A popular hiking trail offering stunning views of the Taipei skyline, including Taipei 101.

Elephant Mountain, also known as Xiangshan, is a popular hiking spot in Taipei. Despite its steep incline, the trail is relatively short, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The trail offers several viewing platforms, each providing a unique perspective of Taipei city. The most popular view is of the Taipei 101 building, which stands out against the city skyline. /n The trail is well-maintained and has several rest stops along the way. At the top of the mountain, there are large rocks that are perfect for sitting and enjoying the view. The best time to visit is in the late afternoon, so you can catch the sunset over the city. Despite its popularity, the trail is rarely crowded, making it a peaceful escape from the bustling city below.

A popular hiking trail with stunning views of Taipei city.

Known as the 'Harajuku of Taipei', Ximending is a bustling shopping district popular among the youth for its fashion stores, quirky boutiques, themed cafes, and street performances.

Ximending is one of Taipei's most vibrant shopping districts, often compared to Tokyo's Harajuku district. It's a hub for fashion, dining, and entertainment, attracting a young, trendy crowd. The area is known for its street food, with vendors selling everything from bubble tea to stinky tofu. It's also a great place to shop for clothes, with a mix of local and international brands. /n In addition to shopping and dining, Ximending is also a cultural hub. The Red House Theater, located in the district, is a historic building that hosts a variety of performances, from concerts to plays. There are also several movie theaters in the area, including the Ximen Eslite, which is known for its selection of independent films. The district is also home to several art galleries and street art installations, making it a must-visit for art lovers. Despite its modern, trendy vibe, Ximending also has a rich history. The district was established during the Japanese occupation, and many of the buildings still retain their Japanese-era architecture. Walking through Ximending, you'll get a sense of Taipei's past and present, all in one vibrant, bustling district.

Ximending is a bustling shopping district in Taipei, known for its street food and fashion.

A lively market that comes alive at night, offering street food, shopping, and games.

The Night Market in Taipei is a lively and vibrant place that comes alive as the sun sets. Here, you can find a wide variety of street food, from traditional Taiwanese snacks to international delicacies. /n In addition to food, the market also offers a range of local goods and entertainment options. Whether you're looking to sample some local cuisine, shop for unique souvenirs, or simply soak in the bustling atmosphere, the Night Market in Taipei is a must-visit.

A lively market offering a wide variety of street food, local goods, and entertainment options.

Tamsui River is a major river in northern Taiwan. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering beautiful views, boat tours, and a variety of waterfront activities.

The Tamsui River is a major river in Northern Taiwan. It's known for its scenic views, especially during sunset. Boat tours are available for tourists, providing a unique way to see the city. /n The river is also a popular spot for locals, who often come to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the riverbank. There are several parks and green spaces along the river, making it a great place for picnics or outdoor activities. The river is also home to a variety of wildlife, including several species of birds.

A major river in Northern Taiwan with scenic views.

Experience the vibrant city of Taipei, Taiwan - a captivating blend of traditional culture and cosmopolitan life. Marvel at the towering Taipei 101, once the world's tallest building, offering panoramic city views. Explore the bustling night markets, particularly Shilin and Raohe, famous for their street food delicacies. Immerse yourself in history at the National Palace Museum, home to one of the world's largest collections of Chinese art. Visit the serene Longshan Temple, a testament to Taiwan's rich spiritual heritage. Enjoy a relaxing soak in Beitou's hot springs or a tranquil walk in Yangmingshan National Park. With its efficient MRT system, navigating Taipei is a breeze. Experience the warmth of Taiwanese hospitality and the city's dynamic energy. Taipei, a city that never sleeps, awaits you.

Elephant Mountain

Ximending

Night Market

Tamsui River

Start your day with a hike up Elephant Mountain, also known as Xiangshan. This trail offers a breathtaking view of Taipei city and is a great way to start your day with some outdoor adventure. The hike takes about 20-30 minutes and is relatively easy, making it perfect for a morning activity.

After your morning hike, head to a local food market for lunch. Here, you can sample a variety of Taiwanese street food, including the famous beef noodle soup and bubble tea. The market also offers a unique insight into the local culture and lifestyle.

Spend your afternoon exploring the vibrant neighborhood of Ximending, known for its street art, indie fashion shops, and quirky cafes. This area is a hub for youth culture and is a great place to experience the city's modern and creative side.

For dinner, visit a local Night Market. These markets are a staple of Taiwanese culture and offer a wide range of food options, from traditional dishes to innovative street food creations. It's an ideal place to enjoy a casual dinner with friends while soaking up the lively atmosphere.

End your day with a visit to a local karaoke bar, a popular pastime in Taiwan. These bars offer private rooms for groups, making it a fun and unique way to spend the evening. Alternatively, you can take a leisurely stroll along the Tamsui River, enjoying the city lights and the peaceful night ambiance.

