Yan Zhou
I've lost count of how many times I've led groups through Taipei. And every time, someone says: "I wish I had known this sooner." So here's the raw truth.
First timers? The biggest headache is not the language or food—it's the digital payment maze. Many shops only take cash or local apps. And the famous night markets? Arrive after 7 PM to avoid half-empty stalls. Now let's dive into what actually works.
Essential Taipei Attractions You Can't Skip
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Address: 21 Zhongzheng South Road, Zhongzheng District
Hours: 9 AM–6 PM daily (grounds open until 10 PM)
Admission: Free
Metro: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Station (Exit 3), 2-minute walk
Don't bother coming before 10 AM unless you want to watch the changing of the guard every hour. The main hall gets packed with tour groups around 11 AM. I always tell my clients to go straight to the blue-and-white archway first—fewer people, better photos. And yes, the guards stand perfectly still like robots. It's eerie but cool.
Taipei 101
Address: No. 7, Section 5, Xinyi Road
Hours: 9 AM–10 PM (last ticket purchase at 9:15 PM)
Admission: Adult NT$600 (about US$20); children & seniors discounted. You must book in advance via the official website or Klook—same-day tickets often sell out by noon.
Metro: Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station (Exit 4), 3-minute walk
Honestly? The observation deck is nice but overpriced if you're on a budget. Instead, head to the free rooftop garden at the nearby Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) trail. It's a 15-minute uphill climb, but the sunset view of Taipei 101 is unbeatable. And it's free. I take all my photo-loving clients there instead.
National Palace Museum
Address: No. 221, Section 2, Zhishan Road, Shilin District
Hours: 9 AM–5 PM (extended to 9 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, but check website)
Admission: NT$350 (adult), free for children under 18. Audio guide NT$150.
Metro: Shilin Station (Exit 1), then take bus R30 (Red 30) or a 10-minute taxi ride (about NT$100).
If you only have time for one museum, this is it. The jade cabbage and meat-shaped stone are the superstars. But huge tip: rent the audio guide at the information desk on the first floor—the English commentary is excellent. Avoid weekends unless you enjoy shuffling shoulder-to-shoulder with crowds. I've seen visitors spend 4 hours inside and still want more.
| Attraction | Adult Ticket (NT$) | Child Ticket | Must Book in Advance? | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall | Free | Free | No | Early morning (before 10 AM) or late afternoon |
| Taipei 101 Observatory | 600 | NT$540 (6–12 yrs), Senior NT$540 | Yes (online) | Sunset (4:30–5 PM in winter; 5:30 PM in summer) |
| National Palace Museum | 350 | Free (under 18) | Not required, but audio guide needed on-site | Weekday morning (opens at 9 AM) |
Where to Eat Like a Local
Skip the fancy restaurants with English menus. The real flavors are at night markets. My personal top three:
Shilin Night Market
Address: No. 101, Jihe Road, Shilin District (main entrance)
Hours: 4 PM–midnight daily, but peak at 7–9 PM
Must-try: Hot Star Large Fried Chicken (NT$70) – huge, crispy, and addictive. I always get extra pepper powder.
Payment: Cash only at most stalls. A few accept LINE Pay but not international cards.
Crowd: Expect to wait 10–20 minutes in line for the fried chicken. Go on a weekday if possible.
Raohe Night Market
Address: Raohe Street, Songshan District (1-minute walk from Songshan Station)
Hours: 5 PM–midnight
Must-try: Fuzhou Pepper Buns (NT$60) – baked in a clay oven, filled with pork and green onion. The queue moves fast though.
Hidden gem: The grilled squid at stall #78 is better than the famous one at Shilin.
Payment: Mostly cash. Bring small bills.
One thing I hate admitting: the queues at these markets are real. And some vendors will overcharge tourists. I once paid NT$150 for a drink that should be NT$50. Always ask the price before ordering, or point to what others are eating. Also, avoid the stalls with English signs that say "Traditional"—they're often traps for tourists.
How to Get Around Taipei Without a Car
Taipei's public transit is a godsend. But there's a catch: you need an EasyCard. Buy it at any metro station ticket machine—costs NT$100 deposit (refundable) plus stored value. The machine only accepts cash (NT$100, 500, 1000 notes, and coins). I've seen tourists struggling with the interface because it's in Chinese only. Here's the trick: press the "English" button at the bottom right of the screen.
Metro lines are color-coded and announcements are in English. But avoid standing on the left side of escalators—locals stand on the right. Uber works (download before you come) but costs more. Taxis are metered, but some older drivers don't speak English; show them your destination written in Chinese on your phone.
For day trips, trains and buses are your friends. The high-speed rail (HSR) to Taichung or Kaohsiung is amazing, but book tickets on the official website at least 2 days ahead—weekend slots sell out fast.
