Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, is a dynamic city that blends modernity with a rich cultural heritage. From towering skyscrapers and bustling night markets to serene temples and lush mountains, Taipei offers a diverse range of attractions. Whether you’re a history buff, a food lover, or an outdoor enthusiast, Taipei has something for everyone.
What you need to travel to Taipei
Google Mymap
Hotels & Flight Tickets
Hotels in Taipei:
Trip.com | Expedia
Discounted Air Tickets:
Trip.com | Expedia
Transportation from TPE Airport to Taipei
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is located about 40 km (25 miles) west of Taipei. There are several convenient and affordable ways to reach the city center, depending on your budget and travel preferences.
Airport MRT (Metro) (Fastest & Most Convenient)
Travel Time: 35–50 minutes
Cost: NT150–NT175 (~5–6 USD)
Best for: Speed, comfort, and direct access to Taipei Main Station.
Two Types of Trains:
Express Train (Purple) – Non-stop to Taipei Main Station in 35 mins.
Commuter Train (Blue) – Makes 6 stops, takes 50 mins.
Key Stops:
Taipei Main Station (Connects to Red/Blue MRT lines, HSR, and local trains)
New Taipei Industrial Park (For Banqiao area)
Taoyuan HSR Station (For high-speed rail transfers)
How to Buy Tickets: Ticket machines (English available)
EasyCard (Can be used, but must have sufficient balance)
Taiwan EasyCard | Exclusively for Non-Taiwan Residents
Collect at Taoyuan International Airport
High-Speed Rail (HSR) + MRT (Fast but Requires Transfer)
Travel Time: 50 mins (Airport → Taoyuan HSR → Taipei)
Cost: NT160(MRT)+NT160 (HSR) = NT320 (~10 USD)
Best for: Travelers heading to southern Taiwan (Kaohsiung, Taichung).
How to Board: Take the Airport MRT to Taoyuan HSR Station (15 mins). Transfer to HSR to Taipei Main Station (20 mins).
Airport Buses (Affordable & Comfortable)
Travel Time: 50–70 mins (depending on traffic)
Cost: NT90–NT150 (~3–5 USD)
Best for: Budget travelers, late-night arrivals, or direct hotel drop-offs.
Popular Bus Routes:
| Bus No. | Destination | Key Stops | Frequency |
| 1819 | Taipei Main Station | Ximen, Zhongxiao Fuxing | Every 15–20 mins |
| 1960 | Songshan Airport | Zhongxiao Dunhua, Nanjing E. Rd. | Every 30 mins |
| 1962 | Taipei City Hall | Xinyi Shopping District | Every 20 mins |
Where to Board:
Terminal 1: Bus Bay B1 (Arrival Hall)
Terminal 2: Bus Bay 1F
Taxi / Ride-Hailing (Most Comfortable)
Travel Time: 40–60 mins (depending on traffic)
Cost: NT1,000–NT1,500 (approx. 30–50 USD)
Best for: Families, groups, or travelers with heavy luggage.
Options:
Yellow Taxis (Metered, available at taxi stands)
Uber / Yoxi (App-based, fixed price)
Taipei 101 台北101
Taipei 101 is a symbol of Taiwan’s economic prowess and architectural innovation. Standing at 508 meters (1,667 feet), it was the tallest building in the world from 2004 to 2010 and remains an engineering marvel. Designed to resemble a bamboo stalk, its structure incorporates elements of traditional Asian aesthetics while being built to withstand typhoons and earthquakes.
The 89th-floor observatory offers 360-degree panoramic views of Taipei, with clear-day visibility extending to the distant mountains. The high-speed elevator (one of the fastest in the world) whisks travelers up in just 37 seconds.
Here is a multi-level luxury mall featuring international brands, gourmet restaurants, and the famous Damper Baby mascots, a playful nod to the building’s massive tuned mass damper that stabilizes it during strong winds.
Address: No. 7, Section 5, Xinyi Road, Xinyi District
Opening Hours: Observatory: 11:00 – 21:00 / Mall: 11:00 – 21:30
How to Get There: MRT: Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station (Red Line, Exit 4)
Taipei Martyrs’ Shrine 台北忠烈祠
The Taipei Martyrs’ Shrine is a solemn and majestic memorial dedicated to the fallen soldiers and martyrs who sacrificed their lives for Taiwan and the Republic of China. Modeled after the Hall of Supreme Harmony in Beijing’s Forbidden City, the shrine’s grand Northern Chinese palace-style architecture exudes reverence and historical significance.
