Taipei is a captivating city that effortlessly blends tradition with modernity, offering an unforgettable travel experience. Nestled in the heart of Taiwan, Taipei beckons curious explorers with its vibrant cityscape, rich cultural heritage, delectable cuisine, and warm hospitality. From towering skyscrapers to serene temples, bustling night markets to tranquil nature escapes, Taipei boasts a diverse range of tourist attractions that cater to every traveler’s taste. Whether you seek captivating landmarks, mouth watering street food, immersive cultural experiences, or thrilling urban adventures, Taipei has it all. Get ready to embark on a journey of discovery as we give you a travel guide on the must visit destinations in Taipei. Prepare to be enchanted by the charms of this dynamic city where tradition and innovation intertwine, leaving an indelible mark on all who visit.
Exploring Taipei’s Iconic Landmarks: From Taipei 101 to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Taipei is a city where modern architectural marvels stand as testaments to its progressive spirit while preserving its rich historical heritage. As you wander through the bustling streets, prepare to be mesmerized by Taipei’s iconic tourist attractions. Here are some landmarks that you must not miss when in Taipei.
Taipei 101 – You have to check out Taipei 101. It’s the most famous building in the whole of Taiwan and it’s an incredible sight! Standing at 509m tall, it was once the tallest building in the world and it’s still one of the tallest buildings in Asia. You can take the elevator up to the 89th floor observation deck for amazing views of the city – and it’ll only take you 37 seconds to get there from the 5th floor!
Chiang-Kai Shek Memorial Hall – The construction of the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall is a tribute to Taiwan’s first president and a significant political figure, in the nation’s past. When visiting the hall, you can admire the bronze statue of Chiang Kai shek while witnessing the changing of guards that occur every hour.
Longshan Temple – Longshan Temple, located in the Wanhua District was built in 1738 by people who migrated from Fujian, China. This temple is famous for its style that beautifully fuses Chinese and Taiwanese influences. The main hall houses a statue of Guanyin who is revered as the goddess in Buddhism along with several other Buddhist deities and well known figures.
Savoring Taipei’s Culinary Delights: Must-Try Dishes and Flavors to Indulge In
If you’re a foodie, Taipei is the place for you! You’ll never run out of delicious restaurants and street food stands to explore. Taiwanese food is a total mix of different cultures and flavors, but you can guarantee you’ll be stuffed and happy after every meal.
Beef noodle soup – Craving a yummy bowl of noodles? Beef noodle soup is the way to go! This filling noodle dish features tender braised beef, bok choy, and a delicious broth that will have you coming back for more. It’s the national dish of Taiwan, so if you’re ever in the area, you have to try it!
Braised pork rice – Taiwan’s famous comfort food is basically a bowl with stir-fried minced pork belly cooked in soy sauce with egg and veggies. The pork is so tender it just melts in your mouth.
Gua bao – Gua bao is basically a soft bun filled with pork belly and crispy pickled greens. But nowadays, you can get all kinds of variations like fried chicken, fish, eggs, and beef. So go ahead and pick your favorite!
Delicious Adventures: Foodie’s Guide to Taipei’s Night Markets
Taipei is home to some of the most vibrant night markets. As the sun sets, these night markets are full of locals and visitors eager to try the delicious street food, shop for unique gifts and get a taste of Taiwanese culture. The atmosphere in these markets is electric – from the chatter of the crowd to the amazing smells coming from the different stalls. Whether you’re a foodie, a shopping lover or simply want to experience the atmosphere, Taipei’s night markets are definitely worth checking out.
Shilin Night Market – Shilin Night Market is the most famous in Taipei making it a must-visit. Expect an array of street food, electronics, fashionable clothes and bags at every turn. Don’t miss out on the chance to savor some treats, like the XXL fried chicken cutlet, cheesy mashed potato, oyster mee sua, and savory pork pepper bun.
Ningxia Night Market – Ningxia may be smaller than the other night markets, but it’s still full of food that you definitely must try. You’ll find all kinds of street food here – from sesame-coated mochi to sesame oil chicken, oyster omelette to fried taro balls – it’s the perfect place for a foodie adventure.
Raohe Night Market – This night market has been around longer than the popular Shilin Night Market, and is a hot spot for both locals and visitors. At Raohe Night Market, you can get your hands on traditional Taiwanese street food and snacks, as well as some of the more uncommon treats like pork rib bone soup, grilled squid, and grilled beef cubes.
Retail Therapy: Taipei’s Shopping Districts and Trendy Markets
Taipei is known for its trendy vibes, which is clearly shown in all the different shopping options around. You can choose from fancy malls to budget-friendly stores. Here are some destinations where you can shop until you drop.
Taipei 101 Shopping Mall – If you’re in Taipei and want to treat yourself to some high-end shopping, Taipei 101 Mall is where you need to head! You’ll find a ton of great worldwide brands to choose from.
Ximending – Ximending is the place to be if you want to stay up-to-date with the newest fashion trends. It’s the ideal spot for a leisurely walk and window-shopping for cool and stylish clothes. Young people flock there every weekend, making it a lively and thrilling place to hang out.
