As the capital city of Taiwan, Taipei (台北) is a large cosmopolitan city where it is the economic, political and cultural centre. Taipei has a mix of a modern and traditional feel, vibrant nightlife and world-class cuisine. It is a modern city where you will find Japanese colonial houses and lanes as Taiwan was part of Japan from 1895 to 1945.
Moreover, Taipei is one of the best cities for solo travel in Taiwan. The city is safe, easy to get around and very affordable. Even if you don’t know how to speak or read Mandarin, don’t be afraid to visit one of the friendliest cities. Taiwanese people are the happiest and most helpful people I’ve met.
I visited Taipei back in 2003 with my Mom and returned in 2018 and 2019 as a solo traveller. I love the city so much, and I feel I still have a lot to see. I’ll share everything I know so far so you love Taipei as much as I do.
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Before you take a solo trip to Taipei Taiwan
Before you travel solo to Taipei, take a look at my post on all my best tips for travelling to Taiwan alone. I included a lot of information, including getting a Taiwan SIM card, transportation around the country and more.
Here are a few more travel tips for travelling solo to Taipei:
- Taipei is a safe city for solo female travellers. Even though the city feels safe, every traveller should continue to practice the usual safety precaution at all times.
- Taipei is considered very affordable for most visitors. There are fantastic cheap accommodation, inexpensive food and lots of free activities in Taipei.
How to get to Taipei
From Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport to Taipei
Most international travellers will arrive in Taipei because there are more international flights flying into Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.
The easiest way to get into the city is by taking the airport express called Taoyuan Airport MRT airport to Taipei Main Train Station.
- MRT: Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport to Taipei Main Train Station
- Time: from 35 minutes
- Cost: NT$150
From Hualien to Taipei
If you are coming from the east coast, you could be coming from Hualien or Yilan. Take the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) train to Taipei Main Train Station.
Below is a sample route from Hualien to Taipei:
- TRA: Hualien Station to Taipei Station
- Time: 2 hours +
- Cost: NT$440
- Check Hualien Station to Taipei Station train schedule and cost
From Taichung to Taipei
And if you are coming from the west coast, you could be coming from Taichung, Tainan, Kaohsiung or other cities. All of these cities are connected by the Taiwan High-Speed Railway (HSR), and it is the fastest and most efficient way to get to Taipei.
Below is a sample route from Taichung to Taipei:
- HSR: Taichung HSR Station to Taipei Main Train Station
- Time: 60 minutes
- Cost: NT$700
- Check Taichung to Taipei HSR train schedule and cost
How to get around Taipei
My favourite way to see Taipei is by walking. But the city is quite big so you might want to take public transportation while you are there.
An efficient subway system, MRT service the city. You can also buy a single-journey ticket where the rate is dependent on the distance/number of stops. Or get a one day pass and take as many subway rides as you like.
I would recommend buying a rechargeable smartcard called EasyCard or iPass. Either card is good for taking public transportation in major cities in Taiwan. You can get a rechargeable card at any major train station or convenience store in Taiwan.
With the smartcard, you can also take the public bus, which is a good alternative when certain places are not reachable by the MRT.
Or you can download the Uber app on your smartphone and order an Uber car and take you around Taipei.
Things to do in Taipei alone
All the attractions in this post are pinned in the interactive map. You can find more information about each attraction by clicking on the individual pin.
1. Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall (中正紀念堂)
When you visit Taipei, you must visit the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall. It is a famous national monument built in the memory of Chiang Kai Shek, the first President of the Republic of China.
Walk up to grand staircases and you will see how big the building is. From afar, it doesn’t look that impressive. But when you get up close, the doorway and building look quite enormous.
The ground level of the memorial hall has a library and a museum. The upper level has the main hall with a giant bronze statue of Chiang Kai Shek. There are different exhibits, so make sure to check the website for the latest exhibitions.
Take your time and wander around Liberty Square and see the National Theater is on the right, and the National Concert Hall is on the left. And facing the memorial hall is the Liberty Square Arch.
2. Taipei 101
As the tallest skyscraper in Taipei, the building has 101 floors, as the name suggested. And it was at one point (2004 to 2010) the tallest building in the world.
If you want to see Taipei from above, take the speedy elevator to the Observation Deck on the 89th floor to see an unobstructed view of Taipei. It costs NT$600. Admiring the city view and lights is one of the best things to do at night.
