Planning to journey to Taipei Taiwan? That is my favourite nation in Asia and I come right here loads due to the distinctive meals selections! Listed here are my experiences in Taipei, together with hitchhiking throughout Taiwan. Sure, this is without doubt one of the most secure nations in Asia!
📬 Reader mail: Whats up Trisha! Thanks for all of your content material about solo journey. As a lady who like to journey, your weblog serves as my bible to exit on this planet!
By the way in which, I first adopted you 10 years in the past whenever you have been doing all your examine overseas program in Italy. A pal handed your weblog to me and I obtained immediately hooked!
I’m leaving Canada for the primary time – I don’t know in case you heard what’s occurring right here lately however anyway…
I want to ask for some recommendation on solo journey to Taipei Taiwan. I noticed your Instagram tales in Taiwan and it seemed such as you had numerous enjoyable there.
I’m wanting ahead to listening to extra from you. I’m actually excited for this journey and I hope you possibly can assist!
-Charlene Bronstein, Canada
Hello Charlene!
Thanks a lot for studying the weblog! You might be proper – Taipei is one among my favourite nations in Asia! I at all times go to right here and it’s tremendous secure. I really made numerous Taiwanese mates by way of Couchsurfing. I actually really feel secure to journey to Taipei Taiwan solo.
I obtained tremendous excited after I acquired your mail so I obtained into writing the submit straight away! I will probably be again in Asia this 12 months (after 4 years of residing in Mexico) to go to family and friends. If now we have the identical journey schedule, I would really like so that you can be part of me in Taipei.
If not, I hope this Taipei journey information will nonetheless assist you to plan your journey. Good luck and let me know you probably have extra questions!
Xx,
Trisha
☕ Assist this weblog’s trustworthy and clear journalism. Assist us add worth to what we’re sharing. Maintain P.S. I’m On My Method free for all by donating to our espresso fund.
🇹🇼 Taipei journey at a look
- Foreign money: The foreign money in Taiwan is known as the brand new Taiwan greenback (NT$). US$1 = NT$30. I’ll clarify what you should purchase with this quantity later however to inform you the reality, Taiwan is an reasonably priced nation to journey to!
- Energy plug: Taiwan makes use of Kind A (two flat parallel pins) and kinds B (two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin)
- Visa: People, Canadians, Australians, British, and most European residents don’t want a visa to enter Taiwan if you’re solely visiting for lower than 90 days. You’ll robotically get 90 days upon entry to Taipei and this can’t be prolonged.
- Language: The language in Taiwan is Mandarin. Most younger folks can converse English together with individuals who work within the tourism business however many institutions have employees who can’t talk in English effectively. However don’t fear, you’ll go by! The Taiwanese are very heat folks and they’ll strive their finest to reply to you, even when their English is incomplete.
- Transportation: Taiwan is a small nation with buses, trains, and home flights. The practice is my favourite mode of transport (I as soon as did it from Taipei all the way in which to the south of Dulan). I’ll put all of your transportation choices within the getting round part of this text.
- Wifi/Web in Taipei: Taipei is first-world and trendy in terms of Web pace. You’ll by no means have to fret about Web connection when in Taipei.
- Taiwan sim card: T-Star is an efficient community supplier in Taiwan, particularly for many who are staying in Taiwan for lengthy intervals of time. A 1-week limitless plan prices US$14. Chunghwa Telecom is really helpful to those that will go to distant areas of Taiwan however if you’re simply visiting Taipei, purchase T-Star upon arrival on the airport.
- Instructed journey length: Truthfully, 3-5 days in Taipei is already an excellent variety of days. It is possible for you to to cowl all one of the best issues to do in Taipei inside this time-frame.
Is Taipei value visiting?
ABSOLUTELY! Personally, I like to journey to Taipei recurrently due to the meals. Taiwan has many dishes that you just received’t discover in every other Asian nation.
I have to put extra emphasis on this since I like touring for meals. In a while, I’ll share with you all of the Taipei eating places and road meals stands that I found on each journey!
In case you are not a fan of meals, there are numerous attention-grabbing issues to do in Taipei. Keep in mind that Taipei is a giant metropolis with wealthy and various cultures – no matter sort of traveler you might be, you’ll at all times discover one thing for you whenever you go to Taipei.
I do know most of my stuff on this weblog is about solo journey however if you’re touring with mates or household, this Taipei journey information may even be useful!
Is it secure to journey to Taipei Taiwan?
DEFINITELY! Taipei is without doubt one of the cities on this planet with a low crime charge. My dad and mom let me journey to Taiwan very younger (18) and I by no means heard any dangerous information from family and friends earlier than visiting.
Due to my Asian heritage, I’m undoubtedly extra comfy being on this nation as they don’t take a look at me in another way.
