When planning a trip to Taipei, we always use the YLBB method ourselves: compare different providers and, in addition to separate flights and hotels, always check the prices of package deals . Especially for a long-haul city trip, a flight and hotel package can turn out to be surprisingly affordable.

For individual hotels in Taipei, we usually start with Booking.com . View all hotels in Taipei here >> and then compare prices with other providers as well, because rates and offers can vary considerably between booking sites.

Expedia also has a wide selection of hotels in Taipei. View all hotels in Taipei here >> What also makes Expedia interesting are the flight and hotel package deals >> Package discounts are frequently available for these, so it is smart to always compare the total price with that of booking a flight and hotel separately.

Another provider we would always check for Taipei is Trip.com . Especially in Asia, the hotel selection is extensive and there are often competitive rates. View all hotels via Trip.com here >> Here too, you can combine flight and hotel and compare the total price with what you would spend if you booked both separately. View flight and hotel package deals here >>

Would you like to combine Taipei with other places in Taiwan? Then take a look at a fully organized tour of Taiwan . Taipei is often the starting or ending point of itineraries that also include destinations such as Tainan, Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, and the east coast. Check out the offerings from Djoser and Koning Aap . They offer organized tours of Taiwan where you discover different parts of the island in a single trip, with much of the transportation and accommodation already arranged for you.

For those who prefer a bit more space and privacy, an apartment, holiday home, or villa in Taipei can be a great option. Especially if you are traveling with children, family, or friends, this can also work out to be more economical than multiple hotel rooms. Check out the selection on Booking.com and Vrbo , and always compare prices and conditions there as well.

This way, you can quickly compare in advance what is most economical for your trip and you don't automatically have to book everything with the same provider.

The best neighborhoods to stay and wander around in Taipei are Da'an, Zhongshan, Dadaocheng, and Xinyi. Da'an is the perfect place for food lovers and first-time visitors to the city, Zhongshan is known for design, coffee shops, and local fashion, Dadaocheng showcases historic Taipei, and Xinyi combines modern architecture with luxury hotels, restaurants, and cocktail bars.

Taipei is a city best explored neighborhood by neighborhood. Thanks to the MRT, you can easily travel from one side of the city to the other, but the atmosphere changes completely along the way. One moment you are walking past quiet temples and historic facades, the next you find yourself surrounded by neon lights, concept stores, tea houses, and small restaurants where you spontaneously pull up a chair.

Da'an

For food lovers, first-timers, and everyone who likes to stay in a central location.

Da'an is one of the finest neighborhoods for a first city trip to Taipei. You are close to Da'an Forest Park , good coffee shops, local restaurants, and various MRT lines that take you quickly to Taipei 101, Beitou, and Tamsui. The neighborhood feels local and lively, yet is manageable enough if you are visiting Taiwan for the first time. You will find excellent restaurants, tea houses, dumplings, Taiwanese desserts, and specialty coffee, especially around Dongmen and Yongkang Street . Around Zhongxiao Dunhua and Zhongxiao Fuxing, on the other hand, you will find more boutiques, cocktail bars, design hotels, and restaurants where young Taipei likes to hang out. This is the neighborhood for long lunches, leisurely dining, and an evening that ends with shaved ice or a final drink.

zhongshan

For design, coffee bars, vintage shops, and a stylish city trip.

Zhongshan is a lovely neighborhood if you appreciate restaurants, shops, and hotels that feel just a bit quieter and more refined. Around Chifeng Street , small lifestyle shops, vintage stores, specialty coffee bars, and local fashion brands alternate. Japanese influences are clearly visible here, both in the streetscape and in the cafes and shops. Moreover, the location is ideal. You are situated between Taipei Main Station, Dadaocheng, and Songshan , making almost everything easily accessible. Zhongshan is a particularly pleasant place to stay for travelers who want to walk a lot during the day and enjoy dining out in their own neighborhood in the evening.

Dadaocheng

For teahouses, historic merchant buildings, and authentic old Taipei.

