Taiwan

Taipei

Taipei blends night markets, mountain trails and hot springs.

Local time
UTC+8
Population
2.5M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$
Moderate
  • Food$$$$$About $30 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
  • Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $88 a night for two
  • Transport$$$$$About $3.1 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇹🇼 TWD =
Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

TPETaiwan Taoyuan International AirportMain international gateway, about 34 km southwest of the centre.
HowCostTime
Airport MRT ExpressTaipei Main StationNT$150-16035-40 min
Fastest option; EasyCard fare is cheaper.
Express airport busTaipei Main Station or East district hotelsNT$120-15050-70 min
Cheapest; traffic can slow it down.
TaxiCity centreNT$900-1,20040-60 min
Fixed-ish fares; use the official queue.
UberCity centreNT$900-1,30040-60 min
Pickup zones are signposted at both terminals.
TSATaipei Songshan AirportDowntown airport, 4 km north of centre, for regional and domestic flights.
HowCostTime
MRT Wenhu LineTaipei Main Station areaNT$20-3015-20 min
Station is right at the terminal.
City busVarious city districtsNT$15-3020-40 min
Cheap but slower with traffic.
TaxiCity centreNT$150-25010-20 min
Short and cheap ride downtown.
UberCity centreNT$150-25010-20 min
Handy with luggage.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Taipei

Getting around

MRT for most trips; EasyCard makes it cheaper and works on buses too.

  • Metro ★Clean, safe and cheap: NT$20–65 per ride. Trains run about 06:00–00:00. EasyCard gives 20% off.
  • BusFrequent city buses. Pay with EasyCard on boarding; transfers within an hour cost NT$7.
  • Taxi / ride appsMetered taxis are plentiful and Uber operates in Taipei. Good for late nights and luggage.
  • Rental carNot advised for visitors. Parking is hard and scooters dominate the roads.
  • WalkingSidewalks are good in central areas. YouBike share bikes are widely available for longer hops.
Recommended stay★ 2 nights (3 days)

Two nights suit you: the National Palace Museum, Longshan Temple, the old town and Taipei 101 fill two days, with Jiufen, hot springs and mountains dropped.

Best for
  • FoodNight markets, beef noodles and dumplings all day.
  • CultureTemples, museums and old streets in the city core.

Weather by month

19°14°Jan🌧 12d
20°14°Feb🌧 11d
23°15°Mar🌧 13d
26°19°Apr🌧 14d
29°22°May🌧 19d
31°25°Jun🌧 21d
33°26°Jul🌧 18d
32°26°Aug🌧 20d
30°24°Sep🌧 16d
27°22°Oct🌧 15d
25°20°Nov🌧 13d
20°16°Dec🌧 14d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Subtropical and humid. Summers are hot and wet; winters are mild but grey and damp. Rain falls in every month.

  • Rain all yearExpect 11–21 rain days each month. June is the wettest. Always carry a small umbrella.
  • Hot, humid summerJuly and August reach about 33°C with high humidity. Plan indoor sights at midday.
  • Best months: October to AprilHighs of 19–27°C and less intense heat. Best for walking and day trips.
  • Mild winterJanuary and February sit around 14–20°C. A light jacket is enough; indoor spaces can feel cold.
  • Typhoon seasonLate summer and early autumn can bring storms. Check forecasts on the day and keep plans flexible.
  • What to packLight layers, a rain jacket or umbrella, and comfortable shoes. Add a warm layer for winter evenings.

Landmarks 31

Must-see · 9

  1. 1

    Taipei 101

    Taipei's defining skyscraper and a symbol of the city, with an observation deck offering sweeping views. Go on a clear day; tickets can be bought on the spot or online, and the best time is late afternoon to catch sunset and city lights.

  2. 2

    National Palace Museum

    Houses one of the world's largest collections of Chinese imperial artifacts, making it a must for history and art lovers. Visit on a weekday morning to avoid crowds; the museum is easily reached by bus or taxi from downtown.

  3. 3

    Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

    A monumental landmark set in a large park, featuring the memorial hall, Liberty Square Arch, and the National Theater. The changing of the guard ceremony is a highlight; go early morning or late afternoon for cooler weather and fewer crowds.

  4. 4

    Shilin Night Market

    Taipei's most famous night market, offering a dizzying array of street food and local snacks. Come hungry and try classics like oyster omelets and giant fried chicken; it's busiest after 7 pm, so arrive earlier for a more comfortable experience.

