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The Ultimate Travel Guide to Taipei, Taiwan

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Planning a trip to Taiwan soon? Dive into our Taipei Taiwan Travel Guide Blog for a useful Sample DIY Taipei Itinerary, a handpicked selection of top tourist attractions, thrilling activities to experience, and must-know travel tips to enhance your journey.

If you haven’t been to Taipei, Taiwan, you’re missing out on a lot in life. Taiwan is one of the Asian countries with the most beautiful cultures. It combines the liveliness of Chinese culture and the elegance of Japanese culture. Taiwan was conquered by the Japanese from 1895 to 1945, and its Chinese roots continually shaped its culture. Taiwan, therefore, has this combination of both Chinese and Japanese influence, and the beauty of the mixture, along with a bit of a mix of Taiwan’s own culture, produced a beautiful, whole new culture in itself—this is why I think Taiwan has the most exquisite culture in Asia.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Its capital city, Taipei, especially showcases Taiwan’s culture. Taipei, a famous tourist destination in Taiwan, is noted for its colorful, bustling streets, night markets, and towering Taipei 101 skyscraper. Taipei has so much of Taiwan’s culture condensed in its area that it is virtually impossible to run out of new things to see and do here. So, if you haven’t been to Taipei yet, it’s time to start planning to—and here’s the Ultimate Taipei Travel Guide to help you out.

Taiwan Taipei Budget Trip Itinerary
Taiwan Taipei Budget Trip Itinerary

Visa Entry

Starting in November 2017, Filipino Passport holders no longer need to secure a visa to visit Taiwan. Philippine passport holders can travel to the Republic of China (Taiwan) completely visa-free for 14 days.

Visa-Free Requirements for Filipino Travelers

A visa-free traveler only needs to prepare the four documents listed below:

  1. An ordinary/regular passport with a remaining validity of at least six months from the date of entry (Diplomatic & Official passport holders are not eligible for visa-free treatment);
  2. A return ticket or a ticket for the traveler’s next destination and a visa for that destination if it is required;
  3. Proof of accommodation (hotel) booking or host/sponsor’s contact information, tour arrangements, travel, visit, events and meeting, etc.
  4. A completed “Arrival Card” may be obtained from the airline or cruise ship company.

Then, the completed arrival card with a passport is presented to the immigration officials at an airport or seaport upon their arrival in Taiwan. (complete FAQ)

Park in Taipei
Park in Taipei

Currency

  • New Taiwan Dollar (TWD) is the currency of Taiwan
  • Php100 is approximately NT$56.46
  • To avoid currency loss, don’t change your money at the airport
  • I prefer ATM withdrawal in Taipei; just notify your bank that you are traveling to avoid the hassle.

When is the best time to visit Taiwan?

Taipei has a semi-tropical climate characterized by hot and humid weather. The most comfortable season to visit is the fall, when the rainfall is at its lowest, and the temperatures average a pleasant 20°C. February to April are particularly damp with little sunlight, while the summers can be scorching but often punctuated by heavy thundershowers.

Taipei is prone to typhoons from May to October, though the highest concentrations are in August and September. Winters can be pretty chilly, with temperatures occasionally falling below 10°C at night, though snowfall has never been known to occur.

Summer (June – August)

Summers in Taipei are hot and humid. These months are usually the off-peak period for tourists, and it is best for budget travelers since there’s a huge inventory of rooms, which may lead to more hotel price markdowns.

Fall (September – November)

This is the time of the year when the weather is more enjoyable. It’s not too hot or cold, making it a significant period to visit Taipei from a weather perspective. October is also the official end of the tropical cyclone (typhoon) season; you can expect less rain and more sunny days.

Winter (December – February)

This is the driest month of the year, and it’s perfect if you want to do walking tours or outdoor trips. This is also one of the busiest since the winter season is the Christmas season. Avoid Taipei’s Chinese New Year celebration if you hate too many crowds, expensive flights, and hotels. It is usually celebrated at the end of January or early February.

Spring (March-May)

The temperature is somehow similar to the fall, which is around 20 degrees Celsius, but there are times when there will be precipitation.

