Updated: 2/3/2024 | Taipei Travel Guide

About Taipei

Taipei is the capital of Taiwan. It’s also the economic hub for most of the country. 

The city is very developed and is filled with historic landmarks and architecture that makes it an amazing place to live and visit. 

We recommend at least 3-5 days in Taipei to fully experience what the city has to offer.

Where to Stay in Taipei

We highly recommend the following hotels:

• Amba Hotels in Songhan – We loved our stay here! We were able to book a south-facing room with an amazing view of Taipei 101 and Elephant Mountain. The rooms were clean, thoughtfully designed, sustainable, and very comfortable. We were also within walking distance from the Raohe night market and Wufenpu shopping district. We highly recommend staying here for a night or two if you can. It’s also directly across from the Citi Mall and Shongshan train station which will take you across town to the Taipei main station within 6 minutes.
• W Taipei – We stayed here for a closer view of Taipei 101. The rooms are super edgy and modern. They also have a 31st floor rooftop bar (minimum spend of 1000 NTD) that is free for guests staying at the hotel with sweeping views of the city.
• Grand Hyatt Taipei

Best Way to Get Around Taipei

The best way to get around Taipei is via the MRT train. Their fast trains can get you through town pretty quickly (in under 10 minutes).

It’s also one of the most affordable ways to get around. When we visited in February 2024, a one-way ticket to most spots in the city cost only 15 yuan or approximately 50 cents USD.

There is also an Airport Express train that takes you from Taoyuan Airport to the city center within 35 minutes. It only cost 155 NTD or $5 USD!

You can also take Uber but we found Uber to be pretty expensive and not necessarily the most convenient. An Uber from the airport to city center will cost around $40 USD.

Best Things to See and Do in Taipei

#1 Visit the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

The National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is a must-visit tourist spot in Taipei. It is a grand monument dedicated to the former President of the Republic of China, Chiang Kai-shek, who led the country into the Democracy that it is today.

It’s located in Liberty Square which has an impressive entry gate (the Liberty Arch) and two buildings on the north and south ends of the plaza.

The hall itself is an impressive structure with beautiful architecture and a serene atmosphere. The changing of the guards happens hourly, on the hour.

#2 Go Up the Taipei 101

The Taipei 101 is the city’s tallest tower and was once the tallest tower in the world. Buy tickets to ascend the tower. It’s best to visit on a weekday when it’s not busy.

#3 Visit a Night Market…and Try Stinky Tofu

Taipei is known for its famed night markets and stinky tofu! Most night markets close around 23H or midnight. 

Night markets that we highly recommend include:

• Huaxi
• Shilin
• Raohe
• Niangxia

#4 228 Peace Park

Another serene destination where you can spend hours here. We love the gorgeous pagoda here. It’s the perfect opportunity for photos.

The park however has a significant history of protests that eventually led to Taiwan’s independence and democracy.

#5 Visit Taipei Old Town

#6 Ximending Walking District

#7 National Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall

#8 Visit the Red House

#9 Visit the National Palace Museum

#10 Lungshan Temple

#11 Ximending Shopping District

#12 Maokong Gondola 

#13 See the Sunset from Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan)

To get to Elephant Mountain, you’ll need to take a hike. 

#14 Go Fashion Shopping at the Wufenpu Shopping District

Fashion is everywhere in Taiwan. You can indulge in designer labels at their massive shopping malls or find steep discounts in the Wufenpu Shopping District. Taiwanese vendors are typically pretty set on their prices, but it doesn’t hurt to haggle, especially if you’re buying in bulk.

We love shopping their sample sale section where you can quality pieces for 100 to 150 yuan, which is $3 to $5 bucks an article of clothing. 

Most vendors will only take cash, so make sure you have plenty on hand when visiting Taipei’s garment district. 

Fashion brands tend to run small in Asia. Don’t feel bad if you need to size up. I am typically a size 6 to 8 US and wear an XXL or XXXL in Asian fashion.

Where to Eat in Taipei

• Din Tai Fung: We are huge fans of Din Tai Fung stateside, but the DTF in Taipei missed the mark for us. They use rice vinegar instead of black vinegar in their famed dumpling sauce. Chili oil is also not readily available. You’ll have to request it and even then, they deliver a tiny amount. There were also different dishes offered on the menu. The original location is a delivery and takeout spot only, so you’ll have to walk a block east to dine in at their actual sit-down restaurant. The wait is typically 30-50 minutes depending on the time and day. Most locals will tell you it’s overpriced and good, but not something most locals seek out.
• Chubby Burger – We did a little burger tour and this spot in Xinyi makes amazing burgers! Their burgers are smash patty style and are packed with flavor. As an American, this burger was excellent. We also tried Awesome Burger just down the street but their burgers were not as flavorful. 
• Tanuki Sushi & Izakaya (狸君居酒屋－串燒｜中山站美食｜宵夜)  – Taipei has TONS of Japanese restaurants. You’ll feel as if you’re in Tokyo instead of Taipei. We stumbled upon this sushi and izakaya restaurant that was open until 6 AM! And it was honestly so good! It’s a bit on the pricier side but worth it. We ordered sashimi, sushi, mala hot pot, and a tasty fish soup.

Taipei Travel Guide MAP

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The post Taipei Travel Guide: What to See, Do, Eat and Drink appeared first on Schimiggy Reviews.