We at XTS realize that any place listed in any guide is, apparently, on the beaten track. In fact, most of these places are listed in other big name travel books. But what we have done is separate the cool places from the lame ones to better help your travel experience. And oh yeah, it's completely free and you don't have to lug a 500 page book around.

The only true way to explore uncharted lands is to ditch the guide and go. But before heading off on that life changing journey in the extreme boundaries Taiwan, take a tip from us and live it up in the wonderful city of Taipei! For more information, continue reading and/or Click Here for the XtremeTravelStories.com Taiwan hostel/bar/restaurant listings guide.

Where to Eat in Taipei

Taiwan is famous for its night markets. A night market is a large open-air market selling traditional Taiwanese food. Typical and recommended items to try  at night markets are the deep-fried whole squid, oyster omelet, bao zi (a white rice bun with a pork or veggie stuffing inside), beef noodles, Chinese style hot dogs, skewered sausage, fried chicken pies, sweet glazed chicken wings, shaved ice with fruit, fresh fruits/fruit juice and smelly tofu. (Smelly tofu is about the most Taiwanese thing you can eat. And while it indeed smells atrocious, it actually tastes pretty good and is a must-try while in Taiwan). Each night market has its own identity and is different from the other. Some have even seen the rise of cheap sit-down restaurants pop up in the vicinity. Below is a list of Taipei’s best night markets:

Shulin Night Market- Shulin Night Market is actually in New Taipei City (which is currently the largest city in all of Taiwan). It’s not the biggest or the best night market, but it’s very traditional with hardly any foreigners. It’s also much cheaper compared to the ones in Taipei. It’s similar to a gloomy mob infested street that you see in old 1980s Hong Kong films, but that’s what makes it cool! There’s also a large contingent of Vietnamese and Thai immigrants around. The best way to get there is take the MRT to Taipei Main Station, then hop on the local train to Shulin (about a 20 minute ride). Once in Shulin City, exit to the front of the station and walk straight ahead until you run into the night market. It’s not that confusing, but if you’re bad with directions just jump in a taxi and tell them to bring you to New Taipei City Shulin Night Market. Click Here for Google Map.

The Shida Night Market- Shida night market is located in the heart of the foreigner district of Taipei, making it fun but also the least traditional. There’s also a ton of foreign restaurants mixed with the traditional street food. Foreign influence, however, also brings a lot of bars into the area. While it’s a good place to eat, it’s an even better place to drink and party! Shida Night market is located at exit 3 of Taipei Power Building MRT on the green line. Click Here for Google Map.

Danshui Night Market- Danshui is considered by many to be the most beautiful night market. It’s far north of the city, away from the buildings and cars, but also easily accessed by metro. It’s located at the mouth of the Danshui River close to the South China Sea, creating a tremendous view. There’s also a lot of street performers in the area for cheap entertainment and there’re regular ferries that bring passengers to the other side. Take the red line of the MRT to its last stop of Danshui to check it out. Click Here for Google Map.

Shilin Night Market- Shilin Night Market is considered the biggest and the best in all of Taiwan. It has just about every kind of food imaginable and it’s always packed with people. On the downside, it’s a little too big for its britches and can often turn into a sea of hungry sharks around feeding time. Take the red line of the city’s MRT to Shilin Station. Click Here for Google Map.

Where NOT to eat in Taipei:

Your cheapest/most traditional/best tasting food will be at the numerous night markets. If you're night-marketed out, you can find street food and small cafes with cheap food displayed in the window. These places, known as “xiao dian,” are also great places to grub. Where you don’t want to eat at is any sit down restaurant with menus. Menu’s, especially ones with pictures and English translation, usually means it’s catered for foreigners and tripled in price. Plus, the quantity is smaller and the quality, in my opinion, is worse when compared to night market/xiao dian’s.

Where to Drink in Taipei:

Taipei is more of an eating town than drinking one. But since the number of foreign exchange students, ESL teachers and businessmen began arriving to the ROC, drinking holes immediately sprouted up, mostly in the Da’an district and area on Zhongxiao Road.

45 Pub- 45 Pub is a small, comfortable bar with good Western food and great music. No reprocessed pop guaranteed! Take the MRT to Guting and leave out of exit 5. Proceed to walk about 100 meters until you see the small sign reading “45.” It might be a little hard to find, especially since it’s located on the second story, but the entrance is marked with a steep staircase leading you to the top. Click here for Google Map.

Club Wax- Wax has the reputation of being the city’s primer cheap and dirty hook up joint. It’s 350NT all you can drink for Foreigner’s Night on Wednesdays, but many claim the alcohol bootleg and the lines for getting a refill can be long. But hey, it still gets you drunk! Also make sure to wear slacks and shoes if you want to get in. Take the MRT to Guting exit 4 and you’ll be standing right outside the entrance.  Click Here for Wax Homepage.

Roxy 99- Roxy 99 is perhaps Taipei’s most popular bar amongst the ESL teacher/student communities. Wednesday night is Lady’s Night with free entry for all, 2 free beers for the first 200 people, 50NT tequila shots before 12am and reasonably priced beers and mixed drinks. 99 is also the place where foreign men go to pick up local Taiwanese girls, and vice versa. And while the music is good, playing a mix of everything from rap to classic rock to 80s, they do play the same track every night, meaning you’re guaranteed to hear the same song at the same exact time every evening! Exit Guting MRT at exit 5 and walk 300 meters until you get to the 7-11 on the corner of JinShan Rd. Take a left and you can’t miss it! Click Here for Roxy 99 Homepage.

