Taipei, Taiwan's dynamic capital, is located in a basin encircled by mountains and exudes a unique charm, where age-old customs flawlessly merge with contemporary ingenuity. This city has a subtropical climate characterized by humid summers and mild winters, making it an all-year-round destination except for a few sporadic typhoons in the summer.
A captivating blend of Chinese, Japanese, and Western influences make up Taipei's culture, visible in its architectural designs, gastronomy, and daily activities. From vibrant morning markets to late-night street food endeavors, the city is perpetually buzzing with activity. The locals are renowned for their outstanding hospitality and efficiency, thereby making Taipei an extremely welcoming location for global tourists.
The extraordinary food culture is one of Taipei's highlights. Night markets like Shilin and Raohe serve as culinary hotspots, offering a range of foods from pungent stinky tofu to refreshing bubble tea. With architectural landmarks that span centuries, from the ornate Longshan Temple to the lofty Taipei 101, once the world's tallest building, it's a city that will keep surprising you.
Don't forget to try Din Tai Fung's globally acclaimed xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), or indulge in a late-night dip at the Beitou hot springs. Exploring the National Palace Museum, home to the most extensive collection of Chinese artifacts globally, or hiking up Elephant Mountain for the iconic sunset view of Taipei 101 is a must!
A clean, efficient metro system with an extensive network covering most tourist spots. You can purchase an EasyCard at any station for hassle-free traveling. English signs and announcements are available. Service hours are from 6 AM to midnight. To avoid crowds, refrain from traveling during peak hours (8-9 AM, 5-7 PM).
Although cards are acceptable in most places, it's suggested to always carry around NT$1000-2000 (approximately US$30-60) for night markets or smaller shops. ATMs accepting international cards are widespread.
Taipei is extremely safe, even at night, owing to a low crime rate and helpful locals. But as you would do in any major city, remember to take basic precautions.
Between October - March, the weather is agreeably mild with less rain. Unless you are comfortable with extreme heat, try to avoid visiting from June through August, which marks the hot, humid, and typhoon-prone season.
Though knowing Mandarin can be helpful, it's not a requirement. English is commonly used in major tourist spots, transportation networks, and most establishments. Keeping a translation app handy would be a good backup.
You can take the Airport MRT or the airport bus. The former is faster, generally taking 35 minutes to reach Taipei Main Station, while the latter is less expensive but can take 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic.
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