Taiwan Travel Guide

Now when most people think of international travel, they think of destinations like Greece, Bali, Italy, Japan, etc…you know…the “famous” places. Not many people would think of a small island off the coast of China being a place to visit.

But things are changing. Taiwan has become one of the most-visited Asian destinations. Located off the south-eastern coast of China, south-west of Japan’s Okinawa, and north of the Philippines, millions of tourists visit Taiwan because of its scenic views, vibrant culture, and of course, their mouth-watering cuisine.

Enter Wayne

Hi, my name is Wayne Dang, and I have been visiting the island of Taiwan once a year, every year, for about 30 years now. I call it my second home as I have relatives who also live here.

I absolutely love this place as there are just so many things to see and do. Being as how it is one of my most favorite places to visit, I want to share with you all just how great this island really is.

Are you ready? Let’s get started!

The Ultimate Guide To Taiwan

The island of Taiwan is shaped roughly like a sweet potato. It is one of the most densely populated places in the world. Besides its crowded cities, Taiwan is also known for steep mountains and lush forests.

Taipei cityscape

Top Cities in Taiwan

Taiwan retains its place as a major center of Chinese pop culture. In addition, this state is home to bustling cities with modern, high-tech infrastructure, and good transportation infrastructure means that getting around is easy.

Taiwan is also home to some of the well known and most advanced companies in the world, such as Acer, Asus, HTC, and Giant Bicycles.

Taipei – the center of commerce, culture, and entertainment. It is also home to Taipei 101, one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers.
Tainan – is the oldest city in Taiwan and was the capital during imperial times. It is famous for its historic buildings.
Hsinchu – a center of hi-tech industry, and one of the world’s leading manufacturers of hi-tech components. Hsinchu Science Park is the home to many hi-tech companies.
Hualien – located near Taroko Gorge, and is considered one of the most pleasant of Taiwan’s cities.
Jiufen – this former gold mining town located on the northeast coast is now a popular tourist destination.
Kaohsiung – the second-largest city on the island. It has one of the busiest seaports (Kaohsiung Port) in the world and it has the island’s second-largest airport, Kaohsiung International Airport.
Keelung – a center of transshipment in the north, and is located about a 30-minute drive or a 20-minute bicycle ride from downtown Taipei.
Taichung – located in the central-western region of Taiwan, and famous among the Taiwanese for its pastries such as sun cakes and pineapple cakes.
Puli – located at the geographical center of the island, making it a good base for exploring the central mountains and Sun Moon Lake.

Things To Do In Taiwan

The beauty of the island of Taiwan

Taiwan is home to a large number of impressive scenic sites, high mountain ranges, great beaches, and stunning national parks, many with hot springs. The island is also a center of Chinese pop culture with the substantial entertainment industry.

Below is the ultimate list of all of the must-visit places on your visit to Taiwan:

Taipei City

The island is home to many cultural attractions, with an excellent selection right in the capital. Taipei is a bustling and modern metropolis, with ancient yet lively streets, and world-famous landmarks like Taipei 101.

Visit Taipei 101

Taipei 101 standing tall

What better place to start off your trip to Taiwan than the iconic 101 building. Taipei 101 is one of the tallest buildings in the world and is also one of the biggest tourist spots ever in Taiwan.

The building which is called Taipei 101 is 101 stories high and is located in the bustling area of the Xinyi District. This building has many different uses, with the lower 5 levels primarily being a shopping mall and the rest of the building being different offices.

However, the best thing about this building is that you can buy a ticket to go to the observation deck which is located on the 89th to the 91st floor of the building. As of (2020) the price of the ticket to visit the observation deck is around 600 TWD or $20 USD.

You’ll take a ride on one of the fastest elevators in the world to reach the top (which lasts about 37 seconds). Then once you are at the top, you can free roam around the floor and get a fantastic 360-degree view of the city.

By the way, on your way down, you can check out the 730-ton ball that is keeping the building stabilized.

If you are a fan of Starbucks, you’ll be pleased to know that the highest Starbucks in the world is located in this building on the 35th floor.

This place is definitely worth your time to stop by and visit.

Taipei City also home to (and also worth visiting):

Yehliu Geopark (see below)
National Palace Museum (see below)
Dalongdong Baoan Temple (a beautifully restored old temple)
Zhongshan Hall
Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

Yehliu Geopark

Yehliu Geopark is a nature preserve in New Taipei City. It is a popular photo stop with scenic rock formations, fossils, and big waves.

