Taipei – Travel Guide
Taipei, the vibrant capital of Taiwan, offers a dynamic mix of modernity and tradition. Dominated by the towering Taipei 101, the city provides stunning views and cutting-edge architecture. Visitors can explore historic sites like Longshan Temple and the National Palace Museum, which houses a vast collection of Chinese art. Taipei’s night markets, such as Shilin and Raohe, are renowned for their delicious street food and lively ambiance. The city is also famous for its relaxing hot springs, lush parks, and the scenic Maokong Gondola. Efficient public transport ensures easy access to Taipei’s rich cultural and urban experiences.
All about Taipei
Getting around Taipei
By Metro
The MRT, Mass Rapid Transit or Metro Taipei is a very fast and efficient way to get around the capital city and is one of the best metro systems in the world. The trains operate from 6 am until midnight and run every 3 – 8 minutes with information displayed and pronounced in English at the stations and on the trains. Covering over 70 miles of track around the city and outer suburbs with new lines underway, there are currently 6 main lines and routes in the city: The Danshui (Red), the Xindian (Green), the Banciao (Blue) and the Muzha (Brown). Tokens can be purchased from machines in all the stations and cost around NT$20 to NT$50, buying an EasyCard costs NT$500 with a refundable NT$100 deposit and can up to 20% on travel (metro, buses, YouBikes and some taxis) while in the city.
By bus
City buses in Taipei have become easier to use over the recent years with information posted in English on the front of the bus and on maps and timetables, making it easier for tourists to use. The buses travel all over the city for a small fee of NT$15 per zone. The zones and the fares associated with them are still difficult to understand, even for locals. Normally the driver will tell you if you need to pay for more than one zone, but the following signs indicate this on the bus: If the sign for up shows (ÉÏ) then you pay when you board the bus. If the sign for down (ÏÂ) displays when you are getting off the bus, then you will need to pay again. This means if you travel into another zone you will pay when you get on the bus and when you get off the bus. You can also transfer from the MRT to buses for a discounted rate if you transfer within an hour the price of the bus ticket is only NT$7 and most bus stops are outside the MRT stations making it easy make the transfer.
By taxi
The city of Taipei offers numerous taxis to transport you around the city. Taxis in the city are yellow and will display a red light if they are vacant for hire, they run on meters with friendly drivers. Fares are around NT$70 for the first 0.8 miles and then go up to NT$5 per additional 0.5 miles, after 11 pm until 6 am the rates increase by 20%. Taxis can be hailed from the street, found outside popular tourist attractions and hotels or ordered by phone. It is recommended to have your destination written down in Mandarin, as most drivers do not speak much English.
By Bicycle
Riding a bicycle in Taipei is fun, cheap and practical with plenty of bicycle paths and other destinations to explore on a bike. The YouBike bike sharing system is a rental program in the city, which allows visitors to rent a bike from one of the hundreds of YouBike stations located in the city and returned to another other station. EasyCards can be used to rent the bikes and the cost is approximately NT$10 – NT$40 for a 30-minute rental. The parks in the city offer cycling paths as well as along the rivers, providing rewarding scenic journeys for a bicycle ride. And due to lack of bike lanes, it is legal to cycle on the sidewalk in Taipei.
By Foot
Walking is a great way to explore the capital city and its attractions. The city center offers pedestrian sidewalks and is relatively compact making it easy to navigate. Many tourist attractions can be found within walking distance of each other and MRT stations are only a few minutes` walk from anywhere in the city. Narrow streets and alleyways of the older districts are interesting areas to explore on foot. They are filled with shops and restaurants. The parks are beautiful for a leisurely stroll and the mountains are a great place to get out and explore nature and the scenic surroundings of the city.
Taipei FAQ
What airports service the city of Taipei?
The main airport servicing the city of Taipei is the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (Chiang Kai Shek International Airport) located about 19 miles away from the city center. The airport features MRT trains, shuttle buses, taxis and rental cars.
Songshan Airport is a smaller airport located in central Taipei at the northern end of Dunhua North Road, which is a domestic airport with a few international routes to regional destinations.
What types of transportation can I find at the airport?
The Taoyuan Airport MRT line is a rail line connecting to the city providing a fast and convenient way to transport passengers. The trains run every 15 minutes, operating hours are from 6:00 am until 11:00 pm and the journey takes around 37 minutes on the Express train and 45 minutes on the Commuter train. The express train departs from both terminals at the airport and travels to the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, New Taipei Industrial Park and Taipei Main Station and the commuter train links from the airport to downtown stopping at 21 stations along the way. Tickets cost approximately NT$160 for a single one-way journey which can be purchased at kiosks at the airport terminal on the underground level.
