Things to know before visiting
Language: The official language of Taiwan is Mandarin Chinese.
Voltage: The standard voltage is 110V and the frequency is 60 Hz.
Currency: The Republic of China's unit of currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD). There are a few places to exchange money such as the airport, banks, some hotels, and department stores.
The best time to visit
Because Taipei is located in Northern Taiwan, it has a subtropical weather with an average temperature of 22°C. The best time to visit is during fall around November to early spring in April. Typhoon season in Taipei ends around October.
How to get around
You can get to the city from Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) by MRT, bus, taxi or private transfer.
By MRT: The airport MRT is the fastest way to get into the city from the airport. It takes about 35 minutes to get to Taipei Main Station from either terminal 1 or 2. The fare is 160 TWD with trains running from 6:12 AM until 10:42 PM.
By bus: Bus is a good alternative to the MRT, especially if you are arriving late in the evening. The bus operates 24 hours and takes you to Taipei Main Station for 140 TWD.
By private transfer: The most comfortable option would be to go by airport transfer. They offer private transfer options for up to 3 people and up to 8 people, starting at 808 TWD and 1158 TWD respectively.
By taxi: The airport is around 45 minutes away from the city center so a taxi will be expensive, around 1000 - 1200 TWD depending on traffic.
What to eat
There are plenty of fantastic and distinctively Taiwanese ways to fill your stomach in Taiwan. Probably the most famous is Taiwan's many night market. Here are signature dishes:
Niu rou mien (Beef noodle soup)
You cannot miss eating in Taipei. There are many different types but the basic common is a bowl of noodles topped with tender beef and soothing complex beef broth.
Lu rou fan (braised pork rice)
One of the most beloved comfort dishes in Taiwan second perhaps only to beef noodle soup.
Gua bao (pork belly sandwich)
Which is similar to a sandwich made with a steamed piece of bread stuffed with braised pork belly and pickled mustard greens.
Xiao long bao (steamed dumplings)
A very common and very delicious option day or night.
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
One of the top attractions in Taipei, this place is surrounded by a beautifully manicured garden. The iconic white building is octagonal-shaped with blue roof and two stairs leading to its main hall.
Taipei 101
The most famous and most photographed landmark. The building was once named as the tallest building in the world.
Ximending Shopping District
This shopping heaven was established during the Japanese colonial period as a recreation area. Ximending can be accessed via several bus stations in the district as well as the Taipei Metro Ximen Station which is a crossing station of the Bannan Line and Songshan-Xindian Line.
Shilin Night Market
The oldest and largest night market in Taipei. The market offers over 500 restaurants and eateries serving a wide variety of cuisines, street foods, snacks and more. Enjoy the many unique dishes and flavors that in one of Taipei’s most famous night markets.
Jiufen Village
Founded during the Qing Dynasty, this small town was a relatively isolated village until the discovery of gold during the Japanese occupation in 1893, quickly developing the town due to a gold rush. Many buildings in the town remain unchanged to this day, reflecting the Japanese influence on both architecture and culture on the island.
Shifen Old Street and Shifen Water Fall
Located in the Pingxi area Shifen Old Street is a collection of lanes and alleys in and around the Shifen railway station area. Originally built for transporting coal during the Japanese era, the station and tracks run straight through the village. This popular road attracts tourists because of its sky lanterns, restaurants, and shops.
Hope you enjoy and have a good memory in Taipei!