What to do in Taipei!

This is a quick guide detailing what to do in Taipei Taiwan’s vibrant capital.

Taipei Highlights

• National Palace Museum (Guólì Gùgōng Bówùyuàn國立故宮博物院): here you’ll find all that was preserved when Kuomintang fled mainland China. This museums is better than any in mainland China.  Tickets costs 250 NT$. To get there you’ll first need to get to Shilin (士林) stop on the red Line 2, then look for Bus R30 (紅30) on the same side of the street (there’s one normally every 30 minutes or less).

• Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (Zhōngzhèng Jìniàn Táng中正紀念堂) or CKS Memorial Hall: The park (Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Park 中正紀念公園) is very popular especially in the morning and is a great place to see taiji players. The complex also includes a theater (National Theater 國家戲劇院) and a concert hall (National Concert Hall 國家音樂廳). Line 2 red or Line 3 green to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (中正紀念堂).

• Taipei 101 (台北101): a source of great local pride, the skyscraper is earthquake proof and ecologically sustainable; its shape bears homage to a bamboo plant and inside you’ll find a very popular shopping mall and views over Taipei (Taipei 101 is open from 10am to 10pm).

• National Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall (Guólì Guófù Jìniànguǎn 國立國父紀念館): The Sun Yat-Sen monument celebrates his life; at the memorial there is a changing of the guard which is a highlight of the visit. You can take Line 5 blue to Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall (國父紀念館) station.

• Longshan Temple (Lóngshān Sì龍山寺): is one of the most famous temples in Taiwan; Take Line 5 blue to Longshan Temple (龍山寺).

• Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines (Shùnyì Táiwān Yuánzhùmín Bówùguǎn 順益台灣原住民博物館): here you can learn about the history of Taiwan, which predates the influx of Han Chinese from mainland China. Today only 2% of the population live in the mountainous regions of the east coast. Shung Ye Museum is located next to the National Palace Museum.

• Ximending (西門町): is popular among the youth for fashion and subculture. The area surrounding Ximending is a hot bed for clubs, pubs and night entertainment. Get there via Line 5 blue or line 3 green to the Ximen (西門) stop.

• (Xin) Beitou baths(北投溫泉): in the centre of Taipei is perfect for rest and recuperation. If you can spend the night there. Get there via Line 2 red to Xinbeitou (新北投). Then spend the night in Beitou.

• Yongkang Street (Yǒngkāng Jiē永康街): is a must visit to eat food.  Check out Din Tai Fung. Line 2 red or line 4 orange to Dongmen (東門).

• Yangmingshan National Park (Yángmíngshān陽明山): can be combed with Beitou and the baths as they are in the same area. Yangmingshan is perfect for outdoors types with parks, hiking trails, interesting plants and wildlife a plenty as well as internationally famous hot springs.

The Best of the Night Markets

• Shi-Da (師大) and Gongguan (公館): Close to the National Taiwan Normal University and Gongguan is a nearby neighborhood next to it, a lively place and a great stop for night life. Catch Line 3 green to Taipower Building Station (台電大樓) or the Gongguan (公館) stop.

• Raohe (饒河街觀光夜市): this market is excellent for food. Line 3 green to Songshan (松山).
• Shilin (士林夜市): is one of the most popular and crowded night markets. Good for food and shopping. Take line 2 red, but get off at Jiantan (劍潭).
• Huaxi (華西街觀光夜市): perfect for those in need of yummy snake soup. Line 5 blue to Longshan Temple (龍山寺).

To find out where to stay and how to get there click here.