Taipei Taiwan: 8 places you shouldn't miss!
- Noa
Taipei, Taiwan, is one of the most interesting cities to visit in Asia. You will find a combination of open, liberal and progressive Chinese culture, temples, gardens, technology and amazing street food. The city has direct flights from Bangkok , Seoul, Tokyo and Hanoi.
Please note, if you do not have a connecting ticket after Taiwan, it is a good idea to arrive with a fictitious flight ticket.
So what does Taipei have to offer, where do you sleep and what is the best thing to eat there?
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Table of Contents
Taipei weather
The weather is considered subtropical, and overall it is quite comfortable to travel throughout the year. However, be aware that each season brings its own advantages and disadvantages. The weather is divided into four seasons:
March to May – Spring
Spring is pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 18 to 25 degrees. Spring weather is perfect for hiking, although light rain falls occasionally.
June to August – Summer
Summer is very hot and humid, with temperatures reaching 30 degrees Celsius and above. Humidity is high and there is a chance of sudden rains, monsoons and even strong typhoons.
September to November – Autumn
Recommended season! Average temperatures between 20 and 28 degrees. Pleasant weather with little rain.
December to February – Winter
Winter is cool and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 18 degrees Celsius. This season is less rainy than summer, but it is still worth bringing an umbrella and some warm clothes.
Car rental in Taipei
Although the city has advanced public transportation such as the MRT (subway) and many buses, renting a car can be a convenient option if you want to travel further afield. Renting a car is quite simple: all you need is a valid international driving license and a credit card. It is worth comparing car rental prices with Rentalcars to find the best deal.
Where should you stay in Taipei?
The city is quite huge and has lots of accommodation options depending on your budget and desired location. The city is considered very safe and there is no dangerous area to sleep in. However, Ximending is the main neighborhood where tourists come. This is the most popular area in the city and in my opinion the most recommended for tourists. Full of street food and markets, shops for shopping and cafes. Here are some recommended places to stay from low to high budget:
Dormitories in a central location, at some of the lowest prices you’ll find in the city.
Excellent location Dormitory rooms Suitable for solo travelers
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A comfortable and pleasant 3-star hotel, at good prices.
Rating of 8.3 on Booking.com Excellent location Comfortable private rooms 3 star hotel
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Luxurious rooms, 4-star standard, in a central and convenient location.
Rating of 8.5 on Booking.com Central and convenient location Spacious private rooms with breakfast option 4-star hotel
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Beautiful Taipei: 8 Must-See Attractions
Throughout the city you will find quite a few temples, museums, parks, and attractions full of culture. The truth is that it is also fun to just walk around and get lost, that is how you experience the most of the city’s magic.
Lungshan Temple
One of the most famous and ancient temples in the city, which mixes Buddhism, Taoism, and other traditional religions. It is among the most elaborate and impressive temples I have seen in Asia, with a waterfall at the entrance (!) and is even more worth visiting in the evening, because of the colorful lights.
228 Peace Memorial Park and Taiwan Museum
The 228 Peace Memorial Park in Taipei commemorates the events of February 28, 1947, when a popular uprising took place following clashes with the government that led to violent repression by the Taiwanese Nationalist government. The events, known as the “228 Massacre,” claimed the lives of thousands of civilians. The park itself is a peaceful and beautiful place, where you can wander among monuments, statues, and buildings dedicated to the memory of the victims, and it is an important symbol of reconciliation and the fight for justice in Taiwan. At the edge of the park you will find the National Taiwan Museum, which is a super invested and interesting place that presents the history and culture of Taiwan, with displays of art and archaeological finds from different periods.
Ximending Walking District
A pedestrian-only district, full of fashion stores, cafes, restaurants and street food stalls, alongside clothing stores. The atmosphere in Shimending is reminiscent of Tokyo, with colorful neon signs and crowds of people strolling the streets at all hours of the day and night. A very cool area and there are also delicious street food stalls!
Taipei Botanical Garden
A magical corner of nature in the city, with a huge collection of plants and flowers from all over the world. A perfect place if you want to experience some peace and greenery, and admission is free!
Taipei 101
Taipei’s iconic building, which was once the tallest in the world! You can go up to the upper floors and enjoy a view of the entire city.
Zhongshan Park
A large public park, next to the National Palace Museum. It is one of the city’s main parks, offering a charming blend of nature, history and local culture. The park is named after and dedicated to Sun Yat-sen, the leader of the Chinese Revolution, also known as Zhongshan.
