When my April flight to Paris via Qatar was cancelled, finding another way to visit my family without selling a kidney became a real challenge! Eventually I found an affordable flight from Brisbane with EVA Air via Taipei. There was just one catch… Simon wasn’t coming. It was going to be my first solo trip in over 17 years.
I’ll admit, I was a little nervous. I had never been to Taiwan, didn’t speak the language and had no idea what to expect. But skipping a chance to explore a brand-new country simply wasn’t an option. If you’ve read any of my travel blogs before, you’ll know that’s just not how I travel!
As it turned out, I had absolutely nothing to worry about.
I completely fell in love with Taipei. It was one of the easiest cities I’ve ever visited as a solo traveller. The MRT was incredibly simple to use, locals were kind and helpful, the city felt remarkably safe, and there was always something interesting to discover around the next corner.
And… I have a confession. Solo travel is actually pretty fantastic! Sorry Simon! I could spend as long as I wanted taking photos, visit as many temples as I liked without hearing “another one?”, and completely change my plans whenever I felt like it. It was freedom at its best.
If you’re wondering whether Taipei is a good destination for solo travellers, my answer is a huge yes.
I spent five days exploring Taipei and still didn’t manage to see everything on my list. From mountain hikes and colourful temples to bustling night markets and incredible food, this city has so much to offer. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or stopping over like I did, these are my favourite things to do in Taipei.
At a glance
- Time needed: 4–5 days
- Best time to visit: October to April
- Getting around: MRT (easy, cheap and efficient)
- Good for: Solo travellers, couples, photographers and food lovers
- Budget: $$
1- Taipei 101
No visit to Taipei feels complete without visiting Taipei 101, the city’s most iconic landmark.
Head up to the 89th-floor observatory for spectacular 360-degree views across Taipei and don’t miss the enormous tuned mass damper, the giant steel sphere that helps stabilise the building during earthquakes and typhoons.
What made the visit even more special for me was that I’d recently watched Alex Honnold climb Taipei 101 on Netflix. Standing at the top, I couldn’t stop imagining what he must have seen. Mind you… there is absolutely no chance I’d ever attempt it myself. With ropes or without!
Entry: NT$600
Top tip: Visit as soon as it opens in the morning for the clearest views and the smallest crowds.
2- Hike up Elephant Mountain
If there’s a hike to be done, you can almost guarantee I’ll be doing it! I wasn’t sure whether I’d manage this one after recently recovering from an ankle fracture, but thankfully my recovery was quicker than expected. So, despite Taipei’s hot and humid July weather, I set off for Elephant Mountain.
The climb is steep, with hundreds of steps, but the reward is one of the best views in Taipei. The first viewing platform already offers spectacular views over the city and Taipei 101. If you still have the energy, continue a little further to the famous rock viewpoint and then onto the third platform for even more incredible panoramic views.
Top tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid both the heat and the crowds. Trust me, the humidity builds quickly!
3- Visit the Longshan Temple
Longshan Temple is one of Taipei’s oldest and most famous temples, making it a must-visit for first-time visitors. Its beautifully decorated roofs, intricate carvings and colourful lanterns make it a fantastic place to admire traditional Taiwanese architecture.
Personally, it wasn’t my favourite temple because it was incredibly busy, making photography a little difficult. However, it’s still well worth visiting, especially if you arrive early. If you’d like to experience local culture, visit during one of the daily chanting ceremonies (6 am, 8 am or 4 pm). Just be sure to arrive a little beforehand, as it becomes very crowded once the chanting begins.
Don’t miss the peaceful waterfall and koi pond beside the temple, it’s a lovely quiet corner away from the crowds.
4- Explore Bopilao Historical block
Just a few minutes’ walk from Longshan Temple, Bopiliao Historical Block offers a glimpse into Taipei’s past. This beautifully preserved street is lined with one- and two-storey brick buildings, many dating back more than 200 years.
Today, the area is home to small exhibitions, boutique shops and cafés, making it a pleasant place to wander while admiring the traditional architecture. It isn’t a huge attraction, but it’s well worth combining with a visit to Longshan Temple.
5. Visit Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
I wasn’t expecting much from Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, but it ended up being one of my favourite places in Taipei.
The first thing that caught my attention was the enormous Liberty Square Arch at the entrance—it’s incredibly impressive and makes for fantastic photos. The memorial itself sits at the top of a grand staircase, where you’ll also find a museum dedicated to Chiang Kai-shek.
If you time your visit for the top of the hour, you can watch the changing of the guard ceremony. Although it wasn’t my personal highlight, it’s a popular tradition and worth seeing if you’re already there.
Top tip: Walk to the top of the memorial steps for a beautiful view back across Liberty Square and the impressive National Theatre and National Concert Hall.
6. Explore Ximending
If Taipei has an entertainment district, this is it.
By day, Ximending is packed with shops, cafés and street food, while at night it transforms into a lively neighbourhood glowing with colourful neon lights. It’s a fantastic place for street photography and people watching.
