The picture was taken on the Maokong Gondola.
Updated January 2025.
Treasure Island's Gateway
Taiwan was formerly referred to as Treasure Island due to its natural beauty, resources, and strategic location. Taipei, as the capital, has served as the administrative and political hub since World War II. Today, it is an economic powerhouse, playing a pivotal role in the global semiconductor supply chain and hosting numerous large tech and financial service companies.
Taipei experienced significant growth under Japanese rule (1895–1945), during which it was modernized with new infrastructure and urban planning. Following this period, it became the capital of the Republic of China under Sun Yat-sen’s leadership. However, from 1949 to 1987, Taipei endured a "dark period" during Martial Law, known as the White Terror. Under the Kuomintang (KMT) government, led by Chiang Kai-shek after their loss in the Chinese Civil War to the Communist Party of China, political dissent was harshly repressed, and freedoms were severely restricted.
The name Taipei literally translates to “Northern Taiwan.” While it is renowned for its vibrant night markets, Taipei also boasts natural hot springs and ranks 10th globally for the number of Michelin-starred restaurants. Remarkably, many of these Michelin distinctions are awarded to stalls in the city’s bustling night markets, adding a unique charm to Taipei's culinary scene.
Taipei experienced significant growth under Japanese rule (1895–1945), during which it was modernized with new infrastructure and urban planning. Following this period, it became the capital of the Republic of China under Sun Yat-sen’s leadership. However, from 1949 to 1987, Taipei endured a "dark period" during Martial Law, known as the White Terror. Under the Kuomintang (KMT) government, led by Chiang Kai-shek after their loss in the Chinese Civil War to the Communist Party of China, political dissent was harshly repressed, and freedoms were severely restricted.
The name Taipei literally translates to “Northern Taiwan.” While it is renowned for its vibrant night markets, Taipei also boasts natural hot springs and ranks 10th globally for the number of Michelin-starred restaurants. Remarkably, many of these Michelin distinctions are awarded to stalls in the city’s bustling night markets, adding a unique charm to Taipei's culinary scene.
Overview
- 7:00 - 7:30 AM: Breakfast
- 8:00 - 8:15 AM: Longshan Temple - temple with morning chants
- 9:00 - 11:00 AM: National Palace Museum - museum containing ancient Chinese artifacts
- 12:00 - 1:00 PM: Lunch at Ximending
- 1:30 - 2:15 PM: Liberty Square - plaza with memorial to Chang Kai-shek, the former president of the Republic of China.
- 2:45 - 3:30 PM: Dr. Sun-Yat Sen Memorial - plaza with memorial to Dr. Sun-Yat Sen, the father of Modern China.
- 3:45 - 4:45 PM: Taipei 101 - tallest building in Taiwan
- 5:00 - 6:00 PM (Sunset Time): Elephant Mountain - short hiking trail with city views
- Post-Sunset: Night Markets
Click the star to add the map to your Google Maps! To view it, simply open Google Maps, navigate to the Menu, choose “Your Places,” click "Maps", and voila, the map should be added.
Milk Tea Spots is disabled for now, but there are many great places all throughout the city.
Milk Tea Spots is disabled for now, but there are many great places all throughout the city.
Tips
Getting To/From the City
There are two airports:
|
Getting Around the City
The easiest way to get around the city is by walking as all the destinations are close together. However, there are buses, trams, and the metro that one can take as well.
One will need an EasyCard that will enable one to ride the MRT, buses, and regional trains.
One will need an EasyCard that will enable one to ride the MRT, buses, and regional trains.
- EasyCard can be purchased at any metro station for NT$100 and then topped up accordingly. Unfortunately, these machines only accept cash and one needs to pay in increments of NT$100, NT$200, or NT$500 and change is not given. Another option is to purchase these cards from counters (EazyFly) or in advance and add value (Klook).
- You can only top-up with cash.
Taipei MRT (6:00 AM – 12:00 AM)
|
BUSES:
|
BIKESHARE:
|
Money
The currency is NT$ (New Taiwanese Dollars).