Express buses are available at the airport with bus stops found outside each terminal. Buses run every 15 – 20 minutes and the cost is approximately NT$120 – NT$150 for a single one-way ticket. Bus #1819 takes passengers from the airport to Taipei`s Main Station and the journey takes around an hour, this bus operates 24 hours a day. Bus #5201 transports passengers to Taipei City and operates from 6:15 am until 12:30 am, the journey takes around 50 minutes. The ticket counters at the airport provide route maps, schedules, and tickets. Terminal 1 bus stop is found at B1 Arrivals and Terminal 2 bus stop is found at the northeast arcade on the 1st floor of the arrivals hall.
Taxis are available at the airport 24 hours a day, a one-way fare to the city center will cost around NT$1000 – NT$1,200. Fares are metered and subject to a 15% airport surcharge fee. The Taxi stands can be found outside the arrivals halls at both terminals.
Rental cars are available at the airport including international companies such as Avis. The rental car offices can be found outside the arrival halls of both terminals on the ground floor.
How do I get from the train station to my hotel?
The main train station in the city is the Taipei Main Station. Located in the Zhongzheng District of Taipei, it is the busiest station for the Taoyuan Airport MRT and offers several transportation options. The station is a popular gathering place for local students, tourists, and commuters with shops, restaurants and accommodations surrounding the station. Transportation found around the station includes the Taipei MRT, Taipei Double Decker Hop-on, Hop-off Bus, High-speed rail, local buses with multiple stops around the station and taxis.
How do I get around the city using public transportation?
The Taipei Metro or MRT is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to get around the city. There are several lines offered with stops at some of the popular attractions including Shilin Market, Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, and the Taipei Zoo, making it easy to get to the main sights in the city. Tickets cost approximately NT$20 – NT$65 for a single journey, day passes cost around NT$150 which provides unlimited trips. The trains run from 6:00 am until midnight daily and depart every 2 – 15 minutes depending on the time of day. Trains and stations provide information in English with ticket and information offices inside the stations. Visit https://english.gov.taipei/ for more information.
The city offers a cheap and convenient way to get around the city with over 300 bus routes covering every inch of the city. The buses are efficient, clean and comfortable, operating from 5:00 am until between 10:00 pm and midnight. Information is displayed in English making it easy for tourists to use and tickets cost NT$15 for a single journey. Pay close attention to the electronic sign above the driver, this indicates when to pay. If you see a character for `up` (ÉÏ) then you should pay when you get on the bus, if the `down` (ÏÂ) character is showing then you will need to pay again when getting off the bus. This is all due to different fare zones which are indicated on the route maps by small triangles.
THSR or Taipei High-Speed Rail travels along the west coast of Taiwan with 8 stations situated along 220 miles of tracks running from Taipei to Zuoying. This total journey can take up to 4 hours and covers major cities that are situated just a few hours apart with buses and shuttles available at the local city stations. Important: Tickets must be reserved 14 days in advance and can only be collected at the train stations or post office 2 days prior to traveling.
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How do I call/hail a taxi?
Yellow and black taxis bear the letters `SP` (Servicio Público) on their front and rear and are plentiful with taxi ranks (parades in Catalan) all over town; or you can hail one on the street if its green light is on. Taxis have meters and the rate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays starts at €2.15 and rises in increments of €1 every kilometer. The more expensive night rate starts at €3.30. There is a supplemental charge of €2.10 for trips to/from a train station and €4.20 for trips to/from the airport or the cruise port. There are official supplements of €1.20 per bag for luggage as well, and a €1.20 surcharge for a pre-ordered radio taxi. By law, a list of prices and surcharges is on display on the back passenger window. Drivers do not expect a tip, although rounding up in their favor is appreciated. To reserve a taxi, please call Radio Taxi (tel. 933 03 30 33).
How do I get around the city using other public transportation?
Budapest has an extensive, efficient, and inexpensive public transportation system. It is not without its glitches though, due to the renovation of one of the four Metro lines, which will continue until the end of 2020 at least. There have been interruptions throughout parts of the city at various times, but buses have been provided to replace any tram or metro that has been disrupted by construction.
The biggest disadvantage, however, is that metros and tram routes stop running for the night at around 11:00pm – 11:30pm depending on the line. Some areas of the city, most notably the Buda Hills, are beyond the reach of some night bus services making taxi drivers happy to provide those late-night journeys. During rush hours, all forms of transport are crowded so it is best to plan your travel around these times. Especially important to visitors is that Castle Hill can be reached in only three ways by public transportation and all of these modes of transportation are quite crowded in the high seasons, making travelers highly likely to be targeted by Budapest’s professional pickpockets.
