Guide to Visiting Taipei, Taiwan for the First Time

Last updated on January 30th, 2026 at 02:46 pm

The One and Only Taipei for First Time Visitors Guide You’ll Ever Need

If you’re planning a trip to Taipei, Taiwan, for the first time, you’re in the right place. I’ll highlight the best area to stay in Taipei for sightseeing, along with five popular and affordable hotels you’ll enjoy.

Plus, I’m throwing in a couple of recommended restaurants in Taipei you should try for a first taste of Taiwan!

And tips on a couple of things you might want to do after landing in Taoyuan Airport. Plus, the best way to get from Taoyuan Airport to the city of Taipei.

You’ll undoubtedly learn a lot from this post based on my frequent travel experiences to Taipei!

On This Trip to Taipei, Taiwan…

Usually, when I make my annual trip back to New York, I stop over in Seoul, South Korea, for a week’s stay. That’s my usual routine.

But I’ve been changing it up a bit, like going to Doha, Qatar, for the first time last year. This year, I also decided it was time to visit somewhere different again.

My travel agent gave me a few options. Taipei was one of them. And like that, I decided it was due time to revisit Taiwan.

I also wanted to gather and research up to date information for writing this post about visiting Taipei, particularly for those planning their very own first exciting trip to Taiwan.

If you’re a regular blog reader of mine, you know I’m not big on planning. Just like I did when I first visited Taipei, or anywhere else for that matter. I go. And if I make a mistake, then I’ve made a mistake and learned something in the end.

So, in this guide to Taipei, you’ll learn what to expect while traveling to Taipei from the mistakes of yours truly.

I’ll start by letting you know what to do after stepping into the arrival hall of Taoyuan Airport. The best mode of public transportation to reach the city of Taipei.

Here we go!

Landing in Taoyuan Airport – Be Sure to Exchange Currency and Buy a SIM Card at Taoyuan Airport

Don’t Forget to Exchange Your Local Currency for Taiwan Dollars

Having some Taiwanese dollars on hand is important because the country is primarily cash based. Small restaurants do not accept debit/credit cards. Taipei’s popular street food and hawker stands are relatively inexpensive, so it’s a good idea to have some money on hand.

One of the biggest mistakes I made on my first trip to Taipei years ago was not exchanging any cash at the airport. I mean, there are ATMs in the airport right next to currency exchange booths. And there are many banks all over Taipei to withdraw cash as well.

However, if you’re like my mother, who only wants to carry cash, expecting to exchange it in Taiwan, you might run into a bit of bad luck like I have.

Taiwan has strict regulations on currency exchange. Only banks in Taiwan are licensed and authorized to exchange foreign currency. Also, all banks in Taiwan are closed on weekends. On weekdays, banks close around 4pm.

The Story of My Life

So the bad luck I ran into was that I had some Thai Baht I wanted to exchange on hand. I was in Taipei during Qingming Festival, which fell on a Thursday. Qingming is a big deal holiday in Taiwan, so the banks were closed for 4 days straight for a long holiday weekend.

If you’re visiting Taipei during a long holiday and run into a bit of bad luck like I had, there is an exchange currency center in the basement level of Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Taipei Station Store.

However, Shin Kong only exchanges major currencies, such as the US dollar, Australian dollar, Japanese yen, Chinese yuan, Canadian dollar, and the Euro.

So I was out of luck again with Thai Baht.

Taoyun Airport is Where You Can Get the Best Currency Exchange Rates

But you’ll get better exchange rates at Taoyuan Airport. So remember, if you plan on exchanging cash on your trip to Taipei, do it at Taoyuan airport first.

However, if you plan to withdraw cash from ATMs in Taiwan, this wouldn’t be an issue. As many as 24-hour ATMs can be found all over Taipei.

However, I’m only bringing this currency exchange issue up because I know there are still travelers out there who prefer to exchange currency.

Don’t Forget to Purchase a SIM Card for Your Mobile Phone

Also at Taoyuan Airport, buy a SIM card for your mobile phone at one of the telecom kiosks located at the airport arrival level. You can purchase a prepaid 3-day data package, which includes 4G access for about NT$300. There are also prepaid SIM card packages that last up to 7 days or can be used monthly. But the minimum plan is 3 days.

Even though there are many Wi-fi hotspots all over Taipei, it’s best to get a Taiwan SIM card installed on your cell phone. So you can use Google Maps for directions to your hotel. And do some quick research on where to go in Taipei while waiting for a train or grabbing a bite to eat.

