Planning to visit Taipei? Locals share their insider tips

Taipei, a bustling metropolis on the island of Taiwan, sits in a scenic basin surrounded by mountains and hot springs. With a population of around 7 million in its metropolitan area, it’s the city’s vibrant urban attractions that draw the most attention.

The iconic Taipei 101, soaring at 1,670 feet, stands as the third-tallest building in the world, rising from the heart of the city like a towering stalk of bamboo.

Upscale shopping malls, multi-story electronics markets, and fusion restaurants blend modern and traditional styles, all connected by an MRT system often ranked as the best globally. Taipei defines convenience, boasting more 7-Elevens per capita than anywhere else on the planet.

After dark, Taipei’s night markets are a food lover’s haven, and its nightlife keeps the city alive until the MRT resumes service in the early morning. While its top attractions remain largely undiscovered by tourists, the city offers a rare opportunity to enjoy a major destination mostly to yourself—for now.

Accommodations

Exclusive Luxury

W Taipei Hotel

In its first 10 months, the W Hotel clinched 11 prestigious awards, including a spot on Marie Claire China's Top 15 Sexiest Places on Earth list. It's already considered one of Taipei’s top luxury hotels.

With its futuristic and stylish vibe, the W Taipei feels like something straight out of a Lady Gaga music video—perhaps that’s why the pop star chose to stay here during a recent visit. The hotel offers eight distinct room types, including Fabulous and Extreme Wow, each with its own unique design and amenities.

Taipei Grand Hotel

For those who love to stay in iconic landmarks, the Taipei Grand Hotel is a must-visit. Commissioned by Chiang Kai-Shek, this majestic building seems to hover above Yuan Shan Mountain, blending classical Chinese art with Western architectural techniques.

The Grand Hotel is filled with history and charm, but its rooms are a bit dated, so don’t expect the same level of grandeur inside as you see on the exterior. The hotel features a driving range, year-round pools, and a variety of dining options with eight restaurants to choose from.

Affordable Comfort

Dandy Hotel

The Dandy Hotel offers thoughtful touches, like free drinks and snacks in the lobby and seasonally-themed decorations that complement its soft, minimalist decor. The small details make all the difference in this boutique hotel experience.

What sets the Dandy Hotel apart from others in its price range are its stunning views of Da-An Park, which are reminiscent of New York’s Central Park. Rooms with a view are worth the small extra charge, but be sure to book early—only two rooms per floor offer this view.

Affordable Stays

Homey Hostel

Josh and Kelly, a Taiwanese brother and sister team, ensure guests feel at home during their stay at this affordable hostel.

The sibling duo's main goal in opening the hostel was to make new friends, which is why you’ll often find them hanging out with guests in the common area. The hostel offers a small kitchen, public computer, free coffee and tea, and luggage storage.

10 Things Taiwan Does Better Than Anywhere Else

Dining Options

Fireweeds Restaurant

Following the success of Qingtian 76, Golden Seeds, an organization dedicated to restoring Japanese-era homes in Taipei, has launched its second restaurant. Housed in an 80-year-old wooden building, Fireweeds offers a fusion of Japanese and Taiwanese cuisine.

While dining, you can catch glimpses of original bamboo and mud walls, preserved within glass displays. The spicy salmon sashimi is a standout, as are the barbecue bacon-wrapped cherry tomatoes. Fireweeds' lemon beer is a local favorite, and proceeds help fund the preservation of Taipei’s historic buildings.

Pin Xian Restaurant

Loud, lively, and fully Taiwanese, no trip to Taipei is complete without an evening spent enjoying local dishes and drinks at a kuai chao (quick fry). Pin Xian is one of the top spots in the city for this local tradition.

Kuai chao are casual, hole-in-the-wall eateries known for their affordable and flavorful Taiwanese fare, served with beer by waitresses in short skirts. Pin Xian is so beloved that it has expanded to occupy three adjoining storefronts.

