Flights from Istanbul (IST) to Taipei (TPE)

About Taipei

Discover Taipei

Why visit Taipei?
Taipei blends modern city energy with leafy hills and historic lanes, offering a welcoming introduction to Taiwan. You will find a skyline crowned by Taipei 101, lively night streets, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to explore at your own pace.

What to expect
The city is compact and well-organised, with distinct districts linked by an efficient metro. Elegant boulevards, creative warehouses, and quiet residential streets sit alongside riverside parks. You can expect friendly locals, convenient services, and clear signage that makes navigating straightforward for first-time visitors.

Plan your trip
Taipei is a practical base for discovering the rest of Taiwan, thanks to its high-speed rail and regional train links. From here, you can reach coastal towns, mountain trails, and hot spring areas on easy day trips or short stays, making the city an ideal starting point for a wider journey.

Top sights in Taipei

Taipei 101

Ride up one of the world’s fastest lifts to an observation deck with expansive views over Taipei’s skyline and surrounding mountains.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Stroll across a vast plaza framed by grand halls and gardens, and admire the striking white-and-blue memorial structure at its centre.

Elephant Mountain Trail

Hike a short but steep stair trail to a lookout platform that offers one of Taipei’s best sunset and night views of the city.

Ximending District

Explore a colourful pedestrian district packed with shops, street performances, and entertainment venues popular with younger crowds.

National Palace Museum

Discover an extensive collection of East Asian art and historical artefacts displayed in a modern hilltop complex.

Maokong Gondola

Take a scenic cable car ride from the city edge into lush hillsides, with panoramic views over Taipei and nearby tea-growing areas.

Riverside Parks

Rent a bicycle or walk along the city’s riverside park network, where open green spaces, sports areas, and skyline views meet.

Experience Taipei’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Taipei Metro is the most efficient way to cross the city, with clear maps and frequent trains. Buses and the YouBike public bicycle system fill in the gaps, while taxis are easy to hail for late-night journeys or when travelling with luggage.

Local life & culture
Neighbourhoods such as Yongkang, Xinyi, and Dadaocheng each have their own character, from design shops to restored heritage streets. Public spaces are lively yet orderly, and you will often see residents enjoying parks, community centres, and outdoor exercise areas throughout the day.

Where to unwind
Riverside paths, city parks, and nearby hill trails offer many places to slow down and enjoy fresh air. Early mornings bring cooler temperatures and quieter paths, while evenings are ideal for city viewpoints, when Taipei’s towers and bridges light up against the hills.

A taste of Taipei

Street food & local specialties
Taipei is known for its rich street food culture, with steaming snacks, grilled treats, and fragrant broths found in its many night streets and small eateries. Districts such as Shilin, Ningxia, and Raohe Street are popular areas to sample a wide range of local flavours.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping streets and malls in Xinyi and Eastern District offer everything from quick bites to stylish cafés and bistros. Menus often blend Taiwanese tastes with regional and international influences, and smaller portions make it easy to try several dishes in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable setting, look for restaurants in high-rise towers or hillside areas that frame the city skyline. Many venues offer large windows or terraces, so you can enjoy Taipei’s city lights, mountains, or river views while lingering over a relaxed dinner.

Retail therapy in Taipei

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Xinyi District is the city’s modern retail centre, with connected malls, department stores, and lifestyle complexes that house both global names and local brands. These hubs often combine shopping with cinemas and dining, making them convenient all-in-one stops.

Markets & local crafts
Older neighbourhoods such as Dadaocheng, Yongkang, and Zhongshan are good areas to browse smaller boutiques and design shops. Here you can find crafted homeware, stationery, fashion, and souvenirs that reflect Taipei’s blend of heritage and contemporary creativity.

Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets and markets become livelier, with illuminated signs and extended opening hours. Night markets mix food, clothing, and accessories in a single stroll, and the metro and bus network make these vibrant districts easy to reach and return from safely.

Best time to visit Taipei

Spring (chun tian) – March to May, shoulder season
Spring brings mild temperatures of about 18–24°C (64–75°F) and fresh greenery across the city. Occasional showers keep the air clear, and comfortable conditions make it a pleasant time for walking tours, markets, and day trips into the nearby hills.

Summer (xia tian) – June to September, peak season
Summer is warm and humid, with typical temperatures around 26–32°C (79–90°F). Longer daylight hours suit late-evening strolls, river cycling, and enjoying cool indoor attractions before heading out for the city’s lively night markets.

Autumn and winter (qiu dong) – October to February, low season
Autumn and winter are generally cooler, from about 15–22°C (59–72°F), with crisper air and more comfortable conditions for hiking and city walks. You can expect a calm, everyday atmosphere, making it an easy period to enjoy Taipei’s museums, cafés, and parks.

Frequently Asked Questions