Taipei

Temples, night markets and neon

Taipei is a city of easy contrasts, where incense-wreathed temples sit in the shadow of glass skyscrapers and mountain trails begin at the end of a metro line. Its greatest pleasures are unpretentious and endlessly moreish: steaming bowls of beef noodles, night markets that hum until late, and hot springs bubbling up on the northern fringe. Warm, walkable and remarkably easy to navigate, it rewards curious travellers who are happy to wander, graze and follow their nose.

Good to know

508 m

the height of Taipei 101, the world's tallest building from 2004 to 2010

1738

the year Longshan Temple was founded, among the city's oldest places of worship

1996

the year the Taipei Metro opened, now the backbone of getting around

2.5M

residents call Taipei's city proper home

Local tips

Buy an EasyCard on arrival, as it works on the metro, buses and in convenience stores across the city.
Ride the MRT to beat the traffic, but stand on the right of escalators and never eat or drink on board.
Come hungry to the night markets and carry small cash, since most stalls do not take cards.
Pack a light rain layer year-round, as Taipei's weather can turn wet with little warning.

Browse Taipei

Taipei at a glance

Ideal stay: 3 to 4 days
Best time to visit: October to April, for cooler, drier weather
Highlights: Taipei 101 and Longshan Temple
Where to stay: Da'an or Zhongshan for first-timers
Local picks: 33 hand-chosen recommendations
Getting around: The efficient MRT metro, plus plenty of walking

Where to stay in Taipei

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amba Taipei Ximending

This creative, budget-friendly design hotel puts you right in the buzz of Ximending, Taipei’s youth and street-fashion centre. Upcycled decor and a live-music ethos give it real local character.

Beitou & Yangmingshan Day Tour

This day trip pairs the volcanic landscapes of Yangmingshan National Park with the steaming hot-spring town of Beitou, both just outside the city. It is an easy escape into nature, fumaroles and…

Boven Magazine Library

This independent magazine library holds thousands of design, fashion and culture titles from around the world. It is a quiet creative haven adored by Taipei’s designers and students.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

This monumental white hall on Liberty Square is one of Taipei’s defining landmarks and a favourite gathering spot. The vast plaza, gardens and grand staircase are free to explore.

Dihua Street

Taipei’s best-preserved historic street is a stroll through the city’s trading past, lined with restored shophouses, temples and old apothecaries. It comes alive most vividly during the Lunar New Year market.

Draft Land

This pioneering cocktails-on-tap bar reinvented the after-work drink, pouring high-quality mixed drinks fast and with little waste. Its buzzy, casual format made it an instant local hit.

Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan)

This short but steep hike delivers the classic postcard view of Taipei 101 rising above the skyline. It is the locals’ go-to for sunset and night photography.

Fuhang Soy Milk

This second-floor stall is Taipei’s most beloved traditional breakfast, famed for warm soy milk, flaky shao bing flatbreads and crisp you tiao. The legendary morning queue is part of the ritual.

Hang Zhou Xiao Long Bao

Locals in the know come here for soup dumplings every bit as good as the famous chains but without the tourist mark-up. Its Michelin Bib Gourmand nod only cemented its neighbourhood-legend status.

Hotel Proverbs Taipei

A member of Design Hotels, this boutique bolthole wins over style-minded travellers with bold, sensual interiors and a coveted rooftop pool. It sits in one of Da’an’s most walkable neighbourhoods.

Indulge Experimental Bistro

Widely credited with sparking Taipei’s craft-cocktail boom, Indulge pairs inventive drinks with a warm, clubby setting. It is a long-standing fixture on Asia’s 50 Best Bars.

Kimpton Da An, Taipei

Kimpton’s Taiwan flagship brings the brand’s playful, design-led hospitality to a leafy residential pocket of Da’an. Guests love the daily complimentary social hour and the genuinely warm service.

Kingspicy (Da Wang Málà Dry Noodles)

Kingspicy — Dàwáng Málà Gānmiàn — is a cult Taipei noodle joint built around one gloriously fiery dish: málà dry noodles, tossed in a numbing-hot Sichuan-style chilli-and-peppercorn sauce rather than soup. Tucked…

★ 3.9

Lin Dong Fang Beef Noodle

For many locals this is the definitive bowl of beef noodle soup, with meltingly tender brisket in a deeply savoury broth. The buttery beef-tendon topping keeps regulars coming back for decades.

Lin Mao Sen Tea Co.

A long-running family tea merchant near Dihua Street, Lin Mao Sen is where locals stock up on quality Taiwanese oolong and roasted teas. The staff are generous with tastings and advice.

Longshan Temple

Taipei’s most atmospheric temple is a living centre of worship, thick with incense and chanting from dawn. Its ornate carvings and constant local devotion make it unmissable.

Before you go

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Taipei travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Taipei?

Three to four days is enough to cover the headline sights, eat well at the night markets and still fit in a day trip to the northern coast or hot springs. Add a day or two if you want a slower pace or more excursions.

Where is the best area to stay in Taipei?

Da'an and Zhongshan are the most convenient bases for first-time visitors, with excellent metro links, dining and walkable streets. Ximending suits younger travellers who want nightlife and shopping on the doorstep.

What are the best things to do in Taipei?

Ride to the top of Taipei 101, soak up the incense at Longshan Temple, hike Elephant Mountain for skyline views and graze through a night market such as Raohe. A day trip to Jiufen, Shifen and Yehliu on the northern coast is also well worth the effort.

What is the best time to visit Taipei?

The cooler, drier months from October to April are the most comfortable for sightseeing and hiking. Summers are hot and humid, with a risk of typhoons between roughly July and September.