The National Palace Museum

This place is one of my most favorite places to go to. It has the largest collection of antiques in the world which spans over 8,000 years of Chinese history.

Inside the museum houses over 600,000 imperial artifacts taken from ancient China. Things like paintings, rare books, jade objects, jewelry, weapons, etc, all will take you back into time and help you get a glimpse at what life was like for them back then.

They even have guided tours here if you want somebody guiding you around telling you many interesting facts about the items. However, if you’re like me and just love roaming around by yourself, then you can do that too. They even have a mobile app that you can download and use to explore around the museum.

This place is definitely one of the things you have to do and visit when you come to Taiwan.

Temples in Taiwan

A traditional temple architecture

To explore beautiful temples in Taiwan, you should visit:

Dalongdong Baoan Temple – located in Taipei city & is just one of many striking temple complexes worth a visit
Zushi Temple in Sanxia
Mazu temple in Makung

Meinong Lake

The Meinong Lake is a lake and reservoir in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. This 21-hectare artificial lake and fish pond is circled by a jogging & cycling path.

Alishan

Alishan is probably one of Taiwan’s most famous scenic spots. It’s a misty forest of giant cypresses and amazing sunrises at the center of the island, reached by a scenic narrow-gauge train.

You can take a ride up the mountain and be immediately blasted with fresh mountainous air hitting your face. It is a feeling like no other.

You can also take the train around the mountain to different areas where you can hike around and get some amazing views from high above.

However, the most popular thing to do here is to catch the beautiful sunrise from the view on top of the mountain. Just get onto the Sunrise Viewing Train which starts around at 4 am in the morning then hike your way up the Xiaoliyuan Mountain viewing platform.

From the platform, you can gaze into the wonders of the beautiful sunrise flowing above the clouds and mountain peaks. It’s definitely something you’ll want to wake up for.

Sun and Moon Lake

Sun and Moon Lake is Taiwan’s largest lake. It is located in Nantou County, which is in central Taiwan. Nestled at 762 m (2,500 ft) in lofty mountains, this lake is famous for its clear sparkling blue water and picturesque mountain backdrop. It gets its name from the beauty of the area.

The east side of the lake is round which is similar to the sun, while the west side is long and narrow which makes it look like a crescent moon.

There are many different things you can do here. You can take a bicycle ride around the lake which is considered to be one of the most beautiful and scenic bikes riding paths in the world.

Also, you should definitely take a boat ride as it will tour you around the lake and stop at different piers. The boat ferry will ferry you between three piers: Shuishe, Xuanguang, and Ita Thao.

Each pier will have something different for you to do. With the most exciting pier being the Ita Thao Pier. At the Ita Thao pier, you will find yourself surrounded by shopping streets for you to buy food or items at your leisure.

If you want a view from the sky, they even have a gondola lift where you can go from one side to the other and get a fantastic view of the lake. It’s definitely worth your time coming to this lake.

Taroko Gorge

Located near Hualien (off the east coast), Taroko Gorge is very impressive, and should not be missed. It is one of Taiwan’s most beautiful national parks.

This canyon which can reach over 1000 meters high was formed by erosion and earthquakes after millions of years, cutting through the tall walls filled with colored marble rocks.

There are many things you can do here and it is filled with amazing sights to see as well as fun scenic hikes to do. It is a fantastic spot that any tourist will love.

Heck, you might even encounter some monkeys during your trip here or any other animal living in this area.

Note: A side trip to the rugged shores at Shihtiping as a worthwhile detour as well.

Glass Shoe Church

Yes! You heard that right. There is a church in Taiwan that is centered inside a Giant Glass Shoe.

The shoe was specifically made to be a place where lovers can come together and get married here or take wedding photographs together. You’ll notice plenty of neat-looking things related to “Love” if you walk around the shoe.

Tourists who come here can’t actually enter inside the shoe. It is surrounded by a pool of water. So you’ll have to make do with taking a picture with it standing around the pool.

Visit Jiufen

If you have ever watched the movie “Spirited Away”, then this place will look extremely familiar. That is because the movie took inspiration from this amazing place.

The maze like alleys, the red lanterns hanging around the walls, the amazing scenic views, all tell you a story about the rich culture and history of this beautiful place.

The town originally was constructed by the Japanese to mine for gold. So you’ll see a lot of things resembling Japanese traditions here.

It’s a great spot to take a breather, eat some yummy food, shop, and also take amazing pictures.

Explore Night Markets

Taiwan is famous for its night markets. You can not possibly visit Taiwan and not check out some of the amazing night markets this island has to offer. It’s something you just simply can’t resist.

