11 Taipei Tours for Independent Travelers

Taipei stands as the economic, political, and cultural hub of Taiwan. It's a modern international city with a vibrant and diverse face, brimming with grandeur. From the world's tallest building (2004 – 2010) to the largest collection of Chinese art, Taipei invites you into a world of fascinating contrasts: a blend of modernity and tradition, with a splash of generous energy and friendly smiles to make it one of your most memorable trips to Asia.

Whether you're just stopping by on your way to another Asian destination or planning to stay longer, Taipei is a multifaceted treasure that will call you back time and time again. Let's explore the heart of Asia in beautiful Taipei through exciting tours from Mytour!

Hot springs are among the most precious gifts the earth has bestowed upon us. Since ancient times, humans have recognized the healing and rejuvenating properties of this wonderful natural resource.

Taiwan ranks among the top 15 hot spring destinations in the world with a wide variety of springs, including hot springs, cold springs, mud springs, and even underwater hot springs. The island can proudly claim to be one of the highest and most diverse concentrations of hot springs in the world. There are over 100 hot springs discovered in Taiwan, located in various geological areas including plains, mountains, valleys, and the ocean. Apart from Chong Hua, Wanli, and Banqiao, almost every city and district in Taiwan can find hot springs, hence it's no surprise that some tourists have dubbed Taiwan as the 'Hot Spring Kingdom'.

When visiting Taipei, travelers cannot miss the experience of soaking in Beitou hot springs. The development of Beitou as a hot spring town dates back to the Japanese occupation of Taiwan, where they brought their rich hot spring bathing culture. If you enjoy immersing yourself in the soothing warm waters, then Beitou is a must-visit destination on your northern Taipei tour.

Since most of Taiwan's hot springs are located in scenic areas, soaking in one of these numerous hot springs not only allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of city life but also gives you the opportunity to admire beautiful landscapes while listening to the voice of nature. Therefore, visiting Taiwan for hot spring baths is definitely a wonderful aspect of entertainment and health!

Tamsui is a unique city in northern Taiwan and an attractive destination for travelers. Located in the coastal district of New Taipei City, it 'scores' with historical sites, bustling ports, cool riverside roads, ancient temples, unique cuisine, and stunning sunsets. Beitou is famous for its special hot spring system. One of the highlights here is the Beitou Hot Spring Park, attracting many tourists.

Taipei City, bustling and crowded as it may be, offers serene and scenic routes for cycling, making it an easy sightseeing trip. Exploring Taipei by bike couldn't be easier. In fact, there are plenty of popular cycling routes throughout Taiwan, especially along the coastline.

One of the great ways to quickly get acquainted with the streets is by joining friendly Taipei bike tours from Mytour, including popular morning sightseeing tours, or evening strolls, or even participating in cycling events in October 2023. According to #teamMytour's experience, this is one of the best ways to escape the loneliness in Taipei while learning about the history and culture of many lesser-known areas of the city.

If you're looking for something unique, explore Taipei by Shenao rail bike to admire the beautiful scenery of mountains and sea and the light-sculptured tunnels. This is also the only railway bike route with ocean views in Taiwan.

Passing through residential areas, you'll see colorful houses with seaside motifs from Badouzi stretching to the style of mine shafts at Shenao station. The light tunnel will take you through beautiful light sculptures that can change according to music. After exiting the tunnel, you'll see the Jianji mine site, once the largest coal-fired power plant in Southeast Asia.

If time permits, one of #teamMytour's common practices when traveling is to visit historical sites at the destination – and Taipei is no exception.

Learning about the history of a destination often makes the sites and cities more vibrant and memorable. It's fascinating when you can join a walking tour led by local Taiwanese enthusiasts who love sharing their historical knowledge. Some famous historical landmarks in Taipei have now become popular dating spots, even for the city's LGBTQIA+ community.

The Western end of Taipei was once the center of the city's political and economic activities and the starting point of modern development. Mytour's exceptional sightseeing tours will take you through Taiwan's history, from the traditional beliefs of the late Qing dynasty to cultural changes under Japanese rule, then to the political landscape after the Nationalist government appeared in 1949.

Despite Taipei's towering skyscrapers like Taipei 101, the city is also filled with a myriad of historical sites that history buffs and culture lovers won't want to miss. A Taipei city tour would be an ideal choice for first-time visitors here, looking to enjoy a guided tour at one of the world's famous museums—the National Palace Museum.