Or indulge in some major shopping at the big shopping mall at the base of the building. There is also a massive food court where you can eat some of the best Taiwanese food.
If you are a fan of Starbucks, you can visit the world’s highest Starbucks on the 35th floor. But you will have to make a reservation first and spend a minimum of NT$200 per person.
And if you are in Taipei during New Year’s Eve, you must watch the spectacular light show and fireworks at Taipei 101 as it is the best New Year’s Eve fireworks in the world.
3. Longshan Temple (龍山寺)
Built in 1738, Longshan Temple is one of the oldest temples in Taiwan. Located in Wanhua District, one of the oldest districts in Taipei, the temple survived World War II and many natural disasters.
And yet the temple is popular with locals and tourists where it is a gathering place and a place of worship.
4. Ximending (西門町)
If there is only one area you visit in Taipei, it has to be Ximending because the pedestrian walking area has everything you want to do and see. From the best Taiwanese food, including Taiwanese breakfast, souvenir shopping, and many small retail stores.
When your stomach is full, and you need to walk off the food, wander around the small streets of Ximending and find colourful street art.
Also visit Red House Theater (西門紅樓), a historic site with a theatre promoting the Cultural and Creative industries.
5. Bopiliao Historic Block (剝皮寮歷史街區)
Bopiliao Historic Block is an area full of pedestrian streets with many restored buildings. In the early 2000s, the Taipei government established the Heritage and Culture Education Centre to protect the history and legacy of the area.
Today, you will find brick-paved pedestrian streets and building with different architectural styles like Southern Fujianese, Qing Dynasty and Japanese architecture.
6. Yong Kang Street (永康街)
Yong Kang Street is the main street in a lovely local neighbourhood in Da’an District. Many popular Taiwanese restaurants and coffee shops are along the main road and the small streets in the area, including the one Michelin star restaurant, Din Tai Fung, on Xinyi Road.
From beef noodles, scallion pancakes, mango shaved ice, bubble tea to many other types of cuisine, you will find something you want to try on Yong Kang Street.
7. Dihua Street (迪化街)
In a historic neighbourhood of Dadaocheng (大稻埕), Dihua Street is the main street that runs north to south and it has many restored old houses lining both sides of the streets.
The area is especially popular right before the Chinese New Year. The New Year Market attracts over 1 million visitors each year during the lunar new year.
And there are many things to do, eat and buy on Dihua Street in Dadaocheng. On the main street, you will find tea houses, dessert shops, cafes, food markets, temples, art galleries, etc. Many shops sell medicinal tea, dried goods, fabric and much more. If I don’t travel with my 7kg backpack, I would buy many things here!
8. Taipei Fine Arts Museum (TFAM) (臺北市立美術館)
Founded in 1983, Taipei Fine Arts Museum is the first museum in Taiwan dedicated to contemporary art. The museum promotes Taiwanese contemporary art and educates the public about the importance of modern art in society.
TFAM has over 5,000 pieces of art, highlighting Taiwanese modern art. Admission is free.
9. Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA Taipei) (台北當代藝術館)
The building was a former elementary school and a space used as City Hall. Today, the Museum of Contemporary Art has many exhibits showcasing modern art, digital art and multimedia art. Admission is only NT$50.
MOCA Taipei also hosts lectures, workshops and other art events with a focus on modern art.
10. National Palace Museum (NPM) (國立故宮博物院)
For those of you who want to learn more about Chinese art, then you must visit the National Palace Museum. The museum is considered the most important museum in Taiwan. And with over 3,000 ancient Chinese artifacts displayed at a time, I am sure you will find something at NPM that will pique your interest.
General admission is NT$350.
11. Taipei Night Markets
It is rather tough to narrow down all the good food places in Taipei. So I will only include the best of the best here.
Below are some budget, mid-range restaurants and other food suggestions. You can find more information about each location in each pin in the attached google map (see above).
- Raohe Night Market (饒河夜市) – one of Taipei’s oldest night market has over 600 meters of food stalls. Don’t miss the Michelin recommended Fuzhou black pepper bun.
- Shilin Night Market (士林觀光夜市) – the night market is a bit confusing, but all you have to do is to follow the crowd and the food stalls. It is one of the largest and most popular night markets in Taipei!