As for when to stay, Taipei, Taiwan, generally has a fair climate all year round. However, if you’re the type of traveler who likes walking around and planning to visit Taipei’s night markets, be sure to avoid the months of July through September. July is usually the hottest month, with an average temperature of at least 30°C (85°F), while August to September is generally rainy. Although there are several activities you can engage in regardless of the weather, nothing beats exploring Taipei with nice, chill weather without the hassle of carrying a raincoat or an umbrella along with your shopping bags.

How to get there

Several international airlines offer daily flights to Taipei. Airlines like AirAsia offer flights from Manila and Cebu to Taipei.

From Manila

Manila to Taipei Taiwan Flight Schedule
Manila to Taipei Taiwan Flight Schedule

From Clark

AirAsia’s Clark – Taipei route operates with the following schedule.

AirAsia Clark – Taipei Flight Schedule
AirAsia Clark – Taipei Flight Schedule
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport

How to get from Taipei Airport to Taipei City Centre

You can ride a taxi or a bus from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport to Taipei. Both modes of transportation are available in both terminals. You can rest assured that the taxis at the airport are safe because they are accredited by the Aviation Police Bureau, but expect that there will be a fare surcharge.

Taipei Road in Taiwan
Taipei Road in Taiwan

On the other hand, bus fares are generally cheaper, and tickets are sold at bus counters. Buses can take you to Taipei Main Station, where you can book a much cheaper and shorter taxi ride to the hotel you booked.

The Taoyuan International Airport Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is a faster mode of transportation that directly connects the airport and Taipei City. The 51.03 km (31.71 mi) line began commercial service on March 2, 2017.

Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) Private Transfer to Taipei

  • Travel in Comfort! Enjoy a direct private transfer from Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) to Taipei City.

Taipei Budget Travel Guide and Itinerary Blog
Taipei Budget Travel Guide and Itinerary Blog

Where to stay in Taipei

Nihao Cafe Hotel - Where to stay in Taipei
Nihao Cafe Hotel – Where to stay in Taipei

Taipei has a lot of good hotels around. YoMi Hotel (check rates), Via Hotel Loft (check rates), Ximen Hedo Hotel Kaifeng (check rates), and Taipei Morning Hotel (check rates) are some of the most affordable decent hotels and have been awarded TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence as well.

Ximen Hedo Hotel Kaifeng
Ximen Hedo Hotel Kaifeng
Taipei Districts
  • Ximending– Ximending is a neighborhood and shopping district in the Wanhua District of Taipei, Taiwan. It was the first pedestrian zone in Taiwan.
  • Zhongshan – The district features many recreational areas, including Rongxing Garden Park, Xinsheng Park, Yingfeng Riverside Park, Meiti Riverside Park, Zhongshan Fine Arts Park, Dajia Riverside Park, and Taipei Municipal Children’s Recreation Area.
  • Da’an District – Da’an has numerous shopping areas. On Zhongxiao East Road, Dunhua South Road, and neighboring alleys, there are clothing shops, restaurants serving world cuisines, and major department stores, including three branches of the Pacific Sogo Department Store, Breeze Center, the Ming Yao Department Store, and the immense 24-hour Eslite Bookstore.

Also Read: Ultimate List of the Best Hotels in Taipei, Taiwan

Getting around Taipei

The lifeline of transportation in Taipei is the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system. The MRT, often called Metro Taipei, connects several major stations in Taipei. Metro Taipei displays and announces information in English aside from other languages, making it accessible for non-Chinese speakers.

Taiwan Train
Taiwan Train

The most expensive trips only cost NT$ 65, or about US$ 2. Buses are also a famous mode of transportation. Taipei buses also have English displays, which are suitable for non-Chinese speakers. Bus fares are paid per section the bus passes through, and each section is just NT$ 15, or less than US$ 1. Buses have digital displays that indicate when you should pay and when you can go down.

Taipei Transportation 

Use EasyCard while traveling in Taiwan! You can use it for the Taipei Metro, Ubike, Bus Services, Train, and even your purchases at various convenience stores! You can get EasyCard at any MRT Station and reload at MRT stations and convenience stores.

