Taipei, the vibrant capital of Taiwan, seamlessly blends ancient traditions with a modern, dynamic lifestyle. From the towering Taipei 101 to the peaceful temples hidden throughout the city, Taipei offers a captivating mix of old and new. But as we quickly learned, experiencing the charm of Taipei goes far beyond just sightseeing—it’s about diving into its rich culture, meeting the people, and trying the flavourful cuisine.
Taipei reminded me so much of my upbringing, and I couldn’t stop thinking about the sacrifices my grandparents and parents made when they left their homeland for a better future for us in the Western world. It’s a bittersweet experience—gaining a new home while losing pieces of your culture along the way. But as we wandered through the night markets and indulged in one amazing dish after another (our trip was basically a food marathon!), Taipei became more than just a destination and foodie’s paradise. It felt like a piece of me, like… home, though I’ve never even been to Taiwan. I can’t quite explain the feeling and what made it feel so familiar – maybe it’s a blend of the food, the language, and the elderly folks exercising in the park who reminded me of my grandparents. Meeting up with our friend Yuda, who we first met while traveling in Cambodia and who lives in Taipei, made the experience even more special. Taipei will always have a place in my heart for being the city that feels closest to who I am.
In this blog, we’ll share how we made the most of our 3-days in Taipei and the must-see spots you can’t miss! If you’re a foreigner visiting Taipei, you can also enter in the Lucky Land draw upon arrival into Taiwan for a chance to win NT$5000 – like we did!
TLDR 🫣
Taipei Itinerary:
- Day 1: Dumplings, Monuments & Night Markets
- Day 2: Temples, Costco & More Night Markets
- Day 3: Day Trip to Shifen & Jiufen (with time stamps)
Pro Tips:
- Before You Arrive: Register for the Lucky Land Draw at least 1 day and within 7 days before arrival
- Getting Around: The Taipei MRT is your best friend. Grab an IC Card (eg, EasyCard, iCASH, etc) for convenient travel on the MRT, buses, and even to pay at some stores.
- Language: While English signage is common, knowing a few basic Mandarin phrases will go a long way. But don't worry, people are super friendly!
- Weather: Taipei can be humid, especially in summer. Pack light, breathable clothing and don’t forget a rain jacket—it can drizzle unexpectedly.
Top Awards:
- Best experiences: Releasing sky lanterns at Shifen Old Street and taking in the breathtaking views of Jiufen’s tea houses overlooking the mountains.
- Best foods: Um, EVERYTHING. Din Tai Fung’s xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and Monga’s Taiwanese fried chicken (the size of your face!).
- Best Hotel: O Fun Hotel. It's right in the heart of Ximending, allowing you access and proximity to local attractions and sights including the famous Xinmending night market. There's a free water filter to fill up your bottles and Ximen subway station is only 320 m away!
- Best e-SIM: Airalo (You can use our referral code "CELINA4205" to save $4.50 CAD OFF your first purchase. Heads up: We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase.)
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOUR TRIP
1. How to Get Free Money
The Lucky Land Lottery in Taiwan is a travel incentive program launched in 2023, offering foreign independent travellers the chance to win a NT$5,000 (US$163) travel stipend. It’s open to visitors with foreign passports staying in Taiwan for 3 to 90 days who are not part of a tour group. The program runs until June 30, 2025. Note: We are not affiliated with this draw in any way.
Here’s how it works:
1. Register online at least 1 day (and within 7 days) before your arrival.
2. Upon arriving at participating airports (Taoyuan, Songshan, Taichung, or Kaohsiung), present the registration QR code and try your luck at the lucky draw kiosk.
3. If you win, present your passport, entry documents, and boarding pass to claim your prize on the spot.
The prize includes vouchers worth NT$5,000, which can be used for accommodations or loaded onto an IC card for spending at various stores, restaurants and public transportation. These prizes are valid for 90 days, and it’s a fun, easy way to possibly score extra cash for your trip!
Out of the two of us, one won the prize—so give it a try! We opted for the IC card loaded with cash instead of accommodation vouchers, which was a double win as now we also had a transportation card to get around Taipei!
2. How to Get More Money – ATM Withdrawal & Currency Exchange
Taiwan uses the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD), and while many places in Taipei accept credit cards, having a IC card (transportation card) or cash on hand is still a good idea, especially for street vendors, night markets, and smaller shops. ATMs are widely available, and most accept international cards, but be mindful of fees that might apply. We used a Mega Bank ATM inside the Taipei Airport and used our bank card to withdraw NTD without any fees. Alternatively, currency exchange services are available at the airport, major banks, and some hotels—just be sure to bring your passport for exchanges.