My American mates who reside in Taipei additionally don’t get numerous consideration from being a foreigner. Taiwan is used to vacationers and international guests so you’ll take pleasure in your go to with out worrying about getting consideration.
Nonetheless, like anyplace else, be conscious about your belongings as petty theft nonetheless occurs in Taiwan. I journey with numerous digital camera gear and I by no means felt frightened about carrying them round or taking photos in public. This, I received’t do in locations like Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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✈️ Planning your trip in Taipei
Finest time to go to Taipei Taiwan
July to August is summer season in Taiwan, which additionally marks the excessive season. Presently of the 12 months, Taipei is scorching and might attain temperatures as much as 30°C (86°F). That is one of the best time to go to close by seashores like Shalun Seashore, Baishawan Seashore, Wanli, Fulong, and Wai Ao.
Anticipate the seashore areas to be crowded throughout these months as a result of Taipei is actually scorching in July and August. Nonetheless, the temperatures quiet down within the evenings and the town is extra alive at night time through the summer season. There are numerous events right here even throughout mid-week!
One of the best time to go to Taipei for me is through the off-season, from November to March. The climate is means cooler and also you’ll take pleasure in strolling (or biking) round Taipei with out sweating and feeling sticky. Throughout these months, temperatures are gentle (round 13-18°C or 55-64°F).
March, April, October, and November are shoulder seasons. That is Spring time in Taipei and you may expertise nice climate (19°C / 66°F). Costs are additionally decrease than typical.
To have an concept about occasions, celebrations, and holidays in Taipei, I listed them under (month by month):
- January: Lunar New Yr Pageant, Lantern Pageant, and strawberry season
- February: Lohas Cherry Blossom Pageant and Pingxi Sky Lantern Pageant
- March: Tour de Taiwan, Zhuzihu Calla Lily, and Hydrangea Pageant
- April: City Nomad Movie Fest, Artistic Expo Taiwan, Baosheng Cultural Pageant, and Treasure Hill Mild Pageant
- Might: Ki Kou Pageant, Taipei Conventional Market Pageant, and Xia-Hai Metropolis God Cultural Pageant
- June: Worldwide Dragon Boat Championships & Pageant and Taipei Movie Pageant
- July: Taipei Arts Pageant, Taipei Water Pageant, Taipei Arts Pageant, and Valentine’s Day (Chinese language calendar)
- August: Taipei Worldwide Fantastic Wine Expo, Taipei Music Tutorial Pageant, and Toucheng Ghost Grappling Competitors
- September: Mid-Autumn Pageant
- October: LGBTQ Pleasure parade and Fulong Worldwide Sand Sculpture Pageant
- November: Taipei Jazz Pageant
- December: Christmas celebrations and holidays
What to pack for Taipei
Should you’re visiting through the excessive seasons of summer season (July to August, as much as 30°C/86°F), it will be scorching and humid so make sure that to pack the next:
- Swimsuits, in case you plan to go to the seashores of Taipei
- Linen pants are nice for cold summer season evenings
- Sturdy and trendy sandals which you’ll put on in informal dinners and out of doors adventures as effectively
- Shorts!!! A lot of it. You received’t in all probability want pants whenever you go to Taipei through the summer season
- Convey a hat to guard you from the scorching warmth
- Pack a foldable raincoat since it could actually nonetheless rain at first of July
November to March is cool however can get actually chilly at night time (13-18°C or 55-64°F) so make sure that to convey a jacket. Winter in Taipei will not be actually that chilly, particularly if you’re used to the tough winters of Europe and North America.
As for the shoulder seasons of March, April, October, and November, make sure that to pack Spring clothes. The folks of Taipei are very modern so be artistic and toss some metropolis clothes in your suitcase.
The town of Taipei is paved so suitcases can simply roll (even the large ones)! There’s a locker station within the Taipei Worldwide Airport ought to you might want to depart your suitcase whereas going across the metropolis.
Journey to Taipei from the US, Canada, Europe, and many others
The airport that serves Taipei is Taoyuan Worldwide Airport. Fortunately, it is extremely straightforward to go to Taipei from North America. Nearly all main cities within the US and Canada have direct flights to Taiwan.
Under are some route strategies from the USA and Canada. The airline that operates these direct flights is Eva Air.
- Chicago: 14h 40m
- Los Angeles, CA: 13h 20m
- New York Metropolis, NY: 15h 50m
- San Francisco, CA: 12h 40m (apart from Eva Air, United Airways and China Airways even have direct flights from SFO
- Seattle, WA: 12h
- Toronto, Canada: 15h through Air Canada
- Vancouver, Canada: 11h 40 min through Air Canada
From Europe, one of the best route is through Amsterdam and London. The airline that operates this route is China Airways and proper now, the charges are lower than US$1,200.