Now if you don’t know what a night market is, it basically is a long row (or street) filled with nothing but shops. These shops will sell a variety of items featuring an assortment of food, clothing, jewelry, or anything else people might want to buy.

Moreover, the night markets are very cheap so almost everything is low priced. My personal favorite is to come to the night markets to eat as often times they are filled with yummy restaurants just waiting to serve you food.

Now the most popular night market in Taiwan is called the Shilin night market which is in Taipei. It is considered to be the largest night market there is in Taiwan, so many tourists will flock here to visit it.

Another big night market that is widely popular is called Raohe which is also in Taipei and is one of the older night markets around.

Near it is a famous temple where you can go in and pray. It will definitely be one of the highlights of your trip.

Yangmingshan National Park

Spanning a mountain range overlooking Taipei city. A beautiful vista and good hiking trails.

Yushan (Jade Mountain)

The highest mountain (3,952 m / 12,966 ft) in Taiwan and also in the entire eastern two-thirds of East Asia. The mountains are now protected as the Yushan National Park.

The Yushan National Park is Taiwan’s largest, highest and least accessible national park. It contains the largest tract of wilderness remaining in Taiwan and is also valued for its pristine forests and faunal diversity, including many endemic species.

Kenting National Park

Located at the extreme southern tip of the island, this park is famous for its beaches and lush vegetation. It’s known for its white-sand beaches, caves, coral reefs & northern mountains.

The park’s main resort, Kenting Town, is home to restaurants, street-food stalls, bars and nightlife.

Shei-pa National Park

A park spanning mountains and rivers located in Hsinchu County. Popular for having great hiking trails.

Lalashan

Located in Taoyuan County, Mt. Lala is one of the natural protection zones in Taiwan. ‘Lala’ means ‘beauty’ in the indigenous Atayal language. There are some 500 to 2800 year-old “divine” trees including the No. 5 divine tree, which is reputedly even older than Confucius.

Lalashan is best known for its peach trees, and peach season (July – August) is the most beautiful time to visit Mt. Lala.

Hot Springs

Taiwan’s geographical location between an oceanic trench and volcanic system makes it an ideal hot springs vacation spot. There are several hot springs destinations throughout the country, including Beitou, Wulai, and Yangmingshan.

The culture of bathing in hot springs was introduced by the Japanese during the colonial period, and remains firmly entrenched in the local culture to this day.

Note: At traditional establishments segregated by sex you may be expected to bathe nude, however many other places are unisex and require a bathing suit.

Hiking

In fact, most of Taiwan is covered with mountains that offer breathtaking views, so hiking opportunities are both plentiful and very diverse.

However, longer hiking is a little complicated due to a 7-days advanced booking necessity and lodging by the lottery process. For more information, please visit np.cpami.gov.tw.

Note: Many shorter hiking trails do not need an advance application or reservation. Use a mobile app. Ask a local about the best current hiking/trail map app as newer apps are frequently released.

Explore Rural Taiwan

For those who have grown weary of the hustle and bustle of cities, Taiwan also offers some very impressive scenery and charming historical villages in its rural areas. Some of the mountainous regions mentioned above will allow you plenty of relaxation and nature.

Events and Festivals

As Taiwan is the majority Han Chinese, traditional Chinese festivals are celebrated in Taiwan. Among the most notable are:

Chinese New Year

This is the most important festival for the Taiwanese and many shops and restaurants close in the first three days so it is not an ideal time to visit.

However, the days leading up to the festival and the fourth to fifteenth days are ideal for soaking up the atmosphere and listening to Chinese New Year songs.

Cherry Blossom Season

Every spring, beautiful cherry blossom season is celebrated in Yangmingshan.

Spring Scream

A three-day outdoor rock concert in Kenting, held every year. Kenting’s entire area gets swarmed by young people coming to party for 3 days, and Taiwanese TV heavily reports on the latest bikini fashions seen on the spot.

Mazu Festival

Festival commemorating the traditional birthday of Mazu, a traditional Chinese goddess who is popularly worshipped in Taiwan.

The biggest celebration is an eight-day long “inspection tour” of a Mazu statue from the Zhenlan Temple in Taichung to the Chaotian Temple in Beigang and back, though many other temples throughout Taiwan’s main island and the outlying islands also conduct their own festivities.

Buddha’s Birthday

Colorful but simple ceremonies are held at Buddhist monasteries that generally consist of washing a statue of the Buddha and a vegetarian feast. It is appropriate to make offerings to the monks and nuns at this time, though it is not mandatory.

