Unexpectedly, I planned a solo trip to the capital city of Taiwan, Taipei for my winter vacation. It is a modern metropolis with Japanese colonial lanes, busy shopping streets, and contemporary buildings. Taipei is famous for the 509 meter-tall, bamboo-shaped Taipei 101 skyscraper, lively street-food scene, many amazing night markets, a foodie’s dream in reality, and it is rated highly-safe and easy for solo travelers.

What you should know about Taiwan

Taiwan is an island, and officially the Republic of China (ROC), (not the People’s Republic of China) in a state in East Asia. It has its own currency, own education, own government.

There’s Wi-Fi nearly everywhere (in Taipei, at least). All you have to do is to register once and then you will have access in public spaces such as shopping areas, hospitals and libraries, and even bars.

Taiwan is one of the few countries that still use traditional Chinese characters in the written form of the language.

Taiwanese actually use the same passport as Chinese.

Garbage trucks play music.

White symbolizes death.

Meaning of “Formosa” 

When the Portuguese saw the island of Taiwan back in the 16th century, they called it Ilha Formosa (Beautiful Island). The name was the official name for the island until World War Two and nowadays Formosa is still informally used as a name for Taiwan.

It rains quite a lot in Taiwan (or in Taipei, at least) so you will see lots of green parks and nature, and since it is an island.

Where to stay in Taipei city

I only have experience with staying in a backpacker’s hostel, called Annie’s, which is located near a bus stop and the subway line.

How to get around Taipei city

Google Maps is really helpful for visitors to use. It provides the names of places and navigation mapped out, and you can easily bookmark “Bucket list” places, the place’s operation hours, or read reviews.

Biking and motorcycle bikes are so popular.

Taipei has a nice subway system as well. And popular buses are usually awesome in Asia.

Now, here are 15 places you need to see in Taipei, Taiwan: 

1. National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
2. Taipei 101 skyscraper
3. Lungshan Temple
4. Guandu Temple
5. Zushi Temple
6. Xiangshan, Taipei
7. 2/28 Peace Park
8. The Red House
9. Sanxia Old Street
10. Bopiliao Historical Block
11. Presidential Office Building
12. The North Gate
13. Xingtian Temple
14. Dalongdong Baoan Temple
15. Climb to the top of Elephant Mountain for the BEST view of Taipei 101
16. Ride the cable cars over the tress to Taipei Zoo
17. MaoKong Gondolas
18. Beitou Hot Spring Museum
19. Huashan 1914 Creative Park
20. Shifen Old Street: Read my 10 Things to do in Jiufen Old Street: A Day Trip from Taipei post
21. Miniatures Museum of Taiwan
22. Go visit the famous teahouse, it possibly inspired the film Spirited Away!

Places I did not go in Taipei, but really wish I did: 

• National Palace Museum
• Yangmingshan National Park
• Shifen Waterfall
• Dahu Park

Read my 10 Things to do in Jiufen Old Street: A Day Trip from Taipei post on my site “Where’s Anne”

Thanks for reading!