- Ningxia Night Market (寧夏夜市) – a small night market but has excellent Michelin recommendations. Try the liu yu zi (deep-fried taro balls), and Fang Chia shredded chicken on rice.
- Ximending Night Market (西門町夜市) – it is not the biggest night market, but Ximending has delicious street food and excellent local restaurants.
12. Eat your way around Taipei
Besides eating at night markets in Taipei, there are many budget and family-owned restaurants that are worth trying.
- Yong He Soy Milk King (永和豆漿大王) – O.M.G. If you are a fan of Taiwanese breakfast like I am, you may want to schedule a few mornings to come here. Everything on the menu is good; you cannot go wrong.
- Tian Jin Scallion Pancake (天津蔥抓餅) – you know it is good when there is a long line-up. I tried the scallion pancake with egg and basil, and it is so good! (And I don’t even like scallions!)
- Niou Dien Beef Noodles (牛店牛肉麵) – a fantastic beef noodle restaurant with a long line-up, but well worth the wait (all the best places have line-ups). They have an English menu as well.
- Traditional Taiwanese Food (西門金鋒魯肉飯) – I love traditional Taiwanese food! Portions are small, so that means you can order more and try different dishes. Try their turkey rice, braised pork and any of the homemade soups.
- Sunny Hills (微熱山丘) – a famous bakery selling a Taiwanese specialty, the pineapple cake. If you are a tourist, you can try a pineapple cake for free!
- Din Tai Fung (鼎泰豐) – I couldn’t leave Taipei without having the famous Din Tai Fung. They have locations worldwide, but this is the OG. The soup dumplings are simply the best! Also, try the chocolate dumpling, they don’t have it anywhere else!
- Addiction Aquatic Development (上引水產) – not sure how they derived the name but this is a Japanese restaurant that serves the freshest sushi in Taipei.
- Snowflake Shaved Ice Dessert (花藏雪) – they have many flavours of fluffy shaved ice, and I had the strawberry tiramisu cheesecake on top of strawberry shaved ice. Totally instagrammable!
Other things to do alone in Taipei: outside of city centre
I always try to include some outdoorsy outfit and shoes in my minimalist packing list because there are many excellent hiking opportunities just outside of Taipei.
Here are some of my favourite places to visit outside of Taipei. It includes day trips to small towns, hiking, chasing waterfalls and so much more.
1. Elephant Mountain (象山)
For nature lovers, take the MRT to Xiangshan and find your way to the start of the trail for Elephant Mountain and continue onto Nangang Mountain (南港山). It is a great day hike, easily accessible, has a great view of Taipei and a great way to walk off all the food!
2. Maokong (貓空)
Take a half-day trip to Wenshan District and visit Maokong, a beautiful spot just at the edge of the city where you can sip tea made from locally grown tea. The best way to see the area and all the tea fields is by taking the Maokong gondola scenic cable car from MRT Taipei Zoo Station.
3. Jiufen (九份)
A visit to the quaint town of Jiufen must include a stroll through Jiufen Old Street, where you can find unique local Taiwanese snacks and teahouses.
While you are in Jiufen, wander off the main town and search for the Golden Waterfall, a cascading waterfall with a golden colour. And make sure to bring a pair of hiking shoes with you. There are numerous hiking trails, including Teapot Mountain and Banpingshan Trail.
It is easy to get to Jiufen from Taipei. So don’t miss this popular day trip spot!
4. Shifen (十分)
If you are visiting Shifen, you have to participate in one of the most iconic rituals in Shifen: releasing a sky lantern along Shifen Old Street. And for a bit of nature, follow the signs and look for Yanjingdong Falls and Shifen Waterfall.
5. Beitou (北投)
Beitou Hot Spring is a popular hot spring town not very far from the city centre. There are free thermal pools in the area but if you want to experience hot springs, look for public hot springs like Millennium Hot Spring. Or better yet, stay overnight at one of the hot springs hotels.
6. Yangmingshan National Park (陽明山國家公園)
For a full day of nature, hot springs and epic hikes, take a public bus to Yangmingshan National Park, which is just north of Taipei. There are many hiking trails, so plan ahead. But make sure to bring good hiking shoes and warm clothes as it is cooler in the mountains.
