Flights from Auckland (AKL) to Taipei (TPE)

About Taipei

A dynamic city where night markets meet modern skylines

Taipei blends soaring towers, leafy hillsides, and lively neighbourhood streets into a city that feels both modern and deeply rooted in tradition. Glass-fronted malls sit alongside alleyway shops and historic lanes, creating a cityscape that is easy to explore yet full of surprises. You will find well-planned public spaces, convenient transport, and plenty of green pockets to slow down in.

The city is known for its welcoming atmosphere and relaxed pace. From quiet backstreets lined with cafes to bustling commercial districts, Taipei invites you to wander, pause, and discover. Whether you are here for a short city break or connecting onwards, you will quickly notice how easy it is to feel at home while still discovering something new at every turn.

Top sights in Taipei

Taipei 101

Ride the high-speed lift to the observatory of this landmark tower for sweeping views over the city, surrounding hills, and distant coastline.

Elephant Mountain Trail

Walk the short but steep trail to a series of viewpoints that offer one of Taipei’s best sunset panoramas, with Taipei 101 front and centre.

National Palace Museum

Explore extensive galleries displaying centuries of East Asian art, ceramics, and decorative objects in a striking modern complex.

Ximending

Stroll through this vibrant pedestrian district filled with shops, street performances, cinemas, and colourful street life late into the evening.

Beitou Hot Spring area

Escape to Taipei’s northern hills to discover hot spring resorts, a steamy thermal valley, and leafy walking paths between historic bathhouses.

Experience Taipei’s energy outdoors and in the streets

Taipei is a city made for walking, with many neighbourhoods best discovered on foot. Wander through older districts where low-rise buildings, corner shops, and hidden courtyards reveal a slower rhythm of daily life. In contrast, modern areas around Xinyi and the eastern districts offer wide avenues, public art, and rooftop viewpoints that showcase the city from above.

The city is framed by accessible hills and riverside parks, making it easy to add fresh air to your visit. Hiking trails such as Elephant Mountain and nearby forest paths give you a different perspective on Taipei’s skyline. Along the rivers, cycling paths stretch for kilometres, offering relaxed rides past sports fields, open lawns, and views back towards the tower blocks.

In the evenings, street life comes into focus. Night markets, shopping streets, and small dining lanes are filled with locals and visitors enjoying the cooler air. Walking these areas allows you to experience the sounds, scents, and flavours that define Taipei after dark.

A taste of Taipei

Taipei’s food scene is renowned for its variety and accessibility. Night markets bring together stalls specialising in everything from grilled meats and seafood to noodles and sweet snacks, making them an ideal place to sample many flavours in one visit. You can graze your way through the lanes, trying local favourites in small portions.

Beyond the markets, you will find everything from traditional eateries to stylish cafes and contemporary restaurants. Many specialise in regional dishes that highlight seasonal produce, noodles, dumplings, and richly flavoured broths. Bakeries and dessert shops are also popular, often displaying delicate cakes and inventive sweets that are as visually appealing as they are tasty.

Coffee culture is strong in Taipei, with independent cafes tucked into residential streets and commercial districts alike. They offer welcoming spaces to pause between sightseeing, catch up on messages, or simply watch the local pace of life with a drink in hand.

Retail therapy in Taipei

From major malls to narrow lanes, Taipei offers shopping for many tastes and travel styles. Large complexes in districts such as Xinyi bring together international brands, local labels, cinemas, and food courts in one convenient space, making them ideal in any weather. These areas are also well connected by public transport, so you can easily combine shopping with other sightseeing.

For a different experience, head to older neighbourhoods where you will find traditional shops selling everyday goods, snacks, and household items alongside more contemporary boutiques. Creative districts showcase independent designers, crafts, and lifestyle products, offering interesting options if you are looking for distinctive keepsakes.

Night markets double as open-air shopping streets, with stalls selling clothing, accessories, and practical travel items. Browsing these vibrant spaces is as much about the atmosphere as the purchases, and you can take your time comparing styles and discovering items you might not find in a typical mall.

Best time to visit Taipei

Spring season (March to May, shoulder season) is pleasantly mild, with average temperatures around 18–24°C (64–75°F). Parks and hillside trails are lush and green, and comfortable weather makes it easy to explore night markets, riverside paths, and outdoor viewpoints.

Summer season (June to September, peak season) is warm and humid, with average temperatures of 26–32°C (79–90°F). Longer daylight hours allow more time for sightseeing, while air-conditioned malls, museums, and cafes provide refreshing breaks between outdoor activities.

Autumn and winter season (October to February, low season) bring cooler, comfortable days, typically around 15–22°C (59–72°F). The gentler temperatures are well suited to walking the city, enjoying hot springs in the nearby hills, and spending long evenings sampling hearty dishes in cosy eateries.

Frequently Asked Questions