Travel Note

Taipei

Easy, Affordable, and Hard to Leave

Taipei isn’t the kind of city that tries to impress you right away.

It doesn’t hit you with scale like Tokyo or intensity like Hong Kong. It’s quieter about it. More subtle. But give it a day or two, and it starts to sink in—how easy everything feels, how good the food is, how effortless it is to move through the city. And then before you know it, you’re not trying to figure it out anymore. You’re just living in it.

Arriving in Taipei

You’ll most likely land at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), about 45km from the city.

Getting in is simple:

  • Taxi → about 45 minutes, ~1500 NTD
  • Bus → cheaper, slower, fine if you’re not in a rush

I almost always take a taxi.

There’s something about that first ride into the city—watching it slowly shift from highways into dense neighborhoods—that sets the tone. No stress. No confusion. Just a smooth entry into everything that’s about to come.

Getting Around Taipei

This is where Taipei really starts to win you over.

It’s one of the easiest cities I’ve ever navigated. Not because it’s small—but because everything just works the way you expect it to.

MRT (Subway)

This is how you’ll get around most of the time.

  • Trains every few minutes
  • Clean, efficient, predictable
  • Takes you everywhere you actually want to go

You don’t rush here. You don’t need to. Even when it’s busy, it feels controlled.

Taxi

Taxis are everywhere, and they’re easy.

  • Affordable
  • Drivers are generally honest
  • Enough English to get by

Sometimes after a long night or a humid day, you’ll just grab one without thinking. And it’s always there.

Scooters (Only if you know what you’re doing)

You’ll hear them before you really notice them. Thousands of scooters moving through the city like a current.

You can rent one—but unless you know what you’re doing, it’s better to just watch. There’s a rhythm to how they move, and it takes time to understand it. I have rented one over an extended stay and learned the special rules that come with them. Follow them or you’ll get pulled over. Trust me, I have.

Bikes

Taipei doesn’t force this on you, but it’s there if you want it.

  • Bike lanes (sometimes right on the sidewalks)
  • Long river paths that feel removed from the city
  • YouBike, which is easy once you’re set up

It’s one of those things you don’t plan—but end up enjoying when you stumble into it.

How Taipei Is Laid Out

Taipei isn’t overwhelming. It unfolds in front of you depending on the area you visit.

Taipei Main Station Area

This is where everything connects.

  • MRT, trains, high-speed rail
  • Easy access to the rest of the city

It’s not the most exciting place—but it makes everything else easier.

Ximending

This is where the city feels younger.

  • Lights, noise, movement
  • Shops, street food, crowds

It’s chaotic in a way that’s fun, not stressful. You walk through it without a plan and somehow that’s the right approach.

Taipei 101 / Xinyi District

This is the more polished version of Taipei.

  • Taller buildings
  • Nicer bars
  • More expensive everything

You’ll probably end up here at night at some point—maybe without even planning to.

Where to Stay in Taipei

The best decision you can make is staying near an MRT line. Everything else is secondary.

If it’s your first time, stay around the places mentioned above:

  • Taipei Main Station → easiest, most connected
  • Ximending → more energy, more movement
  • Xinyi / Taipei 101 → cleaner, more upscale

Remember, where you stay doesn’t define your trip—but how easily you can move around does.

Things to Do in Taipei

Taipei isn’t about chasing highlights. It’s about letting the city reveal itself as you move through it.

Still, a few things are worth doing:

  • Walk through Ximending at night
  • Go up Taipei 101 at least once, party around there at night if you must
  • Spend time in a night market
  • Take a trip out to Tamsui and slow things down
  • Bike along the river if you get the chance

But honestly, some of the best moments won’t be on this list. They’ll happen in between.

What to Eat in Taipei

This is where Taipei quietly separates itself. The food here isn’t just good—it’s consistent. Reliable. Everywhere. You don’t need a list.

Start with:

  • Beef noodle soup
  • Bento boxes
  • Night market food
  • Whatever smells good when you’re walking by

You’ll find your own favorites without trying.

If you want something more curated:
👉 /explore/category/taiwan

Practical Tips

  • Mosquitos are real → get local repellent
  • Carry tissues → not everywhere has napkins
  • Convenience stores solve most problems
  • The heat and humidity can wear you down—pace yourself

Final Thoughts

Taipei doesn’t overwhelm you. It wins you over slowly. Through small things—how easy it is to get around, how good the food is, how little friction there is in your day, and how friendly the people are. Then at some point, without realizing it, you stop thinking like a visitor. You just exist in the city. And that’s when it becomes hard to leave.