Taipei
Night market smoke, mountain tea houses, and a city so warm and welcoming it feels like coming home to a place you've never been.
1 day in Taipei
Only got 24 hours? Here's how to experience the best of Taipei in a single action-packed day.
The Best of Taipei in 24 Hours
Longshan Temple & Bopiliao
Start at Longshan Temple (free) in Wanhua district — Taipei's oldest and most atmospheric temple, built in 1738. The incense smoke, chanting, and elaborately carved dragons create a mesmerizing atmosphere. Locals come daily to pray and seek fortune readings. Walk to nearby Bopiliao Historical Block — a restored Qing Dynasty street with red-brick shophouses now housing small galleries and craft shops.
Taipei 101 & Elephant Mountain
Metro to Taipei 101 — once the world's tallest building, now Taipei's defining landmark. The observation deck (NT$600) offers 360-degree views, or save money by visiting the free food court on the lower floors. For the best free views, hike Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan, 20 minutes) from the nearby trailhead — the panorama of the Taipei skyline with 101 in frame is the city's most iconic photo opportunity.
Shilin Night Market
Shilin Night Market is Taipei's largest and most famous — a sprawling maze of food stalls, games, and shops. Must-try foods: oyster omelette (NT$70), pepper bun (NT$50), stinky tofu (NT$50), mango shaved ice (NT$80), and bubble tea from any stall (NT$40–60). The underground food court in the market basement has sit-down options. The energy, smells, and flavors are overwhelming in the best way.
3 days in Taipei
A carefully curated route mixing iconic landmarks, hidden gems, street food, culture, and adventure — designed for younger travelers.
Classic Taipei — Temples, Towers & Night Markets
Longshan Temple & Wanhua
Begin at Longshan Temple (free) — Taipei's spiritual heart since 1738. The ornate carvings, incense spirals, and devout worshippers create an atmosphere no museum can replicate. Explore the surrounding Wanhua district — Taipei's oldest neighborhood, with crumbling shophouses, traditional herbal medicine shops, and Huaxi Street (once "Snake Alley"). Breakfast at a local shop — dan bing (egg crepe, NT$30) and soy milk (NT$20).
Taipei 101 & Xinyi District
Metro to Taipei 101. The observation deck (NT$600) has views to the mountains on clear days, plus the world's largest tuned mass damper — a 730-ton golden ball that stabilizes the building against earthquakes. The surrounding Xinyi district is Taipei's modern commercial heart — department stores, the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park (free), and excellent Din Tai Fung for xiaolongbao (soup dumplings, NT$220 for 10).
Shilin Night Market
Shilin Night Market is a sensory overload of street food and energy. Navigate the maze of stalls for oyster omelette (NT$70), pepper bun (NT$50 — pork-filled baked bun with a crispy shell), large fried chicken cutlet (NT$75), stinky tofu (NT$50 — it smells terrible but tastes incredible), and bubble tea (NT$40–60). The underground food court has tables. Budget NT$300–500 for a full night of grazing.
Mountains, Tea & Culture
National Palace Museum
The National Palace Museum (NT$350) houses the world's largest collection of Chinese art and artifacts — 700,000+ pieces spanning 8,000 years that came with the Kuomintang from mainland China. The Jadeite Cabbage and Meat-Shaped Stone are the star attractions. Allow 2–3 hours minimum. The building is massive and you'll only scratch the surface. Free English audio guide available.
Maokong Gondola & Tea Country
Metro to Taipei Zoo station, then take the Maokong Gondola (NT$120 one-way) — a scenic cable car ride over tea plantations to the mountain village of Maokong. The crystal-floor cabins (longer queue) offer vertigo-inducing views. At the top, choose a tea house with a valley view and order a pot of locally grown tieguanyin oolong (NT$200–400). The slow ritual of Taiwanese tea service is meditative.