Despite what many websites claim, not many places (except fancy rstaurants) accept credit cards. As a foreigner, it's essential to have cash as almost all stalls at night markets, the TPass to ride the metro, and all the small restaurants ONLY accept cash. |
Here are the different ways to get cash:
Another option is LinePay or WeChatPay, as certain places will have a QR code that one can scan and use. Unfortunately, LinePay is not available in the U.S. app store and you'll need a Chinese or Asian bank account.
- ATMs: These machines are located everywhere and are quite plentiful in MRT stations.
- Currency Exchange: Unlike other countries, converting between currencies in Taiwan can be quite difficult.
- The "quick" exchange places don't exist, so the best place to exchange money is at the airport, where the rates are quite good.
- Large banks also offer an opportunity. These require a more extensive process, where one will most likely wait in a long line and fill out multiple documents. Certain banks I would recommend are the Bank of Taiwan, Cathay United Bank,
- Their operating hours are weekdays 9 AM - 3:30 PM, which can pose an issue on weekends.
Another option is LinePay or WeChatPay, as certain places will have a QR code that one can scan and use. Unfortunately, LinePay is not available in the U.S. app store and you'll need a Chinese or Asian bank account.
I would recommend having at least NT$1,200 - NT$1,500 daily to purchase food, drinks, and snacks.
Water
|
Weather
|
Mondays
Most things in Taipei are closed on Mondays, so make sure to plan accordingly. The following is a non-comprehensive list:
- Most museums, including the National Palace Museum
- Taipei Zoo and Maokong Gondola
- Memorial Halls: Chiang Kai-shek and Sun Yat-sen
Storage
|
Travel Passes
Honestly, I'd recommend just doing activities without a pass, but they can be worthwhile if you plan well
- Klook Pass Taipei: Access to 3-6 attractions over 30 days. Much more affordable if you choose more.
- Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass: TLDR; it is a confusing card that isn’t really needed. While it can be worth it if done properly, it’s not worth the hassle of trying to decipher the different activities.
- For instance, they offer free transit on the Pingxi Line and the tourist shuttles around the Ruifang District, yet don’t give access to the train that can get you to the Ruifang station. Additionally, there is the Lover’s Tower activity in Tamsui, but they don’t tell you that the tower is closed on weekdays and you don’t get free transit on the tram to Tamsui.
- Some of the activities are also not properly explained, such as the Maokong Tea ceremony, which inconvenienced the tea shop since we came during lunch hour, and times weren't specified on the page. We even had to navigate to a separate page to figure out the exact tea shop for this activity.
- Additionally, each “day” on the pass refers to a calendar day rather than 24-hours, and the multi-day pass options must be consecutive days.
- While it does work for many activities and it can save time, think carefully before choosing this option.
- If you want more information, read this website.
Souvenirs
There are a lot of fun products that you can bring back:
|
Themed 7-11 Stores
|
1-Day Plan
7:00 - 7:30 AM: Breakfast
8:00 - 8:15 AM: Lungshan Temple
|
9:00 - 11:00 AM: National Palace Museum
|
12:00 - 1:00 PM: Lunch at Ximending
Check out the Ximending section in the Taipei Night Markets for more information.
1:30 - 2:15 PM: Liberty Square
- An enormous square dedicated to the former president, Chiang Kai-Shek. Foreign dignitaries are greeted on red carpets here and public gatherings occur across the different events each year.
|
2:45 - 3:15 PM: Dr. Sun-Yat Sen Memorial
|
3:45 - 4:45 PM: Taipei 101
|
5:00 - 6:00 PM (or Sunset Time): Elephant Mountain
|
At the bottom of the stairs, there is a kind elderly woman selling red bean soup and white fungus pear soup. You can take it to go or eat in the back of the area. |
Post-Sunset: Night Markets
There are the "Big 5" night markets that you can visit throughout Taipei. Here are my recommendations:
For more information, check out the "Taipei Markets" page.
