Taipei
Currency: New Taiwan Dollar
Language: Chinese, Chinese Dialect
Tax Refund: When purchasing from cooperating shops, purchases in excess of NT$3,000 (on the same day) are eligible for a 5% VAT tax refund when leaving Taiwan. Purchases must be made from a Tax Refund Shopping (TRS)-posted shop, and must be purchased by a foreign national.
Refunds must be claimed within 30 Days. Can be done at both terminals at Taoyuan Airport
From Airport to Downtown
Most of the time, the gateway for tourists into the country will be from Taoyuan Airport. From the airport you can take the Taoyuan Mrt that connects to Taipei Main Station. It takes roughly 35 mins and cost 160 TWD.
From Taipei Main Station, the mrt takes you almost anywhere.
Attractions
Elephant Mountain
Nearest Metro: Xiangshan
Also known as Xiangshan, this place boost the best view in Taipei. After heading up, you can get a great view of the Xinyi district and the Taipei 101. The hill is 183m high and the hiking trail is 1.5km long. This place is one of the best photo spot in town. The best time to go is to during the late afternoon where you can catch the sunset.
Taipei 101
The third highest building in the world, the Taipei 101 is an icon of this place! Similar to the name, there is 101 stories in the building. On the ground level, you can find the mall while the higher floors are the office buildings and observation floors.
Yong Kang Street
Nearest Metro: Dongmen
This is one of the street catered to the foodie. The whole street is known for being a food street. This alley is lined up with all sorts of local delights. Eat and shop at the same time, you will never go hungry in Yong Kang Street.
Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall & Liberty Square
This place and landmark is erected in memorial of the former president, Chiang Kai Shek. This place is one of the main attractions. The octagon shaped building is a favourite with the tourists, the changing of guards which happen hourly is also a thing to watch.
Shilin Night Market & Shilin Underground
Nearest Metro: Jiantan Station
The most popular night market in the whole of Taiwan, this place is also the largest one in Taipei. I shall not cover what you can find, since you can probably find everything here. Nearby is also Shilin Underground where you can find an indoor food market also. It is usually more alive from the late afternoon to at night.
Raohe Night Market
Nearest Metro: Songshan
Known as the oldest bazaar in Taipei. It is a buzzling scene at night. Vendors start operating at 5pm and you can really see it at around 7pm. Some of the most famous food to grab here are Black Pepper Bun, Chinese Sausages, Fried Chicken and Grilled Squid. If interested, there are also some old school arcade games to play as well.
Ningxia Night Market
Nearest Metro: Shuanglin Station
Popular among the locals and tourists, Ningxia is more focus on food rather than shopping. It is open daily from 5pm to 1am. Some of the must try stalls here include Fang Jia Lu Rou Fan, Lai Ji oyster omelette. It is also walkable from the main station. Another popular place to check out is also the Beans Village, which the beancurd with peanut is awesome.
Lungshan Temple of Manka
Nearest Metro : Longshan Temple
This well-known temple was built in the 1700s and popular among the Buddhist prayers. It is open from 7am to 10pm. It was badly damaged after the world war but then rebuilt after that.
Danshui
Located to the north of the city, Danshui can be reached with the MRT Tamshui line. It takes roughlhy around 40 mins from the main station. Tamshui is also known for being the original place of the Fisherman Wharf. Some of the notable site here are the Lover Bridge, Tamshui Old Street, Fort San Domingo.
Keelung
Located rougthly about 40 mins away by train is Keelung, ticket price is around 41 TWD. There is also a night market in Keelung itself, known as Miaokou. Having Seafood at Keelung is one of the main thing to do. The main activity here revolves around the wharf.
Shopping:
Ximending
Known as the Shibuya version of Taipei, this place is happening and crowded, full of stores and eateries. If you cannot find it here in Ximending, you probably can’t find it anywhere else.
ATT Fun
Located right next to the Taipei 101, this is a great department store if you are keep to do some shopping while in town. It is open from 11am to 10pm daily.
Wufenpu
Nearest Metro: Songshan
Located near Raohe Night Market, this place is perfect for some shopping before heading to the Raohe night market. Wufenpu is perfect for some shopping before heading for some feasting at Raohe. Here it is mainly famous for buying clothes.
Ru Yi Sunny Cakes
No. 22, Section 2, Kaifeng St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108 Nearest Metro: Ximen Station
Open daily from 8am to 10pm, Ru Yi Cakes are well known for their Sun Cakes with is divine. It is also the perfect gift for friends and family back home.
IJYSheng Mochi
100, Taiwan, Taipei City, Zhongzheng District
For the mocha fans, this is the place to be, the mocha here are the best in town, all of them are handmade and delicious. Popular flavour includes the Peanut with Purple Rice and Matcha Red Bean. It cost roughly 14 TWD per mochi. These fresh mocha can only last for 3 days, so get them on the day of departure. It is open daily from 10am to 10pm.
Restaurants:
Ah Zhong Mian Xian
No.8-1, Emei Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Nearest Metro: Ximen Station
Nothing more needs to be said about this place, a local hotspot and famed worldwide, this place is a must visit and must try. Located right smack in Ximending, it is very accessible. It is open daily from 9am to 11pm. It is however just a stall without any table or chairs. A bowl cost around 50 – 65 TWD.
Tian Tian Li
108, Taiwan, Taipei City, Wanhua District, 漢中街32巷1號
Nearest Metro: Ximen Station
This humble store in Ximending serves up simple fare such as Lu Rou Fan and other Taiwan snacks. Price are affordable and the environment is rustic. It is closed on Mon and on the other days it is open from 9.30am to 10pm.