Get a Ubike! It’s a bike-sharing system in Taipei. All you need to do is register your EasyCard at one of the kiosks at each Ubike station or online using your local mobile number. You can use your credit card to rent a bike at any Ubike kiosks if you don’t have a local mobile number.

4-Hour Taipei Private Charter Service – From Taipei

Enjoy an introduction to Taiwan’s bustling capital, and pick and choose which sights you want to explore in Taipei with your own private transportation and driver for four hours.

[Book your Private Car Here]

Fun Activities and Places to See in Taipei

Visit Jiufen Old Street in New Taipei City

Jiufen Old Street
Jiufen Old Street

New Taipei used to be called Taipei County and was a part of Taipei. Now, New Taipei is a separate city that surrounds Taipei. Quite confusing, right? Jiufen Old Street is a must-visit tourist destination near New Taipei, regardless of its origin. Once a gold mining village established by the Japanese, Jiufen Old Street is a quaint but colorful small village with plenty of food stalls and shops. Think of it as an old-school shopping district.

Join-in Tour From Taipei: Yehliu, Pingxi, Jiufen

Save money by booking affordable tours.

  • Discover some of Northern Taiwan’s most beautiful scenery, just a short 1-hour ride from Taipei.
  • Set off your Chinese lantern in the charming village of Pingxi and eat Taiwanese street snacks at Jiufen Old Street.
  • See the Queen’s Head and some of Taiwan’s more unusual natural geological landscapes at Yehliu Geopark.
  • Discover the delights of Jiufen, Yehliu, and Pingxi with your expert local travel guide and driver.

Shop some more in Ximending

Ximending in Taipei
Ximending in Taipei

Ximending is often referred to as the Harajuku of Taipei. It’s the first pedestrian zone in Taipei—meaning no motor vehicles pass by. You’re free to walk around and shop ’til you drop or walk around ’til your feet hurt. There are countless shops in this neon-lit shopping district, ranging from individual food vendors to larger buildings. Think of it as an urban shopping district.

How to get there:  Take the THSR to Taipei Station, continue by MRT to Ximen Station, or take the train to Taipei Railway Station and continue by MRT to Ximen Station.

Go shrimp fishing. That’s right, you read right.

Taipei has shrimp fishing
Taipei has shrimp fishing

If Japan has goldfish scooping, Taipei has shrimp fishing. Shrimp fishing is paid per hour, and you’ll be provided with poles, bait (usually chicken liver), and a tray to place your fresh catch! What’s better is you can grill your catch on the spot too. Shrimp fishing indoor pools are located in clusters near Shilin Night Market, where you can…

Hualien Night Tour to River Shrimping with BBQ Dinner 

Nowadays, barbecue is not a cuisine but a culture. It has even become an eating lifestyle in many countries. For decades, barbecue as an entertainment event has traditionally bonded families and friends. Children rarely experience fun catching shrimp in the wild brook!

Shilin Night Market
Shilin Night Market

Buy a souvenir or two from the Shilin Night Market.

The Shilin Night Market is a famous shopping center in town. It opens at 4 pm and closes as late as 2 in the morning. There were 539 food stalls as of 2002. These stalls sell food and non-food items, and if you want to buy authentic street food (aside from souvenirs), this is the place for you.

Lungshan Temple in Manka District
Lungshan Temple in Manka District

Pray in Lungshan Temple of Manka.

The Buddhist temple of Lungshan Temple of Manka is a famous worship spot. It is home to Chinese deities Mazu and Guan Yu and was constructed in 1738. During the subsequent years, the temple was damaged during the Japanese rule in Taiwan and American air raids in 1945. Although the parts of the temple were reconstructed after the Second World War, it still stands as one of the most iconic temples that showcase classical Taiwanese culture.

How to get to Lungshan Temple

By MRT: Take the Blue Line 5 to Longshan Temple; the temple is located just north of the station plaza, Exit 1.

By Train: Longshan is located one block north of Wanhua station, accessible by Local service.