Be sure to wander the smaller side streets, visit the historic Red House and check out the colourful street art. Whether you’re shopping, eating or simply soaking up the atmosphere, Ximending is one of Taipei’s liveliest neighbourhoods.
7. Wander Along Dihua Street
Dihua Street is one of Taipei’s oldest and most atmospheric streets. Lined with beautifully restored historic buildings, traditional Chinese medicine shops, tea stores and local businesses, it’s the perfect place to experience a different side of the city.
I loved wandering through the area with my camera, taking in the beautiful architecture and browsing the fascinating little shops. If you enjoy photography or simply exploring quieter neighbourhoods, don’t miss Dihua Street.
8. Visit Jiufen Old Street
Perched high in the mountains overlooking the sea, Jiufen is one of Taiwan’s most beautiful destinations and an easy day trip from Taipei. I highly recommend visiting as part of a tour that also includes Yehliu Geopark and Shifen.
The narrow streets are lined with teahouses, local food stalls and souvenir shops, making it a wonderful place to spend a few hours exploring. Don’t miss a traditional tea experience at the famous A-Mei Tea House while enjoying the spectacular views over the coastline.
Jiufen becomes incredibly busy later in the day, especially when the lanterns begin to glow. I chose to visit early in the morning and absolutely loved having the peaceful laneways almost to myself. For photographers, it’s the perfect time to visit.
9. Ride the Maokong Gondola
For a complete change of scenery, take the MRT to Taipei Zoo and hop aboard the Maokong Gondola.
The 30-minute ride offers fantastic views over Taipei, the surrounding mountains and lush green forests before arriving in the peaceful village of Maokong. Once there, you can wander through tea plantations, enjoy tea at one of the area’s famous teahouses or simply relax while taking in the mountain views.
After days of exploring the busy city, I found Maokong to be the perfect place to slow down.
10. Experience a Taipei Night Market
No visit to Taipei is complete without experiencing at least one night market, and if you have the time, I highly recommend visiting two.
Raohe Night Market is famous for its delicious Fuzhou black pepper buns, while Ningxia Night Market has a more local feel and offers an incredible variety of traditional Taiwanese street food.
I absolutely loved both, but the pepper buns at Raohe were definitely a highlight of my trip. If you arrive around 5 pm, the queues are usually much shorter.
While you’re at Raohe, don’t miss the beautiful Ciyou Temple right beside the entrance. It’s especially stunning once it’s lit up after dark.
11. Escape the City at Tamsui
At the end of Taipei’s Red MRT Line lies the charming waterfront suburb of Tamsui, the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Spend a few hours wandering through the lively Old Street, browsing the local shops, relaxing along the waterfront promenade or visiting historic Fort San Domingo.
If you’re visiting later in the day, take the ferry to Fisherman’s Wharf, one of Taipei’s most popular sunset spots.
I loved how different Tamsui felt compared to central Taipei—it was the perfect slower-paced day before my flight home.
12. Visit Yehliu Geopark
Yehliu Geopark is unlike anywhere else I visited in Taiwan. Famous for its fascinating rock formations carved by thousands of years of wind and sea erosion, it’s a must-see if you’re taking a day trip from Taipei.
If you’re visiting during summer, arrive as early as possible. Even at 8:30 am in July, the heat was already intense, and by arriving early you’ll also beat the crowds.
While the unusual rock formations are the main attraction, I was equally impressed by the incredible turquoise water surrounding the peninsula.
13. Visit Shifen Waterfall
Often referred to as Taiwan’s “Little Niagara”, Shifen Waterfall is well worth the short walk from the nearby town.
The path is easy to follow, although there are quite a few stairs along the way. Make sure you stop at each viewing platform, as every angle offers a different perspective of the impressive falls.
If you’ve had recent rain, you’re in for an even better show.
14. Visit Baoan Temple & Taipei Confucius Temple
Located right next to each other, these two temples make an excellent stop and, in my opinion, were much more peaceful than Longshan Temple.
Baoan Temple is one of Taipei’s most beautiful temples, famous for its intricate carvings, colourful decorations and tranquil courtyards. Right next door, Taipei Confucius Temple offers a completely different atmosphere with its elegant, minimalist design and peaceful gardens.
Together, they provide a wonderful insight into Taiwan’s religious and cultural heritage.
15. Visit Shifen Old Street
Shifen Old Street is famous for one thing—sky lanterns.
The railway runs straight through the middle of the town, and throughout the day visitors gather on the tracks to write wishes on colourful lanterns before releasing them into the sky.
I personally chose not to release one because I wasn’t comfortable with the environmental impact, but it was still fascinating to watch others take part in the tradition.
The surrounding streets are filled with local food stalls, souvenir shops and plenty of photo opportunities, making Shifen a worthwhile stop alongside nearby Shifen Waterfall.
16- Wander Around Chifeng Street
One of my favourite discoveries in Taipei wasn’t even planned. Chifeng Street is a trendy little neighbourhood filled with narrow laneways, independent boutiques, vintage shops, cafés and cocktail bars. It’s the perfect place to slow down after a busy day of sightseeing.
