City Guide Taipei, Taiwan

Ok City

I was dissapointed with the nighlife. I couldn't find a good place to drink. The Lucy was charging $1,500 NTD on New Year's Eve. There are too many gay bars and not enough straight party zones. Taipei 101 is good, but not that great. The Eiffel Tower is better. Cab rides are very cheap.

Insider Tip:If you want to meet people, go to couchsurfing.com

Nice People and Great Food in Taipei

In Taipei, you always see people's smile.. and people are willing to help no matter what the nationality you are. Food is great, you can easily have great experience in a small bakery on the street or spending USD10 to have a very good meal in a restaurant!

Culture of Taipei is good.

Well first off I really have to say their service and people's attitude in Taipei is good. They're not snobbish unlike some countries in the south east asia when you ask for help, people in Taipei will mostly help you all the way. There was one incident where I was lost in the train station in Rui Fang Station (TRA) where I need to get to Shiffen station using the pingsi branch line. I had a hard time understanding the chinese words while hundreds of people are hustling me away to the exit. There I chanced upon this group of people, and I kindly asked them about how to go to Shihfen station, what they did was they actually brought me to the station itself although it was not their way. Guys this place is so cool with good people all around. Do check it out.

Insider Tip:Travelling around Taipei City is very easy with their MRT and their railway (TRA). They've got free shuttle bus to shopping malls if it is not reachable by the MRT, that's how efficient their transport is. Try not to take a TAXI as it cost a bomb.

surprisingly inexpensive

Taipei was the easiest city to get around that I have ever visited (tip: busses are generally 15 NT one way payable upon getting on). The MRT had trains everywhere every few minutes and I never waited more that three minutes for a bus. Despite not speaking (or reading) the language at all, I was able to navigate and order food easily. The Shilin night market is not to be missed. Try the Oyster omlettes available everywhere. If this review is scattered, it is because I just got home and am jet-lagged.

Insider Tip:Tip #1: The busses arround the city are 15 NT one way payable when you get on Tip #2: Shilin night market is not to be missed, but the best prices I found on clothing/shoes were at the underground mall at the MRT Main Taipei Station. The locals probably know of even better prices elsewhere!

Food prices are increasing.

In Taipei there are so many nice restaurants and prices are inexpensive, mostly. But recently food prices are increasing. I think it will be going up to 10-30%

Insider Tip:In Taipei, there's the famou tall building called Taipei 101. Every time when I get Taipei, I go to there because there are 2 nice large book shops, one is in Taipei101, and another one is near to Taipei101 called Cheng Pin book shop. I usually buy textbooks at there.