The best hotels in Taipei
We reviewed 10+ hotels across Taipei's main districts. These 10 made the cut for food, nightlife, temples, and transport convenience.
Our 10 Top Picks in Taipei
Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.
GININN
Taipei
$32/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Mandarin Oriental, Taipei
Taipei
$306/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
MEANDER Taipei
Taipei
$35/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Members Hotel
Taipei
$47/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Hotel Metropolitan Premier Taipei
Taipei
$147/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
MGH Mitsui Garden Hotel Taipei Zhongxiao
Taipei
$105/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
CHECK inn - Taipei SongJiang
Taipei
$48/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
CHECK inn Express - Taipei YongKang
Taipei
$33/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Les Suites Hotel Taipei Qingcheng
Taipei
$122/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Grand Hyatt Taipei
Taipei
$278/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Why These Hotels Made Our List
Here's why each one made the cut.
GININN
No stars, no problem. With a 4.8 from over 4,000 guests at $32 a night, this is one of Taipei's most consistent budget picks. You're in a city where street food dinners cost $2, so pocket the savings. Rooms are compact but clean. Don't expect lobby lounges or concierge service.
Address:GININN, 103, Taiwan, Taipei City, Datong District, Zhaoyang Village, Nanjing W Rd, 151號6樓
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Mandarin Oriental, Taipei
The gold standard for business travelers who need to impress clients. You're paying $306 a night for impeccable service and a Da'an address that signals arrival. The spa alone is worth a visit even if you don't stay. Skip it if you'll be out sightseeing all day.
Address:Mandarin Oriental, Taipei, No. 158, DunHua N Rd, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10548
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MEANDER Taipei
Two-star rating, four-and-a-half-star experience. At $35, it consistently beats hotels twice the price on reviews. Perfect base for first-timers who want central access without draining the budget. Rooms are no-frills but staff know their city. Book early. It fills up fast.
Address:MEANDER Taipei, No. 163號, Chengdu Rd, Caiyuan Village, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108
Neighborhood:Wanhua District
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Members Hotel
$47 gets you a solid 3-star with a 4.6 rating that many 5-stars can't match. Near Zhongshan, so you're a short walk from MRT and the night market circuit. Rooms are clean and quiet. Good for couples doing a week-long itinerary who need reliability over luxury.
Address:Members Hotel, 110, Taiwan, Taipei City, Xinyi District, Zhongxing Village, Section 2, Keelung Rd, 22號5樓
Neighborhood:Xinyi District
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Hotel Metropolitan Premier Taipei
The sweet spot for business travel on a tighter expense account. Five stars at $147 means you get the full service package without the Grand Hyatt price tag. It connects directly to Taipei Main Station, which puts the entire MRT network at your feet from check-in.
Address:Hotel Metropolitan Premier Taipei, No. 133號, Section 3, Nanjing E Rd, Fuhua Village, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 104
Neighborhood:Zhongshan District
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MGH Mitsui Garden Hotel Taipei Zhongxiao
Japanese chain efficiency dropped into Taipei's best shopping corridor. You're steps from Zhongxiao Dunhua and the city's best coffee shops and restaurants. Rooms follow Mitsui's signature minimal-functional design. At $105 a night for a 4-star, it's one of the stronger value plays in the mid-range tier.
Address:MGH Mitsui Garden Hotel Taipei Zhongxiao, No. 30號, Section 3, Zhongxiao E Rd, 大安區 Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10652
Neighborhood:Da’an District
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CHECK inn - Taipei SongJiang
Reliable, no-nonsense budget chain at $48 that punches above its class. SongJiang puts you between Zhongshan and Nanjing East MRT stations. You'll walk to restaurants, convenience stores, and transit without effort. Rooms are small but functional. Perfect if you're treating Taipei as a base, not a staycation.
Address:CHECK inn - Taipei SongJiang, No. 253號, SongJiang Rd, Songjiang Village, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 104
Neighborhood:Zhongshan District
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CHECK inn Express - Taipei YongKang
$33 and you're in YongKang, the neighborhood with Din Tai Fung's original location around the corner. The Express format means genuinely small rooms, so pack light. But for the price and location, it's hard to argue. Order soup dumplings for lunch on your first day. Seriously.
