Best Things to Do in Taipei, Taiwan – Your Complete 2026 Travel Guide

Between steaming night markets, quiet teahouses, and a futuristic skyline, one of the best things to do in Taipei, Taiwan is simply soaking in this vibe that we’ve honestly never experienced anywhere else.

For us, Taipei was the start of our Taiwan round trip – four days full of contrasts, the best food, and that constant feeling of switching between chaos and complete calm. And that’s exactly what you’ll get in this guide: our personal things to do, sights, tips, and highlights for the city. A complete Travel Guide.

You can expect things like the view from Jinmianshan Trail over Taipei 101, the best dumplings of the entire trip, our favorite café spots in Zhongshan, and of course the night markets you absolutely shouldn’t miss. We’ll also show you how to get around Taipei, which neighborhoods are actually worth it, and how to plan your time here in a relaxed way.

Taipei Travel Guide, Taiwan // Overview

// where?

Capital of Taiwan in East Asia, located between mountains and the sea – a modern metropolis with strong cultural influences from China & Japan.

// who is it for?

Street food lovers (night markets!), café & design lovers, city travelers who want to combine nature & urban life, solo travelers (very safe & easy).

// when?

• Best time to visit: March–April & October–November
• European summer: hot, humid, sometimes typhoons
• European winter: milder, but often rainy
• Good to visit all year round (even in the rain)

// where we would stay?

Why Taipei in Taiwan Should Be on Your List

Taipei initially felt a bit more unfamiliar to us as European travelers, especially compared to places like Singapore. The city feels like a fascinating mix of Chinese tradition and Japanese aesthetics – in the temples, on the streets, and in the food.

And then there are these contrasts: loud, vibrant night markets full of smells and voices… and just a few streets further, complete calm in small teahouses or minimalist cafés where time somehow slows down.

We often just let ourselves drift – somewhere between chaos and total ease. And that’s exactly what makes Taipei so special for us.

Neighborhoods in Taipei, Taiwan

At first glance, Taipei feels pretty compact, but it’s really not. We completely underestimated this at the beginning (and ended up taking way longer to get around than expected).

The city is made up of many neighborhoods and districts, and each one feels a bit like its own little world. If you really want to understand Taipei, it helps a lot to roughly get a sense of the different areas.

While Ximen(ding) is known as a lively, young district full of street food, shops, and neon lights, Zhongshan offers stylish cafés, boutiques, and a creative atmosphere with a slight Japanese touch. Da’an feels more relaxed, greener, and a bit more upscale – perfect for coffee spots and small design stores.

In Zhongzheng District around Taipei Main Station, you’ll find the cultural heart of the city with many historical sights, while Songshan District blends tradition and modern life — especially around temples and local markets. Shilin is mainly known for its famous night market and gives you a more authentic look into local life.

(Yes: it can take a while to realize that Zhongshan and Songshan are two different districts, haha. And then there’s Zhongzheng right in the middle.

And then there’s Beitou in the north: known for hot springs, nature, and an almost village-like calm. A complete contrast to the busy city center.

Taipei Neighborhoods at a Glance

District	Vibe	Top 3 accommodations (Booking rating 8.2+)
Ximen(ding)	Lively, young & hip. Neon lights, street food, and shopping everywhere. The “Times Square” of Taipei.	$ ART’OTEL $$ Westgate Hotel $$$ Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel
Zhongshan	Stylish & creative. A mix of Japanese flair, boutique stores, and top cafés.	$ Via Loft Hotel $$ 番茄行旅 $$$ Humble Boutique Hotel
Da’an	Relaxed, green & upscale. Perfect for coffee lovers, design shops, and a slower pace.	$ NiHao Café Hotel $$ Chez Nous $$$ Kimpton
Zhongzheng	The cultural heart around Main Station. Home to important historical sights and museums.	$ Via Hotel $$ Hotel Resonance $$$ MGH Mitsui Garden Hotel
Xinyi	Taipei’s business district — modern, luxurious, and home to Taipei 101 and many shopping malls.	$$ Eslite Hotel $$$+ Hanns House
Songshan	Tradition meets modern life. Known for temples, local markets, and a calmer vibe.	$ Hermit Dorm $$ ILLUME $$$+ Capella
Shilin	Authentic & lively. Famous for its night market and a great place to dive into local life.	$ Dandy Hotel $$-$$$ Renaissance Taipei
Beitou	Nature & wellness. Known for hot springs and peaceful surroundings – perfect for a break from the city.	$ Hotel Double One $$ Hotel Royal $$$+ Grand View Resort