There aren’t any direct flights from Madrid and you’ll have to cease in one other Asian nation like Hong Kong (through Cathay Pacific). Flights from Madrid to Taipei can even fly by way of Dubai (through Emirates). Eva Air flies from Paris to Taipei direct for 13 hours.
Australian vacationers can simply fly direct by way of Taipei however those that are flying from Adelaide has a 1.5 hours layover in Melbourne. See extra information under:
- Adelaide: through Qantas with a layover in Melbourne (12h)
- Melbourne: through China Airways and Qantas (9h, continuous)
- Perth: through Scoot or Singapore Airways with a layover in Singapore (14h)
- Sydney: through Qantas and China Airways (10h, continuous)
Taiwan entry necessities
Taiwan began easing border controls and entry necessities on June 15, 2022. As of at present, Taiwan is rising its international guests restrict to make up for the loss throughout COVID-19. So as to journey to Taipei Taiwan, you should have a detrimental PCR check legitimate for 48 hours.
Taiwan nonetheless wears masks however Asian nations have at all times had the follow of carrying masks even earlier than COVID. Since journey entry necessities at all times change, I’ll replace this submit as quickly as I hear from the ministry of tourism of Taiwan.
🧳 A pleasant reminder: Don’t journey to Taipei Taiwan with out insurance coverage that covers COVID-19! As a digital nomad and distant employee, I solely pay US$40 for my journey insurance coverage. Take a look at SafetyWing and see what journey insurance coverage will give you the results you want!
Arrival in Taipei
How one can get to Taipei heart from Taipei Worldwide Airport
The most affordable solution to get to Taipei from the airport is by bus. The experience is 1 hour and the fare worth is from US$3- US$6. Kuo-Kuang Bus leaves each 20 minutes whereas Citi Air Bus departs hourly. You’ll be able to seek for routes and reserve your Taipei Airport bus tickets at Taiwan Bus.
The second least expensive possibility is by practice and it solely takes 35 minutes. That is my most popular transportation from the airport to the middle as a result of the trains in Taipei are very comfy!
The practice departs each 20 minutes and prices US$5 through Taoyuan Metro. You don’t have to purchase tickets prematurely – you should buy them as quickly as you land.
The taxi from Taipei Airport begins at US$55 and the experience is similar length because the practice. This mode of transport will take you door-to-door to your resort.
Lastly, you possibly can lease a automotive at Taipei Airport for US$35 per day. That is ideally suited if you wish to drive the entire nation from Taiwan. Driving in Taiwan is tremendous secure and the highway format may be very pleasant to foreigners. Some even do a motorbike journey in the entire nation!
Taipei map: understanding the format
Taipei has a land space of 271.8 km². Getting round Taipei is simple due to its very trendy transportation system. There are bus and practice strains for all neighborhoods in Taipei.
As a first-timer, I’m certain you’ll keep within the metropolis heart however simply in case, these are the neighborhoods in Taipei that you must find out about.
You’ll be able to click on on the hyperlinks to see their precise location from the airport or vacationer attraction.
- Beitou: Taipei’s northernmost neighborhood, finest neighborhood for out of doors adventures
- Dadaocheng: Taipei’s oldest neighborhood, finest for previous structure in Taiwan
- Da’an: inexperienced areas and large parks
- Songshan: a business district and common with vacationers as a result of it’s near the airport. I keep right here on a regular basis and that is in all probability my most favourite in all of the Taiwan neighborhoods
- Tamsui: mountains and rivers
- Xinyi Business District: purchasing space and enterprise district in Taipei
💰 Taipei journey price
Fortunately, there are numerous free issues to do in Taipei (will talk about that later) however for now, let’s speak about your Taipei journey funds. The foreign money in Taiwan is known as the brand new Taiwan greenback (NT$). US$1 = NT$30.
To know this conversion, under are a few of the primary costs in USD:
- Fundamental lunchtime menu (together with a drink) within the enterprise district: US$6
- Combo meal in quick meals restaurant: US$4.50
- 1 cocktail drink in a downtown membership: US$15
- 1 beer in neighborhood pub (500ml or 1pt.): US$6
- Cappuccino in a specialty espresso store: US$5
- 1 bundle of Marlboro cigarettes: US$4
💵 Taiwan foreign money 101: The Taiwanese greenback notes are in 100, 500, and 1,000 NT$ (US$3 US$17, and US$32), whereas the cash are in quantities of 1, 5, 10, and 50 NT$ (US$0.003, US$0.17, and US$2).
Lodging prices
A hostel in Taipei (heart) begins at US$12 per night time for a mattress in a dorm. These are very clear (however actually small) and are one of the best lodging possibility for solo vacationers. I at all times use Hostelworld when reserving my hostels in Taipei. You’ll solely pay 12% to substantiate your reservation!
There are numerous boutique lodges in Taipei for as little as US$35. Each Airbnb and Vrbo in Taipei are common lodging reserving platforms. There are greater than 300 properties in Taipei and the value is similar as staying in a resort. Most residences in Taipei that I stayed in are small however very comfy.