Adventure and Outdoor Activities in Taipei

UTC+8

Taipei's MRT is one of the best ways to get around the city. It's clean, efficient, and covers most of the city's main attractions. The MRT also connects to the Taipei Main Station, which provides access to other parts of Taiwan.

Buses in Taipei are plentiful and cover areas not reached by the MRT. They are a bit more complicated to use than the MRT due to the variety of routes and stops, but they are a good option if you're going to an area not covered by the MRT.

Taxis are widely available in Taipei and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. They are metered and relatively affordable. Most taxi drivers do not speak English, so it's a good idea to have your destination written in Chinese.

Taipei has a public bike rental system called YouBike. Stations are located throughout the city and rental is easy with a local phone number and credit card. Biking is a great way to explore the city's many bike paths and parks.

Uber operates in Taipei and can be a convenient option for getting around, especially if you're not comfortable navigating the public transportation system. Just like anywhere else, you can use the Uber app to request a ride.

Many of Taipei's attractions are located close together, making walking a viable option. The city is pedestrian-friendly with plenty of sidewalks and crosswalks.

Renting a car in Taipei is not recommended due to the city's heavy traffic and limited parking. However, if you plan to explore outside of the city, a rental car could be a good option.

For trips outside of Taipei, the High Speed Rail (HSR) is a fast and efficient option. The HSR connects Taipei with other major cities in Taiwan, including Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung.

A popular dish in Taipei, this soup is made with stewed or red braised beef, beef broth, vegetables and Chinese noodles.

Beef Noodle Soup

A famous and unique street food in Taipei, it's fermented tofu with a strong odor, usually served deep-fried with pickled cabbage.

Stinky Tofu

A night market favorite in Taipei, it's an omelette made with small oysters and served with a savory sauce.

Oyster Omelette

Originating from Taiwan, this popular drink consists of milk tea with tapioca pearls, also known as boba.

Bubble Tea

A popular street food in Taipei, it's large pieces of chicken deep-fried to a crispy perfection and seasoned with spices.

Taiwanese Fried Chicken

A staple food in Taipei, it's a bowl of rice topped with braised pork belly and occasionally garnished with pickled mustard greens.

Braised Pork Rice

A typical Taiwanese breakfast dish, it's a thin egg crepe filled with various fillings like cheese, ham, or tuna.

Dan Bing

A popular street food in Taipei, these sausages are sweet in taste and often served with raw garlic cloves.

Taiwanese Sausage

A famous Taiwanese dessert, it's a small, rectangular shortbread cake filled with pineapple jam.

Pineapple Cake

A traditional Hakka drink in Taipei, it's a tea-based beverage grinded with a variety of grains and seeds, served with rice and sides.

Lei Cha

Often referred to as Taiwanese hamburger, it's a fluffy steamed bun filled with braised pork belly, pickled mustard greens, and peanut powder.

Guabao

A popular dessert in Taipei, it's a mountain of shaved ice topped with various toppings like fruits, jellies, and condensed milk.

Shaved Ice Mountain

Republic Day/New Year's Day

Republic Day/New Year's Day observed

Lunar New Year Holiday

Lunar New Year's Eve

Lunar New Year's Day

Peace Memorial Day Holiday

Peace Memorial Day

Public Holiday

Children's Day

Tomb Sweeping Day

Dragon Boat Festival

Dragon Boat Festival Holiday

Mid-Autumn Festival

Mid-Autumn Festival Holiday

National Day Holiday

National Day

A mountain area in the Ruifang District of New Taipei City near Keelung, Taiwan. Known for its old street filled with tea houses, street food, and souvenir shops.

Jiufen

A cape in the town of Wanli, New Taipei, Taiwan, known for its sea-erosion landscape.

Yehliu Geopark

A scenic waterfall located in Pingxi District, New Taipei City, Taiwan, and is one of the most famous waterfalls in Taiwan.

Shifen Waterfall

The largest lake in Taiwan located in Yuchi Township, Nantou County. Known for its clear, sparkling blue water set against a picturesque mountain backdrop.

Sun Moon Lake

A national park located in eastern Taiwan, spanning across Hualien, Nantou and Taichung. Known for its spectacular mountains and marble canyons.

Taroko National Park

A national park located in the Hengchun Peninsula of Pingtung County. Known for its tropical climate and biodiversity.

Kenting National Park

Kaohsiung

Taipei has a subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers (June to September) and mild winters (December to February). Average temperatures range from 59-77°F (15-25°C) in winter and 77-95°F (25-35°C) in summer.

The official language is Mandarin Chinese, but English is taught in schools and is commonly understood in tourist areas.

