This Taipei Travel Guide helps you make the most of your two days in the city. It features a well-crafted itinerary and a detailed budget for the trip.
Disclaimer: Some information in this Taipei Guide changes too often. If you continue reading this article, you agree to cross-check information with concerned authorities. Read the site’s full Terms.
Introduction
The weather during my recent visit in Taichung, Kaohsiung, and New Taipei City is quite stormy in contrast to the calming atmosphere in Taipei, where I spent my last two days in Taiwan.
It was clear skies when I toured around Taipei. The Taiwanese capital is home to a number of temples, monuments, museums, and markets. Moreover, it prides the tallest buildig in Taiwan, the TAIPEI 101.
TAIPEI 101 is indeed an incredible architectural marvel and a true Taiwanese landmark. On the top of this towering structure is an observation deck that provides commanding views of the modern city that merges with rich historical interests.
Even so an unpleasant atmosphere extends in Taipei, there are no excuses not to explore the city for a traveler who is eager to learn. Whether it is raining or not, Taipei and the rest of Taiwan are definitely a must-see destination.
Taipei Travel Guide Contents
- Quick Fact About Taipei
- Visa in Taiwan
- Standard Time in Taipei
- Climate in Taipei
- Best Time to Visit Taipei
- Language in Taipei
- Currency in Taipei
- Modes of Payment in Taipei
- Ways of Getting to Taipei
- Getting Around Taipei
- Areas to Stay in Taipei
- Internet in Taipei
- Power Adaptor in Taipei
- Taipei Travel Guide Itinerary
- Budget for Taipei Trip
- Travel Resources
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Quick Fact About Taipei
Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (R.O.C.), is a self-governed state having a constitution of its own and elected government.
Along with Mainland China, which is ruled by the People’s Republic of China (P.R.C.), and the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau, it is a component of Greater China, or simply China.
Visa in Taiwan
Holders of foreign passports intending to visit Taipei, Taiwan should contact the National Immigration Agency of Republic of China, or R.O.C, with regards to the entry requirements. Otherwise, consult iVisa.com, a reputable and trusted visa service provider.
Philippine passport holders traveling for tourism in Taiwan are visa-exempt until July 31, 2025, for a maximum of 14 days.
However, travelers must undergo stringent immigration procedures before departure. Read ‘How to Avoid Getting Offloaded at Philippine Immigration?’
Standard Time in Taipei
The Coordinated Universal Time, or UTC, in Taipei is UTC +08:00.
Taipei is four hours ahead of Dubai, six hours ahead of Paris, and seven hours ahead of London. Moreover, Taipei is twelve hours ahead of New York. Contrarily, Taipei is an hour behind Tokyo and three hours behind Sydney. Taipei and Manila, on the other hand, share the same time.
Climate in Taipei
The climate of Taiwan varies between northern and southern regions. Taiwan’s northern region has a humid subtropical climate in contrast to the consistently high temperatures in the south.
Located in the northern region of Taiwan, Taipei experiences comparatively warm summers and moderately cold winters.
Best Time to Visit Taipei
Taipei, much like the rest of Taiwan, is an all-year destination. Nonetheless, the ideal time to visit is during agreeable weather to entirely enjoy a myriad of its out-of-doors attractions.
March to May
Visitors to Taipei may experience mildly hot and steamy weather conditions during March until May. The most pleasant weather, nevertheless, is experienced in April, which makes it an ideal time for outdoor pursuits.
June to August
From June through August, light drizzles and heavy downpours are likely to happen. Taipei is experiencing its highest levels of humidity and warmth, particularly July, the hottest month.
Moreover, August is a less desirable month to visit due to its vulnerability to typhoons.
September to November
The best times to visit Taipei are October and November. There is a little risk of rain, and the weather is pleasant.
Besides the temperate atmosphere, Taipei’s, autumnal scenery in Yangmingshan National Park enhances the metropolitan landscape.
December to February
In Taipei, the coldest months are January and February. It is also the busiest time as large crowds gather for events, including Christmas and Chinese Lunar New Year.
Language in Taipei
Mandarin Chinese, the official language, is the primary spoken language in Taipei. Moreover, Taiwanese Hokkien is used in conversation.