Meals prices
Meals in Taipei may be very low cost. Taipei has a giant road meals tradition and a few of these road meals carts have Michelin stars. Though there are numerous good eating places in Taipei, you must extremely deal with conventional Taiwanese road meals as a result of they’re one among a form – I actually haven’t seen something related on this planet!
You’ll be able to undoubtedly eat in Taipei for lower than US$3 per meal. Proceed looking on this text as a result of I will probably be sharing my loopy meals map in Taipei that’s categorized by space and dishes!
Tour prices
As for issues to do, count on to pay for actions beginning at US$15 (relying on the exercise/tour, in fact). The great factor is I’m going to share with you some free issues to do in Taipei on this article so hold studying since you’ll love all these actions!
If I’m not visiting Taipei on task, I normally use Viator or GetYourGuide to guide actions in Taipei.
ATMs, USD trade, and many others
Cash trade in Taipei
Taiwan doesn’t settle for US {dollars} so one of the best ways to trade USD is upon arrival on the airport. Nonetheless, within the many instances that I traveled to Taipei, I found some banks and cash trade homes within the metropolis heart that supply higher charges. Under are one of the best banks for cash trade in Taipei:
- CTBC
- Sinopac
- Taipei Fubon Financial institution
- Taiwan Enterprise Financial institution
- Taiwan Cooperative Financial institution
All these are main banks in Taipei and you will discover at the very least one department in each neighborhood. As for cash trade homes, please see under:
- Breeze: division retailer in Taipei with over 8 branches
- Pacific Sogo: this can be a division retailer however they may take your USD or NTD. They’ve many branches throughout Taipei
- Shin Kong Mitsukoshi: one other division retailer in Taipei with 5 branches all around the metropolis
- Taipei 101: the customer support sales space at Taipei 101 additionally accepts foreign money trade. That is the preferred vacationer attraction in Taiwan so that you’ll in all probability go to this at one level!
ATM withdrawals
I take advantage of each my Financial institution of America and Clever card when touring to Taipei. At Taiwan Cooperative Financial institution, I didn’t get charged a withdrawal payment versus different banks that may cost at the very least US$4 per transaction.
Nonetheless, notice that the withdrawal charges in Taiwan will rely in your financial institution from house. There isn’t a assure that you just received’t get charged for each ATM withdrawal.
Fubon Financial institution did cost me a 1% withdrawal payment. Check with the record of banks above to see what is going to work finest together with your ATM/financial institution from house.
Credit score/debit playing cards
Bank cards are extensively accepted in most eating places and institutions in Taiwan. Nonetheless, you continue to want money for road meals and different small-scale companies.
Essentially the most accepted bank card in Taiwan is Visa and Mastercard. You need to use it all over the place and not using a downside. I attempted to make use of my Amex card (simply to see the place it really works) and it did work in lots of institutions as effectively, however not all.
Tipping in Taipei
Tipping will not be anticipated in Taipei however is at all times extremely appreciated. Some locals received’t actually perceive what a tip is and received’t settle for. When tipping, say “xie xie” (she she) which implies “thanks” and they’ll perceive that the tip is supposed for them.
🛏️ Taipei lodges and lodging
Earlier than reserving your Taipei lodges and lodging, familiarize your self with the areas first. Within the first a part of this text, I gave you a short background of all of the Taipei neighborhoods on a bigger scale.
However on a smaller scale, let’s take a look at all of the locations the place it’s accessible to vacationers. I’m certain you all wish to have an area expertise in Taipei and keep in less-touristy locations however at all times consider how far you may be from the necessary landmarks and excursions.
I’d advocate staying in Xinyi and Zhongshan neighborhoods that are the large metropolis heart of Taipei. Shilin and Da’an areas are near all of the vacationer spots whereas Ximending is the brand new neighborhood pattern for popular culture.
Accommodations in Beitou neighborhood are dearer than these of the town as a result of Beitou has nice luxurious lodges and resorts with mountain views.
Finest lodges in Taipei
Prime-rated hostels in Taipei
Please notice that the costs under don’t embody non-public rooms however solely a hostel mattress in a shared dorm. Hostels in Taipei normally have 4, 6, 8, and 12 beds in a dorm.
🏙️ Issues to do in Taipei
Taipei should go to
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Corridor
📍 Part 3, Zhongxiao E Rd, Da’an
Chiang Kai-shek was a navy chief in China through the Nanjing decade. This Memorial Corridor has 89 steps on the entrance, which was Chiang’s age when he died.
The courtyard of this Memorial Corridor is actually stunning with neoclassic model and blue-roofed halls. The Memorial Corridor is open every day from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM whereas the Memorial Park is open till 12 midnight.
