Looking for a quick getaway? Add Taipei to your list. Read on for our take on how to immerse yourself in all that this multi-faceted city has to offer!
It’s no surprise that Taiwan often tops the list as a tourist destination — especially for Singaporeans looking for that quick and easy getaway! And while there are plenty of things to do in Taipei, we love that this island in particular offers travellers an adventure filled with culinary delights, warm hospitality, and some of the most unique sights in Asia.
To help you get started, we’ve curated 15 of our favourite spots across Taipei that serve up delicious eats and experiences unlike any other! 👇
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Our Favourite Taipei Hotels:
There are plenty of cosy and gorgeous places to stay when you’re in Taipei, but here are some of our favourites that put you right in the heart of the city!
1. amba Taipei Ximending
Image Credits: Nognog in the City
As though staying in Ximending isn’t enough, this trendy hotel is located on top of the iconic Eslite Wuchang. (Translation: non-stop shopping awaits.) Apart from the convenience it has to offer, we love its modern and minimalist design, as well as its impressive range of amenities and world-class hospitality.
Price: From S$140/night, with up to 10% cashback when you use Booking.com via YouTrip Perks
Address: No. 77, Section 2, Wuchang St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10843
15 Best Things To Do In Taipei 2024: Find out more about amba Taipei Ximending here
2. Shangri-La Far Eastern
Image Credits: The Shutterwhale
If you’re looking for a luxurious stay with a view, then the inimitable Shangri-La answers the call. While it’s located a little further away from the bustling tourist area, it also means that you get to enjoy a much slower pace. Our favourite part of the hotel though? You can enjoy views of the Taipei skyline — which includes Taipei 101!
Price: From S$282/night, with an additional 7% off when you use Agoda via YouTrip Perks
Address: No. 201, Section 2, Dunhua S Rd, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
15 Best Things To Do In Taipei 2024: Find out more about Shangri-La Far Eastern here
3. Midtown Richardson
Image Credits: Agoda
If being in the heart of the action is something you fancy, then here’s another great and affordable Ximending hotel for you to consider! Midtown Richardson is located right opposite the iconic Ximending Night Market, making it super convenient for you to head out for a quick snack run if you’re feeling hungry at night. It offers all the necessities to make your stay a great one — like spacious rooms, a delicious breakfast buffet spread, and a gym if you’re looking to burn more calories!
Price: From S$101/night, with an additional 7% off when you use Agoda via YouTrip Perks
Address: No. 4, Xiushan St, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
15 Best Things To Do In Taipei 2024: Find out more about Midtown Richardson here
4. Caesar Metro Hotel Taipei
Image credits: Caesar Metro
Enjoy 5-star amenities without the 5-star price tag when you book a stay at Caesar Metro Hotel Taipei! If you’re a culture vulture, then this modern hotel is perfect for you, as it’s conveniently located in the historical district of Taipei — and is in close proximity to places like the Longshan Temple, as well as a variety of parks and gardens for you to find your zen. As for convenience, this one takes the cake, as the hotel prides itself on being “co-constructed” with Wanhua Station, which is just a short 5-minute train ride to the Taipei Main Station.
Price: From S$109/night, with up to 10% cashback when you use Booking.com via YouTrip Perks
Address: No. 167, Bangka Blvd, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108
15 Best Things To Do In Taipei 2024: Find out more about Caesar Metro Hotel Taipei here
5. Cosmos Hotel Taipei Main Station
Image Credits: Cosmos Hotel
Like Michelle Yeoh, you can be everywhere all at once when you book a stay at the Cosmos Hotel! Located at Taipei Main Station, this humble abode allows you to be close to all the action — whatever that may be for you. While the rooms may not be as modern as the other hotels listed above, it’s still a great option especially if convenience is your cup of tea.
