame oil, supplemented with black beans, peanuts, chilli peppers, and a local variety of basil.
Din Tai Fung
Modern Toilet Restaurant
Tainan Tan Tsu Mien Seafood Restaurant
Ji Pin Restaurant
ShinYeh Original Restaurant
Ruth's Chris Steak House
Addiction Aquatic Development
La Caja de Musica
L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon
Yen Chinese Restaurant
Saffron Fine Indian Cuisine
Minder Vegetarian
After a long day of city sightseeing or shopping, there is nothing better than to relax with a cup of coffee at a cafe. Taipei has a great cafe culture, and you will find plenty of coffee shops around the city. Many of them offer fresh coffee, tea, and if you happen to be craving something sweet they have an assortment of tasty desserts, too.
Coffee Alley
Florida Bakery
Smith & Hsu
Fuhang Soy Milk
As the sun sets on another day of trading, the city turns its attention to the serious business of fun. Under the shimmer of the neon-lit sky, the city's bars come alive to the sound of laughter and the shouts of 'Gan Bei' (dry the cup!). If you still have the energy after the day’s exertions and are looking to shake it off, then head off to one of Taipei's nightclubs. The pace is frantic and the atmosphere charged as crowds groove until the early hours.
Ounce
Ximending District
Woobar
Frank Taipei
Shaka Lounge Bar
Partyworld
Taipei is a shopping extravaganza that caters to every budget. For those who are looking for an authentic Taipei shopping experience and like a bargain, the night markets are the places to head for. At Shilin (Jiantan MRT) you can find everything from clothes to traditional regional foods.
Stop for a bite to eat at one of the roadside food vendors, whose specialities include oyster omelettes. Looking for souvenirs? Explore a plethora of night markets, with artisanal goods competing for attention with stylish clothes and street food.
If it’s a more upmarket shopping experience you’re looking for then head towards the Taipei 101 Shopping centre and the Bellavita Shopping Mall. These stock the usual brand name goods.
Yongle Fabric Market
Herb Alley
Snake Alley
Lin Hua Tai Tea Company
Ximending District
Taipei 101
Tonghua Night Market
Passport/Visa
Nationals of many countries are eligible for a visa exemption program, provided they fulfil a number of requirements: passport validity for at least 6 months following the date of entry, along with a confirmed return ticket or confirmed ticket to the following destination.
The list of countries whose nationals are eligible for the visa exemption program is continuously updated, and varying periods of stay are allowed to different nationalities (consult the Taiwan Consular Affairs website for current information). Nationals of other countries will need to apply for a visa; individual requirements vary by nationality.
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Website: www.boca.gov.tw/lp-149-2.html
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Best Time to Visit
To avoid the hot and humid temperatures of the summer, it's best a trip to Taipei (and Taiwan as a whole) is planned for either October and November in autumn, or March and April in spring. It can get crowded around Chinese New Year (February), as many come for the festivities.
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Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport is situated 40 kilometres southwest of Taipei. To travel between the airport and Taipei, you can choose from several bus services or opt for the more efficient high-speed train, which reaches Taipei Main Station in just 39 minutes. Shuttle buses frequently run between the airport and the high-speed train station for easy transfers.
At the airport, taxis are available at the north side of the Terminal 1 Arrivals Lobby and the south side of the Terminal 2 Arrivals Lobby. Taxi fares are metered.
Address: Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, Taoyuan
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Phone: +886 3 398 3274
Website: www.taoyuan-airport.com
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Public Transport
The subway (MRT) is easy and fast to use around the city. You can buy your ticket from the machines located in every MRT station. Coins and bills are accepted. MRT day passes (TaipeiPass) without limits on journeys, distance and can be used on all routes. You can also get the transportation card EasyCard at any stations and convenience stores.
MRT trains run from 6am to midnight.
The bus network in Taipei is efficient, with buses running frequently. There are several bus lines operating around the city and most of them have English signs. At the bus stop make sure to flag the bus down when you see it. EasyCard is accepted by all buses.
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Website: english.metro.taipei
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Taxi
Taipei is home to more than 18,000 taxis, readily available at any time, day or night. Fares are metered and government-regulated. For longer trips beyond city limits, a predetermined flat rate is typically negotiated with the driver prior to departure.
Toll Free Taxi Hotline
55850 by mobile phone
+800 055850 by pay phone
Taiwan Taxi Company
www.taiwantaxi.com.tw
55688 by mobile phone
+886 2 4058 8888 by pay phone
Taipei Taxi Tour Service
www.taipei-taxi.com
+886 935 998 959
Welcome Pickups
www.welcomepickups.com/taipei/taxi
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Post
Taipei's central post office is located south of the train station. There is another post office in the station itself.
Red post boxes are for international mail, while the green ones are for local postings.
Address: Taipei Dongmen Post Office(Taipei Branch 1), 163, Sec. 2, Xinyi Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei
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Pharmacy
There are many pharmacies throughout Taipei. Cosmed is a popular pharmacy chain. You can also pick some over the counter medication at POYA or Watsons.
For all off-hours emergencies contact National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH).
Address: National Taiwan University Hospital, 7, Zhongshan South Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei
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Phone: +886 2 2312 3456
Website: www.ntuh.gov.tw/ntuh
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Telephone
Country code: + 886
Area code: (0)2
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Electricity
Taiwan has the same electrical standard as North America and many countries in Asia. The power plugs and sockets are of type A (with two flat prongs) and B (with two flat prongs and a round grounding rod. Expect 110V at 60Hz.
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