A private night tour provides a perfect introduction to Taipei's main attractions. In this tour, you'll get to explore the centuries-old Dalongdong Baoan Temple and the renowned Tzu Chi Foundation Memorial Hall. The tour concludes at Elephant Mountain Trail for a perfect night view of the illuminated Taipei 101. Tour Walking to Explore Historical Dadaocheng in Taipei 

Dadaocheng is an area in the Datong District of Taipei, Taiwan. It is one of the oldest areas in the capital and is an important commercial center selling Taiwanese products such as Chinese medicines, incense, fabrics, Taiwanese tea, and other unique products found in Taiwan.

From a cultural and historical perspective, there are several attractions you must visit when in Dadaocheng. Beloved by travelers, sites like the Tzu Chi Foundation Memorial Hall, National Palace Museum, Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, etc., will take you from the past to the present, showcasing how Taipei has been shaped by various cultures and historical events; thus, giving you a clear picture of this amazing city.

Religion plays an extremely important role in the lives of Taiwan's people, their daily lives often influenced by their religious beliefs. With countless deities believed to govern various aspects of life on the island, it's no surprise to find some remarkable examples of religious architecture across the region.

This country not only respects traditional beliefs but also embraces other religions. Predominantly, the traditional religions practiced in Taiwan are Buddhism, Taoism, and folk religions. However, except for a few purely Buddhist temples, most traditional places of worship on the island combine all three. In total, there are over 15,000 officially registered temples in Taiwan.

When visiting Taipei, don't limit your exploration to the city center but embark on tours of temples, shrines, and prominent religious sites in the capital. Taipei's temples feature Qing Dynasty-style architecture, also known as Fujian architecture, found in Hoklo communities in Fujian Province, Taiwan, and Singapore. These places are always bustling, crowded, filled with incense smoke, and host some of the country's most impressive festivals.

Jiufen is located in New Taipei. Before the gold rush, the main economic activities were harvesting and processing taro. Jiufen had 90 taro boiling pits. Ten kitchens were often grouped together in one processing location. Therefore, over time, they developed into nine processing locations. The name 'Jiufen' can be translated as 'nine portions' or 'nine parts.'

Here, you'll enjoy local Taiwanese tea overlooking the sea. Then, you'll head to Houtong Cat Village, a small village by the Keelung River and one of CNN's top 6 recommended cat-watching spots.

They say on any street in Taiwan, every three steps is a small eatery. Take five steps, and you'll bump into a restaurant, offering cuisines from all regions, both modern and traditional. This has made Taiwan's culinary culture incredibly diverse. Moreover, as Taiwan is a melting pot of world cultures, today you can find cuisines from all over the globe, making it a foodie's paradise.

Night markets have a long-standing history in Taipei, and this is evident in the night market culture here. The capital of Taiwan boasts an incredible number of night markets, from small to large. They are bustling, vibrant places full of flavors, sights, and sounds.

Taipei's night markets started from humble beginnings and grew from there. They often sprout near temples or places of congregation. Moreover, the night markets serve as a common ground for socializing and dining for immigrant workers in the 1950s – 1960s.

In no time, the night markets attracted the city's elite, and their fame continued to grow. As decades passed and Taiwan's economy flourished, the night markets became centers of popular culture, while still maintaining the humble spirit of their origins.

Taipei Night Market not only offers food but also a plethora of stores selling clothes, shoes, bags, souvenirs, and various jewelry. Additionally, you can get fortune-telling, massages, play scratch cards, or even go shrimp fishing. Simply put, a trip to Taiwan wouldn't be complete without visiting at least one Taipei night market.

Taipei is a multifaceted city with a rich history, vibrant culture, extraordinary architecture, and amazing cuisine. The city's cultural kaleidoscope surrounds you wherever you go. Ancient temples coexist seamlessly with neon-lit modern street life. Taipei boasts dozens of world-class restaurants where food connoisseurs can indulge in the finest Chinese cuisine in the region; moreover, there are numerous night markets serving gourmet street food in a lively and festive atmosphere.

Taipei's contrasting hues come alive vividly through the fusion of urban and natural landscapes. Just minutes away from the city center, you can immerse yourself in mineral-rich hot springs nestled at the foot of lush mountains surrounding the Taipei basin. And throughout the city, there are plenty of trails, parks, and serene oases to uplift your spirits and recharge your energy.

But with so many layers to explore, things to do, and countless street foods to savor, you might feel overwhelmed when planning a trip to Taipei. Hence, with the comprehensive Taipei exploration tours suggested by Mytour, along with some Taipei travel tips, we hope #teamMytour will have a delightful Taipei trip filled with unforgettable experiences.

Which Taipei tour will you choose?