Shin Yeh 101
85F-1, No. 7, Sec. 5, Xinyi Rd., Xinyi Dist., Taipei City (Taipei 101) Nearest Metro: Taipei 101 / World Trade Centre Station
Located at the top of the Taipei 101, it boost great authentic food with a view of the surroundings. Shin Yeh is one of the most recommended local restaurants in Taiwan. It is open from 1130 to 1500 and 1730 to 2200. Reservations is recommended. The pricing is fair given the amount that you pay for the viewing deck as well. To get to the restaurant, use the elevator of the office building instead of the shopping mall.
Ding Tai Fung
No. 194, Section 2, Xinyi Road, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106 Nearest Metro: Dongmen Station
The original Ding Tai Fung is right here in Yong Kang St. Try the authentic birthplace of xiaolongbao. It is open from 10am to 9pm daily, from 9am on weekends. The offerings here are also much more that what we have seen.
Yong He Soy Milk
No. 30, Section 2, Hankou St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108 Nearest Metro: Ximen Station
The original Yong He Soy Milk is born here. Located in Ximending, it is very convenient. It is a great place here to grab breakfast and it open from 6am to 11pm. The crepe and soy milk is great.
Fu Hang Dou Jiang
100, Taiwan, Taipei City, Zhongzheng District, Section 1, Zhongxiao East Road Nearest Metro: Shandao Temple Station
Closed on Mon, on the other days it is open from 5.30am to 12.30pm. Perfect for breakfast. It is super popular here and you have to expect to queue. Grab Dough Sticks, Egg Crepes and Roasted Pancakes (Shao Bing) with different fillings. Prices range from NT$25 to NT$54.
HangZhou Xiao Long Tang Bao
No. 19, Section 2, Hangzhou South Road, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106 Nearest Metro: Dongmen Station
Known as the local choice for Ding Tai Fung alternative, this place is also famous for their Xiaolongbao. The place is located near the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall. It’s open daily from 11am to 10pm.
Jin Feng Braised Pork Rice
No. 10, Section 1, Roosevelt Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100 Nearest Metro: Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall
Located next to the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Mall, this place is awesome for a good break after checking out the tourist attraction. The place is open from 8am to 1am. Grab that awesome braised pork rice.
Song Shan Gua Bao
Sinji, No. 179號, Songshan Road, Taipei City, Taiwan 110
Nearest Metro: Songshan
Located in Wufenpu, this is one of the best Gua Bao in Taipei. A freshly steamed bun is stuffed with meat, mustard greens and some peanut. How great is that. It is also super affordable as a snack.
Emperor Foods
No. 37, Hengyang Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City
Also famous for its pork chop, this is another well-known place by the locals. Food here is good and affordable. It is open daily from 10.30am to 9pm. It is slightly more costly here in comparison.
Dong Yi Pork Chop (Dong Yi Pai Gu)
100, Taiwan, Taipei City, Zhongzheng District, Yanping South Road, 61號 Nearest Metro: Ximen
A local pork chop store. This place serve up simple yet delicious pork chop over rice. A simple meal here will set you back about 100-150 TWD. Delicious yet light on the wallet. It is open from 10am to 8pm except Mon.
Taipei New Mala Hotpot (Xin Mala Hotpot)
108, Taiwan, Taipei City, Wanhua District Nearest Metro: Ximen
This is the Taiwan version of HDL, known for being the best hotpot in Taipei. This is the place to be. It is located right in Ximending. Always expect a crowd. The place is open daily from 11am to 2am. The price is 625 for lunch and 725 for dinner. Expect the freshest ingredients and free flow Haagen Dazs.
Kurume Izakaya
Zhongshan No. 2號, Lane 56, Section 1, Zhongshan North Road, Taipei City, Taiwan 10491 Nearest Metro: Taipei Main
This famous Japanese bar and restaurant is located just opposite the Dr Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall. It is closed on Mon and on other days it is open from 6pm to 2am. The skewers here is amazing. A great option away from the local food.
Tianjin Flaky Scallion Pancake
No. 1號, Lane 6, Yongkang Street, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106 Nearest Metro: Dongmen Station
Located in the hype Yongkang St, this is another food stop on the street. A classic old school onion pancake is heartening. Open from 9am to 10pm, it is perfect to grab one while on the road. You can have it own its own or with egg and other toppings.
Addiction Aquatic Development
No. 18, Alley 2, Lane 410, Minzu East Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 104 Nearest Metro: XingTian Temple
Located right next to the Taipei Fish Market, here is your best bet for the freshest seafood. It is quite a walk from the nearest metro. Prices are cheap in comparison, especially for sushi and sashimi. It is open from 6am to 12am, although different section got different opening timings.
Snow King Ice Cream
100, Taiwan, Taipei City, Zhongzheng District, Section 1, Wuchang St Nearest Metro: Ximen
A popular ice cream store in Taiwan. The ice cream flavours here is very unique, where there are more than 73. While there is a bunch of stalls throughout Taipei, this is located near Ximending. It is open from 12pm to 8pm daily.
Yu”s Almond Tofu
No. 105, Hengyang Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City
This dessert place is one of the best representation of Taiwan sweets. The almond tofu here is amazing. Same goes for the shaved ice. The place is open from 10.30am to 21.30pm.
Ice Monster
110, Taiwan, Taipei City, Xinyi District Nearest Metro: Taipei 101 / Taipei City Hall
Amazing Taipei shaved ice can be found here. The mango flavour is a popular one. Especially in the summer months. Prices range about 200 NTD. It is a fair price. It is open from 11am to 9.30pm and 10pm on Thu to Sat.
Smoothie House
No. 15號, Yongkang Street, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106 Nearest Metro: Dongmen
This is the popular dessert place in Yong Kang St. The place is open daily from 10am to 11pm. The mango snow flake is world renowned. Prices are around 180 – 200 NTD. Try for yourself and cool down in the summer days.
Seeing The World In Steps 