Why’s it better to pick up a SIM card inside Taoyuan Airport?

Because if you pick one up at a telecom store in Taipei, you will not have much selection. And end up paying more than you’d have to.

For instance, a few years ago, I forgot to buy a SIM card at Taoyuan Airport and had to purchase one at a telecom shop in Taipei. They only had a 5-day SIM card that cost NT$500 in stock. But I was only in Taipei for 3 days at the time.

If I bought my SIM card at the airport, I would’ve saved some cash. Pick up that SIM card at Taoyuan Airport to get the exact plan you need for your stay.

Here are 2 Taiwanese Telecom Companies in Taoyuan Airport, I recommend, located in the arrival hall:

1. Chunghwa Telecom
2. Taiwan Mobile

Staff at either shop will help you install the SIM card. After registering the card, you’re all set to go before leaving the airport. With a working SIM card on your phone, you can use map apps to pinpoint destinations and search for points of interest and places to rest and eat.

Having internet access on your mobile phone will certainly make your first visit to Taipei more enjoyable, as you can search for directions.

You don’t have to pick up a SIM card if you don’t want to. But today, having a map app and the ability to use it on your smartphone is just so convenient. Think about it, you’ll have a chance to read this awesome blog in Taipei whenever and wherever!

I use Google Maps Timeline to keep track of the places I’ve been to, which is helpful whenever I need to reference them for my blog writing. You can turn Google Maps timeline on and off anytime.

Airport Bus or Airport Train to Taipei Main Station – Which is Better?

Now that you’re out of the airport, you’re thinking about which is the best way to get from Taoyuan Airport to the city. You’ve got two choices to get to Taipei, or to be more precise, Taipei Main Station, which is the city’s main public transportation hub:

1. Airport Bus (Kuo-Kuang Line Bus #1819 – NT$135 one-way)
2. Airport Train (MRT – Mass Rapid Transit – NT$160 one-way)

I have tried both modes of transportation. If you’re heading straight for Taipei Main Station, then it’s a no-brainer decision to choose the Airport Train.

What About Taxis?

Sure, you can hire a taxi, but if you want to save some cash, public transport is the way to go. And it’s so straightforward to use public mass transportation. Plus, the money you save will be considerable.

You’ll Get to Taipei Quicker with MRT

The airport bus fare to Taipei Main Station costs NT$135 and takes roughly 1 hour to drive with no traffic. The operative word is no traffic. But why risk it?

The Airport MRT costs NT$160 and also takes about 1 hour to reach Taipei Main Station. The price difference is so slight. Pay for the Airport MRT fare, and you won’t have to worry about car traffic or accidents, or bus malfunctions.

The Airport MRT is the Most Convenient (But the Airport Bus is Useful Too)

That said, the airport bus is your only option to get to Taipei Main Station if you’ve arrived at Taoyuan Airport past midnight. Because the Airport MRT stops service at midnight.

Airport Bus departing Taoyuan Airport to Taipei Main Station runs 24 hours with 15-20 minute intervals.

Now that you know how to get from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei Main Station, let me point out the best area to stay in Taipei for your first visit to Taiwan!

You can even walk to this area from Taipei Main Station. It can’t get any easier than that!

Ximending District 西門町 – The One and Only District You Should Stay in Taipei for Your First Visit to Taiwan

Ximending District is a 15 minute walk from Taipei Main Station. You can also hop on a 1 stop subway train ride on the MRT Bannan Line (Blue Line) to Ximen Station for NT$20 from Taipei Main Station.

Ximending is highly recommended for its convenience, offering everything you need for an enjoyable stay in Taipei.

Ximending attracts a lot of locals, mostly the young crowd, because it has a lot of shops, movie theaters, and exceptional little restaurants. Ximending is Taipei’s central entertainment district!

But the main reason locals and tourists love Ximending is the variety and choices of food! It’s like the entire area is dedicated to foodies.

Staying at a hotel in Ximending is a smart move because everything you’ll need is within walking distance, especially excellent places to eat.

I’ll point out a few places you have to check out for some good Taiwanese food at the end of this guide.

Ximending is like Myeondong District in Seoul, South Korea. And just like it is in Seoul, if you choose to stay in Ximending, you can walk to many popular city tourist attractions in Taipei without riding the subway trains.

You Will See that Exploring Taipei on Foot is Quite Pleasant

Taipei truly is one of the best cities to explore on foot. The sidewalks are wide and well paved. There are street signs with English and vicinity maps located at street corners.

