Taipei

Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, is one of those cities that grows on you the longer you stay. It’s modern yet traditional, busy yet surprisingly green. Between the night markets, historic temples, quirky cafes, and lush hiking trails just a metro ride away, there’s something for every kind of traveler here.

Whether you’re here for a few days or a longer stay, Taipei is a great place to start or end your Taiwan trip, especially since most international flights arrive here.

In this itinerary, I’ve included both must-see highlights and a few lesser-known spots that most tourists skip but are absolutely worth it.

How to Get Around

Taipei is one of the easiest cities in Asia to navigate thanks to its excellent public transportation.

  • MRT (Metro): The MRT system connects nearly all districts of Taipei. It’s clean, efficient, and easy to use, with English signs everywhere. Fares depend on distance but usually range between 20-65 TWD. You can use your EasyCard, which you can top up at any station or convenience store.

  • Bus: The buses go to more local or less accessible areas that the MRT doesn’t reach. They also accept the EasyCard and are a good option if you’re exploring outside the city center.

  • Uber or Taxi: These are convenient but more expensive, especially during peak hours. Most drivers don’t speak English, but showing the Chinese address usually works fine.

Costs in Taipei

Taipei is definitely more expensive than most other cities in Taiwan, especially when it comes to food and transportation. Still, it’s possible to explore comfortably on a moderate budget if you plan ahead.

  • Food: Expect to spend around 100-150 TWD for lunch or dinner at local restaurants. If you’re lucky, you can still find smaller eateries or night market stalls where a meal costs 60-90 TWD. Breakfast is usually the most affordable meal of the day, most breakfast shops offer dishes like egg pancakes, sandwiches, or soy milk for just 15-35 TWD.

  • Transport: The MRT is affordable and efficient, with most rides costing between 20-65 TWD. If you rely on Uber or taxis, expect your daily budget to increase quickly, as short rides often start around 120 TWD.

  • Attractions: Many of Taipei’s main sights, like temples and memorials, are free to enter, while museums typically charge a small entrance fee (around 30-100 TWD).

 

Overall, Taipei isn’t a cheap city by Taiwanese standards, but it’s still very reasonable compared to many other capitals in Asia, especially if you eat local and use public transport.

What to Do in Taipei

Wanhua District

This is one of the oldest parts of Taipei and still carries a lot of its traditional charm.

  • Ximending: Taipei’s youth district and shopping hub, full of restaurants, shops, and street performers. Don’t miss Don Don Donki, the massive Japanese store that’s open late, and grab a bubble tea from Xing Fu Tang, the original store that started it all.

  • Taipei Tianhou Temple: A small but ornate temple hidden in the bustle of Ximending. It’s one of the city’s oldest Mazu temples.

  • Mengjia Longshan Temple: One of the most famous temples in Taipei, known for its intricate details and cultural importance. You can get there directly by taking the Blue Line (Bannan Line) to Longshan Temple Station (Exit 1).

Zhongzheng District

This area is home to Taipei’s most important museums and landmarks.

  • National Taiwan Museum: One of Taiwan’s oldest museums, covering natural history and culture. Your 30 TWD ticket gives access to both the main building and the Land Bank Exhibition Hall across the street.

  • Taipei Botanical Garden: A peaceful green space not far from the museum, perfect for escaping the city noise.

  • Liberty Square & Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall: One of the most iconic sites in Taipei. The memorial is surrounded by the National Theatre and Concert Hall, and the plaza is especially pretty around sunset. You can watch the changing of the guards ceremony every hour from 9 AM to 5 PM.

  • Causeway Bay Books: A symbol of free speech in Taiwan, known for its dramatic history after being shut down in Hong Kong. Worth a visit if you’re interested in Taiwan’s political context.

Xinyi District

The modern heart of Taipei, filled with skyscrapers, malls, and rooftop bars.

  • Taipei 101: Once the tallest building in the world. You can go up to the observation deck for a panoramic view of the city (600 TWD), or enjoy the same view for free from nearby hikes.

  • Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall & Zhongshan Park: A calm green space in the middle of the city. You can see a great view of Taipei 101 from the park and watch the hourly guard change inside the hall.

  • Elephant Hill (Xiangshan): The best free view of Taipei 101, especially at sunset. Take the Red Line to Xiangshan Station (Exit 2) and follow the signs, it’s a short but steep 20-minute hike. Make sure to bring a headlamp since the paths are dark at night.

  • Hushan Hiking Trail: A quieter alternative to Elephant Hill with fewer people and great views.

  • Songshan Ci Hui Temple: A beautiful, less crowded temple with detailed carvings and a peaceful atmosphere.

Datong District

A mix of history, culture, and great food.