Dihua Avenue
Dihua Avenue is a historic website situated in Datong District. Stroll round and find out about Chinese language drugs, purchase materials, store for Chinese language tea, and lots of extra! That is presently a hangout for younger Taiwanese folks as cafes, eating places, vintage retailers, and artwork galleries have opened right here.
It’s best time to return right here for the Lunar New Yr Bazaar as you will note numerous native life. That is Taiwan’s favourite vacation purchasing heart (through the season) so count on massive crowds.
Longshan Temple
📍 No. 211, Guangzhou St, Wanhua
This Buddhist temple is Taipei’s most-visited spiritual website. 6:00 AM, 8:00 AM, and 5:00 PM are worship instances so attempt to go to at these hours to see (and take part) in chanting. They permit guests even when there are vacationers round however this place can get packed!
This temple is open from 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM day-after-day of the week. After going across the temple, you possibly can go to the markets close by (west of the temple) reminiscent of Guangzhou Night time Market and Huaxi Night time Market the place you possibly can strive Taipei’s well-known snake soup.
🚉 Getting there ideas: Feeling adventurous? You’ll be able to take the practice to Longshan Temple. It is only one block from Wanhua Station in Taipei. Should you’re taking the MRT, go for the blue line. The station’s identify is similar because the temple.
Nationwide Palace Museum
📍 No. 221, Sec 2, Zhi Shan Rd, Shilin
See the best Chinese language artwork collections from a number of dynasties on the Nationwide Palace Museum. Right here, you’ll be taught in regards to the wealthy tradition of Taiwan and see work, ceramics, actually previous books, and lots of different issues from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
The Nationwide Palace Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Mondays) from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. The doorway payment is NT$350 (US$12). Admission is free for college students (17 and under) and senior residents.
That is normally a part of the Taipei Metropolis go to tour and you may guide a combo tour right here for US$52.
Taipei 101
📍 No. 45 Metropolis Corridor Rd, Xinyi
Taipei 101 is a part of the Taipei should go to points of interest as a result of it is extremely iconic to the town. It’s the fifth tallest constructing on this planet (101 tales) and has nice views of the town. It’s also generally known as the monetary heart of Taipei.
The commentary decks are on the 88th and 89th flooring. There’s an out of doors deck on the 91st flooring that’s open when the climate permits. They’ll inform you if it’s doable to entry it whenever you purchase the tickets on the reception.
The primary 5 flooring are malls and purchasing facilities whereas the meals court docket is situated o the basement. For spectacular views of Taipei 101 (that’s not contained in the constructing), hike Elephant Mountain or have drinks at Zhang Males, a well-liked place for craft beers.
Taipei vacationer points of interest
Museums in Taipei
Museum-lovers, there are over 50 museums in Taipei to go to. Every museum has completely different shows, exhibitions, and galleries so that you can see throughout your go to. I received’t embody all of the Taipei museums on this submit however listed here are the highest ones you shouldn’t skip:
- Ama Museum: a heritage home the place you possibly can find out about Taiwan’s consolation ladies
- Beitou Scorching Spring Museum: a reproduction of the Shizuokaken Idouyama bathhouses in Japan
- Miniatures Museum of Taiwan: mini doll homes, palaces, chalets, castles, and many others. That is my favourite in Taipei!
- Nationwide Human Rights Museum: a former jail/jail for political prisoners
- Nationwide 2-28 Museum: an area that commemorates the February 28 incident in Taiwan
Non secular temples in Taipei
Buddhism got here to Taiwan through the Dutch colonization (1624-1663). Though the Dutch have been in opposition to it, it continued to develop within the provinces of Taiwan. The highest Buddhist and Taoist temples to go to in Taipei are:
- Bao’an Temple: finest temple to see conventional Chinese language artwork and efficiency arts. The folks arts pageant takes place right here from April to June
- Guandu Temple: Taipei’s oldest temple constructed on the aspect of the mountain
- Qingshan Temple: wooden and stone paintings, pottery, and mosaic
- Tianhou Temple: Japanese and Chinese language worship practices
- Yinshan Temple: constructed by Hakka immigrants
Historial websites in Taipei
Taiwan will not be China and so they have its personal cultures, customs, and historical past. So as to perceive the evolution of Taiwan, under are some historic websites to go to:
- Kishuan Forest of Literature: a small lodge in-built 1917 the place you’ll find out about Taiwan’s literature
- Lin Antai Historic Home: Taipei’s oldest residential constructing that has 30 rooms
- Oxford School: the primary Western College in Taipei and is one of the best place to get to know the training system of Taiwan.
- Presidential Workplace Constructing: Taiwanese presidents housing since 1949
- Zhongshan Corridor: that is the place the Japanese surrendered in 1945. Chiang Kai-shek additionally made many public speeches on this corridor
Taipei Markets
Taipei has many night time markets and that is my favourite spot to have low cost and good meals. Other than meals, these markets additionally promote souvenirs, vintage stuff, and lots of different issues that you could take house as a remembrance of your journey.