Dragon Boat Festival

This festival honors Qu Yuan (born 340 BC), a patriotic official from the state of Chu during the Warring States period of Chinese history who committed suicide by jumping into a river when Chu was conquered by Qin.

To prevent the fishes from eating his body, villagers threw rice dumplings into the river to feed the fishes and rowed dragon boats with drums being beaten on them to scare away the fishes. Since then, dragon boat racing has been carried out on this day and rice dumplings are also eaten.

The festival falls on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month and is marked by races of colorful dragon boats at various locations throughout the island.

Ching Ming Festival

Also known as the “Tomb Sweeping Day”, this is when many Taiwanese pay respects at their ancestors’ graves.

Hungry Ghost Festival

Hungry Ghost festival runs throughout the seventh month (Ghost month) of the Chinese calendar. It is believed that the gates of hell open during this period and hungry ghosts are allowed to roam freely into our world.

In order to appease the ghosts and prevent misfortune, many Taiwanese will offer food and burn joss paper for them. In addition, traditional Chinese performances such as Chinese opera and puppet shows are held to appease these wandering spirits.

Moon Festival

Also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival. Legend has it that on this day, a woman known as Chang E swallowed some divine pills to prevent her power-hungry husband from becoming immortal. Afraid of being killed by her husband, she fled to the moon and it is believed that the moon shines brightest on this day.

This is when many lanterns will be put up for decoration in various parks and shops, which is quite a beautiful sight. Mooncakes are also eaten on this day so it would be an ideal time to try some.

Puppet shows

Puppet shows originated in Fujian province on mainland China and were brought to Taiwan by the first Han Chinese immigrants. Nevertheless, they have since been somewhat modernized and taken on some uniquely Taiwanese characteristics.

Chinese Opera

A traditional Chinese opera is a form of musical theatre in China and surrounding regions with roots going back to the early periods in China. A traditional Taiwanese type of opera performance is Taiwanese Ke-Tse opera.

Gambling in Taiwan

While gambling is illegal in Taiwan, mahjong remains popular among the locals. The Taiwanese version of the game differs significantly from the better known Cantonese and Japanese versions, most notably because a hand consists of 16 tiles instead of the 13 used in other versions.

However, it remains mostly a family and friends affair and there are no publicly-advertised mahjong parlors. If you are staying with the locals, you can perhaps learn and have fun while playing the game.

Culture of Taiwan

Taiwanese culture is largely based on traditional Chinese culture, particularly that of Fujian province, because most Taiwanese are ethnic Chinese whose ancestors migrated to Taiwan from that region.

However, due to recent historical events, Taiwanese culture has also somewhat diverged from that of mainland China.

One way to experience Taiwanese hospitality is through cuisine. The cuisine is a combination of Chinese cuisines, Japanese specialties, and local cuisines from Hakka stir-fries to Taipei beef noodles.

The country is popular for Ilha Formosa, a beautiful island with lofty sea cliffs, shimmering gorges and tropical forests that mark the start of your journey to Taiwan’s alpine peak.

When in Taiwan, you will be greeted with the question “Have you eaten?” It is their way of greeting people. Culturally, you must answer in the affirmative.

Substantial Japanese influences can be seen in modern Taiwanese culture because of 50 years of Japanese rule, and this can be seen in its cuisine and in its pop culture.

In addition, the Japanese introduced baseball and hot-spring bathing to Taiwan, and these remain popular pastimes for the Taiwanese to this day.

The Taiwanese have also retained many elements of traditional Chinese culture that have been lost in mainland China because Taiwan was spared from the excesses of the Cultural Revolution that devastated mainland China.

The large Longshan Temple in Lukang and the Confucian Temples of Changhua and Tainan are a must-visit.

Tainan is also the place to go for Ten Drum Cultural Village and treehouses. If you’re looking for some deeper insights into Taiwan’s history and culture, there’s a wide range of museums to be explored, pretty much wherever you go.

Religion in Taiwan

The folk religion is the most popular belief in Taiwan. It is a mixture of Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism.

The purer form of Buddhism is also popular, as well as various Christian denominations (both Catholics and Protestants).

Local Cusine in Taiwan

Street Food in Taiwan/ Bean Sprout with Squid

For those that didn’t know, Taiwan is basically a food lover dream come true. There are so many tasty and delicious foods here all at cheap and affordable prices.

So here in this list, I’ll be listing some of the most popular foods that Taiwan is known for.