3. Navigation with Public Transportation
Getting around Taipei is a breeze thanks to its efficient and affordable public transportation system. The Taipei Metro (MRT) is clean, fast, and connects to most major attractions in the city. You can buy single-journey tickets or pick up an IC Card like the EasyCard, a reloadable card that works on the MRT, buses, and even some taxis and convenience stores. The EasyCard is highly recommended for the convenience it provides. For non-Chinese speakers, navigating the MRT is simple as stations and announcements are in English. Did you know that automated station are spoken in Mandarin, English, Taiwanese, and Hakka?! We also appreciate the extremely cute and educational signs inside the trains, teaching us about the different flowers.
4. Language & Communication
While Mandarin is the official language, many locals—especially younger generations—speak some English, particularly in tourist areas. However, learning a few basic Mandarin phrases can go a long way in enhancing your experience. You can also use translation apps for communicating or to read menus and signs. Most locals are very friendly and willing to help, even if there’s a bit of a language barrier.
5. Weather & Packing Tips
Taipei has a subtropical climate, meaning it can be quite humid, especially in the summer months (June-August). The winters (December-February) are mild, with occasional rain, so packing a light jacket or umbrella is a good idea. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as you’ll likely spend a lot of time on foot exploring the city’s vibrant streets and markets.
6. Safety
Taipei is one of the safest cities in the world. It has a low crime rate, and you’ll feel comfortable walking around even late at night. However, as with any large city, it’s always smart to be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas.
7. Be Prepared to Eat
Taipei is a food lover’s paradise, especially when it comes to its famous night markets. With over 30 night markets scattered throughout the city, you’ll find an endless variety of delicious street food to try. We tried to visit one or two night markets every night, but we were only there for 3 full days! Some staple foods you can’t miss include xiao long bao (soup dumplings), beef noodle soup, stinky tofu, and the ever-popular bubble tea. Popular markets like Shilin Night Market and Raohe Night Market offer an incredible mix of local favourites, so be sure to bring your appetite and explore Taipei’s vibrant culinary scene!
AWARDS
Best Experiences: Releasing sky lanterns at Shifen Old Street and taking in the breathtaking views of Jiufen’s tea houses overlooking the mountains.
Best Eats: Um, EVERYTHING! Din Tai Fung’s xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and Monga’s Taiwanese fried chicken (the size of your face!).
Best “Bang for your Buck” Hotel: O Fun Hotel. It’s right in the heart of Ximending, allowing you access and proximity to local attractions and sights including the famous Xinmending night market. There’s a free water filter to fill up your bottles and Ximen subway station is only 320 m away!
Best e-SIM: Airalo (You can use our referral code “CELINA4205” to save $4.50 CAD OFF your first purchase). Make sure you download all apps and buy your e-SIMs BEFORE arriving into the country.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Dumplings, Monuments & Night Markets
Day 2: Temples, Costco & More Night Markets
Day 3: Day Trip to Shifen & Jiufen (with time stamps)
Day 1: Dumplings, Monuments & Night Markets
Morning: Start your day right with breakfast at Fuhang Soy Milk
Fuhang Soy Milk (阜杭豆漿) is a must-visit for a local Taiwanese breakfast. It’s located on the upper floor of a small building with many stores on the main floor. Try the savoury soy milk, paired with a crispy you tiao (fried dough stick) or radish ball. You’ll be fuelled up for a morning of sightseeing. While it is famous among locals and tourists (expect a long line), we didn’t find it to be that amazing. Trust me, it’s good, but not worth waiting more than 20 minutes in line.
– Hours: 5:30 AM – 12:30 PM
– Price: ~NT$80 per person
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (中正紀念堂)
Next, head to one of Taipei’s most iconic landmarks, the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. This massive structure honors the late President Chiang Kai-shek, surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens. Be sure to catch the changing of the guard ceremony, which happens on the hour from 9 AM to 5 PM.
– Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
– Price: Free
– Pro Tip: Climb the 89 steps up to the hall for a great view and some light cardio to burn off breakfast
Stroll & Eat at Yongkang Street (永康街)
Just a short walk from the memorial hall is Yongkang Street, a bustling area known for its incredible food. First stop? Yong Kang Beef Noodle Soup (永康牛肉麵)—a Taipei staple. The lines are long but move pretty quickly! We ordered way too much for two people, but everything was delicious!
– What to Eat: Slurp up a steaming bowl of braised beef noodle soup (NT$280) or their famous spicy dumplings (NT$150). We also got classic steamed spare ribs with rice (NT$150), but the noodles (size small) and their dumplings would have been enough for us!