Location: No. 211, Guangzhou Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10853
Telephone: +886 2 2302 5162
Hours: 6am-10pm Daily

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Shrink in front of the massive Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.

It’s impossible to miss Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei. It’s a gigantic white monument built in memory of the former President of the Republic of China, Chiang Kai-shek. It’s surrounded by an equally huge park. Moreover, the building is full of meanings. For instance, the octagonal blue roof symbolizes the number 8, commonly associated with good fortune. On the other hand, the 89 steps leading to the entrance represent the age of the former President’s age of death.

  • Address: No. 21, Zhongshan South Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
  • No Entrance Fee
  • Hours: 9 am to 6 pm daily
Ancient Jar inside The National Palace Museum in Taipei
Ancient Jar inside The National Palace Museum in Taipei

Visit the National Palace Museum

Located in Shilin, Taipei, Taiwan, The National Palace Museum has a permanent collection of nearly 700,000 pieces of ancient Chinese imperial artifacts and artworks. Through Chiang Kai-shek’s initiative, he moved some collections from China to Taiwan in the late 1940s to escape the Communists. This Museum has a vast array of beautiful artifacts and is worth visiting.

How to get to the National Palace Museum

By MRT

  • Take the MRT Tamsui-Xinyi Line to the Shilin Station and bus R30 (Red 30 – Low-floor bus) to the National Palace Museum. Other routes that will take you to and near the Museum Plaza are buses 255, 304, 815 (Sanchung – NPM Line), M1, Minibus 18, and Minibus 19.
  • Take the MRT Wenhu Line to the Dazhi Station and take bus B13 (Brown 13) to the National Palace Museum before the Front Facade Plaza of the Museum.
  • Alternatively, visitors may take the Wenhu Line and get off at Jiannan Rd. Station, take bus B20 (Brown 20) to NPM’s front entrance (Main Building).

By Bus

  • From MRT Red Line 2 Shilin station, walk outside the station and board Bus R30, fare NT$15, payable by cash or Easycard.
  • Busses generally leave every 30 minutes on weekdays until 7 pm and 15 minutes on weekends until 6:55 pm.

Location: No. 221, Sec 2, Zhi Shan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111
Telephone: +886 2 2881 2021

National Palace Museum E-Ticket

  • Enter the National Palace Museum and view one of the largest Chinese art collections.
  • Marvel at architecture from the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum
  • Discover Taipei’s treasures and learn about Chinese dynasties

Huashan 1914 Creative Park
Huashan 1914 Creative Park By Wpcpey – Own work, CC BY 4.0

Travel to another world in Huashan 1914 Creative Park.

Huashan 1914 Creative Park has things you won’t see anywhere else in Taipei. Upside-down houses? Check. Giant soup bowl? Check. House covered in green plants? Check. Sophisticated cafes? Check! However, a funny thing about Huashan 1914 Creative Park is that it was built in 1916, not 1914. It started out as a winery that was made during Japanese rule. After being shut down decades later, local artists petitioned to reopen the abandoned winery. Not long after, Huashan 1914 Creative Park came to light and served, and still serves, as the playground of local artists and their creative minds.

Taipei 101 Taiwan
Taipei 101 Taiwan

Gaze at the breathtaking views in Taipei 101.

Taipei 101 is one of the World’s tallest skyscrapers next to the Burj Khalifa. Taipei 101 is also the tallest green building in the World. The 101-story building offers the best view deck in Taiwan on its 89th floor. It’s equipped with the World’s fastest elevator that can take you from the 5th floor to the 89th in less than a minute. The scenic view of Taipei is beautiful at all times. Still, I recommend coming to Taipei 101 from sunset to nighttime—the view of the horizon burning in red and orange before and the city lights slowly switching on is just rewarding.

Taipei 101 Observatory Priority Pass Ticket

Climb to the highest viewing platform of Taipei 101, Taiwan’s most iconic building. Ride one of the World’s fastest elevators to the 89th floor and check out the spectacular city view.