Dadaocheng , around Dihua Street and the river, is one of the most beautiful historic parts of Taipei. You can see the city's history reflected in old merchant buildings, fabric shops, spice shops, and traditional tea houses. At the same time, young entrepreneurs have increasingly breathed new life into buildings with ceramics shops, concept stores, coffee bars, and small restaurants. Don't just go here for a quick photo; take the time to wander through the side streets, drink tea, and sample local snacks. In the late afternoon, walk towards the river, where Dadaocheng Wharf is a popular spot for a drink at sunset.

xinyi

For modern architecture, luxury hotels, restaurants, and cocktails with a view.

Xinyi showcases the modern and international side of Taipei. Here you will find Taipei 101 , gleaming shopping malls, designer restaurants, luxury hotels, and some of the city's best cocktail bars. The district is more spaciously laid out than many older parts of Taipei and feels particularly impressive in the evening, when the skyscrapers and rooftop bars light up.

Although Xinyi feels less intimate than Da'an or Zhongshan, it is a good choice if you appreciate comfort, modern architecture, and high-end restaurants. It is also a pleasant neighborhood for a night out, with a mix of speakeasy bars, rooftops, and stylish hotel bars.

Also fun to discover

• Ximending for street food, queer nightlife, shopping, and neon energy. Around the Red House, you will find terraces, bars, and one of the city's most famous LGBTQ+ nightlife areas.
• Songshan for Raohe Night Market, Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, design shops, exhibitions and creative cafes.
• Beitou for hot springs, green walking routes, and a relaxing half-day outside the busy center.
• huashan for Huashan 1914 Creative Park, temporary exhibitions, concept stores, cafes and cultural events.

YLBB tip

Choose Da'an or Zhongshan as your base and plan Dadaocheng, Ximending, Xinyi, and Raohe Night Market as separate moments. This way, you not only experience the well-known highlights but also discover how different Taipei's neighborhoods feel. It is precisely this variety of historic streets, creative hotspots, night markets, and modern cocktail bars that makes the city so enjoyable.

The best things to do in Taipei are spending an evening dining at a night market , wandering past the teahouses and old merchant buildings of Dadaocheng, climbing Elephant Mountain for a view of Taipei 101 , drinking tea in the hills of Maokong , and relaxing in the hot springs of Beitou.

Taipei is not a city that revolves solely around a long list of sights. It is precisely the small moments that make a city trip here so enjoyable: starting the day with warm soy milk and youtiao , spontaneously walking into a temple, getting a bubble tea, and sitting down at a small restaurant where the dumplings are folded right in front of you. What makes Taipei extra fun is the combination of modern urban dynamics and nature. Within half an hour, you can swap a busy neon street for a green walking path, a traditional teahouse in the hills, or a hot spring.

Eat all evening at Raohe or Ningxia Night Market

A city trip to Taipei is not complete without strolling through a night market for at least one evening. Raohe Street Night Market is one of the best markets for a first visit. You enter through the colorful Ciyou Temple and then find a long street full of stalls selling Taiwanese snacks.

Here, try the famous oven-baked black pepper pork buns , crispy chicken, dumplings, herbal pork ribs, and, if you dare, stinky tofu. Looking for a more compact market that revolves almost entirely around food? Then head to Ningxia Night Market , where you will find many classic Taiwanese street food dishes all in one place.

Stroll through Dadaocheng and Dihua Street

Dadaocheng is the perfect neighborhood for an afternoon among historic facades, fabric shops, dried herbs, traditional tea houses, and creative boutiques. Start on Dihua Street , settle down for an extensive tea tasting , and then take the time to explore the smaller side streets as well.

Walk towards Dadaocheng Wharf in the late afternoon . Around sunset, the area along the river comes to life with terraces, container bars, and small food stands. It is a nice place to end the day with a local beer or a drink while enjoying the view of the water.

Climb Elephant Mountain for a view of Taipei 101

From Xiangshan, better known as Elephant Mountain , you have one of the most beautiful views of Taipei 101 and the city skyline. The climb to the first viewpoint takes about fifteen to twenty minutes, but consists largely of steep stairs. Wear good shoes and bring plenty of water on warm days. Around sunset, the first platform can get quite crowded. Therefore, walk a little further up for a quieter viewpoint. Go in the late afternoon so that you see Taipei both in daylight and with all the city lights on.

