What Should You Pack for Taipei?
Taipei has a subtropical climate, so packing for humid conditions is key! In the summer, light and breathable clothes like shorts, tank tops, and dresses are essential to stay cool while walking around the city. In spring and fall, you’ll want to add some light layers, like sweaters or long-sleeve shirts, for cooler mornings and evenings. Winter is mild, but still bring a jacket or hoodie for the occasional chilly day. Don’t forget a rain jacket or umbrella for those unexpected rain showers throughout the year!
Make sure you’re prepared for: Visiting Taipei 101, exploring night markets, hiking Elephant Mountain, touring Longshan Temple, and taking a day trip to Jiufen.
Dress Code
Taipei is a laid-back city with a casual yet trendy style. Locals often wear comfortable yet stylish outfits, perfect for the city’s busy streets and night markets. During the day, shorts, dresses, and light tops are ideal, especially when visiting outdoor attractions like Elephant Mountain. When visiting temples, it’s a good idea to dress modestly and cover your shoulders. For evenings out at night markets or restaurants, smart-casual clothing is fine. Comfortable shoes are a must for walking and exploring!
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Spring
65 – 80°F
(18 – 27°C
)
Summer
80 – 90°F
(27 – 32°C
)
Fall
70 – 85°F
(21 – 29°C
)
Winter
55 – 65°F
(13 – 18°C
)
Spring: Warm and humid, with occasional rain
Summer: Hot and humid, with frequent rain
Fall: Warm, with cooler evenings and some rain
Winter: Cool, with mild rain
Spring
6.8 inches of rain
Summer
10.4 inches of rain
Fall
8.7 inches of rain
Winter
4.0 inches of rain
Tops & Layers
1. Short Sleeve Shirts: Great for warm days spent exploring Taipei’s night markets—I loved how comfortable mine were!
2. Long Sleeve Shirts: Perfect for cooler evenings, especially after a day of sightseeing at Taipei 101.
3. Sweaters: Ideal for layering during mild winter days while walking around the city.
4. Casual Jacket: Great for chilly mornings and evenings while strolling through outdoor markets.
5. Rain Jacket: Essential for rainy days, especially during Taipei’s summer months.
Bottoms & Dresses
1. Pants: Comfortable and versatile, great for walking around Taipei’s parks and temples—I loved having these for both casual and dressy occasions!
2. Leggings: Great for casual days or layering under longer tops while exploring the city.
3. Shorts: Perfect for Taipei’s hot and humid summer days, especially when visiting outdoor markets or temples.
4. Dresses: Stylish and comfortable, ideal for sightseeing and evenings out at night markets.
5. Skirt: A great option for stylish yet comfortable day outings.
Shoes & Accessories
1. Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring Taipei’s streets and markets—I loved how practical mine were for long walks!
2. Sandals: Perfect for hot summer days when you’re walking around outdoor attractions like Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.
3. Flats: A stylish option for evenings out in Taipei’s trendy restaurants and bars.
4. Hat: A must for sun protection while hiking Elephant Mountain or exploring Taipei’s parks.
5. Sunglasses: Perfect for sunny days while visiting outdoor markets and historical sites.
Luggage & Packs
1. Carry-On: Great for short trips, especially for weekend getaways to Taipei—I loved mine for easy travel on the metro!
2. Daypack: Ideal for carrying essentials while hiking Elephant Mountain or visiting local temples.
3. Purse: A stylish yet practical option for keeping your personal items secure while exploring Taipei’s shops and restaurants.
4. Tote Bag: Great for carrying extra layers or shopping finds while visiting Taipei’s bustling night markets.
Travel Essentials
- Reusable Water Bottle: A must-have for travel days and while exploring for the day.
- Packing Cubes: Helpful for staying organized rather than ending up with a heap of clothes in your luggage.
- Luggage Tags: Even if you’re not checking luggage, still good to have in case you misplace your bags.
- Luggage Locks: Can be handy even if you’re not checking luggage, making your backpack more pickpocket-proof.
- Sleep Mask: An eye mask is a game changer for helping you get quality sleep each night.