  5. 5

    Longshan Temple

    A beautifully ornate Buddhist temple that remains an active place of worship, giving visitors a glimpse into local religious life. Dress respectfully and visit in the evening when the temple is beautifully lit and less crowded.

  6. 6

    Ximending

    A vibrant pedestrian shopping and entertainment district, often called Taipei's Harajuku. It's perfect for people-watching, street performances, and trendy shops; go in the evening when the area comes alive with neon lights.

  7. 7

    Dihua Street

    A historic street lined with traditional shops selling Chinese herbs, dried goods, and fabrics, especially lively during Lunar New Year. Wander the side alleys to discover old architecture and sample local snacks; it's a short walk from the MRT.

  8. 8

    Yehliu Geopark

    A unique coastal geological park famous for its mushroom-shaped rock formations, including the iconic Queen's Head. Bring sunscreen and water as there's little shade; it's about an hour's bus ride from Taipei, so plan for a half-day trip.

  9. 9

    Jiufen Old Street

    A charming hillside old street with teahouses, snack stalls, and stunning ocean views, often compared to Spirited Away. Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds, and stay for sunset when the lanterns light up the narrow alleys.

1Taipei 1012National Palace Museum3Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall4Shilin Night Market5Longshan Temple6Ximending7Dihua Street8Yehliu Geopark9Jiufen Old Street

Cultural

Modern History 4

Old Town 3

Castle 1

Historical Square 1

Garden 1

Buddhist 1

University 2

Museum 2

Market 3

Skyscraper 1

Modern Architecture 1

Harbor 1

Urban Hub 1

Natural

Mountain 1

Canyon 1

Activities

Food 1

Bookstore 1

Cable Car 1

Theater 1

Festival 1

Zoo 1

Amusement Park 1

Overview

History & significance

Highlights

    Day trips from Taipei

    Keelung · 40 min by train

    ★★★☆☆ · Half day · 23 km from Taipei

    Best way: Frequent direct trains from Taipei Main Station reach Keelung in under an hour and drop you near the sights.

    Frequent trains run directly from Taipei Main Station to Keelung in under an hour.

    • Train ★40 min · from $1-$2
    • Bus41 min · from $1-$4
    • Car23 min · taxi ≈ 660 TWD

    What to see

    • Keelung Miaokou Night Market
    • Keelung Harbor
    • Zhongzheng Park
    • Heping Island Park

    Good to know

    • Best on a clear day for harbour and night market visits
    • Keelung's Miaokou Night Market is liveliest in the evening

    Yilan · 1 h 15 by bus

    ★★★☆☆ · Full day · 50 km from Taipei

    Best way: The bus is faster than the train here and runs directly from Taipei City Hall Station to Yilan Station.

    Take a direct train from Taipei to Yilan station, then local buses or taxis for nearby sights.

    • Train2 h 19 · from $4-$7
    • Bus ★1 h 15 · from $2-$6
    • Car51 min · taxi ≈ 1,340 TWD

    What to see

    • Yilan city center
    • Dongshan River Park
    • Traditional arts center
    • Local seafood cuisine

    Good to know

    • Allow extra time for local buses or taxis to reach scattered sights
    • Book accommodation ahead on weekends and holidays

    Times and prices are typical one-way estimates (train and bus: Omio / Rome2Rio route data; taxi: local tariff × road distance, tolls extra). Exact prices are on the booking page.

    Plans

    Taipei rewards visitors with cheap, clean transit, superb food and green hills on its doorstep. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

    How long?

    What do you enjoy most?

    2 nights · Food ★ Recommended length

    Three days of night markets, old-street snacks and a beef noodle lunch, grouped by neighbourhood.

    Tickets & tours
    ≈ TWD 670
    per person
    Taxis
    ≈ TWD 1,315
    per taxi, up to 4 people
    Day 1

    Arrive, old town snacks and Ximending

    Tickets ≈ TWD 200 pp · taxis ≈ TWD 568
    12345
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. 1

      12:30–13:15 · ≈ TWD 150–250 a bowl

      Beef noodle soup Landmark quest

      Start with a bowl near Taipei Main Station. Most shops serve lunch and dinner; check on the day.

