Destination Taipei

Taipei holds a special place in Asia's LGBTQ+ scene. In 2019, Taiwan became the first country in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage. This milestone is especially visible in the capital, where the LGBTQ+ community has a strong presence.

The Ximending neighbourhood, especially the terraces around Red House, is one of the best-known gathering spots for the gay community. You'll find bars, restaurants and LGBTQ+ venues where you can have a drink and start your evening. Taipei also hosts Taiwan Pride, one of Asia's biggest LGBTQ+ events.

But what stayed with us most in Taipei, just as elsewhere on our trip around Taiwan, was that sense of freedom and ease. Everywhere we went, we always felt welcome. We had the impression that the people we met simply didn't care about our sexual orientation. Everyone gets on with their life without having to justify who they are, and we really appreciated that.

In Taipei, public transport is especially convenient, making it easy to explore different neighbourhoods without renting a car. The MRT, Taipei's metro, is easy to use, clearly signposted and serves most of the capital's main sights. Buses fill in the gaps, particularly for neighbourhoods and places farther away.

For everyday journeys, we really recommend getting an EasyCard as soon as you arrive. This rechargeable card lets you pay for metro and bus rides directly, without buying a separate ticket each time. It also works in many shops and for other local transport services. You'll probably use it several times a day!

Taipei is also enjoyable to explore on foot, although some neighbourhoods are farther apart than you might expect. For day trips around the capital, such as Jiufen, Shifen or Beitou, check your train, metro and bus options, as well as return times.

If you're continuing your trip to other Taiwanese cities, you can also take regular trains or the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR). Keep in mind that an EasyCard doesn't replace a THSR ticket.

In Taipei, the currency is the New Taiwan dollar (TWD or NT$). Bank cards are useful in hotels, shopping centres and many chain stores, but they aren't accepted everywhere. At night markets, small eateries and some neighbourhood shops, cash is still really useful.

You'll easily find ATMs around the capital, including at banks and many convenience stores. Before withdrawing money, check for any fees charged by the local bank and your own provider. If the ATM offers to convert the amount into your card's currency, review the terms before accepting.

Our advice is simple: keep a few banknotes and some coins with you, especially if you want to enjoy the street food. In Taipei, it would be a shame to miss a local speciality just because a stall doesn't take cards.

You can't talk about Taipei without mentioning its night markets, which are a real part of local life. People come to eat, meet friends, do a little shopping or simply soak up the atmosphere. They're also a great way to discover Taiwanese specialities, often prepared right in front of you.

Among the best known are Shilin Night Market, lively and very popular, Raohe Night Market, loved for its many street-food stalls, and Ningxia, a smaller market that's especially good for sampling different local dishes. Each has its own atmosphere, so it's worth visiting more than one during your stay.

We recommend taking a look around before ordering. See what's cooking, notice which stalls attract locals and try something unfamiliar. Remember to carry a little cash too, as many vendors don't accept cards.

Taipei has a humid subtropical climate, with hot and often very humid summers. The temperatures can make long walks tiring, especially in the middle of the afternoon. Winters are generally milder, but can also be cool, grey and rainy. Spring and autumn often bring pleasant conditions for exploring the city.

Rain is part of everyday life in Taipei, and a sunny day can quickly turn into a shower. We recommend keeping a small umbrella in your bag, even when the forecast looks good. It's especially handy if you're spending the day exploring different neighbourhoods.

Taiwan can also be affected by typhoons, mainly during the warmer months. In Taipei, they can bring heavy rain, transport disruptions and sometimes closures of attractions. If you're planning a trip to Jiufen, the mountains or the coast, check the forecasts and alerts from Taiwan's meteorological authorities before setting off.

Before leaving, check your mobile plan's terms, especially roaming charges in Taiwan. Depending on your provider, mobile data may be included or charged separately. A travel eSIM can therefore be a convenient option, as long as your phone is compatible.

For us, Airalo is a useful option for installing an eSIM before arrival and having internet access as soon as you reach Taipei. If you're staying longer or using a lot of data, you can also look at plans from Chunghwa Telecom, one of the country's main operators. Compare data allowances, validity periods and hotspot conditions.

Mobile coverage is generally very good in Taipei, including in most tourist neighbourhoods. We still recommend downloading an offline map, especially if you're planning day trips around the capital or into the mountains. It's always helpful to find your way without relying on a signal.