Take the Maokong Gondola to the teahouses in the hills.

From the station at Taipei Zoo , the Maokong Gondola takes you into the green hills above the city. Choose a regular cabin or wait a little longer for a Crystal Cabin with a glass bottom. Maokong is known for its tea plantations and teahouses overlooking Taipei. Set aside a few hours to drink oolong tea, sample locally prepared tea dishes, and take a short walk through the hills. Always check the current opening times before departure, as the gondola does not run on some Mondays, during maintenance, or in bad weather.

Plan a hot spring moment in Beitou

Beitou feels like a mini-vacation within Taipei. From the city center, you travel by MRT to Xinbeitou, after which you walk through the green Beitou Park towards the Hot Spring Museum and Thermal Valley . At Thermal Valley, you see the sulfurous water steaming amidst the greenery, but bathing is not allowed here.

Would you like to relax in a hot spring on your own ? Then choose in advance which type of bath suits you best. In mixed public outdoor pools, swimwear is usually mandatory, while traditional, segregated bathhouses are often used without swimwear. For more privacy, you can book a private hot spring room at various hotels and resorts. Always check the venue's rules beforehand, as they vary by bathhouse.

Take a food tour around Yongkang Street and Da'an

Around Yongkang Street and Dongmen, you'll find plenty of places to plan a half-day of dining. The original Din Tai Fung branch was located on Xinyi Road, close to Yongkang Street, and the neighborhood remains one of Taipei's most famous spots for xiao long bao . Also, try beef noodle soup , crispy scallion pancakes , Taiwanese desserts, and a large bowl of mango shaved ice. In between, you'll find specialty coffee bars, tea houses, and small shops. Finish the afternoon with a walk through Da'an Forest Park or head over to Zhongxiao Dunhua for a cocktail in one of the speakeasy bars.

Discover the creative side of Taipei

In addition to temples and night markets, Taipei also has a strong design and culture scene. Visit Huashan 1914 Creative Park for temporary exhibitions, small shops, cafes, and cultural events. Songshan Cultural and Creative Park is also great for design shops, pop-ups, and exhibitions in former industrial buildings.

YLBB tip

Do you have time for a day trip? Combine Beitou with the lush Yangmingshan National Park , where you will find volcanic landscapes and hiking trails. Another popular option is a day trip to Jiufen and Shifen . Leave early, as Jiufen in particular can get quite busy later in the day.

Taipei is one of the most enjoyable culinary cities in Asia. The food culture largely takes place on the streets: from night markets and traditional breakfast spots to noodle restaurants, tea houses, and modern fine-dining establishments. It is precisely the combination of affordable local dishes and high-end restaurants that makes the city so interesting for food lovers.

Vegetarians and vegans can also eat surprisingly well in Taipei. Thanks to the Buddhist food culture, you will find many fully vegetarian restaurants, buffets, and noodle shops scattered throughout the city. At night markets, however, it is wise to specifically ask for lard, meat broth, dried shrimp, and fish sauce. Look for the word素食, pronounced sùshí , which refers to vegetarian food.

Beef noodle soup

Niu rou mian, or Taiwanese beef noodle soup, is one of the city's most famous dishes. Every establishment has its own recipe, but the soup usually consists of a slow-simmered beef broth, thick noodles, tender braised beef, and pickled mustard greens. Pull up a chair at a classic noodle restaurant in Da'an or Zhongzheng. Yong Kang Beef Noodles is a well-known spot, but you can find surprisingly good versions at small neighborhood eateries.

Xiao long bao and other dumplings

No city trip to Taipei is complete without xiao long bao. These thin, steamed dumplings are filled with minced meat and hot broth. Place the dumpling on a spoon, carefully make a small hole, and eat it with a little vinegar and fresh ginger. Din Tai Fung remains the most famous name, but also check out smaller dumpling shops around Yongkang Street, Dongmen, and Zhongshan. Alongside xiao long bao, order a portion of vegetable dumplings, wontons, or steamed buns to share.

