Guidebook for Taipei, City
Food Scene
The restaurant is housed in the premises of Taipei Medical University, which is a 1.6km walk from the liuzhangli MRT station.
Mr Jay French And Italian Restaurant
250號 Wuxing StThe restaurant is housed in the premises of Taipei Medical University, which is a 1.6km walk from the liuzhangli MRT station.
Chill coffeehouse specializing in coffee & espresso drinks made from carefully sourced beans.
Kaldi coffee
21號 Alley 1, Lane 269, Wuxing StChill coffeehouse specializing in coffee & espresso drinks made from carefully sourced beans.
MOS Food Services, Inc., doing business as MOS Burger, is a fast-food restaurant chain that originated in Japan.
MOS BURGER Xinsheng Shop
161-1 Section 1, Xinsheng S RdMOS Food Services, Inc., doing business as MOS Burger, is a fast-food restaurant chain that originated in Japan.
This is Taipei's top spot for Taiwanese food. Though James Kitchen has a warm down-home setting, the presentation and freshness of each dish is anything but commonplace. Try the oysters with bread sticks, the bamboo shoots, the bean curd mushroom rolls, or pretty much anything that catches your eye. It's best to make a reservation.
16 místní doporučují
James Kitchen
65號 Yongkang StThis is Taipei's top spot for Taiwanese food. Though James Kitchen has a warm down-home setting, the presentation and freshness of each dish is anything but commonplace. Try the oysters with bread sticks, the bamboo shoots, the bean curd mushroom rolls, or pretty much anything that catches your eye. It's best to make a reservation.
Locals have mostly abandoned this market as a place to eat, but it's still hugely popular with travellers, who come to enjoy the carnival of streetside snacking, shopping, games and people-watching. It's best to avoid the basement food court area across from Jiantan MRT station, however, as the smoke and grease in the indoor venue can be unpleasant.
#food scene, market, families, budget friendly
439 místní doporučují
Noční trh Š'-lin
101 Jihe RdLocals have mostly abandoned this market as a place to eat, but it's still hugely popular with travellers, who come to enjoy the carnival of streetside snacking, shopping, games and people-watching. It's best to avoid the basement food court area across from Jiantan MRT station, however, as the smoke and grease in the indoor venue can be unpleasant.
#food scene, market, families, budget friendly
Taipei's oldest night market, Raohe St is a single pedestrian lane stretching between two ornate gates. In between you'll find a great assortment of Taiwanese eats, treats and sometimes even seats. Look for pork ribs in herbal broth, vermicelli and oysters, spicy stinky tofu and steamed buns.
At the eastern end of Raohe St sits the multistorey Ciyou Temple , dedicated to the goddess Matsu. The rooftop jiannian (mosaic-like decoration) is delightfully vibrant. To get here, head out of Exit 5 at Yongchun MRT, turn left on Songshan Rd and follow it for about 10 minutes.
422 místní doporučují
Noční trh Raohe
Raohe StreetTaipei's oldest night market, Raohe St is a single pedestrian lane stretching between two ornate gates. In between you'll find a great assortment of Taiwanese eats, treats and sometimes even seats. Look for pork ribs in herbal broth, vermicelli and oysters, spicy stinky tofu and steamed buns.
At the eastern end of Raohe St sits the multistorey Ciyou Temple , dedicated to the goddess Matsu. The rooftop jiannian (mosaic-like decoration) is delightfully vibrant. To get here, head out of Exit 5 at Yongchun MRT, turn left on Songshan Rd and follow it for about 10 minutes.
Everything Else
The highest located convenience store, a FamilyMart, is located in Taipei in the skyscraper Taipei 101.
33 místní doporučují
Family Mart
63號 Minsheng W RdThe highest located convenience store, a FamilyMart, is located in Taipei in the skyscraper Taipei 101.
Taipei Medical University Hospital was established in 1976. Its outpatient services started on August 6th of the same year and provided medical care to the Eastern Taipei community.
Taipei Medical University
250號 Wuxing StTaipei Medical University Hospital was established in 1976. Its outpatient services started on August 6th of the same year and provided medical care to the Eastern Taipei community.