The Best Day Trips from Taipei
If you have a spare day, escape the city. My favorite three:
- Jiufen (九份): The mountain town that inspired Spirited Away. Take a bus from Zhongxiao Fuxing Station (1.5 hours, NT$85). Get there by 10 AM to avoid the tour buses. The old street is packed after noon. Bring an umbrella—it rains a lot.
Tip: Skip the famous teahouse (A-Mei Tea House) unless you like queues. Instead, walk to the Shengping Theater for a quirky photo op. - Shifen (十分): Famous for sky lanterns and a waterfall. Take a local train (30 minutes from Ruifang). The waterfall is a 20-minute walk from the station.
Catch: The train runs every hour. Missing it means a long wait. Check the timetable at the station. - Yehliu Geopark (野柳): Strange rock formations by the sea. Take bus 1815 from Taipei Main Station (1.5 hours, NT$100). The park opens at 8 AM—be there when gates open to have the "queen's head" rock all to yourself. After 10 AM, busloads of tourists arrive.
What to Know Before You Go: Practical Tips
- Visa: Most Western passport holders get 90-day visa-free entry. Check the Bureau of Consular Affairs website to confirm.
- SIM card: Buy at the airport (Chunghwa Telecom counter). A 7-day unlimited data plan costs about NT$500. Don't buy from random shops in the city—they often sell tourist SIMs at higher prices.
- Money: Taiwan is still heavily cash-based. Bring enough NT dollars. ATM withdrawal with foreign cards works at 7-Eleven and FamilyMart (use the Cathay or Bank of Taiwan machines). International credit cards work at hotels and big stores, but not at night markets or small restaurants.
- Plug: Same as US (Type A/B, 110V). But some hotels have universal sockets.
- Language: English is not widely spoken outside tourist spots. Learn a few phrases: Xie xie (thank you), qing wen (excuse me), duo shao qian (how much). I once had a client who got lost because he couldn't pronounce the street name. Save a screenshot of your hotel address in Chinese.
Where to Stay in Taipei: Best Areas for Tourists
| Area | Pros | Cons | Recommended Hotel | Price Range (per night) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ximending (西門町) | Lively, close to nightlife, many cheap eateries, shopping streets | Can be noisy until midnight, small rooms | CitizenM Taipei (modern, great WiFi, friendly staff) | NT$2,500–4,000 |
| Taipei Main Station area | Central, easy transit, direct airport MRT, budget options | Less character, some dated hotels | Palais de Chine Hotel (4-star, excellent breakfast) | NT$3,000–5,000 |
| Da'an (大安) | Upscale, quieter, near Yongkang Street & Din Tai Fung, green parks | Fewer night market options, more expensive | Dandy Hotel – Da'an (boutique, English-speaking staff) | NT$3,500–6,000 |
| Beitou (北投) | Hot springs, peaceful, great for relaxation | Far from downtown (20 minutes by metro), limited dining after 9 PM | Volando Ura Spring Resort (luxury hot spring) | NT$5,000–10,000 |
My personal favorite for first-timers is Ximending. It's chaotic but full of energy. You're walking distance to the historic Red House Theater and countless street food stalls. Just avoid hotels directly above the night market—soundproofing is often poor.
As a solo backpacker, I’m always skeptical of ‘insider’ lists, but this one genuinely delivered. The advice on cheap eats away from the tourist traps saved me so much money, and the early morning walk route through Daan Forest Park was magical. I even ended up using the line about ordering boba with less sugar—game changer. Will bookmark for my next visit.
Honestly one of the most useful travel articles I’ve come across. The section on timing your visit to avoid crowds at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall was spot-on—I went at 7 AM and had the whole place to myself. Also, the tip about bringing your own bag for night market snacks is a lifesaver. Every suggestion felt like it came from someone who actually lives here.
This is exactly what I needed before my trip! The insider tips on temple etiquette and ordering at night markets saved me from looking like a total newbie. I especially loved the part about avoiding taxi scams—read it on the plane and flagged it immediately. Already recommended it to two friends. 10/10.
Pretty solid overview for a first-timer! I liked that it included the MRT card tip and the weather advice. The only reason I’m not giving 5 stars is that the hiking recommendations felt a bit rushed—Elephant Mountain was great but they barely mentioned the trail difficulty. Still, it helped me plan my first two days without feeling overwhelmed.
I was really hoping for some hidden gems, but this article felt like a rehash of every other basic Taipei travel guide. The tips were fine for someone who has never done any research, but I’ve read most of this stuff before. The night market section didn’t even mention the best stalls—just the obvious ones. Kinda disappointed, honestly.