How to Get Around Taipei?

If you’re travelling to Taipei, the capital city of Taiwan, you’ll want to know all the different ways of getting around town without hassles. After all, the main metropolis of Taiwan is bustling and full of energy day and night. It has exploded into one of the most vibrant cities in the world to visit, with a huge selection of attractions to suit all ages and tastes. So if you’re in Taipei and want to explore all its diverse and ever-growing environment, you’ll need to know the best ways to get around.

Using Public Transportation

The fastest, most affordable, and convenient way to move about Taipei is using public transport. Taipei has an extensive public transport system that gets you where you want to go without hassle or stress. Its rail system is the main way locals travel around the city, and it’s very efficient, allowing you to reach almost any location in town.

Taipei Metro (MRT)

There are several types of Metro or MRT (mass rapid transit) lines which will be your go-to for getting around Taipei. The first is the Taipei Metro line, which comprises of five regional lines moving north, east, south, west, and across the city. These lines have 117 statins in total and cover the whole city. If you’re travelling to Beijing and need to get into Taipei City Centre, use either the red (Tamsui-Xinyi line), light green (Songshan-Xindian line), and/or blue (Bannan line).

Taipei Public Bus System

If you are more in a hurry, use the public bus system in Taipei, since it covers almost every corner of the city. It usually costs twice as much as taking the Metro but with the number of routes it has – 860 in total offering 24-hour service – you won’t have much of a challenge getting over to any part of town you need.

Taipei YouBike System

Another fun, easy, and relatively affordable way to explore Taipei is YouBike. This is a city-wide bicycle renting service which first began in 2009. All it requires from you is an Easy Card – an RFID smart card – and you’re set to go. Place your Easy Card near the reader at the bike rack and choose a bike, then off you go! You will be charged depending on how long you use the bike, with the fees ranging from NT$ 5-10 ($ 0.15-0.30).

Taxi Services

Taxis are also great for tourists as they’re an economical and fast way to get where you need to go. They can be easily addressed at both countryside areas and “hot spots” such as Ximending in West Central Taipei or Songshan Airport. Most drivers can understand and communicate with visitors in English or Japanese, so you don’t have to worry about not being understood or having to struggle with language barriers. The best part of using taxis is that most drivers are friendly and informative about places in Taiwan, so you can also use them for sightseeing trips – like going around Yangmingshan or Tamsui River – for a reasonable fee!

Uber/Grab Services

Uber and Grab are international ride-hailing services that have expanded quickly in Taipei over the last few years. Using their services is simple and easy: they allow you to order cars through their mobile app and get where you need to go quickly and conveniently. Prices are calculated based on length of trip; starting fare is at NT$ 80. Drivers will pick you up exactly where you requested, take you to your designated destination, and all you have to do is pay up once the ride’s done.

Conclusion

Traveling around Taipei is made convenient by its solid public transportation systems so you can move fast, safe, stress-free, and cheaply around town. With extensive metro lines – five comprehensive rail lines with 117 stations – 860 bus routes that run 24-hours daily, bicycle renting services for those who want an eco-friendly way of getting around town, car services like Uber and Grab for transport on demand, and friendly taxi drivers everywhere that speak some English or Japanese, you’ll never lack transportation options inside Taipei; no matter where on the island you need to go. Visit Taipei’s official website for more information about transportation methods during your stay in this vibrant city.

The Insider’s Guide to Exploring Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei, the bustling capital of Taiwan, is often overlooked by tourists, but it hides a multitude of secret gems waiting to be discovered. From its delicious foods to its rich culture, Taipei has something to offer for everyone. Here’s an insider’s guide to exploring the hidden side of Taipei.

Local Attractions: Venture off the Beaten Path

While Taipei 101 and Shilin Night Market are must-sees, there are countless lesser-known attractions that locals love. Take a stroll to Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, a repurposed tobacco factory turned art museum. Or, visit Huashan 1914 Creative Park, a former wine factory that has been transformed into a cultural hub where you can catch indie concerts or small exhibits.

Traveling with kids? Head to an indoor theme park called Baby Boss, where children can role-play their dream jobs. For nature enthusiasts, take a short hike to the stunning waterfalls and hot springs at Wulai, one of the many natural wonders situated just outside of the city.

Dining Spots: Savor Taiwan’s Delicious Cuisine

Taiwanese cuisine is famous for its street food, but there’s much more to discover beyond just the night markets. You can’t leave without trying mouth-watering beef noodle soups at Yongkang Street, or stinky tofu at Shilin Night Market. But why stop there?

Head to Addiction Aquatic Development, a fish market turned restaurant, to sample an amazing sashimi platter, or try the signature oyster omelet at Ah Chung Rice-Flour Noodle. And of course, no visit to Taipei is complete without Boba, so check out the famous Chun Shui Tang Tea House.

Cultural Experiences: Embrace the Local Customs

Taipei’s rich culture is waiting to be explored. Participate in one of the countless traditional festivals or dance performances – like the Dragon Boat Festival, held every June in the Tamsui River. Take a stroll in the pedestrian area of Ximending, where local shops sell Taiwanese products and street performers entertain onlookers.

Visit the Longshan Temple, one of Taiwan’s most famous temples, where locals worship their gods and participate in traditional ceremonies. If you’re lucky, you may even witness a traditional wedding ceremony.

Local History: Uncover Fascinating Stories

Taipei’s history dates back thousands of years but has faced countless tumultuous times. Take a visit to the control center of Taiwan during the Japanese colonial era and learn about the country’s history in the National Taiwan Museum. Another must-visit is the 228 Peace Memorial Park, where locals honor the memory of 1947 massacre committed by Kuomintang soldiers.

For a more light-hearted historical experience, visit Taipei’s old street, known as Dihua Street, to transport yourself back to the Qing Dynasty and see traditional Chinese medicine shops, incense vendors, and many other locally owned shops.

Off-the-Beaten-Path: Take an Adventure

For a unique experience, try a tour of the hot springs in Beitou to relax in a pool filled with natural hot water. Or, rent a bike and cycle along the riverside bike path, where you can witness the merging of modern Taipei with the lush greenery in which it’s situated.

For an even more unforgettable experience, take a cooking class where you’ll learn how to make dumplings, bubble tea, or scallion pancakes, and then devour the fruits of your labor.

Conclusion

Taipei may not be the most talked-about city, but it’s certainly full of surprises around every corner. The city’s hidden gems, delicious food, rich cultural offerings, fascinating history, and unique experiences promise to leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits.