Taipei 101 at sunset, Taipei · Photo: 中岑 范姜, CC BY-SA 2.0
How long
2–3 days
Best time
October–April
Mood
Neon & Night Markets
Region
North Taiwan
Why go
Taiwan’s capital pairs the National Palace Museum, Michelin dining and tea houses with volcanic hot springs only 30 minutes from downtown.
Taipei is a city of layers. Behind the glass towers of Xinyi are Qing-era trading streets, Japanese-period bathhouses and temples where incense never stops burning. It is safe, spotless and easy, yet it rewards those who slow down.
Most travellers begin and end their journey here. Two or three days is enough to see the National Palace Museum, taste your way through a night market and soak in Beitou’s hot springs, with Jiufen and the northeast coast an easy day away.
National Palace Museum, Taipei · CEphoto, Uwe Aranas, CC BY-SA 3.0Beitou Hot Spring Museum, Taipei · Allervous, CC BY-SA 4.0
Top experiences
What to see and do in Taipei
一
National Palace Museum 國立故宮博物院
One of the world’s great collections of Chinese imperial art: bronzes, jade, Song porcelain and calligraphy spanning thousands of years.
Insider tip Open Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00–17:00 and closed most Mondays. Arrive at opening, before tour coaches.
二
Beitou Hot Springs 北投溫泉
A valley of volcanic springs at the edge of the city, with steaming Thermal Valley and the Japanese-era Beitou Hot Spring Museum.
Insider tip The Hot Spring Museum and Beitou Museum close on Mondays. Book a private hot-spring room for an unhurried soak.
三
Dadaocheng 大稻埕
Taipei’s 19th-century trading district of brick shophouses, herb merchants and family tea houses along Dihua Street.
Insider tip Late afternoon light is beautiful; stay for sunset at Dadaocheng Wharf.
四
Taipei 101 & Elephant Mountain 台北101 · 象山
The city’s landmark tower, best seen from the short but steep Elephant Mountain trail at dusk.
Insider tip The trail is mostly stairs; we can arrange a quieter viewpoint by car instead.
五
Night markets 夜市
Raohe, Ningxia and Shilin each have their own character; your guide takes you to the best stalls rather than the busiest.
六
Yangmingshan National Park 陽明山
Volcanic peaks, fumaroles and grassland meadows 40 minutes from downtown, with calla lilies at Zhuzihu in spring.
When to go
October to December is dry and comfortable. January and February are cool, ideal for hot springs, though Lunar New Year closes some restaurants. Summer is hot and humid, with afternoon storms.
Getting there
Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is about 45–60 minutes by private car; we meet you in arrivals.
Songshan Airport (TSA) is in the city, about 15 minutes from most hotels.
Where to stay
Xinyi: Five-star hotels, Taipei 101 views and fine dining.
Zhongshan: Classic grand hotels, quieter streets, close to the museum and Dadaocheng.
Beitou: Hot-spring resorts with private in-room baths, 30 minutes from the centre.
Local tips
Many museums close on Mondays. We plan your Taipei day around it.
Taxis and the MRT are excellent, but a private car is far easier for Beitou, Yangmingshan and the coast.
Tipping is not customary in restaurants; a service charge is often included in hotels.