Every hour, you can witness the elaborate Changing of the Guard ceremony, where precision-trained honor guards perform a synchronized rifle drill. A moving tribute to the nation’s heroes. The shrine’s tranquil gardens, arched bridges, and reflective ponds create serene vibes, making it a place for both remembrance and quiet contemplation.
Address: No. 139, Beian Road, Zhongshan District
Opening Hours: 09:00 – 17:00
How to Get There: MRT: Jiantan Station (Red Line), then take Bus 267 or 556 to the shrine.
Taxi/Bike: A 10-minute ride from central Taipei.
Shilin Night Market 士林夜市
As Taipei’s largest and most famous night market, Shilin is a food-lover’s paradise. With over 500 stalls, it offers an overwhelming variety of Taiwanese street food, from stinky tofu to giant fried chicken cutlets.
Beyond food, the market has arcades, clothing stalls, and souvenir shops. The underground food court provides seating, making it easier to enjoy your feast.
Must-try dishes:
Oyster Omelet (蚵仔煎): A savory mix of eggs, oysters, and sweet potato starch.
Bubble Tea (珍珠奶茶): Invented in Taiwan, this iconic drink is a must.
Large Fried Chicken (大雞排): A crispy, juicy slab bigger than your face.
Address: No. 101, Jihe Road, Shilin District, Taipei
Opening Hours: 16:00 – 00:00 +1
How to Get There: MRT: Jiantan Station (Red Line, Exit 1)
Ximending (Ximen Pedestrian Area) 西門町
Ximending is Taipei’s answer to Tokyo’s Harajuku or Seoul’s Hongdae, a vibrant pedestrian zone packed with fashion boutiques, street food, and pop culture. Known as the birthplace of Taiwan’s entertainment industry, it has been a hub for artists since the Japanese colonial era.
At night, neon lights illuminate the area, and food stalls serve bubble tea, fried chicken, and oyster vermicelli. Ximending is also a shopping paradise, offering everything from luxury brands to bargain finds.
Address: Wanhua District, Taipei
Opening Hours: Shops open until 22:00
How to Get There: MRT: Ximen Station (Blue/Green Line, Exit 6)
Raohe Street Night Market 饒河街夜市
As one of Taipei’s oldest night markets, Raohe Street packs a punch with its 200+ food stalls, blending classic Taiwanese snacks and innovative street eats. Unlike the sprawling Shilin Night Market, Raohe’s compact, straight-line layout makes it easy to explore.
Must-try dishes:
Fuzhou Pepper Buns (福州胡椒餅): A crispy, wood-fired bun stuffed with spiced pork and scallions.
Black Pepper Buns (黑胡椒餡餅): A meaty, peppery alternative.
Oyster Vermicelli (蚵仔麵線): A savory broth with plump oysters and silky noodles.
Address: Raohe Street, Songshan District
Opening Hours: 17:00 – 00:00 +1
How to Get There: MRT: Songshan Station (Green Line)
National Palace Museum 故宮博物院
The National Palace Museum houses one of the world’s finest collections of Chinese imperial artifacts, spanning 8,000 years of history. Originally part of Beijing’s Forbidden City, these treasures were relocated to Taiwan during the Chinese Civil War. Today, the museum displays over 700,000 pieces, with rotating exhibitions to preserve delicate artworks.
The museum’s architecture blends traditional Chinese palace style with modern design, and its hillside location offers scenic views. The Zhishan Garden nearby replicates a classical Chinese landscape, perfect for a peaceful stroll.
Highlights include:
Jadeite Cabbage: A mesmerizing Qing Dynasty carving resembling bok choy with a hidden grasshopper.
Meat-shaped Stone: A lifelike chunk of jasper resembling braised pork belly.
Ancient bronzes, ceramics, and calligraphy from China’s greatest dynasties.
Address: No. 221, Section 2, Zhishan Road, Shilin District, Taipei
Opening Hours: 09:00 – 17:00 (Closed on Mondays)
How to Get There: MRT: Shilin Station (Red Line), then transfer by bus
Bus: R30 (from Shilin MRT Station) or 304
Beitou Hot Springs 北投溫泉
Nestled in the foothills of Yangmingshan National Park, Beitou Hot Springs is Taipei’s premier destination for natural geothermal baths. The area’s hot springs have been cherished since the Japanese colonial era.
