Planning notes for Taipei

Taipei is a municipality located in northern Taiwan, situated within the Taipei Basin and bordered by the Tamsui, Keelung, and Xindian rivers. The history of the area includes early habitation by the Ketagalan people, followed by periods of Spanish and Dutch presence in the 17th century. During the Qing Dynasty in the 18th century, Han Chinese settlers established permanent communities in districts such as Bangka and Dadaocheng. In 1884, a stone wall was constructed to enclose the city center.

Must-try foods nearby

• Braised Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan)
  Widely considered Taiwan’s national dish, this comfort staple consists of finely minced or hand-cut fatty pork belly slow-simmered in soy sauce, five-spice.
• Beef Noodle Soup (Niu Rou Mian)
  Taipei is obsessed with this dish, which comes in two primary styles: 'Hong Shao' (red-braised with spicy soy and tomato) and 'Qing Dun' (clear, medicinal broth).
• Taiwanese Burger (Gua Bao)
  Known as the 'Tiger Bites Pig,' this iconic snack features a thick slab of succulent braised pork belly tucked into a pillowy, clam-shaped steamed bun.
• Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao)
  While popularized globally by Din Tai Fung, the Taipei version is a masterclass in precision.
• Stinky Tofu (Chou Dou Fu)
  A polarizing but non-negotiable Taipei experience. Tofu is fermented in a brine of milk, vegetables, and meat for months until it develops its signature pungent aroma.

When to go: The best months to visit Taipei are March to May and October to November, which offer pleasant temperatures (68–77°F) and the clearest skies for sightseeing and hiking. Avoid the peak summer months (June–September) if you want to bypass extreme humidity and.

Local tips

• Refrain from eating, drinking, or chewing gum on the MRT and within station fare gates to avoid strict fines.
• Never stick your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice because this gesture resembles funeral offerings and is considered offensive.
• Use both hands when giving or receiving objects like money, cards, or gifts to demonstrate proper respect.
• Stand on the right side of escalators in public areas to allow those in a hurry to pass on the left.

What travelers are noticing

• International concert series at the Taipei Dome featuring acts like TWICE and ONE OK ROCK
• Completion of the Zaha Hadid-designed Danjiang Bridge, a major new architectural landmark
• World’s largest Crayon Shin-chan immersive exhibition at Huashan 1914 Creative Park

Extra place context

• Simple Kaffa Sola
  Located on the 88th floor of Taipei 101, this is the flagship of World Barista Champion Berg Wu. It represents the peak of Taipei's world-class coffee culture.
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