Best Things to Do in Taipei, Taiwan

Defining the best things to do in Taipei isn’t that easy. We love just drifting, spending time in cafés and restaurants, and watching everyday life. Others are more focused on sightseeing, while some want the best viewpoints over the city.

The nice thing is: in Taipei, you’ll find all of it.

Cultural Highlights & Sights

Visit Taipei 101

Taipei 101 is THE landmark of the city – and somehow impossible to ignore so it should be on the list of your best things to do. At 508 meters, it’s still one of the tallest buildings in the world and stands right in the modern Xinyi district.

Inside, you’ll find everything: offices, a huge shopping mall, and several restaurants. There’s even a Din Tai Fung branch in the basement.

But honestly: the lines are often super long, and we had unbelievably good dumplings elsewhere in the city (if not better). (More tips on that below.)

At the top, there are restaurants with views over Taipei. We briefly considered going, but decided against it — many say you’re paying more for the view than for the food. Fair enough.

Temples in Taipei, Taiwan

Two of the most well-known temples in Taipei, the Longshan Temple and Bao’an Temple, offer a fascinating insight into the spiritual and cultural life of the city.

Longshan Temple (Google Maps), located right next to the MRT station of the same name, is the more famous and usually busier one — with detailed architecture, lots of incense, and a lively atmosphere.

Bao’an Temple (Google Maps) in the Datong District feels a bit quieter and stands out especially because of its detailed decorations and traditional design.

Good to know:

• Entry: free
• Dress code: shoulders/knees covered
• Easy to combine (2–3 hours total)

Taipei Guide: Viewpoints over the City

For great views over Taipei, three spots stand out:

Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan)

The classic viewpoint over Taipei. Easily accessible by MRT (Xiangshan Station, red line), it offers the perfect view of Taipei 101 after a short but pretty steep climb. And it’s free. The 1.5 km trail is usually quite busy.

• Location: Google Maps
• Cost: free
• Opening hours: / (ideal for sunset)

Taipei 101 Observatory

The most convenient option (direct MRT access), with panoramic indoor views – but paid.

• Location: Google Maps
• Cost: from ~16 EUR / 18 USD per person
• Opening hours: daily 10 am – 9 pm

Maokong Gondola

For a more relaxed alternative, take the Maokong Gondola (from Taipei Zoo MRT) into the hills, where you’ll find teahouses and quieter, atmospheric views. Less iconic, but much calmer.

• Location: Google Maps
• Cost: Single ride: 180 TWD (approx. 4.80 EUR / 5 USD), day pass: 300 TWD (approx. 8 EUR / 9 USD)
• Opening hours: find them here

Also nice: the Jinmianshan hike (more below) also offers great views over the city. You can even watch planes take off and land from the nearby airport.

Creative Neighborhoods, Cafés & Restaurants

Zhongshan quickly became one of our favorite neighborhoods in Taipei, especially the area around Mitty (Google Maps), which we ended up loving the most. It’s the kind of place where you don’t really need a plan. Around here, you’ll find a mix of stylish cafés, small boutiques, and lots of shops with unique, more special clothing pieces.

There’s also a subtle Japanese influence in the architecture and overall design, which gives the whole area a calm, aesthetic vibe. We spent hours just drifting through the streets, popping into little stores, grabbing coffee, and discovering new spots. If you enjoy creative neighborhoods with a laid-back atmosphere, this part of Zhongshan is definitely one of the best places to spend your time in Taipei.