Taiwanese Fried Chicken

As you know, every country has its own variety and take of the classic fried chicken. And the Taiwanese are no different. In Taiwan, you can find fried chicken specialized in two different ways.

One you are most familiar with which is called “Popcorn chicken” has its roots come from Taiwan. The small delicious bite-sized pieces of juicy tender chicken with a nice crunchy exterior. Yum.

Another type of fried chicken they do here is where the chicken is flattened out into a big chunky piece. In fact, some places make the chicken as big as your face.

And the taste of both of these types of chicken is top-notch as they come in a variety of different flavors.

Soup Dumplings

If there is one thing you have to try in Taiwan, it is the soup dumplings. These delicious dumplings are filled with juicy meat (more commonly pork) wrapped inside a nice fluffy bun.

The reason they are called soup dumplings is because inside the bun, they’ll also add a cube of soup inside which when heated up, will melt into the soup. This way when you bite into the bun, you will not only be eating the bun but drinking the soup as well.

One place in particular that specializes in soup dumplings is a place called Ding Tai Fun. They carry a variety of different soup dumplings each filled with different types of meat.

Beef Noodle Soup

Taiwanese beef noodle soup is a prized national dish of Taiwan. It is a must-try thing to have if you ever visit Taiwan. The noodles are long and tasty with a bit of a chewiness to it as well as the beef being oh so tender and juicy.

Finish it off with the aromatic beef soup. You’ll feel like you went to heaven. A lot of work goes into making these great tasting beef noodle soups. With each vendor having their own style of making these dishes. So definitely go around and try as many beef noodle soup as you possibly can.

Oyster Omelet

The oyster omelet is a classic dish that you must have to try in Taiwan. These yummy and delicious omelets are filled with tons and tons of oysters. It’s basically like eating oysters with a side of the egg.

You definitely will not be disappointed with this dish. It’s extremely thick, and also filling that will keep you wanting more and more.

Stinky Tofu

Stinky Tofu is a famous item to get when you are in Taiwan. It is basically fermented tofu that smells pretty bad. Now I know that might turn off a lot of people, however, I assure you that it is incredibly delicious.

The dish might also have a sauce or no sauce added on with some vegetables. It is definitely a unique dish that everybody needs to try.

Pineapple Cake

If you want to try a nice flavorful dessert, then how about pineapple cake. It is a traditional dessert that all Taiwanese people love. It is soft on the outside with a gooey sticky interior that will have you craving for more bite after bite.

Best Time to Visit Taiwan

Shihmen Reservoir in Taoyuan, Taiwan

As you know, Taiwan is becoming a very popular tourist place with millions of people visiting each and every year. With that said, how do you know when is the best time to visit?

Should you avoid public holidays? Festivals? Or what about the weather? For starters, you definitely want to avoid the summer.

This is because, during the summer, you’ll be hit with intense heat both from the sun as well as the weather being so humid. It’ll just feel really disgusting when you are out and about.

Not only that, but this is also the prime season for typhoons which will literally ruin your trip as you are stuck inside avoiding the rain. So if I were you, I would try to avoid summer at all costs.

However, the other seasons are perfectly fine. The best time of year to visit is from Oct-Dec, although even then occasional typhoons can spoil the fun. Spring is also nice, although it rains more than during autumn.

During the typhoon season, the east coast bears the brunt of the damage as it is facing the Pacific Ocean.

In the winter the weather is influenced by the nearby continent, and in the northern areas, the temperature can go as low as 8 °C at night.

In the mountainous regions, you will encounter more temperate conditions. Rapid weather change can endanger unprepared visitors, so advice on proper preparation should be obtained before visiting those areas.

In fact, it snows every year on Taiwan’s highest mountains and occasionally even on mountains like Alishan.

Language

The official language of the country is Mandarin Chinese. However, many people still speak the native Taiwanese tongue.

Currency

The official currency is New Taiwan Dollar. Currency exchange is available at bureaus de change. However, the exchange rate at ATMs is usually more attractive. Keep the receipt, in order to reconvert the local currency before departure.

Also, the easiest currencies to exchange would be US Dollars, Pounds Sterling, Hong Kong Dollars, and Yen.

ATMs are available in big cities, towns and airports. Most of them accept international cards. You can also use all major credit cards in hotels, large shops, and restaurants. Traveler’s cheques are acceptable as well. However, to avoid additional charges, take them in US Dollars only.

Cost Of Travel In Taiwan

Chung Cheng Age Reading Hall, Taipei

Taiwan is a really inexpensive destination. It is totally possible to survive on $10 USD a day or less here. You can find foods as cheap as a dollar or less and hostels that’ll even let you stay in there for free if you volunteer some hours.

