Guidebook for Taipei, Taiwan
Food Scene
This is Taipei's top spot for Taiwanese food. Though James Kitchen has a warm down-home setting, the presentation and freshness of each dish is anything but commonplace. Try the oysters with bread sticks, the bamboo shoots, the bean curd mushroom rolls, or pretty much anything that catches your eye. It's best to make a reservation.
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James Kitchen
65號 Yongkang StThis is Taipei's top spot for Taiwanese food. Though James Kitchen has a warm down-home setting, the presentation and freshness of each dish is anything but commonplace. Try the oysters with bread sticks, the bamboo shoots, the bean curd mushroom rolls, or pretty much anything that catches your eye. It's best to make a reservation.
Locals have mostly abandoned this market as a place to eat, but it's still hugely popular with travellers, who come to enjoy the carnival of streetside snacking, shopping, games and people-watching. It's best to avoid the basement food court area across from Jiantan MRT station, however, as the smoke and grease in the indoor venue can be unpleasant.
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Shi Lin Night Market
101 Jihe RdLocals have mostly abandoned this market as a place to eat, but it's still hugely popular with travellers, who come to enjoy the carnival of streetside snacking, shopping, games and people-watching. It's best to avoid the basement food court area across from Jiantan MRT station, however, as the smoke and grease in the indoor venue can be unpleasant.
Taipei's oldest night market, Raohe St is a single pedestrian lane stretching between two ornate gates. In between you'll find a great assortment of Taiwanese eats, treats and sometimes even seats. Look for pork ribs in herbal broth, vermicelli and oysters, spicy stinky tofu and steamed buns.
At the eastern end of Raohe St sits the multistorey Ciyou Temple , dedicated to the goddess Matsu. The rooftop jiannian (mosaic-like decoration) is delightfully vibrant. To get here, head out of Exit 5 at Yongchun MRT, turn left on Songshan Rd and follow it for about 10 minutes.
422 personas locales recomiendan
Raohe Night Market
Raohe StreetTaipei's oldest night market, Raohe St is a single pedestrian lane stretching between two ornate gates. In between you'll find a great assortment of Taiwanese eats, treats and sometimes even seats. Look for pork ribs in herbal broth, vermicelli and oysters, spicy stinky tofu and steamed buns.
At the eastern end of Raohe St sits the multistorey Ciyou Temple , dedicated to the goddess Matsu. The rooftop jiannian (mosaic-like decoration) is delightfully vibrant. To get here, head out of Exit 5 at Yongchun MRT, turn left on Songshan Rd and follow it for about 10 minutes.
It's hard to believe but you can actually enjoy a coffee (or beer or meal) here on the stone terrace of Zhongshan Hall that authoritarian leader Chiang Kai-shek used to stand on to deliver speeches to the people.
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中山堂堡壘古蹟餐廳
98號 Yanping S RdIt's hard to believe but you can actually enjoy a coffee (or beer or meal) here on the stone terrace of Zhongshan Hall that authoritarian leader Chiang Kai-shek used to stand on to deliver speeches to the people.
Set in an 80-year-old gutted Japanese-era private residence, and serving single-origin coffee from places such as Rwanda and Brazil, this place looks so inviting you'd stop in even without a recommendation.
滴咖啡 Drop Coffee House（伊通店）
5 Lane 66, Yitong StSet in an 80-year-old gutted Japanese-era private residence, and serving single-origin coffee from places such as Rwanda and Brazil, this place looks so inviting you'd stop in even without a recommendation.
Drinks & Nightlife
Taipei's first speakeasy-style bar is everything you'd expect it to be, including being hidden behind a secret door, heavy on the dark hardwood and dim lights, and serving top-rated cocktails. The establishment is fronted by Relax cafe.
24 personas locales recomiendan
Ounce Taipei
309號 信義路四段Taipei's first speakeasy-style bar is everything you'd expect it to be, including being hidden behind a secret door, heavy on the dark hardwood and dim lights, and serving top-rated cocktails. The establishment is fronted by Relax cafe.
Just outside the bright lights of the Xinyi District is this classic long, dark and friendly Irish bar with a good range of pub grub such as cottage pie. English premier league games are shown on weekends.