The Best Café Spots in Taipei

Taipei has quietly developed into one of the most exciting coffee scenes in Asia. A mix of precise craftsmanship and relaxed creativity – from minimalist specialty roasters to design-focused cafés hidden in quiet side streets.

What really stands out is the balance: high-quality beans and brewing techniques meet a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re working remotely, meeting friends, or just escaping the city’s buzz, Taipei’s cafés deliver.

After5 – “Stay All Afternoon” Vibe

One of the best things to do in Taipei is to simply slow down at a cozy, understated café. After5 (Google Maps) has exactly that “stay all afternoon” energy: beautiful seating, moody lighting, a calm atmosphere, and just the right amount of background noise to work or plan your next travel steps.

The coffee is great, and small extras make the difference: sparkling water with homemade jam. For us, it’s one of those places you naturally come back to. We went twice.

Moonshine Coffee Roasters

A bigger, more social café that instantly feels like a natural meeting spot. Moonshine Coffee Roasters (Google Maps) combines great coffee with a more extensive menu.

Perfect if you want to stay longer or meet friends. The atmosphere is lively without being hectic — ideal for a relaxed afternoon that slowly turns into evening.

INFINITY. Yes Lounge

Yes, it’s a bit outside Taipei — but absolutely worth every minute in our opinion.

INFINITY. Yes Lounge (Google Maps) is one of those places that stays in your mind for a long time. Beautifully designed (honestly, we’d copy everything 1:1 if we ever had our own café) and incredibly calm, it offers great coffee, exceptional teas, fresh bread, and some of the best food.

The place inspires.

In the evening, it turns into a relaxed bar with really good drinks. We were unsure at first because of the distance, but we’d make the trip again anytime. Definitely one of the most impressive cafés we’ve visited worldwide. Big words. :)

Restaurants & Dinner Spots in Taipei, Taiwan

In Taipei, incredible food spots are literally waiting around every corner. Besides restaurants, it’s especially the night markets and street stalls that make the food scene so unique.

Our tip: don’t plan too much – just go with the flow and try whatever catches your attention.

We had everything planned differently, but then got hungry earlier than expected or ended up in completely different parts of the city. That’s exactly how you discover the best spots.

Goodbeitao – Dumplings!

There’s only one thing to say: order everything you feel like. Seriously. The dumplings are incredible, and we couldn’t stop eating. For us, they were the best dumplings of our entire Taiwan trip. Maybe even the best we’ve ever had.

Make sure to leave room for dessert and order the Egg Yolk Bao. Mandatory.

The restaurant itself (Google Maps) is modern and clean, almost minimalist. The perfect contrast to the intense, honest flavors of the dishes.

Lei Hou – Our Taiwanese Grandma

Lei Hou (Google Maps) feels like eating at grandma’s place, just the Taiwanese version. That’s exactly what makes it so charming. It’s a place where you instantly feel comfortable and want to try everything.

The food is very typical Taiwanese, with many small dishes that are perfect for sharing. One highlight: the many vegetarian options, which aren’t as common in Taiwan as you might think.

An honest, cozy spot for anyone who wants to dive deeper into local cuisine.

Moon Moon Food – Even Chains Can Deliver

Yes, it’s a chain (Google Maps). And yes, it’s still really good.

We even ordered once via Uber Eats to our hotel and were completely impressed. That’s comfort food done right: simple, intense, and just really well made.

Especially the chili noodles surprised us in a very good way.

Taipei Night Markets Guide

Puh… where do we even start.

Taiwan is an absolute street food paradise, and Taipei alone offers an incredible variety of things to try. One of the easiest ways to experience this is by visiting the night markets – which you definitely shouldn’t miss when searching for the best things to do.

Night markets are lively and loud. Everywhere smells like fried food, vendors are shouting orders, woks are sizzling, and crowds slowly move through narrow alleys filled with food stalls.

Some smells or dishes might feel a bit unusual (like stinky tofu haha) — or at least take some getting used to — but that’s part of the experience. And right in the middle of all the chaos, you’ll often find real culinary highlights that can easily compete with restaurant dishes.