– Price: NT$280 for small noodles and NT$310 for large noodles
Afternoon: Treat Yourself to the World-Famous Din Tai Fung (鼎泰豐)
You simply can’t visit Taipei without dining at Din Tai Fung. Famous for their delicate xiao long bao (soup dumplings), this Michelin-starred restaurant delivers a dumpling experience like no other. Head to their flagship location at the base of Taipei 101 and savour every bite. We met with our friend Yuda, who made reservations for us three in advance, and did all the ordering. So, you know we got the best selection!
– Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Pro Tip: Get there early to get a ticket/number or make reservations in advance if possible! Line ups can be very long!
– Must-Try: Soup dumplings (NT$220 for 10 pieces), spicy wontons, and cucumber salad. The chocolate dessert baos were HEAVENLY! 10/10
– Price: Expect to spend around NT$500 per person.
Evening: Experience Your First Taipei Night Market at Tonghua Night Market (通化夜市)
Your next stop is Tonghua Night Market, one of Taipei’s lesser-known but equally delicious night markets. Yuda took us to the most amazing bubble tea shop – instead of tapioca boba, they had mochi boba (this was new for me)! I didn’t know I would love mochi boba so much, but DON’T MISS THIS! It’s a must try for bubble tea lovers. After all, Taiwan is home of bubble tea! Browse through rows of street vendors selling stinky tofu, grilled squid, and other local treats.
– Hours: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
– Price: Street food costs around NT$50-100 per item.
– Tip: Try the stinky tofu (臭豆腐), even if you’re scared—it’s better than it smells! (At least that’s what Ryan tells me…)
End the night with a view: Taipei 101
Cap off your evening by admiring Taipei 101 lit up against the night sky. If you want to take in the panoramic view of the city, the observation deck is open until 10:00 PM. But, honestly, we were stuffed from eating all the delicious food today – from beef noodles to dumplings to mochi boba! Fun Fact from our friend Yuda: The colour of the tower changes every day to match the day of the week. You gotta be a local to know what colour represents what day though!
– Price: NT$600 for the observation deck (optional)
Day 2: Temples, Costco & More Night Markets
Morning: Shopping at DON DON DONKI, Cosmed & Carrefour
Kick off Day 2 with a bit of quirky shopping. DON DON DONKI in Ximen is your one-stop shop for everything Japanese and random. Stock up on cute souvenirs, snacks, or even Japanese cosmetics. Then head to Cosmed, Taiwan’s go-to pharmacy chain, for affordable beauty and health products. For groceries and snacks to take home, check out Carrefour—it’s like Costco, but more local flair! We won NTD$5000 from the Lucky Land Draw and have been using it for transportation to get around Taipei, but we also bought two luggages from Carrefour using those winnings!
– Pro Tip: DON DON DONKI is open 24/7, so you can pop in anytime for a late-night snack run too.
Lungshan Temple (龍山寺)
Next, visit the historic Lungshan Temple, a centuries-old Buddhist temple known for its intricate architecture and spiritual atmosphere. Take a moment to light incense, make a wish, and admire the colourful carvings. The temple is a peaceful escape from the bustling city, and you’ll often find locals here seeking blessings.
– Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
– Price: Free
Afternoon: Costco Run (Yes, Really!)
We needed to compare Taipei’s Carrefour to Costco (our favourite store of all time). We visited the Costco Zhonghe Store, which is a hit among locals and expats alike. Grab some bulk snacks or check out their Taiwanese exclusive products (bubble tea kits, anyone?). It’s a slice of home, with a unique Taiwanese twist. Plus, you might need a quick pizza break after all the exploring. We got quite a few things for lunch including Hokkaido caramel ice cream, Tartar fish steak sandwich, and a Bulgogi bake. What was our favourite? The ice cream – it was heavenly!
– Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM
– Pro Tip: A Costco membership works worldwide, so bring your card!
Evening: Raohe Street Night Market (饒河夜市) & Shilin Night Market (士林夜市)
Now, it’s time for a night market double feature. Start at Raohe Night Market, where you must try the pepper pork buns, Michelin mochi, and flame-grilled beef cubes. What was our favourite? The mochi – you have to try these! They were perfectly chewy, mild in flavour, and exactly what you’d want in a good balanced mochi!
