Flights from Zurich (ZRH) to Taipei (TPE)

About Taipei

Discover dynamic Taipei

Taipei blends modern city energy with leafy mountains and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Sleek office towers, lively night markets, and quiet neighbourhood streets sit side by side, giving you a different experience around every corner. It is a destination that feels both cosmopolitan and easy-going.

You will find thoughtfully designed public spaces, an efficient metro system, and a strong café culture, making it simple to explore at your own pace. Whether you are here for business, food, or outdoors adventures, Taipei lets you move effortlessly between work, relaxation, and discovery.

From its famous skyline and world-class museums to riverside cycling paths and nearby hot springs, the city invites you to slow down and stay a little longer. Taipei rewards curious travellers who enjoy everyday details as much as headline sights.

Top sights in Taipei

Taipei 101

Ride high-speed lifts to the observation decks of Taipei 101 for sweeping views over the city and surrounding mountains.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Wander the grand plazas, ornamental gardens, and striking white-and-blue architecture of this landmark cultural complex.

National Palace Museum

Explore one of the world’s richest collections of Chinese imperial art, calligraphy, and historical artefacts in a serene setting.

Yangmingshan National Park

Escape to Yangmingshan for scenic hikes, flower-filled meadows, and misty mountain vistas just outside the city.

Maokong Gondola

Glide above forested hills in glass-floored cabins to Maokong, known for its tea houses and peaceful valley views.

Experience Taipei’s urban and outdoor life

Taipei is an easy city to explore on foot and by metro, with compact districts that each have their own character. Spend your mornings discovering museums and design shops, then move on to leafy parks and riverside paths in the afternoon. Renting a bicycle along the riverside routes is a relaxing way to see local life, with long, flat paths that suit both casual riders and regular cyclists.

For panoramic views and a gentle workout, hike up Elephant Mountain, where a short but steep trail rewards you with classic skyline vistas, especially striking at sunset. If you have more time, Yangmingshan National Park offers cooler temperatures, forest trails, and seasonal flowers within easy reach of the city. After a day outdoors, you can unwind in nearby hot spring areas such as Beitou, where public baths and private resorts make it simple to add a rejuvenating soak to your itinerary.

In the evenings, explore creative hubs like Ximending and the streets around Zhongxiao Dunhua, where independent boutiques, street performances, and cosy bars sit alongside long-standing eateries. Guided walking tours, food-focused excursions, and day trips to coastal towns or mountain villages help you see more of the region without complex planning.

A taste of Taipei

Taipei is renowned for its street food and night markets, where you can sample a wide variety of snacks, noodles, and freshly cooked dishes in one place. Places like Shilin, Raohe, and Ningxia night markets offer stalls lined with savoury treats and sweet desserts, each with its own speciality and loyal following.

Beyond the markets, you will find everything from traditional breakfast shops to stylish cafés and inventive fine-dining restaurants. Handmade dumplings, beef noodle soup, scallion pancakes, and crushed ice desserts are just some of the local favourites to look out for. Many eateries are open late, making it easy to fit spontaneous meals around your plans.

Tea culture is strong in Taipei, with both modern bubble tea shops and classic tea houses offering different ways to enjoy local leaves. In neighbourhoods such as Yongkang Street or around Da’an district, you can spend an afternoon moving between bakeries, cafés, and small restaurants, discovering how the city blends long-established flavours with contemporary ideas.

Retail therapy in Taipei

Shopping in Taipei ranges from sleek malls to lively street markets. Xinyi district, around Taipei 101, has large shopping centres with international brands, design stores, and spacious food courts, all linked by walkways that make it easy to move between them. It is a convenient area if you prefer everything under one roof.

For smaller boutiques and local designers, explore the streets of Zhongxiao Dunhua and nearby lanes, where you will find fashion, lifestyle goods, and stylish homeware. Areas such as Dihua Street in the older part of town offer a different atmosphere, with restored shopfronts, fabric stores, and traditional snacks in a more historic setting.

Night markets are also popular places to pick up accessories, clothing, and everyday items alongside street food. Whether you are looking for practical travel essentials, gifts, or a unique keepsake, you will find plenty of choice across the city’s varied retail districts.

Best time to visit Taipei

Spring in Taipei (March to May, average 18–24°C / 64–75°F, shoulder season) brings comfortable temperatures and increasingly sunny days, with blossoms in parks and pleasant conditions for walking and hiking. Occasional showers mean the air stays fresh, and popular spots feel lively without being crowded.

Summer (June to September, average 27–32°C / 81–90°F, peak season) is warm and humid, ideal if you enjoy long daylight hours and vibrant evenings at riverside parks and night markets. Indoor attractions, air-conditioned malls, and easy access to nearby beaches and mountain areas help you stay comfortable between outings.

Autumn and early winter (October to February, average 15–21°C / 59–70°F, low season) bring cooler, often drier weather that suits city exploring and day trips. The atmosphere is calmer, with softer light for photos and a relaxed feel in parks and neighbourhood streets, making this a rewarding time for unhurried travel.

Frequently Asked Questions