Taipei Travel Guide: Best Time to Visit, Things to Do, Costs & Tips

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Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, is a vibrant city where gleaming skyscrapers stand beside centuries-old temples, and green mountains rise just beyond the city limits. Famous for its legendary night markets, world-class museums, hot springs and friendly people, Taipei is one of Asia's most rewarding and easy-to-explore destinations. Efficient public transport, safe streets and an incredible food scene make it perfect for first-time visitors and seasoned travellers alike.

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Best Time to Visit Taipei

October to December and March to May offer the best weather, with mild, comfortable temperatures and lower humidity.

July to September is typhoon season, with high humidity, heat and the risk of storms disrupting travel plans.

Winter (December–February) is cool and often rainy, but mild compared to many other parts of Asia.

Events: the Lantern Festival, held after Lunar New Year (typically February), lights up the city and parks with elaborate displays.

Top Places to Visit in Taipei

1. Taipei 101

Completed in 2004, Taipei 101 was the world's tallest building until 2010. Standing 508 metres tall, its design is inspired by a bamboo stalk. High-speed elevators whisk visitors to the observatory on the 89th floor in under 40 seconds. Inside, you can see the giant tuned mass damper, a 660-tonne steel sphere that stabilises the tower against typhoons and earthquakes. For the best view of the tower itself, hike up nearby Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) at sunset.

2. National Palace Museum

Houses one of the world's greatest collections of Chinese art, with around 700,000 objects spanning thousands of years, many moved from Beijing's Forbidden City. Highlights include the famous Jadeite Cabbage and the Meat-Shaped Stone.

3. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

The white memorial, with its blue octagonal roof, stands in the vast Liberty Square, flanked by the National Theatre and Concert Hall. The changing of the guard ceremony takes place every hour.

4. Longshan Temple

Founded in 1738 in the historic Wanhua district, this is one of Taipei's oldest and most beautiful temples, with intricate carvings and dragon-decorated roofs, best visited in the evening when it's beautifully lit.

5. Night Markets

Taipei's night markets are legendary. Shilin Night Market is the largest and most famous, while Raohe Street and Ningxia Night Markets are known for their food. Try stinky tofu, oyster omelettes, pepper buns and gua bao.

6. Beitou Hot Springs

North of the city, Beitou is famous for its hot springs, with public baths, hotels and the steaming Thermal Valley, easily reached by MRT.

7. Maokong Gondola and Yangmingshan National Park

The Maokong Gondola carries visitors over the hills to tea plantations and teahouses serving local oolong tea. Yangmingshan National Park offers volcanic landscapes, fumaroles and, in spring, calla lily fields.

Also worth visiting: Ximending shopping district, the Red House, Dihua Street's traditional shops and the Taipei Fine Arts Museum.

Beyond the City: Jiufen and Shifen

On the coast, the hillside town of Jiufen, with its lantern-lit teahouses and narrow alleys, is said to have inspired scenes in Japanese animated films. Shifen, on the old Pingxi railway line, is known for releasing sky lanterns right on the train tracks and for Shifen Waterfall, often called the "Niagara of Taiwan." Day trips to Jiufen and Shifen can be booked on GetYourGuide.

Where to Stay in Taipei

• Xinyi District: Modern, close to Taipei 101, upscale malls and nightlife.
• Ximending: Lively, youthful area with shopping and street food, good for budget travellers.
• Zhongzheng (near Taipei Main Station): Central and convenient for trains, MRT lines and day trips.

Compare hotel prices and availability in Taipei here.

Getting There & Around

Flying to Taipei

Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is Taiwan's main gateway, connected to the city by the Airport MRT in about 35–40 minutes. Songshan Airport, closer to the centre, handles some domestic and regional flights. Search and compare cheap flights to Taipei.

Arrival Requirements

Most visitors must complete the Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) online before arrival, a free digital pre-registration that replaces the old paper form.

Getting Around Taipei

• MRT: Taipei's metro is clean, efficient and inexpensive, covering most tourist areas.
• EasyCard: a rechargeable card for the MRT, buses and YouBike.
• YouBike: public bicycles are widely available for short trips.
• Taxis: metered and reasonably priced, with ride-hailing apps also available.

Travel Costs in Taipei

Taipei is good value compared to many major Asian cities. The currency is the New Taiwan dollar (TWD).

Money-saving tips: night market meals cost just a few euros, and the EasyCard offers discounted transfers between MRT and buses.

Visa & Entry Requirements

• Visa-free: Citizens of the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia and many other countries can visit visa-free for up to 90 days; check current requirements for your nationality.
• Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC): Most visitors must complete this free online pre-registration before arrival.
• Passport validity: At least six months beyond your planned departure is recommended.
• Other nationalities: May need to apply for a visa in advance from a Taiwanese representative office.

Always check official Taiwanese sources and your own government's travel advice before departure.

Local Tips for Taipei

• Earthquakes and typhoons: Follow local alerts and instructions; both are a normal part of life in Taiwan.
• MRT etiquette: Eating and drinking are not allowed on the metro, and queuing is taken seriously.
• Try local food: Beef noodle soup, xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), lu rou fan (braised pork rice), bubble tea and pineapple cake.
• Cards and cash: The EasyCard works for transport and many convenience stores; carry some cash for night markets.
• Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language; English is common in tourist areas and on the MRT.
• Staying connected: Local SIM cards are cheap and widely available, or use a travel eSIM. Get your Taiwan eSIM here.

Tours & Experiences

• Taipei 101 skip-the-line tickets: Fast access to the 89th-floor observatory.
• National Palace Museum guided tour: Avoid crowds and learn the history behind the treasures.
• Night market food tour: Sample Taipei's famous street food with a local guide.
• Jiufen and Shifen day trip: Lantern-lit streets, sky lanterns and waterfalls.
• Beitou hot springs experience: Relax in Taipei's famous thermal baths.

Browse and book the best tours in Taipei here.

FAQ

Is Taipei worth visiting?

Yes. Taipei combines modern architecture, rich culture, hot springs and incredible food in one easy-to-explore city.

What is the best time to visit Taipei?

October to December and March to May offer the best weather. Avoid July to September, the typhoon season.

Do I need a visa for Taiwan?

Citizens of the EU, UK, US and many other countries can visit visa-free for up to 90 days, but must complete the Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) online before arrival.

What is the Taiwan Arrival Card?

A free online pre-registration most visitors must complete before arrival, replacing the old paper arrival form.

What currency is used in Taiwan?

Taiwan uses the New Taiwan dollar (TWD).

Conclusion

Taipei combines modern architecture, rich culture, hot springs and incredible food. Whether you're watching the sunset from Elephant Mountain, admiring treasures at the National Palace Museum or snacking your way through Shilin Night Market, Taipei is a city you'll want to return to.

Plan ahead: book your tours on GetYourGuide, and get ready to discover Taipei.