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An often overlooked Asian destination, Taiwan’s capital is one of those rare cities where high-tech innovation meets natural beauty—like a more affordable Tokyo, and with its own unique charm. Framed by verdant mountains and hills, the best things to do in Taipei make up a city that pulsates with energy; from the lively sizzle of night markets to the scenic hiking trails of Elephant Mountain. Food is an obsession here, with savory bowls of beef noodle soup, crispy tofu, and boba milk tea. With its Japanese influence from a colonial past, skyscrapers, and buzzing nightlife, Taipei has a futuristic flair, and yet also a reverence for old-world tradition.
Taipei’s accessibility also continues to grow with 2025 hotel openings like Sotetsu Grand Fresa Taipei Ximen, Episode Daan Taipei, and Capella Taipei. Air connectivity is also expanding: EVA Air is launching direct flights from Dallas in October, Etihad Airways will launch direct flights from Abu Dhabi in September, while Thai AirAsia will connect Chiang Mai to Taipei and onward to Sapporo starting June 15. Starlux Airlines is ramping up service, too, with new nonstop flights from Ontario, California to Taipei beginning June 2. Here is the best of Taipei in anticipation of its newfound access, including how to get there, the best things to do in Taipei, and where to eat and stay.
Getting to Taipei and navigating the city
Taipei’s main airport is Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), about 25 miles west of central Taipei, a 30 to 45 minute drive. The quickest route to Taipei is the Taoyuan Airport MRT, a 35-minute ride to Taipei Main Station for around $5. Taxis are incredibly safe and available for about $40. Within the city, the Taipei MRT system is clean, efficient, and easy to navigate. Taipei is highly walkable, or to get your own pair of wheels, you can try YouBike, the city’s bike-sharing program, for as little as $0.15 for the first 30 minutes. Taxis are an efficient way to get around, while ride-hailing apps like Uber and LINE Taxi are widely used. The currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD), and credit cards are accepted at most hotels, malls, and major restaurants, but cash is preferred at night markets and street vendors.
Best things to do in Taipei: Hot springs, dumplings, and teahouses
One of Taipei's most iconic landmarks, Taipei 101 is a shopping and dining destination that also happens to be a skyscraper (once the world's tallest building). Visitors can book tickets to the Observatory on the 89th floor with panoramic 360-degree views, complete with super-charged binoculars, an audio guide, and access to the 101st floor’s photo sets. For an adrenaline rush, try the Skyline 460 Experience, where you’ll be harnessed for a rooftop walk. Afterward, explore Taipei 101’s mall. It’s a luxury shopping mecca that includes Din Tai Fung, the island’s most famous restaurant for their renowned, delicate soup dumplings.
For more skyline views, this time including Taipei 101, hike Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan). Named for its shape, this popular hiking trail is around 600 feet tall, offering a moderately challenging climb. The trail is about a mile long and features stone steps leading to a series of photography and viewing platforms.
Head to Ximending, often called the “Harajuku of Taipei,” for street fashion, nightlife, and people-watching. It’s a sprawl of street food, trendy shops, and claw machines with prizes ranging from stuffed animals to laundry detergent. Visit the Red Theatre, a historic landmark built in 1908 during the Japanese era, and explore the vibrant LGBTQ+ district—Taiwan is one of the most welcoming places in Asia for gay travelers. Don’t miss the Rainbow Road crosswalk for a selfie, the Hello Kitty-themed 7-11, and KTV (private room karaoke).
For a trendy arts and culture hub, explore Huashan 1914 Creative Park, a repurposed industrial complex that was once a sake and wine distillery. The area is filled with hip cafes, pop-up shops, art installations, and event spaces. Here you can often find pop-ups featuring beloved characters like Hello Kitty, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Snoopy. The park also has a skatepark, open-air performance spaces, and countless Instagrammable corners.