62 personas locales recomiendan
The Speakeasy Bar
554號 Guangfu South RoadJust outside the bright lights of the Xinyi District is this classic long, dark and friendly Irish bar with a good range of pub grub such as cottage pie. English premier league games are shown on weekends.
In the aptly named ATT4FUN building, you'll find the city's biggest dance floor and a swoon-inducing view of Taipei.
90 personas locales recomiendan
Club Myst
12 Songshou RoadIn the aptly named ATT4FUN building, you'll find the city's biggest dance floor and a swoon-inducing view of Taipei.
This outlet of the popular chain of KTVs (karaoke) with private room rentals is in the Ximending area.
37 personas locales recomiendan
Partyworld
205 敦化南路1段This outlet of the popular chain of KTVs (karaoke) with private room rentals is in the Ximending area.
Just outside the bright lights of the Xinyi District is this classic long, dark and friendly Irish bar with a good range of pub grub such as cottage pie. English premier league games are shown on weekends.
12 personas locales recomiendan
spark 101
45 City Hall RdJust outside the bright lights of the Xinyi District is this classic long, dark and friendly Irish bar with a good range of pub grub such as cottage pie. English premier league games are shown on weekends.
Sightseeing
Home to the world's largest and arguably finest collection of Chinese art, this vast collection covers treasures in painting, calligraphy, statuary, bronzes, laquerware, ceramics, jade and religious objects. Some of the most popular items, such as the famous jade cabbage, are always on display, but, given the size of the museum's collection, much is on rotation.
The historical range at this museum is truly outstanding. Even within a single category, such as ceramics, pieces range over multiple dynasties, and even back to Neolithic times.
The museum offers free guided tours in English at 10am and 3pm. If you prefer to move about at your own pace, there's an English headphone guide (NT$100).
An annex at the front of the museum (to the left as you head up the stairs) holds regular special exhibitions, which cost extra to attend.
To reach the museum from Shilin MRT station, head out Exit 1 to Zhongzheng Rd and catch R30 (red 30), minibus 18 or 19, or buses 255, 304 or 815. It's about 15 minutes to the museum. From Dazhi MRT station take bus B13 (brown 13).
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National Palace Museum
221 Sec 2, Zhi Shan RdHome to the world's largest and arguably finest collection of Chinese art, this vast collection covers treasures in painting, calligraphy, statuary, bronzes, laquerware, ceramics, jade and religious objects. Some of the most popular items, such as the famous jade cabbage, are always on display, but, given the size of the museum's collection, much is on rotation.
The historical range at this museum is truly outstanding. Even within a single category, such as ceramics, pieces range over multiple dynasties, and even back to Neolithic times.
The museum offers free guided tours in English at 10am and 3pm. If you prefer to move about at your own pace, there's an English headphone guide (NT$100).
An annex at the front of the museum (to the left as you head up the stairs) holds regular special exhibitions, which cost extra to attend.
To reach the museum from Shilin MRT station, head out Exit 1 to Zhongzheng Rd and catch R30 (red 30), minibus 18 or 19, or buses 255, 304 or 815. It's about 15 minutes to the museum. From Dazhi MRT station take bus B13 (brown 13).
Towering above the city like the gigantic bamboo stalk it was designed to resemble, Taipei 101 is impossible to miss. At 508m, Taipei 101 held the title of 'world's tallest building' for a number of years, though it now must be content with the world's tallest green building (as in eco-friendly, not envious).
Ticket sales are on the 5th floor of the Taipei 101 Shopping Mall. The pressure-controlled lift up is quite a rush; at 1010m per minute it takes a mere 40 seconds to get from ground level to the 89th-floor observation deck. Observation decks are on the 88th and 89th floors, with an outdoor deck on the 91st floor opened on some occasions, weather permitting. Don't miss the massive gold-coloured iron wind damper that keeps the tower stable through typhoons and earthquakes.
In the basement is a decent food court, and the first five floors are taken up by one of Taipei's swankiest malls. By the time you read this the Taipei 101/World Trade Centre MRT station should have opened. Otherwise get off at Taipei City Hall and walk.
For views of Taipei 101, climb Elephant Mountain or head to WOOBAR at the W Hotel.
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Taipei 101
45 號 Section 5, Xinyi RdTowering above the city like the gigantic bamboo stalk it was designed to resemble, Taipei 101 is impossible to miss. At 508m, Taipei 101 held the title of 'world's tallest building' for a number of years, though it now must be content with the world's tallest green building (as in eco-friendly, not envious).