Price: From S$105/night, with an additional 7% off when you use Agoda via YouTrip Perks
Address: 100, Taiwan, Taipei City, Zhongzheng District, 忠孝西路一段43號
15 Best Things To Do In Taipei 2024: Find out more about Cosmos Hotel Taipei Main Station here
Best Things To Do In Taipei:
🤤 Taipei Food
1. Yong He Soya Milk
Image Credits: Google Reviews
Starting off the list strong with a legendary spot that is probably on every travel itinerary — and for good reason! While Taiwan is known for many things, it is often synonymous with a hearty breakfast.
Expect to queue when you’re at Yong He, but once you get a seat, go ahead and order a little bit of everything. In particular, try their soybean milk in both original and savoury flavours (don’t skip the dough fritters!). And get yourself the egg pancakes, rice roll, and a side of dumplings just to cap it all off. Once you’ve had a taste, you’ll be amazed by how an unassuming joint like this can serve up flavours that are so comforting and rich.
Address: No. 102號, Section 2, Fuxing S Rd, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
(There are a couple of other outlets peppered across the city, but this is the OG!)
Opening Hours: Tues to Sun, 5 AM – 2 PM, 4 PM – 12 AM. Closed on Mondays.
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2. Jin Feng Braised Pork Rice
Image Credits: Daniel Food Diary
Honestly, it’s pretty tough to pick the best Lu rou fan (braised pork rice bowl), because every stall in Taiwan is delicious in its own way. But we’re recommending Jin Feng Braised Pork Rice because it’s known to be a very authentic and unpretentious joint that also has a very diverse menu — perfect for if you’re travelling with a big group of people with different cravings. Try their pig stomach soup, braised tofu, and oyster mee sua for a well-rounded meal that’ll leave you craving more!
Address: No. 10, Section 1, Roosevelt Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
Opening Hours: Tues to Sun, 11 AM – 1 AM. Closed on Mondays.
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3. Yong Kang Beef Noodles
Image credits: Daniel Food Diary
Beef noodles: another Taiwanese classic not to be missed! And if you have it in your restaurant’s name, you best believe that it’s going to taste amazing. The noodles over at Yong Kang Beef Noodles are handmade, so expect a chewy yet light texture to it. The beef tendons are soft and almost creamy, while the beef slices are as tender as can be. The star of the show, however, is the rich and umami broth that has been cooking for hours on end. You can definitely taste the love and effort that goes into every piping bowl!
Address: No. 5號, Lane 10, Yongkang St, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Opening Hours: Wed to Fri, 11 AM – 2 PM, 5 PM – 8:30 PM. Closed on Thursdays.
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4. Moon Moon Food
Image credits: Google Reviews
This Michelin Bib Gourmand franchise offers a wide range of homely and oh-so-comforting dishes that are reminiscent of the zhi char we have here in Singapore. Try their chicken soup with clams, braised intestines, and oysters for a meal to remember. Do note that the queues can get pretty intense on the weekends, so if you’re travelling as a group, make a quick soy milk run at the iconic Fu Hang so that you can enjoy more local delights during your trip!
Address: No. 6之2號, Qingdao E Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
Opening Hours: Mon to Sat, 11 AM – 2 PM, 5 PM – 8 PM. Closed on Sundays.
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5. Raohe Street Night Market
Image credits: Happy and Busy Travels
Night markets are nearly everywhere in Taipei, but if you’re looking for a little less touristy compared to Shihlin Street, then Raohe might be the answer. Often touted as one of the best night markets in the city, expect to find a wide variety of stalls selling scallion pancakes, fried chicken, oyster omelette and even smelly tofu! Wash it all down with a refreshing cup of fresh-pressed guava juice, and if your dessert stomach has some space, treat yourself to some shaved ice. Then, prepare yourself for the impending food coma.
Address: Raohe St, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105
Opening Hours: 5 PM – 11 PM, daily
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6. Guiji Tea
Image Credits: Taiwan News
When it comes to boba, it can be a little tricky. After all, Taiwan is the birthplace of the humble tea drink that we’ve come to love — which means every store you chance upon will probably be delicious either way. However, if you could only visit one spot, make it Guiji Tea. Go for the Fresh Milk Tea or Winter Melon Tie Guan Yin if you’re looking for something fun, but if you’re a purist, the Hongxuan Tea and Four Season Tea are great ways to savour the true flavours of tea.
