【臺北市】Taipei City Guide
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Taipei, with "Taí 臺" meaning Taiwan and "Běi 北" meaning North, equals the North of Taiwan!
Isn't Chinese so cute?
Taipei is one of the largest cities in Taiwan and is often the first thing people think of when they think of Taiwan, thanks to landmarks like Taipei 101. Not only that, but the bustling night markets, amazing street food, and endless shopping make Taipei a must-visit city!
In this guide, I want to share some spots for you to check off your bucket list, along with the less touristy side of Taiwan. The side where my family is from and I want to share our culture with you all.
map of Taipei
know before you go!
Taipei Botanical Garden
💬 LANGUAGE
Mandarin is the most widely spoken, while older generations may use Taiwanese (Taiyu 臺語 / Minanhua 閩南語) or Japanese.
English is basic, but you can still get by — locals are generally helpful.
🗣️ HELLO: ní hǎo | THANK YOU: xìe xìe | GOODBYE: zaì jìan
💰 CURRENCY
New Taiwan Dollar (NT, NTD, TWD$) — prices include tax, so what you see is what you pay!
(｡•̀ᴗ-)✧
💡 TIPPING
Tipping isn’t expected and can even feel awkward to some. High-end restaurants may add a service charge, especially for large groups.
🚨 SAFETY
Taipei is extremely safe, even for solo female travelers. Just keep an eye out for common travel scams.
📞 EMERGENCY CONTACTS
In case of emergency, dial 110 for police or 119 for ambulance or fire.
best time to visit
Spring, fall, or winter are your best bets for exploring Taipei comfortably.
Summers (May–September) can be brutally hot and humid, plus it’s typhoon season — meaning downpours, sticky weather, and lots of mosquitoes.
Winter runs from December to February, bringing mild, crisp air (and the occasional drizzle).
Spring (March–April) is fresh and pleasant, perfect for sightseeing.
Fall isn’t as defined in Taiwan, but you’ll get cooler, drier days from November to early December.
getting around
Rent a YouBike and explore Taipei in dedicated bike lanes.
The best, cheapest, and easiest way to get around Taipei!
Don't hesitate to ask for help at the information counter (English is available at some stations).
Stations come with English signage alongside Chinese characters.
The fastest option for longer distances to other cities in Taiwan. Take the express train from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei, which will take about 35 minutes.
— Other Ways to Get Around —
WALK
Taipei is a walkable city, similar to New York City, but much cleaner and more modern.
BUS
There are a ton of different buses available, but make sure to have Taiwanese cash or your EasyCard in hand and read the destination signs.
TAXI / UBER
Yellow cabs are commonly seen in Taiwan, but they aren’t widely used by the Taiwanese, as we prefer public transportation such as MRT, buses, and YouBikes.
If you do take a cab, don't be surprised if your driver wants to chat with ya — Taiwanese people love meeting visitors!
CAR
If you decide to rent a car, make sure that you have your international driver's license paperwork ready before traveling to Taiwan. This process may take some time, so it's important to prepare the necessary documents in advance to secure your car rental. They will deny you if you don’t have the proper paperwork!
where to dine
where to explore
best Taipei tours for you!
don’t miss these nearby gems
Here are a few day trips and nearby spots worth adding to your Taipei itinerary:
Step into the nostalgic streets of Jiufen — wander teahouses, explore lantern-lit alleys, and soak in the mountain and ocean views. Perfect for a half-day trip or an overnight stay.
where to stay
Whether you’re visiting for a relaxing getaway or just a cozy night’s rest, here are the best-rated stays around Taipei City.
Luxury, prime location, and top-notch service in Taipei.
— 🔎 Find Your Perfect Stay in Taipei —
check out my Taiwan travel vlog!
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Last Updated: 08.14.2025
Hidden beneath the Grand Hotel lies Meet Bar, a moody speakeasy with a secret past. If you’re a first-timer in Taipei and wondering where to drink with a side of history — this one’s for you. From cocktails to secret tunnels, here’s everything to know before you go. 🍸✨