Lu rou fan

Lu rou fan is a simple bowl of rice with tender braised pork and a savory, slightly sweet sauce. The dish is often served with a marinated egg, pickled vegetables, or some greens. This is typical Taiwanese comfort food: affordable, uncomplicated, and available almost everywhere. Order a small bowl as a snack or pair it with various side dishes for a complete meal.

wow bao

Gua bao is also known as the Taiwanese hamburger. The soft, steamed bun is traditionally filled with braised pork belly, pickled mustard greens, coriander, and ground peanuts with sugar. Grab one at a night market or head to Lan Jia Gua Bao in Gongguan, one of Taipei's most famous spots for this dish.

Taiwanese breakfast

Get up early at least one morning for a traditional Taiwanese breakfast. Order hot or cold soy milk with youtiao , a fried dough stick, and share a dan bing: a thin savory pancake with egg. A toasted sesame bun with egg and youtiao is also worth trying. Breakfast places often open early and can be quite busy around the morning rush hour, but that is precisely what makes it a fun local experience.

Oyster omelette and oyster vermicelli

The Taiwanese oyster omelet is different from a classic omelet. The use of sweet potato starch gives the dish a soft, slightly chewy texture. The omelet is filled with small oysters and vegetables and served with a sweet and savory sauce. Oyster vermicelli is also a well -known night market snack. This thickened noodle soup contains thin vermicelli, small oysters, and sometimes pieces of pig intestine. You can find both dishes at Ningxia and Raohe Night Market, among others.

Black pepper bun and scallion pancake

At Raohe Night Market, you shouldn't miss the famous black pepper bun . The crispy bun is filled with juicy pork, spring onion, and plenty of black pepper, and then baked against the wall of a hot oven. Another snack you'll find everywhere is the Taiwanese scallion pancake: a crispy, layered pancake with spring onion. Order it plain or with egg, cheese, or basil.

Bubble tea, shaved ice and Taiwanese tea

Taiwan is the birthplace of bubble tea. In addition to the well-known brown sugar version, try a classic milk tea with tapioca pearls or a refreshing fruit tea. Keep in mind that at many establishments, you choose the amount of ice and sugar yourself. On warm days, mango shaved ice is a perfect stop. The fine shaved ice is topped with fresh mango, condensed milk, and sometimes a scoop of mango ice cream. For a quieter tea experience, travel to Maokong, where you can drink local oolong tea with a view of the green hills.

Pineapple cakes

Feng li su, or pineapple cakes, are small buttery pastries with a sweet pineapple filling. You can find them in bakeries and specialty shops throughout the city, often packaged in beautiful boxes. They are not only delicious with tea but also one of the nicest culinary souvenirs to take home. Try different versions, as some are sweeter and softer, while others have a fresher pineapple flavor.

YLBB tip

Plan at least one day where you don't make reservations in advance, but instead wander from breakfast spot to coffee shop, night market, and small eatery. Order a few dishes to share at every place. That way, you'll taste much more in one day and discover the places that aren't in every travel guide.

The best hotels in Taipei can be found mainly in Da'an , Songshan , Zhongshan , Xinyi , and Beitou . Don't expect sprawling resorts, but rather a mix of luxury city hotels, boutique hotels , stylish design addresses, and unique hot spring hotels. These are our favorite hotels for a stay in Taipei.

YLBB favorites

Capella Taipei

Capella Taipei It is the city's most talked-about luxury opening of recent years. The hotel, designed by André Fu Studio, feels like a stylish urban mansion with tranquil interiors, multiple restaurants, and excellent service. Its location in Songshan makes it a great base for both the hip neighborhoods and the rest of the city.
No. 139, Dunhua North Road, Songshan District, Taipei City 105, Taiwan – View the rates here >>

Kimpton Da An Taipei

One of our favorite boutique hotels in Taipei is Kimpton Da An Taipei. The atmosphere is warm, modern, and intimate, while you stay right in the heart of the charming Da'an neighborhood. Perfect if you enjoy discovering restaurants, coffee shops, and cocktail bars on foot.
No. 25, Lane 27, Section 4, Ren'ai Road, Da'an District, Taipei City 106, Taiwan – View the rates here >>

