Jianguo Holiday Flower Market and Jade Market
Procession of exciting weekend markets under the expressway
Taipei
Modernity and tradition mix in Taiwan's capital
Taipei (台北) has got it all. From bustling night markets, to skyscrapers and beautiful cycle lanes along rivers and through peaceful parks, this is a city that has something for everybody. It’s still all very manageable though, as the central city area is actually smaller than many other capitals, plus getting around is super easy and affordable.
Things to do
Central Taipei
Dihua Street
Old-fashioned downtown neighborhood near Taipei Station
Taipei Station Area
Taiwan’s largest station with many interconnected shopping malls
Xindian River Bikeway
Classic bicycle ride in central Taipei
Taipei 101 Observatory
Head up Taipei’s tallest and most iconic building
Raohe Street Night Market
Diverse night market with many specialities
Taipei Botanical Garden
Taipei’s relatively unknown botanical paradise
Lin An Tai Historical House
Time warp back to old Taipei
Keelung River bicycle ride past Songshan
Pleasant bicycle ride in the city center
Northern Taipei
National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine
Shrine dedicated to fallen soldiers
Jiantanshan Trail
Interesting hikes with views over Songshan Airport
Kuo Yuan Ye Museum of Cake and Pastry
Learn how to make your own Taiwanese cakes
Southern Taipei
Xianjiyan Trail
Escape the tourists on this super easy hike
Jingmei River bicycle route from Taipei Zoo
Peaceful bicycle ride to Jingmei Night Market
Treasure Hill Artist Village
Taipei’s hipster hangout and art hotspot
Beitou Hot Spring Resort
Beitou’s most popular spot for a hot spring soak
Xinbeitou Historic Station
Interesting historical spot for train fans
Beitou Hot Spring Museum
Learn about Taiwan’s long hot spring history
Qingtiangang Grassland
Popular tourist spot with various hiking trails
Datunshan Trail
Hike up to a mountaintop lookout with stunning panoramic views
Sulfur Valley Recreation Area
Huge volcanic landscape that makes for a light hike
Xindian River Bikeway
Classic bicycle ride in central Taipei
Pingxi Old Street
Shop like you’re in the 1930’s
Eight Spirits Cave
Cave complex full of odd amenities
Getting around the city
The city has an extensive public transportation network that is easy to use and very cheap. The Taipei Metro covers most of the central area, as well as some suburbs, and is supplemented by an extensive bus network. There are also countless YouBike bicycle rental stations around the city. If you want a completely stress-free journey around the city, there is a Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off.
How to get there
By Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR)
All THSR trains stop at Taipei Station and Nangang Station in the city center. There are frequent trains to cities such as Taichung (50-60 minutes, NT$700) and Zuoying in Kaohsiung (1 and a half to 2 hours, NT$1490).
By Taiwan Railway (TRA)
While there are a few train stations run by Taiwan Railways (TRA) in the city, you are unlikely to use them everyday unless your accommodation happens to be on a TRA station outside central Taipei. Some tourist destinations outside the city can be accessed via TRA though, and for these you can first easily get to Taipei or Songshan stations via the metro, then join a TRA train.
There are frequent services, but check the official TRA website for longer journeys outside the city as express train services are often sold out. There are express trains to cities such as Taichung (100 minutes-2 hours, $375). While not as comfortable as the high speed trains, these express services are cheaper and take you right into the city center.
By highway bus
Bus services are provided day and night to and from the city to all over Taiwan. The main Taipei Bus Station is located near to the main station, but there are also services from/to other spots in the city, such as the bus station near Taipei 101.
By air
The city is served by Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, a modern airport outside the city, and Songshan Airport, located in the city center. Most international services operate from Taoyuan, from where you can take the Taoyuan Metro into the city (39 minutes on the express service, NT$150).