You should definitely try Gua Bao (Taiwanese burgers), mochi, and maybe even give stinky tofu a chance. The smell is intense, but the taste is said to be much milder. We couldn’t get past the smell and didn’t dare to try it, haha.

Our Three Favorite Night Markets in Taipei

• Ningxia Night Market // A classic night market where you can casually snack your way through different stalls. We tried fried chicken, grilled octopus, and cocoa mochi — and would’ve happily gone back for more.
  
• Shilin Night Market // Our personal favorite. A mix of food, small shops, and lots of street fashion. The atmosphere is busy, but it spreads out a bit. Can get very crowded on weekends — still 100% worth it.
  
• Nanjichang Night Market // We didn’t visit this one ourselves, but heard a lot about it. Many say it’s one of the most local night markets in Taipei, with lower prices.

Taipei Street Food Guide

Street Food #1: Bubble Tea

If you’re in Taiwan, you can’t miss bubble (boba) tea. It originated here. And honestly: it tastes completely different (and much better) than what we’ve had in Europe.

When ordering, you can choose your ice level and sweetness (0–100%). We usually went for little to no ice and around 30% sweetness. And one important rule: always get the tapioca bubbles. Probably not the best for digestion… but hey, it’s vacation. :)

In Germany and other parts of Europe, we tried bubble tea a few times, but often found it too sweet and not particularly well made. Here in Taiwan, however, you can choose from a wide variety of teas, combine them with soy milk or different fruit juices, and add toppings like tapioca pearls if you like. It’s simply different.

So during our trip to Taiwan, we picked up a new favorite ritual: grabbing a bubble tea to go and strolling through the city with it.

Street Food #2: Scallion Pancake

The cong you bing is a true classic. Crispy on the outside, soft and slightly chewy on the inside. Usually freshly made at street stalls – you’ll see the dough being rolled, folded, and fried right in front of you.

It’s a bit like a mix between flatbread and a savory pancake. A particularly popular version includes an egg, which is cracked directly onto the pancake and cooked with it.

We can highly recommend this well-known breakfast spot for authentic Taiwanese breakfast: 青島豆漿店 (Google Maps).

Street Food #3: Gua Bao

Gua Bao is often referred to as a ‘Taiwanese hamburger,’ but it’s really something quite unique. Instead of a classic burger bun, you get a soft, steamed bao bun filled with a variety of ingredients.

It typically contains pickled vegetables, often meat (pork belly), fresh cilantro, and—very characteristically—a slightly sweet peanut powder mixture. It might sound a bit unusual at first, but it’s exactly this combination that makes the flavor so special: savory, sweet, fresh, and slightly spiced all at once. Soft and crispy in a single bite.

Activities Around Taipei

What makes Taipei so special is the unique combination of vibrant city life and impressive nature. Besides everything the city itself has to offer, you can escape into the green at any time — hike up hills for skyline views, discover waterfalls, or explore small, charming villages.

Even in several days, you’ll only scratch the surface of what this region has to offer. We definitely didn’t manage to see everything in four days either. Here are our personal favorites for exploring beyond the city.

Best Hikes Near Taipei, Taiwan

Jinmianshan Trail

The Jinmianshan Trail is a short hike with really beautiful views over Taipei. There’s no entrance fee – the hike is completely free. The trail is mostly easy, but it also has a few steeper sections where you’ll need to pull yourself up rocks using ropes which honestly makes it more fun and varied.

It’s especially worth it around sunset. We brought a flashlight with us, which we actually ended up needing, as the way down through the dense forest can get pretty dark.

The best way is to simply follow the signs towards the pagoda and then take the loop trail back down. We needed about 40 minutes for the ascent and 30 minutes for the descent — but we were also pretty sweaty afterwards, so maybe give yourself a bit more time.

During the loop, you’ll also find a few shortcuts in case you don’t feel like continuing.