Mandarin Oriental, Taipei

For classic five-star luxury is Mandarin Oriental One of the best choices in the city. Think of spacious rooms, a beautiful spa, a large outdoor pool, and the service this hotel chain is known for.
No. 158, Dunhua North Road, Songshan District, Taipei City 105, Taiwan – View the rates here >>

Best design hotels

Hotel Proverbs Taipei

A stylish design hotel with dark interiors, lots of wood, and a rooftop pool. Hotel Proverbs Taipei It is located close to Zhongxiao Dunhua and is a great location if you want to discover Taipei via the best restaurants, bars, and shops.
No. 56, Section 1, Daan Road, Da'an District, Taipei City 106, Taiwan – View the rates here >>

eslite hotel

Located directly next to Songshan Cultural and Creative Park Elite Hotel, a quiet design hotel where books, art, and architecture come together. A good choice for lovers of design and culture.
No. 98, Yanchang Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City 110, Taiwan – View the rates here >>

Swio Hotel Daan

The modern boutique hotel Swio Hotel Daan It has fresh rooms and is budget-friendly. You are right in the middle of Da'an, within walking distance of many nice cafes and restaurants.
No. 185, Section 1, Daan Road, Da'an District, Taipei City 106, Taiwan – View the rates here >>

Best luxury hotels

Grand View Resort Beitou

Do you want to combine Taipei with wellness? Then is Grand View Resort Beitou A good choice. The natural hot springs, tranquil atmosphere, and spa make this one of the most beautiful resorts in Taiwan.
No. 30, Youya Road, Beitou District, Taipei – View the rates here >>

32 Villa

32 Villa This is a 16+ (adults only) boutique hotel centered entirely on tranquility, privacy, and hot springs. Perfect for a romantic stay during your trip through Taipei.
No. 32, Zhongshan Road, Beitou District, Taipei City 112, Taiwan – View the rates here >>

RegentTaipei

RegentTaipei is a classic in Zhongshan with spacious rooms, excellent restaurants, and a central location. Ideal if you want to see a lot of the city without having to travel far all the time.
No. 3, Lane 39, Section 2, ZhongShan North Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei – View the rates here >>

Best family hotels

Hanns House

The program Hanns House is a modern hotel with spacious rooms and suites in the Xinyi district. Thanks to its location close to Taipei 101, the metro, and various shopping centers, this is one of the best choices for families.
No. 206, Section 1, Keelung Road, Poznan Center, Taipei – View the rates here >>

Jolley Hotel

This stylish aparthotel offers more space than a standard hotel room and is located in Zhongshan, a short distance from Ningxia Night Market. Jolley Hotel is a nice stay for families staying a bit longer.
1, No.568, Linsen N. Rd, Zhongshan District, Taipei – View the rates here >>

Blue Moss Residence – Large Family Living Space

The Blue Moss residence is a spacious serviced apartment in Datong with multiple bedrooms and a private living area. Perfect for families who prefer a bit more living space during their city trip.
No.35, Chang'an W. Rd., Datong District, Taipei – View the rates here >>

TIP: Planning a trip to Taipei? Always compare rates and offers from different travel providers. View the complete range for:

• Hotels: Booking.com | Expedia | Trip.com
• Package holidays (flight + hotel): Expedia | Trip.com
• Fully organized tours: Djoser | King Monkey
• Holiday homes & villas: Booking.com | vrbo

This way, you can quickly see whether it is more economical to put together your trip to Taipei yourself or book as a package.

The best time to visit Taipei is from October to early December and from March to April . In the autumn, the worst of the summer heat is over, it is less humid, and you can walk comfortably through the various neighborhoods. Spring is also pleasant, although the chance of rain increases in the course of April.

As far as we are concerned, October and November are the best months for a city trip. It is warm enough to eat outside in the evening at a night market, but usually no longer so hot and humid that you have to build your itinerary around the air conditioning. These are also pleasant months for viewpoints, walks, and trips to the hills.

