If you haven’t been to Taiwan, you’ll be surprised that this small country has pockets of wonders, one of which is Taipei. Having developed into a progressive city, Taipei still evokes warmth and richness in culture. Its charm is rooted in Southeast Asian, Japanese, and American influences. Here are the top 10 things you and your travel buddies can do to have a fun and memorable time in Taiwan:

Get All Your Essentials Ready

Weather – Aside from booking your flights and accommodation, make sure you’ll pack the right type of clothes according to the weather. It is summer in Taipei from June to August and fall from September to November. Winter takes place from December to February. Spring is from March to May.

Transportation – If you will be staying in Taipei for two or three days, book your Unlimited 1 to 3-Day Taipei Fun Pass in advance to enjoy unlimited access to the MRT and buses as well as free admission to top landmarks such as Taipei 101. Another convenient way to travel around Taiwan is a Taiwan iPass Public Transit Card, which can be used for MRT, railway, and buses and for purchases in certain convenient stores, supermarkets, and restaurants.

Language – Use a translator app because the primary language in Taipei is Mandarin. You can also learn a few Mandarin words and phrases: 

Hello = Nĭ hăo
Thanks = Xièxie
You’re welcome = Bú kèqì
How much? = Duō-shǎo-qián (Doo oh show chee an)
Bathroom = Cèsuŏ

Explore the National Palace Museum

You won’t run out of things to learn at the National Palace Museum because it has over 700,000 pieces of artwork and ancient artifacts. You will appreciate the extensive collection of paintings, calligraphy, carvings, books, and ceramics as well as galleries that depict the colorful history of Taiwan.

Marvel at the Edifices of Chiang Kai Shek and Sun Yat Sen Memorials

The Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall was built to honor Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, the former President of the Republic of China. Here, you will discover the late president’s life and career, Taiwan’s history, and Chinese culture and history.

Learn about the accomplishments and contributions of the founder of modern China, Dr. Sun Yat-sen, at the Sun Yat Sen Memorial. Erected in 1972, the memorial also serves as a meeting space for social, educational, and cultural activities.

Meet the City from the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

If you want to maximize your time in Taipei and truly roam the city, secure your Taipei Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket now. You will travel comfortably with an audio guide as you view historic sites, structures, Ximending, and other notable landmarks in Taipei.

Soak in Spectacular City Views From Taipei 101

Get a 360-degree view of Taipei from the world’s second tallest building, Taipei 101. The observatory deck on the 89th floor features an audio tour in eleven languages, binoculars, and refreshments. The outdoor observatory on the 91st floor will give you a fantastic view of Taipei’s cityscape.

Shop and Eat at a Night Market 

If you’re looking for authentic yet affordable Taiwanese food, you can find it at the best night markets in Taipei. Have steamed bun, spicy stinky tofu, and beef noodles for dinner and cap your evening with delicious milk tea. Souvenirs are also everywhere at night markets, including clothes, hardware, figurines, trinkets, and candies. 

Take a Dip in a Hot Spring

Hot springs are popular in Taipei because of their great temperature, minerals, and unique sources of water. To experience private or public hot springs in Taipei, head to Spring City Resort in Beitou or book your Taipei The Gaia Hotel Individual Hot Spring Room Experience.

Embark on Day Tours from Taipei

What is great about Taipei is that it is a convenient jumping spot to other major tourist attractions outside the capital. If you want to take a break from the bustling scenes of the city, you can see the dramatic rock formations at Yehliu’s Geopark​ and roam around the Japanese colonial towns of Jiufen and Shifen in a Taiwan Northeast Coast Day Tour. A Yangmingshan National Park & Tamsui tour from Taipei will take you to flower gardens, the historic Fort San Domingo, Shimen Cave, and the Jinbaoli Old Street.

Ready for Taipei? Don’t forget to pick up your Taiwan Unlimited 4G SIM Card and other essentials at the airport.

*Featured image from Fotolia