Now if you are traveling alone and going to be staying at a hotel while eating out every day, I would suggest a budget of around $100 USD a day. This would be enough to cover the hotels as well as your food, tours, and transportation cost.

Getting to Taiwan

The good news about traveling to Taiwan is that it is really easy to get there. There is really only 1 major airport in Taiwan that is located in Taoyuan.

It is about a 30 to 40-minute drive from the main capital city. Also, most major airlines fly to Taoyuan.

Getting Around In Taiwan

You’ll be glad to know that traveling around Taiwan is a fairly easy thing to do. One of the most common ways of travel is by MRT if you are in one of the 3 major cities that have it.

And if you are reading this post, you are most likely going to be visiting Taipei which means there is an MRT there. MRT’s are basically a subway train on steroids.

It’ll take you literally anywhere throughout the city that you want to visit. Plus, it is really cheap to ride so you can take it as many times as you want without having to break your bank.

Aside from MRT’s, there is also the bus that takes you from place to place. It is much slower than an MRT but is also cheaper and comfortable too. The only downside is that it does get pretty chilly in there so you might want to bring a jacket or a sweater.

One thing I would highly suggest you avoid is to not rent a car or a scooter. This is mainly because the drivers in Taiwan are on a whole another level. They will zig-zag in and out and not have a care in the world about cars near them. Which is why it is very dangerous to drive in Taiwan if you are a foreign tourist.

After all, the number one cause of death for foreign tourists in Taiwan is driving. So try to avoid this if possible. Also, the tourist board advises visitors to hire cars with drivers.

Renting vs Taxi

Taxis are widely available and inexpensive. They all have meters. However, if you want to rent a car, you can do it in one of the major towns. The minimum age to rent a car is usually from 20 to 25, depending on the company.

For long distances, I definitely recommend you take the train as it will get you to any place you want to go to.

Left Side or Right Side Driving

In Taiwan, you drive on the right side of the road, similar to the United States. Visitors from Singapore, UK, Australia, Hong Kong, and India should be aware that traffic is on the opposite side of the road and should exercise caution.

Places To Stay In Taiwan

If you are going to be traveling to Taiwan, I would highly suggest you stay in the capital city of Taipei. This is because Taipei has all the major things that you’ll want to see and do. Plus, many of these cities around Taiwan, are easily accessible by train. You can do day trips where you leave in the morning and come back at night.

In certain cases where you aren’t able to return at night, just simply find a hotel in that city and you’ll be good to go.

Most hotels are pretty cheap and affordable so it shouldn’t be a problem. Now if you are going to be staying in Taipei, here are a few spots that I would recommend you stay at.

Xinyin District

This is the district you will want to stay in if you are wanting to see the life and culture of the Taiwanese people. It is in a busy commercial hub with skyscrapers all around you. Even the famous Taipei 101 building is in this area. There are also many innovative Taiwanese joints, trendy clubs, and luxury mall ere as well.

Do note that because of all these features, the price here tends to be pretty expensive if you are wanting to stay here during your trip. But if money is not a problem for you, then this place would be a fantastic area to stay in.

Ximending District

Ximending is basically the “Harajuku of Taipei”. If you are familiar with Tokyo’s famous teen district, then you can expect to find similar things here. This pedestrian shopping haven is one of the city’s cultural centers, hosting a massive variety of fashion clothing shops, eclectic restaurants, clubs, and bars.

There are many hostels and cheap guest houses located here. So if you are wanting to save some money, then this area would be a great place to stay in.

Da’an District

This district is a popular area for many foreigners and ex-pats. Mainly because this area has quite a few of the city’s most popular markets. Plus it is also home to the original Din Tai Fun restaurant that was made famous for its Michelin star caliber foods.

This area is also a great place to stay as it has many guest houses and Airbnb available for a cheap and affordable price.

Electricity

As for electricity, Taiwan uses type AB sockets. Check out the above-linked page to see the photos and other useful information. The standard voltage is 110V.

Closing

I hope this travel guide has made you as excited as I am about visiting the beautiful island of Taiwan. As you can see, there are so many great things you can see and do here in this amazing country. You will absolutely love it.

Author Bio

Wayne is a part-time traveler and a firm believer that anybody is able to travel no matter how busy they are in work or life. He wants to show you how you can travel better and smarter like never before. So, if you want to check out his travel blog, you can do so by visiting Daily Tourist.