Ticket sales are on the 5th floor of the Taipei 101 Shopping Mall. The pressure-controlled lift up is quite a rush; at 1010m per minute it takes a mere 40 seconds to get from ground level to the 89th-floor observation deck. Observation decks are on the 88th and 89th floors, with an outdoor deck on the 91st floor opened on some occasions, weather permitting. Don't miss the massive gold-coloured iron wind damper that keeps the tower stable through typhoons and earthquakes.
In the basement is a decent food court, and the first five floors are taken up by one of Taipei's swankiest malls. By the time you read this the Taipei 101/World Trade Centre MRT station should have opened. Otherwise get off at Taipei City Hall and walk.
For views of Taipei 101, climb Elephant Mountain or head to WOOBAR at the W Hotel.
The temple was founded in 1760 by immigrants from Quanzhou, Fujian province, and its modern size and design began to take shape in 1805. The main resident god is Baosheng Dadi, an historical figure revered for his medical skills. The rear shrine is dedicated to Shengnong, the god of agriculture.
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Bao'an Temple
The temple was founded in 1760 by immigrants from Quanzhou, Fujian province, and its modern size and design began to take shape in 1805. The main resident god is Baosheng Dadi, an historical figure revered for his medical skills. The rear shrine is dedicated to Shengnong, the god of agriculture.
Documenting Taiwan's hybrid social and cultural history is this delightful private collection of Lin Yu-fang, a former dentist turned curator. Pieces range from Japanese-era commercial posters to shell figurines, musical instruments, temple implements and decorative carvings saved from the wrecking ball. The oldest piece hails from the Dutch occupation of Taiwan.
21 personas locales recomiendan
Formosa Vintage Museum Cafe 秋惠文庫
178號 Section 2, Xinyi RoadDocumenting Taiwan's hybrid social and cultural history is this delightful private collection of Lin Yu-fang, a former dentist turned curator. Pieces range from Japanese-era commercial posters to shell figurines, musical instruments, temple implements and decorative carvings saved from the wrecking ball. The oldest piece hails from the Dutch occupation of Taiwan.
For 26 years, this two-storey mansion and its elaborate Chinese- and Western-style gardens were once part of the official residence of Chiang Kai-shek and his wife Soong Mei-ling. Today the entire estate is a lovely public park and even the house itself is open, though it merely displays the rather humdrum domestic life, and middlebrow tastes, of the Chiangs.
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Shilin Official Residence
60 Fulin RdFor 26 years, this two-storey mansion and its elaborate Chinese- and Western-style gardens were once part of the official residence of Chiang Kai-shek and his wife Soong Mei-ling. Today the entire estate is a lovely public park and even the house itself is open, though it merely displays the rather humdrum domestic life, and middlebrow tastes, of the Chiangs.
Get a glimpse of Taipei on this three-hour tour. See how the people live in this interesting city. Visit Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, Martyrs's Shrine, a classic Ming Dynasty architecture and later onto the National Palace Museum. Conclude with a visit to a Handicraft Center to view typical Taiwanese craftsmanship.
You'll be picked up from your Taipei city hotel and guided around Taipei's best attractions. Visit the grandiose Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, in downtown Taipei to pay homage to the late President Chiang Kai-Shek. Travel to Martyrs' Shrine to see an excellent example of classical Ming Dynasty architecture dedicated to the fallen war heroes of the country and see the hourly changing of the guard ceremony. The three-hour Taipei tour continues to the National Palace Museum, which houses the world's largest and most valuable collection of Chinese art treasures. There are permanent displays of ceramics, bronzes, oracle bones, porcelain, paintings, calligraphy, enamelware, jade, Ching dynasty costume, carvings, and cabinets, as well as temporary exhibitions of other items.
Travel to one of the many traditional Chinese temples that surround Taipei city. Then it's time for some shopping at the Handicraft Center, the center offers Taiwanese craftsmanship including jewelry, art and furniture. Tour Highlights
MyTaiwanTour
69 Section 2, Nanjing East RoadGet a glimpse of Taipei on this three-hour tour. See how the people live in this interesting city. Visit Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, Martyrs's Shrine, a classic Ming Dynasty architecture and later onto the National Palace Museum. Conclude with a visit to a Handicraft Center to view typical Taiwanese craftsmanship.