Address: No. 9號, Lane 50, Xining S Rd, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108
Opening Hours: 11 AM – 10 PM, daily
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7. Fake Sober
Image Credits: every little d
If you’re looking for a place to pre-drink or just have an amazing time, Fake Sober would be your best bet. Considered one of the hottest bars in Taipei at the moment, this spot is the right mix of edgy and intimate. With neon lights that offer an ethereal glow, a unique cocktail menu (don’t sleep on the Skittles drink!), and deliciously greasy pizza to soak up all that alcohol, it’s no wonder why this place is often packed.
The space is also open during the day, so if you fancy a tipple or two in the afternoon (or maybe just for coffee), you know where to go.
Address: No. 20號, Songshou Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110
Opening Hours: 8 AM – 2 AM, daily
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8. WAT Bar
Image Credits: La Vie
If themed bars are your jam, then WAT is the place to be. This futuristic convenience store-themed cocktail bar serves up pre-made cocktails, making the decor very apt. Packaged in cute Insta-worthy bottles, you can choose from 12 different cocktail flavours, each with different profiles.
Not sure what to choose? Don’t worry, the friendly bartenders will be able to point you to the right drink. Try the lychee tieguanyin and shiso cocktail while you’re there — and maybe even take home a bottle or two!
Address: 110, Taiwan, Taipei City, Xinyi District, Section 5, Xinyi Rd, 16號1樓
Opening Hours: Sun – Thurs, 4:30 PM – 11 PM, Fri & Sat, 4:30 PM – 1:30 AM
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🎡 Taipei Attractions
9. Taipei 101
Image Credits: Klook
Did you really go to Taipei if you didn’t visit Taipei 101? While it may seem like a huge tourist trap, the amazing views of the city are definitely not overrated. While you can opt to purchase a ticket up to the observatory, there are sneaky ways you can get the same views without having to jostle with the crowd. Make your way up to level 88’s Simple Kaffa and order a cuppa, and maybe a dessert to feed your stomach as you feed your eyes with stunning views!
Of course, Taipei 101 is more than just an observatory. There are also plenty of shopping options in the mall, and if you’re hungry, plenty of restaurants too! While it may seem like a cliche, consider trying the Din Tai Fung here. It somehow hits differently — but only if you’re ready to wait in line.
Tip: there are plenty of hip bars, restaurants and even shopping districts within the vicinity! Our pick? Xinyi District is one to add to your list if you’re looking to build a capsule wardrobe full of minimalistic looks!
Address: No. 45 號, City Hall Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110
Opening Hours: Sun to Thurs, 11 AM – 9:30 PM, Fri & Sat, 11 AM – 10 PM
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10. Taipei Zoo
Image Credits: KKday
There’s something so charming and exciting about visiting another country’s zoo. And while it may not always be a must-have on travel itineraries, the Taipei Zoo is probably one of the few zoos in the world that’s worth the visit. After all, with over a century of history tied to its name, you can expect that there are plenty of things to see and do there. While you may spot familiar faces like red pandas and pandas, you’ll also be greeted by others like the cuddly koala!
Address: No. 30號, Section 2, Xinguang Rd, Wenshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 116
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM, daily
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11. Huashan 1914 Creative Park
Image Credits: Expedia
Taiwan is slowly becoming one of Asia’s more bustling creative hubs, and the Huashan Creative Park is a testament to that. Located on the site of the former Taipei Distillery, the park has since restored and transformed many buildings and warehouses into spaces like an indie film cinema, pop-up boutiques of all kinds, exhibition spaces and of course restaurants and coffee shops to fuel the creative souls who spend their time at this space.
We recommend taking extra time in your day to explore this space — there are plenty of hidden nooks and crannies for you to uncover!
