Taipei is a city that blends the old and new, where towering skyscrapers rise beside centuries-old temples, and where street food is just as much an art form as fine dining. In this Carry-On episode, I’m breaking down everything you need to know to plan your own trip to Taiwan’s vibrant capital—including must-visit spots, essential eats, and travel tips to make the most of your time here.
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What to See & Do
Taipei 101
Dihua Street
Yangmingshan National Park
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
National Revolutionary Martyrs' Shrine
National Taiwan Museum
National Palace Museum
Da'an Park
228 Peace Memorial Park
Ximending
Lungshan Temple
Where to Eat & Drink
Yongji Soy Milk Restaurant – A neighborhood favorite for classic Taiwanese breakfast, where we had steaming bowls of fresh soy milk, luóbo gāo (radish cakes), and dàn bǐng (egg crepes).
Lao Jiang's House – A modern take on the traditional soy milk shop, perfect for a comforting breakfast before a day of exploring.
Dog Japanese Restaurant – A fantastic sushi spot in the Ximending district, known for its fresh fish and casual, welcoming atmosphere.
FuDaTong Tea Shop – A historic tea shop in Ximending, where we got a deep dive into Taiwan’s centuries-old tea culture and experienced a complimentary tasting.
Liu Yu Tea Shop – A beautifully designed tea shop in Zhongzheng, offering hand-roasted oolong teas in an intimate setting.
Simple Kaffa – A coffee shop on the 88th floor of Taipei 101, where you get the same panoramic city views as the observation deck—without the lines.
Raohe Night Market – A must-visit for street food lovers, where we tried QQ sweet potato balls, rice rolls, and tanghulu while weaving through the packed market.
Nanjichang Night Market – A local favorite, where I had passion fruit ice cream wrapped in rice paper with crushed peanuts and cilantro, plus a Taiwanese-style hot dog in a sticky rice bun.
Getting Around
Taipei’s MRT system is one of the cleanest and most efficient in the world. Grab an EasyCard at any station to use for trains, buses, and even convenience store purchases. Taxis and Uber are also available, but the MRT is almost always the best option.
Special Considerations
Cash is still king in many small restaurants and markets—always carry some NTD on hand.
Tipping isn’t expected in Taiwan, except for tour guides and hotel staff.
Respect the MRT etiquette—no eating, drinking, or loud conversations on public transit.