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When visiting Taipei for the first time, you will see a blend of cultures from various parts of Asia. The street markets of South East Asia, Japanese aesthetics and buildings that reminded me of my time in Hong Kong. It is a hub for all things culture, street eats, and history. It can be overwhelming to plan a trip to a capitol city, especially one like Taipei that offers so many amazing day trips throughout Taiwan. Hoping this guide will help for all your delicious food adventures, coastal journeys, or city cruising!
Tips when visiting Taipei for the first time
Airport info / There are two airports in Taipei – Songshan Airport and Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). For traveling to Taipei the Songshan is much more convenient, but TPE may come up a lot more in your searches. Although it is farther away, the MRT now goes from the Airport to downtown Taipei! If your flight arrives when the MRT is not running, take the bus, taxi or Uber. I took a taxi from the airport, and an Uber when leaving.
Public transit / Taipei is easy to get around with using trains and buses. Taxis are plentiful as well. Buses seemed a more direct way to get places, and I found that you should wave them down so they see you to stop!
Money / Credit is not taken at all establishments in Taipei, so I suggest going straight to currency exchange at the airport, having money beforehand or stopping at an ATM (a plethora of 7/11 awaits you and all have ATMs).
Internet / Taipei’s public transportation had reliable internet as well as other hubs around the city. For directions (I am incredibly directionally challenged) I loved having a pocket wifi though!
Where to stay
For me, I chose the places I wanted to see and eat, then picked an air bnb that I thought would be most convenient! Picking a location is really all about preference. Pick somewhere close to a few things you want to do, and if you are travelling solo (like I was) book what feels comfortable. My first stay was close to Dongmen Station and I loved this location! Walk-able to a few major Taipei landmarks and close to restaurants and cafes. The second place I stayed was in another great location (especially if you love cafes like me) near Zhongxiao Dunhua Station.
Looking at air bnbs? I can’t recommend the place I stayed my first few days ENOUGH. Clean, safe and convenient location.
Things to see and do
Like any city, there are numerous museums, memorials, and activities. Taipei is no exception.
/ Check out the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and take in the stunning national Theater next door as well.
/ Night Markets – Swing by one or more (they have 14) of their Night Markets. Shilin Night Market is known to be the most popular but if you want to experience a less touristy night market, get a city map beforehand that shows where they all are so you can try a few! I Personally enjoyed Raohe Night Market more than Shilin (more intimidate and local feeling).
/ National Palace Museum
/ Explore temples – Taipei Confucius Temple and Dalongdong Baoan Temple are stunning and right next to each other. When visiting Dalongdong, make sure to go all the way in the back and climb the stairs for an epic view of the whole temple!
/ Climb Elephant Mountain – A short hike with stunning views of Taipei 101 and the city
/ Taiwanese Hair Wash
Taipei Eats
Between the humidity, walking, bus riding and the fact that eating food is one of my favorite parts of travel, enjoying Taipei’s food scene is a must. Immense amount of calories are all apart of the cultural experience…*I tell myself as I eat 5 more xiao long bao.*
/ Din Tai Fung – Skip eating at Din Tai Fung in Taipei 101 and eat at the OG. The FIRST ever Din Tai Fung is located 2 minutes from the Dongmen Station (also 2 minutes from my air bnb, so that was convenient for my taste buds). Skip the line by volunteering to sit at the shared table too.
/ Beef Noodles – Along with copious amounts of xia long bao, Beef Noodles are a Taiwan specialty. I enjoyed mine at the popular Yongkang Beef Noodles and opted for the original (next time I would get an option with more spice).
/ Street eats – For something cheap and casual, night markets will satisfy all cravings for Taipei street food, fresh juices and smoothies.
/ Cafes – Of course I visited quite a bit of coffee joints for breakfast. I listed out a solid ten coffee shops for you to try when visiting Taipei for the first time.
/ Teahouses – Whether it be close to Taipei in MaoKong or if you take a day trip to Jiufen, have an authentic and scrumptious experience at a Taiwanese Tea house.
/ Ice Monster – Instagram worthy and yummy shaved ice.
Day trips from Taipei
A nice, overall plan is to spend 2/3 days in Taipei, with one or two day trips sprinkled in.
Jiufen & Shifen
Often high on people’s list, these two cities are a great glimpse into Taiwan’s past, while escaping the city.
Since I was unable to visit Taroke National Park, I still made sure to see Taiwan’s coast and nature landscapes. Yehliu is an easy, half day trip from Taipei that I fully recommend. Read more about my time at Yehliu Geopark here.
Beitou Hot Springs & Yangmingshan National Park
These two trips can easily be grouped together, although I would try and do more hiking than we did (you can get way better views)!
Keelung
Taroko National Park
I plan to spend a few days here for when I return (stay in Hualien and enjoy the slow town and easy access to the park)!
What I would have changed about my first trip to Taipei
Sometimes the most helpful info is learning from someone’s mistakes! Two things I would have changed would be to add on another two days and stay in Hualien to slowly enjoy the coast, the town and Taroko National Park. The second, would be skip Beitou/Yangmingshan (unless I planned to really hike) and explore more of Taipei such as Maokong.
Hope this post was helpful when visiting Taipei for the first time!
Love always,
Katherine
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