Taipei 101 Observatory
Take in 360° views of Taipei from the 89th floor. A world-class landmark and must-see.
Taiwan travel guide: before you go
Planning a trip to Taiwan? This guide rounds up what independent travelers need most—from ticket booking to saving money—so you can plan a smooth, great-value visit.
Three tips for booking tickets
Many popular spots charge more at the door than online, and walk-up lines can cost serious time. Here's our advice:
- Book hotspots early — For Taipei 101, Xpark, and similar draws, book at least a day ahead on a trusted platform; you often get discounts and skip the ticket line.
- Use combo tickets — Some venues offer bundles (ticket + transport, ticket + dining) that beat buying separately.
- Check cancellation rules — Know refund and change policies before you pay so changes in plans are easier to handle.
Best seasons to visit
Taiwan works year-round, but each season has its own strengths:
- Spring (Mar–May) — Mild weather; great for flowers (Alishan cherry blossoms, Yangming calla lilies).
- Summer (Jun–Aug) — Peak season for water activities; Penghu, Xiaoliuqiu, and Hualien are popular picks.
- Autumn (Sep–Nov) — Stable weather; ideal for hiking and island or loop trips.
- Winter (Dec–Feb) — Hot-spring season; Beitou, Jiaoxi, and Zhiben draw plenty of visitors.
Getting around: a quick comparison
Public transport is strong, but the best option depends on where you are:
- Within cities — Taipei Metro reaches most sights, with buses filling gaps; Kaohsiung has metro and light rail.
- Between cities — High Speed Rail links Taipei to Zuoying (Kaohsiung) in about 1.5 hours; conventional trains cover more stops.
- Rural & islands — Scooters are ideal for Penghu, Xiaoliuqiu, and much of the east coast.
- Private charter — For groups or traveling with elders and kids, a chartered car in Yilan or Hualien can be more comfortable.