Get a glimpse of Taipei on this three-hour tour. See how the people live in this interesting city. Visit Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, Martyrs's Shrine, a classic Ming Dynasty architecture and later onto the National Palace Museum. Conclude with a visit to a Handicraft Center to view typical Taiwanese craftsmanship.
You'll be picked up from your Taipei city hotel and guided around Taipei's best attractions. Visit the grandiose Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, in downtown Taipei to pay homage to the late President Chiang Kai-Shek. Travel to Martyrs' Shrine to see an excellent example of classical Ming Dynasty architecture dedicated to the fallen war heroes of the country and see the hourly changing of the guard ceremony. The three-hour Taipei tour continues to the National Palace Museum, which houses the world's largest and most valuable collection of Chinese art treasures. There are permanent displays of ceramics, bronzes, oracle bones, porcelain, paintings, calligraphy, enamelware, jade, Ching dynasty costume, carvings, and cabinets, as well as temporary exhibitions of other items.
Travel to one of the many traditional Chinese temples that surround Taipei city. Then it's time for some shopping at the Handicraft Center, the center offers Taiwanese craftsmanship including jewelry, art and furniture. Tour Highlights
Drive past Presidential Building
Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall
Martyrs' Shrine (War Memorial)
National Palace Museum
Chinese Temple
Handicraft Center
MyTaiwanTour
69 Section 2, Nanjing East RoadGet a glimpse of Taipei on this three-hour tour. See how the people live in this interesting city. Visit Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, Martyrs's Shrine, a classic Ming Dynasty architecture and later onto the National Palace Museum. Conclude with a visit to a Handicraft Center to view typical Taiwanese craftsmanship.
You'll be picked up from your Taipei city hotel and guided around Taipei's best attractions. Visit the grandiose Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, in downtown Taipei to pay homage to the late President Chiang Kai-Shek. Travel to Martyrs' Shrine to see an excellent example of classical Ming Dynasty architecture dedicated to the fallen war heroes of the country and see the hourly changing of the guard ceremony. The three-hour Taipei tour continues to the National Palace Museum, which houses the world's largest and most valuable collection of Chinese art treasures. There are permanent displays of ceramics, bronzes, oracle bones, porcelain, paintings, calligraphy, enamelware, jade, Ching dynasty costume, carvings, and cabinets, as well as temporary exhibitions of other items.
Travel to one of the many traditional Chinese temples that surround Taipei city. Then it's time for some shopping at the Handicraft Center, the center offers Taiwanese craftsmanship including jewelry, art and furniture. Tour Highlights
Drive past Presidential Building
Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall
Martyrs' Shrine (War Memorial)
National Palace Museum
Chinese Temple
Handicraft Center
Drinks & Nightlife
In the aptly named ATT4FUN building, you'll find the city's biggest dance floor and a swoon-inducing view of Taipei.
90 místní doporučují
Club Myst
12 Songshou RoadIn the aptly named ATT4FUN building, you'll find the city's biggest dance floor and a swoon-inducing view of Taipei.
Taipei's first speakeasy-style bar is everything you'd expect it to be, including being hidden behind a secret door, heavy on the dark hardwood and dim lights, and serving top-rated cocktails. The establishment is fronted by Relax cafe.
24 místní doporučují
Ounce Taipei
309號 信義路四段Taipei's first speakeasy-style bar is everything you'd expect it to be, including being hidden behind a secret door, heavy on the dark hardwood and dim lights, and serving top-rated cocktails. The establishment is fronted by Relax cafe.
This outlet of the popular chain of KTVs (karaoke) with private room rentals is in the Ximending area.
37 místní doporučují
Partyworld
205 敦化南路1段This outlet of the popular chain of KTVs (karaoke) with private room rentals is in the Ximending area.
In the basement of Taipei 101, this club is renowned for the pulsating lights of the dance floor and ceiling.
12 místní doporučují
spark 101
45 City Hall RdIn the basement of Taipei 101, this club is renowned for the pulsating lights of the dance floor and ceiling.