Under are the markets I at all times go to when in Taipei:
- Lao Mian Cheng Lantern Store: handmade lamps and paper lanterns
- Jianguo Weekend Vacation Jade Market: jade, pearls, copper, bonsai. In addition they have a weekend flower market the place you’ll discover extraordinary bonsai crops
- Dongmen Market: a fruit and vegetable market the place locals go
- Shilin Night time Market: the most important and hottest night time market in Taiwan
- Tonghua Night time Market: the liveliest night time market in Taipei and is an area favourite
- Yongle Market: this can be a material market, for silk, cotton, animal prints, daring colours, and many others
- Wufenpu: road trend market the place you should purchase clothes and niknaks
Taipei excursions
Taipei meals tour (strolling)
👉🏽 Test costs
You’ll go to 10 completely different road meals stalls and eating places on this Taipei meals tour. A Taiwanese native information will stroll you across the native spots the place you possibly can strive world-renowned Taiwanese dishes that you just in all probability didn’t hear of earlier than.
This strolling meals tour extremely focuses on the busy Zhongzheng neighborhood and also you’ll additionally get to go to Dongmen Market. The consuming and strolling will final for 3 hours and begins at US$44 per individual.
Discover Taipei on a non-public automotive constitution
👉🏽 Test costs
For individuals who are touring in larger teams and wish the consolation of a non-public automotive constitution, you possibly can rent one in your group for US$55 however the worth varies per group measurement.
The automotive constitution will take you to locations that you’re solely concerned with and you may give the driving force your factors of curiosity to see how the day goes to work. This normally lasts for 8 hours.
Be at liberty to test the itineraries and issues to try this I’ve on this record so you possibly can customise your personal. In any other case, you will get in contact with me and we will plan your Taipei itinerary collectively.
Shilin Market strolling tour
👉🏽 Test costs
Should you can solely select one market to go to in Taipei, Shilin Night time Market is the most important and most energetic market in all of Taiwan! This tour will final 2 hours and the information will take you to purchasing spots, specialty road meals, and memento purchasing.
Better of Taipei tour
👉🏽 Test costs
That is ideally suited for many who don’t wish to take into consideration arising with an itinerary in your Taipei tour. For less than US$48, you’ll get a 3-hour tour of the town overlaying necessary landmarks, markets, and all the things you might want to see whereas within the metropolis.
Day journeys from Taipei
Taroko Nationwide Park
👉🏽 Test costs
Taroko is the most important nationwide park in Taiwan which is 3 hours away from Taipei. It’s near Hualien so you could wish to take a look at this metropolis as effectively.
Since I visited Hualien individually, I didn’t do that day journey from Taipei. I rented a motorcycle after I was already in Hualien as a substitute.
There are numerous issues to do in Taroko like mountain climbing. The preferred hikes are the Shakadang path, the Yanzihkou Path (Swallow Grotto), Tianxiang Scenic Space, Cihmu Bridge, Tunnel of 9 Turns Path, Everlasting Spring Shrine, and the Chishingtan Scenic Space.
This can be a full-day journey from Taipei (12 hours approx) and begins at US$100 for an all-inclusive tour.
Jiufen, Yehliu Geopark, and Shifen
👉🏽 Test costs
Situated within the northern a part of Taiwan, the Jiufen, Yehliu, and Shifen are probably the greatest day journeys from Taipei. Should you can solely do at some point journey in your journey to Taipei, that is the one to decide on as I really feel like that is a very powerful.
These three locations are lower than an hour from Taipei so it’s very straightforward to mix them as a day journey. This tour lasts for 9 hours and prices US$35 per individual.
Jinguashi, Jiufen, and Pingxi
👉🏽 Test costs
This tour begins at Jinguashi 13 Ruins which was a gold smelter plant through the Japanese occupation. Then you’ll go to Shifen Outdated Avenue, an previous railroad city.
On this city, there’s a custom to put in writing your needs on a flying lantern and launch it afterward. They consider that sending these lanterns to the heavens will make your want come true.
Only a few minutes’ stroll from Outdated Avenue is the spectacular Shifen Waterfall, one other most visited website in Taipei.
Hike Quixing Mountain
👉🏽 Test costs
Quixing Mountain is one among Taiwan’s highest peaks. This present day journey from Taiwan is finest for many who wish to keep away from the hustle and bustle of metropolis life. This can be a comparatively average hike and all ranges are welcome.
The spotlight of today journey is the views of the 7-star summit and naturally, the 2 peaks of the Quixing Mountains. The tour lasts for 8 hours and prices US$85.
