I would wager a bet that an experience in Taipei, Taiwan is not on your travel radar. This small island off the coast of mainland China is a bit elusive. But if you are thinking of heading to Asia in fall or winter, I would highly recommend adding Taipei to your destination list. Aside from it being affordable, safe and clean it is very English friendly making it an easy destination to explore. I never thought Taipei would be on my trip list and then an unexpected stopover completely made me rethink it.
Most people heading to Asia have dreams of Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok occupying space in their travel search history. But what if I told you that Taipei is the international destination you never knew you needed. In this post, I’ll show you why Taipei just might be the easiest and most exciting way to start your Asia travel journey.
Pick the right time of the year to travel and an experience in Taipei will certainly blow you away. If you’re considering adding Taipei to your bucket list, this guide will help you land, eat, move, and explore with confidence.
Why Taipei Is Perfect for a Trip to Asia
Taipei is one of the most beginner friendly cities in Asia. I was blown away by the food scene and surprised to see how modern the city felt with robot deliveries and free WiFi all over the place. The city is extremely safe and the locals are very welcoming. Not sure what to expect from your first time in Taipei? Here are the things I wish someone had told me before I got on the plane.
What to See
Temples
Like many Buddhist cities, Taipei has a ton of temples. Some of the most prominent include Longshan, Dalongdon Baoan and Confucius. Each has an interesting history in the city and well worth the visit.
Baoan and Confucius temple are literally right next door to each other which makes them easy to visit in one quick metro ride. One of the oldest temples to experience in Taipei and is known for its traditional Chinese architecture. Visit first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Right next door is the Confucius temple. There is a long and sorted history of this temple that was originally built in 1875. But through war and financial strife it wasn’t until 1930 when the temple officially reopened and celebrated Confucius birthday in Taipei. It’s worth a visit if for nothing more than to see the statues with the Confucius sayings.
Taipei 101
Once the tallest building in the world this 101 story iconic staple of Taipei can now be seen sparkling in the New Year with rays of lights and fireworks.
While it no longer holds the title of tallest building it still has an extremely fast elevator that can take you from the ground floor to 89 in a record 45 seconds. You can view the city from above both inside and outside (although I could pass on the outside view as visibility is poor because of the guard rails).
Nonetheless it is still a cool way to see all of Taipei from a great vantage point. Once you’ve spent enough time staring at Taipei from above, you can spend some time exploring the connected shopping center or just pop in the food court for a delicious snack and keep it moving.
This site happens to be a pretty interesting part of the city so there is plenty to explore outside of the mall. The Xinyi District is home to the Taipei World Trade Center is considered the financial district of Taipei.
Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial
Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial is one of the most recognizable tourist attractions in Taipei. This is a beautiful area if you love expansive gardens and reflective time. It’s a monument that was erected to honor the former president of the Republic of China.
Head up the 89 stairs to visit the actual statue in the memorial hall and then hang around for the changing of the guard which take place hourly from 9 AM to 5 PM. The garden area is great for an impromptu photo shoot that will make your instagram pop.
Visit in the morning and you may even see local elders practicing Tai Chi in the gardens. Make sure you grab a few photos of the Liberty Arch or schedule your visit to attend a performance at the National Theatre or Concert Halls.
Must-See Night Markets and Must-Try Street Foods
Taipei is known for its night markets and street foods. Every evening vendors line the streets of cool neighborhoods selling some of the most delectable foods around. For pennies on the dollar, you can eat your heart out all night and all over town with dishes like scallion pancakes, grilled squid and gua bao (pork buns). This is one of the top things to experience in Taipei.
Pro Tip: Be sure to bring hand sanitizer and buy/carry bottled water to stay safe. Stick with stalls that are busy and have high turnover. That means the food is fresh. And always carry cash.
Raohe Night Market
Arguable the most visited night market to experience in Taipei is the Raohe Night Market. Located in the Songshan District of Taipei with easy access by metro, this is one that you don’t want to miss.
For blocks you’ll have access to vendors sharing Taiwanese favorites like scallion pancakes and potato balls. But the fan favorite is Fuzhou Black Pepper Buns. The stall is located at the east end of the market making it hard to miss. Watch as the dough is kneaded and baked in real time as the line goes on forever. But don’t worry it moves pretty fast.