Just outside the bright lights of the Xinyi District is this classic long, dark and friendly Irish bar with a good range of pub grub such as cottage pie. English premier league games are shown on weekends.
62 místní doporučují
The Speakeasy Bar
554號 Guangfu South RoadJust outside the bright lights of the Xinyi District is this classic long, dark and friendly Irish bar with a good range of pub grub such as cottage pie. English premier league games are shown on weekends.
Sightseeing
Home to the world's largest and arguably finest collection of Chinese art, this vast collection covers treasures in painting, calligraphy, statuary, bronzes, laquerware, ceramics, jade and religious objects. Some of the most popular items, such as the famous jade cabbage, are always on display, but, given the size of the museum's collection, much is on rotation.
The historical range at this museum is truly outstanding. Even within a single category, such as ceramics, pieces range over multiple dynasties, and even back to Neolithic times.
The museum offers free guided tours in English at 10am and 3pm. If you prefer to move about at your own pace, there's an English headphone guide (NT$100).
An annex at the front of the museum (to the left as you head up the stairs) holds regular special exhibitions, which cost extra to attend.
To reach the museum from Shilin MRT station, head out Exit 1 to Zhongzheng Rd and catch R30 (red 30), minibus 18 or 19, or buses 255, 304 or 815. It's about 15 minutes to the museum. From Dazhi MRT station take bus B13 (brown 13).
391 místní doporučují
Národní muzeum
221 Sec 2, Zhi Shan RdHome to the world's largest and arguably finest collection of Chinese art, this vast collection covers treasures in painting, calligraphy, statuary, bronzes, laquerware, ceramics, jade and religious objects. Some of the most popular items, such as the famous jade cabbage, are always on display, but, given the size of the museum's collection, much is on rotation.
The historical range at this museum is truly outstanding. Even within a single category, such as ceramics, pieces range over multiple dynasties, and even back to Neolithic times.
The museum offers free guided tours in English at 10am and 3pm. If you prefer to move about at your own pace, there's an English headphone guide (NT$100).
An annex at the front of the museum (to the left as you head up the stairs) holds regular special exhibitions, which cost extra to attend.
To reach the museum from Shilin MRT station, head out Exit 1 to Zhongzheng Rd and catch R30 (red 30), minibus 18 or 19, or buses 255, 304 or 815. It's about 15 minutes to the museum. From Dazhi MRT station take bus B13 (brown 13).
This former 'Centre Street' has long been known for its Chinese medicine shops, fabric market and lively Lunar New Year sundry market. After a decade of restoration, the street has also become a magnet for young entrepreneurs eager to breathe new life into the neighbourhood with cafes, restaurants, art studios and antique shops.
Díhuà Jiē was constructed in the 1850s after merchants on the losing side of an ethnic feud (all too common in Taiwan's history over different groups' ancestor origins) in the Wanhua area fled to Dadaocheng (now Datong). The merchants prospered here (and some might say got their revenge) as the Wanhua port, further downstream, eventually silted up.
148 místní doporučují
Dihua Street
Section 1, Dihua StreetThis former 'Centre Street' has long been known for its Chinese medicine shops, fabric market and lively Lunar New Year sundry market. After a decade of restoration, the street has also become a magnet for young entrepreneurs eager to breathe new life into the neighbourhood with cafes, restaurants, art studios and antique shops.
Díhuà Jiē was constructed in the 1850s after merchants on the losing side of an ethnic feud (all too common in Taiwan's history over different groups' ancestor origins) in the Wanhua area fled to Dadaocheng (now Datong). The merchants prospered here (and some might say got their revenge) as the Wanhua port, further downstream, eventually silted up.
The temple was founded in 1760 by immigrants from Quanzhou, Fujian province, and its modern size and design began to take shape in 1805. The main resident god is Baosheng Dadi, an historical figure revered for his medical skills. The rear shrine is dedicated to Shengnong, the god of agriculture.