Taiwan's currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller vendors and street food stalls.

Taipei is generally safe for tourists, but like any major city, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.

Taiwan has a 110-volt electricity supply, with Type A and B outlets. If your devices use different plugs, you'll need an adapter.

Taipei has an excellent public transportation system, including the MRT (subway), buses, and bike rentals. Taxis are also plentiful and affordable.

Taiwanese food is a highlight of any visit. Be sure to try local specialties like beef noodle soup, bubble tea, and stinky tofu.

Taipei is known for its night markets, which offer a wide range of food, clothing, and souvenirs. The Shilin Night Market is the largest and most famous.

Taiwanese people are generally polite and reserved. It's customary to greet people with a nod or a slight bow, rather than a handshake.

Tipping is not customary in Taiwan, and may even be refused. However, some hotels and upscale restaurants may add a 10% service charge to the bill.

Taiwan has strict laws against drug use, including severe penalties for possession, use, or trafficking.

Taiwan is in the Taiwan Time Zone, which is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+8).

Taipei's tap water is technically safe to drink, but due to old piping, it's recommended to drink bottled water.

Taipei has a high standard of healthcare, with many doctors and medical staff speaking English. However, it's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses.

Internet access is widely available in Taipei, with many hotels, cafes, and public spaces offering free Wi-Fi.

Taiwan is a democratic country with freedom of speech, but it's considered impolite to discuss sensitive topics like politics and religion with strangers.

Taipei is a bustling city, but it's also surrounded by nature. Pack comfortable shoes for city walking, but also gear for hiking if you plan to explore the nearby mountains.

Taiwan has a zero-tolerance policy for drunk driving, with heavy fines and penalties. If you plan to drink, use public transportation or a taxi.

Smoking is banned in most public places in Taipei, including restaurants, bars, and night markets. Look for designated smoking areas.

Taiwan uses the metric system for measurements, so distances are in kilometers and temperatures are in Celsius.

January is the coldest month in Taipei, but it's still relatively mild with temperatures ranging from 13°C to 19°C. It's also the driest month, so it's a good time to visit if you want to avoid rain.

February is slightly warmer than January, with temperatures ranging from 14°C to 20°C. It's also a great time to visit Taipei to experience the Chinese New Year celebrations.

March sees a rise in temperatures, ranging from 16°C to 22°C. It's a good time to visit Taipei as the weather is comfortable and the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

April is a warm month in Taipei with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 26°C. It's also the start of the rainy season, so make sure to carry an umbrella.

May is quite warm in Taipei, with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 29°C. The city experiences frequent showers, making the weather humid.

June is the start of summer in Taipei, with temperatures ranging from 26°C to 32°C. It's also the start of the typhoon season, so be prepared for heavy rain and strong winds.

July is the hottest month in Taipei, with temperatures ranging from 27°C to 33°C. It's also the peak of the typhoon season, so it's not the best time to visit if you want to avoid extreme weather.

August is as hot as July in Taipei, with temperatures ranging from 27°C to 33°C. The typhoon season continues, so expect heavy rain and strong winds.

September sees a slight drop in temperatures, ranging from 26°C to 32°C. The typhoon season continues, so be prepared for unpredictable weather.

October is a comfortable month in Taipei, with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 29°C. The weather is generally pleasant, making it a great time to visit.

November sees a further drop in temperatures, ranging from 19°C to 25°C. The weather is cool and comfortable, making it a good time to explore the city.

December is a cool month in Taipei, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 21°C. It's a good time to visit if you want to experience Taipei's Christmas celebrations.

When planning a trip to Taipei, Taiwan, it's important to consider the city's subtropical climate, which is characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. 

The summer months, from June to August, are typically the hottest with temperatures often reaching up to 95°F (35°C). It's also the rainy season, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, so it's advisable to carry an umbrella or raincoat. Despite the rain, summer is a great time to visit if you enjoy tropical fruits as it's the peak season for mangoes, lychees, and pineapples.

The winter months, from December to February, are relatively mild with temperatures usually ranging between 57°F and 68°F (14°C - 20°C). However, it can get quite damp and chilly due to the high humidity and occasional rain, so packing a light jacket or sweater is recommended.

Spring and autumn are generally considered the best times to visit Taipei. The temperatures during these seasons are quite comfortable, typically between 68°F and 77°F (20°C - 25°C). There's less rainfall compared to summer and winter, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Regardless of the season, Taipei's weather can be quite unpredictable, so it's always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip. And remember, the city's high humidity can make it feel hotter than it actually is, so stay hydrated and wear breathable clothing.

Lastly, don't forget to pack sun protection, such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as the UV index can be high throughout the year.

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1-Day Adventure Itinerary: Unexplored Taipei with Friends

About Taipei, Taiwan