View from the base of Taipei 101
View from the base of Taipei 101

Taipei 101 Observatory Skyhigh Camping Experience

Sleepover in the Taipei 101 Observatory and take sweeping night sky and sunrise views. Only limited supplies are available; book your ticket to experience an unforgettable night of camping at Taipei 101.

Visit the Elephant Mountain

View from Elephant Mountain in Taipei
View from Elephant Mountain in Taipei

Also known as the Nangang District Hiking Trail, it is best visited in the afternoon until sundown. This area provides a beautiful panoramic view of the forest and tall buildings.

The trail is close to the Taipei Metro Xiangshan Station. It is 183 m high and has a hiking trail that is about 1.5 km long.

Admission: Free

What to eat

Egg pudding…in an egg.

The How Sweet bakery is famous for its egg pudding…served in actual eggs! The tip of the egg is cut, and the pudding is stored inside. No worries: the eggshell is sanitized and is enhanced, so it doesn’t break. How Sweet’s famous egg puddings can be bought from Taipei Main Station.

fried cuttlefish in Taipei photo via Pinterest
fried cuttlefish in Taipei photo via Pinterest

Bite a crispy fried cuttlefish

If you aren’t satisfied yet with Shilin Night Market’s food stalls, then you’ll be stoked to know that there’s another food-filled night market just south of Shilin and near SongSan Train Station… the Raohe Night Market. Here, you can spot Taipei’s version of food trucks and where you can indulge in freshly fried, crispy cuttlefish. Yum!

Beef Noodles at Din Tai Fung
Beef Noodles at Din Tai Fung

Indulge in a bowl of beef noodle soup

Your trip to Taipei won’t be complete if you haven’t tried its beef noodle soup at Din Tai Fung or in any noodle shop. The dish usually consists of tender beef, crispy greens, noodles, spice, and broth that deserves to be rewarded with a huge golden trophy. Most restaurants in Taipei serve their own versions of beef noodle soup, but you should try Regent Taipei’s twist.

You can also try cold noodles. Taipei doesn’t just have hot beef noodles; it also has cold ones, which you should definitely try. Taiwanese cold noodles are usually served with sesame seeds and sometimes with peanut sauce. Each stall has its own version as well.

Tian Jin Flaky Scallion Pancake
Tian Jin Flaky Scallion Pancake

Scallion Pancake in Yongkang St.

Din Tai Fung is not the only reason people visit Yongkang St. This street is a haven for food lovers. From Noodle houses, Bakeries, Fresh Fruit shops, and some shopping areas, there are a lot of things to do and see in this famous foodie district. Tian Jin Flaky Scallion Pancake is a must-try when you visit Yongkang St. This restaurant is hard to miss since you will immediately notice the long queue of customers waiting for their turn. With its semi-crispy pastry, you can choose an egg, cheese, bacon, Taiwanese basil, and other options to add more flavor to your Scallion pancake!

[Click here to search for luxury hotels in Taipei, Taiwan]

Pork Xiao Long Bao at Din Tai Fung
Pork Xiao Long Bao at Din Tai Fung

Pork Xiao Long Bao at Din Tai Fung

If you want to taste one of the best Pork, Xiao Long Bao, in Taiwan, visit Din Tai Fung in Yongkang St. Steamed pork dumplings or xiao long bao containing minced pork wrapped in freshly made dough, pleated and twisted at the top and steamed.

Spring Onion Pie
Spring Onion Pie

Spring Onion Pie

Probably one of the most common street foods you will find in almost all the night markets in Taipei. This Onion Pie is a little crispy on the outside, but it has sweet and soft dough filled with minced spring onions.

Stinky Tofu
Stinky Tofu

Stinky Tofu

Like how people hated Durian, this stinky tofu is also delicious, but not everyone can appreciate its pungent odor. This fermented tofu is also one of the most famous street foods you can find in most night markets in Taiwan.