Getting there is easy by bus or Uber — Google Maps will show you the exact route. From the bus stop, it’s about a 5-minute walk to the first steps of the hike.

Tea Hills & Trails in Maokong

Maokong is the perfect place to experience nature and tea culture around Taipei.

The easiest way to get there is by MRT to Taipei Zoo Station and then taking the Maokong Gondola, which brings you up into the hills in about 20–30 minutes to ‘Maokong Station’. Alternatively, you can take buses like S10 or BR15.

From there, you’ll find many well-developed hiking trails – from short walks (30–60 minutes) to longer routes of up to 2–3 hours, for example to the Tea Promotion Center, which is only about 15 minutes away. Along the way, you’ll pass tea plantations, viewpoints, and traditional teahouses where you can enjoy local Oolong tea.

For your visit, bring comfortable shoes, water, sun protection, and maybe a light jacket. Plan about half a day (around 4–6 hours) to fully enjoy the combination of hiking, views, and tea culture.

Day Trips from Taipei

If you want to explore beyond the city, some of the top things to do in Taipei are day trips to escape the city hub.

Jiufen – Mountain Village & Teahouses

At first Jiufen feels almost a bit unreal: an old mountain village with steep, narrow streets, glowing red lanterns, historic teahouses, small food stalls, and wide views down to the coast. For us Europeans, it’s probably that “perfect Asia” image.

The roots of the town go back to Taiwan’s gold rush in the late 19th century, and to this day it has kept that nostalgic, almost magical atmosphere it’s known for. At the same time, Jiufen is no longer a hidden gem, and the Old Street gets veeeery crowded during the day. We actually skipped it on our trip. Partly because of the forecasted rain and partly because of time — but we’ve only heard good things.

If we went, we’d do it like this: stay overnight. That way, you can experience Jiufen in the evening and early morning without the crowds which is supposed to be when it’s most beautiful.

From Taipei, the easiest way is either by direct bus or by train to Ruifang and then a short bus ride up to Jiufen.

Shifen – Waterfall & Sky Lanterns

Shifen was also on our list at first, but we decided against it in the end.

On one hand, because we still had our entire Taiwan trip ahead of us and Taipei itself already has so much to offer. And on the other hand, because we weren’t fully convinced by the sky lanterns from a sustainability perspective.

In Shifen, everything revolves around these lanterns: you buy them, write your wishes or thoughts on them, and then release them into the sky directly from the train tracks. Especially when several rise into the sky at dusk, it apparently looks really beautiful.

But: the lanterns don’t just disappear. Many end up in nature, get stuck in trees, or even catch fire mid-air. Some also hit buildings. For us, it just didn’t feel quite right.

Only a few minutes away is Shifen Waterfall, one of the widest waterfalls in Taiwan. The path there is said to be very easy and well-developed.

Getting from Taipei to Shifen

The easiest way is by train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang, then switching to the Pingxi Line to Shifen (around 1–1.5 hours total). Alternatively, there are also bus connections.

How to Get to Taipei

Flight to Taipei

Taipei has two airports: Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), where most international flights arrive, and Songshan Airport (TSA), which is much closer to the city center and mainly used for regional flights.

Many major international airports offer direct flights to Taipei, Taiwan. We flew with China Airlines directly from Frankfurt to TPE. You can also fly via the Middle East, for example with airlines from the Emirates.

Flights were surprisingly affordable. We paid exactly 769 EUR / 880 USD per person for a round trip including luggage (two checked bags).

Seats were not included in our ticket and relatively expensive. So we waited until online check-in opened 48 hours before departure and then got assigned seats — and were lucky to sit together both ways. According to Reddit, this strategy often works. Of course, there’s a risk you won’t sit together, but we preferred that over paying an extra 300 EUR / 350 USD.

From the Airport to the City

The easiest way into the city is the Airport MRT. Public transport in Taipei is fast, cheap, and super easy to use. Honestly, we wouldn’t recommend spending around 40 EUR on a taxi. The train works perfectly.