From June through September, Taipei is hot, humid, and rainier. During the day, temperatures often rise above thirty degrees, and the high humidity makes it feel even hotter. Moreover, this is the period when typhoons can occur. In the event of heavy rain, strong winds, or an official typhoon warning, attractions, walking routes, and connections such as the Maokong Gondola may close temporarily.

The winter months are relatively mild, but can feel cloudy, humid, and surprisingly chilly. Moreover, heating is not a given everywhere. If you bring a light coat and layers in January or February, Taipei is a good place to visit during this period as well.

Important holidays and events

Lunar New Year – January or February
Lunar New Year is one of the most important family celebrations in Taiwan. The exact dates change every year. Around the holidays, many independent restaurants, market stalls, and small shops close temporarily, while trains and other connections outside Taipei can quickly become crowded. The city does not come to a complete standstill, but for a city trip centered on local restaurants and food spots, this is not always the best time to travel.

Taipei Lantern Festival – February or March
During the Taipei Lantern Festival, large light installations, artworks, and colorful lanterns appear throughout the city. The dates and locations vary by edition, so check in advance where the festival is taking place that year.

Dragon Boat Festival – May or June
Dragon boat races are organized in various places in Taiwan around the Dragon Boat Festival. In Taipei, you can also find traditional rice packets, zongzi, samples.

Mid-Autumn Festival – September or October
During the Mid-Autumn Festival, families gather, mooncakes are eaten, and a festive atmosphere hangs over the city. Please note that some shops and restaurants may have adjusted opening hours.

Double Ten Day – October 10
Taiwan's national holiday is celebrated with official ceremonies and events. It can be busier at major squares and government buildings around this date.

Taiwan Pride – late October
Taiwan Pride typically takes place on the last Saturday of October and is one of the largest Pride events in East Asia. Around the parade, neighborhoods like Xinyi and Ximending are particularly lively, with parties, events, and many visitors from home and abroad.

YLBB tip

Are you visiting Taipei for the first time? Then choose October or November. You have the best chance of pleasant walking weather, can visit the night markets without the heaviest summer heat, and often have better conditions for Elephant Mountain, Maokong, and other viewpoints. Do book early around Taiwan Pride, though, as popular hotels can fill up faster then.

For a first introduction to Taipei, we recommend at least three to four days. This will give you enough time for the nicest neighborhoods, night markets, Taipei 101, Elephant Mountain, and a trip to Maokong or Beitou. If you have five days, you can explore the city at a more leisurely pace and also add a day trip to Jiufen, Shifen, or Yangmingshan National Park.

Highlights, 4 nights

Zhongshan → Dadaocheng → Ximending → Da'an → Xinyi → Maokong

A lovely route for a first visit, combining the most famous neighborhoods with night markets, Taipei 101, Elephant Mountain, and drinking tea in the hills of Maokong.

Food lovers, 4 nights

Da'an → Yongkang Street → Zhongshan → Ningxia Night Market → Raohe Night Market

Perfect if food is an important part of your trip. Start the day with a Taiwanese breakfast, discover specialty coffee bars and small restaurants, and alternate your evenings between night markets, cocktail bars, and fine restaurants.

Slow city & wellness, 5 nights

Taipei (4 nights) → Beitou (1 night)

Discover Taipei at a relaxed pace and conclude your trip with a night in Beitou. Book a nice hot spring hotel, visit Thermal Valley, and take plenty of time for the hot springs.

Culture & nature lovers, 5 nights

Taipei (4 nights) → Jiufen & Shifen (day trip)

Combine Dadaocheng, Longshan Temple, the National Palace Museum, and the creative hubs Huashan 1914 and Songshan Cultural and Creative Park with a day trip to Jiufen and Shifen.

YLBB tip

Do you only have three or four days? Then stay in Taipei and take at most one trip to Maokong or Beitou. From five days onwards, you will have enough time to add Jiufen and Shifen as well without your city trip becoming too packed.

