A Complete Taipei Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors

Taipei: Asia's Most Underrated Urban Playground

Taipei is not just another big Asian city. It is a fun and friendly place where old traditions and new technology live together. You can learn a lot about Taiwanese culture here, even if you only visit for a weekend.

One moment you are drinking bubble tea in a cool café in Ximending, and the next moment you are watching a Taoist ceremony at Longshan Temple. Taipei feels special because it mixes the past and the future in one city.

Transportation: Effortless Urban Exploration

Taipei’s transportation is very easy to use. The MRT (metro) is clean, fast, and always on time. Even though Taipei has 2.7 million people, the city never feels too crowded because the MRT is so good.

You can buy an EasyCard at any MRT station. One ride costs NT$20–65. If you add money to the card, you can take many rides without buying tickets each time.

YouBike stations are everywhere. Renting a YouBike only costs NT$10 for the first 30 minutes. Riding through bike lanes is a fun and relaxing way to see the city.

Taxis are safe and honest. You can use Uber, or take a regular taxi with a meter. Many drivers know simple English, but it helps to show your destination in Chinese.

From Taoyuan Airport, the MRT takes only 35–40 minutes to reach central Taipei. It is the easiest and fastest option.

Taipei 101: More Than Just a Skyscraper

Taipei 101 is the tallest building in Taiwan. It opened in 2004 and was once the tallest building in the world. It represents Taiwan’s success in technology and business.

You can visit the observation deck on the 88th and 89th floors. On clear days, you can see the mountains and all of Taipei. The view at sunset is especially beautiful.

The building also has a giant ball called a tuned mass damper. It helps keep Taipei 101 steady during earthquakes and typhoons.

The Taipei 101 Mall has many shops and restaurants. You can find both local Taiwanese brands and luxury stores. The food court has everything from sushi to famous stinky tofu.

Tickets cost NT$600 for adults. If you want fewer crowds, visit on a weekday morning.

Shilin Night Market: Taipei's Culinary Soul

Shilin Night Market is one of the biggest and most famous night markets in the world. It is more than a place to eat—it is a lively cultural experience.

You can try many tasty snacks: stinky tofu, pepper buns, fried chicken, and grilled squid. They smell strong, but they taste great!

There are also fun games like ring toss and darts. Street performers sing and dance, and shops sell clothes, toys, and handmade items.

People come to Shilin to eat, talk, and enjoy time with friends. It is one of the best places to feel the friendly spirit of Taiwan.

It gets very crowded on weekends. Go around 5 PM if you want more space. Make sure to try mango shaved ice—it's famous!

Other great night markets include Raohe and Ningxia. Each one has its own special foods and atmosphere.

Café Culture: Taipei's Hidden Gems

Taipei’s café culture has grown very fast. There are now many cool coffee shops and roasteries. They are great places to relax, take photos, or do school or work.

Ximending has many stylish cafés that young people love. These cafés are not just for drinking coffee—they are also places to hang out with friends and enjoy the city vibe.

Taipei also has strong tea culture. In Maokong, you can drink tea while looking at the mountains. In the city, places like Gongguan mix old tea traditions with modern café style.

Bubble tea was invented in Taiwan in the 1980s. Today, you can find many creative flavors with fruit, cheese foam, or fun toppings.

Popular chains include Comebuy and WooTea, but small local shops like Oolong Tea Project and Kebuke are also amazing.

Health Care: World-Class Facilities for Travelers

Taipei has excellent medical services. Many hospitals and clinics have English-speaking staff and modern equipment. This makes it easy for travelers to get health check-ups during their trip.

Taipei Veterans General Hospital is one of the top hospitals. They have international service desks to help foreign visitors.

New Dawn Health works with top hospitals and clinics and offers packages for health screenings, dental care, hair and scalp care, and medical beauty. Travelers can book easily without worrying about language or payment problems.

Pictured below are New Dawn Health's clients getting doctor's debrief and follow ups.

Most medical services in Taipei are 30–50% cheaper than in Western countries, but the quality is still very high.

Accommodation: From Budget to Luxury

Taipei has places to stay for every kind of traveler. Ximending is lively and great for first-time visitors. Zhongxiao Dunhua is perfect for people who enjoy luxury. Dihua Street offers more traditional experiences.

You can book hotels on Booking.com or Agoda. Many hotels allow free cancellation up to one day before arrival.

Practical Tips for First-Time Visitors

1. Learn Basic Mandarin: Words like “ni hao” (hello) and “xie xie” (thank you) make locals smile.
2. Safety First: Taipei is very safe. Earthquakes happen sometimes, so learn simple safety steps.
3. Best Visiting Time: October to April has nice weather. Summers are hot and humid.
4. Cash vs. Cards: Bring small coins for markets. Most stores accept cards, but small vendors prefer cash.
5. Be Curious: Try new foods, explore side streets, and talk to locals. Taipei is full of surprises.

FAQ: Taipei Travel Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are planning your first Taipei trip, stay in a central area, use the MRT often, and leave time to discover new places. Many visitors come for the sights but stay because of the friendly people.

For travelers who care about health and wellness, you can book a check-up or treatment (dental, scalp, beauty, and more) at New Dawn Health. It is easy to fit into your Taipei trip, and the prices are clear and affordable.