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
A huge and impressive historical complex that commemorates Taiwanese leader Chiang Kai-shek. The surrounding gardens are also a perfect place for a relaxing stroll.
National Palace Museum
One of the greatest cultural treasures of Taiwan and the world, the museum houses a vast and rare collection of historical Chinese art, with over 700,000 items spanning more than 8,000 years of culture – from the Neolithic period to the end of the Qing Dynasty. The collection includes art objects, paintings, calligraphy, sculptures and valuable archaeological finds.
Recommended day trips in Taipei
There are plenty of amazing day trips in the area that will help you get to know Taiwanese culture in more depth. Here are some highly recommended tours!
The city’s street food is an attraction in itself that draws tourists from all over the world. Therefore, this tour is a great opportunity to get to know special dishes and especially worthwhile stalls.
Over 600 positive reviews and recommended by 96% of travelers! Private culinary experience – just you and the local guide 10 Tastings of Taiwanese Street Food and Cuisine – Including Markets and Secret Spots Vegetarian options and customization for dietary preferences
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During the tour, you will visit such beautiful towns as the historic village of Jiufen, the Yehliu Geological Park, and Pingxi County, where you will participate in the traditional Sky Lantern Festival. You will also visit Shifen Falls, known as the “Little Niagara Falls” of Taiwan.
Over 280 positive reviews and recommended by 95% of travelers! Visit to Jiufen Village Tour of Yehliu Geopark Sky lantern release in Pingxi
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If you want to explore Shilin Night Market with a private guide, and get to know delicious food and local culture, then this is the tour for you. You will taste all kinds of interesting snacks like pineapple cake, grilled octopus or mango shaved ice!
Over 90 positive reviews and recommended by 92% of travelers! Personalized private trip Tasting Taiwanese street food Opportunity to learn about local culture and flavors
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Best restairants in Taipei
The city offers an amazing culinary experience! You will find high-quality Chinese dishes like stinky tofu (fermented tofu, very strange but worth trying), Chinese omelet (green onion pancake), beef noodle soup and much more. In addition, there is a lot of good Western food, amazing coffee, sushi and more. So what is the most recommended?
Guangzhou Street Night Market
Dozens of stalls with fresh and delicious street food. There is a variety of authentic Chinese dishes, interesting desserts, fruit juices and lots of fun.
Lao Shandong Homemade Noodles
Beef noodle soup is a popular dish in Taiwan, and this is one of the best places to try it. The restaurant is located in a small shopping mall on the ground floor.
Xi Ke Lai Breakfast Restaurant
There are lots of Chinese pancakes around town and they are all delicious. At Si Ka Lai Restaurant you will find great pancakes, dumplings and sandwiches. Bring Google Translate.
KURA SUSHI
It’s true that it’s not Chinese food, but a sushi conveyor belt is an experience you can’t skip. There are 3 branches of Kora Sushi around the city, and all of them are recommended.
Yongkang Beef Noodles
One of the most famous and recommended places for noodle soup with beef.
Tian Jin Onion Pancake
Probably the most famous place to eat Chinese pancakes. Be prepared for a pretty long line!
Migo's cakes
If you’re craving cake, this is the place to go. You’ll find amazing cakes, coffee, and other great drinks.
TakeOut Burger&Cafe
An excellent burger restaurant and the place is full of cute cats. Despite the restaurant’s confusing name, you can sit down and order on the spot.
After Taipei
After you’ve explored Taipei, Taiwan, and if you feel like exploring more of the country, it’s worth continuing to Jiufen, a picturesque mountain village with its narrow alleys and stunning views of the sea. From there, you can continue to Kaohsiung, the second largest city in Taiwan, which has beaches, great food markets, and interesting museums. Finally, I especially recommend Henchun, a beautiful historic town with a relaxed atmosphere, beaches, and stunning views all around.
Taipei FAQs
What are the must-see attractions in Taipei?
Don’t miss Taipei 101 , which was once the tallest building in the world, Shilin Night Market to try authentic street food, and Longshan Temple.
How many days should you spend on a trip to Taipei?
It is recommended to dedicate at least 3-4 days to take in the main attractions, such as Taipei 101, the night markets, the special temples, and day trips to nearby areas such as Jiufen and Shifen.
What’s the best way to get around Taipei?
The most convenient and efficient way to get around the city is by Metro system (MRT), which is fast and easy to use. It is also possible to use buses, taxis and rental bicycles.
What is the best time to visit Taipei?
It is best to come in spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), when the weather is pleasant and dry.