And: at the airport, you can also get an EasyCard (for MRT, bus, etc.) and a SIM or eSIM.

Tip: Buy your eSIM directly in Taiwan. It’s usually cheaper and works better. Many international providers seem to route connections via China, which can make the internet noticeably slower.

Getting Around Taipei

Taipei really surprised us when it comes to transport. Everything is well organized, reliable and most importantly: simple. You can get pretty much everywhere easily, whether by bus, MRT, or Uber.

Bus in Taipei

We actually used buses the most and would do it the same again. The system is well developed, reliable, and often even faster than the MRT depending on where you’re going.

Rides usually cost around 15–45 NT$ (so really cheap). Try to get a seat or hold on tight — drivers like to use the acceleration of electric buses.

MRT (Subway)

The MRT is just as good. Clean, air-conditioned, easy to understand, and perfect for longer distances across the city.

We used it less than buses, but for classic routes (like heading to Xinyi), it’s ideal.

More information about buses (including the sightseeing bus), the metro network, and more can be found on the Travel Taipei map.

EasyCard – Absolute Gamechanger

The EasyCard is one of those small things that makes life in Taipei so much easier.

It’s a rechargeable card (around 100 NT$ deposit) that works for almost all public transport – and even in some shops or cafés.

How it works (bus/MRT):

• Tap when entering
• Tap again when exiting

Where to get it:

• At the airport
• In MRT stations
• In convenience stores like 7-Eleven or FamilyMart

Top-up:

• At MRT machines
• Or in convenience stores

Important: bring cash – topping up with card usually doesn’t work.

Our tip: get it at the beginning of your trip. Saves time, stress, and you don’t need to worry about tickets.

Uber in Taipei

If you want something quick or just don’t feel like changing transport, Uber is a great option.

We used it mostly when:

• routes with public transport would take much longer
• it was late
• we just wanted a more comfortable ride

Best part: it’s much cheaper than in Europe.

Cycling in Taipei

We also saw a lot of people using bikes. You can rent them via systems like YouBike, perfect for short distances or exploring the city in a more relaxed way.

The only small downside: for registration, you usually need a local phone number, which you’ll only get if you buy a SIM card at the airport or locally not in advance through providers like Saily, Holafly & Co.

Where to Stay in Taipei, Taiwan

Best Areas to Stay in Taipei

Each district in Taipei has its own character, vibe, and advantages depending on how you travel.

In general, you’ll find accommodation in all price ranges – from simple but stylish budget hotels to luxury options. Modern areas like Xinyi tend to be more expensive, while places like Ximending often offer more affordable options.

We stayed in Zhongzheng District and really liked it. It feels a bit calmer and more spacious, while still being close to major sights like Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. It also felt more “local” – lots of food spots, everyday life, and even a huge, very affordable gym (which we love while traveling, Google Maps).

Connections are great, so you can get anywhere easily. We’d definitely recommend staying here — especially if you want something central but a bit more relaxed.

One thing you should definitely keep in mind when booking: in Taiwan (and especially in Taipei), it’s quite common for hotel rooms to not have windows. This is usually indicated on Booking, but we’d still always double-check before confirming your stay.

Also, prices can increase significantly on weekends, sometimes nearly doubling compared to weekdays. If you’re flexible, it’s definitely worth adjusting your dates a bit.

In the end, there isn’t one single “best” area to stay in. That’s why we’ve put together our selection of the top-rated accommodations we’d choose if we came back – sorted by neighborhood.

Safety in Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei is considered one of the safest big cities in Asia. We felt completely comfortable at all times no matter if it was during the day or late at night.

The combination of low crime rates, great infrastructure, and general respect in daily life makes it very easy to navigate the city and feel safe. At the same time, the openness and friendliness of people make you feel welcome – and never really alone. Still, like in any major city: keep an eye on your valuables.

Taipei Travel Guide – FAQs

Soooo, that was our full guide covering things to do in Taipei, Taiwan. Did we miss anything? Any tips or highlights you’d add? Or do you have questions? Feel free to drop them in the comments. <3