Raohe Night Market & Rainbow Bridge
Raohe Street Night Market is smaller and more atmospheric than Shilin — a single covered street with less tourist chaos. The famous pepper bun at the entrance always has a queue (NT$50, worth the wait). Try hu jiao bing, medicinal stewed ribs (NT$80), and mochi filled with peanut and ice cream (NT$40). After eating, walk to Rainbow Bridge over the Keelung River for illuminated reflections.
Day Trip — Jiufen, Shifen & the Northeast Coast
Jiufen — Spirited Away Village
Bus 1062 from Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT (NT$101, 90 minutes) to Jiufen — a hillside mining town that inspired the setting of Miyazaki's Spirited Away. The narrow lanes wind past lantern-hung tea houses, temples, and ocean views. Visit the A-Mei Tea House (the one from the film) for tea and mountain panoramas. Sample taro balls in sweet soup (NT$45) and fish ball soup (NT$35). The atmosphere is enchanting, especially in light rain or mist.
Shifen Waterfall & Sky Lanterns
From Jiufen, take a bus or taxi to Shifen (NT$200 by taxi, 30 minutes). Release a sky lantern (NT$150–200) from the railway tracks — write your wishes, light it, and watch it float into the valley. An unforgettable moment. Walk 20 minutes to Shifen Waterfall — Taiwan's widest waterfall, often called a "little Niagara." The cascade is genuinely impressive and surrounded by lush forest.
Return & Ningxia Night Market
Return to Taipei by train from Shifen via Ruifang junction (NT$76 to Taipei Main Station). For your farewell evening, try Ningxia Night Market — smaller and more food-focused than Shilin, beloved by locals. Liu Yu Zi taro balls, Fang Jia shredded chicken over rice (NT$40), and the NT$50 oyster vermicelli are legendary. End with a bubble tea from 50 Lan or Tiger Sugar (brown sugar boba, NT$65).
7 days in Taipei
A full week to go deep — from famous landmarks to local neighbourhoods, day trips, hidden gems, and proper local immersion.
Classic Taipei — Temples, Towers & Night Markets
Longshan Temple & Wanhua
Begin at Longshan Temple (free) — Taipei's spiritual heart since 1738. The ornate carvings, incense spirals, and devout worshippers create an atmosphere no museum can replicate. Explore the surrounding Wanhua district with traditional herbal medicine shops and narrow lanes. Breakfast at a local shop — dan bing (egg crepe, NT$30) and warm soy milk (NT$20).
Taipei 101 & Elephant Mountain
Metro to Taipei 101. The observation deck (NT$600) offers panoramic views plus the world's largest tuned mass damper. For free views, hike Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan, 20 minutes from Xiangshan MRT) — the skyline panorama with 101 in frame is iconic. Continue to the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park (free) in a converted tobacco factory for design exhibitions and indie markets.
Shilin Night Market
Shilin Night Market — oyster omelette (NT$70), pepper bun (NT$50), large fried chicken cutlet (NT$75), stinky tofu (NT$50), and bubble tea (NT$40–60). The underground food court has tables and AC. Budget NT$300–500 for a full night of grazing. The games and claw machines are surprisingly addictive. Shilin is a full evening experience, not just a quick dinner stop.
Museums, Tea & Culture
National Palace Museum
The National Palace Museum (NT$350) houses 700,000+ pieces spanning 8,000 years of Chinese art. The Jadeite Cabbage and Meat-Shaped Stone are the star attractions. Allow 2–3 hours minimum. Free English audio guide is worth getting. The collection rivals the Louvre and British Museum for sheer historical breadth — this is the legacy of Chinese civilization.
Maokong Gondola & Tea Houses
Maokong Gondola from Taipei Zoo station (NT$120) rides over tea plantations to the mountain village of Maokong. Choose a tea house with valley views and order a pot of tieguanyin oolong (NT$200–400). The slow ritual of gongfu cha (Taiwanese tea service) is meditative. Try the tea-infused noodles or tea-smoked chicken at one of the hillside restaurants.
Raohe Night Market
Raohe Street Night Market is smaller and more atmospheric than Shilin. The famous pepper bun at the entrance always has a queue (NT$50). Try medicinal stewed ribs (NT$80), mochi with peanut and ice cream (NT$40), and grilled corn. Walk to Rainbow Bridge over the Keelung River for illuminated reflections. Raohe is the locals' favorite night market.