26 místní doporučují
Bao'an Temple
The temple was founded in 1760 by immigrants from Quanzhou, Fujian province, and its modern size and design began to take shape in 1805. The main resident god is Baosheng Dadi, an historical figure revered for his medical skills. The rear shrine is dedicated to Shengnong, the god of agriculture.
Documenting Taiwan's hybrid social and cultural history is this delightful private collection of Lin Yu-fang, a former dentist turned curator. Pieces range from Japanese-era commercial posters to shell figurines, musical instruments, temple implements and decorative carvings saved from the wrecking ball. The oldest piece hails from the Dutch occupation of Taiwan.
21 místní doporučují
Formosa Vintage Museum Cafe 秋惠文庫
178號 Section 2, Xinyi RoadDocumenting Taiwan's hybrid social and cultural history is this delightful private collection of Lin Yu-fang, a former dentist turned curator. Pieces range from Japanese-era commercial posters to shell figurines, musical instruments, temple implements and decorative carvings saved from the wrecking ball. The oldest piece hails from the Dutch occupation of Taiwan.
Towering above the city like the gigantic bamboo stalk it was designed to resemble, Taipei 101 is impossible to miss. At 508m, Taipei 101 held the title of 'world's tallest building' for a number of years, though it now must be content with the world's tallest green building (as in eco-friendly, not envious).
Ticket sales are on the 5th floor of the Taipei 101 Shopping Mall. The pressure-controlled lift up is quite a rush; at 1010m per minute it takes a mere 40 seconds to get from ground level to the 89th-floor observation deck. Observation decks are on the 88th and 89th floors, with an outdoor deck on the 91st floor opened on some occasions, weather permitting. Don't miss the massive gold-coloured iron wind damper that keeps the tower stable through typhoons and earthquakes.
In the basement is a decent food court, and the first five floors are taken up by one of Taipei's swankiest malls. By the time you read this the Taipei 101/World Trade Centre MRT station should have opened. Otherwise get off at Taipei City Hall and walk.
For views of Taipei 101, climb Elephant Mountain or head to WOOBAR at the W Hotel.
1120 místní doporučují
Taipei 101
45 號 Section 5, Xinyi RdTowering above the city like the gigantic bamboo stalk it was designed to resemble, Taipei 101 is impossible to miss. At 508m, Taipei 101 held the title of 'world's tallest building' for a number of years, though it now must be content with the world's tallest green building (as in eco-friendly, not envious).
Ticket sales are on the 5th floor of the Taipei 101 Shopping Mall. The pressure-controlled lift up is quite a rush; at 1010m per minute it takes a mere 40 seconds to get from ground level to the 89th-floor observation deck. Observation decks are on the 88th and 89th floors, with an outdoor deck on the 91st floor opened on some occasions, weather permitting. Don't miss the massive gold-coloured iron wind damper that keeps the tower stable through typhoons and earthquakes.
In the basement is a decent food court, and the first five floors are taken up by one of Taipei's swankiest malls. By the time you read this the Taipei 101/World Trade Centre MRT station should have opened. Otherwise get off at Taipei City Hall and walk.
For views of Taipei 101, climb Elephant Mountain or head to WOOBAR at the W Hotel.
Parks & Nature
This is Taipei’s central park, where the city comes to play. And play it does, from kids rollerblading and playing tag to teens playing basketball and ultimate Frisbee to old men engaged in xiàngqí (Chinese chess). The park is a great place to hang out or to stroll about after a meal on nearby Yongkang St.
In the early mornings, you’ll see folks practising tai chi, and in the evenings, ballroom dancing. On big holidays, especially Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year, the amphitheatre hosts free stage shows featuring some of the biggest names in Taiwanese entertainment.
274 místní doporučují
Daan Forest Park
1號 Section 2, Xinsheng S RdThis is Taipei’s central park, where the city comes to play. And play it does, from kids rollerblading and playing tag to teens playing basketball and ultimate Frisbee to old men engaged in xiàngqí (Chinese chess). The park is a great place to hang out or to stroll about after a meal on nearby Yongkang St.