Super Mango Snowflake Ice with Panna Cotta
Super Mango Snowflake Ice with Panna Cotta

Super Mango Snowflake Ice with Panna Cotta

This yummy mango-flavored dessert has creamy shaved ice, real diced mangoes on the side, and a pannacotta on top. It’s really worth it, but make sure to be with someone; I had to finish it alone:)

Taiwan Night Market Walking Tour
Taiwan Night Market Walking Tour

Taipei Night Market Walking Tour

  • Sample 12 classic Taiwanese snacks
  • Experience a bustling Taipei night market and learn about Taiwan’s rich food culture from an expert foodie guide.

Free WiFi in Taipei

Taipei is one of those Cities where FREE WiFi is widely available in most public places, and some of the city buses are called TPE-Free. To activate, you must register online or visit the visitor information centers and present your passport for assistance. Once registered, you can also use your account for the nationwide free WiFi called iTaiwan.

iTaiwan Free WiFi Hotspots
iTaiwan Free WiFi Hotspots

If you don’t want to rely on free WiFi access, you can buy a local sim card that offers 4-7 days of unlimited 3g or LTE data. You only need to present your passport and another valid ID at the nearest Mobile Carrier shops to buy a local data sim card.

Taiwan Unlimited 4G Portable WiFi Rental

Get your 4G Portable WiFi Rental to access unlimited high-speed internet while traveling in Taiwan.

Complete Taipei Travel Guide Blog
Complete Taipei Travel Guide Blog

Trivia about Taipei, Taiwan

  • The popular Asian beverage “Bubble Tea” or “Boba,” made with milk and tapioca pearl, originated in Taiwan in the ’90s.
  • You can find the World’s first animated pedestrian light, also known as the little green man, to the locals in Xinyi District.
  • Taipei 101, at a height of 509.2 meters (1,671 ft), was the tallest building in the World until it was surpassed by Dubai’s Burj Khalifa in 2008. It still claims the official records for the World’s tallest sundial and the World’s largest New Year’s Eve countdown clock.
  • The National Palace Museum, located in Shilin, Taipei, had over 5.3 million visitors in 2015 and ranks sixth among the most-visited museums in the World.
  • Tsai Lng-wen became Taiwan’s first female President when she won the election in January 2016.
  • With over 82,000 participants, Taiwan Pride is the biggest LGBT event in Asia, and protests in support of same-sex marriage are significant and peacefully observed by police. This has led many to refer to Taiwan as one of the most liberal countries in Asia.
Jiufen Village Tour Packages image via Klook
Jiufen Village Tour Packages image via Klook

Taipei, Taiwan Travel and Tour Packages

Day Tour from Taipei: Northern Taiwan Private Charter (Book Online) – For 10 hours, Visit northern Taiwan’s most iconic sites like the Queen’s Head Rock in Yehliu, the Japanese colonial town of Jiufen, and eat fresh seafood at Guei Hou Fishing Harbor.

Taiwan Northeast Coast Day Tour (Book Online) – Escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown Taipei and embark on a fascinating journey to explore Taiwan’s Northeastern coastline and its stunning beaches.

8-hour Chartered Day Tour to Taipei-Hualien (Book Online) – Tour Duration: 8 Hours – Train tickets from Taipei to Hualien are hard to get. If there is a group of you, why not charter a car from Taipei to Hualien? Or charter from Hualien to Taipei? You will be able to see sights along the way that you will not see by train. The Suhua Highway is the most beautiful in Taiwan. You can get out of the car and take pictures or see sights, making the long journey more fun!

Also Read:

We will continuously update this Taipei Travel Guide Blog with new travel tips, updated itineraries, budget tips, hotel recommendations, and top places to eat to help our dear readers plan their trip to Taipei. For comments, corrections, and suggestions, feel free to comment below:

Originally Published: January 14, 2017

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Taiwan DIY Travel Guide
Taiwan DIY Travel Guide

Written by Melo Villareal

Melo Villareal is the Online Publisher of Outoftownblog.com. He is an Accountant by profession who left the corporate world at the age of 23 to explore his beautiful country and the rest of the world. Today, Melo works as a part-time Social Media Manager for local and international clients. His full-time work focuses on discovering interesting culture, explore different cuisines and take memorable photos from local and international destinations he's visiting.

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