Day Trip — Jiufen & Shifen
Jiufen — Spirited Away Village
Bus 1062 from Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT (NT$101, 90 minutes) to Jiufen — a hillside mining town that inspired Spirited Away. Narrow lanes wind past lantern-hung tea houses and ocean views. Visit A-Mei Tea House for tea and mountain panoramas. Sample taro balls in sweet soup (NT$45) and fish ball soup (NT$35). The atmosphere is enchanting, especially in mist.
Shifen Waterfall & Sky Lanterns
Taxi to Shifen (NT$200, 30 minutes). Release a sky lantern (NT$150–200) from the railway tracks — write wishes, light it, watch it float. Walk 20 minutes to Shifen Waterfall — Taiwan's widest, often called a "little Niagara." The cascade surrounded by lush forest is genuinely impressive. The old mining railway runs through the village center.
Return & Ningxia Night Market
Train from Shifen via Ruifang (NT$76 to Taipei). Ningxia Night Market for dinner — smaller and more food-focused than Shilin, beloved by locals. Fang Jia shredded chicken over rice (NT$40), oyster vermicelli (NT$50), and taro balls. End with bubble tea from 50 Lan or Tiger Sugar brown sugar boba (NT$65). A perfect, understated final Taipei evening.
Beitou Hot Springs & Yangmingshan
Beitou Hot Springs
MRT to Xinbeitou — Taipei's hot spring district, built during the Japanese colonial era. Visit the Beitou Hot Spring Museum (free) in a beautiful 1913 Japanese bathhouse building. Then soak at the public outdoor hot springs in Millennium Hot Spring (NT$40) or splurge on a private room at one of the ryokan-style bathhouses (NT$500–1,500). The thermal valley nearby steams with sulfurous water.
Yangmingshan National Park
Bus from Beitou to Yangmingshan National Park — volcanic mountains within city limits. Hike to Qingtiangang grasslands (easy, 30 minutes) for panoramic views and wild water buffalo grazing on green hills. The Xiaoyoukeng trail passes steaming volcanic fumaroles. In spring (Feb–Mar), the cherry blossoms and calla lilies cover entire hillsides. The park is a stunning escape from the city.
Shiida Night Market & Local Eats
Return to the city and explore Shida Night Market near Shida University — smaller and more local than the famous markets, with a younger student crowd. Cheap eats, vintage clothing, and a relaxed vibe. Try lu rou fan (braised pork rice, NT$30–50 — Taiwan's national comfort dish), scallion pancakes (NT$25), and fresh papaya milk (NT$45). The surrounding Yongkang Street area has excellent restaurants.
Art, History & Dadaocheng
Dadaocheng — Old Taipei
Walk through Dadaocheng, Taipei's oldest commercial district along Dihua Street. Baroque-style shophouses from the 1920s sell dried goods, traditional Chinese medicine, and fabric. The architecture is stunning — ornate facades hiding ancient temples and century-old tea shops. Visit ASW Tea House for a rooftop tea tasting overlooking the old city. Saturday mornings have a farmers' market.
Huashan Creative Park & Zhongshan
Walk to Huashan 1914 Creative Park — a converted sake brewery now housing galleries, indie shops, and cafes. Current exhibitions rotate between art, design, and pop culture. Continue through the Zhongshan district's tree-lined lanes for boutique shops, independent bookstores (VVG Something is beautiful), and third-wave coffee. Lunch at a beef noodle soup restaurant — Taiwan's iconic dish (NT$150–200).
Ximending Youth District
Ximending is Taipei's Harajuku — pedestrianized streets packed with street performers, bubble tea shops, tattoo parlors, and cinema. The Red House is a heritage building turned creative market and LGBTQ+ nightlife hub. Watch the sunset from the rooftop bar, then explore the neon-lit streets. For dinner, try Modern Toilet Restaurant (themed restaurant, quirky but fun) or stick to the excellent street food.