Tickets for the Metro (and other BKK-owned transport systems such as the bus and tram) cost 350 Ft, with a transfer ticket costing 530 Ft. A Budapest Card, which includes other perks such as admission to various points of interest, can be bought for 6,490 Ft for 24 hours, 9,990 Ft for 48 hours, and 12,990 Ft for 72 hours. For more information on the Budapest Card, go to www.budapestcard.org. For more information on the Budapest Metro, visit www.bkk.hu/en.
NOTE: Beware of transportation inspectors! The fines for not having a validated ticket or pass are 8,000 Ft if paid on the spot or 16,000 Ft if paid later. An inspector has the right to ask for your passport (you are legally required to carry it at all times) or ID and to call a police officer if the need arises. They do not have the authority to harm you or arrest you.
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Discover further essential tips for navigating the vibrant city. Learn about must-see attractions, dining hotspots, transportation options, and cultural insights.
What is the EasyCard?
Visitors can benefit by purchasing an EasyCard to use for travel on the cities metro, buses, some taxis and bicycle rentals. A prepaid smartcard with a 20% discount on travel with an initial cost of the card is NT$500 with an NT$100 refundable deposit. The cards can be purchased and recharged at all metro stations and some convenience stores (7-Eleven and FamilyMart).
How do I call/hail a taxi?
Taxis are available in the city and are easy to find with their bright yellow color and `Taxi` roof signs. Taxis are metered and a ride across Taipei City will cost around NT$250 and most companies will accept EasyCard for payment. Taxis are available 24/7 and can be hailed from the street, found outside the stations, hotels and main tourist attractions or ordered by phone. A taxi will display a red light if they are vacant and available for hire. Most drivers do not speak English, be sure to have your destination written down in Mandarin. Call The Taipei Public Transportation Office service hotline to order by phone tel. 0800-055-850.
Can I ride a bicycle in Taipei?
Riding a bicycle in Taipei is a very easy and popular way to get around the city. There are several rental places across the city along with hundreds of YouBike share stations. Visitors can find a YouBike station, check out a bike for a period of time and return to any other station in the city (EasyCard can be used). The cost is approximately NT$10 for 30 minutes and stations can be found outside the stations, in the parks, and around other populated areas. Visit www.youbike.com.tw for more information.
There are dedicated bicycle lanes in the city and plenty of open space in the parks and along the rivers, for cyclists to use and up to 10 bike trails to explore. There are bike paths that will take you from Tamsui (north) all the way to Xindian (south).
Is Taipei a walking city?
Walking around Taipei is made easy with a relatively small compact city center. The city features beautiful large parks and stunning scenic surroundings which are all perfect to explore on foot. Visitors can explore the ancient narrow alleys and streets of the city where shopping, dining, and entertainment can be discovered. Exploring the city`s popular Night Street Markets is a must on foot, check out Shilin and Raohe Night Street Markets in the city, both filled with delicious, delectable street food and shopping stalls with a vibrant, eclectic atmosphere.
Taking a walk to the main attractions in the city is also easy, as many are situated close together and within walking distance of each other. There are metro stops all over the city, meaning it is just a few minutes` walk to anywhere from the stations. Take a hike up Elephant Mountain which is around a 30-minute trek with plenty to discover once at the top. Taking a leisurely stroll along the River`s is a great way to spend the afternoon or spend the day hiking and exploring the beautiful mountainous region of the Yangminghsan National Park.
Is Taipei a dangerous city, is there anything I should be aware of?
Taipei is a very safe city with very low crime. Visitors should use the same caution when visiting any large city in the world and practice safe street smarts. Beware of pickpockets in crowded areas especially in the Night Markets, keep your belongings secure at all times and don`t wander into unlit or unpopulated areas at night. Watch out for cars and speeding scooters when crossing the street and on streets without sidewalks.
What are some popular areas for shopping?
There are plenty of options for shopping in the city of Taipei including malls, department stores, and the ever popular Street Markets. Visit the Jianguo Holiday Jade Market which is connected to the Jianguo Holiday Flower Market, both vibrant markets are filled with street stalls where shoppers can buy flowers, plants, seeds, jewelry, teapots and other trinkets from over 200 vendors. Both markets operate from 9 am until 6 pm on the weekends and during holidays.
The city`s shopping districts are divided into East and West, both have their own unique characteristics. The Westside is the old city featuring narrow streets lined with small local shops and the area surrounding Taipei Main Station which is filled with a wide variety of stores including bookstores and restaurants. The Eastside boasts tree-lined boulevards, shopping malls, Taipei 101 and some of the city`s premier shopping destinations.
Miramar Entertainment Park is a shopping and entertainment district in the city with a giant Ferris Wheel perched on the Roof. There is an IMAX theatre and restaurants featured here.
The Shilin Night Market and the Raohe Night Street Market are some of the city`s most popular market destinations. Bustling Night Street Markets are a way of life in Taipei, filled with tasty street food and shopping stalls in a vibrant atmosphere.