🍲 Taipei Eating places
Should you’re studying this weblog for some time now, you’ll know the way a lot I like exploring meals. From my profession as a meals journalist in Hong Kong, I used to be despatched on assignments to Taipei and have found many eating places and road meals stalls that you must go to.
After all, you received’t have the ability to go to all of them however under are my favourite Taipei eating places by class:
Finest Taiwanese eating places
- Shuang Yue Meals: glutinous oil rice and signature hen soup
- Wulao Xinsheng Retailer: finest place for warm pot
- Cheng Wei Zhen: finest noodles
- Jin Feng Braised Pork Rice: braised pork rice is a conventional Taiwanese dish and this is without doubt one of the finest locations to have it!
- 22:02 Hotpot Lohas: one other nice possibility for warm pot
- Ji Xian Guo Wu: finest shabu shabu
Hakka-style delicacies
In Chinese language, Hakka means “visitor households” and is a subgroup of individuals of Han Chinese language. They’ve their very own tradition and their delicacies may be very common all through Taiwan. This can be a sort of Taiwanese meals that you just shouldn’t miss!
- Bulao Hakka Conventional Mochi
- Might Snow Hakka Meals
- Blossom Restaurant
Aboriginal Delicacies
In Taipei, aboriginal delicacies means indigenous meals and they’re very distinctive! Bamboo-tube rice, roasted boar, and millet liquor are a few of the hottest dishes that you just received’t see in every other nation in Asia.
Under is a listing of fine locations to strive aboriginal delicacies. As these eating places don’t have English names, I added the situation under:
Asian eating places in Taipei
Traditionally, Taiwan was beneath Japanese rule so you possibly can count on many Japanese eating places which can be good if you end up in Taipei. Under are a few of my suggestions:
- Da-Wan Yakiniku: finest Japanese bbq
- Gugugulu Scorching Pot: finest Korean hotpot
- Thaï.J 台北店: finest Thai restaurant in Taipei
- PhoFun 樂越: finest Vietnamese restaurant in Taipei
American meals in Taipei
Taipei additionally has a number of American eating places for choosy eaters who wish to style meals from house. Under are a few of my suggestions for American meals that I’ve tried in Taipei:
- 歐華酒店-地中海牛排館: finest steak restaurant in Taipei
- Stan and Cat: finest American burgers in Taipei
- Gumgum Beer and Weeks: finest American pub meals
- Smith & Wollensky: serves all varieties of American meals
- AK12: American gentle snacks
- Le Blanc: finest positive eating
Worldwide Delicacies
Taiwan has deeply rooted cultures in terms of meals however many individuals additionally benefit from the availability of Western cuisines like Italian, Spanish, French, and many others. Under are my suggestions:
- Bagel Bagel Cafe Bar: English tea and occasional store
- Milano Pizzeria: finest Italian pizza
- Le Ruban Pâtisserie: finest French restaurant
- Ready Bistro: finest Spanish restaurant
- Teotihuacán: finest Mexican restaurant
World’s 50 Finest Eating places record
I’ve been following (and consuming) within the record of the 50 World’s Finest Eating places for each metropolis I go to. Taipei has lots of them however since this can be a positive eating expertise, you might want to reserve in these Taipei eating places at the very least a month earlier than your journey.
- Adachi: umaki and sushi
- Din Tai Fung: finest xiao lengthy bao joint
- Impromptu: experimental delicacies by Paul Lee
- Le Palais: Chinese language delicacies
- Logy: Asian meals
- Mume: Taiwanese and Nordic fusion
- Uncooked: Taiwanese positive eating
- Shoun Ryugin: Taiwanese kaiseki
- Sushi Amamoto: finest Japanese omakase
- Taïrroir: nature-inspired Taiwanese meals
- Yage: Cantonese meals
🍸 Taipei Nightlife
As a younger traveler, I actually liked visiting Taipei due to its vibrant nightlife. I’ve met so many mates touring solo right here and so they at all times have this tradition of going out for drinks even on a weekday.
The bars in Taipei are hip, trendy, and really younger. Taipei can also be a metropolis that doesn’t sleep and you’ll benefit from the nightlife higher if you understand some locals to hang around with.
I can undoubtedly introduce you to some mates in Taipei – simply get in contact with me! Listed here are one of the best bars in Taipei that I like to recommend.
