10 Savvy Travel Tips for Your First Visit to Taipei

This guide highlights 10 Taipei travel tips that will help you plan the perfect first visit to Taipei. Ready to get useful info to make your first visit to Taiwan’s capital city a success? Let’s go!

Taipei, Taiwan’s bustling metropolitan capital city, has something for everyone – no matter your interests. Here you’ll find everything from buzzing night markets, centuries-old temples, museums, and the former tallest building in the world. 

If this is your first visit to Taipei, you’ll find everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip to Taipei below. I’ve included lots of handy info throughout this Taipei travel guide – from practical Taipei travel tips like when to go, how to get around, and even where to stay and eat.

With these handy Taipei travel tips, you’ll have everything you need to make your first visit to Taipei a success and explore all of the top things to do in Taipei hassle-free.

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Taipei Travel Tips for your First Visit to Taipei

If you’re planning a Taiwan itinerary, you’re probably going to spend quite a bit of time in Taipei. 

Since there is so much to do in Taipei, I highly recommend spending at least 3-5 days in Taipei to experience all of its best bits. However, if your time is limited, this layover in Taipei guide will give you some great ideas to make the most of your time.

To fully enjoy your stay in this bustling hub, there are a few things you need to know before visiting Taipei. Here are my top Taipei travel tips to help you plan and make the most of your first visit to Taipei.

When is the Best Time to Visit Taipei

The best time to visit Taipei is during the shoulder seasons, spring (Mar – May) and autumn (Sept – Nov). Not only will you save money as it’s cheaper to travel during these months, but the temperatures are also much cooler and more bearable.

Although peak season is during summer (Jun – Aug), you definitely do not want to make your first visit to Taipei a sticky one. Summer in Taiwan is brutal and often unbearable for most people who aren’t used to humidity. Temperatures rarely reach above 40°C, but the humidity is so high that you’re likely to feel sticky and uncomfortable 24/7. Summer also brings lots of rain, and it is considered typhoon season.

Winter (Dec – Feb) in Taiwan is cold and wet. Although it only snows on the mountain tops, and you won’t see much more than a few snowflakes in Taipei (if you’re lucky), it does get pretty cold here. Temperatures rarely dip below 5°C, but it’s a different kind of cold. You won’t need a big winter jacket, but you’ll definitely need some thermal wear and a good down coat to stop the freezing winds – especially, since Taipei is quite windy during winter. For more tips on what to bring along on your trip, see my detailed packing list for Taiwan.

Insider’s tip: Chinese New Year (usually a couple of days in Jan/ Feb) is generally super crowded, and costs increase greatly. Most shops and businesses are also closed for the first few days of this holiday.

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Planning a night out in the city? Check out the best things to do at night in Taipei. 

What currency is used in Taipei, Taiwan?

Taiwan’s currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (NT$). Coins come in NT$1, 5, 10, 50, and the notes are in denominations of NT$100, 500, and 1000.

Visa and Master Card are widely accepted at most hotels, chain stores, department stores, and fancier restaurants. However, cash is king everywhere else, especially at convenience stores, night markets, and mom-and-pop Chinese restaurants. Make sure to always carry enough cash with you.

As for getting cash, ATMs are widely accessible in Taipei (and the rest of Taiwan). Pop into any convenience store, and you’re bound to find an ATM. You can also keep an eye out for ATM signs which are usually either on the windows or the convenience stores’ signage. The ATMs dispense either NT$100 or 1000 bills.

This probably goes without saying, but there is a small international service charge to withdraw money from any ATMs within Taiwan. So, plan well and always draw enough cash to avoid extra costs.

If you need to exchange currency, the best place to do so is at the airport. However, you can still change money at most hotels, banks, and even some department stores. Just remember to take your passport with you.

Pro Tip: Grab an Easy Card (basically a transit card) at any convenience store. You can use it on all public transport systems and even at convenience stores. Top it up at top-up machines in the subway station or your nearest 7-11.