Address:CHECK inn Express - Taipei YongKang, No. 73號, Section 2, Xinyi Rd, Wenxiang Village, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10057
Neighborhood:East Gate
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Les Suites Hotel Taipei Qingcheng
Boutique 5-star at $122 is a proper find. Qingcheng is quiet and residential, but you're close enough to Da'an Park and the MRT to not feel stranded. Suite-style rooms mean more space than most city hotels at this price. Good pick if you want calm without compromise.
Address:Les Suites Hotel Taipei Qingcheng, No. 12號, Qingcheng St, Zhongzheng Village, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105
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Grand Hyatt Taipei
Taipei's most recognizable luxury landmark, right next to Taipei 101. Over 15,000 reviews confirm it delivers consistently. At $278, it's the pricier end of the city's luxury tier, but the pool, restaurants, and lobby make it a destination, not just a place to sleep. Request a 101-facing room.
Address:Grand Hyatt Taipei, No. 2號, Songshou Rd, Xicun Village, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110061
Neighborhood:Xinyi District
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Didn't find your match above? Here's every hotel in Taipei.
Every scored hotel in the city. Filter by price, rating, or type to find yours.
| # | Hotel | Our Score | Guest Rating | Reviews | Type | Price/Night | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GININN | 4.8 | 4 288 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $30/night | Book → | |
| 2 | Mandarin Oriental, Taipei | 4.6 | 11 714 | 5★ | $100/night | Book → | |
| 3 | MEANDER Taipei | 4.6 | 1 836 | 2★ | $40/night | Book → | |
| 4 | Members Hotel | 4.6 | 1 222 | 3★ | $50/night | Book → | |
| 5 | Hotel Metropolitan Premier Taipei | 4.5 | 3 457 | 5★ | $150/night | Book → | |
| 6 | MGH Mitsui Garden Hotel Taipei Zhongxiao | 4.5 | 2 726 | 4★ | $110/night | Book → | |
| 7 | CHECK inn - Taipei SongJiang | 4.5 | 1 929 | 3★ | $50/night | Book → | |
| 8 | CHECK inn Express - Taipei YongKang | 4.5 | 757 | 3★ | $30/night | Book → | |
| 9 | Les Suites Hotel Taipei Qingcheng | 4.5 | 708 | 5★ | $120/night | Book → | |
| 10 | Grand Hyatt Taipei | 4.4 | 15 478 | 5★ | $100/night | Book → | |
| 11 | CityInn Hotel Taipei Station One | 4.4 | 1 398 | 3★ | $40/night | Book → | |
| 12 | Xinshe Hotel | 4.4 | 758 | 4★ | $50/night | Book → | |
| 13 | hotel mvsa | 4.4 | 616 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $90/night | Book → | |
| 14 | Taipei Hotel B7 | 4.3 | 1 504 | 3★ | $40/night | Book → | |
| 15 | Miramar Garden Taipei | 4.3 | 3 401 | 4★ | $100/night | Book → | |
| 16 | CHECK inn Taipei Main Station | 4.3 | 927 | 3★ | $40/night | Book → | |
| 17 | Taipei Inn | 4.3 | 740 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $30/night | Book → | |
| 18 | Finders Hotel | 4.3 | 2 622 | 3★ | $40/night | Book → | |
| 19 | 68 Residence 森光寓 - Deluxe Double Room with Two Double Beds | 4.9 | 8 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $30/night | Book → | |
| 20 | CJ Hotel - Classic Quadruple Room | 5.0 | 8 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $40/night | Book → |
Where to Stay in Taipei
The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel.
Da'an: The Best Neighbourhood Base
Da'an District has the highest concentration of good hotels and restaurants per square kilometer in Taipei. The core is Yongkang Street, a pedestrian-friendly lane lined with boutique dumpling shops, bubble tea houses, and the original Din Tai Fung. From MRT Da'an Station, you can reach Xinyi (20 mins), Zhongshan (15 mins), or Shilin Night Market (25 mins).
Hotels in Da'an run from TWD 1,500 budget guesthouses near Shida Night Market (which has the best student-priced food in the city) to TWD 6,000 boutique hotels on Anhe Road. The Daan Forest Park (a 26-hectare urban park) is walkable from most Da'an hotels and excellent for morning runs or evening tai chi watching.