Help yourself to rice, store your empty beer bottles in the provided cases, and be sure to sample at least one of these dishes: deep-fried squid mouth, gongbao chicken, black pepper bean curd with oyster, or anything labeled 'tri-cup'—a magical mix of soy sauce, rice wine, and sesame oil.

Flavors of the World

Swedish fine dining in Taipei? Unexpected, but Flavors truly delivers. Every dish is carefully crafted, complex, and absolutely worth savoring.

Chef Ola’s personal favorites include sous vide lamb, marinated in red wine for three days. The smoked salmon is so tender it practically melts in your mouth. Each dish is made from scratch and has a unique story—just ask. With only a few tables, this intimate and romantic spot requires reservations, making it a top pick in Taipei.

Tripod King Hot Pot

Named after the traditional three-legged stewing pots, Tripod King is regularly hailed by locals as the best hot pot spot in Taipei. Unlike most hot pot places, this one doesn’t offer an all-you-can-eat buffet, nor does it feature a dozen different ice cream flavors.

The focus here is on quality rather than quantity. Fine cuts of meat and hand-crafted dumplings are simmered in a rich, spicy broth right at your table. The cheese-stuffed crab comes in its own shell. Make sure to reserve ahead if you're planning to visit during peak hours.

Shanghai Pavilion

The main dining area of Shanghai Pavilion provides beautiful vistas, with sights that extend from the mountains to the iconic Taipei 101 tower.

The Shanghai Pavilion at the Far Eastern Hotel, with a guest list that has included former U.S. President Bill Clinton, offers a sophisticated atmosphere and a stunning panoramic view from the 39th floor—arguably the best in all of Taipei.

Chef Tai Chung-Lin, with 40 years of experience in hotel restaurants, is renowned for his unique blend of Shanghainese cuisine with Taiwanese influences. Signature dishes include drunken chicken and braised rock lobster. Smart-casual dress is required, and savvy patrons always book a window-side table.

Beef Noodles – Taipei’s iconic dish; discover the best spots to try it here.

Nightlife Scene

Fourplay Nightclub

If there are any rules for mixing drinks, cocktail experts Allen and Frankie are breaking them every night. Think martinis infused with strawberry shisha smoke, three-layer shots served with helium, and bubbling concoctions with dry ice. No menu here—just share your flavor preferences, and they’ll craft something special for you.

But the real attraction at Fourplay is its inventive use of local spirits, like gaoliang (distilled rice liquor), xiaomi jiu (aboriginal millet wine), and Chinese medicinal herbs.

For a true taste of Taiwan, try the Betel Nut cocktail, made with the addictive areca nut (the one that turns locals’ smiles red), muddled with lime and mint.

Club Myst

For a night of luxury and excitement, head to Myst in the Xin Yi district. This upscale dance club features pole dancers, a massive dance floor with a waterfall, and international DJs. The real highlight, however, is the stunning city view, with Taipei 101 right in front, practically across the street.

If you didn’t manage to book a private booth on Myst’s impressive open-air patio, don’t worry—you can still enjoy the breathtaking views of Taipei through the giant windows in the men’s and ladies’ restrooms.

Club Myst, 9/F, No. 12, Songshou Road (Taipei City Hall MRT), 松壽路12號9樓; +886 2 7737 9997

346 Taiwan Beer Bar

The menu also includes dishes cooked with Taiwan Beer (yes, you read that right). Friday and Saturday nights can get pretty wild, with large crowds of fun-loving, slightly tipsy locals. You can enter through the main factory entrance.

Carnegie’s

If the music isn’t your scene at Carnegie’s, there’s plenty more to enjoy. For 11 years, this spot has been famous for its wild tradition of dancing on top of the bar. The bar’s exhibitionist vibe is fueled by free champagne for women on Wednesdays, a daily 600-minute happy hour, and an impressive shooter menu with 367 options (the longest in Asia, according to them).

Carnegie’s is also known for its unexpected menu. From massive brunches and classic pub dishes to authentic Indian fare, it’s a far cry from the usual fried bar food. Plus, it boasts one of the best patios in all of Taipei, and opens at 11 a.m. every day.

