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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Maokong Gondola

This scenic cable car glides up from the city zoo to the tea-growing hills of Maokong, with forested slopes unfolding beneath you. It is a local favourite for an afternoon of hillside…

MUME

MUME helped put modern Taiwanese fine dining on the world map, plating hyper-seasonal local produce with Nordic precision. It is a perennial on Asia’s 50 Best lists and a special-occasion favourite.

National Palace Museum

Home to one of the world’s greatest collections of Chinese imperial art, this vast museum holds treasures spanning millennia. The Jadeite Cabbage and Meat-shaped Stone draw the crowds, but the calligraphy and…

Raohe Night Market Food Tour

A local guide leads you through Raohe, one of Taipei’s most storied night markets, decoding the stalls and steering you to the tastiest bites. It takes the guesswork out of ordering and…

Raohe Street Night Market

One of Taipei’s oldest and most atmospheric night markets, Raohe packs a single lantern-lit lane with street food and games. Locals rate it above flashier markets for its old-school character.

Revolver

A scruffy, much-loved institution, Revolver is where Taipei heads for live bands, DJ nights and cheap drinks. Its two floors pull in a mix of students, expats and musicians.

Shifen, Jiufen & Yehliu Day Tour

This full-day trip bundles northern Taiwan’s greatest hits: the sea-carved rocks of Yehliu, lantern-releasing at Shifen and the lantern-lit lanes of Jiufen. It is the easiest way to see coast and mountains…

Taihu Brewing

Taihu is Taiwan’s best-known independent craft brewery, and its Taipei taprooms are where locals go for adventurous, well-made beer. The rotating taps run from crisp lagers to bold sours.

Taipei 101 Observatory

Once the world’s tallest building, Taipei 101 is still the city’s defining icon, and its observatory serves up sweeping views across the basin to the mountains. The giant golden tuned mass damper…

Taipei Highlights Walking Tour

A guided walk through Taipei’s must-see landmarks weaves temples, memorials and old streets together with the stories that bring them alive. It is a great orientation for first-timers who want context, not…

Taipei Zoo

One of Asia’s largest zoos, Taipei Zoo is a much-loved family day out spread across a forested hillside in Wenshan. Its giant pandas, koalas and Formosan native-animal areas are perennial favourites.

The Grand Hotel Taipei

This palace-style landmark with sweeping red columns is arguably Taipei’s most photographed building, perched on Yuanshan hill above the city. Locals bring visiting relatives here as much for the history as the…

Yongle Fabric Market

Housed in a multi-storey building in old Datong, Yongle is Taipei’s legendary textile market, its upper floors crammed with bolts of every fabric imaginable. Tailors and craft-lovers treat it as a treasure…

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.