Xinyi: Taipei 101 and Luxury Hotels
Xinyi District is Taipei's modern business and luxury zone. Taipei 101 (the observation deck is TWD 600 for the 89th floor at 509m). The Xinyi shopping malls (Taipei 101 Mall, ATT 4 Fun, Breeze Center) are the most upscale retail in Taiwan. Rooftop bars on the Vieshow Cinemas building at Breeze Center offer Taipei 101 views with cocktails.
Luxury hotels here (Grand Hyatt, W Hotel, Mandarin Oriental) are 10-20% cheaper than Hong Kong or Singapore equivalents and significantly better value. Business travellers particularly benefit from the proximity to Taipei's major corporate headquarters in the Nanshan district.
Shilin Night Market: How to Do It Right
Shilin Night Market at MRT Jiantan station is the largest night market in Taipei and the most popular with tourists. The underground food court has standardised prices. The street stalls around Wendelin Road and Danan Road have better food and more authentic atmosphere.
Arrive by 7-8pm, before it peaks at 9-10pm when crowds make eating unpleasant. Focus on: oyster vermicelli (TWD 50-70, $1.55-2.15), Taiwanese fried chicken (TWD 60-80), scallion pancake (TWD 40). Skip the tourist-facing signs with English menus: the stalls with the longest queues of locals are the genuine ones.
Elephant Mountain: The Taipei Skyline Shot
Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain) is a 183m hill 10 minutes walk from Xiangshan MRT station (Blue Line). The trail takes 20-30 minutes to climb via stone steps and a rope section near the summit. The view platform at the top frames Taipei 101 against the surrounding mountains. Best visited 1 hour before sunset for golden hour.
The hike is genuinely steep in places (rope assist on the final section). Wear proper shoes: flip flops are dangerous. The trail is crowded at sunset on weekends. Go on a weekday afternoon for a peaceful experience. Free, no entry fee, open daily.
Beitou Hot Springs: The City's Spa Quarter
Beitou is 30 minutes from central Taipei by MRT (Danshui-Xinyi Line to Beitou, transfer to Xinbeitou branch). The district has been a hot spring destination since the Japanese colonial era (1895-1945) and retains beautiful Japanese-era architecture. The public hot spring pools at Millennium Hot Spring cost TWD 40 ($1.23) on weekdays.
Premium hot spring hotels in Beitou run TWD 3,000-8,000 ($92-246) per room. Most include in-room hot spring baths. The Beitou Hot Spring Museum (former public bathhouse, Japanese era, free entry) is worth 45 minutes for the architecture alone. Go early morning on a weekday when the public pools are used by locals rather than tourists.
Din Tai Fung: Managing the Queue
Din Tai Fung's original branch at 194 Xinyi Road, Section 2 in Da'an is a Taipei pilgrimage. The xiao long bao (soup dumplings) here have had a Michelin star for decades. The queue on weekends reaches 90-120 minutes. Strategies: arrive when it opens at 11am on a weekday (queue: 20-30 minutes). Or go to the branches in the Xinyi shopping mall area, which are larger and slightly faster.
Order the signature xiao long bao (TWD 250 for 10 pieces, $7.70), the steamed green vegetables with garlic (TWD 120), and the shrimp and pork shaomai. The pork chop fried rice (TWD 230) is often overlooked but exceptional. Budget TWD 400-600 per person including drinks. Bring cash or card both.
Taipei's best hotel regions
Taipei's best neighbourhoods for visitors are Da'an (Yongkang Street food, boutique hotels, MRT access), Zhongzheng (Ximending night market, budget hotels, train station access), and Xinyi (Taipei 101, luxury hotels, rooftop bars). Each has a distinct character and the MRT connects them all within 20-30 minutes.
Da'an District 3 vetted hotels Food, boutique hotels, MRT access, Yongkang Street
Food, boutique hotels, MRT access, Yongkang Street
The most liveable area of Taipei for visitors. Yongkang Street food, Shida Night Market, Daan Forest Park, and easy MRT to all major sights.
Best balance of price and quality. Budget guesthouses to boutique hotels all within the same district. Restaurant options are the best in the city.
Browse all Da'an District hotels → Xinyi District 3 vetted hotels Taipei 101, luxury hotels, rooftop bars
Taipei 101, luxury hotels, rooftop bars
The modern luxury zone. Taipei 101, major malls, and the Grand Hyatt, W Hotel, and Mandarin Oriental. Best for business travellers and luxury seekers.