One thing I want to bring up is that the Taiwanese, in general, do not jaywalk. I’m not aware of any jaywalking laws in Taiwan, but locals are super patient and disciplined while waiting for the correct light to cross the road even when there are no visible moving cars or motorbikes in sight.

Now that you know why the Ximending district is the best area to stay in Taipei, I’ll point out a selection of hotels in Ximending that I’ve personally stayed in and recommend in this guide to visiting Taipei.

Five Taipei Hotels I Recommend in Ximending District

Plus Some Tips on Booking Hotels in Taipei

The key to a good travel experience is to stay at good quality hotels. However, I don’t often plan my trip itinerary. I do spend most of my research time looking for the best areas to stay for sightseeing. My research showed that Ximending met all my criteria.

The criteria I look for include lively neighborhoods, access to a variety of local food, shopping, and public transportation.

The hotels and hostels I recommend below are priced in the mid range, so about $40USD to $80USD . And depending on the season, possibly $100USD.

I don’t suggest paying extra for breakfast at any hotel in Taipei. Not unless the price is too reasonable to pass up.

What you can find on the streets of Ximending early in the morning for breakfast is likely to be cheaper and tastier than what you’d find at the hotel.

And since all the hotels I recommend below are close to restaurants, you can save quite a bit of cash.

And of course, you’ll find 7-Eleven and other types of convenience stores near the hotels and hostels in Ximending, which I recommend.

Also, bear in mind that these hotels offer a choice of rooms with windows and no windows. Rooms with windows cost a bit more. All have free Wi-Fi access.

Best Hotels in Ximending District

1. Hotel Papa Whale – Rated 4 Star Hotel

Don’t let the weird name of this hotel fool you. I’ve stayed in Hotel Papa Whale more than a few times. It’s one of the newest and most affordable mid range hotels in Ximending District. The rooms are spacious and clean. There’s a unique industrial factory look and design, unlike a conventional hotel.

Here’s an in depth review of Hotel Papa Whale on my most recent stay in Taipei. This is one of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed in the Ximending District.

Hotel Papa Whale: Check Rates
How to Get There: 15 minute walk from Taipei Main Station. 10 minute walk from Ximen Station.
Address: No. 46, Kunming Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108

2. InPage Hotel and Hostel – Rated 3 Star Hotel

InPage Hotel and Hostel is mostly a hostel type property, so there’s shared bathroom access. I know a lot of my readers are females, so I recommend InPage Hostel and Hotel because they have female only guest rooms.

Just be sure to indicate during your booking if you want female only guest rooms by inputting it into the special request box.

InPage Hotel and Hostel: Check Rates
How to Get There: 10 minute walk from Taipei Main Station.
Address: No. 37, Section 1, Chongqing South Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100

3. Roader’s Hotel Taipei – 3 Star Rated Hotel

I also know I have a lot of readers traveling with teens and young children, which is why I’m recommending Roader’s Hotel because there’s a game room with foosball as well as a kids’ playroom. And for the adults, there’s even a small gym.

Okay, well, it’s a tiny gym, but really, there are not a whole lot of hotels in Ximending that are child friendly with a gym and affordable.

Roader’s Hotel: Check Rates
How to Get There: 10 minute walk from Taipei Main Station.
Address: No. 68, Yanping South Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100

4. Orange Hotel Ximending – 3 Star Rated Hotel

I recommend Orange Hotel Ximending because it’s the nicest and most affordable hotel that is only 3 minute walk to Taipei Main Station. I know there are travelers out there, for whatever reason, who need to get to Taoyuan Airport easily. Because riding the Airport MRT at Taipei Main Station will only take 1 hour to get to Taoyuan Airport.

Besides the convenience factor, Orange Hotel Ximending is a nice hotel perfect for families or small groups of travelers.

Orange Hotel Ximending: Check Rates
How to Get There: 3 minutes walk from Taipei Main Station
Address: 108, Taiwan, Taipei City, Wanhua District, 中華路一段166號之2

5. Relax III Hotel – 3 Star Rated Hotel

Relax III Hotel is perhaps the priciest on this list, with prices up to $ 100 USD. It’s a very modern hotel with modern decorations and a modern feel. Plus, it’s also close to Taipei Main Station, about a 5 minute walk.

I’m recommending this hotel because the Relax III Hotel rates usually include breakfast. Okay, so I did mention it’s not necessary to book a room with breakfast included because there are better food options outside of the hotel.

