Taipei is one of those rare cities that exceeds expectations. The night markets alone are worth the flight; imagine dozens of stalls serving everything from soup dumplings to stinky tofu to bubble tea, all at prices that seem impossibly low. Beyond the food, you'll find ornate temples next to sleek skyscrapers, hot spring resorts on the city's edge, and some of the friendliest locals you'll meet anywhere. Taiwan offers incredible value for travelers. Accommodation is affordable, street food costs almost nothing, and public transport is excellent. The challenge is finding a good flight deal, which is why smart travelers set up alerts. When prices drop on Taiwan routes, they drop hard. Being ready to book when that happens can save you hundreds.
Best Time to Fly to Taipei
Peak Season
October through November brings perfect weather and fall festivals, making it peak tourist season. Chinese New Year (January/February) sees domestic travel surge with higher prices throughout.
Off Season (Best Deals)
March through April offers pleasant spring weather with cherry blossoms at Yangmingshan. June through August is hot and typhoon-prone, but prices are lower and crowds thinner.
Spring (March to May) brings pleasant 68-82°F with occasional rain. Summer (June to August) is hot and humid, 82-95°F with typhoon season. Fall (September to November) is ideal at 70-82°F with clear skies. Winter (December to February) is mild at 54-68°F but can be rainy.
💡Book 2-3 months ahead for best prices. For Chinese New Year, book 4+ months out as Taiwan flights get extremely expensive.
Cheapest Months to Fly to Taipei
Cheapest Months
March, June, September
Most Expensive
Chinese New Year, October to November, Christmas/New Year
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Must-Try Foods in Taipei
Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings)
Taiwan's soup dumplings rival Shanghai's best. Din Tai Fung originated here and remains exceptional, but also try local favorites like Hangzhou Xiaolong Tang Bao. The technique is key; bite a small hole, sip the soup, then devour the dumpling with ginger and vinegar.
$8-15
Beef Noodle Soup
Taiwan's unofficial national dish features tender braised beef, chewy noodles, and rich, complex broth that restaurants spend hours perfecting. Lin Dong Fang and Yong Kang Beef Noodles are legendary, but every neighborhood has its champion. Expect to wait; it's worth it.
$5-10
Night Market Snacks
Taipei's night markets are street food paradise. Must-tries include oyster omelettes, fried chicken cutlets bigger than your face, pepper buns, and mango shaved ice. Shilin Night Market is the most famous, but Raohe and Ningxia offer better food-to-tourist ratios.
$2-5
Top Attractions in Taipei
Taipei 101
Once the world's tallest building, this bamboo-shaped tower remains Taipei's icon. The observation deck on floor 89 offers stunning city views, and the world's largest tuned mass damper is genuinely impressive. Visit at sunset for the best light. Skip the line by booking tickets online.
Longshan Temple
This 280-year-old temple is Taipei's spiritual heart, dedicated to the Buddhist goddess Guanyin. The ornate architecture, incense smoke, and devoted worshippers create an atmosphere that feels timeless. Visit early morning to see locals praying and fortune-telling rituals. Free but donations welcome.
Jiufen Old Street
This hillside village's narrow lanes, red lanterns, and tea houses inspired Spirited Away's bath house town. It's touristy but magical, especially at dusk when the lanterns glow. Try taro balls and peanut ice cream rolls. Go on a weekday if possible to avoid crushing crowds.
Daily Costs in Taipei
Taipei is remarkably affordable for a major Asian capital. Street food costs almost nothing, public transport is cheap, and even nice restaurants are reasonable. Your biggest expense will be the flight.
Accommodation (per night, pick one)
Budget
$40-70
Mid-Range
$80-150
Airbnb
$50-100
Food (per day)
Street Meal
$3-6
Restaurant
$8-20
Coffee
$3-5
Transport
Local Transport
$0.50-2/ride
Comfortable Daily Budget
(excluding flights)
$60-120
Getting Around Taipei
From the Airport
Taoyuan Airport MRT reaches Taipei Main Station in 35-40 minutes for about $5. Buses are cheaper but slower. Taxis cost $30-40 and take 45-60 minutes depending on traffic.
Getting Around
The Taipei MRT is excellent; clean, efficient, and cheap. Get an EasyCard for seamless travel on MRT, buses, bikes, and convenience stores. YouBike stations are everywhere for short trips. The city is also very walkable in good weather.
Tips
- •Get an EasyCard immediately; it works on everything and gives small discounts on MRT and buses.
- •Rent a YouBike for exploring riverside parks and neighborhoods. Registration is easy with a credit card.
Where to Stay in Taipei
Zhongzheng (Taipei Main Station area)
Central location with excellent MRT access to everywhere. Close to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Ximending shopping, and plenty of restaurants. Not the most charming area, but unbeatable for convenience and transport connections.
Xinyi District
Taipei's modern heart with Taipei 101, upscale malls, and the city's trendiest bars and clubs. The ATT 4 FUN building has multiple nightlife floors. More polished and expensive than other areas, but the energy is undeniable.
Da'an / Yongkang Street
Tree-lined streets, independent bookshops, excellent restaurants, and a relaxed vibe make this Taipei's most livable neighborhood. Yongkang Street alone has legendary beef noodles, Din Tai Fung, mango shaved ice, and great cafes.
Smart Travel Tips for Taipei
FAQs About Flights to Taipei
Taipei is very affordable. Night market meals cost $3-5, MRT rides are under $2, and mid-range hotels run $80-150. You can travel comfortably on $60-80 per day excluding flights. The flight is typically the biggest expense.
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