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🏙️ Quick Introduction of the City
🏙️ Quick Introduction of the City
Taipei is a thrilling blend of sky-high modernity and rich heritage—think futuristic skyscrapers like Taipei 101 standing next to centuries-old markets and temples. It’s a compact, walkable city where night markets buzz late into the evening, and public transit runs seamlessly beneath tree-lined streets and bustling neighborhoods. Expect warm nights, warm locals, and a constant hum of creativity and flavor.
image: Taipei 101 vs. Godzilla, location link
🕰️ Cultural / Historical Background
🕰️ Cultural / Historical Background
Once a small trading settlement, Taipei grew rapidly during the late 19th century and underwent significant modernization under Japanese colonial rule (1895–1945). Post-World War II, it became the seat of the Republic of China government, fueling economic growth and urban development. Taipei is a cultural crossroads — traditional Chinese customs, indigenous heritage, and Japanese-era architecture are all still visible. It’s home to treasures like the National Palace Museum, housing one of the world’s largest collections of Chinese art, and living traditions like the Lunar New Year Festival, temple fairs, and tea culture.
📅 When to Go + How to Get There
📅 When to Go + How to Get There
Best Seasons:
Spring (March–May): Mild weather, blooming cherry blossoms, manageable crowds
Fall (September–November): Comfortable temps, colorful foliage, festival vibes
Airport:
Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) – ~40 km from downtown and about 35–45 minutes away by MRT or 45–70 minutes by bus/taxi.
Getting into the City:
Airport MRT (Purple Line): Express train to Taipei Main Station in ~35–40 minutes at NT$160, every 15–30 minutes.
Taxis: Available 24/7, 50–60 minutes duration, prices range NT$1,100–1,600 depending on traffic and time.
🚉 How to Get Around the City
🚉 How to Get Around the City
Major Transport Hubs
Airport: Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) — ~40 km from Taipei, 35–50 min by Taoyuan Airport MRT or taxi.
Rail: Taipei Main Station — Serves Taiwan High-Speed Rail, Taiwan Railways Administration, and Taipei Metro.
Metro & Bus
The Taipei Metro is fast, clean, and covers most attractions. Fares start at NT$20, with easy payment via the EasyCard or iPASS. The Taipei City Bus System reaches areas beyond the metro, with bilingual signage and route maps.
You can purchase an EasyCard (UU Card) at most convenience stores, such as 7-Eleven or FamilyMart, for NT$100. Load money onto the card, and you can use it for public transportation or everyday purchases.
📍 10 Must-See Spots
📍 10 Must-See Spots
Dominating the skyline, Taipei 101 is an icon of modern Taiwan, symbolizing both innovation and cultural pride. Inspired by bamboo and featuring a powerful damper system designed for typhoons and earthquakes, this skyscraper was once the tallest in the world. The observatory offers sweeping 360° views—indoors at the 89th floor (NT$600) and an adrenaline-charged visit to the outdoor Skyline 460 (NT$3,000) with full safety gear and a souvenir package. The experience is more than a view—it’s stepping into architectural ingenuity with a cultural heartbeat.
Home to one of the largest collections of Chinese imperial art—jades, ceramics, calligraphy, and paintings—the National Palace Museum offers centuries of cultural depth in a beautifully curated setting. Allow several hours to wander the galleries, join a short audio tour, or visit the nearby garden. Tickets vary depending on exhibits and passes, with options for the Taipei FunPASS covering broader attractions.
Tucked within a grand plaza, this monument to Taiwan’s former leader features pristine gardens, a changing-of-the-guard ceremony, and a museum chronicling modern Taiwan’s history. The soaring white archway and orange-tiled roof reflect traditional Chinese aesthetics, while the massive open square invites leisurely reflection—free to explore and open daily.
Built in 1738 in the historic Wanhua District, Longshan Temple is a spiritual crossroads blending Buddhist, Taoist, and folk traditions. Architectural details like dragon gates and worship halls are rich with storytelling, while inside, locally revered deities offer both cultural immersion and spiritual insight—entrance is free. Best explored in early morning or evening devotion times for a serene, respectful atmosphere.
A short but rewarding hike in Xinyi District, Elephant Mountain delivers one of Taipei’s most photogenic views—especially at sunset or dusk. At the trail’s peak are platforms where locals and travelers gather with cameras. Pair it with a skyline dinner near Taipei 101 for a perfect evening.