- White Noise Machine: Same as above. White noise machines have helped me get more consistent sleep.
- Ear Plugs: Much better than the generic foam ones that never stay in my ears.
- Jewelry Case: Especially nice for organizing necklaces and not getting them all tangled.
- Dry Bag: An item to bring if you plan to do a lot of water activities or boat trips.
- Water Shoes: Same as above. Great to bring if you plan to do water activities or boat trips.
- Travel Umbrella: Only if you’re going somewhere where it’s going to be wet and rainy (but not too windy).
- Deck of Cards / Fox in the Forest: I love playing card games while traveling. It’s a fun way to pass the time.
- Portable Charger: It’s surprising how often you don’t have an outlet when you need one, and your phone is essential for everything from directions to your mobile boarding pass.
- Universal Travel Adapter: This universal adapter works in 200+ countries. Great for airports too.
- E-sim: I’ve used Airalo in four different countries now, and it’s the best solution for using data abroad.
- Phone: Currently travel with an iPhone 13 Pro, which also works as my camera for most trips.
- Tablet: I use my iPad mainly for watching shows and movies and checking emails while traveling.
- Headphone Splitter: I use this one with my iPad Air so I can watch shows with my husband on long flights.
- GoPro: A great camera for underwater photography or adventure activities.
- Memory Card for GoPro: This is the one I use for my GoPro, high-quality and reliable.
- Waterproof Phone Case: Even with my GoPro, I end up using this all the time since phone quality photos are so good now.
- Kindle: I love traveling with my Kindle and being able to read multiple books on a trip without the extra weight.
- Noise-Canceling Headphones: These wraparound ones are a must for long plane rides if I want to get any sleep. I also bring Airpods for local bus trips or on-the-go travel when I want to carry something smaller.
- Air Tags: Great if you’re checking luggage in case it gets lost or stolen.
- Chargers: Don’t forget all the chargers you’ll need for the electronics listed above.
- Toiletry Bag: Great for going through security, and they make it easier to find what I want to use.
- Reusable Containers for Toiletries: I use reusable containers so I don’t need to buy expensive travel-sized products.
- Electric Toothbrush: I’ve tried those tiny travel toothbrushes, and they just don’t work for me.
- Toothpaste: These are the perfect travel size that lasts about a month or so for two people.
- Floss: Any floss will do.
- Natural Deodorant: I finally discovered a good natural deodorant. Plus, it’s small, so it’s perfect for travel.
- Shampoo: I get the large size and then just put it in my mini travel containers.
- Conditioner: Same as above. I don’t worry about bringing body wash since I’m okay using whatever’s provided.
- Panty Liners: For when you want some extra protection. Also great for sweaty travel days to keep you more dry.
- Tampons: I like that these are made without plastic, and they’re easy to put into small purses and travel with.
- Tide to Go Pen: Surprisingly handy for getting out those random stains or spills.
- Travel Laundry Detergent: These are useful because you can use them for hand washing or as washer detergent.
- Travel Clothesline: Handy when you need to wash your clothes but realize most of the world doesn’t use dryers.
- Hairbrush: I don’t use a travel-size version because it’s not worth it for me. I’d rather have a full-size brush.
- Hair Ties: Any brand works, but I also make sure to have plenty on hand in my bags.
- After Sun Lotion: Great to have if you’re traveling during the hotter months and expect to get a lot of sun.
- Face Sunscreen: I’ve tried many sunscreen brands, and this is the best face sunscreen I’ve found.
- Body Sunscreen: Reef-safe, easy to spread, and smells good.
- Face Cleanser: I usually get a regular-size bottle and then put it into my refillable travel containers.
- Moisturizer: I’ve tried many fancy moisturizers, and I’ve realized that the simplest ones often work best for me.
- Overnight Face Mask: I use this in daily life as well, but during travel it’s especially good because it’s so hydrating.
- Lip Balm: I’ve been a Burts Bees stan for over a decade, and I don’t think I’ll change anytime soon.
- Makeup: The three essentials I always bring are lip gloss/lipstick, my Clinique CC Cream + makeup brush, and mascara. Everything else is added on depending on the vibes of the trip.
