19 golden tips for solo travel to Taipei, Taiwan

Glad you are planning aย solo travel to Taipei! Here are my golden tips for navigating this city alone, from 10 years of traveling in and out of Taipei.

Hello Trisha! Thank you for all your content about solo travel. As a woman who loves to travel, your blog serves as my bible to go out in the world! I am leaving Canada for the first time โ€“ I donโ€™t know if you heard whatโ€™s happening here these days but anywayโ€ฆ I would like to ask for some advice on solo travel to Taipei Taiwan. I saw your Instagram stories in Taiwan and it looked like you had a lot of fun there. I am looking forward to hearing more from you. I am really excited for this trip and I hope you can help!

-Charlene Bronstein, Canada
taipei solo travel

Hi Charlenes!

Glad you decided to go on a solo trip to Taipei! I go to Taipei every year for my group trips (you can also join if it coincides with the date). Taipei is one of my favorite cities in Asia for solo travel and I have different experiences in each visit.

Here are my solo travel to Taipei tips. If there is something I missed, leave a comment below and Iโ€™ll answer your questions by updating this post. Good luck!

Xx, Trisha

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Recommended activities for Taipei solo travel

1. Solo travel to Taipei Taiwan is safe

solo travel to taipei

Crime rates in Taipei are low or almost non-existent. Taipei is one of the cities I travel to and I donโ€™t need to be overly vigilant with my belongings. As a digital nomad, I travel with a lot of gear and I would be more relaxed in Taipei than I am inย Rio de Janeiro.

To understand this better, read thisย crime rate comparisonย (USA vs Taiwan) from Nation Master. Youโ€™d be surprised by the numbers compared to the US.

There are some cities where I will not walk alone at night (say Sao Paulo or Mexico City) but Taipei did not feel that way. I spent a lot of time with locals so I was often accompanied in the wee hours of the morning but they also did not warn me not to walk by myself.

As a woman who travels alone, I always get warnings about not walking at night by myself but I did not experience the same in Taipei. I also always took public transportation (train) and sometimes, you will see many school kids going on the train on their own!

When I see children roaming the streets on their own (no matter what country), this is one of my personal indicators of believing that a city is safe.

2. EasyCard is your best friend

For those embarking on solo travel to Taipei, the EasyCard is an indispensable tool that simplifies navigating the cityโ€™s comprehensive public transportation system.

This smart card functions as a contactless payment method for buses, the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, and even some taxis, eliminating the need to fumble with cash or tickets for each journey.

EasyCards can be purchased without any form of ID. All you need is cash to pay for the card itself and the amount you wish to load onto it. There is usually a small cost for the card itself, in addition to whatever amount you choose to load for fare usage.

Once you have the card, you can top it up with additional funds at any of the locations mentioned below or through other convenient methods provided across the city.

Every Taipei Metro (MRT) station has ticket vending machines and service desks where EasyCards can be bought and reloaded. These machines offer English instructions and accept cash.

Major convenience store chains such as 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, and OK Mart sell EasyCards and provide top-up services. This option is particularly useful as these stores are widespread and often open 24/7.

3. Taipei is a bicycle city. Use YouBike!

Solo travel to Taipei offers the unique opportunity to explore the city at your own pace, and one of the best ways to do so is by utilizing the YouBike system.

Taipei boasts an extensive network of bike lanes, making cycling both a safe and enjoyable way to see the city. The YouBike system is Taipeiโ€™s public bike-sharing service, available 24/7, and it provides an eco-friendly, healthy, and flexible mode of transportation.

Stations are conveniently located near major attractions, MRT stations, and residential areas, making it easy to pick up and drop off bikes across the city. The first 30 minutes of use are incredibly affordable, encouraging short trips and exploration.

You can register for YouBike services by linking your EasyCard or credit card at a YouBike kiosk. Some locations also allow registration directly through the YouBike 2.0 app using a foreign mobile number and credit card.

Once you are registered, you can rent a bicycle all around Taipei. Hereโ€™s how:

  • Using an EasyCard: Simply tap your registered EasyCard on the sensor located on the bike dock. The light will turn green, and you can then remove the bike from the dock.
  • Via the YouBike App: With YouBike 2.0, you can also rent a bike directly through the app. Scan the QR code on the bike or enter the bikeโ€™s ID to unlock it.

