Taipei

There are many must-see attractions in Taipei, including: - The National Palace Museum, which houses over 700,000 pieces of ancient Chinese artifacts and artworks. - The Taipei 101, a towering skyscraper that provides stunning views of the city. - The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, a national monument and park that honors the former President of the Republic of China. - The Shilin Night Market, a bustling market that offers a variety of local street food and snacks. - The Beitou Hot Springs, a natural hot spring that is perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. - The Elephant Mountain, a popular hiking trail that offers breathtaking views of the city. - The Longshan Temple, a historic temple that is dedicated to the goddess of mercy. - The Ximending Shopping District, a trendy shopping and entertainment area that is popular among young people. - The Taipei Zoo, a large zoo that is home to many rare and exotic animals. - The Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, a national monument and park that honors the founder of the Republic of China.

There are many popular activities to do in Taipei, including: - Visit the night markets like Shilin Night Market, Raohe Night Market, and Ningxia Night Market. - Enjoy traditional Taiwanese cuisine such as beef noodles, stinky tofu, oyster omelet, bubble tea and more. - Take a ride on the Maokong Gondola for a scenic view of Taipei city and a tea tasting experience. - Take a dip in the Beitou Hot Springs and enjoy the natural hot spring water. - Visit Taipei 101 and go up to the observatory for a panoramic view of the city. - Go hiking in Yangmingshan National Park, Elephant Mountain, or Xiangshan. - Visit the National Palace Museum to learn about ancient Chinese art and history. - Take a stroll in the historic district of Dadaocheng and learn about Taipei's past. - Visit the Taipei Zoo and see the giant pandas and other exotic animals. - Go shopping in Ximending, the largest pedestrian shopping area in Taipei.

If you're looking for some hidden gems in Taipei, here are a few suggestions: - Treasure Hill Artist Village, a community of artists who have transformed this historic hillside village into a vibrant art space. - Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, a former tobacco factory turned creative space that features art exhibitions, design shops, and restaurants. - Zhishan Cultural and Ecological Garden, a park that features beautiful gardens, a pond, and a tea house. - Ximending Red House Theater, a historic building that has been transformed into an artistic hub with shops, galleries, and performances. - Huashan 1914 Creative Park, a former winery turned creative space that hosts art exhibitions, concerts, and festivals. - Lin An Tai Historical House and Museum, a restored 19th century mansion that offers a glimpse into traditional Taiwanese architecture and culture. - Museum of Drinking Water, a museum that showcases the history of Taipei's water supply. - Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf, a scenic spot to enjoy seafood, shopping, and beautiful views of the river and mountains. - Taipei Fine Arts Museum, a museum that showcases contemporary art from Taiwan and around the world. - Zhongshan Hall, a historic building that hosts concerts, performances, and cultural events.

The best time to visit Taipei is generally from October to December when the weather is mild, and the skies are clear. Spring (March to May) is also a good time to visit when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. However, Taipei is a year-round destination, and each season has its own unique charms. Summer (June to August) can be hot and humid, but it's also a great time to enjoy the beaches and water activities. Winter (January to February) can be cold and rainy, but it's a great time to enjoy hot springs and winter festivals.

Transportation in Taipei is convenient and efficient. The Taipei Metro, also known as the MRT, is a modern and clean subway system that covers most of the city. The MRT runs from 6am to midnight, and fares start at NT$20. You can purchase an EasyCard, a rechargeable smart card that can be used for public transportation, parking, and shopping. Taxis are also readily available and affordable, but they can be more expensive during rush hour or late at night. Buses are another option, but they can be crowded and confusing for non-Chinese speakers.

Taipei has a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Some popular areas to stay include: - Ximending, a trendy shopping and entertainment district that is popular among young people. - Taipei 101, a luxurious area with high-end shopping and dining options. - Zhongshan, an area with a mix of budget and mid-range hotels and easy access to public transportation. - Daan, a residential area with upscale shopping and dining options. - Beitou, a mountainous area with natural hot springs and scenic views. - Wanhua, an historic district with budget hotels and a bustling night market.

There are many traditional foods to try in Taipei, including: - Beef noodles, a hearty noodle soup with tender beef and flavorful broth. - Stinky tofu, a fermented tofu that is deep-fried and served with spicy sauce. - Oyster omelet, a savory omelet made with oysters and vegetables. - Bubble tea, a sweet and refreshing drink with tapioca pearls. - Xiao long bao, a type of dumpling with soup inside. - Gua bao, a steamed bun filled with braised pork, pickled vegetables, and peanut powder. - Scallion pancakes, a crispy and savory pancake with scallions and sesame oil. - Mango shaved ice, a refreshing dessert with shaved ice, fresh mango, and condensed milk. - Iron eggs, a snack made with hard-boiled quail eggs that are stewed in soy sauce and spices. - Pineapple cakes, a sweet and crumbly pastry filled with pineapple jam.

If you're traveling to Taipei, here are some etiquette tips to keep in mind: - Respect local customs and traditions, such as removing your shoes before entering someone's home or a temple. - Use two hands to pass or receive objects, especially when dealing with elders or people in authority. - Avoid pointing with your finger, and use your hand or head instead. - Do not touch someone's head, as it is considered disrespectful. - Do not leave chopsticks standing upright in a bowl of rice, as this is a funeral ritual. - Do not tip in restaurants or taxis, as it is not customary in Taiwan. - Learn a few words of Mandarin or Taiwanese, such as greetings and thank you.

The currency used in Taipei is the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD or TWD). Banknotes come in denominations of NTD 100, 200, 500, 1000, and 2000, while coins come in denominations of NTD 1, 5, 10, and 50. Credit cards are widely accepted in Taipei, especially in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it's always a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases or street food.

Taipei is generally a safe city for travelers, but it's always a good idea to take some precautions: - Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas or at night. - Keep your valuables close and secure, and avoid wearing expensive jewelry or accessories. - Use caution when crossing the street, as traffic can be heavy and chaotic. - Be wary of scams or pickpocketing, especially in tourist areas. - Respect local laws and customs, and avoid getting involved in illegal activities. - In case of emergency, dial 110 for police or 119 for ambulance and fire.