7. Tamsui (淡水)
Tamsui is a waterfront city with a small-town charm. In the old part of town, there is the main street called Tamsui Old Street, where vendors sell local food and souvenirs. Look for Danshui Market, Fuyou Temple and Tamsui Longshan Temple.
Follow the path along the riverbank and make your way to Fisherman’s Wharf. The journey is quite scenic and relaxing.
Where to stay in Taipei Taiwan as a solo traveller
As solo traveller, there are plenty of excellent hostels that are suitable for people who are travelling alone. The best area to stay is near Taipei Main Station because you are within walking distance to the train station, MRT, and Ximending.
Accommodation prices are very affordable in Taipei. A comfortable dorm bed starts at NT$500 per night.
I have a detailed post on where to stay in Taipei as a solo traveller. I included all my favourite places to stay from hostels to hotels. Below is a quick summary:
- Star Hostel Taipei Main Station ($) – My favourite budget accommodation in Taipei! I love the common area and the delicious breakfast they serve each morning! Oh, and the dorm room and the bathroom are both nice and clean.
- Check prices & reviews: Agoda
- Monka Hotel ($$) -An affordable boutique hotel in Wanhua District, right beside Longshan Temple. For what you pay, you get a very modern contemporary double room. Read my full review here.
- Check prices & reviews: Agoda
- Kimpton Da’an Hotel ($$$) – The best modern contemporary hotel in Taipei is located in Da’an District. Whether you are travelling alone or enjoying a solo staycation, enjoy the beautiful modern guest room, enjoy cocktail hour at Wine Hour and borrow a bike for free.
- Check prices & reviews: Agoda
Are you ready to take a solo trip to Taipei Taiwan?
I hope you enjoyed reading my post and planning a solo trip to Taipei! Even if you have one day in Taipei, you can see a lot and eat a lot! Ha! And if you have any other questions that I didn’t cover, let me know in the comments.
Thank you for reading my Taipei travel post
You might also like these other posts on solo travel in Taiwan:
Introduction to Taiwan
- Things to know before visiting Taiwan
- How and where to buy a Taiwan prepaid SIM card
- How to spend 3 weeks in Taiwan
- 22 must-eat food in Taiwan
- Top 10 must-try Taiwan 7-11 Food
Travel guide posts
- Things to do alone in Hualien Taiwan
- Kenting Travel Guide: things to do
- Things to do in Tainan as a solo traveller
- 17 Best things to do in Chiayi Taiwan
- How to travel from Chiayi to Alishan
- Alishan 2-day solo itinerary
- What to do in Sun Moon Lake: 2-day itinerary
- Sun Moon Inn: hotel review
Taipei posts
- Where to stay in Taipei for solo travellers
- Dadaocheng Taipei: what to do, buy and eat on Dihua Street
- 5 Places to eat breakfast in Taipei
- Top 15 food to try in Ximending in Taipei
- 7 Best day trips from Taipei
- A complete beginner’s guide to Beitou Hot Spring
- How to travel from Taipei to Jiufen
- Kafnu Taipei: best coworking and coliving hotel in Taipei
- Monka Hotel: affordable Taipei boutique hotel
- Kimpton Da’an Hotel: best luxury boutique hotel in Taipei
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12 Comments
Shar
September 4, 2019 at 1:57 amDear Queenie,
I am travelling to Taipei in October and I am nervous as it’s my first solo trip ever! I definitely look a lot more different as I am South Asian. I was wondering if you had any tips for Taipei – whether it is in terms of safety or places to check out. Any and all advice is appreciated! Thank you! 🙂
queenie mak
September 5, 2019 at 2:19 amHi Shar, it doesn’t matter if you look different, be confident! 🙂 I don’t speak mandarin and I got by with few phrases and that’s it! Taiwanese people are friendly and helpful. And if you are in Taipei, a lot of locals speak a bit of English so no worries at all. Taipei is safe even if you are walking around at night. Just practice your usual safety precautions and you will be fine. And if you meet up with other solo travellers, you can explore Taipei together! Have lots of fun! 🙂
Sharanya
September 21, 2019 at 8:38 pmHi Queenie,
I just happened to scroll down and see your reply! Sorry about not responding sooner. Thank you very much for your encouragement. Wow, it didn’t even cross my mind that I could travel with other solo travellers! Thanks Queenie for writing such a helpful blog! Do you have any tips on what I should take with me to Taipei? (Are mosquitoes a concern in mid-late October?)