You'll be picked up from your Taipei city hotel and guided around Taipei's best attractions. Visit the grandiose Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, in downtown Taipei to pay homage to the late President Chiang Kai-Shek. Travel to Martyrs' Shrine to see an excellent example of classical Ming Dynasty architecture dedicated to the fallen war heroes of the country and see the hourly changing of the guard ceremony. The three-hour Taipei tour continues to the National Palace Museum, which houses the world's largest and most valuable collection of Chinese art treasures. There are permanent displays of ceramics, bronzes, oracle bones, porcelain, paintings, calligraphy, enamelware, jade, Ching dynasty costume, carvings, and cabinets, as well as temporary exhibitions of other items.
Travel to one of the many traditional Chinese temples that surround Taipei city. Then it's time for some shopping at the Handicraft Center, the center offers Taiwanese craftsmanship including jewelry, art and furniture. Tour Highlights
Shopping
This former 'Centre Street' has long been known for its Chinese medicine shops, fabric market and lively Lunar New Year sundry market. After a decade of restoration, the street has also become a magnet for young entrepreneurs eager to breathe new life into the neighbourhood with cafes, restaurants, art studios and antique shops.
Díhuà Jiē was constructed in the 1850s after merchants on the losing side of an ethnic feud (all too common in Taiwan's history over different groups' ancestor origins) in the Wanhua area fled to Dadaocheng (now Datong). The merchants prospered here (and some might say got their revenge) as the Wanhua port, further downstream, eventually silted up.
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Dihua Street
Section 1, Dihua StreetThis former 'Centre Street' has long been known for its Chinese medicine shops, fabric market and lively Lunar New Year sundry market. After a decade of restoration, the street has also become a magnet for young entrepreneurs eager to breathe new life into the neighbourhood with cafes, restaurants, art studios and antique shops.
Díhuà Jiē was constructed in the 1850s after merchants on the losing side of an ethnic feud (all too common in Taiwan's history over different groups' ancestor origins) in the Wanhua area fled to Dadaocheng (now Datong). The merchants prospered here (and some might say got their revenge) as the Wanhua port, further downstream, eventually silted up.
This is Taipei's most renowned bookshop, with locations all over town. The flagship Dunhua S Rd location is open 24 hours. The Xinyi Branch is the largest bookstore in Taiwan and the B2 level is dedicated to local designs, including innovative jewellery, bags, shoes, stationery, knick-knacks and home furnishings.
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Eslite Spectrum Ximen Store
52 Emei StThis is Taipei's most renowned bookshop, with locations all over town. The flagship Dunhua S Rd location is open 24 hours. The Xinyi Branch is the largest bookstore in Taiwan and the B2 level is dedicated to local designs, including innovative jewellery, bags, shoes, stationery, knick-knacks and home furnishings.
Parks & Nature
Established in 1908, this was the first urban public park in Taiwan built on European models. Known as Taihoku (Taipei) Park under the Japanese, then Taipei New Park under the Kuomintang (KMT), its present name hails from 1996 in recognition that one of the pivotal events in Taiwanese modern history began here: the massacre known as the 2-28 Incident. The incident involved an uprising in which Taiwanese protested against the post-WWII Chinese government set in place by Chiang Kai-shek. Tens of thousands were killed in the months following.
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2/28 Peace Park
3號 Ketagalan BoulevardEstablished in 1908, this was the first urban public park in Taiwan built on European models. Known as Taihoku (Taipei) Park under the Japanese, then Taipei New Park under the Kuomintang (KMT), its present name hails from 1996 in recognition that one of the pivotal events in Taiwanese modern history began here: the massacre known as the 2-28 Incident. The incident involved an uprising in which Taiwanese protested against the post-WWII Chinese government set in place by Chiang Kai-shek. Tens of thousands were killed in the months following.
An oasis in the city, this 8-hectare park has well-stocked greenhouses, literature- and Chinese-zodiac-themed gardens, a lotus pond and myriad lanes where you can lose yourself in quiet contemplation. The gardens were established by the Japanese in 1921 and are part of a larger neighbourhood that maintains an old Taipei feel.