I loved simply wandering the streets with my camera, discovering hidden corners and stopping for a well-earned glass of wine after another day of walking (my feet definitely deserved it after all those steps!). The atmosphere here is relaxed and much quieter than Taipei’s busier shopping districts, making it a great place to escape the crowds.
Top tip: Visit in the late afternoon or evening when the cafés and bars start to come alive.
17- Visit 44 South Village
Just a short walk from Taipei 101, 44 South Village offers a fascinating glimpse into Taipei’s past. Once a military dependants’ village, it has been transformed into a small cultural precinct with restored houses, local cafés and boutique shops.
It’s not a place you’ll spend hours exploring, but it’s well worth stopping by if you’re already visiting Taipei 101 or Elephant Mountain. I enjoyed wandering through the peaceful lanes, learning a little about its history and taking a few photos with Taipei 101 towering above the old buildings, a great contrast between old and new Taipei.
Top tip: Combine your visit with Elephant Mountain or Taipei 101 as they’re all within walking distance of each other.
18- Eat Your Way Along Yongkang Street
If you’re looking for great food, Yongkang Street deserves a spot on your Taipei itinerary. This lively neighbourhood is packed with cafés, bakeries, local restaurants and dessert shops, making it one of the best places in the city to sample Taiwanese cuisine.
I stopped here for lunch after visiting Taipei 101 and joined the short queue at Tianjin Scallion Pancake. Famous for its crispy, flaky scallion pancakes cooked fresh to order, it was absolutely worth the wait and one of my favourite snacks in Taipei. With so many tempting food options, it would be easy to spend an afternoon eating your way from one shop to the next.
Although Yongkang Street is famous for its restaurants, it still has a relaxed neighbourhood feel compared to the city’s larger shopping districts, making it a lovely place for a leisurely wander.
Top tip: Visit around lunchtime before the queues build up, especially at the most popular eateries like Tianjin Scallion Pancake.
Where to Stay in Taipei
Taipei has accommodation to suit every budget, but choosing the right neighbourhood is just as important as choosing the right hotel.
I stayed in Zhongshan and absolutely loved it. It felt quieter than areas like Ximending but still had plenty of cafés, restaurants and bars, with excellent MRT connections that made exploring the city incredibly easy.
If you’re visiting Taipei for the first time, these are the areas I’d recommend:
- Zhongshan – My favourite. Great restaurants, cafés, nightlife and excellent transport links.
- Xinyi – Home to Taipei 101, luxury hotels and modern shopping.
- Taipei Main Station – Perfect if you’re planning day trips around Taiwan
Best Mid-Range Hotel – Amba Taipei Zhongshan (where I stayed)
This is where I stayed during my five nights in Taipei, and I wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again. The hotel is modern, comfortable and reasonably priced, with spacious rooms and an excellent breakfast.
The location was one of the biggest highlights. Nestled in the trendy Zhongshan neighbourhood, I was within easy walking distance of countless cafés, restaurants, Chifeng Street, Ningxia Night Market and several MRT stations, making it incredibly easy to explore the city. Despite being so central, the area felt quiet and safe, which I really appreciated as a solo traveller.
Perfect for: First-time visitors, solo travellers and couples looking for great value in an excellent location.
Best Hotel Near Taipei Main Station – Palais de Chine
If you’re looking for something a little more luxurious while still being conveniently located, Palais de Chine is an excellent choice. Situated next to Taipei Main Station and Q Square shopping centre, it’s ideal if you’re planning day trips around Taiwan or arriving by airport train.
The hotel has elegant rooms, excellent restaurants and a more upscale feel while still offering good value compared to many luxury hotels in other major Asian cities.
Perfect for: Travellers wanting easy transport connections and a touch of luxury.
Best Luxury Hotel – Grand Hyatt Taipei
If you’re looking to treat yourself, it’s hard to go past the Grand Hyatt Taipei. Located right next to Taipei 101, this five-star hotel offers spacious rooms, multiple restaurants, a beautiful outdoor pool and fantastic views over the city.
It’s an excellent choice if you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to experience one of Taipei’s best luxury hotels while still being within walking distance of Taipei 101, Elephant Mountain and the Xinyi shopping district.
Perfect for: Luxury travellers and anyone wanting to stay in Taipei’s most modern neighbourhood.
Final Thoughts
Taipei completely exceeded my expectations. What started as a convenient stopover quickly became one of my favourite cities in Asia. Between the incredible food, friendly locals, efficient MRT system and endless places to explore, it’s a destination that’s easy to fall in love with.
Whether you have two days or a full week, Taipei deserves much more than just a layover. I know I’ll be back one day because, even after five busy days and more than 120,000 steps, I still left with a list of places I didn’t have time to see.
Read More
Your First Trip to Tokyo: 16 Awesome Things to Do
10 Things to do on Your First Trip to Kyoto
Leave a reply