4. Download the GO! Taipei Metro app

The Go! Taipei Metro app is a valuable resource that provides real-time information and navigation assistance, making solo travel to Taipei a breeze.

The app covers the entire MRT system, offering detailed maps, station information, and route suggestions to efficiently plan your journey.

The app lets you see real-time train schedules and if the train will be delayed (which is highly unusual in Taipei). It will also suggest the easiest and quickest routes from point A to B.

5. Register for Taipeiโ€™s free city-wide WiFi service

Though not an app, registering for Taipeiโ€™s free city-wide WiFi service can keep you connected without a local SIM card. Taipei has a free city-wide wifi service called TPE-Free.

Look for areas with the โ€œTPE-Freeโ€ SSID, including MRT stations, parks, and some public buildings. On your device, select the โ€œTPE-Freeโ€ network from the list of available WiFi networks.

Open your web browser, and you should be automatically redirected to the TPE-Free registration page. If not, try navigating to any webpage to prompt the redirection.

Select โ€œLimited Freeโ€ or โ€œFree.โ€ Youโ€™ll have the option for limited or unlimited access. The โ€œLimited Freeโ€ option provides access without registration but may have time or usage limitations.

For unlimited access, you need to register/sign up for an account. Choose the option for full or unlimited access, which will require you to register. Then enter your mobile phone number. Youโ€™ll receive a text message (SMS) with a verification code.

Input the verification code on the registration page to complete the process. After registration, log in with the credentials youโ€™ve set up or the details provided via SMS.

If you donโ€™t have a local Taiwanese mobile number, you can still register for TPE-Free WiFi by visiting a Taipei City Government service counter or a tourist information center. Youโ€™ll need to present your passport or a valid form of identification. The staff will assist you in registering for access to the network.

Security Tip: As with any public WiFi network, consider the security of your information. Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is recommended for your virtual safety.

6. Learn some very basic Mandarin

Learning some very basic Mandarin before embarking on solo travel to Taipei can significantly enhance the overall experience. While English is widely spoken in tourist areas and among younger generations, many local neighborhoods and areas still donโ€™t speak English.

Taiwanese people love it when you try to speak their language so this is a great tip for meeting people while traveling alone in Taipei. It can transform simple transactions into opportunities for connection, turning your trip into a journey filled with personal growth and cultural immersion.

Pleco is an indispensable tool for language assistance for Taipei solo travel. It is a Chinese dictionary app that includes handwriting recognition and a powerful translation feature, making it easier to understand signs and menus.

๐Ÿ’ƒ MORE SOLO TRAVEL TIPS IN ASIA

7. Choose a hotel near an MRT station for convenient citywide access

where to stay in taipei

Choosing a hotel near an MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) station is essential for anyone planning solo travel to Taipei. As you can see, Taipei is heavily reliant on their train for going around the city and even to other destinations in Taiwan.

You donโ€™t need to take a taxi in Taipei unless you really want to or itโ€™s an emergency. The cityโ€™s MRT system is renowned for its efficiency, cleanliness, and extensive network, connecting major attractions, shopping districts, and residential areas.

Make sure to pick an accommodation that is about 5-10 minutes walk to the train station but you will even find ones that are accessible by foot in less than 5 minutes!

8. The coolest area to stay for Taipei solo travel is Wanhua/Ximending

things to do in taipei alone

The Wanhua District, particularly the Ximending area, is the coolest area to stay for solo travel to Taipei. This bustling, energetic neighborhood is the epicenter of youth culture, fashion, and entertainment, offering a lively and immersive experience of urban Taiwanese life.

Ximendingโ€™s pedestrian-only streets are lined with shops, cafes, theaters, and street performances, creating a vibrant atmosphere that captivates from day to night.

The areaโ€™s diverse accommodation options cater to all budgets, from cozy hostels to stylish boutique hotels. Staying in Wanhua/Ximending places solo travelers at the heart of the action, making it easy to meet people and (explore on foot).

9. Taipei is a foodie city!

Taipei, renowned for its vibrant culinary scene, is a paradise for food enthusiasts. Solo travel to Taipei opens the door to an extensive array of gastronomic delights and dining out alone is not weird at all in Taiwan!