- Travel Razor: I love this size and how easy it is to change the razor heads once a week.
- Razor Replacements: I usually bring enough to replace the razor head once per week while traveling.
- Hydrating Face Sheets: I pack a couple of these to use after long plane rides, great for hydrating your face.
- Travel Mirror: This is a luxury item, but it’s surprising how often I use it when there’s only one bathroom.
- Dry Bar Blow Dryer Brush: Another luxury item. It’s bulky to bring (and I don’t always bring it), but it’s a versatile tool for looking more put together in non-humid destinations.
- Heat Protectant Spray: For the Dry Bar Brush.
- Bug Spray: The most effective spray I’ve found that doesn’t use DEET.
- Tylenol: The best remedy when a headache strikes.
- Motion Sickness Pills: You never know when you might get motion sickness, especially if you’re prone to it like me.
- Tums: Handy for dealing with indigestion or heartburn when eating foods different than you’re used to.
- Pepto Bismol: Another thing to help soothe an upset stomach.
- Other Travel Medications: Make sure to research what else you might need to bring for the destination.
- Electrolyte Powder: Great for staying hydrated, especially after a day in the sun or a long flight.
- Band-Aids: Useful for minor cuts and blisters.
- Anti-Septic Wipes: Keeps wounds clean and prevents infection.
- Unisom SleepMelts: Obviously optional, but these are the only way I’m able to sleep on planes.
- Melatonin: Helps with sleep, especially if you’re adjusting to a new time zone.
- Hand Sanitizer: Essential for keeping your hands clean when soap and water aren’t available.
- Passport
- Travel Visas (if needed)
- Travel Documents, Tickets, Boarding Passes & Booking Confirmations
- Driver’s License / International Driving Permit (if needed)
- Photocopy of Passport (hidden in your pack)
- Emergency Cash – I usually bring US $200 and hide it in 1-2 packs/purses I have with me on travel days in case of an emergency. I make sure it’s separate from my wallet.
- Credit / Debit Cards
- Travel Insurance – Nice to have in case of any medical or travel emergencies.
What to Know Before You Pack
- Light fabrics: The humidity in Taipei can be intense, especially in the summer, so pack breathable clothing.
- Rain gear: Taipei is known for its rain, so a lightweight rain jacket or umbrella is essential.
- Comfortable shoes: You’ll be walking a lot, especially when exploring night markets and hiking trails like Elephant Mountain.
- Modest clothing: When visiting temples, cover your shoulders out of respect for local customs.
Taipei Travel FAQs
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT TAIPEI?
November is the best month to visit Taipei. November’s also great because the weather is mild, with less rain and cooler temperatures, perfect for exploring outdoor markets and temples. Crowds are smaller than during the summer, making it a comfortable time for sightseeing.
WHAT FESTIVALS & EVENTS ARE THERE IN TAIPEI?
Lantern Festival (February): A magical festival of lanterns and fireworks, great for families and friends.
Dragon Boat Festival (June): An exciting event featuring boat races and traditional celebrations, perfect for couples and groups.
Taipei International Film Festival (July): A prestigious event for film lovers, ideal for solo travelers and groups.
Mid-Autumn Festival (September): A cultural celebration with mooncakes and family gatherings, perfect for solo travelers and families alike.
WHERE SHOULD I GO IN TAIPEI?
Taipei offers a mix of modern attractions and historical landmarks. Start with Taipei 101, the city’s iconic skyscraper with incredible views. One of my favorite places is Elephant Mountain, where you can hike for a panoramic view of the skyline. Visit the night markets, especially Shilin Night Market, to experience Taipei’s famous street food. Don’t miss Longshan Temple, a beautiful temple with rich history, or take a day trip to Jiufen, a charming mountain town with stunning views and teahouses.
HOW MANY DAYS DO I NEED TO VISIT TAIPEI?
3-4 days is ideal to see Taipei’s highlights, including temples, markets, and popular landmarks. A weekend can cover major sites.