In the early mornings, you’ll see folks practising tai chi, and in the evenings, ballroom dancing. On big holidays, especially Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year, the amphitheatre hosts free stage shows featuring some of the biggest names in Taiwanese entertainment.
The family mansion of Lin Ying-yin boasts wood and stone carvings, traditional architectural motifs representing luck and fortune and a beautiful traditional garden. You can tour the garden area – which includes ponds, pavilions and numerous buildings – on your own, but to visit the residence (三落大厝, Sān Luò Dà Cuò) you need to sign up for a tour (also free) at the entrance.
Tour times are at 10am, 11am, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm. To get here take Fuzhong MRT Exit 3 and follow the English signs (about a 10-minute/700m walk).
53 místní doporučují
Palác rodiny Lin a zahrada
9 Ximen StThe family mansion of Lin Ying-yin boasts wood and stone carvings, traditional architectural motifs representing luck and fortune and a beautiful traditional garden. You can tour the garden area – which includes ponds, pavilions and numerous buildings – on your own, but to visit the residence (三落大厝, Sān Luò Dà Cuò) you need to sign up for a tour (also free) at the entrance.
Tour times are at 10am, 11am, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm. To get here take Fuzhong MRT Exit 3 and follow the English signs (about a 10-minute/700m walk).
Established in 1908, this was the first urban public park in Taiwan built on European models. Known as Taihoku (Taipei) Park under the Japanese, then Taipei New Park under the Kuomintang (KMT), its present name hails from 1996 in recognition that one of the pivotal events in Taiwanese modern history began here: the massacre known as the 2-28 Incident. The incident involved an uprising in which Taiwanese protested against the post-WWII Chinese government set in place by Chiang Kai-shek. Tens of thousands were killed in the months following.
105 místní doporučují
Park míru 28/2
3號 Ketagalan BoulevardEstablished in 1908, this was the first urban public park in Taiwan built on European models. Known as Taihoku (Taipei) Park under the Japanese, then Taipei New Park under the Kuomintang (KMT), its present name hails from 1996 in recognition that one of the pivotal events in Taiwanese modern history began here: the massacre known as the 2-28 Incident. The incident involved an uprising in which Taiwanese protested against the post-WWII Chinese government set in place by Chiang Kai-shek. Tens of thousands were killed in the months following.
An oasis in the city, this 8-hectare park has well-stocked greenhouses, literature- and Chinese-zodiac-themed gardens, a lotus pond and myriad lanes where you can lose yourself in quiet contemplation. The gardens were established by the Japanese in 1921 and are part of a larger neighbourhood that maintains an old Taipei feel.
Within the park itself look for the Qing administrative office (built 1888) and a herbarium (from 1924). On Nanhai Rd check out the Taipei Municipal Jianguo High School (built 1909), the National Taiwan 228 Memorial Museum (1931), and the buildings associated with the National Museum of History and the adjacent Nanhai Academy.
32 místní doporučují
Botanická zahrada Taipei - Zázvorový park
53號 Nanhai RdAn oasis in the city, this 8-hectare park has well-stocked greenhouses, literature- and Chinese-zodiac-themed gardens, a lotus pond and myriad lanes where you can lose yourself in quiet contemplation. The gardens were established by the Japanese in 1921 and are part of a larger neighbourhood that maintains an old Taipei feel.
Within the park itself look for the Qing administrative office (built 1888) and a herbarium (from 1924). On Nanhai Rd check out the Taipei Municipal Jianguo High School (built 1909), the National Taiwan 228 Memorial Museum (1931), and the buildings associated with the National Museum of History and the adjacent Nanhai Academy.
For 26 years, this two-storey mansion and its elaborate Chinese- and Western-style gardens were once part of the official residence of Chiang Kai-shek and his wife Soong Mei-ling. Today the entire estate is a lovely public park and even the house itself is open, though it merely displays the rather humdrum domestic life, and middlebrow tastes, of the Chiangs.
65 místní doporučují
Shilin Official Residence
60 Fulin RdFor 26 years, this two-storey mansion and its elaborate Chinese- and Western-style gardens were once part of the official residence of Chiang Kai-shek and his wife Soong Mei-ling. Today the entire estate is a lovely public park and even the house itself is open, though it merely displays the rather humdrum domestic life, and middlebrow tastes, of the Chiangs.