Northeast Coast & Keelung
Keelung — Port City & Temple
Train to Keelung (NT$76, 40 minutes) — a gritty port city with incredible seafood and one of Taiwan's most colorful temples. Dianji Temple near the harbor is a visual riot of carved dragons, painted deities, and incense smoke. The Zhengbin Fishing Port area has photogenic painted houses. Walk the harbor for a taste of working-class Taiwan rarely seen by tourists.
Keelung Miaokou Night Market (Daytime)
Keelung's Miaokou Night Market operates from late morning — a rare daytime night market. The seafood here is the freshest in northern Taiwan. Ding Bian Cuo (a sticky noodle soup, NT$55) is the signature dish. Try crab soup, tempura (Taiwanese style), and peanut ice cream rolls. The market surrounds the temple and is a fraction of the size of Taipei's markets but arguably better for food.
Return & Tonghua Night Market
Train back to Taipei and visit Tonghua (Linjiang) Night Market near Xinyi — a local market in an upscale area with excellent quality. The glutinous rice balls, grilled squid, and stir-fried noodles are highlights. This market is walking distance from Taipei 101, so combine it with a final nighttime view of the illuminated tower. Bubble tea from any of the dozens of vendors as a farewell drink.
Relaxation, Shopping & Farewell
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial & Zhongzheng
Visit the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (free) — the massive white marble monument and its surrounding Liberty Square are iconic Taipei. The hourly changing of the guard ceremony is precision military choreography. The National Theater and Concert Hall flanking the square are architecturally stunning. Walk through the surrounding gardens and visit the nearby Nanmen Market for traditional snacks.
Souvenir Shopping & Yongkang Street
Yongkang Street is Taipei's foodie paradise — the original Din Tai Fung, Smoothie House for mango shaved ice (seasonal, NT$120), and dozens of cafes. For souvenirs, buy pineapple cakes from Chia Te Bakery (NT$360 for 12 — the gold standard), oolong tea from a Dihua Street tea shop, and local snacks from any supermarket. Eslite Bookstore in Xinyi is open late and has a great gift section.
Farewell Dinner & Taipei Night
For your final meal, splurge on a hotpot dinner — Wulao or Mala Yuanyang offer bubbling split pots of broth with platters of thinly sliced meat, seafood, and vegetables (NT$500–800 per person). Or keep it simple with one last lu rou fan and a walk along the Tamsui River. Taipei is a city that wins you over quietly, bite by bite, and your last evening should taste like gratitude.
Budget tips
EasyCard essentials
Get an EasyCard (NT$100 deposit + top-up) at any MRT station or convenience store. Works on MRT, buses, YouBike, convenience stores, and even some restaurants. 20% MRT discount.
Night market dining
A full dinner at any night market costs NT$150–300. Lu rou fan (NT$30–50), oyster vermicelli (NT$50), and bubble tea (NT$40–60) — you can eat extremely well for almost nothing.
YouBike cycling
YouBike (NT$5 per 30 min) is Taipei's public bike share. Register with an EasyCard and a local phone number. Stations everywhere — perfect for crossing the flat city center.
Free attractions
Longshan Temple, CKS Memorial, Dadaocheng, Songshan Creative Park, Huashan 1914, Elephant Mountain hike, and all night markets are completely free.
Convenience store life
7-Eleven and FamilyMart have NT$49–79 lunch boxes, tea eggs (NT$13), and hot meals. They're literally everywhere — 10,000+ stores in Taiwan. Seating and microwaves available.
Taipei Fun Pass
The Taipei Fun Pass (NT$1,200 for 3 days) includes unlimited MRT/bus rides and entry to National Palace Museum, Taipei 101, and more. Worth it for 3+ day visits.