      Open Most shops lunch and dinner · check on the day

    2. Taxi · 8 km · ≈ 27 min · ≈ TWD 284
    3. 2

      14:00–15:15 · Free to walk

      Dihua Street Landmark quest

      Tea shops and dried-goods stalls. Quieter on Sundays.

      Open Shops roughly 09:00–19:00 · quieter on Sundays · Source

    4. Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 14 min · ≈ TWD 164
    5. 3

      16:30–17:15 · Free

      Longshan Temple Landmark quest

      Temple snacks nearby; late afternoon is lively.

      Open Daily roughly 06:00–22:00 · Source

    6. 4

      17:30–18:30 · Pay per stall · most snacks TWD 50–150

      Huaxi Street Night Market

      Night market next to the temple. Evening only, roughly 16:00–24:00.

      Open Evening, roughly 16:00–24:00

    7. Taxi · 1414 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ TWD 120
    8. 5

      19:00–20:30 · Free to walk

      Ximending Landmark quest

      Street food and shops until about 22:00.

      Open Always open · shops from about 11:00 to 22:00 · Source

    Day 2

    Museums, then Shilin

    Tickets ≈ TWD 350 pp · taxis ≈ TWD 180
    12
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. 1

      09:30–12:00 · ≈ TWD 350 adult · check on the day

      National Palace Museum Landmark quest

      Go early on a weekday. Closed some Mondays; check on the day.

      Open Daily roughly 09:00–17:00 · closed some Mondays, check on the day · Source

    2. Taxi · 4 km · ≈ 15 min · ≈ TWD 180
    3. 2

      18:00–20:00 · Pay per stall · most snacks TWD 50–150

      Shilin Night Market Landmark quest

      Biggest night market. Best after 18:00 on a weekday.

      Open Evening into late night, roughly 17:00–24:00 · Source

    Day 3

    Tea hills and a last market

    Tickets ≈ TWD 120 pp · taxis ≈ TWD 567
    123
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. 1

      13:00–15:30 · ≈ TWD 120 one way · glass cabin costs more

      Maokong Gondola Landmark quest

      Gondola up, tea and snacks with a view. Closed some Mondays; check on the day.

      Open Roughly 09:00–21:00 · closed some Mondays, check on the day · Source

    2. Taxi · 11 km · ≈ 35 min · ≈ TWD 356
    3. 2

      16:30–17:15 · Free

      Daan Forest Park

      Easy walk before dinner.

      Open Always open

    4. Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 19 min · ≈ TWD 211
    5. 3

      18:00–19:15 · Pay per stall · most snacks TWD 50–150

      Ningxia Night Market Landmark quest

      Compact market, good for a final graze. Busy after 18:00.

      Open Evening, roughly 17:00–24:00 · Source

    Swap in instead

    • Add a day trip to Jiufen and the coast by bus or train; check times on the day.
    • Take a hot-spring trip to Beitou on the MRT, about 30 minutes from the center.
    • Swap one city day for the National Palace Museum if you like art and history; allow half a day.

    Getting around

    • MRT is clean, safe and cheap: NT$20-65 per ride, trains about 06:00-00:00.
    • EasyCard gives 20% off MRT rides and NT$7 bus transfers within an hour.
    • City buses are frequent; pay with EasyCard on boarding.
    • Taxis are metered and plentiful; Uber operates in Taipei.
    • Driving is not advised for visitors; parking is hard and scooters dominate.
    • YouBike share bikes are widely available; sidewalks are good for walking.

    Where to stay

    • Ximending · ≈ TWD 1,200–3,500 a night
      Young, busy and central. Walk to the MRT, night markets and the old Wanhua temples. Good for first-timers who want nightlife.
    • Zhongshan · ≈ TWD 1,800–4,500 a night
      Quiet lanes, small shops and cafés. Two MRT lines and short rides to most sights.
    • Da'an · ≈ TWD 2,000–5,000 a night
      Leafy and calm, near the park and Yongkang Street food. A good base for couples and slower trips.
    • Taipei Main Station · ≈ TWD 1,400–3,800 a night
      Best for transport: MRT, trains and the airport line in one place. Practical for short stays and day trips.

