Taipei is your classic big Asian city – high-rises everywhere, but super clean and orderly. There’s basically no English, so be prepared for that. It’s not a place for regular malls either. You’ll either find super high-end luxury ones (like in Singapore), or really local markets and shops – nothing much in between.
Getting Around
Grab yourself an EasyCard from 7-Eleven. You can use it on the MRT and buses, and it makes life so much easier. The MRT is excellent – fast, efficient, clean.. and I walked a lot too. I averaged about 15,000 steps a day just wandering the city.
Cash is King
You’ll definitely need cash in Taipei. Many local spots, especially if you’re eating at small eateries or buying from markets, won’t take cards. I’d recommend having at least the equivalent of $100 AUD on you just in case.
Don’t Expect English
Honestly, just assume there will be no English anywhere. If you come across someone who speaks it – bonus! I relied heavily on Google Translate, which worked well, but definitely make sure your phone is charged at all times.
Bring a Portable Battery
Your phone will be doing the heavy lifting – maps, Translate, reviews, train timetables… the lot. I bought a slimline portable charger in Taipei for about $50 AUD, and it was worth every cent.
Things I Did in Taipei
- Taipei 101 – Of course I had to. It’s the city’s main attraction. There’s a huge mall at the base (think Gucci, Louis Vuitton etc.) and you can go all the way to the top for the viewing platform. Cool, but very touristy. FYI: the luxury prices here are steep due to local taxes.
- Elephant Hill at Sunset – Honestly wasn’t going to do this one, but my brother made me, and I’m so glad I did. It’s a sweaty, steep walk, but the view is worth it. Just make sure you time it right and hustle up to catch sunset. Great to burn off dumpling calories too.
- W Hotel Wet Bar – Whenever I’m in a city with a W, I go to the Wet Bar. Always a vibe and usually a great city view. Taipei’s didn’t disappoint.
- Night Markets – I’ve written more about this in my food blog, but the night markets are chaotic, packed, and full of tasty bites. Go hungry.
- Shrines – There are loads scattered throughout the city. I only visited a couple, but they were peaceful and interesting. Worth stopping at if you’re nearby.
- Old Street – Fun to wander. Great if you want to pick up some unique souvenirs or random bits you didn’t know you needed.
Overall Vibe
In cities like this, I love to just walk, look at the buildings, snack, and see where I end up. Taipei was perfect for that. It’s a great place to stop off on the way somewhere else – I wouldn’t spend a full week here unless you’re planning day trips out of the city. But for a few days of eating, exploring, and soaking up a bit of culture? Absolutely worth it.