While English is quite unfamiliar among locals, many public signs are translated in the English language. Additionally, tourist information booths are visible in major rail stations. Here are the essential Mandarin Chinese words and phrases to learn before your trip to Taipei:
- Zăo shàng hăo – Good morning
- Nǐ hăo ma? – How are you?
- Nǐ huì shuō yīng yŭ ma? – Do you speak English?
- Wo huì shuō yī diăn zhōng wén. – I speak a little Chinese.
- Duō shăo? – How much?
- Tài guì le – Too expensive
- Dă zhé – Discount
- Xiè xiè – Thank you
Currency in Taipei
New Taiwan dollar, abbreviated as NTD, or TWD, is the official currency of Taiwan. As of October 19, 2024, the exchange rate is NTD 1, PHP 1.79, or USD 0.031.
Taiwan has stricter regulations governing foreign exchange services. The Bank of Taiwan is among the authorized financial institutions that issue the Taiwanese currency. Although independent money changers are uncommon in Taipei, foreign exchange booths in department stores, hotels, and airports are authorized to render the service.
Automated teller machines are extensively distributed and are available 24/7 in Taipei. But let your home bank be informed ahead of time if you wish to use ATM overseas.
Taipei Travel Guide Tip: Any visitor who departs and leaves Taiwan are prohibited from carrying more than NTD 100,000, or USD 10,000. Any undeclared amount in excess will therefore be seized.
Modes of Payment in Taipei
Cash, together with bank cards and stored-value cards, are among the most common forms of payment in Taipei. Electronic wallets are also honored in various retail transactions.
Cash
Hard cash is the widely used form of payment in Taipei. Since most establishments in the city prefer cash transactions, it is therefore advised to carry enough of it.
Bank Cards
Besides cash, bank cards in the forms of debit and credit cards are usually accepted in many upscale establishments in Taipei.
Transit Pass
The Easycard, along with iPass and iCash 2.0, is a supplementary mode of payment especially for transportation-related. These handy e-cards are used for rail and bus services as well as bike rentals. Moreover, such cards are accepted for a range of shopping and dining transactions.
This non-refundable electronic card, without a load, is sold and reloadable at train stations and in many convenience shops for NTD 100, PHP 179.43, or USD 3.12.
Electronic Wallet
Online payment services, like Apple Pay and Google Pay, offer seamless way to make retail and dining purchases.
Ways of Getting to Taipei
Taiwan, which extends roughly 36,000 square kilometers in size, is an island comprising the mainland Formosa, Penghu Archipelago, and numerous islets.
Large bodies of water surrounds Taiwan. The East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean lie north, northeast, and east, while the Bashi Channel is oriented south of the island. Additionally, the Taiwan Strait lies to the west.
While sea travel can be an alternative, the more practical means to get into Taiwan is by plane.
Taipei Travel Guide Reminder: The length of journey between Manila and Taiwan is 2 hours and 15 minutes.
By Air
Songshan Airport and the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, two of the closest airhubs in Taipei, serve most international flights.
From these entry points, dependable transport options are made available, including trains, cabs, and buses, leading to various points of the city.
Taoyuan to Taipei
The Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport is the main gateway to Taiwan. This airport handles numerous aircraft landings. It also facilitates convenient access to the rest of Taiwan with its reliable and efficient on-ground transportation network.
Taichung to Taipei
Once at the Taichung International Airport, embark on a shuttle service or on a private car that heads through Taichung Main Station or Taichung HSR Station. Both train stations link Taichung and Taipei in real quick time with Taiwan High-Speed Rail.
Alternatively, get into conventional rail service or intercity buses that run between these cities.
Kaohsiung to Taipei
The Kaohsiung International Airport serves a number of overseas flights. Taxis, buses, and the MRT Red Line depart from the airport for Kaohsiung Main Station and Zuoying HSR Station.
These two rail stations connect Kaohsiung and Taipei via trains. The travel time may take an hour and 30 minutes with the ultra-fast Taiwan High-Speed Rail.
By Water
The Taiwan Strait separates Taiwan from the southeast coast of mainland China. Ferries are operational, however with limited timetables.
From mainland China, board a ferry boat at Pingtan Island in Fujian Province to reach Bali in New Taipei City. Otherwise, catch a ferry at Xiamen and Fuzhou ports to get to Keelung. New Taipei and Keelung are cities surrounding Taipei.
