Taipei at any time of the year brings its own wonders and attractions. Whether it's a romantic sojourn, a family vacation or a first-time visit to the city, this summer, let us be your guide to all the different facets of this charming city.
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1. Eat your way through the night markets
Taiwan’s many night markets are everyday haunts for locals and one of the most anticipated activities on any tourist’s itinerary. As the scorching heat of the summer day fades, put on some light clothes and comfortable shoes and get ready to eat your way through a night market and its side streets – delicious and affordable street food awaits, from omelettes studded with plump oysters, stinky tofu and sizzling steak to QQ sweet potato balls and pig’s blood cakes.
The MICHELIN Guide spotlights many storied establishments in Taipei’s famous night markets. At Good Friend Cold Noodles at Shilin Night Market, order a bowl of citrusy spicy mala cold noodles and Taiwanese-style miso egg-drop soup with eggs, the perfect combo for summer nights; at Chung Chia Sheng Jian Bao, be sure to order both types of the pan-fried buns filled with juicy pork or cabbage. The fermented dough forms a crispy and chewy bun encasing flavorful fillings within, a simple but satisfying treat to please any gourmand.
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2. Wander the old streets
Once a colony of Spain, the Netherlands and Japan, Taiwan’s unique and elegant architecture in the old streets still retain the traces of its history. Avoid the heat outdoors and wander along the shaded arcades between these ancient buildings to gain appreciation for the city’s history and unique mish-mash of architectural styles.
Tamsui district is the oldest port development in northern Taiwan. Its Qing Dynasty and Japanese rulers have come and gone, and so have its Spanish and Dutch colonisers, but their fingerprints remain in the old Western-, Fujian-, and Japanese-style buildings that can be seen everywhere on the streets of Tamsui. Browse antique and art stores and snack on Tamsui specialties like fish balls, fish crackers and agei, a hollowed out tofu filled with green bean noodles before taking the ferry from Tamsui to Bali to enjoy a panoramic view of Tamsui River.
Another old street not to be missed is Dihua Street in Datong District, which is famous for its Lunar New Year shopping. From 1851, Tong'an people from Quanzhou in the Wanhua district began to sell their wares on Dihua Street. During the Japanese colonial period, the shops mainly hawked tea and grocery staples from the north and south groceries. Later, rice merchants, cloth merchants and Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners also set up shop. Today, the austere southern Fujian-style shops and elaborate Baroque decorations attract shoppers from far and wide. The street is also home to many MICHELIN-recommended food establishments. 80-year-old Mai Mien Yen Tsai’s qiezai noodles are a staple of Taipei’s oldest citizens while HUGH dessert dining attracts a contemporary crowd for its plated desserts made with seasonal ingredients.
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3. Hike a scenic mountain
If time permits, the Taipei Grand Trail in Wenshan District is another novice-friendly circular hiking route about 9km long and 280m in altitude. Take a slow walk in the cooler mornings and make pit stops at Zhinan Temple to offer a prayer for peace and Maokong Tea House for refreshments.
4. Gorge on juicy summer fruits
5. Visit traditional markets
Familiarize yourself with local food habits and culture by visiting one of Taipei’s traditional markets offering Taiwan’s bounty of produce from meat and seafood to fruits and vegetables. Among them, Tianmu’s Shidong Market is perfect for visiting in summer. Clean and bright, the market is equipped with indoor air-conditioning. Nanmen Market, which was renovated and rebuilt in October 2023, also offers an optimized air circulation system, making it comfortable for window shopping, buying groceries or indulging in a leisurely local breakfast.In addition, the more specialized Flower and Jade Markets in Taipei are also air-conditioned for a comfortable experience – no need to be a professional or have any in-depth knowledge of botany or gems, casual browsers are also in for a treat.
6. Take in night city views in Xinyi District
15 department stores sit within 0.5 square kilometers in the Xinyi Business District between City Hall Station on the MRT Blue Line and Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station on the MRT Red Line. The department stores are all also connected by air bridges and underground tunnel systems so going from one to the other is a breeze even in adverse weather.Shoppers can refuel at the many MICHELIN-recommended and MICHELIN-starred restaurants in these department stores. There’s Chope Chope Eatery, a Nanyang cuisine restaurant led by chef Jimmy Lim of JL Studio, the world’s first restaurant to receive three stars for Singaporean cuisine. Sinchao Rice Shoppe offers new-style Taiwanese cuisine in a stylish space while 85 TD in Taipei 101 is helmed by chef Xie Wen with 50 years of experience in Cantonese cuisine. Whether a table for one or a shared meal with family and friends, both restaurants offer ample seating and beautiful views overlooking the city.
As night falls, head to CÉ LA VI Taipei on the 48th floor of Breeze Nanshan or SEA TO SKY on the 47th floor of Breeze Xinyi to imbibe in visually striking cocktails paired with sparkling high-rise views of the Xinyi District at night, a luxury on balmy summer nights.
7. Ride along the river on a YouBike
The most significant advantage of traveling in Taipei is the convenient public transportation. In addition to the MRT and buses that cover all directions, you can also rent a YouBike to experience the charm of Taipei City. Avoid the hottest hours between 12pm and 4pm and enjoy the wind in your hair as you ride into the sunset.Several planned bicycle paths and riverside parks span the greater Taipei area, including those along the Keelung River, Tamsui River and Jingmei River, which are perfect for a leisurely ride to experience a different of Taipei’s urban charm at night.
8. Bar hop across Taipei
World-class bars have mushroomed across Taipei and bar hopping – sampling drinks from one bar to the next – has become an increasingly popular activity among its urbanites. Take in the nightlife of Taipei and explore its many unique bars across the different districts.Zhongshan District is a must-visit with the Japanese-influenced Linsen North Road and colourful bars with retro neon lights in the surrounding area. The area around Xinyi Anhe MRT station also boasts many excellent bars within walking distance. Hop from more traditional or classic bars to new and contemporary ones within a stone’s throw from one another.
9. Go on a family-friendly excursion
Taipei city is friendly to travellers of all sorts, from solo adventurers and starry-eyed lovers to boisterous friend groups and families. Its many family-friendly attractions will occupy active kids and free up parents to enjoy their vacations. Indoor venues ranging from planetariums and science museums to art galleries and museums bring respite from the summer heat.Located in 228 Peace Memorial Park, the National Taiwan Museum has a long and fascinating history. Its dedicated children's exhibition area allows kids to learn about Taiwan's natural environment through fun games. Meanwhile, the National Taiwan Science Education Center and the Taipei Astronomical Museum are just adjacent to one another in Shilin. The latter is known for its a spectacular domed theatre with interactive activities and a telescope and observatory where you can view the stars in the universe up close.
The National Palace Museum is the largest museum in Taiwan, with a dedicated children’s art center that uses AR technology to bring its exhibits to life so children can easily understand historical events and concepts.
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10. Indulge in old-fashioned romance
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