Taipei, Taiwan’s capital and home to more than 2.7 million people, has long prospered as a center for commerce and trade. Today it is a major hub for electronics manufacturing and a top destination for both Asian and Western visitors. From the gleaming Taipei 101 skyscraper to centuries-old temples and bustling traditional markets, the city offers an invigorating blend of modern innovation and rich cultural heritage.
GETTING THERE
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport is about 30 miles from downtown Taipei, roughly a one-hour drive. The airport is served by numerous international carriers, including China Airlines and EVA Air. Taxis are readily available on the west side of the arrivals lobby in Terminals 1 and 2; a one-way fare to Taipei typically runs around $35. For a more economical option, Kuo-Kuang Motor Transport operates buses to the city 24/7, with a trip taking about 60 minutes and costing roughly $4.
GETTING AROUND
The most efficient ways to travel around Taipei are the MRT metro system and the bus network. The MRT runs from early morning until midnight and offers day passes for unlimited travel during operating hours; a one-day pass costs around $5. Tourist shuttle buses also serve the city’s major attractions, with fares ranging from about $0.50 to $10 depending on the route.
9–5
Ya Ge
Located in the Mandarin Oriental, Ya Ge provides an elegant Cantonese dining experience in a refined setting that includes private rooms for meetings or special gatherings. The menu features upscale dishes such as Australian Wagyu beef with foie gras and rice noodles with Kavalan black pork and black truffle. The restaurant maintains a smart-casual dress code; men are expected to wear long sleeves, full-length pants and closed shoes.
Marco Polo Lounge
For an afternoon tea with a view, the Marco Polo Lounge on the 38th floor of the Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel offers sweeping vistas of Taipei 101, the city skyline and surrounding mountains. Afternoon tea is served daily from 2:30 to 5 p.m., making it a pleasant stop between sightseeing and evening plans.
W Taipei
W Taipei offers meeting and event packages focused on sustainability, including energy-efficient signage, locally sourced menus, reusable serviceware and eco-friendly printing. The Go Green Sustainable Meeting Package is well suited to organizations that prioritize environmental responsibility or want to host stylish, low-impact events.
AFTER 5
The National Palace Museum
The National Palace Museum holds one of the world’s largest collections of Chinese art and artifacts, from rare books and calligraphy to ceramics, weaponry and the famous jade cabbage. The museum extends its hours into the evening on certain days—typically open until 6:30 p.m. on weekdays and later on Fridays and Saturdays—making it convenient for visitors to explore after daytime activities. English audio guides are available for a small rental fee.
Shilin Night Market
Shilin Night Market is one of Taipei’s most beloved evening attractions. This large market area features countless stalls selling street food, snacks and a variety of goods, and it comes alive around dusk, staying open well past midnight. Visitors flock here to sample local specialties and experience the energetic nocturnal atmosphere.
Soho X Marquee
Located in the lively Xinyi District, Soho X Marquee is a popular nightlife destination serving Western-style dishes and creative cocktails. The venue opens in the evening and is known for attracting a fashionable crowd. It also accommodates private events, business gatherings and product launches.
RESOURCES
For additional travel information, consult Taipei’s official tourism resources and local transport guides to plan your visit and make the most of your time in the city.