Arriving in Taipei

Taipei has two airports nearby, Taoyuan Airport and Songshan Airport. Most commuters usually arrive at Taoyuan Airport, which is Taipei’s International Airport. Luckily, no matter where you arrive, accessing the city center is easy.

The fastest way to get from Taoyuan to Taipei is by MRT. Buses also run from Taoyuan Airport, and taxis take around 40-60 minutes to the city center. Read my detailed guide for more tips on how to get from Taoyuan Aiport to Taipei.

Since Songshan airport is located less than 15 minutes drive from the city centre, and the fastest way to access the city is by taxi. Alternatively, you can also take the MRT or hop on a bus – which will be cheaper.

To save money and the hassle of tugging your luggage along, you might like to consider booking a private transfer from Taoyuan or Songshan airport. They’re comfortable, reliable, and far cheaper than a taxi.

Do I Need a Local SIM card in Taipei?

There are more than 4000 wifi hotspots in Taiwan, making it easy to have a reliable connection. While it is certainly possible to get by in Taipei without a local sim card, it’s a good idea always to have internet when traveling abroad. If you aren’t sure which service provider is right for you, these tips on buying a tourist SIM card in Taiwan will come in handy.

However, to save the hassle of buying a sim card in town, grab pocket WiFi or a 4G SIM Card for pick-up at the airport.

How to Get Around Taipei

Taipei is extremely easy to get around, and the best way to get anywhere in Taipei is to take the MRT (subway) or walk. If you don’t feel like walking, consider taking the Taipei sightseeing bus to see all the must-visit sights without planning a thing! 

Transport is an absolute breeze, so there’s no need to worry about getting from A to B.

MRT

Taipei City has an extensive metro system that can get you to all corners of the city. You can grab a map at any station or see the metro map online here.

You’ll also find loads of storage lockers at the MRT stations (and train stations) where you can safely and securely leave your bags, whether it’s for a couple of hours, the day, or longer. Locker rentals go per hour and start at NT$10. So, remember to carry some small change with you if you want to store your bags.

Taxis

Taxis are also plentiful in Taipei, and flagging down a yellow cab is hardly ever an issue unless it’s raining, of course. Day rates usually start at a base rate of NT$120 for the first 1.25km and then increase by NT$5 per 200m. Fares at night start at a slightly higher rate.

Be sure to always have your destination’s address in Chinese with you, as most taxi drivers won’t know the English names or addresses. You could simply show them the Chinese address on Google Maps or ask your hotel to jot down the address for you in Chinese.

If you are looking for a cheaper option, Uber is very popular in Taipei. Simply use the Uber APP to get your taxi.

Don’t have wifi? Just pop into any convenience store and use the Ibon machine (only in Chinese, though) to get a taxi or simply ask the staff to help you.

Bikes

Riding a bike in Taipei is a great way to combine sightseeing and transportation. It’s also very safe to cycle around the city, and some streets even have dedicated bike lanes.

There are loads of YouBike stations dotted around the city, making renting a bike super easy. To grab a YouBike, you’ll need a Taiwanese SIM card (which can receive calls/messages) to register and an Easy Card to release and pay for the rental. When you’re done exploring, simply return your bike to any YouBike station and remember to tap your Easy Card to complete your payment.

From March 2021 onwards, the first 30 minutes of the rental will cost NT$5 unless you transfer to the Taipei MRT. This always used to be free, but more efforts are being made to encourage the use of public transport.

Pro Tip: Whether you’re spending 48 hours in Taipei or planning an extended stay, the city packs the perfect mix of activities. That said, a change of scenery is always nice. If you are thinking of exploring the outskirts of the city, check out this guide on the best day trips from Taipei, which you can easily reach by either train, MRT, or shuttle services. Also, consider getting a Taiwan Unlimited Fun Pass if you plan on using public transport a lot or simply want to save a few bucks.

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Language Barriers in Taipei

If it’s your first visit to Taipei, you might be a bit worried about the language barriers. Luckily, you don’t need to worry too much. Most locals can speak some basic English (especially in the more touristy spots).