20% cheaper than equivalent hotels in Hong Kong. The Elephant Mountain sunset hike starts 10 minutes walk from Xiangshan MRT in this district.
Browse all Xinyi District hotels → Ximending and Zhongzheng 2 vetted hotels Budget base, train station, night market proximity
Budget base, train station, night market proximity
Ximending is the youth fashion and street food district near Taipei Main Station. Good budget accommodation and easy access to HSR and TRA trains.
Noisier and more chaotic than Da'an but significantly cheaper. Longshan Temple is walkable. Ximending pedestrian zone has good night street food until midnight.
Browse all Ximending and Zhongzheng hotels → Zhongshan and Songshan 2 vetted hotels Boutique hotels, embassy district, creative scene
Boutique hotels, embassy district, creative scene
Zhongshan District has a cluster of boutique design hotels and the best bar scene in Taipei. Linsen North Road area is the Japanese dining street. Creative arts district near Songshan Cultural Park.
Slightly less tourist-heavy than Da'an. Lin's Fine Jewelry Museum and the Lin family mansions are unexpected heritage highlights in this district.
Browse all Zhongshan and Songshan hotels →Best Areas by Vibe
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Night Market Culture
Taipei has the best night market food in Asia. Shilin Market for scale, Raohe Street for authenticity, Ningxia Road for food quality. Items cost TWD 40-150 ($1.25-4.60). The xiao long bao at Din Tai Fung on Yongkang Street (TWD 250 for 10) and the beef noodle at Lin Dong Fang (TWD 200-280) are essential Taipei experiences.
Temple Circuit
Longshan Temple in Wanhua is Taipei's most active Buddhist temple: 24-hour incense burning, fortune-telling stands, and worshippers from dawn. Xingtian Temple in Zhongshan is dedicated to Guan Yu (God of War, Righteousness) and particularly busy on weekdays with businesspeople seeking good fortune. Both are free to enter.
Luxury Hotels
The Mandarin Oriental on Dunhua North Road is the finest hotel in Taipei (and significantly cheaper than in Hong Kong). W Taipei in Xinyi has the best rooftop pool in the city. Palais de Chine near Taipei Main Station offers French-Qing aesthetic luxury. Rates run TWD 8,000-15,000 ($246-462) at peak.
Affordable Asian Capital
Taipei competes with Bangkok and Hanoi for best value in Asia. Budget guesthouses near Ximending from TWD 900 ($28). 7-Eleven convenience store breakfast (coffee plus riceball) for TWD 55 ($1.70). Day MRT pass TWD 150 ($4.60). Full dinner at a local restaurant from TWD 300 ($9.25). An entire day costs under TWD 2,000 ($62) comfortably.
Family Activities
National Palace Museum has 700,000 items and works for all ages with a strong audio guide (TWD 400 including entry, $12.30). The Maokong Gondola (cable car to tea mountain, TWD 120 return) is a family favourite. Children's Amusement Park at Jiantan is free for rides under certain heights. Lehua Night Market in Zhonghe is the most relaxed with families.
Day Trips
Jiufen (90 minutes by Bus 1062) has hillside lantern tea houses above the Pacific Ocean. Taroko Gorge (2.5 hours by train to Hualien) is one of Asia's most dramatic marble gorges. Yehliu Geopark (1 hour north) has bizarre natural rock formations. All three are full-day excursions and genuinely excellent.
We tested hotels across Da'an, Xinyi, Ximending, and Zhongshan districts with a focus on MRT access, breakfast quality, and value for money. Taipei has exceptional high-value accommodation at every price point.
Location Quality
Is the neighborhood walkable? Are restaurants, shops, and attractions within 10 minutes on foot? How does it feel after dark? We evaluate safety, public transport access, and whether the area has genuine local character or just tourist traps. A hotel in the wrong neighborhood ruins a trip. That's why location carries the most weight.
Value for Money
We compare what you pay against what you get. A €150 hotel with a great location, clean rooms, and helpful staff can outscore a €500 hotel with fancy amenities in a bad area. We factor in seasonal pricing, cancellation policies, and hidden costs like tourist tax and breakfast surcharges. The goal is finding the best ratio, not the lowest price.