The cityโ€™s food landscape is marked by a fusion of indigenous, Chinese, and Japanese influences, creating a unique flavor profile that is diverse.

From bustling night markets serving exotic snacks to high-end eateries offering gourmet dishes, Taipei caters to all tastes and preferences. Engaging with local food culture is not just about eating; itโ€™s a means to understand the cityโ€™s history, people, and traditions.

The art of โ€œxiao chi,โ€ or โ€œsmall eats,โ€ is an integral part of Taipeiโ€™s culinary landscape, offering a window into the rich tapestry of Taiwanese food culture. This practice is especially appealing to those embarking on solo travel to Taipei, as you will frequently dine alone.

10. Street food in Taipei is cheap

Street food in Taipei is renowned for being both delicious and affordable, which makes solo travel to Taipei affordable! The affordability of street food is one of the cityโ€™s attractions, allowing both locals and travelers to enjoy a wide range of tastes without spending a lot.

Small snacks like sweet potatoes, tofu pudding (douhua), or a piece of fruit from a street vendor range from NT$10-NT$30 (about $0.30 to $1 USD). A bowl of Taiwanese style congee or a serving of rice noodle soup or portion of oyster omelet is around NT$30-NT$50 (about $1.70 USD)

More substantial meals like a bowl of beef noodle soup, depending on the place range from NT$50-NT$100 (about USD 1.70 to USD 3.40). Larger portions or specialty items such as seafood dishes at night markets range from NT$100-NT$200 (about USD 3.40 to USD 6.80).

11. Taipei is still a cash city

Despite the cityโ€™s advanced digital infrastructure and the prevalence of electronic payment methods, cash is still king in many places. Many vendors prefer cash transactions over digital payments.

This preference for cash is particularly notable in smaller eateries, traditional markets, and some taxis. Take note that the maximum withdrawal limit in Taipei is NT$150,000 ($4,783) per transaction. But you donโ€™t need to withdraw this much as Taipei is a really cheap city!

You cannot use US dollars directly for everyday transactions in Taipei like shopping, dining, or transportation as the local currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (NT$).

Upon arrival, you will find it convenient to exchange a small amount of US dollars at the airport to cover immediate expenses, such as transportation to your accommodation. Personally, I get better exchange rates by withdrawing cash from an ATM in the city center than exchanging USD at the airport.

12. Tipping is not customary in Taipei

Tipping is not customary in Taiwan, including Taipei. The culture around tipping in Taiwan is quite different from that in the United States and some other Western countries.

Service charges are often included in the bill at mid-range to high-end restaurants, so tipping for service is not expected. At local eateries, street food stalls, and night markets, tipping is not customary at all.

Taxi drivers do not expect tips. The fare shown on the meter is what you should pay. However, rounding up to the nearest dollar for convenience is not uncommon but not expected.

For private tours, tipping guides and drivers is appreciated but not mandatory. If you feel youve received exceptional service, a tip is a nice gesture of appreciation.

Good service is a default standard in Taipei. They give excellent service and they donโ€™t expect to be tipped for it.

13. Tap water in Taipei is drinkable

You can drink tap water in Taipei! Taipei prides itself on its high-quality tap water, thanks to the cityโ€™s rigorous purification processes and strict quality control measures.

The water authority in Taipei consistently ensures that the tap water meets international safety standards, making it generally safe to drink straight from the tap.

Let me help you plan your trips!

Iโ€™ve been giving expert and genuine advice to solo travelers and digital nomads for the last 15 years. You choose the destination and I will answer all your questions!

14. Taipei is a rainy city

Taipei has a subtropical climate that brings significant rainfall throughout the year. The city experiences its heaviest rainfall during the plum rain season in late spring (around May to June) and during the typhoon season, which typically runs from July to September.

During these periods, heavy downpours and even continuous days of rain can be common.

However, rainfall in Taipei does not follow a strict pattern and can vary widely from year to year. The winter months (December to February) are generally cooler and drier, but occasional rain is still possible.

Despite the rain, Taipeiโ€™s climate is relatively mild, and outdoor activities remain popular year-round.

Travelers planning their Taipei solo travel should prepare for the possibility of rain by packing appropriate rain gear, such as waterproof jackets, umbrellas, and shoes that can handle wet conditions.

Additionally, the city offers plenty of indoor attractions, like museums, shopping centers, and cultural sites, ensuring that thereโ€™s always something to do, rain or shine.