– Hours: Raohe: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
– Price: Expect to spend around NT$200-300 at each market
After filling up there, head to Shilin Night Market, the largest and most famous of them all. From oyster omelets to fried chicken the size of your face, there’s no shortage of delicious food to try. Our favorite was a Taiwanese specialty called “Small Sausage in Large Sausage.” It’s literally a smaller, thinner sausage inside a larger, fatter one, with the larger sausage slit open to serve as a kind of bun. The concept is hilarious—like when my 3-year-old niece tries to negotiate her way out of eating broccoli at dinner by saying, “How about I balance this meat with more meat?” We couldn’t resist trying it, and to our surprise, it was FANTASTIC. I mean, who doesn’t want meat with more meat? (It’s just a little oily).
– Hours: Shilin: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
– Price: Expect to spend around NT$200-300 at each market.
Day 3: Day Trip to Shifen & Jiufen (with time stamps)
Day 3 is all about exploring the charming towns outside of Taipei. This is a very popular day trip from Taipei, so don’t worry about how to get there. There are plenty of signs for tourists just like you! We even got a piece of paper with directions to help guide us to Shifen! Pro Tip: Withdraw cash in Taipei before you make your journey as ATMs are hard to find in Shifen & Jiufen!
9:00 AM – Take the Train to Ruifang
Hop on the TRA train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station (~NT$76). Then, transfer to the Pingxi train for a scenic ride to Shifen.
11:00 AM – Release a Sky Lantern at Shifen Old Street (十分老街)
Shifen Old Street is known for its quaint, railway-lined streets and iconic sky lanterns. You can buy a lantern (NT$150-200), write your wishes on it, and release it into the sky. It’s a beautiful tradition believed to bring good luck.
– Pro Tip: Visit early to avoid the crowds and snag some great photos.
12:30 PM – Visit Shifen Waterfalls (十分瀑布)
Just a short hike from Shifen Old Street is Shifen Waterfalls, often dubbed “Taiwan’s Niagara Falls.” Coming from Toronto, Canada and having seen Iguazu Falls in Argentina and Brazil, I can tell you this is no Niagara or Iguaza Falls. Nonetheless, it’s a picturesque spot where you can admire the cascading water and snap some photos for your travel album.
– Price: Free
– Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
For lunch, we enjoyed a deboned chicken wing that had been marinated, then stuffed with fried rice and homemade BBQ sauce. Yes, you read that right—a stuffed chicken wing! My only regret is not ordering more. Each wing was just NT$75.
2:30 PM – Explore Jiufen (九份)
Take a bus from Ruifang Station to Jiufen, a hillside town famous for its narrow, winding streets and old-time charm. Spend the afternoon wandering through its alleyways, stopping at tea houses, and sampling local snacks like taro balls and peanut ice cream crepes. The vibe is usually misty and a bit spooky – it really feels like you’ve been transported to the set of Spirited Away.
– Must-Do: Sip tea at one of Jiufen’s traditional teahouses, which offer stunning views of the ocean and mountains.
– Price: Tea house visits range from NT$150-300. Keep in mind that some of these places are cash only!
Evening: Head Back to Taipei for One Last Night Market – Ximending
Wrap up your Taipei adventure by heading back to Ximending Night Market. Known as the “Shibuya of Taipei,” Ximending is a lively area filled with trendy shops, street performers, and—you guessed it—more food. We couldn’t go another day without eating dumplings, and we found a lovely street vendor with some of the most mouth-watering dumplings we’ve ever had. Seriously, I’m salivating just thinking about it again. But our favorite food here was from Monga, a small shop that sells Taiwanese fried chicken that is the SIZE OF YOUR FACE! For drinks, grab a bubble tea (duh!) and toast to the end of a perfect three days in Taipei.
– Hours: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
– Price: Expect to spend around NT$200-300.
TOTAL COST for 3 Full Days in Taipei (Approximate, CAD for 2 people):
Accommodations for 4 nights: $213
Activities: $11
Food: $164
Transportation: $33
Souvenirs: $5
TOTAL: $425 (Roughly $53 per person, per day). This does NOT include the Lucky Land Lottery winnings (NT$5000) which we spent primarily on two luggages from Carrefour and some transportation.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Taipei captured our hearts in more ways than one. From the bustling night markets filled with the aroma of mouthwatering street food to the peaceful temples where time slows down, this city is a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Whether you’re here for the food, the history, or the vibrant culture, Taipei promises an unforgettable experience. The city’s warm hospitality, stunning sights, and diverse culinary scene are enough to make any visitor feel at home.
For me, it was more than just another trip; it was a personal journey. As we navigated through temples, night markets, and the awe-inspiring landscapes of Jiufen and Shifen, it felt like we were connecting with something deeper—my own roots, culture, and heritage.
So pack your appetite, bring your sense of adventure, and don’t forget to register for that Lucky Land draw. You never know what surprises Taiwan has in store for you! Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below!
Discover more from Where's Ryan and Celina?
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.