- Linjiang Night Market: The closest one to Taipei 101/Elephant Mountain with the best desserts.
- Raohe Night Market: My favorite and the one I'd recommend!
- Shilin Night Market: The most famous and quite tourist-friendly.
- Huaxi Night Market: Known for their snake-based soup and alcohol.
- Ningxia Night Market: Good for oyster omelettes but lines are much too long.
For more information, check out the "Taipei Markets" page.
Museums
|
Cultural Activities
Temples
When visiting any of the temples, remember to be respectful. Many of them are operational throughout the entire day and locals come to pray all the time. It is also recommended to visit before 10 AM (if possible) to avoid the large tour groups.
|
|
|
|
- Guandu Temple: Elegant multi-story temple built in 1661 into the side of the mountain. There are numerous tunnels that run through the mountain.
Cultural Places
|
|
|
|
|
Districts
Wenshan (文山)
|
Zhongshan District (中山)
|
|
Zhongzheng District (中正)
|
Da'an (大同)
|
Datong (大安)
|
Beitou (北投)
|
|
Tamsui (淡水)
This district faces the Tamsui River and the East China Sea. There are two areas:
This district faces the Tamsui River and the East China Sea. There are two areas:
Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf
It can be reached by riding the Red MRT line then transferring onto a tram. It’s definitely more of a place to visit on the weekend, as the main activity (the Lover’s Tower”) is closed on weekdays. I would only recommend this area for the sunset, for there aren’t as many activities to do in this area and it takes over 1 hour to get here from Taipei Central.
|
Tamsui Historical Area:
This area is at the end of the Red MRT.
|
New Taipei City (Jiufen, Houtong, Shifen)
New Taipei City encompasses the area around Taipei City. It is home to Tamsui District, but there is also the Ruifang District and Pingxi Districts to the east and southeast respectively.
Transit:
Use the Trans Taiwan app to find trains between Taipei Main Station and Ruifang. The TRA trains cost NT$49-76.
If you're traveling with a large group, you can also share an Uber or a cab.
- OPTION 1: Trains run consistently between Taipei Main Station to Ruifang station, which serves as the main center of activities. Add money to your Easy Card, which allows you to ride the train.
- OPTION 2: If you’re closer to Muzha MRT Station, Bus 785 gets you to Shifen Waterfall and other stops in Pingxi District.
- OPTION 3: For NT$100, one can take bus 965 (Fuzhong MRT Station, Banqiao MRT, Wanhua Railway Station, or Beimen MRT Station) or 1062 (from Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT Station) to Jiufen (I've never done this, but it should be possible)
Use the Trans Taiwan app to find trains between Taipei Main Station and Ruifang. The TRA trains cost NT$49-76.
If you're traveling with a large group, you can also share an Uber or a cab.
Ruifang to Jiufen:
|
Ruifang to Houtong/Shifen/Pingxi:
|
2 Paths:
NOTE: Restaurants and stores at Houtong Cat Village close around 5 PM; restaurants and stores at Jiufen close around 7 PM, but teahouses are open until 9 PM.
- Shifen --> Houtong Cat Village --> Jiufen
- Jiufen --> Houtong Cat Village --> Shifen
NOTE: Restaurants and stores at Houtong Cat Village close around 5 PM; restaurants and stores at Jiufen close around 7 PM, but teahouses are open until 9 PM.
Jiufen (九份)
|
|
There are two notable teahouses one can visit, although tea can be quite expensive ($30+), since you have to buy it based on amount of tea.
|
|
- Teapot Mountain: Named for the mountain's unique teapot-shaped peak, this a popular hiking destination near Jinguashi in Taiwan, offering panoramic views of the coastline and the Pacific Ocean.
- Golden Waterfall: Along the Jinshui highway, this waterfall is named for its golden-hued water caused by the minerals from historic mining activities.
- Yinyang Sea: At the end of the road is where one can see the contrasting blue and green waters mix.
Houtong Cat Village (猴洞貓村) - 2-3 hour visit.