๐Ÿฆ Recommended: The best time to visit Taipei

15. The locals are very friendly: I stayed in a localโ€™s home!

taipei nightlife
Meeting new friends in a bar in Taipei.

I have been using Couchsurfing since 2008, a platform where you can connect with locals and stay in their homes. Back in the day, this was the biggest cultural exchange platform but through the years, it has converted into something else.

Many reported they have been sexually assaulted by using Couchsurfing but I did experience the glory days of CS. I have many Couchsurfing safety tips (for both men and women). You can still use this platform but take extra precautions.

Lucky for me, I landed a host that has a lot of positive reviews. When looking for CS hosts, this is the first thing you need to look at as feedback from other travelers is always genuine and authentic.

My hostโ€™s name was Liu and he lived on the outskirts of Taipei. Although I had to take a train or a bus to go to the center, I didnโ€™t feel that it was a hassle since Liu showed me a part of Taipei that I donโ€™t know about.

The center of Taipei is what we always have in mind but Taipei is a big city and there are many parts of it that are not touristy but worth knowing about, especially if you want to go out of the usual mandatory tourist circuit.

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16. Getting attention as a foreign solo female traveler

taipei itinerary

I cannot speak for everyone since my ethnicity is Asian. I did not get any special attention as a tourist but they did look when I spoke English. They only knew I am a foreigner from the way I speak and even with that, they did not change their behavior toward me.

On tours, I did not see many Americans or Westerners but they sure look at foreigners who are very tall (out of curiosity). Some of my friends said locals were taking pictures with them and thatโ€™s about the most attention they get as a foreigner.

Taipei is also not one of those cities that will change their prices because you are a foreigner. They are honest and prices are always displayed publicly so you wonโ€™t really have to guess what you have to pay. You donโ€™t have to worry about being charged extra as a foreigner/tourist.

17. 3 days is enough in Taipei

things to do in taipei alone

I always stay in Taiwan for 2 weeks (1 week of that is just Taipei) but you can easily spend 2-4 days for your Taipei solo travel. Even one day is OK as most flights from the US and Canada stop in Taipei.

If you are traveling Taipei for a short time but want to have an amazing experience, get in touch with me and I will introduce you to local friends who live in Taipei!

18. Day trips from Taipei are accessible

taiwan itinerary

Taipei is highly accessible for day trips, with a variety of destinations within easy reach thanks to the cityโ€™s efficient transportation network.

By train, you can visit Pingxi, known for its picturesque sky lantern festival and old railway line. Jiufen, a charming mountain town famous for its narrow alleys, tea houses, and stunning views of the coastline is only 40 minutes away.

Hualien, accessible via the Taroko Express train offers breathtaking scenery, including Taroko Gorge and Qixingtan Beach. I stayed in Hualien for 3 days though as it is worth more than a day trip.

You can even go to far cities like Taichung and Tainan via Taipeiโ€™s High-Speed Rail (HSR). In essence, staying in Taipei while exploring other parts of Taiwan is possible withouth packing and unpacking or booking hotels in each destination.

19. Taiwan has a woman President

Having a woman President doesnโ€™t always mean that a country is safer but in Asia, where we grew up with a lot of machismo, this is a big difference. Tsai Ing-wen is the first woman President of Taiwan and it made a big leap in progression for the country.

Through President Tsaiโ€™s efforts, Taiwan is the first Asian nation to legalize gay marriage. This made the country more modern and inclusive to everyone.

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7 Comments

  1. Lovely post! I would love to visit Taipei during the Lunar New Year. It would be such an insight in the local culture.

  2. Taipei sounds brilliant! I love cities that have good food, and that are easy to get around via bikes and public transit. I also really like the look of hiking near Taipei (even if it is rainy- it all looks beeeeautiful!)

  3. I LOVED my time in Taiwan and enjoyed your post so thoroughly!! i have to agree with you though, it definitely helps to know some Mandarin. My second language’s Mandarin and even then I struggled at times – I really cannot imagine making it thru without being able to read or understand anything!

  4. As you explore this exciting city, learn the best ways to experience the local culture and accumulate unforgettable memories. Discover the advantages of traveling alone and get ready for your adventure on the charming streets of Taipei!

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