queenie mak
September 23, 2019 at 1:31 pmHi Sharanya, no worries about not replying! I hope it means you were busy researching and planning for your trip to Taiwan! 🙂 Ya part of travelling solo is meeting other (solo) travellers. I am always surprised to see how many people travel on their own, like me! And as for mosquitos, I didn’t have any issues in the city. But if you are in rural areas and at night, it could be annoying but I wouldn’t say it a problem. When in doubt, get insect repellent in Taipei. I’m sure they have better brands to tackle the pesky insect. Enjoy Taipei!! 🙂
Yusna Murphiyana
September 28, 2019 at 7:54 amHi Sharaya. Im going solo oct 10th. Which date u going?
Athirah
October 26, 2019 at 11:34 amDear Queenie,
Amazing guidelines to Taiwan. I’m planning on a solo trip to Taiwan too 20-25 Dec but really afraid though as this is my first solo trip. What are some of nice places to visit for natural scenery/park?
If you’re aware also, are there halal food around?
queenie mak
October 27, 2019 at 10:24 amHi Athirah, Taiwan is a great country for a solo trip! I’m here right now! 🙂 Near Taipei, you can take a train to Jiufen and Shifen – they are both great for outdoors, hikes and to see the countryside. I love both places! I have a post on side trips from Taipei on both locations 🙂
I did see places with halal food – check Ximending and around the touristy area.
Hope this helps!
Jane
November 6, 2019 at 9:17 pmHello Queenie, i will be travel this November 22, and im afraid i will be offload in immigration for being a solo traveller.. I have dreamed to visit taipei.. I will spend my 10 days vacation in taipei, to explore and enjoy the places.. And experience the street foods..
queenie mak
November 7, 2019 at 11:43 pmHi Jane! You won’t be singled out at immigration for being a solo traveller – I didn’t! I flew into Hualien and Taichung and out of Taipei and nothing happened. There is a big culture of solo travelling in Taiwan – it is very common. Hope this helps! 🙂
Debra S.
November 28, 2019 at 3:22 amI am in Taiwan now as well… though not exactly solo (I brought my 11 year old daughter with me, as we are like best friends & I’ve been to Taiwan several times before and wanted to give her a world traveler itch)!
We’re here for approximately two months (got here on the 22nd of October & leaving late December) and we’ve been quite a few places already! Our “Basecamp” is in Beitou (between Beitou and Xingbeitou MRT Stations) because my aunt has a home there but I also have family in other parts of Taipei and Taichung! If there’s anyone who will be here and wants to meet up, feel free to say hello!
One big suggestion I have is to reserve a prepaid sim card or pocket WiFi and be sure to have extra battery packs! Initially I was relying on public WiFi and a “plug in to wall” portable router which became impossible to deal with when I needed Google translate or GPS. I got all 3 items from ivideo which locals don’t necessarily know about because their US prices and website are completely different than their site for locals. I got a “home router” for my daughter to use for her online schooling which was still super cheap and very fast for about $25/MommyInVegas@gmail.com and we got the pocket WiFi with extended battery for $28-32/month (I forget which) and then I ended up ditching the pocket WiFi for sim cards 15 days (FYI – you can get it for up to 30 is available even though the site says 15)…for two sim cards with unlimited 4G data and no phone service (we use line/Skype/Google voice/FB messenger/iMessages) it was only like $19! The prices were all advertised as higher (i.e. the Sim card said $1.4/day but checkout price was significantly lower and same for the pocket WiFi! #BONUS
Find me @DebraInVegas on IG, iCloud, FB, Snapchat etc…
queenie mak
November 29, 2019 at 1:00 pmHi Debra, thank you for all the great information! I also get a SIM card while I am in Taiwan. It is pretty cheap and very reliable. It is a great way to stay in touch. I also use it to tether it to my laptop although there are many places with free wifi. Thanks again for your comment! 🙂
Metrocazar
November 5, 2020 at 4:09 amYou wrote a very good article about things to do in Taipei when travelling alone.
A nice addition for your list could be: Wulai. This is a very nice village and by bus it will cost you about 45-60mins to get in Wulai. To get there, simply take Bus849 from subway station Xindian.
Perhaps, our navigation system for the Taipei metro system could be useful as well.
https://www.metrocazar.com/taipei/