  • Dihua Street: One of Taipei’s oldest streets, famous for traditional medicine shops, tea houses, and Lunar New Year markets.

  • Dadaocheng Wharf Container Market: A fun riverside hangout spot with food trucks, live music, and container-style cafes. Go at sunset for great views over the river.

  • Confucius Temple: Dedicated to the great philosopher, it’s calmer than most temples and architecturally stunning.

  • Linji Huguo Temple & Dalongdong Bao’an Temple: Two neighboring temples that beautifully showcase traditional Taiwanese temple art.

  • Ningxia Night Market: One of the best night markets in Taipei, smaller and cleaner than Shilin, famous for oyster omelets and taro balls.

Zhongshan District

This district mixes local life with elegant old buildings.

  • Jingfu Temple: A quiet temple surrounded by lush trees.

  • Lin An Tai Historical House: A beautifully preserved traditional courtyard home that shows what life used to look like in old Taipei.

  • Xingtian Temple: Dedicated to the God of War, this temple is known for its vibrant atmosphere and the unique no-incense policy.

  • National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine: A massive complex built to honour fallen soldiers. The changing of the guards ceremony here is impressive and happens hourly.

Xindian District

  • National Human Rights Museum: A powerful place that explores Taiwan’s martial law period and the White Terror. It’s located at the Jing-Mei White Terror Memorial Park and can be reached via the Green Line to Jingmei Station, then a short taxi or bus ride.

Other Highlights Around Taipei

  • Guandu Temple: Located near the MRT Guandu Station, this temple sits by the river and has one of the most beautiful sunset views in Taipei.

  • Bishanyan Kaizhang Shengwang Temple: Perched on a hill with panoramic city views, it’s especially nice at dusk.

  • The Lin Family Mansion and Garden: A well-preserved Qing Dynasty estate in Banqiao District, a 5-minute walk from MRT Fuzhong Station.

  • Shilin Night Market: Taipei’s largest night market, famous for fried chicken steaks, bubble tea, and endless food stalls.

  • Jiufen: A day trip classic. The old mountain town that 'supposedly' inspired Spirited Away, about 1.5 hours from Taipei by train + bus. Visit in the late afternoon to see the lanterns light up.

Taipei Food & Coffee Picks

Breakfast

  • Meihao Mei Breakfast Restaurant (美好美早餐店)

    A small local breakfast spot run by an extravagant owner. It’s quite popular with tourists, so expect a crowd. The food wasn’t amazing, but it’s cheap, fast, and filling, a good option if you’re on a budget.

  • Li-Ji Soy Milk (立吉豆漿)

    I loved their egg rolls, super flavourful and still cheap. Definitely worth a stop if you’re into traditional Taiwanese breakfast food like soy milk, fried dough, and egg wraps.

Lunch & Dinner

  • Ba Fang Dumpling (八方雲集)

    A small local chain with dumplings and noodles that are cheap, quick, and flavourful. You can get dry or soup noodles, plus separate sides like wontons and veggies. A reliable go-to for everyday meals.

  • Papa Chiang Noodle (老趙川味麵館)

    Great spot for beef noodles, cozy atmosphere and friendly owners. Prices are fair, and it feels like the kind of place locals go to regularly.

  • Hang-A-Khau Beef Noodles (杭阿靠牛肉麵)

    One of my favorite beef noodle restaurants in Taipei. The broth is rich and full of flavour, highly recommend it if you’re looking for a deeper, more traditional taste.

Coffee

  • FabCafe Taipei

    One of the best experiences I’ve had, the barista went above and beyond to share their best brews and even offered some tasting and aroma samples. Amazing for coffee lovers who enjoy learning about what they’re drinking.

  • Chis Coffee

    Good vibes and nice design, though the coffee is on the pricier side. Still a nice place to relax or work for a while.

  • Uni Café

    Super cozy, with a friendly resident cat. The coffee’s good, and it’s one of those cafes where you can sit for hours without feeling rushed.

  • 建築珈琲 (Jianzhu Coffee)

    A calm, refined spot offering great coffee and herbal tea, ideal if you want something a bit quieter or more sophisticated.

  • Beans and Coffee (Roasting house)

        Another cozy, calm spot to take a rest with classical music in the background.

Final Thoughts

Taipei is one of those cities that manages to feel alive yet laid-back at the same time. It’s easy to explore, full of culture, and has a little bit of everything, from city lights and temples to mountains and nature just outside the metro line.

 

If it’s your first stop in Taiwan, don’t rush through it. Stay a few days, try a different night market each evening, hike one of the nearby trails, and enjoy how effortlessly modern and traditional life blend together here.