Last updated on March 1st, 2020 at 01:35 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 point out the single best area to stay in Taipei for sightseeing plus five popular and affordable hotels you will like in Taipei.

Plus I’m throwing in a couple of recommended restaurants in Taipei you should definitely 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 certainly learn a lot on 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 usually stop over in Seoul, South Korea for a weeks 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 someplace 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 visit Taiwan again.

I also wanted to gather and research up to date info 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 just go. And if I make a mistake then I’ve made a mistake and learned something in the end.

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

I’ll start off by letting you know what to do the first thing after stepping into the arrival hall of Taoyuan Airport. To 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 widely popular street food and hawker stands only take cash so you better have some on hand.

One of the biggest mistakes I made for my first trip to Taipei years ago was I did not exchange any cash at all at the airport. I mean, there are ATM machines 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 close on weekends. On weekdays banks close around 4pm.

The Story of My Life

So the bad luck I ran into was 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 ran 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 exchange major currencies like US, Australia, Japan, China, Canada, Euros, etc.

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.

But if you’re planning to withdraw cash from ATMs in Taiwan then this wouldn’t be an issue. As many 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 whom 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 airport arrival level. You can purchase prepaid 3 day data package which includes 4G access for about NT$300. There are also prepaid SIM card packages that go up to 7 days or 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 example a few years back when I forgot to buy a SIM card at Taoyuan Airport I then had to buy 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 only 3 days at the time.

If I bought my SIM card at the airport I would’ve saved some cash. So pick up that SIM card at Taoyuan Airport so you’ll get the exact plan you need for the duration of your stay.

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

1. Chunghwa Telecom
2. Taiwan Mobile

Staff at either shop will help you install the SIM card. As well as register the card so you’re all good to go before stepping out of 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 time 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 smart phone is just so convenient. Think about it, you’ll have a chance to read this awesome blog in Taipei whenever and wherever!

Personally, I use Google Maps Timeline to keep track of the places I’ve been to. Which is totally useful for me whenever I need to reference 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 easy and simple to use public mass transportation. Plus the money you save will be considerable.

You’ll Get to Taipei Quicker with MRT

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

The Airport MRT cost NT$160 and also takes about an 1 hour to reach Taipei Main Station. The price difference is so small. Pay for the Airport MRT fare and you won’t have to worry about car traffic or accidents and 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 into 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 you know how to get from Taoyuan Airport to Tapei Main Station, I’ll point out the best area to stay in Taipei for your first visit to Taiwan!

Matter of fact, 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 MRT Bannan Line (Blue Line) to Ximen station for NT$20 from Taipei Main Station.

The reasons why Ximending is such a highly recommended area to stay in Taipei is because this area has everything you can possibly need for an enjoyable stay in Taipei.

Ximending draws a lot of locals, mostly the young crowd because there’s a lot of shops, movie theaters and special little restaurants. Ximending is Taipei’s major entertainment district!

But the main reason why locals and tourists love Ximending is because of the variety and choices for 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 in 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 in Ximending you can walk to a lot of popular city tourist attractions in Taipei. Without taking the subway trains.

You Will See 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 throughout street corners.

One thing I want to bring up is local 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 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 on 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. Though 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. And my research showed me Ximending met all my criteria.

The criteria I look for are lively neighborhoods, close to a variety of local food, close to shopping and of course to 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 good to pass up.

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

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 Elevens and other types of convenience stores near the hotels and hostel in Ximending I recommend.

Also, bear in mind these hotels offer a choice of rooms with windows and no windows. Rooms with windows cost a bit more. All have free internet 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 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 a 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 very small gym but really there are not a whole lot of hotels in Ximending that is kid friendly with a gym yet 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 they 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 the $100USD range. It’s a very modern hotel with modern decorations and feel. Plus it’s also close to Taipei Main Station, about a 5 minute walk.

I’m recommending this hotel because 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 there could be readers that simply want a hotel breakfast without having to go out and search for something to eat.

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 is all in Ximending District on 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 Ximending District.

Because what good is 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 dish (or should I say bowl) 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 Ximending district. Which I tried. And yes I agree it’s good.

• 

  The big beef noodle soup bowl for only NT$110

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  The chili sauce is very good here as well...

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.

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!

This restaurant is packed full of hungry customers during lunch and dinner. Since it’s open 24 hours I go 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’s not a lot of tourists that 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 just 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 you can have it over 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 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 like the fact that their pork chop seasonings is 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 small so tables are shared and limited. 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 that come to Ximending come to eat. I haven’t been to all the restaurants in Ximending obviously but you know what, you can’t really 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 on this guide you’ll find a lot of nice affordable hotels in Ximending District close to some awesome restaurants and a popular night market. I really can’t imagine staying anywhere else in Taipei.

Ximending is truly the one and only district you should think about staying in Taipei for your first visit, without a doubt.

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 so easy to get around, explore and sightsee at your own pace. Without the need of a tour guide. I really 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.