The nice thing about this market is there are tables scattered throughout so you don’t have to stand to eat. Just be careful that you sit at the area for the designated booth as they can get pretty sensitive about their space.
Shilin Night Market
Shilin Night Market is oftentimes considered the largest night market to experience in Taipei. It really feels more like a shopping district with more restaurant style booths than some of the other markets. While you can shop for souvenirs and clothes here, the main attraction is by far the food.
Here you’ll find several Michelin-rated food stalls and even an underground food court. Pick up some scallion pancakes and Prince Cheese Potatoes which are a staple here.
This market gets really busy on any given night. You can also find a few carnival games mixed in making it a fun place to explore. To get here just hop on the metro to Jiantan MRT station and follow the crowds to exit one and kick off your adventure at the market.
Outside of the City
If time permits, there are a few places outside of Taipei city that you will definitely want to explore. The good news is you can reach most of them using the metro system.
Head up to the Tamsui District this seaside village is a great distraction from the busy city and it’s pretty photogenic as well. It’s an easy day trip that takes about 1 hour by train. Just hop the red line until you reach the very end. Spend a few hours wandering the Old Street and Fishermans’ Wharf then pop over to neighboring Beitou Hot Spring to round out your day.
Another easy day trip is Shifen Waterfall located in the in Pingxi district of Taipei City. This is Taiwan’s most famous waterfall and busiest. While it’s beautiful to see, just know that you will be battling hoards of other tourist looking to experience this magnificent waterfall.
Finally, Maokong Gondola is another interesting tourist attraction worth experiencing. Jump on the gondola at the Taipei Zoo station and ride up to the Maokong station. It’s a cool way to get to the other side of Taipei City while also getting a bird’s eye view of the city.
Navigating the Taipei Metro Like a Local
You’ll find the Taipei Metro very easy to use. You can pick up an EasyCard at all MRT stations and convenience stores such as 7/11 or FamilyMart to tap in and out like a local. It will also save you a few dollars overall since it’s slightly cheaper than buying tickets at the station. Be careful not to add too much money as most rides will only cost around 50 cents.
Trains are pretty punctual clean, and run frequently. All signs are in English making it perfect for first timers to the country. If you happen to get lost, stuck or turned around, the staff at the stations are happy to help. I’m speaking from experience.
Remember to exercise platform etiquette (e.g., waiting people to exit before entering) and if possible, avoid rush hour as the trains can get pretty crowded. You can download the “Taipei Metro” or “Citymapper” app before you land but I didn’t find it necessary.
When to Go
The best time to visit Taipei is March to May or September to November. I went near the end of May and while temperature wasn’t terrible, it was incredibly humid. You should also know that Typhoons can occur during the summer months (May-November) so you’ll want to pay careful attention to the weather.
My Perspective
Taipei was a surprising city in so many ways. It is very walkable, the food is outstanding the shopping is plentiful. The city is a smart, safe, and exciting choice for first-time international travelers. You’ll find it easy to get around and the locals are pretty welcoming.
As a Black traveler, I didn’t have a negative experience in Taipei. There wasn’t any bias or concerning behavior although I am probably the subject of many Taiwanese photos. Curious locals asked for photos and I’m sure I caught a couple video taping from a distance. Nothing too concerning but definitely a bit strange to experience.
The best advice I can provide: Download a translation app, carry cash when you visit the night markets, get outside of the metro area to explore and take the time to indulge in the culture. Start small, pace yourself, and say yes to the unfamiliar—you’ll come back changed.
If you’ve been dreaming of taking a trip abroad I hope Taipei is now on your radar. If not, subscribe to my blog for travel tips to other destinations made just for first-timers. 💌
🙋🏽♀️ FAQs About Traveling to Taipei for the First Time
Is Taipei safe for solo first-time international travelers?
Yes, Taipei consistently ranks among the safest cities in the world. Crime rates are low, the streets are well-lit, and locals are generally respectful and helpful to tourists—even solo women.
Do I need to speak Mandarin to travel in Taipei?
No, you don’t need to speak Mandarin fluently. Many signs are in English, and younger locals may speak a little English. A translation app will go a long way for menus and directions.
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