Shopping
This is Taipei's most renowned bookshop, with locations all over town. The flagship Dunhua S Rd location is open 24 hours. The Xinyi Branch is the largest bookstore in Taiwan and the B2 level is dedicated to local designs, including innovative jewellery, bags, shoes, stationery, knick-knacks and home furnishings.
6 místní doporučují
Eslite Bookstore
20號 Jingye 3rd RdThis is Taipei's most renowned bookshop, with locations all over town. The flagship Dunhua S Rd location is open 24 hours. The Xinyi Branch is the largest bookstore in Taiwan and the B2 level is dedicated to local designs, including innovative jewellery, bags, shoes, stationery, knick-knacks and home furnishings.
Easily the largest clothing market in the city, Wu Fen Pu encompasses several square blocks of lanes and alleys. You'll find everything from the latest fashions (most shops cater to women) to T-shirts with comically bad Chinglish slogans. To get here take MRT Exit 5 and then turn left on Songshan Rd.
153 místní doporučují
Nákupní čtvrť Wufenpu
Alley 9, Lane 443, Yongji RoadEasily the largest clothing market in the city, Wu Fen Pu encompasses several square blocks of lanes and alleys. You'll find everything from the latest fashions (most shops cater to women) to T-shirts with comically bad Chinglish slogans. To get here take MRT Exit 5 and then turn left on Songshan Rd.
Six storeys of electronics, software, hardware, laptops, peripherals, mobile phones and gadgets of all kinds. Dozens of smaller shops in the surrounding neighbourhood.
118 místní doporučují
Guanghua Digital Plaza
8號 Section 3, Civic BlvdSix storeys of electronics, software, hardware, laptops, peripherals, mobile phones and gadgets of all kinds. Dozens of smaller shops in the surrounding neighbourhood.
This is perhaps the largest market for jade and other semiprecious stones in Asia. It's a good place to buy jewellery, trinkets and religious items, but it lacks appeal if you are just browsing. The market is literally under Jianguo Overpass. Just south is a weekend flower market.
8 místní doporučují
建國假日玉市
Jianguo Elevated RoadThis is perhaps the largest market for jade and other semiprecious stones in Asia. It's a good place to buy jewellery, trinkets and religious items, but it lacks appeal if you are just browsing. The market is literally under Jianguo Overpass. Just south is a weekend flower market.
In the funky loft space above a fusion restaurant in the Huashan 1914 Creative Park is this quirky boutique bookstore/design shop with a rich collection of art and cook books, vintage collectables and designer products. VVG is in the complex of red-brick buildings to the west of the giant smokestack.
10 místní doporučují
好樣思維 VVG Thinking
一號 Section 1, Bade RdIn the funky loft space above a fusion restaurant in the Huashan 1914 Creative Park is this quirky boutique bookstore/design shop with a rich collection of art and cook books, vintage collectables and designer products. VVG is in the complex of red-brick buildings to the west of the giant smokestack.
Essentials
衡陽路32號 / Héngyáng Lù 32 Hào / Hengyang Rd., No. 32
walking distance from Ximen MRT (Blue line, just west of main station).
Use Exit 4. Hengyang ends at 228 Park.
There are many small pharmacies throughout Taipei. If you know what you need, many medications which may be available by prescription only in your home country may be available over the counter. Of course, there are still some medications that are only available through a doctor or hospital such as opiate based pain killers.
Shanghai Union Dispensary
32號 Hengyang Road衡陽路32號 / Héngyáng Lù 32 Hào / Hengyang Rd., No. 32
walking distance from Ximen MRT (Blue line, just west of main station).
Use Exit 4. Hengyang ends at 228 Park.
There are many small pharmacies throughout Taipei. If you know what you need, many medications which may be available by prescription only in your home country may be available over the counter. Of course, there are still some medications that are only available through a doctor or hospital such as opiate based pain killers.