Guest Experience
We analyze thousands of verified guest reviews across multiple platforms, looking for patterns rather than individual complaints. Consistent praise for cleanliness, staff, and room quality counts. We also assess the intangibles: does the hotel have character? Would you recommend it to a friend? A soul-less chain hotel with perfect facilities still loses to a well-run boutique with personality.
Every hotel on this page earned its spot through this process.
When to Visit Taipei
Hotel prices, crowds, and weather vary by season.
Autumn (Oct-Nov)
October-November is the best weather window: mild temperatures, low humidity, minimal rain. City is comfortable to walk extensively. Hotel prices are reasonable before the December-January holiday peak.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Mild winter temperatures. Chinese New Year (January-February) is the most crowded period with everything booked. Outside CNY, December-January is good weather and manageable crowds.
Spring (Mar-Apr)
March and April have comfortable temperatures and occasional showers. Yangmingshan National Park (30 minutes by bus) has cherry blossoms in late February and wildflowers through March-April.
Summer (May-Sep)
Hot and extremely humid. Typhoon season July-September. Ghost Festival in July-August is a fascinating cultural event. Prices drop in July-August. If you go, start early and rest during 11am-3pm.
Booking Tips for Taipei
Smart booking strategies for Taipei.
Get an EasyCard immediately on arrival
Buy an EasyCard (TWD 100 deposit, loaded at MRT station machines or 7-Eleven) at the Taoyuan Airport MRT station immediately after landing. It gives 20% discount on all MRT fares, works on buses, Youbike, and many shops including 7-Eleven. Essential. The 1-day unlimited pass (TWD 150) is better value if you take 4+ MRT trips per day.
Queue Din Tai Fung on a weekday at opening
Din Tai Fung original branch at 194 Xinyi Road, Da'an, opens at 11am. Arrive 10:50am on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Queue at opening: 15-20 minutes. Arrive at 12:30pm on a Saturday: 90+ minutes. The Michelin-starred xiao long bao is genuinely worth the queue but time it right. Order 3-4 portions of 10 for two people.
Hike Elephant Mountain before sunset on a weekday
Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain) via Xiangshan MRT station (Blue Line) is a 20-minute climb to a platform with the definitive Taipei 101 panorama. Go 1.5 hours before sunset on a weekday (far fewer crowds than weekends). The stone steps and rope section require proper shoes. Best clear days: October-December and March-April.
Use Grab taxi app for all non-MRT trips
Grab works well in Taipei and estimates fares before booking. City center trips cost TWD 150-350 ($4.60-10.75). The MRT covers 90% of tourist destinations but Grab fills the gaps (Jiufen starting point, Beitou, night market areas). Taiwan taxi drivers are generally honest, but Grab removes all language barriers.
7-Eleven in Taiwan is genuinely better than a restaurant
Taiwan's 7-Eleven stores (every 300m in Taipei) have consistently good hot food: steamed pork buns (TWD 35, $1.10), onigiri with tuna mayo (TWD 30, $0.92), good coffee from City Cafe (TWD 55, $1.70). For a budget breakfast or late-night snack, 7-Eleven at 11pm beats every other option under TWD 150 ($4.60). The stores are open 24 hours.
Jiufen: go early afternoon, not morning
Jiufen's stepped streets and tea houses are atmospheric from 2pm as the light changes and lanterns begin to glow. Bus 1062 from Taipei Main Station takes 90 minutes and costs TWD 102 ($3.14). Arrive around 2pm. Have tea at Amin Tea House (TWD 300-400 for tea and light snacks with Pacific views). Leave before 6pm when the evening crowds hit.
Hotels in Taipei, FAQ
Straight answers from our team.
What is the best area to stay in Taipei?
Da'an District is the most well-rounded: Yongkang Street food scene, MRT Da'an Station, boutique hotels at every price, and 20 minutes to both Xinyi (Taipei 101) and Ximending by MRT. Xinyi is for business travellers and luxury seekers near Taipei 101. Ximending/Zhongzheng is budget-friendly and near the main station. Zhongshan has the best boutique nightlife hotel scene.
Is Taipei expensive?