You can reach Taipei via Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) , Taiwan's largest international airport. The airport is located approximately 40 kilometers from the city center and is quickly and easily connected to the city thanks to the Airport MRT. Additionally, there is Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) , located in the heart of the city. This airport is primarily used for domestic flights and regional destinations in Asia.

Flying to Taipei

From Amsterdam Schiphol
KLM and China Airlines fly directly from Amsterdam to Taipei. The flight takes approximately 13 hours.

From London Heathrow
From London, you can fly directly with EVA Air and China Airlines, among others. Expect a flight time of approximately 13 to 15 hours.

With a stopover
Would you prefer a stopover? Popular transfer airports are Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo, Doha, and Istanbul.

From Taoyuan Airport to the city center

Airport MRT
The Airport MRT is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach the city center. Please note that you purple Express Train Take the Express and not the blue Commuter Train. The Express takes you to Taipei Main Station in about 35 to 40 minutes. You can easily check in and out with an EasyCard or a contactless debit or credit card.

Taxi or Uber
Are you traveling with a lot of luggage or arriving late in the evening? Then a taxi or Uber is a comfortable choice. Depending on traffic, the ride to the city center takes approximately 45 to 70 minutes. To be on the safe side, always keep your hotel address in the Traditional Chinese on your phone, because not every driver speaks English.

Private transfer
Do you want to go straight to your hotel after a long flight? Then book a private transfer in advance. Your driver will be waiting for you in the arrival hall and will take you to your accommodation without any hassle.

YLBB tip

Arriving during the day? Then take the purple Airport MRT Express. You avoid traffic and can easily transfer at Taipei Main Station to the metro heading towards districts like Da'an, Zhongshan, Ximending, or Xinyi. Arriving late in the evening or staying in Beitou? Then a taxi, Uber, or private transfer is often the most comfortable option.

Taipei has one of the most pleasant public transport systems in Asia. The metro is fast, clean, and easy to navigate, buses complement the network well, and with an EasyCard you can travel almost anywhere. Buy this rechargeable card directly at the airport, at an MRT station, or at a 7-Eleven. You can use it for the metro, buses, some shared bikes, and even at many shops and supermarkets.

MRT (Subway)

The MRT is the fastest way to explore Taipei. The lines are easy to follow, have English signage, and take you to almost all well-known neighborhoods and attractions.

Good to know: as soon as you pass the yellow line at the turnstiles, eating, drinking, and even chewing gum are not allowed. This is strictly enforced, and that is one of the reasons why the metro always looks so clean.

Bus

By bus, you can easily reach places the metro doesn't go, such as Yangmingshan National Park or the National Palace Museum. Are you traveling with an EasyCard? Then don't forget to check in both when boarding and alighting.

YouBike

With the yellow and blue YouBike shared bikes, you can easily discover parks, wide boulevards, and the bike paths along the river. Especially in Da'an, Xinyi, and along the Tamsui River, cycling is a fun way to explore the city.

As a tourist, the easiest way to rent a bike via the YouBike 2.0 app is by linking a credit card. This is because linking an EasyCard usually requires a Taiwanese phone number.

Taxi & Uber

Uber works excellently in Taipei and uses official taxis. Regular yellow taxis are also reliable and affordable. However, make sure you have the address of your hotel or restaurant in Traditional Chinese on your phone, as not every driver speaks English.

Rent a car

You don't really need a rental car in Taipei. Public transport is excellent, parking is expensive, and traffic can be busy. For day trips to places like Jiufen, Shifen, or Yangmingshan, the train, bus, or an organized tour are usually a much easier choice.

YLBB tip

Pick up an EasyCard immediately upon arrival and top it up right away. In combination with Google Maps, you can travel through the city effortlessly and almost never need to use single tickets or cash.

Taipei is a safe, manageable, and friendly city where you quickly feel at home as a traveler. With a few handy apps, an EasyCard, and some practical preparation, you can travel through the city effortlessly.

Money & payments

In Taiwan, you pay with the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD) . You can simply pay with your debit or credit card at hotels, shopping malls, and many restaurants. At night markets, in small restaurants, and with some taxis, cash is still handy. You can easily withdraw cash at the airport, at banks, and at almost every 7-Eleven or FamilyMart.