Suggested Itineraries:
2 Days: On day one, visit Taipei 101, explore Elephant Mountain, and spend the evening at Shilin Night Market. On day two, visit Longshan Temple, explore the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, and end the day at a tea house in Jiufen.
5 Days: Copy the 2-day itinerary and add: On day three, visit the National Palace Museum and stroll through Daan Forest Park. Spend day four shopping in Ximending and enjoying street food. On day five, take a day trip to Beitou for hot springs and relaxation.
1 Week: Copy the 5-day itinerary and add: On day six, hike Yangmingshan National Park for scenic views. On day seven, explore Tamsui for a relaxing day by the riverside, visiting Fort San Domingo and the local market.
10 Days: Copy the 1-week itinerary and add: On day eight, visit Maokong Gondola for stunning views of the tea plantations. Spend day nine visiting Taipei Zoo, and on day ten, enjoy a day of shopping and dining at the Breeze Center Mall.
2 Weeks: Copy the 10-day itinerary and add: On day eleven, take a trip to Sun Moon Lake for a scenic boat tour. Spend days twelve to fourteen exploring the East Coast, including Taroko Gorge and the coastal towns.
WHAT SHOULD I PACK FOR 2 DAYS, 5 DAYS, 1 WEEK, 10 DAYS, AND 2 WEEKS IN TAIPEI?
2 Days
- 2 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 1 Long Sleeve Shirt
- 1 Pair of Pants
- 1 Dress
- 2 Pairs of Socks
- 2 Pairs of Underwear
- 1 Comfortable Shoes
- 1 Light Jacket
- 1 Daypack
5 Days
- 4 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 2 Long Sleeve Shirts
- 2 Pairs of Pants
- 2 Dresses
- 5 Pairs of Socks
- 5 Pairs of Underwear
- 1 Comfortable Shoes
- 1 Light Jacket
- 1 Daypack
1 Week
- 5 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 3 Long Sleeve Shirts
- 2 Pairs of Pants
- 2 Dresses
- 6 Pairs of Socks
- 6 Pairs of Underwear
- 1 Comfortable Shoes
- 1 Light Jacket
- 1 Daypack
10 Days
- 6 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 3 Long Sleeve Shirts
- 3 Pairs of Pants
- 3 Dresses
- 7 Pairs of Socks
- 7 Pairs of Underwear
- 1 Comfortable Shoes
- 1 Light Jacket
- 1 Daypack
2 Weeks
- 7 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 4 Long Sleeve Shirts
- 4 Pairs of Pants
- 4 Dresses
- 9 Pairs of Socks
- 9 Pairs of Underwear
- 1 Comfortable Shoes
- 1 Light Jacket
- 1 Daypack
WHAT SHOULD I NOT PACK FOR TAIPEI?
High heels: Taipei’s markets and uneven streets make high heels impractical.
Heavy winter coat: Taipei’s winters are mild, so a medium jacket and layers are enough.
WHAT SHOULD I BUDGET FOR A TRIP TO TAIPEI ?
Airfare: $600-$1,200 depending on the season and departure city, with prices higher during Chinese New Year.
Accommodation: $50-$200 per night, with higher rates near Ximending or the city center.
Transportation: $20-$50 for public transport and taxis, with the metro being affordable and easy to use.
Meals: $20-$60 per day, depending on whether you’re eating at night markets or upscale restaurants.
Activities: $20-$50 per day, depending on whether you’re visiting museums, taking tours, or exploring parks.
IS THERE A TIPPING CULTURE IN TAIPEI? WHAT IS APPROPRIATE TO TIP?
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan. Service charges are often included in the bill, so tipping is not expected in restaurants, hotels, or taxis.
WHAT ARE SOME LOCAL TIPS I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT TAIPEI BEFORE I VISIT?
- Bring an umbrella: Taipei sees frequent rain, especially in summer.
- Use public transport: The metro is efficient and affordable, covering most tourist areas.
- Night markets: Taipei’s night markets are popular but can get crowded, so visit earlier to avoid the rush.
- Respect temple customs: When visiting temples, dress modestly and be respectful of the local customs.