Shopping and Attractions

Technopia

Left your iPhone charger at home? Don’t worry. Head over to NOVA, right across from Taipei Main Station. Even locals can get disoriented in Taipei Main’s maze of underground malls—just look for the large maps scattered around the mall and head toward exit Z4.

Once you’re outside, do a quick about-face, and you’ll be facing NOVA. There, you’ll find every tech item imaginable—laptops, phones, printers, cables, and accessories. Just a few blocks behind NOVA, you’ll discover a cluster of camera shops on Hankou and Bo Ai streets.

NOVA Electronics Center and Camera Street, 2 Guanqian St. (館前路二號); Taipei Main MRT; +886 2 2381 4833

Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

Once called the National Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall, this iconic site is now officially known as Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall. It is a must-see on nearly every best-of-Taipei itinerary, and for good reason.

This grand white structure with its iconic blue, octagonal roof stands as Taipei’s most prominent cultural symbol. Below, the museum houses some significant Kuomintang political party artifacts.

Flanking the vast open square are the twin classical Chinese-style National Theater and National Concert Hall. For the best view, head to the Gate of Great Centrality and Perfect Uprightness on the western side.

Miramar Entertainment Park

Taipei offers plenty of upscale shopping destinations, but if you can only visit one, make it Miramar. This mall lets you take a break from high-end shopping with a ride on its 70-meter Ferris wheel, offering stunning views of Taipei 101 and Yangming Mountain. Plus, its IMAX theater boasts the largest commercial screens in Asia.

Maokong Gondola

Originally opened in 2007 but temporarily closed due to typhoon damage, the Maokong Gondola is now back in service, offering some of the most breathtaking views of Taipei.

For a seamless experience, visit on a weekday, use your MRT card to skip the ticket line, and ride the Crystal Cabins—glass-bottomed gondolas at no extra charge. Don’t rush to the final stop; instead, disembark at Zhinan Temple Station for a peek at a modern Buddhist temple with sweeping vistas.

At Maokong Station, take your time at a traditional tea shop with a view of the terraced green tea fields, or embark on a hike to nearby temples and waterfalls.

Markets

Taipei is famous across Asia for its vibrant night markets. Every local has their favorite, and here are some of ours, along with a few great daytime options too.

Danshui

For a less pungent experience, this is your top spot to sample Taiwan's notorious snack, stinky tofu. The barbecued variety here is gentler on the nose compared to the boiled and deep-fried versions you’ll find at other places.

Danshui's scenic riverside promenade makes for a pleasant stroll in the afternoon or evening. Be sure to sample local market delicacies such as iron eggs, deep-fried ice cream, and whole barbecued cuttlefish.

Danshui, accessible from Danshui MRT; open from late morning until late night

Raohe Night Market

Although it may not seem fast-paced at first glance, Raohe Night Market offers a unique blend of snack hunting and historical exploration. At the market’s eastern end stands the Ciyou Matsu Temple, dedicated to Matsu, the goddess of fishermen and the sea. It’s one of Taipei’s oldest temples, with roots dating back to the 18th century.

The crowds here are more manageable compared to other night markets.

Jianguo Jade and Flower Markets

A perfect destination for rainy weekends, the Jianguo Jade and Flower Markets are tucked beneath a kilometer-long stretch of elevated highway, offering complete shelter. With plenty of photo opportunities, these markets seem to stretch endlessly.

At the southern end of the promenade, you’ll find a quieter, lesser-known market showcasing traditional arts and handicrafts.

Shilin Night Market

For the ultimate open-air shopping experience, head straight to Shilin Night Market. Arriving about an hour before sunset ensures you’ll capture the best shots of the stalls being set up for the night.

Arrive any later, and you might find yourself swallowed by the crowd, getting lost in the maze of lanes and alleys. Escalators inside lead you to a cool underground food court. Known for its inventive snacks alongside Taiwanese classics like oyster omelets, fried chicken steaks, and bubble tea, Shilin is a food lover's paradise.