Finding your way around is relatively straightforward as most street signs and station signage are in English and Chinese. However, when venturing further afield, knowing a few basic phrases in Chinese will come in handy. Plus, the locals really appreciate the effort.

Start with a few easy phrases like:

• nǐ hǎo – hello,
• nǐ hǎo ma? – how are you?
• duōshǎo qián? – how much?
• xièxiè – thank you.

You can also check out my guide on handy Chinese phrases that will make you look like an absolute pro on your first visit to Taipei!

Can I drink the tap water in Taipei?

One of the most important travel tips for Taipei I can give you is (please) do not drink tap water in Taiwan. The tap water in Taiwan is not safe for consumption, and it’s best to avoid drinking it to avoid getting sick and spoiling your trip. It is, however, safe to brush your teeth with it. Just don’t swallow large amounts of water.

Bottled water is easy to find and sold at all convenience stores, supermarkets, and vending machines. Expect to pay roughly NT$20 for a small bottle and NT$33 for a 2L bottle.

If you don’t want to buy water every day, most Taipei hotels or hostels also have water coolers to make refilling your water bottle easy. If you haven’t invested in a reusable water bottle yet, it’s worth getting one for your travels. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also help reduce our plastic footprint on the earth.

Ice in drinks at bars, hotels, and reputable restaurants is usually safe, too.

Food & Tipping in Taipei

Taipei is a foodie’s dream. You might be wondering why I think it’s important that you know that before you go to Taipei. But if you’re a foodie like me, you might want to do extensive research on the restaurants and coffee shops you want to try. I always spend hours going through blog posts, Pinterest and Instagram before a trip – reading reviews, looking at photos, and making lists of what I want to try.

Although Taipei has many trendy restaurants, hipster cafes, and weird-themed dining spots, you’ll find some of the best street food and Taiwanese drinks at the city’s night markets. Whatever you decide to feast on, don’t leave Taipei without trying bubble milk tea, beef noodles, dumplings, and steamed buns!

Tipping in Taipei (and pretty much elsewhere in Taiwan) is not required. If you are dining at a nicer-looking restaurant, expect a 10% service charge to be worked into your bill.

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Where to Stay in Taipei

Taipei is most probably one of the easiest destinations to find excellent accommodation options. No matter your budget. Read my guide to find the best places to stay in Taipei or check out this one if you need more options on where to stay. 

However, I always like to stay close to the city center and tourist spots to make getting around easier. Here are some of my favorite districts to stay at:

Da’an: If you’re looking for more of an artsy vibe while still being within walking distance from Taipei 101 and Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall, Da’an – the cultural district of Taipei, is an excellent choice.

Xinyi: Those seeking to stay in the financial district can head to Xinyi. Not only will you be close to Taipei 101, but there are tons of trendy cafes, upscale bars, and clubs nearby.

Ximending: Budget travelers can head to Ximending – Taipei’s shopping district, which boasts plenty of cool options.

Taipei Main Station: If it’s your first visit to Taipei, you might be looking to stay a bit closer to the train station, especially if you plan to travel onwards. 

Is Taipei Safe? 

One thing that I always spend hours researching when I’m considering my next adventure is safety. If you’re planning your first visit to Taipei, you might be doing exactly that, too. Fortunately, you can stop stressing. Taipei (as well as the rest of Taiwan) is extremely safe.

For female solo travelers, it’s safe to walk around at night. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be aware of your surroundings and make silly choices. 

As a rule of thumb, always choose well-lit streets and don’t walk down dodgy alleys alone. As always, it’s best to only keep the essentials with you. 

Travel Tips for Taipei in Conclusion

Whether you’re a first-timer or have been here before, Taipei is a great city to explore. And by implementing the tips listed above, your trip is bound to be a success!

Now that you know everything you need to know about visiting Taipei for the first time, all that’s left is to pack! Have an amazing journey!

There you have it – my top travel tips for Taipei! If you think I’ve missed anything, feel free to share your Taiwan travel tips in the comments below!

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