Getting Around Taipei
The Greater Taipei Area is Taiwan’s largest metropolitan area, comprising New Taipei City, Keelung, and Taipei. A comprehensive and reliable regional transportation system bridges the three cities with Taipei Station as the main transit hub.
Taipei Travel Guide Reminder: In Taipei, the busiest time of the day are between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., and 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Train
The well-connected train network in the Greater Taipei Area makes it simple to travel around Taiwan’s largest metropolis. Many rail lines are in service, making it a cost-effective and quick transit alternative.
Mass Rapid Transit
The express and commuter train lines of the Airport MRT offer an expedient method to reach New Taipei City and Taipei from the Taoyuan International Airport. Taoyuan Metro’s MRT runs from 6:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily. On the other hand, the cost of a single-journey ticket is sold at NTD 30, PHP 53.83, or USD 0.94. The rail service also provides cut-rate tickets for certain seasons and discounts for group purchases.
Taipei’s Mass Rapid Transit, or simply Taipei Metro, is a passenger rail service, serving Taipei and New Taipei City. The MRT offers convenient access to various destinations in Taipei with its five lines now in operation.
A one-way journey ticket starts at NTD 20, PHP 35.89, or USD 0.62, while frequent MRT commuters are eligible for fare reductions. The hours of operation are from 6:00 a.m. up until midnight with extended hours during holidays.
Bus
Taking the public bus in Taipei is a reliable and economical transport option with more than a thousand routes all across the city.
City Bus
In Taipei, city buses are an excellent means of passenger transportation, especially in outlying areas without train access. Public buses cover a lot of ground with specified bus routes and organized bus stops.
The base fare is NTD 15, PHP 26.91, or USD 0.47 and it varies depending on the distance reached.
Taipei Travel Guide Tip: How do I embark and disembark the bus in Taipei? Buses in Taipei often have two doors. Enter at the front door and pay the exact amount on the box next to the driver. Instead, go through any of the doors and hover over your transit pass on the card terminal on board.
Press the button as you get near your location. Then tap your electronic card anew on the card reader machine as you leave either of the doors.
Tourist Shuttle
Taipei’s tourist shuttle service is designed specifically for leisure tourism purposes. The double-decker hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus follows predetermined routes to Taipei’s top tourist sites and attractions, including Taipei 101.
All aboard and put on your seatbelts! Reserve your Taipei Sightseeing Bus Tickets to relish Taipei’s urban landscape from the comfort of your seats!
Cable Car
Maokong, located southeast of Taipei, is a neighborhood known for its vast expanse of tea plantations. While it’s viable to reach the area by on-ground vehicles, embarking on the gondola offers a more fun-filled experience.
The Maokong Cable Car is roughly an eight- seater aerial lift that glides four kilometers, in 20-30 minutes, midair. It is open from Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and extends until 10:00 p.m. on holidays.
If cash is not your option, you can purchase the Taipei Fun Pass, which entitles you to unlimited use of the Taipei Metro, city buses, tourist shuttles, and the Maokong Gondola for three days. There’s more! You can also get free or significantly reduced admission tickets for a number of attractions.
Taxi
Though they charge more expensive, cabs offer greater convenience as you navigate through Taipei. This yellow vehicle is quite simple to hail as they are parked adjacent to rail stations, shopping centers, and tourist sites.
Fare is based on meter and charged NTD 85, PHP 152.52, or USD 2.65 for the first 1.25 kilometers. In addition, NTD 5, PHP 8.97, or USD 0.16 is charged for every subsequent 200 meters after reaching 1.25 kilometers. Also, extra fees apply for late-night trips, holidays, and waiting time.
Taipei Travel Guide Tip: Most taxi drivers in Taipei do not speak English. Thus, it is important to have a copy of your hotel address or places of interest for ease of navigation.
Bicycle
The flat terrain of Taipei makes it suitable for cycling. Hence, Taipei has initiated the use of sustainable modes of transport, like electronic bikes.
Youbike 2.0, an orange-white color bicycle, is a practical option when navigating the city. More than a thousand bike stands are all across the city and are available for rent. A 30-minute use costs NTD 10, PHP 17.94, or USD 0.31.
The Youbike 2.0 application and a Taiwan SIM Card are a requirement before using the rental service. Additionally, credit card or prepaid IC card details are needed upon registration in the app.
Areas to Stay in Taipei
An entire day is never enough in a city with so many interesting sights and attractions. Much like other Taiwanese cities, Taipei is studded with interesting sites in each of its twelve districts.
