things to do in taipei

Taipei, the capital city of Taiwan, is a vibrant and bustling metropolis with a rich cultural heritage, delicious food, and plenty of exciting things to see and do. Here are some top attractions and activities to consider:

Must-visit attractions:

1. Taipei 101: This iconic skyscraper is one of the tallest buildings in the world and offers stunning views of the city from its observation deck.
2. National Palace Museum: Home to the largest collection of Chinese art and artifacts in the world, including the famous Jadeite Cabbage sculpture.
3. Shilin Night Market: One of the largest and most famous night markets in Taiwan, offering a wide range of street food, souvenirs, and local products.
4. Longshan Temple: A historic temple dedicated to the goddess of mercy, Longshan, and a popular spot for shopping and dining.
5. Elephant Mountain: A popular hiking spot with stunning views of the city and the Taipei 101 skyscraper.

Food and drink:

1. Try street food: Taipei is famous for its street food, including oyster omelets, stinky tofu, and bubble tea.
2. Visit a night market: Shilin, Raohe, and Ningxia night markets are all popular spots for trying local street food and drinks.
3. Sample Taiwanese cuisine: Try popular dishes like beef noodle soup, stir-fried greens, and braised pork belly.
4. Visit a coffee shop: Taipei is known for its coffee culture, with many independent coffee shops and cafes serving high-quality coffee.
5. Try bubble tea: A popular Taiwanese drink made with milk tea, tapioca pearls, and various flavors.

Shopping:

1. Shilin Night Market: In addition to street food, Shilin Night Market also offers a wide range of shopping stalls selling everything from souvenirs to clothing.
2. Ximending: A popular shopping district known for its trendy boutiques, street fashion, and nightlife.
3. Taipei 101: The observation deck also offers shopping and dining options, including a high-end department store.
4. Raohe Street Night Market: Another popular night market with a wide range of shopping stalls selling everything from souvenirs to clothing.
5. Dadaocheng: A historic district with many traditional shops and markets selling local products.

Other activities:

1. Visit the Taipei Zoo: Home to over 1,000 animals, including giant pandas, giraffes, and elephants.
2. Take a day trip to Jiufen: A historic mining town turned tourist destination with stunning ocean views and traditional architecture.
3. Explore the Taipei Botanical Garden: A beautiful garden with over 1,000 species of plants and flowers.
4. Visit the National Museum of Taiwan: A museum showcasing Taiwan’s history, culture, and natural environment.
5. Take a hike: Taipei has many hiking trails, including the Elephant Mountain trail and the Yangmingshan National Park.

Tips and essentials:

1. Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language, but many Taiwanese speak English, especially in tourist areas.
2. Currency: The Taiwanese dollar is the local currency, but US dollars are widely accepted.
3. Weather: Taipei has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters.
4. Transportation: Taipei has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses, trains, and taxis.
5. Safety: Taipei is generally a safe city, but petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.

Overall, Taipei is a vibrant and exciting city with a rich cultural heritage, delicious food, and plenty of exciting things to see and do.