Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Taipei

• When visiting Taipei for 3+ days, you should buy an EasyCard at any MRT station. EasyCards make it easier and cheaper to use the metro, bus and the U-Bike sharing program.

• Public transportation is great in Taipei. Using the metro or public bus systems instead of taxis is a great way to get around.

• In local and traditional restaurants, tipping is not usually expected as the service charge is added to the bill automatically.

• Chopsticks and spoons are the main utensils in most Taiwanese restaurants. Western chains will have forks and knives, but small "mom and pop" local places may not. Be sure to visit the iconic night markets and indulge in all the delicious street food that Taipei has to offer.

Check out more travel tips from the TripAdvisor community here: Taipei Travel Guide on Tripadvisor

In the words of those who've been there before ...

Kumber N

Taipei is a great place to travel with young children/teens. The attractions, even historic ones, are very engaging and there are lots of great restaurants and markets.

erindesantiago

Food plays a major role in Taiwanese culture, and the small island's overwhelming number of delicious eats means that Taiwan is quickly cementing itself as one of the world's best destinations for food lovers.

Navy35

Taiwan really is a gem to visit. It is small and very easy to travel from one end of the island to the other. I don't speak Mandarin, but very rarely do I have problems communicating. The people are lovely and friendly and food is relatively cheap and very good quality.

What is the best way to get there?

Flying:

Taiwan’s main airport is Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), located around 45 minutes west of Taipei, in Taoyuan county.

Bus:

The best and most economical way to get to Taipei from Taoyuan airport is by bus. There are many airport buses that take you to Taipei Main Station, with drop off points along the route at major hotels and MRT (metro) stations.

Train

Alternatively, if there is heavy traffic, take the U-Bus to Taoyuan High Speed Rail station (about 20 minutes) and board a High Speed Train to the city. Choose to alight and switch to the MRT at either "Banqiao" or "Taipei" HSR Station.

Taxi

Unless you are arriving very late at night, or have a lot of luggage, there is no real reason to catch a taxi. A taxi from the airport to the city center will be around NT$1,200, depending on traffic.

For more information about getting to Taipei, see here.

Do I need a visa?

Most short term visits to Taiwan do not require a visa. Check the full list of countries that qualify for visa exemption on the Taiwanese government website.

When is the best time to visit?

Fall (September to November): Taipei is a subtropical climate, so you will not experience four distinct seasons. The best time to visit is during the fall, when the weather is a little cooler, and rainfall is at its lowest.

Find out more about weather in Taipei, see here.

Train and Bus

Metro Taipei is the city’s train system. Standard prepaid Metro Easycards cost NT$500, inclusive of a NT$100 refundable deposit and NT$400 stored value, which is more than sufficient for a week-long stay. The Easycard can also be used on most buses and helps you save up to 20% of single trip fares.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available in Taipei, although it is a more expensive option than riding the bus or train.

How much do I tip

Except for bellhops and service personnel in international hotels, tipping in Taiwan is generally not expected.

Restaurants (especially in large hotels) will often include 10-15% gratuity on your bill. Even very small family-style Taiwanese restaurants are doing this now, however usually no more than 10%. If you are sensitive to service charges — ask first.

For more information about tipping and etiquette in Taiwan, see here.