Even though hotel costs can be high in Taipei, there are some inexpensive lodging options, including hostels, for visitors on a tight budget. Here are several of the best neighborhoods to stay in Taipei:
Beitou
Located on the northern extremity of Taipei, Beitou is a mountainous district known for its abundance of hot springs. This makes Beitou Valley an ideal setting for post-tour relaxation, as it is home to a good number of resorts and spas.
Daan
Daan is peppered with towering and opulent condominiums, which makes it Taipei’s premier residential district. Besides being an academic hub, Daan is also one of the commercial centers in Taipei. The bustling district hosts a vast assortments of luxurious boutiques and restaurants, making Daan a retail and dining hotspot.
Datong
A good number of tourist attractions, including temples, museums, and night markets, are found in Datong, Taipei’s smallest district. It is also well-connected to the rest of the city, as it is served by multiple train stations and the largest bus terminal in Taipei.
Shilin
The largest district in Taipei, Shilin, is home to a plethora of tourist attractions, such as public parks, historical and cultural sights, and night markets. Among the must-visit places in Shilin are Yangmingshan National Park, the National Palace Museum, and Shilin Night Market.
Songshan
Songshan lies at the heart of Taipei. It is a core for commerce and finance and home to the Songshan International Airport, Taipei’s main gateway.
The Ciyou Temple and Rainbow Bridge, two of Songshan’s notable sights, are accessible via the Taipei Metro.
Wanhua
Located westward of Taipei, Wanhua is the city’s oldest district, being home to several historical landmarks like Longshan Temple and the Red House Theater. It has also one of the trendiest shopping and entertainment area in Taipei, Ximending.
This hipster-friendly commercial spot has rows of shops, restaurants, food carts, and pubs, which appeals to the younger crowds.
Xinyi
Xinyi is Taipei’s political and economic center. Several government and corporate offices are headquartered in Xinyi District in addition to its multitude commercial establishments, including upscale shopping malls and luxury hotels.
The Taipei Nan Shan Plaza, Cathay Landmark, and TAIPEI 101 are among the buildings that make up Xinyi’s impressive skylines.
In Zhongshan sits a luxury 5-star Grand Hotel. The Chinese-classical building inaugurated in 1952 has hosted several foreign dignitaries, including the first prime minister of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew.
Zhongzheng
The Taipei Main Station, Taiwan’s busiest train station, is situated in Zhongzheng, making this hectic locale the transportation hub of Taipei. The main station has handy access to key cities in Taiwan. As such, it is ideal area for transit convenience.
Surrounding the Taipei Main Station are a great deal of retail establishments. Also, a wide range of accommodation options are dotted around the rail station, which are within proximity to various tourism sights in Zhongzheng, including Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall.
Internet in Taipei
In addition to complimentary Wi-Fi offered in hotels and shopping centers, numerous public spaces in Taipei, including ports, train stations, and museums, provide free internet access.
Sign up to ‘iTaiwan’ to make the most of the free internet service in Taipei.
Taipei Travel Guide Fact: Not only does Taiwan have one of the fastest internet connections, but it is also the first country to provide free internet access to all of its residents and foreign tourists.
Power Adaptor in Taipei
Taipei operates on a 110 V supply voltage with a frequency of 60 Hz and uses two types of power adaptors:
- A or has two flat parallel pins
- B or has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin
Explore the ‘Heart of Asia’ in 5 days! But first, read the Taichung Travel Guide for a complete and comprehensive Taiwan itinerary.
Taipei Travel Guide Itinerary
08:12 pm Arrival in Taipei from New Taipei City
08:12 pm – 09:30 pm Have dinner and head back to Re-Change Hotel
- From Taipei Main Station
- Walk toward accommodation
09:30 pm – 10:30 pm Prepare for sleep
10:30 pm Sleep
Day 1 - Wanhua and Shilin
Taipei Travel Guide Reminder: It takes around 300 meters to walk from point A to point B.