- The first stop on the Pingxi Railway Line from Ruifang, this former coal mining village now serves as the home for hundreds of cats, despite its name translating to “Monkey Cave”, which probably referred to a nearby cave with monkeys previously.
- The small village consists of three lanes overlooking the train station with many cafes and restaurants filled with cat-based decorations, cat-based food and drink, and best of all, cats. While most of the cats are strays, they are sterilized and vaccinated and take kindly to strangers. On cooler days, they may be more skittish compared to a lot of sleeping cats in summer.
West of the Railroad Tracks (the Cat Village):
|
East of the Railroad Tracks:
- A-Sia Noodle Shop (阿蝦古早味麵店): A noodle shop in operation for 80+ years and is located right outside the train station.
- Houtong Coal Mine Ecological Park Info Center (猴硐煤礦博物園區): A Japanese colonial-era building which once served as the coal mining office and storage warehouse with a free museum called the Vision Hall.
- Ruifang-Ruisan Coal Preparation Plant: Renovated plant ruins which have 2 large coal dressing machines on the top floor.
- Ruisan Coal Transportation Bridge: A cement bridge leading to a former coal mine building.
- Houtong Pit Mining Leisure Park (猴硐礦坑休閒園區): It contains more ruins from the mining industry.
- Houtong Shrine Relics (猴硐神社): A former Japanese Shinto shrine in the forest that's 15 minutes north of the Houtong Pit Mining Leisure Park.
Shifen (猴洞貓村) - 2-3 hour visit
|
Shifen Waterfall
|
Shifen Visitor Center
|
- Yehliu Geopark: A natural attraction that is a day-trip from Taipei, one can see interesting geological formations:
- Queen’s Head
- Sea Candles
- Kissing Rock
- Ginger Rocks
- Princess Head
- Yangmingshan National Park (Caoshan): 1 of the 9 national parks in Taiwan, there are hot springs, several parks, and plenty of hiking trails. One can enjoy cherry blossoms and rhododendrons in the spring and red maple leaves and silver grass in October.
Restaurants and Food
The best places to eat in Taipei are the small hole-in-the-wall restaurants specializing in a few dishes; however, there are plenty of delicious restaurant options. I've highlighted a few below, but I would recommend checking out my Taipei Night Markets page which also has some restaurant options for specific neighborhoods.
Meals
|
Desserts
|
|
Breakfast Food
|
Drinks
Formal Speakeasies
|
Bubble Milk Tea:
There are plenty of spots to find bubble milk tea. You can find at least one every block with multiple chains. Here are some of my favorites:
There are plenty of spots to find bubble milk tea. You can find at least one every block with multiple chains. Here are some of my favorites:
- Chun Shui Tang (春水堂): High-quality bubble tea and an elegant presentation.
- 50 Lan (50嵐): Customizable drinks with a wide range of options.
- Truedan (珍煮丹): Famous for hand-cooked brown sugar bubble tea.
- Xing Fu Tang (幸福堂): Freshly made tapioca pearls with signature brown sugar milk tea.
- Tiger Sugar (老虎堂): Distinctive brown sugar bubble milk tea with "tiger stripes" syrup.
- Coco Fresh Tea & Juice (CoCo都可): Popular chain with diverse fruit and milk tea options.
- The Alley (鹿角巷): Stylish ambiance and creative milk tea flavors.
- Sharetea (歇腳亭): Classic and seasonal bubble tea options with quality ingredients.
- YiFang Taiwan Fruit Tea (一芳水果茶): Fresh fruit-based teas with a Taiwanese twist.
- Oneca (丸咖 華山店): Quaint coffee shop with milk tea served in glass jars. There are also some fun art pieces.
- Wootea (五桐號通化旗艦店): Traditional Taiwanese milk tea.
|
Other Resources
- Official Tourist Site
- Taiwan Obsessed - Nick Kembel guide who's lived in Taiwan for over 10 years
- HopOnWorld - Itinerary crafted by Mariza, an English teacher who lives in Taipei
- Get Me to Taiwan - Group of people who love Taiwan and sharing their story