One of Taipei’s oldest and most atmospheric night markets, Raohe Street Night Market stretches for about 600 meters, lined with sizzling food stalls, quirky shops, and neon-lit energy. The entrance is marked by the ornate Songshan Ciyou Temple, setting a distinctly traditional tone. Here, you can try must-eat specialties like black pepper buns (baked in clay ovens), stinky tofu, and herbal pork rib soup. The market’s compact size makes it easy to explore without feeling overwhelming, and the lively chatter of vendors adds to the sensory feast. Arrive hungry and early evening for the best selection, and don’t miss the riverside path nearby for a post-feast stroll.
Often dubbed Taipei’s Harajuku, Ximending is the city’s trendiest neighborhood—brimming with fashion boutiques, quirky cafes, and youthful energy. Historic buildings mingle with modern murals; street performers entertain crowds, while themed pop-up shops cater to niche fandoms. It’s a best-place-to-people-watch zone.
Just a short ride from downtown, Beitou transports you into a spa town touched by Japanese colonial architecture and geothermal charm. Relax in public or private baths, visit the Beitou Thermal Valley, and explore the heritage museum—all wrapped in serene mountain air.
Escape summer humidity on the Maokong Gondola, which glides up to misty tea hills. At the top, scenic teahouses await with fragrant brews and sweeping views. It's a peaceful contrast to the city buzz—perfect for slowing down and feeling the pulse of Taiwan's tea tradition.
With Qing-era facades now serving cafés, artisan boutiques, and traditional teahouses, Dihua Street connects Taipei's trade past and creative present. At weekends, herbal shops display dried goods, while contemporary designers pop up between shop fronts—this district blends cultural history with urban art and flavor.
🍕 Some Must-Try-Foods
🍕 Some Must-Try-Foods
I couldn’t decide whether to give you a list of the top 10 restaurants or the top 10 foods in Taipei. Honestly, in this city, the best bites aren’t always in fancy spots — they’re hiding in street corners, tiny alleys, or deep inside local markets. So instead, I’m going with the top 10 Taiwanese-style foods you just can’t leave Taipei without trying.
1. Beef Noodle Soup (牛肉麵)
1. Beef Noodle Soup (牛肉麵)
Taiwan’s comfort food in a bowl — rich, slow-braised beef, chewy noodles, and a deeply savory broth. Every shop has its own secret spice mix, so try it at least twice for different flavors.
2. Braised Pork Rice (滷肉飯)
2. Braised Pork Rice (滷肉飯)
A humble yet soul-satisfying dish of minced pork belly simmered in soy sauce, rice wine, and spices, served over hot white rice. It’s cheap, filling, and a staple for locals.
3. Oyster Omelette (蚵仔煎)
3. Oyster Omelette (蚵仔煎)
A classic night market snack — eggs mixed with fresh oysters, leafy greens, and a sweet-savory sauce. The chewy texture comes from the potato starch batter.
4. Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐)
4. Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐)
The boldest of Taiwan’s street foods — fermented tofu, deep-fried until crispy outside and creamy inside, usually served with pickled cabbage. Don’t let the smell scare you off!
5. Scallion Pancake (蔥油餅)
5. Scallion Pancake (蔥油餅)
Crispy, flaky, and layered with fragrant green onions, this pan-fried snack is often brushed with egg or stuffed with fillings like cheese or beef.
6. Gua Bao (刈包)
6. Gua Bao (刈包)
Often called the “Taiwanese hamburger” — a fluffy steamed bun stuffed with braised pork belly, pickled mustard greens, crushed peanuts, and coriander.
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7. Bubble Milk Tea (珍珠奶茶)
7. Bubble Milk Tea (珍珠奶茶)
Invented in Taiwan, this sweet milk tea with chewy tapioca pearls is now famous worldwide. Try it where it all began for the freshest flavor and perfectly cooked pearls.
Pineapple Cake (鳳梨酥)
Pineapple Cake (鳳梨酥)
A buttery pastry filled with tangy-sweet pineapple jam, often given as a gift. The best ones use pure pineapple without added winter melon.
10. Rice Ball (飯糰)
10. Rice Ball (飯糰)
A popular Taiwanese breakfast staple, the rice ball is sticky rice wrapped around fillings like pickled vegetables, pork floss, egg, and fried dough. It’s hearty, portable, and perfect for a quick, satisfying start to your day.
🗺️ iRover’s Google Map / Navigation Help
🗺️ iRover’s Google Map / Navigation Help
Taipei is a fantastic city to explore, packed with stunning sights, rich cultural heritage, and an amazing variety of food. You can save and check out iRover’s Taipei Google Map list to help plan your adventure. Wishing you a wonderful trip discovering all that Taipei has to offer!
Scan the QR Code or click the link here.
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