Electrical outlets

Taiwan uses Type A and B sockets with a mains voltage of 110 volts . Therefore, bring a universal adapter.

Drinking water

Tap water is usually not drunk immediately. Therefore, bring a reusable water bottle and fill it at one of the many water dispensers you can find at MRT stations, in museums, temples, and many hotels.

Language

Mandarin is the official language, but you can easily get by with English in hotels, the metro, and many restaurants. Download Google Translate in advance and use the camera function to translate Chinese menus or signs directly. This is handy if you end up at a night market or a local eatery.

Time difference

Taipei is in Taiwan Time, UTC+8. From Amsterdam, it is 7 hours later in winter and 6 hours later in summer. From London, it is 8 hours later in winter and 7 hours later in summer. From New York, it is 13 hours later in winter and 12 hours later in summer.

Safety

Taipei is one of the safest cities in Asia. Be especially careful of scooters, keep an eye on the weather forecast during typhoon season, and remember that eating and drinking are not allowed on the MRT.

Our favorite apps

• Google Maps – For routes by metro, bus, and on foot.
• Go! Taipei Metro – For planning metro rides.
• Google Translate – Be sure to use the camera function to translate Chinese menus instantly.
• YouBike 2.0 – To easily rent a shared bike.
• Uber – The easiest way to order a taxi.
• Air it – Arrange an eSIM in advance or buy a local SIM card upon arrival.
• XE Currency – Handy for quickly converting prices.

TIP: Planning a trip to Taipei? Always compare rates and offers from different travel providers. View the complete range for:

• Hotels: Booking.com | Expedia | Trip.com
• Package holidays (flight + hotel): Expedia | Trip.com
• Fully organized tours: Djoser | King Monkey
• Holiday homes & villas: Booking.com | vrbo
• Tours & sights: GetYourGuide | Viator | Tiqets
• Trains, buses & transfers: 12Go

This way, you can quickly see whether it is more economical to put together your trip to Taipei yourself or book as a package.

Taipei might not be the first city that comes to mind for a family vacation, but it is surprisingly pleasant to visit with children. The city is clean, safe, and easy to navigate, and public transport is excellently organized. MRT stations are equipped with elevators and wide passageways, making it easy to travel with a stroller. In the older neighborhoods and at the night markets, however, the streets are sometimes a bit narrower and busier. Are you traveling with a baby or toddler? Then a baby carrier is often more practical than a stroller.

Nice neighborhoods to stay overnight

Da'an and Zhongshan are our favorite neighborhoods for families. You will find many restaurants, parks, and good metro connections there. Xinyi is also a practical choice thanks to the spacious shopping centers, food courts, and central location.

Fun things to do with children

Taipei Zoo & Maokong Gondola
One of the nicest family outings is a visit to Taipei ZooThe zoo is one of the largest in Asia and is best known for its giant pandas. From the zoo, you can easily transfer to the Maokong Gondola, which takes you to the green tea hills above the city. A ride in a glass-bottomed cabin is an experience for many children, in particular.

Da'an Forest Park
Want to escape the hustle and bustle for a while? Da'an Forest Park It has large playgrounds, wide walking paths, and plenty of shade. Grab something tasty at Yongkang Street and turn it into a cozy picnic.

Night market in the early evening
A visit to a night market is a must, but with young children, it is best to go around opening time. It is much quieter then, and you can walk past the stalls more easily. Raohe Night Market is a good choice for this.

Huashan 1914 & Songshan Cultural and Creative Park
These former factories have been transformed into creative city parks with plenty of open space, temporary exhibitions, nice shops, and cafes. Children can run around freely while parents look around at their leisure.

Taipei 101
The super-fast elevator to the observation deck is an attraction in itself for many children. Additionally, in the shopping center beneath the tower, you will find a large food court where everyone can find something tasty.

YLBB tip

Don't plan too much for one day. Alternate a morning of sightseeing with a park, an ice cream, or a ride on the Maokong Gondola. This way, Taipei remains fun for both children and parents.