No, it is excellent value for an Asian capital. Budget guesthouses: TWD 900-1,500 ($28-46) per night. Mid-range: TWD 2,500-5,000 ($77-154). Luxury (Mandarin Oriental, Palais de Chine): TWD 8,000-15,000 ($246-462). Night market food: TWD 50-150 ($1.55-4.60) per item. Restaurant dinner for two with drinks: TWD 800-1,800 ($25-55).
How is public transport in Taipei?
World-class. The MRT covers all major tourist areas. A single trip costs TWD 20-55 ($0.62-1.70). The EasyCard (loaded from TWD 100 at any station or 7-Eleven) gives 20% discount on fares. The 1-day MRT pass is TWD 150 ($4.60), 2-day TWD 250. Buses extend coverage. Taxis are cheap: most city center trips TWD 150-300 ($4.60-9.20).
What night markets should I visit?
Shilin Night Market (MRT Jiantan) is the largest and most famous: arrive by 8pm before it peaks. Raohe Street Night Market near Songshan station is smaller, more local, and less tourist-oriented. Ningxia Road Night Market is considered the best for authentic local food. Ximending is a pedestrian shopping and food zone open nightly rather than a traditional market.
How many days should I spend in Taipei?
4-5 days is ideal. Day 1: Da'an and Yongkang Street, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Day 2: Xinyi (Taipei 101 observation deck, TWD 600), Elephant Mountain for the 101 skyline shot. Day 3: National Palace Museum (3 hours minimum), Shilin Night Market. Day 4: Jiufen day trip (1.5 hours by bus) or Beitou hot springs.
Is the Taipei 101 observation deck worth it?
Yes, once. The ticket costs TWD 600 ($18.50) and the elevator to the 89th floor (509m) takes 37 seconds. Views on a clear day are genuinely impressive. Go late afternoon for the transition from day to lit-up city at night. The Elephant Mountain trail (free, 20 minutes from Xiangshan MRT) gives a similar Taipei 101 framing shot without the fee.
Should I do a day trip to Jiufen?
Absolutely. Jiufen is the inspiration for Spirited Away (Miyazaki has never confirmed this but locals claim it enthusiastically) and genuinely looks the part: hillside tea houses with red lanterns over narrow stepped streets, fog rolling in from the Pacific below. Bus 1062 from Taipei Main Station takes 90 minutes for TWD 102 ($3.14). Arrive by 3pm to enjoy it before the evening crowds.
What is Yongkang Street and why is it good?
Yongkang Street in Da'an District is a 400m pedestrian lane lined with boutique restaurants, tea houses, and dumpling shops. Din Tai Fung (the globally famous xiao long bao restaurant) has its original branch here. The line at Din Tai Fung reaches 60-90 minutes during lunch; arrive when it opens at 11am to get in within 30 minutes. The street and adjacent lanes have 50+ excellent restaurants.
Is Taipei safe?
Extremely safe. Taiwan has very low crime rates. Taipei is consistently ranked among the safest Asian cities for solo travellers, including women. Lost property is regularly returned. The main safety concern is scooter and motorcycle traffic, which can be heavy and unpredictable. Use pedestrian crossings and wait for green lights.
What is the best food in Taipei?
Beef noodle soup (niu rou mian) is the signature dish. Lin Dong Fang on Bade Road at Xingtian Temple exit serves arguably the best in Taipei for TWD 200-280 ($6.15-8.60). Din Tai Fung's xiao long bao on Yongkang Street. Pineapple cakes from Chia Te Bakery at MRT Zhongxiao Dunhua (TWD 22 each). Stinky tofu at Shilin Night Market if you are brave.
What currency and payment does Taipei use?
New Taiwan Dollar (TWD). Most hotels, restaurants, and shops accept cards including 7-Elevens (ubiquitous in Taiwan). Carry some cash for night markets (mostly cash only) and small street stalls. ATMs at 7-Eleven branches are reliable and accept international cards. Exchange rate: approximately TWD 32-33 per USD at banks.
What should I not miss in Taipei?
Three things: the full Yongkang Street food morning (9am-noon, eat at 4-5 different places), the Elephant Mountain sunset hike (Xiangshan MRT, 20-minute scramble up stone steps, best Taipei 101 skyline view), and Raohe Night Market for 2 hours on a Thursday or Friday evening. These three experiences cost under TWD 1,500 ($46) combined and represent peak Taipei.
Useful links for Taipei
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