Taipei holidays

How to reach Taipei

Flight time:

• Direct flights to Taipei from London are available and take 13–15 hours.

• Flights from other airports will involve a stopover in London, elsewhere in Europe or Asia, often in Hong Kong or Bangkok, adding a couple of hours to the journey.

Transfer time:

• From Taoyuan International Airport, the easiest way to reach central Taipei is the MRT, which takes about 35–40 minutes.

• Alternatively, taxis take around 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Price:

• The MRT costs NT$150 (£3.50) to Taipei Main Station, while taxis are metered, with fares around NT$1,200 (£28.50).

Best time to visit Taipei

Taiwan has a subtropical monsoon climate, with warm, wet summers and mild winters. The weather varies significantly around the island and throughout the year, so here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

• March to May is spring and one of the best times to visit. The weather is warm and pleasant, with highs from 22°C to 29°C, moderate rainfall and a good amount of sunshine.

• June to August is summer in Taipei. It’s hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching 32°C or higher. There’s a chance of rain from the southwest monsoon, but this mostly affects the country's south. Occasional typhoons hit the east coast, especially at the end of the season. There’s generally plenty of sunshine, so it’s a great time for the beach, watersports or to experience the city’s vibrant festivals.

• September to November is autumn and, like spring, is another ideal season for visiting Taipei. Temperatures are comfortable, ranging from 20°C to 27°C, with less humidity and a lower chance of rain – perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

• December to February brings winter, with mild temperatures averaging 15°C to 20°C, although the highest mountains inland can see snow. Even though you won’t need heavy winter clothes, a jacket is recommended for chilly mornings and evenings. There are fewer crowds, and the cooler weather is great for exploring. The north of the island is affected by the northeast monsoon, so if you’re travelling here, be prepared for rain.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Mandarin Chinese is the official language in Taiwan, but many locals in tourist areas understand basic English. Knowing a few Mandarin phrases can be helpful and will be appreciated.

• Local habits and customs: Taiwanese people are known for their kindness and politeness, so remember to greet people with a smile and avoid raising your voice in public. Shoes should be removed when entering someone's home. Tipping is not expected.

• Currency: The currency used is the New Taiwan Dollar (NT$), also referred to as yuan. Cash is widely used, though credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels and larger restaurants. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city.

• Getting around: Taipei’s public transport system is efficient and affordable. The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is the best way to get around, with a single ride usually costing NT$20–NT$65 (£0.50–£1.50) depending on the distance. Buses are also useful, but some planning might be needed to help with Chinese names, routes and stops. Taxis are widely available and reasonably priced, and Uber is also an option.

• Electricity and plug types: Taiwan uses a 110V system and American-style plugs with two flat pins, so you’ll need an adapter if travelling from the UK and possibly a transformer for some devices.

• Time zone: Taipei is 8 hours ahead of GMT and does not observe daylight saving time.

Best things to do in Taipei

Taipei offers the best of Southeast Asia with a mix of towering skyscrapers, traditional temples, Chinese art and history, buzzing night markets and a fantastic food scene. Surrounding the city, the easily accessible hills are home to hot springs, teahouses, tea plantations, hikes and plenty of nature. Here are some of the highlights of holidays to Taipei:

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Taipei 101: When completed in 2003, Taipei 101 was the world's tallest building. It offers some of the best views of the city. You can take the super-fast elevator to the observation deck on the 89th floor for stunning city and mountain views. For those not afraid of heights, the outdoor gallery on the 91st floor is worth the extra cost.

• Elephant Mountain: For a more natural vantage point, head to Elephant Mountain. It's a short hike, but the payoff is enormous: beautiful views of Taipei 101 and the city skyline, especially at sunset.

The best districts

• Zhongzheng: Previously the walled heart of Taipei, this area is now home to some of the city’s historic buildings and many of its main attractions. In addition to the Presidential Building and gates in the old walls, the National Taiwan Museum and the area around Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall are well worth a visit.

• Xinyi: The bustling commercial heart of the city, where Taipei 101 stands tall, is known for luxury shopping and nightlife. The area is also a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to grab a meal or cocktail after exploring the nearby attractions.

• Shilin District: Famous for the Shilin Night Market, this area is a must-visit for food lovers. It's one of the largest and most popular night markets, packed with street food stalls offering everything from oyster omelettes to bubble tea. Other attractions include the incredible collection of the National Palace Museum and big events at the Taipei Performing Arts Center.

