A traveler's guide to Taipei
Follow your appetite and the weather. Taipei is generous, humid, and best when you leave room for a second dinner.
Taipei is a food capital that happens to have hot springs and a forested hill you can ride up. The night market is a snack route, not a dare. The better meal might be a single noodle shop that closes when the soup runs out.
When to go
Fall and spring are comfortable. Summer is very hot and typhoon-aware. Winter is the local rainy season and still mild. Lunar new year is family time and some shops close.
Neighborhoods
Datong and the older streets for temples and snacks. Da'an for a calmer stay and bookstores. Xinyi if you want the modern city and the malls. Beitou for hot springs as a half-day. The night markets each have a reputation. Pick one.
Eating
Beef noodle soup, xiaolongbao, oyster omelets if you are at the market, and fruit that is the local luxury. Eat early or eat twice. The good shops sell out.
If you only remember this
- EasyCard for the metro.
- Typhoon days are real. Follow local instructions.
- Night markets are crowded on weekends. Go hungry, not ambitious.
- Umbrella in the bag most months.