What is the currency? Can I pay/tip in US dollars?
The units of currency in Taipei are the New Taiwan Dollar (NT$). US Dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand and be prepared to exchange your dollars for New Taiwan Dollars upon arrival. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport, local banks and hotels throughout the city along with ATMs.
There is a service charge of 10% automatically added to your bill in hotels and restaurants. For more detailed information, consult our guide to tipping by clicking here Taiwan
What is the food like?
Taipei is a foodies haven, filled with delectable street snacks, quaint cafes, family-owned restaurants and western style eateries. The Taiwanese love their food and dining in the city is not hard to find, there are neighborhoods and districts packed with plenty of choices offering delicious local cuisine. Visitors can enjoy oriental food, Japanese sashimi, Italian food, German cuisine, American burgers and much more.
Some of the popular foods found in the city include a tasty breakfast treat known as `yougiao` which is a deep-fried dough with rice congee, baked sesame flatbread, and rice milk. A go-to for lunch is a fresh bowl of beef noodle soup which includes cubed beef and vegetables served in beef broth. A refreshing drink that is renowned in the country is `pearl milk tea` with freshly made pearls served in milk tea. Night Street Markets are a must when visiting Taipei, these vibrant bustling markets are filled with some of the best food in the city. Street snacks include fried squid, Pepper buns, ribs, sticky rice and stinky tofu, and bubble tea.
What is the nightlife like?
The nightlife is Taipei is said to be some of the best in Asia. The city features several districts where the streets are lined with pubs, bars, restaurants, and clubs. There are bustling night markets filled with food and shopping and theatres for an enjoyable evening of entertainment. The city has something to offer everyone and is an exciting place to be when the sun goes down.
Most of the city`s nightclubs are concentrated around the city center near Taipei 101 tower and different districts offer their own variety of nightlife in the city that stays open 24 hours a day. For example, the Taipei 101 tower includes a large shopping mall, restaurants, and entertainment. Head up to the observation deck and see the city lit up at nighttime. The area of Danshui is a popular seaside district well known as a spectacular sunset spot where the sun sinks down on the Taiwan Strait. The area features other attractions and dining for a fun evening out.
What are some festivals held in Taipei?
Taiwan`s capital city is the host of many festivals throughout the year. They follow the lunar calendar meaning the dates can vary and are not consistent with the solar calendar. Here are a few of the popular festivals to check out in Taipei:
New Year`s Eve: A huge celebration in the city of Taipei with stunning fireworks show that is launched from the landmark Taipei 101 tower in the heart of the city. There are concerts, parades and bustling nightlife in the Xinyi District on the countdown to the New Year.
The Lantern Festival: Celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month every year to mark the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations and the beginning of spring. On the first full moon day of the year, people celebrate in the city with dining, events and a spectacular show of lanterns and lasers that light up the city for several days.
Dragon Boat Festival: On the 5th day of the 5th lunar month colorful dragon boats can be seen throughout the island and delicious food.
What should I do if I need medical assistance or need to go to the hospital?
In case of an emergency dial 110 for police and 119 for a fire or ambulance.
Hospitals:
Chung-shan Hospital tel. 886-2-2708-1166
MOHW Taipei Hospital tel. 886-2-2871-2121
National Taiwan University Hospital tel. 886-2-2312-3456
Mackay Memorial Hospital tel. 886-2-2543-3535
Top Attractions
Taipei 101
Once the world’s tallest building, Taipei 101 is an architectural marvel with an observation deck offering panoramic views of the city.
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial
The Memorial is a significant historical site, a monument that honors the legacy of former President Chiang Kai-shek with reverence.
Palace Museum
The National Palace Museum in Taipei is renowned for its vast collection of Chinese art and artifacts, attracting visitors worldwide.
Longshan Temple
Longshan Temple is a historic Buddhist temple renowned for its ornate architecture and vibrant religious ceremonies, attracting visitors globally.
Unique Experiences
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Taipei’s Art Scene: Visit the Huashan 1914 Creative Park, a cultural hub with galleries, theaters, and creative spaces.
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Beitou Hot Springs: Relax in the natural hot springs of Beitou. Visit the Beitou Hot Spring Museum and soak in the therapeutic waters at one of the public or private baths.
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Maokong Gondola Ride: Take a scenic ride on the Maokong Gondola up to Maokong Mountain. Enjoy the stunning views of Taipei, visit tea plantations, and taste local tea at one of the teahouses.
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Explore Taipei’s coastal beauty on a scenic tour that includes visits to picturesque spots like Tamsui Old Street, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the stunning Tamsui Sunset.
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Taipei Food Tour: Embark on a guided culinary adventure through Taipei’s bustling street and hidden alleys. Sample a variety of local delicacies.
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What to expect while traveling
