First time · Taipei

First time in Taipei臺北

Taipei is an MRT city: temples and old streets in the morning, air-conditioned malls and museums at midday, night markets after 18:00 — and carry cash and an umbrella.

Everything here is a short version of the Taipei guide. Prices and hours are estimates: check before you rely on them.

The honest verdict

Taipei's sights are spread over a flat basin and the MRT connects them, but the city is hot and wet for much of the year and small food stalls are cash-only. The trips that go wrong pay for it in three ways: noon walks in July, no umbrella in a typhoon-season shower, and a landing after 23:00 when the airport MRT has stopped. Four walking clusters cover a first visit; one bed is enough.

From the airport

Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

Fastest: Airport MRT (express or commuter) to Taipei Main Station · about 40 min · about NT$160 (≈ US$6)
Cheapest: Airport bus to Taipei Main Station (check the last departure on the board) · about 60 min · about NT$150 (≈ US$5)

Typical ride times and fares, 2026 desk estimates (check). Last services and night options are on the gateway page.

Airport-to-bed timings →

How long to stay

2 days: Longshan + Ximending, Chiang Kai-shek Hall + Xinyi
3 days: Four clusters, one per half-day
5 days: Four clusters + Beitou or Jiufen day trip + one slow day

Itineraries by length →

Three mistakes to avoid

Temples: do not step on thresholds or point at statues; follow signs on photos.(Survive · red lines)
Cross at signals; scooters turn against the light.(Survive · safety)
MRT: no eating, drinking or chewing gum in the paid area.(Survive · red lines)

Scams and safety →

Money and SIM

Budget day: NT$1,000–1,800 (≈ US$35–60) excl. bed
Cash: Keep NT$1,000 (≈ US$35) in small notes for night markets; use convenience-store or bank ATMs, not machines on dark streets.

Money, SIMs and apps →