06:00 am – 08:00 am Wake up, prepare for the tour, and have breakfast
08:00 am – 08:07 am Head to Taipei Main Station
- From accommodation
- Walk toward Taipei Main Station via Exit M5
08:07 am – 08:17 am Head to Longshan Temple
- From Taipei Main Station – Platform 4
- Take the Taipei Metro – Bannan Line to Dingpu Station
- Alight at Longshan Temple MRT Station – Platform 2
- Walk toward Longshan Temple via Exit 1
08:17 am – 09:47 am Explore Longshan Temple
Taipei Travel Guide Reminder: Whether you are a devotee or simply a temple visitor, you should treat religious beliefs and sacred places with reverence. When visiting a place of worship, be mindful of temple etiquette.
Longshan Temple
Built in 1738, Longshan Temple is among the earliest temples in Taiwan dedicated to the ‘Goddess of Mercy’, Guanyin. It served as a house of worship and gathering place for the Chinese settlers from Fujian, China.
The ancient temple has undergone strings of restorations in the wake of numerous natural disasters and war-related devastations. This overly decorated temple is open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. There is no entrance fee; however, donations are accepted.
09:47 am – 09:55 am Head to Ximending
- From Longshan Temple
- Walk toward Longshan Temple MRT Station – Platform 1 via Entrance 1
- Take the Taipei Metro – Bannan Line to Nangang Exhibition Center Station
- Alight at Ximen MRT Station – Platform 1
- Walk toward Ximending Walking Street via Exit 6
09:55 am – 01:04 pm Explore and shop at Ximending, and have lunch
Ximending
Ximending, comparable to Tokyo’s Shibuya and Harajuku, is a bustling retail district that is predominantly frequented by young folks. Many different retail establishments and independent vendors line the walking streets, which draw crowds of people, most especially at night.
It’s not only a shopping and dining hotspot, but it is also an entertainment venue with several theaters. Additionally, it also holds a variety of street performances, making it a visitable public space.
Although Ximending is always open to the public, the opening hours vary for certain retail establishments.
01:04 pm – 01:45 pm Head toward National Palace Museum
- From Ximending Walking Street
- Walk toward Ximen MRT Station – Platform 2 via Entrance 6
- Take Taipei Metro – Songshan-Xindian Line toward Songshan Station
- Alight at Zhongshan Station – Platform 3
- Change Line
- Walk to Zhongshan MRT Station – Platform 1
- Take Taipei Metro – Tamsui-Xinyi Line toward Beitou Station
- Alight at Shilin Station – Platform 1
- Walk to Shilin MRT Station – Zhongzheng Bus Stop via Exit 1
- Take Bus S19 (or S18, M1, R30 etc.) to Neiliao Bus Stop
- Alight at National Palace Museum Bus Stop
- Walk toward National Palace Museum
01:45 pm – 04:29 pm Explore the National Palace Museum
National Palace Museum
The world’s largest collections of Chinese relics and artworks are housed in Taipei’s National Palace Museum, which opened its doors in 1965. Close to 700,000 valuable articles, including paintings, jade carvings, calligraphic and literary works, ceramics, are on permanent display.
National Palace Museum is open to the public every Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. A regular ticket is sold at NTD 350.00, PHP 628.01, or USD 10.92. A free entrance, or admission at a discount, is due to children under 17 years, seniors over 65 years, PWDs, group purchases etc.
Do you enjoy visiting museums? Reserve a National Palace Museum Taipei Ticket and let its broad collections of Chinese artifacts and artworks astound you.
04:29 pm – 04:55 pm Head to Shilin Night Market
- From National Palace Museum
- Walk toward National Palace Museum Bus Stop
- Take Bus S19 (or S18, R30 etc.) toward Jiantan Station
- Alight at Jiantan MRT Station Bus Stop
- Walk toward Shilin Night Market
04:55 pm – 08:30 pm Explore and shop at Shilin Night Market, and have dinner
Shilin Night Market
Much like Chatuchak, the largest night market in Bangkok, the Shilin Night Market is a broad expanse marketplace teeming with business establishments. It has over 500 roadside stalls, in addition to a plethora of retail outlets, selling a wide range of cheap goods.
From its humble beginning in 1913 as a trading site for agricultural produce, Shilin Night Market has flourished into a vibrant place for bargain shopping, dining, and entertainment. Taipei’s most-liked night market is open as early as 4:00 p.m. until the stroke of midnight.
A Must-Eat in Taipei: Xiao Long Bao is a Chinese steamed bun wrapped in dough and stuffed with minced pork or seafood. The dumpling soup, which is served in a bamboo basket, was first introduced in Mainland China and brought into prominence by a Taipei-based chain of restaurant, Din Tai Fung.