Finest craft beer in Taipei
- 58 Bar: strive greater than 100 styles of craft beer right here
- Crafted: finest for tasting Taiwanese brews
- Driftwood: a tiki bar in Ximending
- Funky Recent Bar: situated in Shilin Night time Market
- Zhang Males: you possibly can see views of Taipei 101 from right here
Taipei bars to take a look at
- 333: fancy resort bar designed by Ray Chen
- One other Brick: finest Belgian bar
- Frank: upscale rooftop bar
- Prost Bar: finest bar by the river
- SpeakEasy Bar: Irish bar in Taipei
- Woobar: situated contained in the W resort
Finest golf equipment in Taipei
- 1001 Nights Hookah Bar Lounge: finest membership for dancing
- Triangle: finest for younger folks, at all times flocked by Taiwanese college students
- Wave Membership: all-you-can-drink bar included within the door cost
World’s 50 Finest Bars record
The World’s 50 Finest doesn’t solely do one of the best eating places on this planet however in addition they rank one of the best bars! Listed here are the flowery bars that made it to the record:
- Aha Saloon: finest retro bar
- Bar Temper: finest cocktails
- Bar Otani: Japanese speakeasy
- Closet: artistic cocktails
- Draft Land: cocktails on faucet
- Hideout: dive bar
- Indulge Experimental Bistro: tea and liqueur mixology
- Inge’s Bar: finest terrace bar in Taipei
- R&D Cocktail Membership: custom-made cocktails
- Employees Solely Membership: members-only bar
✨ Taipei journey ideas
Buy an EasyCard
EasyCard is one of the best ways to go round Taipei with the metro/MRT and busses. The trains in Taipei are environment friendly, clear, secure, and reasonably priced. A one-way experience with an EasyCard prices US$0.70 whereas the one-way bus fare is US$0.50.
You’ll be able to avail for a every day, weekly, or month-to-month move relying on what number of days you’ll keep in Taipei.
Lease a bicycle with YouBike
Taiwan is certainly a bicycle nation and their YouBike system is free for the primary half-hour! After that, you’ll have to pay US$0.17 per hour.
To make use of the YouBike, all it’s a must to do is to register your EasyCard with an area telephone quantity, which completely means it’s a must to get a sim card whenever you journey to Taipei Taiwan.
Should you learn the sim card part of this text, one of the best cellular supplier that I at all times use in Taiwan is T-star (for larger and higher protection all around the nation).
There’s baggage storage on the Taipei airport
Accommodations will at all times have baggage storage however I want to retailer my stuff on the airport to keep away from touring round buses and trains with it. Under are the places of the lockers in Taipei:
- Taoyuan Airport (Taipei Worldwide Airport): situated in terminals 1 and a pair of and is open 24/7 (from US$7 – US$17)
- HSR station lockers: open from 5:00 AM to midnight (from US$1 for each 3 hours)
- Practice stations: all 100 practice stations in Taipei have lockers open from 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (from US$1 – US$2.50)
- Lalalocker: a brand new locker app in Asia the place you will discover all storage stations close to you
Go to Taipei through the Lunar New Yr
Lunar New Yr is Taipei’s Chinese language New Yr and is essentially the most colourful occasion of the 12 months. There will probably be dragon parades, and events and the town will probably be very lively.
Presently of the 12 months, expats and foreigners who reside in Taipei go on trip however many vacationers journey to Taipei Taiwan for this historic and once-a-year occasion.
This normally begins on the finish of January (23-ish) and lasts for per week. January can also be an excellent time to go to Taipei due to the cool climate.
Get right into a volunteering program
For individuals who wish to keep in Taipei for an indefinite time, you possibly can apply for volunteer work in trade for meals, lodging, and a every day allowance.
That is finest for solo vacationers who wish to get to know the tradition, stick with an area household, work in a local people, and many others. I take advantage of Worldpackers to get alternatives like this. You need to use my code PSIMONMYWAY10 for a ten% low cost for a 1-year membership.
Uber doesn’t work in Taipei
Uber used to work in Taipei till the Asian taxi app Seize purchased them. Seize operates in lots of main cities, particularly in Southeast Asia.
In Taipei, they even have the Seize Bike the place you possibly can order a bike experience. Make sure that to obtain the Seize app earlier than you land – it’s going to assist you numerous throughout your journey!
Layover in Taipei: are you able to exit?
Many flights from the US, Canada, and Europe have layovers in Taipei for greater than 20 hours. As a substitute of staying within the airport, you possibly can discover the town by signing up for a layover Taipei tour for under US$62.
Relying in your nationality, immigration in Taipei will mean you can exit in case your citizenship/passport is visa-free to enter Taipei. Simply allow them to know that you’ve a 24-hour layover in Taipei and they’ll stamp your passport.
✈️ Prepared in your journey to Taipei? This weblog thrives on reader questions so be happy to ask questions on Taipei journey through the use of the remark field under. You too can join 1-on-1 teaching with me in case you want extra assist!
Trisha is a kind of individuals who left their comfy life to journey the world and find out about life. Her model is to remain in a single place she likes for 3 months (or extra) to know what it feels wish to eat, prepare dinner, converse, and sleep in one other tradition that isn’t hers. She’d wish to consider she’s not historically touring however she simply chooses to be elsewhere on a regular basis. In no specific order, her favourite cities on this planet are Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Hong Kong, Mexico Metropolis, and Tel Aviv.