Take a day trip to Beitou Hot Springs for a relaxing escape within city limits. It’s a mountainous area famous for its geothermal waters. Visit the Millennium Hot Springs, a public bathhouse with four outdoor pools of varying temperatures. Don’t miss Thermal Valley (Hell Valley), where steaming waters bubble up from a natural crater. The area also has small museums exploring Beitou’s hot spring history. For a luxurious staycation, book a hot spring hotel with a private in-room spring water tub.
A romantic, mountainside village just an hour from Taipei, Jiufen is known for its lantern-lit streets reminiscent of Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away. Wander the winding lanes filled with teahouses, snack stalls, and souvenir shops. Order a tea set at Amei Teahouse, try sweet potato and taro balls, a local specialty served hot or on ice, and sample you cong guo (layered scallion pancakes). On the way to Jiufen, make a stop at Shifen Waterfall and release a traditional sky lantern at Shifen Old Street.
Where to eat in Taipei: Night market stalls and legendary breakfast
With 161 Michelin-recognized restaurants, Taipei is a food paradise featuring humble street food to Michelin-starred fine dining. One of Taipei’s most famed night markets, Shilin Night Market is a sensory overload of sizzling woks and festive stalls. Try the gigantic fried chicken cutlets (bigger than your face), savory sheng jian bao (pan-fried buns), and the hilarious penis-shaped cakes. The market’s heart is the Cixian Temple, while the underground food court has some of the oldest and tried-and-true stalls serving treats like oyster omelets and stinky tofu. For the oddest experience, visit the Modern Toilet Restaurant, where meals are served in miniature toilet bowls.
Taipei’s breakfast culture is legendary, and Yong He Soy Milk King is one of the most popular spots. This 24-hour chain is famous for its savory or sweet soy milk, served either hot or cold. Don’t miss the fan tuan (rice rolls) stuffed with pork floss, yo tiao (fried bread stick), and sweet peanut powder. Other must-tries include dan bing (egg crepes) and shao bing (flaky flatbread), for a classic Taiwanese breakfast.
For beef noodle soup, a Taiwanese national dish, Lao Shan Dong is the gold standard. Open since 1949, this Michelin Bib Gourmand eatery is known for its tender beef, handmade ribbon noodles, and rich broth simmered for hours.
For fine dining, Mountain and Sea House has earned a Michelin star and a Michelin Green Star for sustainability. Located in the Zhongzheng District, the restaurant is known for its meticulously researched recipes showcasing the island’s terroir. Be sure to try the roast suckling pig, slow-cooked for 12 hours to achieve the ultimate crispy skin. Guests can choose from a set menu or order à la carte.
Taipei is the birthplace of bubble tea (boba), and no visit is complete without trying it. While there is debate over the inventor, Chun Shui Tang is a leading contender, with multiple locations across the city and a must-try original pearl milk tea. Another popular chain is 50 Lan, for its Yakult green tea or classic pearl milk tea.
Where to stay in Taipei
Opened in April 2025, Capella Taipei marks the brand's debut in Taiwan. Located on Dunhua North Road in the Songshan District, this 86-room luxury hotel includes eight suites. Designed by award-winning architect André Fu, the hotel blends East Asian aesthetics with modern design. Guests can enjoy five distinct venues and curated experiences, such as workshops with local artisans and guided cultural tours.
In the Zhongshan District, Regent Taipei boasts 538 rooms and eight diverse restaurants. Head to Azie Grand Caféfor its award-winning Taiwanese beef noodles. Beyond dining, explore the Regent Galleria, featuring high-end boutiques like Harry Winston and Bulgari. The Wellspring Spa offers expansive suites with soaking tubs and steam showers, providing a tranquil escape.
Located in the vibrant Xinyi District, Grand Hyatt Taipei stands directly opposite Taipei 101. This five-star hotel has 850 rooms and nine restaurants and bars, including the Michelin-recommended, award-winning, Bel-Air Bar and Grill for seafood and steak. Amenities include multiple saunas, a steam room, and hot and cold plunge pools.