08:30 pm – 09:00 pm Head to Jiantan MRT Station
- From Shilin Night Market
- Walk to Jiantan MRT Station – Platform 2
- Take the Taipei Metro – Tamsui-Xinyi Line toward Daan Station
- Alight at Taipei Main Station – Platform 2
- Walk toward accommodation
09:00 pm – 10:00 pm Prepare for sleep
10:00 pm Sleep
Day 2 - Zhongzheng and Xinyi
Taipei Travel Guide Reminder: It takes roughly a kilometer to walk from point A to point B.
06:00 am – 07:45 am Wake up, prepare for the tour, have breakfast, and early check-out
07:45 am – 08:08 am Head to Taipei Main Station and leave the luggage at the station’s lockers
- From accommodation
- Walk toward Taipei Main Station – Platform 2 via Entrance M1
08:08 am – 08:20 am Head to Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
- From Taipei Main Station – Platform 2
- Take the Taipei Metro – Tamsui-Xinyi Line toward Xiangshan Station
- Alight at the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall MRT Station – Platform 3
- Walk toward Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall via Exit 5
08:20 am – 09:40 am Explore Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
Built in 1980, Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall is a national monument that occupies 250,000 square meters. It was erected in celebration honoring Chiang Kai-Shek, the first President of the Republic of China.
Surrounding the expansive Liberty Square are the National Concert Hall and National Theater Hall positioned north and south, respectively. Furthermore, the main gate is located to the west while the memorial hall lies east.
The two-story memorial hall houses a library and a museum, located on the ground floor, exhibiting the former president’s life and career. On the other hand, Chiang Kai-Shek’s bronze-seated statue is positioned on the upper level.
Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and admission is free.
Taipei Travel Guide Tip: Watch changing of the guards, which happens hourly between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. across Democracy Boulevard right in front of the memorial hall.
09:40 am – 10:00 am Head to Taipei 101
- From Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
- Walk toward Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall MRT Station – Platform 3
- Take the Taipei Metro – Tamsui-Xinyi Line toward Xiangshan Station
- Alight at the TAIEPEI 101/ World Trade Center MRT Station – Platform 2
- Walk toward TAIPEI 101 via Exit 4
10:00 am – 12:08 pm Explore TAIPEI 101 and have lunch
TAIPEI 101
Taipei is home to one of the world’s tallest buildings, TAIPEI 101. The 101-story skyscraper, which soars to a height of 508 meters, was the world’s highest building from 2004 to 2009. However, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa overtook it in 2009.
This avant-garde design architecture houses corporate offices, retail and dining spaces, and observation platforms on its 89th and 91st floors. Much like Umeda Sky Building in Osaka, the TAIPEI 101 Observatory also offer striking city views from both of its view decks. TAIPEI 101 Observatory opens from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily. Last entry is at 8:15 p.m.
Taipei Travel Guide Fact: TAIPEI 101 holds a few world records, including the very first skyscraper to surpass half a kilometer and the tallest and largest green building. Moreover, it contains the largest tuned mass damper designed to endure seismic activities.
Experience one of the fastest elevators in the world as you ascend Taiwan’s tallest building. Book your TAIPEI 101 Observatory Ticket and be captivated with Taipei’s urban features.
12:08 pm – 12:10 pm Head to Xiangshan Elephant Mountain
- From Taipei 101
- Walk toward TAIPEI 101/ World Trade Center MRT Station – Platform 2
- Take the Taipei Metro – Tamsui- Xinyi Line toward Xiangshan Station
- Alight at the Xiangshan MRT Station – Platform 2
12:10 pm – 12:55 pm Head to Xiangshan Elephant Mountain
- From Xiangshan MRT Station – Platform 2
- Walk toward Xiangshan Elephant Mountain via Exit 3
12:55 pm – 02:00 pm Explore Xiangshan Elephant Mountain
Xiangshan Elephant Mountain
The Elephant Mountain in Xiangshan is a well-known lookout platform, comparable to the Victoria Peak in Hong Kong. From Xiangshan MRT Station, it is approximately a kilometer walk to its trailhead and a hike to ‘Six Boulders Observation Deck.’ The observation point offers panoramic views of TAIPEI 101 and surrounding cityscapes.
