Is Taipei walkable for tourists?

Yes, Taipei is highly walkable with excellent metro access, and most attractions and food are centrally located near metro stops.

What is the best restaurant experience in Taipei?

Shin Yeh's buffet at Taipei 101 offers premium Taiwanese cuisine for $100-120 per person, but requires booking two months in advance.

When do night markets in Taipei come alive?

Night markets become active after 7 PM when the working day ends, with Raohe Night Market being particularly popular with locals.

What is unique about Alishan?

Alishan is a mountainous region renowned for high-altitude oolong teas and traditional tea ceremonies among terraced farms.

How does Taipei compare to other Asian cities?

Taipei offers similar appeal to Korea and Japan but with its own charm, with transportation efficiency rivaling Tokyo without the overwhelming chaos.

What should I know about tipping in Taiwan?

Taiwan has no tipping culture, which provides additional comfort for international visitors compared to other destinations.

Kelly Chang Returns to Taiwan for Love, Family, and Unforgettable Flavors

Taiwan has always been home. I was born in Gaoxiong in the south, and though I now live in the States, I return every year to reconnect with family, familiar streets, and the flavors that shaped me. But this trip was different. I had just gotten married, and since not all of my Taiwanese relatives could fly to the US for our celebration, my husband and I decided to bring the celebration to them. We wanted to honor both of our families the traditional way.

My husband is also Taiwanese, from Taipei in the north. So for two weeks, we moved between our two worlds, celebrating with loved ones, eating our way through the country, and discovering corners of Taiwan I had somehow missed despite visiting every year.

Taipei Through New Eyes

Kelly and her partner pose at the same wedding party setup, smiling while standing beneath an ornate cream-colored chandelier

Because I usually stay with my family in the south, I had never spent extended time in Taipei. This trip changed that. Staying with my husband's family, I finally understood why people fall so hard for this city. What surprised me most was how effortlessly walkable everything is. Step out of any metro station and you are surrounded by incredible food, from steaming bowls of beef noodle soup to freshly made scallion pancakes. The metro itself runs every three minutes, making the entire city feel accessible without ever feeling rushed.

One afternoon, while my husband worked, I wandered solo through the city. I ended up at Raohe Night Market, which quickly became my favorite of all the night markets I have visited over the years. The pathway stretched endlessly, lined with vendors serving dishes I had never tried. The lines were long, a sure sign of quality, and I happily waited alongside locals for each bite.

The meal I keep telling everyone about, though, happened at Taipei 101. We ate at a buffet called A Joy, located inside one of the tallest buildings in the world. For around $100 to $120 per person, we experienced the best of the best: fresh seafood, delicate Taiwanese specialties, and impeccable service. The catch? You need to book two months in advance. I always recommend this to friends heading to Taiwan now.

Kelly and a man smile together at a casual dining establishment with Japanese signage and decorative elements in the background

Into the Mountains

Beyond the city, we traveled to Alishan, the mountain region famous for high mountain oolong teas. This was my first time visiting with my family, and it left a lasting impression. Walking through the tea farm, I stumbled upon a tiny tea shop that you will never find on Google or TikTok. We sat for a traditional tea ceremony, learning about the painstaking process behind each leaf, tasting the difference that altitude and craftsmanship make. The tea here tastes nothing like what we get in the States. It is fresh, fragrant, and speaks of the land it comes from.

This is what I love about traveling with local knowledge. You can plan certain reservations and experiences in advance, but the most unforgettable moments often come from simply asking locals where they go, what they eat, where they find peace. Speaking Chinese helps, but even without it, the hospitality in Taiwan is extraordinary. People genuinely want to share their culture with visitors.

Two women sit at a restaurant counter holding a menu and a bubble tea drink, both smiling at the camera

Who Would Love Taiwan

I brought two of my best friends on this trip, my bridesmaids who had never been to Asia. They are Mexican American, and they absolutely loved it. Taiwan is perfect for food lovers, curious explorers, and anyone who appreciates a city that feels vibrant without being chaotic. It is more relaxed than Tokyo but just as rewarding. If you have enjoyed Korea or Japan, Taiwan will charm you with its own distinct personality.

For travelers who struggle with lots of walking or have severe seafood allergies, I would suggest planning carefully, though there are always alternatives. The transportation is so convenient that mobility concerns are manageable with the right itinerary.

Aerial view of Taipei cityscape showing dense urban buildings with forested mountains and green spaces in the background

Now that I have experienced Taiwan through both the lens of a returning local and a newlywed celebrating with family, I understand this place on a deeper level. I know which reservations to book months ahead, which night markets deliver the best experience, and how to balance city exploration with mountain escapes. Taiwan will always hold a special place in my heart, and I cannot wait to help my clients discover why.