However, I understand that some readers may want a hotel breakfast without the hassle of searching for something to eat outside.

Also, I picked Relax III Hotel for traveling families because at this hotel you can book adjoining rooms.

Relax III Hotel: Check Rates
How to Get There: 5 minute walk from Taipei Main Station
Address: No. 34, Huaining Street, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100

Now that you know the hotels I recommend in Taipei are all in Ximending District in this guide, I will now point out a few restaurants that I know you will enjoy as much as I did. As well as a couple of other pointers on where you can find some good eats in the Ximending District.

After all, what’s the point of a guide to visiting Taipei for the first time if I don’t include a section on food?

Where to Find the Best Beef Noodle Soup (牛肉麵) in Ximending District

If you don’t know by now, one of Taiwan’s most famous dishes (or should I say bowls) is beef with noodle soup “niu rou mian” (牛肉麵). Now if you do a search on google about where the best beef noodle restaurants in Taipei, chances are you’ll come across the famous Yong Kang Beef Noodles. But that restaurant is not in the Ximending district, which I tried. And yes, I agree it’s good.

Fu Hong is just a short 3 minute walk from Hotel Papa Whale, which is another reason why I like to stay there. And Fu Hong is open 24 hours, so you can have your beef noodle fix anytime of the day!

However, I prefer this hole in the wall restaurant in Ximending District called Fu Hong Beef Noodles 富宏牛肉麵, and they have a Facebook page here. Price for a large bowl cost NT$110 and it’s a big bowl with nice chewy thick chewy noodles and a hefty portion of tender beef in a hearty beef broth.

This restaurant is packed full of hungry customers during lunch and dinner. Since it’s open 24 hours, I eat there for breakfast early in the morning. So, not a problem at all getting a seat. You won’t find an English menu because there aren’t many tourists who come here.

It’s more of a local joint. And when it’s a restaurant full of locals, then it’s a good sign.

There are photos of beef noodles, so point to it and they’ll get you set up with a hot, steaming bowl. If you’re into spicy chili try their house made chili oil for a spicy kick in r your pants.

Where to Find the Best Fried Pork Chop Noodle Soup in Ximending District

Another dish that you should try before leaving Taiwan is the Fried Pork Chops. You can have it over rice or noodles. I always order my pork chops with noodles.

The name of this restaurant is K.M.Y., and that link will get you a Google map view with directions. But it’s right in the Ximending District and not far from Hotel Papa Whale. Yes, another reason why I like staying at that hotel. The price of this fried pork chop with noodle set is NT$210 which is not a bad deal at all.

I appreciate that their pork chop seasonings are not overly loaded with MSG. They have just the right amount of pepper in the batter, and the pork chop is fried to juicy perfection.

K.M.Y. is very busy during peak lunch and dinner, full of locals. They open around 11am and close about 9pm. Inside space is limited, so tables are shared and in short supply. It’s easier to find a table if you’re eating for one. All you have to do is sit down if a chair is available. And there is an English picture menu, so once they figure out you’re not a local, they’ll bring you one.

I think most people who come to Ximending come to eat. I haven’t been to all the restaurants in Ximending, obviously, but you know what, you can’t go wrong when you see a restaurant with lines of local people waiting out the door.

The Takeaway

Ximending District is, without a doubt, the best area to stay in Taipei for your first visit. You’ll have a fantastic experience in Taiwan.

There are street performers to keep you entertained while you enjoy a snack on hand. There’s a night market with shops including brand name stores. And believe me, you’ll find all kinds of unique Taiwanese savory and sweets to satisfy your appetite in Ximending.

The train stations are not far away, plus, as I showed in this guide, you’ll find a lot of friendly, affordable hotels in the Ximending District close to some fantastic restaurants and a popular night market. I really can’t imagine staying anywhere else in Taipei.

Ximending is undoubtedly the district you should consider staying in for your first visit to Taipei.

Now that you have learned how to get to Taipei from Taoyuan Airport, plus learned a few things you should not forget after landing and where the best area to stay in Taipei, my question for to you is:

Are You Ready for Your First Visit to Taipei?

You should be. Taipei is a wonderful city with friendly people, and it is so easy to get around, explore, and sightsee at your own pace, without the need for a tour guide. I enjoy visiting Taipei so much that I might be coming back here more often every year, especially on my annual return trips to New York.

And I hope my tips and advice on visiting Taipei for the first time will help you enjoy Taipei as much as I have.

If you have any questions about visiting Taipei, drop a comment below and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.