Overview
Taipei is Taiwan’s political, economic and cultural heart — the National Palace Museum holds the finest of Chinese art, Ximending pulses with youth and fashion, Shilin Night Market is a food paradise, and Taipei 101 crowns the skyline.
Getting there & around
- Air: Taipei Taoyuan (TPE); the Airport MRT reaches Taipei Main Station in about 35 min (NT$160).
- High-speed rail: Taipei → Kaohsiung 1.5 h, from Taipei Main Station.
- In town: the MRT covers the core; the EasyCard works throughout.
Where to stay
| Area | Character | Reference price |
|---|---|---|
| Taipei Main Station | Transport hub | NT$2000–5000 |
| Ximending | Lively + shopping | NT$1500–4000 |
| Zhongxiao E. Rd / East District | Fashion district | NT$2500–6000 |
| Beitou | Hot springs | NT$3000–8000 |
Eat
Beef noodles (Lin Dongfang, Yongkang), oyster omelette, braised pork rice (Hu Xu Zhang, Jin Feng), xiaolongbao (Din Tai Fung), bubble tea (Chun Shui Tang, 50 Lan), pineapple cake (SunnyHills, Chia Te), mango shaved ice (ICE MONSTER).
See & do
National Palace Museum (NT$350; Jadeite Cabbage, Meat-shaped Stone), Taipei 101 (NT$600 observatory), Ximending, Shilin Night Market, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (free), Longshan Temple (free), Jiufen hillside town (1 h away), Beitou hot springs (free foot bath + Hot Spring Museum).
Shopping
- Palace Museum gifts: Jadeite Cabbage keyrings, Meat-shaped Stone ornaments, museum collaborations (NT$100–500); the museum gift shop is the fullest.
- Pineapple cake: SunnyHills (Minsheng Park; free tasting + tea), Chia Te (Nanjing E. Rd; famous queue), Vigor. Boxes NT$300–800.
- Tea: Dong Ding oolong, high-mountain tea, Oriental Beauty; buy direct from Maokong growers or old shops on Dihua Street (NT$1000–5000 a catty).
- Dihua Street: Taipei’s oldest New Year market street — dried goods, Chinese medicine, mullet roe, fabric. 5 min walk from Daqiaotou MRT.
- Xinyi / Taipei 101 mall: international luxury and fashion; underground creative markets. Biggest discounts at anniversary sales (Oct–Nov).
- Ximending: streetwear, sneakers, anime goods, Japanese drugstores (cheaper than Japan).
- Eslite: books, design and creative goods (Xinyi flagship open 24 h).
Practical tips
- Palace Museum: allow half a day; the Jadeite Cabbage and Meat-shaped Stone are highlights on the third floor. Rent an audio guide (NT$150).
- Night markets: Shilin (biggest, touristy), Raohe (locals’ favourite; pepper buns), Ningxia (best food concentration; oyster omelette), Linjiang/Tonghua (compact).
- EasyCard: a must — MRT, buses, convenience stores. Buy at MRT stations or shops; the NT$100 deposit is refundable.
- Din Tai Fung: the 101 branch queues 30–60 min; Zhongxiao is quieter. Xiaolongbao is essential; fried rice and hot-and-sour soup are good too.
- Weather: Taipei winters are rainy (Dec–Feb) — bring a folding umbrella. Summers are muggy (28–36°C) with strong indoor A/C — carry a light jacket.
- Language: Mandarin throughout, English on signs; MRT announcements in four languages. Younger people often speak English.
- Connectivity: prepaid SIMs at the airport (7 days ≈ NT$300) or a pocket WiFi.
- Power: 110 V, flat two-pin (US-style) — mainland appliances need an adapter.
- Tax refund: spend NT$2000+ at “tax refund” shops for a 5% refund; show your entry permit/passport.
- No eating on the MRT: food and drink are banned (including water) — fines NT$1500–7500.