Taipei: A First-Time Friendly City Guide
Taipei is a “best of both worlds” city: night markets and temples, creative districts, easy hikes, and smooth public transit. This hub keeps things skimmable—tap into the guides below for the full details.
Quick Answers (save this)
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| How many days in Taipei? | 3 days = highlights, 4 days = balanced, 5 days = Taipei + nature + day trip. |
| Best area to stay (first trip)? | Zhongshan (central + easy), Da’an (local + cafés), Ximending (lively + late-night). |
| Airport code & arrival airport | Fly into TPE (Taoyuan). |
| Best way from TPE to the city? | Airport MRT is the simplest for most first-timers; taxi/ride-hail if you want door-to-door. |
| Getting around | MRT + EasyCard for daily moves; add buses for neighborhoods + hikes. |
| Top “first day” move | Drop bags → easy landmark + sunset view → night market. |
Jump Links
- Start Here: Where to stay · Airport → city · Getting around
- Plan Your Days: Top must-dos · Itineraries · Day trips
- Know Before You Go: Best time · Food · Practical tips · FAQs
Start Here: The Core Guides
At-a-Glance: Taipei for First-Timers
- Vibe: modern city energy + traditional culture + snack-hunting nightlife.
- Best for: food, easy transit, city views, museums, short hikes, day trips.
- Budget: easy to do budget / mid / splurge depending on hotel and dining style.
- Navigation: MRT-first city; you can keep plans area-based (do nearby sights together).
- Pace tip: do one “big” sight + one “wandering” area + one food stop per day.
Where to Stay
Mini neighborhood shortlist (3)
1) Zhongshan (central + convenient)
- Best for: first-timers who want easy connections and a calm-but-not-boring base.
- Feel: shopping streets, cafés, hotels from budget to splurge.
- Good if you: want “simple logistics” above all.
2) Da’an (local + leafy + food streets)
- Best for: travelers who like walkable blocks, coffee, and a more residential vibe.
- Feel: parks, boutiques, excellent day-to-day eating.
- Good if you: want Taipei to feel “livable,” not just touristy.
3) Ximending (lively + late-night)
- Best for: night owls and anyone who wants buzz + neon + quick eats.
- Feel: youthful, busy, very walkable.
- Good if you: want to be steps from evening action (and don’t mind crowds).
Airport to City
You’re arriving via: TPE (Taoyuan International Airport).
Most first-time visitors choose one of these:
- Airport MRT: simple, frequent, and predictable for most schedules.
- Taxi / ride-hail: easiest if you’re tired, traveling with lots of luggage, or arriving very late.
- Bus: can be great value, but can be slower and more variable (save it for confident transit days).
Getting Around
Transport basics (quick and practical):
- MRT for the backbone of your trip; plan by stations/areas.
- Get an EasyCard for tap-and-go convenience across transit (and more).
- Use walking + short MRT hops; it’s usually faster than trying to “do everything in one line.”
Top Must-Dos (First Trip)
Here are 10 “greatest hits” that cover the Taipei experience—pick 5–7 if you want a relaxed pace:
- Taipei 101 area (views + city skyline energy)
- Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (iconic architecture + open plazas)
- Longshan Temple (classic temple atmosphere)
- National Palace Museum (world-class collection; great rainy-day anchor)
- Night market pick (go hungry; snack your way through)
- Elephant Mountain / a skyline hike (sunset if weather is good)
- Dadaocheng / Dihua Street (historic street + browsing)
- Huashan 1914 / creative district time (shops + exhibits)
- Beitou (hot spring vibes + easy nature escape)
- Maokong (tea + views; fun change of pace)
Itineraries
Pick a pace, then plug-and-play.
5-day itinerary highlights (what you’ll cover)
- Day 1: “First night” Taipei (easy landmark + night market)
- Day 2: Big culture day (museum/monument + classic neighborhood)
- Day 3: City views + creative Taipei (shops/exhibits + food streets)
- Day 4: Nature/hot springs day (hike or Beitou-style reset)
- Day 5: Day trip or second-city-style neighborhood day (your choice)
Day Trips
If you want one “outside the city” day, these are popular first-timer picks:
- Jiufen (old street + moody hillside vibes)
- Shifen / Pingxi (waterfall + lantern culture area)
- Yehliu Geopark (coastal rock formations + easy paths)
Nature & Safety Notes (Taipei Region)
Taipei makes it easy to add nature—but weather can change fast.
- If it’s rainy or windy, choose an indoor-heavy day (museums, markets, cafés).
- For hikes: wear grippy shoes, bring water, and avoid exposed viewpoints in storms.
- During typhoon/major weather alerts, follow local guidance and don’t force transit plans.
Best Time to Visit
- Most comfortable (for walking): spring and autumn vibes—milder temps, better outdoor days.
- Summer: hot + humid; plan early mornings, indoor breaks, and night market evenings.
- Typhoon season: plan flexibility (a backup indoor day is smart).
What to Eat (Mini Food Guide)
Start with these “Taipei classics,” then riff based on what looks good:
- Xiao long bao (soup dumplings)
- Beef noodle soup
- Night market snacking (go with the line; crowds = good sign)
- Pineapple cakes (easy souvenir-style snack)
- Tea culture (sit-down tea time is a great midday reset)
Practical Tips (First Trip)
A few first-timer-friendly rules:
- Keep plans area-based (less backtracking, more wandering).
- Use EasyCard for convenience and keep a little cash for small purchases.
- Carry a small bag for trash (bins can be limited in some areas).
- Build one flexible slot per day for “we found something cool.”
FAQs
Is Taipei easy without speaking Mandarin?
Yes—many signs are bilingual in key areas. A translation app + pointing works great.
Should I book attractions in advance?
For the most popular viewpoints/museum times, it can help. Otherwise, you can stay flexible.
Is it okay to do Taipei on a budget?
Totally. Taipei works well at budget / mid / splurge—your hotel and dining style usually decide most.
What's the best way to structure days?
One anchor sight + one neighborhood wander + one food mission = ideal first-timer rhythm.
Do I need a day trip?
Not required, but one day trip adds variety if you have 4–5 days.
What if it rains?
Taipei is great for "rain plans": museums, markets, hot springs, cafés, and covered shopping streets.