Flights from London (LON) to Taipei (TPE)

About Taipei

A dynamic blend of street life and skyline

Taipei combines modern city energy with an inviting, human scale. Glass towers rise over leafy neighbourhoods, while quiet backstreets are filled with independent cafés, family-run shops, and an easy-going pace. You will find it simple to navigate, with a transport system that makes exploring straightforward and stress free.

The city is known for its night markets, creative districts, and compact yet striking skyline crowned by Taipei 101. Between urban areas, you will discover pockets of greenery, from riverside cycling paths to forested hills that are only a short metro ride away. Taipei feels at once global and distinctly local, making it an engaging introduction to North Asia.

Beyond the city centre, suburban districts reveal another side of Taipei, with old streets, traditional markets, and natural hot springs. Whether you are here for business, food, design, or outdoor escapes, the city offers a wide range of experiences within easy reach.

Top sights in Taipei

Taipei 101

Ride up to the observatory for panoramic views of the city, then explore the surrounding shopping, dining, and landscaped plazas at its base.

Elephant Mountain Trail

Hike a short but steep stairway through forest to a viewpoint where the Taipei skyline, especially at sunset, stretches out before you.

Ximending

Wander this lively pedestrian quarter known for fashion boutiques, street performances, cinemas, and colourful city lights after dark.

Beitou Hot Spring Area

Visit the hot spring valley, soak in public or private baths, and learn about the area’s spa heritage in nearby museums and parks.

Maokong Gondola

Take a cable car into the hills for views of the city and tea-growing slopes, then relax with a cup of locally grown tea in a hillside café.

Experience Taipei’s everyday rhythm

Taipei invites you to experience the city the way locals do. Start the day in a neighbourhood breakfast shop, then join commuters on the efficient metro to explore different districts, each with its own character and pace. The city’s riverside parks and cycling paths are ideal for gentle outdoor activity, with bicycles available for short, flexible rides.

If you enjoy walking, Taipei rewards you with easy access to nature. Trails such as Elephant Mountain, Qixing Mountain, and the paths in Yangmingshan National Park offer cool air, city views, and seasonal flowers. Back in town, creative parks and cultural centres host exhibitions, performances, and weekend markets that showcase local design and crafts.

For a deeper introduction to the city, consider guided food walks, architecture tours, or day trips to nearby coastal towns. These experiences help you connect the city’s history, landscapes, and modern lifestyle in a relaxed and engaging way.

A taste of Taipei

Food is at the heart of life in Taipei. Night markets are a highlight, with stalls serving snacks such as steamed buns, noodles, grilled skewers, and delicate desserts. Exploring these markets is as much about the atmosphere as the food, with sounds, aromas, and conversations all around you.

During the day, you can move between simple noodle shops, busy dumpling houses, and contemporary restaurants that put a modern touch on familiar flavours. Tea culture is strong here, and you will find everything from classic tea houses to casual cafés where you can sit, relax, and watch the city go by.

Cafés and bakeries are another part of Taipei’s dining scene, reflecting both local tastes and international influences. Whether you prefer a quick bite between meetings or a slow shared meal with friends, the city offers plenty of options in every district.

Retail therapy in a compact city

Taipei offers a broad range of shopping in a relatively compact area. Around Taipei 101 and Xinyi district, you will find large malls and department stores featuring international brands, designer labels, and well-curated lifestyle shops. These areas are also home to cinemas, restaurants, and rooftop terraces, making them pleasant places to linger.

Elsewhere, neighbourhoods such as Zhongxiao Dunhua, Yongkang Street, and Dadaocheng showcase smaller boutiques, studios, and speciality shops. Here you can look for stationery, textiles, ceramics, and design pieces created by local makers, often housed in renovated buildings and historic streets.

Street markets and arcades provide a more informal shopping experience, with stalls selling fashion, accessories, snacks, and seasonal items. This mix of polished malls and independent stores means you can browse both familiar labels and unique finds during your stay.

Best time to visit Taipei

Spring (March to May, shoulder season) offers mild weather, with temperatures around 18°C to 24°C (64°F to 75°F). Blossoms appear in parks and on nearby hills, and light showers keep the city’s greenery fresh, making it a pleasant time for walking and outdoor exploring.

Summer (June to September, peak season) is warm and humid, with typical temperatures from 26°C to 32°C (79°F to 90°F). Longer daylight hours and school holidays create a lively atmosphere, with evening markets, riverside activities, and indoor attractions offering comfortable breaks from the heat.

Autumn and winter (October to February, low season) bring cooler, comfortable days, generally between 15°C and 22°C (59°F to 72°F). Skies are often clear in autumn, ideal for city views and hiking, while winter feels calm and relaxed, giving you space to enjoy cafés, museums, and hot spring areas nearby.

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