Taipei Travel Guide Reminder: Depending on your stamina, a hike to ‘Six Boulders Observation Deck’ may take roughly half an hour. As such, dress appropriately and hydrate yourself before climbing.
02:00 pm – 02:47 pm Head to Xiangshan MRT Station
- From Elephant Mountain
- Walk toward Xiangshan MRT Station – Platform 1 via Entrance 3
02:47 pm – 03:30 pm Head to Taipei Main Station and get the luggage at the station
- From Xiangshan MRT Station – Platform 1
- Take the Taipei Metro – Tamsui- Xinyi Line toward Tamsui
- Alight at Taipei Main Station – Platform 1
- Walk toward Taoyuan Airport MRT
Taipei Travel Guide Tip: Is your two days in Taipei not enough? Well, give yourself an extra day to discover other interesting places in the city. Reserve your ticket for Beitou and Yangmingshan Day Tour.
03:30 pm – 04:06 pm Head toward Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport
- From Taoyuan Airport MRT
- Take the Taoyuan Metro Airport Line – Express toward Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1
- Alight at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1
04:06 pm – 07:40 pm Airport check-in, Clear immigration and custom check-point, have dinner, and boarding
07:40 pm Departure from Taipei
Budget for Taipei Trip
In 2024, I spent P 9,436.10 for two days in Taipei. However, the costs may still vary depending on your travel lifestyle. Please read ‘35 Excellent Tips to Save Money on Travel.’
Below is the Taipei Travel Guide budget for your reference.
Pre-Departure
- One-way flight ticket, Taipei to Manila, PHP 3,527.00
- 2 days and 1 night accommodation, PHP 6,634.42/2, PHP 3,317.21
- National Palace Museum admission ticket, PHP 612.17
1st Day
- Breakfast, PHP 177.00
- Taipei Main Station to Longshan Temple MRT Station via train, PHP 35.57
- Longshan Temple MRT Station to Ximen MRT Station via train, PHP 35.57
- Lunch, PHP 190.53
- Ximen MRT Station to Zhongshan MRT Station via train, PHP 35.57
- Zhongshan MRT Station to Shilin MRT Station via train, PHP 35.57
- Shilin MRT Station – Zhongzheng Bus Stop to National Palace Museum Bus Stop via bus, PHP 26.68
- National Palace Museum Bus Stop to Jiantan MRT Station Bus Stop via bus, PHP 26.68
- Dinner, PHP 150.20
- Jiantan MRT Station to Taipei Main Station via train, PHP 35.57
2nd Day
- Breakfast, PHP 177.00
- Locker fee, PHP 177.00
- Taipei Main Station to Chiang Kai-Chek Memorial Hall MRT Station via train, PHP 35.57
- Chiang Kai-Chek Memorial Hall MRT Station to Taipei 101/ World Trade Center MRT Station via train, PHP 35.57
- Taipei 101/ World Trade Center MRT Station to Xiangshan MRT Station via train, PHP 35.57
- Lunch, PHP 210.50
- Xiangshan MRT Station to Taipei Main Station via train, PHP 44.46
- Taipei Main Station to Taoyuan Airport via train, PHP 284.66
- Dinner, PHP 230.45
Travel Resources
To help you with your travel plans, I’ve gathered a checklist of carefully chosen travel resources. These are the trusted online marketplaces that I highly endorse because of their excellent deals.
Looking for an easy-peasy solution to process your visa application and other travel documents? Consult iVisa!
SafetyWing is your safeguard for travel medical and health insurance while away from home.
The sky is the limit with Skyscanner if you are looking for better and cheaper flight options for your next trip.
Reserve a room on one of the largest online hotel booking platforms, Agoda. It offers unbeatable hotel deals!
Explore the world with HostelWorld! Make a reservation and share a space with newfound buddies.
Drive your way to undiscovered places! Book a car via Discover Cars and experience hassle-free road trips.
Taipei Travel Guide Question: What is the tallest building in Taiwan?
Please drop your answers or messages in the comment section. Thank you, and see you on the road!
About the Author
J. Sac is the author of ‘Taipei Travel Guide: An Excellent Guide to the World.’ He is also the founder of Traveledictorian – a travel blog that publishes well-thought-out travel content.
His passion for writing, photography, and travel fueled him to explore Asia and the rest of the world. He also plans to undertake humanitarian work in his travels. Read his inspiring story and follow him on social media!
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