Flights from Auckland (AKL) to Taipei (TPE)

About Taipei

Discover Taipei

Why visit Taipei?
Taipei blends modern city energy with leafy hillsides and characterful neighbourhoods. You will find gleaming towers, quiet backstreets, and lively night streets sitting side by side, creating a city that feels both dynamic and welcoming.

What to expect
The city is compact and easy to explore, with efficient public transport linking areas like Xinyi, Ximending, and Dadaocheng. You can move quickly between business districts, riverside paths, and older quarters where historic shopfronts and traditional architecture frame the streets.

Plan your trip
Taipei works well as both a short city break and the starting point for exploring the rest of Taiwan. From the capital, high-speed and regional trains connect you to coastal towns, mountain landscapes, and hot spring areas, making it a practical base for a wider journey.

Top sights in Taipei

Taipei 101

Ride up to the observatory of this landmark tower for panoramic views across the city and surrounding mountains.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Stroll through grand plazas, ornamental gardens, and stately white-and-blue architecture in one of Taipei’s most recognisable landmarks.

Elephant Mountain Trail

Walk a short but steep hillside path to reach viewing platforms that frame Taipei 101 and the skyline, especially beautiful near sunset.

Ximending

Explore a pedestrian district filled with bright signs, fashion boutiques, themed cafés, and street performances in the evening.

Dadaocheng and Dihua Street

Wander past restored shophouses, tea shops, and lifestyle stores in one of Taipei’s most atmospheric historic neighbourhoods.

Maokong Gondola

Take a scenic cable car ride into the hills on the city’s edge, with green valley views and teahouses dotted along the ridgeline.

Beitou hot spring area

Visit this easy-to-reach district known for its hot spring facilities, parkland, and striking Thermal Valley landscape.

Riverside parks

Rent a bicycle or simply stroll along wide riverbank paths that offer long views, sports facilities, and open green spaces.

Experience Taipei’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Taipei Metro is the most convenient way to cross the city, with clear signage and frequent trains linking major districts. Buses fill in the gaps, while taxis are easy to find for late evenings. For short hops, the public bike-sharing scheme is ideal along flat riverside paths and inner-city streets.

Local life & culture
Neighbourhoods each have a distinct character, from the youth-focused streets of Ximending to the calmer lanes of Yongkang and quiet corners of Da’an. Parks, riverside promenades, and small cafés are part of daily life, and you will often see residents out walking, cycling, or gathering in community spaces.

Where to unwind
Da’an Forest Park offers shady walking paths and ponds that feel far from the surrounding city. In the hills, places like Elephant Mountain give quick access to nature and skyline views. Evenings are a pleasant time to explore riverside parks, when the air cools and bridges and towers light up.

A taste of Taipei

Street food & local specialties
Taipei is renowned for street snacks, with numerous night streets and markets serving favourites such as noodle dishes, dumplings, and grilled skewers. Areas like Shilin and Raohe are famous spots to sample a wide range of local flavours in one stroll.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Modern cafés, casual bistros, and international eateries are easy to find in districts like Xinyi, Zhongshan, and Yongkang. Menus often feature sharing plates and smaller portions, so you can try several dishes in one meal, from regional Taiwanese cooking to Asian and Western-inspired creations.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special setting, consider restaurants in and around Taipei 101 or hillside venues that look back towards the city lights. Some hotels and towers offer dining rooms with broad skyline views, turning an evening meal into a memorable part of your trip.

Retail therapy in Taipei

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central Taipei has several modern malls, especially around Xinyi and Taipei 101, where international labels sit alongside local lifestyle brands. These complexes often include cinemas, food courts, and rooftop terraces, making them popular places to meet and spend an afternoon.

Markets & local crafts
For smaller shops and design-focused items, areas like Dadaocheng, Yongkang, and Fujin Street are ideal. You will find boutiques selling homeware, stationery, and fashion from Taiwanese designers, as well as traditional shops with long histories.

Evening retail scene
Many of Taipei’s shopping streets feel most alive after dark, when neon lights switch on and crowds fill pedestrian zones. Night markets combine shopping with food and games, while major malls stay open into the evening, easily reached by metro or bus.

Best time to visit Taipei

Spring season (chūn tiān, March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Taipei is mild, with average temperatures around 18–24°C (64–75°F). You can expect comfortable sightseeing weather, fresh greenery in parks, and occasional showers, making it a pleasant time to explore both city streets and nearby hills.

Summer season (xià tiān, June to September, peak season)
Summer brings warm, humid days, with average temperatures between 26–32°C (79–90°F). The city feels lively with festivals, extended opening hours, and long evenings that suit riverside walks or indoor attractions such as malls, museums, and observation decks.

Autumn and winter season (qiū dōng, October to February, low season)
Autumn and winter are cooler, with averages around 15–22°C (59–72°F). Skies can be clearer in autumn, while winter feels calm and relaxed in the city. It is a good time for hot springs, slower sightseeing, and exploring cafés and indoor cultural spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions