Cosmopolitan Taipei
The sophisticated Xinyi district is packed full of upmarket shopping malls and flagship stores. Looming over this district is Taipei 101, the world’s third tallest building and one of the city’s main attractions. To explore the city’s history, you can visit the Zhongzheng district. This area is home to the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and the National Taiwan Museum, an impressive building erected when the country was under Japanese rule.
After dark
When night falls, you can sample Taiwanese street food classics at Shilin Night Market or check out the city’s many cocktail bars and nightclubs in Xinyi district. With more than 10 million visitors annually, Taipei is one of 2023 / 2024’s most popular destinations, so wherever you go, you won’t be alone.
When to go
For a cooler time of the year, you could consider an autumn departure. September and November see the mercury drop to a pleasant 20 degrees Celsius, but there is still plenty of sunshine. There are often excellent deals to be had on last minute flights to Taipei around this time, as the peak summer season ends.
Low season is November to March, when temperatures drop to around 10 degrees Celsius. Chinese New Year falls in late January or early February, resulting in high demand for flights and hotels. However, whilst the celebrations are magnificent, it may not be the ideal time for you to visit, as many shops and businesses are closed.
Airports and airlines
Taoyuan International Airport
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) serves the city and the wider northern region. Located near the city of Taoyuan, about 35 miles southwest of the city, it has two busy terminals, with a third currently under construction. Air France, British Airways, Flybe, as well as a number of other airlines, offer return flights to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport from London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and Birmingham. Direct flights can be caught from London Gatwick. View flights to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.
Getting around the airport
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport has a complimentary 24-hour shuttle bus for passengers with connecting flights or who simply need to travel between the two airport buildings. On the ground floor of Terminal 1, passengers will find arrival and departures. If you’re peckish, there is a food court in the terminal’s basement.
Getting to the city from the airport
Passengers arriving at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport have a variety of public and private transport options. There are frequent buses from the airport to Taiwan city centre, as well as rail links by commuter train, express train and high-speed train. The express train reaches downtown Taipei in 38 minutes, while the commuter train takes 45 minutes. You can also take a metered taxi outside the arrivals halls or there are car rental firms in both terminal buildings.