Address: No. 1, Section 1, Bade Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
Opening Hours: 24 hours (individual store timings may differ – do check in advance!)
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12. White Wabbit Records
Image Credits: Flickr (shoegahsu)
This one’s for all the audiophiles! If you enjoy spending your days perusing aisles and aisles of vinyl, the White Wabbit Records should be on your radar. This intimate space stocks a great selection of local, international and indie records — especially if you fancy the more psychedelic and indie genres. The staff here are extremely friendly and knowledgeable, so you can definitely beef up your knowledge on all things music when you’re here.
Address: No. 1-1號, Lane 21, Pucheng St, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Opening Hours: 11 AM – 9 PM, daily
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13. Fufu Dingshan Temple
Image Credits: Zanne Xanne
If you’re up for a short hour’s drive up north, then you’ll definitely have to pay a visit to Fufu Dingshan Temple. What’s so special about this sacred space? It’s a nautical sea shrine that has over 60,000 pieces of seashells and corals decorating the temple. This underwater-themed temple is a homage to the 18 disciples of Buddha, Matsu, the goddess of the sea, and a Buddhist monk called Ji Gong.
Pay attention to the surroundings and you’ll find a certain sense of quirkiness to it — from shell-beaded chandeliers to guardian status that are not just dragons, but dragon head turtles. Definitely a trip worth making, if you ask us!
Address: 252, Taiwan, New Taipei City, Sanzhi District, 69號
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 7 PM, daily
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14. Rixing Type Foundry
Image Credits: Neocha
Ever wondered how newspapers were printed before the digital era? Printing houses used individual, moveable types to bring stories to life — a true labour of love.
Visit Rixing Type Foundry, Taiwan’s last Chinese character type manufacturer and learn all about the craft and intricacies that go into creating every single mould. With more than 50,000 Chinese characters, it’s no surprise that this humble shop houses over 120,000 individual moulds.
If you’d like to support this craft and maybe bring home a unique gift from your travels, Ri Xing produces custom stamps so that you can own a piece of history.
Address: No. 13號, Lane 97, Taiyuan Rd, Datong District, Taipei City, Taiwan 103
Opening Hours: Wed, Fri and Sat, 10 AM – 5 PM. Closed on Mon, Tues, Thurs, Sun.
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15. Huotong Cat Village
Image Credits: KKday
Yes, you read that right. It’s a cat village. This will require you to travel out of the main Taipei city centre — but it’s definitely worth the journey. What was once a former coal mining village is now home to hundreds of cats! Here, you can find all things cat, from cute lucky cat shrines to cafes that serve cat foam latte art, and of course, cat-themed souvenirs for your cat-loving friends back home.
The best part? If you’re already making plans to take a day trip out to visit the iconic Jiufen and Shifen Old Streets, the cat village is on the way! Nothing like a little cat therapy to start the day, right?
Opening Hours: 24 hours (individual store timings may differ – do check in advance!)
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Ready for your fun in Taiwan?
Regardless of whether you’re there for the food, or to geek out to unique cultural sights, we hope that this list will inspire you to book that trip! And as you begin to plan your accommodation and transport, check out the sweet deals our partners like Klook, Booking.com, Agoda (and more!) have to offer.
As always, don’t forget to make use of your YouTrip Card to lock in those wholesale exchange rates — every cent counts! Even if you need to pay in cash, don’t fret — enjoy free monthly S$400 in ATM withdrawals with YouTrip!
As Singapore’s favourite multi-currency wallet, we aim to get those pesky fees out of the way and help you save on your travels. With the best foreign exchange rates, no longer will you have to deal with those long queues at money changers! So if you’re looking for a go-to travel card, sign up for your complimentary YouTrip card today with <YTBLOG5> and get FREE S$5 in your account! For more great tips and articles like this, join our Telegram (@YouTripSG) and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here or down below.
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Until next time, safe travels and happy adventures!
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