Within the park itself look for the Qing administrative office (built 1888) and a herbarium (from 1924). On Nanhai Rd check out the Taipei Municipal Jianguo High School (built 1909), the National Taiwan 228 Memorial Museum (1931), and the buildings associated with the National Museum of History and the adjacent Nanhai Academy.
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Taipei Botanical Garden - Ginger Park
53號 Nanhai RdAn oasis in the city, this 8-hectare park has well-stocked greenhouses, literature- and Chinese-zodiac-themed gardens, a lotus pond and myriad lanes where you can lose yourself in quiet contemplation. The gardens were established by the Japanese in 1921 and are part of a larger neighbourhood that maintains an old Taipei feel.
Within the park itself look for the Qing administrative office (built 1888) and a herbarium (from 1924). On Nanhai Rd check out the Taipei Municipal Jianguo High School (built 1909), the National Taiwan 228 Memorial Museum (1931), and the buildings associated with the National Museum of History and the adjacent Nanhai Academy.
Entertainment & Activities
A combination interactive museum, workshop and theatre, this complex is a must-visit for anyone interested in traditional performing arts. For starters, the Asian puppet collection here is the largest in the world. There are also two puppetry troupes who regularly perform both here and internationally. All performances have English subtitles projected on a screen.
At the time of writing a new 90-seat indoor theatre was almost ready to open. See the informative English website for dates and times of shows.
Lin Liu-hsin Puppet Theatre Museum
79-1 Xining North RoadA combination interactive museum, workshop and theatre, this complex is a must-visit for anyone interested in traditional performing arts. For starters, the Asian puppet collection here is the largest in the world. There are also two puppetry troupes who regularly perform both here and internationally. All performances have English subtitles projected on a screen.
At the time of writing a new 90-seat indoor theatre was almost ready to open. See the informative English website for dates and times of shows.
Getting Around
Ten lines, 102 stations and 112.8km of track. New lines in the works. Connects with Taipei (Songshan) Airport and hopefully will connect with Taoyuan International Airport by 2015. On average trains leave every three to eight minutes.
Tour description provided by Viator
Landing at Taipei's Taoyuan International Airport and need to get to your hotel? Pre-book a professional, competent and reliable private transfer. From the moment you arrive in Taipei, you'll be provided with a comfortable and efficient transfer from Taipei's Taoyuan International Airport to your downtown Taipei hotel. Transfers operate 24 hours, 7 days a week.
When making a booking, you will need to advise your flight details and your Taipei accommodation details. Your transfer will be confirmed at time of booking and you will be provided with a voucher to present to the driver.Vehicles used:
Air-conditioned Nissan Teana (1 to 2 people)
Air-conditioned Volkswagen Micro Van (3 to 6 people)
Air-conditioned Toyota 18 seater (7 to 9 people)
Price is per person, based on 7 to 9 adults per car/vehicle.
What's included
Meet and greet
One-way private transfer from taoyuan international airport to hotel
Gst (goods and services tax)
What isn't included
Gratuities (optional)
Excess luggage charges (where applicable)
337 personas locales recomiendan
Taipei Station
3號 Beiping W RdTen lines, 102 stations and 112.8km of track. New lines in the works. Connects with Taipei (Songshan) Airport and hopefully will connect with Taoyuan International Airport by 2015. On average trains leave every three to eight minutes.
Tour description provided by Viator
Landing at Taipei's Taoyuan International Airport and need to get to your hotel? Pre-book a professional, competent and reliable private transfer. From the moment you arrive in Taipei, you'll be provided with a comfortable and efficient transfer from Taipei's Taoyuan International Airport to your downtown Taipei hotel. Transfers operate 24 hours, 7 days a week.
When making a booking, you will need to advise your flight details and your Taipei accommodation details. Your transfer will be confirmed at time of booking and you will be provided with a voucher to present to the driver.Vehicles used:
Air-conditioned Nissan Teana (1 to 2 people)
Air-conditioned Volkswagen Micro Van (3 to 6 people)
Air-conditioned Toyota 18 seater (7 to 9 people)
Price is per person, based on 7 to 9 adults per car/vehicle.
What's included
Meet and greet
One-way private transfer from taoyuan international airport to hotel
Gst (goods and services tax)
What isn't included
Gratuities (optional)
Excess luggage charges (where applicable)