Camera Street -If you’re in Taipei, Camera Street near the station is the spot to go if you’re looking for cameras and other gear. It’s jam-packed with different camera stores. Even though online shopping is popular, Camera Street is still the number one choice for many locals because they can get professional and basic photography equipment for reasonable prices.
Nature Escapes: Discovering Taipei’s Green Spaces and Hiking Trails
Escape the bustling city streets of Taipei and discover a hidden paradise of natural wonders. Taipei may be known for its vibrant urban landscape, but it also offers a breathtaking array of green spaces and hiking trails, inviting you to reconnect with nature.Get ready to embark on an unforgettable nature retreat right in the heart of Taipei.
Elephant Mountain – It’s no wonder this is by far the most beloved hiking trail in the entire country, being that it’s so easy, short, and gives the most stunning view of Taipei 101. Many visitors make the trip here just to snap the perfect shot with Taipei 101 as the backdrop.
Da’an Forest Park – This is the park where the locals come to have some fun! It’s a great spot to take a leisurely stroll – there’s a pond with all kinds of creatures, a pavilion, and plenty of pathways to explore.
Taipei Botanical Garden – This 8-hectare park is like a refreshing oasis in the city. Here you can find a beautiful lotus pond and peaceful pathways, it’s the perfect place to take a break and enjoy some quiet time.
Unveiling Taipei’s Cultural Scene: Art Galleries, Museums, and Performing Arts
Taipei is a city that pulsates with a vibrant cultural scene, where creativity and artistic expression thrive. Step into a world of art, history, and performing arts as we unveil destinations to feed your creative soul.
Huashan 1914 Creative Park – This creative park is a reconstruction of the Taihoku Winery from the time when Japan ruled the country. The main factory buildings and warehouses have been turned into shops, restaurants, and cultural movie theaters plus exhibition spaces. You can also catch mini concerts and shows in the park’s front yard.
Songshan Cultural and Creative Park – This spot used to be an old tobacco plant built in 1937, during Japanese rule, but it was given a new life in 2011 when it became the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park. It’s a place for people to come and get involved in the cultural and creative industry, with a department store, Taiwan Design Museum, Taiwan Design Center, eateries and boutiques.
Dihua Street – This neighborhood used to be a traditional market street, with tea houses, gift shops, and historic buildings, but now it’s been changed up with design stores, coffee shops, mini-theatres, and studios. The area has become an art and culture district.
Taipei’s Hidden Gems: Discovering the City’s Best-Kept Secrets
If you’re looking for something more unique on your trip to Taiwan, Taipei has all kinds of cool spots that will surprise you. There are heaps of hidden gems tucked away down alleyways, in mountains, or in the lesser-known parts of the city. To really explore the city and uncover its secrets, you’ll need to go off the touristy path and see what Taipei has to offer.
Dadaocheng Wharf – At Dadaocheng Wharf, you can hop on the ferry and take in the sights of the Tamsui River. Pier 5 is the highlight – it’s been revamped into a cool hangout spot with food stalls, music and bars. Plus, there are awesome rooftop terraces with amazing views of the river.
Taipei Fish Market – The Taipei Fish Market in the Zhongshan District is the perfect spot to visit if you love seafood. You can buy live, raw, and processed seafood. There are also sushi bars and seafood counters where you can enjoy the freshest seafood with a glass of wine. You can also find hidden Taiwanese restaurants serving amazing seafood dishes.
VVG Something – If you’re looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of Taipei, VVG Something is the perfect spot! It’s a small, hidden bookshop tucked away in a quiet alley near the Zhongxiao Dunhua shopping area. Instead of stocking the latest bestsellers, this cozy little shop carries a unique selection of books about arts, crafts, fashion and cooking, with just a couple copies of each.
Exploring Taipei with Ease: Your Guide to Getting Around the City’s Top Attractions
Getting around Taipei is a piece of cake if you know how to use public transport. Don’t sweat it because we will show you how to get around Taipei like an expert!
Taipei Metro – No doubt, the best way to get around the city is with the Taipei Metro. It has 107 stations all over the city centre, connecting the top spots in Taipei to the must-see attractions. Prices for single fares range from TWD20 to TWD60, depending on how far apart the two stops are.
Bus – If you’re looking for another way to get around Taipei, the bus system is definitely worth checking out. It can take you to areas of the city and beyond that aren’t as well covered by the MRT. Just be aware that it can be tricky to work out which bus to take, and many drivers don’t speak English, so it may be hard to ask for help.
Taxi – In Taipei, you’ll find taxis everywhere you go. Although they’re the priciest way to travel, they are still way cheaper than in most big cities. The starting rate for taxis is TWD70 for the first 1.25 km and TWD5 for each 0.25-km after that. Plus, you’ll pay an extra TWD20 for late-night rides.
In the vibrant city of Taipei, every step unveils a new adventure, every corner reveals a fascinating story, and every experience leaves an indelible mark on your heart. From the iconic landmarks that reach for the sky to the hidden gems tucked away in nature’s embrace, Taipei invites you to immerse yourself in its unique blend of tradition and modernity.