The Beitou Thermal Valley (Hell Valley) is a surreal sight: a steaming turquoise pool with temperatures reaching 100°C (212°F). Swimming here is prohibited, but the nearby Millennium Hot Spring offers a public bathing experience for a small fee.
After soaking, explore Xinbeitou’s quaint streets, lined with tea houses and local eateries. The Ketagalan Culture Center showcases Indigenous Taiwanese heritage, adding cultural depth to your visit.
Address: Beitou District, Taipei
Opening Hours: Varies by spa (Public springs: ~05:30 – 19:00)
How to Get There: MRT: Xinbeitou Station (Red Line)
Longshan Temple 龍山寺
Built in 1738 by Fujianese immigrants, Longshan Temple is one of Taipei’s oldest and most revered temples. Dedicated to Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy), it also honors Mazu, Guan Gong, and other deities, reflecting Taiwan’s syncretic blend of Buddhism, Taoism, and folk religion. Locals flock here to pray for luck, love, or health, tossing moon blocks (jiaobei) for divine answers.
The temple’s intricate carvings, gilded altars, and coiling incense smoke create mesmerizing vibes. Despite being damaged in WWII and natural disasters, it has been meticulously restored, retaining its Qing Dynasty grandeur.
Adjacent to the temple, Mengjia Night Market offers a taste of traditional snacks like braised pork rice (lu rou fan) and herbal rib soup. The surrounding Wanhua District is Taipei’s historic heart, with narrow alleys hiding century-old shops.
Address: No. 211, Guangzhou Street, Wanhua District
Opening Hours: 06:00 – 22:00
How to Get There: MRT: Longshan Temple Station (Blue Line)
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall 中正紀念堂
This grand white-and-blue memorial hall honors Chiang Kai-shek, the former leader of the Republic of China. The vast Liberty Square leading to the memorial is a gathering place for cultural events and protests, symbolizing Taiwan’s democracy.
The main hall features a bronze statue of Chiang, guarded by military personnel who perform a precise hourly changing of the guard—a must-see spectacle. Beneath the memorial, a museum documents Taiwan’s political history, including the transition from martial law to democracy.
Surrounding the complex are the National Theater and Concert Hall, designed in traditional Chinese architectural style, hosting world-class performances. The gardens and ponds provide a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle.
Address: No. 21, Zhongshan South Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei
Opening Hours: 09:00 – 18:00
How to Get There: MRT: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Station (Red/Green Line, Exit 5)
Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) 象山
For the most breathtaking panoramic views of Taipei’s skyline, a hike up Elephant Mountain is a must. This moderate 20-30 minute hike rewards travelers with unobstructed vistas, particularly stunning at sunset or nighttime when the city lights twinkle below.
The trail consists of well-maintained stone steps surrounded by lush greenery. Along the way, several viewing platforms offer perfect photo opportunities. Despite being in the city, Elephant Mountain feels like a natural escape, with chirping birds and fresh air. The hike is short but steep, so wearing comfortable shoes and bringing water is recommended.
Address: Lane 150, Section 5, Xinyi Road, Xinyi District
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
How to Get There: MRT: Xiangshan Station (Red Line, Exit 2), then a 15-min walk
Maokong Gondola 貓空纜車
The Maokong Gondola is a 4.3-kilometer cable car ride that glides over lush hillsides, offering sweeping views of Taipei’s skyline and the tea-growing terraces of Maokong. Originally a tea-farming village, Maokong is now a peaceful retreat known for its teahouses and hiking trails.
The gondola has glass-floor cabins (Crystal Cabins), adding thrill to the journey. At the top, visit family-run tea plantations to sample Taiwan’s famed Tieguanyin oolong tea, hand-picked from the surrounding slopes. Maokong’s teahouses light up as dusk falls, creating a magical ambiance. Pair your tea with tea-infused dishes like tea oil noodles or tea-smoked chicken.
Address: Near Taipei Zoo, Wenshan District
Opening Hours: 09:00 – 21:00 (Closed Mondays)
How to Get There: MRT: Taipei Zoo Station (Brown Line)
Discover more from GPSeeker Travel
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
