The Ultimate Taipei (Taiwan) Solo Travel Guide

Planning a solo trip to Taipei, Taiwan? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:

QUICK FACTS

The national capital of the Republic of China (Taiwan), with a population of ~2.7 million.
The financial, cultural and administrative centre of the island.
First settled in 1709, Taipei was taken over by Japan following the defeat of the Qing Empire in the Sino-Japanese war of 1895. It was taken back by the Republic of China in 1945, after the Japanese surrender in World War II. Officially made capital of the ROC in 1949.
The second richest city per capita in Asia.
Nickname: City of Azaleas, City of Smiles

Currency: New Taiwan Dollar (TWD).
Spoken languages: Mandarin and Taiwanese Hokkien.
Best time to visit: from September to January (typically dry and temperate, and most suitable for exploring the city and its surroundings).
Arriving via airport: Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) links to the city centre by THSR or Taiwan High-Speed Railway and by Express Bus. Taxis cost NT$1000-$1200.

Best hostel for solo travelers in Taipei: Meander 1948. Just a 2 minute walk from Taipei Main Station, this is a very clean and comfortable hostel. Great facilities, friendly staff, and good value too – overall a perfect place from which to explore the city. Complimentary breakfast. Book ahead to reserve a spot!
Xinyi is the business and entertainment district of Taipei, with a trend-setting and cosmopolitan vibe. The neighborhood is also a prime location for dining and sleeping options.
Zhongzhen provides easy access to transportation and cultural attractions, and is home to the national government buildings and botanical gardens.
Datong is also highly recommended – the district was one of the first settlements of the city, and contains interesting markets and temples.

EasyCard is a smart card used for payment on the Taipei MRT (Metro), buses and other forms of transportation as well as for transactions in convenience stores and supermarkets. Fares are deducted based on distance. Using the card gives you 20% discount on regular tickets.
Taipei MRT runs 7 lines across major points in the city. Travel is fast and efficient thanks to punctual service. Fares are based on distance, and a day pass for unlimited travel costs NT$150.
Public buses serve a wide network of routes and bear their destination on the front. Fares start at NT$15 for rides within the city centre.
Taxis are yellow and run on meter. Try to have the name of your destination written in Mandarin before boarding. Starting fare is NT$70 for the first 1.25 km, with NT$5 for each successive 250 meters. There is an additional NT$5 charge for every 100 seconds at less than 5km/h, and a supplement of NT$20 for night-time travel. Call 405-88888.

Drinking age is 18, and last call is at 5 AM.
Shida Road and in particular National Taiwan University has the most relaxed stretch of bars and cafes. Very popular with the student crowd.
Xinyi offers upscale nightclubs with modern décor, extensive drink lists and DJ sets.
Anho Road is home to Taipei’s most beloved pubs, active any night of the week.
Great bars to start your night: Revolver (live music), Ounce Taipei (cocktails), ON TAP (sports Bbar), Aye Taipei, The Brass Monkey, and Sappho (live jazz).
Looking for clubs/dancing? Head to Omni ($$$$), Taboo, or Triangle.

National Palace Museum houses an extraordinary collection of Chinese artifacts.
Taipei 101 claimed the title of world’s tallest building until 2010, and continues to be an icon of Taiwan’s economic rise.
Mengjia Longshan Temple was built by Fujian Chinese settlers, who used it as a place of worship and gathering.
National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine honors the war victims. The traditional ceremonial change of guard (done every hour) is a spectacle of precision.
Xingtian Temple is dedicated to General Guan (Three Kingdoms era). The temple is still active, and popular for worship and rituals.

Ximending is hailed as the Shinjuku of Taiwan and for good reason: the district is the source of the city’s sub-culture.
Tamshui offers beautiful views of the sunset over the Taiwan Strait.
Da’an has become popular for its shopping options, which include the Tonghua and Shida night markets.
Nangang District Hiking Trail is a moderate 20 minute walk to the top of Xiangshan Mountain. Stunning views can be enjoyed from the dozens of benches for public use.

Taipei has 20 streets dedicated to food. Typical dishes include braised pork rice, beef noodles, and oyster omelette.
Don’t forget to try some Bubble (Boba) tea, a tea-based drink invented in Taiwan.
When offered something, Taiwanese always politely refuse a few times before eventually accepting. The custom builds rapport between people, and is widely observed.
You must, must, visit at least one night market in Taipei (amazing street food – just line up where the locals are lining up). Top picks to start: Raohe Night Market, Ningxia Night Market, and Ximending Night Market.
Great restaurants to try: Sushiro or Kura (conveyor sushi – multiple locations), Kiki Eslite Xinyi (Sichuan food), Shinyeh ($$$ – Traditional Taiwanese), Chi Chia Chuang ($$$), 好記擔仔麵 (Hao Ji – always a solid choice).
Where to find good cheap eats: Yongkang Street is best known for its dumplings and quaint tea houses, while Danshui has cheap seafood stalls. Great fast food ideas: Hong Ya Hamburger or Mos Burger (multiple locations for both).
Dangerous areas: none. Taipei is a very safe city. The worst trouble you will encounter will likely be traffic congestion.

Recommended trip duration: 3-4 days