Flights from Zurich (ZRH) to Taipei (TPE)

About Taipei

Discover Taipei

Why visit Taipei?
Taipei combines modern skyscrapers, leafy hillsides, and characterful neighbourhoods into a compact and welcoming city. You will find vibrant streets, creative districts, and peaceful green corners all within easy reach of one another.

What to expect
The city is known for its efficient metro, lively night districts, and a skyline crowned by Taipei 101. Distinct areas such as Ximending, Daan, and the riverside parks each offer a different pace, from energetic shopping streets to relaxed residential avenues.

Plan your trip
Taipei works well as both a short city break and the starting point for wider journeys across Taiwan. From here you can connect easily to coastal towns, hot spring areas, and mountain scenery, making the city a convenient base for exploring the island.

Top sights in Taipei

Taipei 101

Take in sweeping views of the city and surrounding hills from this landmark tower and its high-level observatory.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Stroll through expansive plazas, ponds, and gardens around this grand white-and-blue landmark in central Taipei.

Elephant Mountain Trail

Walk a short but steep hillside path to reach lookouts offering one of the best skyline views of Taipei 101 and the city below.

Ximending district

Explore colourful streets filled with fashion, pop culture, and casual eateries in one of Taipei's most energetic neighbourhoods.

National Palace Museum

Discover an extensive collection of historical artefacts and artworks displayed in a modern museum complex on the city’s edge.

Beitou hot spring area

Visit a hillside district known for its hot spring resorts, leafy streets, and atmospheric thermal valley.

Tamsui riverside

Head to the river mouth for a relaxed promenade, waterside views, and a scenic sunset over the hills.

Experience Taipei's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Taipei Metro is the easiest way to move between major districts, with clear signage and frequent trains. Buses and taxis help you reach more residential streets and hillside areas, while wide pavements and pedestrian-friendly crossings make short walks between stations straightforward.

Local life & culture
Neighbourhoods such as Yongkang Street, Daan, and Zhongshan blend residential life with small boutiques, cafes, and parks. You will notice a relaxed pace, with many people spending time in community squares, sports courts, and libraries, giving the city a sociable yet unhurried feel.

Where to unwind
For quiet moments, try Daan Forest Park, riverside cycling paths, or the leafy trails around Elephant Mountain. Early mornings and late afternoons offer cooler temperatures and softer light, ideal for gentle walks and watching the city gradually light up.

A taste of Taipei

Street food & local specialties
Taipei is closely linked with its street snacks, from savoury bites to sweet desserts. Night-time streets and compact lanes in areas like Ningxia and Raohe are filled with stalls, where you can try a variety of small dishes in one visit.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping streets and metro-linked malls gather cafes, bakeries, and casual restaurants in one place, with menus that range from local flavours to regional Asian and international dishes. Portions are often sized so you can comfortably share and sample more than one speciality with your travel companions.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, look for restaurants overlooking Taipei 101, hillside venues with city views, or quiet dining rooms tucked into heritage buildings. Many offer set menus or tasting portions, allowing you to enjoy a slower, more atmospheric evening in a distinctive setting.

Retail therapy in Taipei

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Taipei's central districts feature modern malls that connect directly to metro stations, bringing together international labels, local designers, cinemas, and casual dining. These centres are popular meeting points where you can easily combine shopping, a meal, and entertainment in one stop.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller streets and markets are ideal for picking up local-made items, accessories, and design pieces. Neighbourhoods such as Ximending, Yongkang Street, and the alleys around Zhongxiao East Road are known for boutiques, lifestyle stores, and independent brands.

Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated shopping streets and lively markets create a distinctly evening atmosphere. Many stalls and shops stay open late, so you can browse after dinner before heading back to your hotel, with the metro and buses making these areas straightforward to reach.

Best time to visit Taipei

Spring (chun tian, March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Taipei is pleasantly mild, with average temperatures around 20°C (68°F). You can expect comfortable days for walking the city and exploring nearby hillsides, with fresh greenery and longer daylight hours creating a relaxed atmosphere.

Summer (xia tian, June to September, peak season)
Summer brings warm, humid weather and lively city streets, with average temperatures near 30°C (86°F). Longer evenings make it ideal for enjoying riverside parks and night markets, while air-conditioned malls and the efficient metro offer welcome breaks from the heat.

Autumn and winter (qiu dong, October to February, low season)
Autumn is often clear and comfortable, with temperatures around 22°C (72°F), ideal for outdoor sightseeing. Winters are cooler, averaging 15°C (59°F), but remain relatively mild, providing a calm, less crowded time to enjoy museums, hot spring areas, and indoor attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions