Taipei

Taipei is a dynamic capital where towering skyscrapers stand beside centuries-old temples, night markets buzz with energy, and teahouses offer serene escapes. The city is a gateway to Taiwan’s natural wonders, with hot springs, hiking trails, and dramatic coastline just a short trip away. For international travellers, Taipei combines rich Chinese heritage, Japanese colonial influences, and a vibrant food scene that makes every meal an adventure.

Highlights & What to See

• Taipei 101: Once the world’s tallest building, this iconic skyscraper offers breathtaking views from its indoor and outdoor observatories. Don’t miss the tuned mass damper — a giant golden sphere that stabilizes the tower.
• National Palace Museum: Home to one of the world’s finest collections of Chinese imperial art and artifacts, with rotating exhibits that include jade carvings, bronze vessels, and the famous “cabbage” sculpture.
• Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: A vast, imposing monument set in a landscaped plaza, often the site of cultural performances and political protests. The changing of the guard ceremony is a highlight.
• Longshan Temple: A beautifully ornate temple dedicated to Guanyin (the goddess of mercy), where locals come to pray for good fortune. The intricate carvings and incense-filled halls are a feast for the senses.
• Shilin Night Market: Taipei’s most famous night market, a chaotic maze of food stalls offering stinky tofu, oyster omelettes, bubble tea, and grilled squid. Arrive hungry and explore every alley.
• Yangmingshan National Park: A volcanic mountain range just north of the city, with hot springs, hiking trails, and seasonal flower blooms. The views of Taipei from the top are stunning, especially at sunset.
• Beitou Hot Springs: A historic hot-spring area with public baths, private resorts, and a beautiful thermal valley. The Beitou Hot Springs Museum, a former public bathhouse, is worth a visit.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers find 3–4 days in Taipei sufficient to cover the main sights, enjoy the night markets, and take a day trip to Yangmingshan or the nearby north coast. If you’re keen on hiking or want to explore more of northern Taiwan (like Jiufen or Taroko Gorge), allow 5–7 days. Pace yourself: mornings are best for museums and temples, afternoons for neighbourhood wanders, and evenings for night markets and rooftop bars.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Jiufen: A mountain town with narrow alleyways, tea houses, and stunning ocean views, often compared to the setting of Spirited Away. It’s an easy day trip from Taipei.
• Taroko Gorge: A spectacular marble canyon with hiking trails, suspension bridges, and temples. It’s a 2–3 hour drive or train ride from Taipei, best as a multi-day side trip.
• Yehliu Geopark: A coastal park known for its unique rock formations shaped by erosion, including the iconic “Queen’s Head”. Combine it with a visit to the northern coast for a full day.
• Maokong Gondola: A cable car ride that takes you up to the tea-growing hills of Maokong, where you can sip oolong tea at a traditional teahouse with panoramic views of the city.
• Taichung: Taiwan’s second city, known for its art museums, night markets, and the Rainbow Village. It’s about an hour by high-speed rail from Taipei.

Please check official sources for current details.