Budget breakdown
Daily costs per person in TWD. Taipei is one of East Asia's best value capitals — incredible food at street-food prices and an efficient public transit system.
| 🎒 Budget | ✨ Mid-Range | 💎 Splurge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation Hostel → hotel → boutique/luxury | NT$500–900 | NT$1,500–3,500 | NT$6,000+ |
| Food Night markets & conbini → restaurants → fine dining | NT$300–500 | NT$600–1,200 | NT$2,500+ |
| Transport MRT & YouBike → taxi/ride-share → private car | NT$100–200 | NT$300–500 | NT$1,000+ |
| Activities Free temples & hikes → museums & gondola → private tours | NT$100–350 | NT$500–1,500 | NT$3,000+ |
| Drinks Bubble tea & conbini → cafes → cocktail bars | NT$80–150 | NT$200–500 | NT$1,000+ |
| Daily Total $34–66 → $97–225 → $422+ | NT$1,080–2,100 | NT$3,100–7,200 | NT$13,500+ |
Practical info
Getting Around
- Get an EasyCard at any MRT station (NT$100 deposit). Works on MRT, buses, YouBike, convenience stores, and some taxis
- Taipei MRT is clean, efficient, and runs 6am–midnight. Google Maps works perfectly for all transit planning
- YouBike (public bikes, NT$5/30 min) is excellent for short trips. Register at any station with EasyCard and local phone number
Connectivity
- Pick up a tourist SIM at Taoyuan Airport — Chunghwa Telecom or Taiwan Mobile, NT$300–500 for 5–15 days unlimited data
- eSIMs from Airalo work well on most modern phones. Download Google Maps and Google Translate (has Mandarin camera translation)
- Free WiFi (iTaiwan) is available throughout the city — register with passport number at visitor centers or the airport
Money
- Cash is still common at markets and small restaurants. Carry NT$1,000–3,000 in cash. Cards accepted at larger establishments
- ATMs at convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) accept foreign cards. Mega Bank and CTBC ATMs are most reliable
- No tipping culture in Taiwan. Service charge is included. Taiwanese hospitality is naturally warm without financial incentive
Visa & Entry
- Most Western nationalities get 90-day visa-free entry to Taiwan. No pre-registration required
- Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is the main airport. MRT express to Taipei Main Station: NT$160, 35 minutes
- Songshan Airport (TSA) handles domestic and some regional flights — it's inside the city, connected by MRT
Health & Safety
- Taiwan is extremely safe — low crime, friendly locals, and a helpful police force. Solo travel is very comfortable
- No vaccinations required. Tap water is safe for brushing teeth but locals drink filtered or boiled water
- National Health Insurance covers visitors at a cost — hospital visits are affordable even without insurance (NT$500–2,000 for a clinic)
Packing Tips
- Taipei is humid year-round. Pack light, breathable clothing and an umbrella — sudden rain showers are common
- Comfortable walking shoes for temple visits and mountain hikes. Slip-on shoes help for some traditional spaces
- Bring a reusable bag — Taiwan charges for plastic bags. MRT stations are air-conditioned, so a light layer helps
Cultural tips
Taiwanese culture is warm, food-obsessed, and refreshingly welcoming. Respect at temples and basic courtesy go a long way.
Temple Etiquette
At temples, enter through the right "dragon" door, exit through the left "tiger" door. Don't step on the raised door threshold — step over it. Incense is often free or by donation.
Food Culture
Taiwanese people are serious about food — asking locals for recommendations opens doors and conversations. Sharing dishes at restaurants is normal. Slurping noodles is fine.
Garbage Trucks
Taipei has no public trash cans — take trash home or to a convenience store. The musical garbage truck comes daily and residents run out to throw trash in directly.
MRT Rules
No eating, drinking, or chewing gum on the MRT — fines of NT$1,500–7,500. Priority seats are strictly respected. Queue in painted lines on the platform.
Drinking Water
Taipei tap water is technically safe but locals prefer filtered. Most public spaces and MRT stations have free water fountains. Bring a reusable bottle — Taiwan is eco-conscious.
Friendliness
Taiwan is famously welcoming to travelers. Locals will often go out of their way to help you navigate. A simple "xie xie" (thank you) in Mandarin is always appreciated.
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