    Food & drink

    • Eat at night markets: Shilin and Raohe are the big ones. Go hungry, share dishes, and carry small cash.
    • Try the classics: beef noodle soup, soup dumplings, oyster omelette, stinky tofu and shaved ice.
    • Yongkang Street in Da'an is good for a sit-down food walk with tea shops and dessert.
    • Convenience stores are cheap and open late. A quick meal or snack costs about NT$60–150.
    • Many small eateries are cash-first. Keep some TWD on you; card use is common but not everywhere.

    Tips

    1. Get an EasyCard for seamless travel on the MRT, buses, YouBikes, and purchases at convenience stores
    2. Night markets like Shilin and Raohe are the best places to experience local food culture
    3. Do not eat, drink, or chew gum on the MRT — the fines are strictly enforced
    4. Trash is not left on the street; you must hand it directly to musical garbage trucks or use station bins
    5. Carry an umbrella year-round for sudden rain showers and intense summer sun
    Sources for prices and hours

    Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

    Tours & activities

    Take this tour to unlock 3 landmark quests

    Shifen Old Street
    Jiufen Old Street
    Yehliu Geopark
    • Covers three of the region's best-known sights in one day
    • Time for lanterns at Shifen and lanes of Jiufen
    • 2,666 reviews · 4.6 rating
    Top reviewedDay trip

    Shifen, Jiufen, and Yehliu Guided Day Trip

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.6 (2,666)

    Take this tour to unlock 3 landmark quests

    Yehliu Geopark
    Jiufen Old Street
    Shifen Old Street
    • Rock formations at Yehliu plus old-town wandering
    • Release a sky lantern at Shifen
    • 1,045 reviews · 4.8 rating
    Sky lantern includedDay trip

    Yehliu, Jiufen, Shifen Day Tour & Sky Lantern

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (1,045)

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Dihua Street
    • Explore Taipei's historic old-town streets on foot
    • Local guide explains the shophouse history
    • 496 reviews · 4.8 rating
    Walking tourBudget friendly

    Old Town Walking Tour

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (496)

    Take this tour to unlock 3 landmark quests

    Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
    Longshan Temple
    National Palace Museum
    • Hits Taipei's headline landmarks in one outing
    • Good overview for first-time visitors
    • 265 reviews · 4.8 rating
    Classic sightsDay tour

    Classic Landmarks Day Tour

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (265)

    Take this tour to unlock 2 landmark quests

    Ningxia Night Market
    Raohe Street Night Market
    • Taste street food at Taipei's night markets
    • Discover hidden local eats with a guide
    • 242 reviews · 4.9 rating
    Food focusedLocal guide

    Street Food & Hidden Eats Night Market Food Tour

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (242)

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    National Palace Museum
    • City highlights plus museum entry
    • Efficient half-day introduction to Taipei
    • 211 reviews · 4.7 rating
    Entry includedHalf day

    Half-Day City Tour with Palace Museum Entry

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.7 (211)

    Souvenirs

    Dong Ding Oolong Tea

    TWD 1000–1300150g · shop prices

    A semi-oxidized oolong grown in Dongding Mountain, near Taipei. Taiwan is famous for its oolong teas.

    Where: Wang De Chuan, Yongkang or city branches
    Check that the label says Taiwan origin. Do not mistake it for a high-mountain tea from another region.

    Taiwanese Pineapple Cakes

    TWD 350–6508 to 12 pieces · estimate

    Buttery shortbread pastries with a sweet pineapple filling. They are one of Taipei's most popular gifts.

    Where: Chia Te, Nanjing East Road
    Compare the filling labels. Pure pineapple is different from a blend with winter melon.

    Yingge Ceramic Teacup

    TWD 400–12001 small cup · estimate

    Yingge, a town near Taipei, is known for its pottery. Its studios have made ceramics for generations.

    Where: Yingge Ceramics Old Street studios, New Taipei City
    Confirm it is made in Taiwan and check that the glaze is food-safe.

    Flights

    Dates are departure dates at each airport, which may differ from your itinerary arrival date. Select your flight and complete payment on Trip.com.

    Search flights · Trip.com

    Hotels

    Search all Taipei hotelsHotels.com

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    eSIM

    Get an eSIM for TaipeiStay connected in Taiwan from day one · Airalo
    Compare all 4 plans · choose data and duration

    Check that your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked. Data-use estimates are a guide; verify coverage, activation rules and the final price on Airalo.

    Luggage storage

    Store your bags in TaipeiDrop luggage at nearby shops and hotels · Bounce