Historical monuments

• Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: One of Taipei’s most important historical sites, this grand structure commemorates the former president of the Republic of China. It’s surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens and flanked by the National Theatre and National Concert Hall.

• Longshan Temple: One of Taipei's oldest and most famous temples, Longshan is a great place to soak in Taiwan's rich Buddhist and Taoist traditions. Visitors come here to pray and enjoy the intricate architecture.

Day trips in the area

• Yangmingshan National Park: Just to the north of Taipei, this national park is known for its hot springs, volcanic landscapes and hiking trails. It’s a peaceful escape from the bustling city, showing off the easily accessible nature of the country.

• Tamsui: Located at the end of the MRT line, Tamsui offers a picturesque riverside setting with charming old streets, historical sites and fresh seafood or interesting snacks from the food stalls. It’s the perfect day trip for exploring Taiwan's quieter, traditional side.

Activities for families in Taipei

Taipei is packed with family-friendly activities that will keep kids entertained while also offering plenty of fun for adults.

• Taipei Children's Amusement Park: This theme park in the Shilin district offers fun rides and indoor amusements for kids of all ages, from gentle carousels to thrilling roller coasters.

• National Palace Museum: Taiwan’s biggest visitor attraction, this museum has one of the best collections of art and historical artefacts from China anywhere in the world – even better than Beijing’s Forbidden City!

• Maokong Gondola: A scenic cable car ride takes you over the hills to Maokong. Here, you can enjoy a peaceful afternoon in the teahouses and temples while the kids marvel at the sweeping city views.

Free things to do in Taipei

Taipei offers a surprising number of free attractions and events that are perfect for budget-conscious travellers.

• Free events: Taipei hosts numerous festivals and free events throughout the year. Lantern Festival and National Day celebrations offer the chance to enjoy the release of lanterns, parades, fireworks and performances.

• Free museums: Many museums offer free entry on certain days. The Taipei Fine Arts Museum has Taiwan’s best collection of modern art and is free every Saturday from 5 pm to 8:30 pm.

Wellness in Taipei

• Spas and thermal baths: The Japanese-style hot springs at Beitou are famous across Taiwan. Just 20 minutes by MRT from the city centre, visitors can soak in natural mineral-rich waters, with many spas offering both public and private baths.

• Traditional body care: Many spas and night market stalls in Taipei offer treatments such as foot massages and full-body therapies based on ancient Chinese practices.

Local dishes in Taipei

Influenced by food from several areas of China, Japan and indigenous flavours, Taiwanese cuisine offers an eclectic range of dishes. Here are some of the favourites to look out for on Taipei holidays:

Some typical dishes

• Beef noodles: This comforting bowl of beef broth, tender beef shanks and noodles is a must-try staple in Taipei.

• Sanbei (three cups): One of Taiwan’s classic cooking methods, this fragrant mix of soy sauce, rice wine and sesame oil is used for cooking tofu or meat such as chicken, which is then served sizzling in a clay pot.

• Vegetarian food: Taipei’s night markets and Chinese diners offer plenty of vegetarian options inspired by traditional Buddhist cuisine. Alongside various vegetables and soybean milk products, tofu and gluten dishes are often made to imitate the texture and flavour of meat, such as chicken and pork, and are remarkably similar to the real thing.

Street food

• Chou doufu (stinky tofu): Don’t be put off by the smell – this fermented tofu is deep-fried in pig fat and served with a side of pickled cabbage, offering a deliciously savoury flavour.

• Oyster omelette: A popular night market dish made with fresh oysters, eggs and a starchy batter, finished with a sweet sauce.

• Pepper buns: These crispy pastry rolls filled with seasoned pork or beef and black pepper are commonly found at night markets like Shilin.

Sweets and desserts

• Shaved ice: A mountain of fluffy ice topped with fruits, sweet red beans, taro or condensed milk – shaved ice is perfect for cooling off in the heat.

• Pineapple cake: A crumbly shortcrust pastry filled with sweet pineapple jam, these delicacies are a popular souvenir and bought for good luck.

Local drinks

• Tea: Taipei is Home to some of the world’s best tea. Several varieties – including Oolong or Oriental Beauty – are worth trying in one of the city’s diverse teahouses.

• Bubble tea: This globally famous sweet tea-based drink with chewy tapioca pearls originated in Taiwan and is a must-try while you’re here.