Club 7- The name can be deceiving because Club 7 is actually the name locals and expats call the 7-11 convenient store next to Roxy 99. Every Wednesday at around 10pm, after receiving the two free drinks from 99, everyone moves to the 7-11 to continue the flow of cheap drinks. It’s a great place to party, meet people and save money, making it the world’s number one 7-11. Once the crowd is drunk, the hordes at Club 7 either migrate to Wax, Revolver or 99 to continue the party or head the Sihai Café (aka the Red Café) next door for some late night munchies.

Revolver- Revolver is one of the newest places to rock out in Taipei. Wednesday is Lady’s Night with free entry for all and great drink deals. There’s also regular live DJs on the weekend playing everything from House, Funk and Electronic. The top story has a pool table, the middle floor hosts the dance hall and the ground level boasts a shrine to the Rolling Stones. The party also runs out into the street late at night once the masses have had a little too much alcohol. Exit Chiang Kai-shek MRT on the red line at exit 4 and walk for about 50 meters until you see a lot of drunkards conversing on the street. Click Here for Revolver’s Facebook Page.

The Pool Parties- During the summer months, local country clubs host pool parties on the weekends. Yes, I said it, country clubs, but hear me out. They’re not the places your grandpa plays golf at, rather a large area with outdoor bars and pools. They draw a young crowd, offer pretty good drink deals and there’s gorgeous local women walking around in bikinis. It’s definitely the best place in Taipei to get drunk and tumble down a slide! The party changes dates and locations constantly, so it’s recommended to ask your hostel of check the web for more accurate information.

Where NOT to drink in Taipei:

Luxy- Luxy is the big fancy, overpriced club of Taipei complete with outrageously expensive drinks and neon green laser lights. It’s about 800NT to get in and your stub will get you two free drinks. However, after that you better have enough cash to get you through the night. Plus everyone dresses nice, so don’t go in looking like you’ve just been to Roxy 99 or you won’t get it.

Room 18- Room 18 is the other pretentious/expensive club of Taipei where the young, attractive and rich show off. There’s flashing lights, a thumping bass system and glow in the dark drinks which, let's face it, ain't that cool. However, the only day of the year Room 18 is OK is Halloween since entrance is free if wearing a costume and the pretentious club turns into an above average semi-raging party.

Where to go in Taipei:

Most of the “places to see” in any city are touristy, with this guide being no exception. However, the places listed below are still worth checking out. Plus they always provide great shots for you photographers out there and serve as a great way to explore another side of the city.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial- The CKS Memorial is dedicated to Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, the founder and first leader of Taiwan. After defeat to Mao Zedong and the Communist forces in Mainland China, Chiang and thousands of other loyalists fled to Taiwan to escape prosecution. Their aims were to return to the mainland to take back the country they formerly ruled. That never happened, and soon the ROC was born. Take the MRT on the red line to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall to check out the massive monument. Click Here for Google Map. Click Here for Images.

Sun Yat-sen Memorial- Sun Yat-sen was the founder of Nationalist China and assisted in the overthrow of the imperial Qing Dynasty. He’s also a founding member of the KMT political party. He is considered by many Taiwanese to be the “Country’s Father” and is revered by both China and Taiwan as a hero for toppling China’s 3,000 year old imperial past. The SYS Memorial is located at the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall MRT on the Blue line. Click Here for Google Map. Click Here for Images.

Ximen Di- Ximen Di is conveniently located at exit 6 of Ximen MRT Station on the blue line. Ximen is the bohemian side of town with cheap street food, small bars, street performers, artists and boutiques. It’s also the home to Taipei’s tattoo street, movie alley and various gay/lesbian friendly bars. So grab a drink, get a tattoo, watch a movie and call it a night! Click Here for Images.

Longshan Temple- Longshan Temple is Taipei’s most famous Taoist Temple. While most Taiwanese don’t consider themselves very religious, fortune telling and superstition is still a big part of their local culture, so be sure to get your fortune read at one of the numerous psychics. There’s also a good night market close by to nourish after a long day of praying. Take the MRT blue line to Longshan Temple. Click Here for Google Map. Click Here for Youtube Taoist Prayer Tutorial.

Mengjia- Mengjia is the historic city center of Taipei, the most traditional section of the metropolis and also the sleaziest part of town. Mengjia has rustic Taiwanese buildings leftover from the 80s which always makes for great photo-shots. There’s also a big night market close by with some phenomenal local cuisine, traditional clothes and souvenirs stands and the famous covered seafood market street. You’ll also notice the plethora of love hotels, massage parlors, KTV/karaoke houses and hookers and pimps roaming the streets. Mengjia is shady, but not dangerous by any means unless you go looking for trouble. Nonetheless, you’ll see that the Mengjia has more character than any other zone in Taipei City, so definitely go then watch the movie "Mengjia" to learn more about Taiwan’s gangster history. It’s right next to Longshan Temple, so get off at the Longshan Temple MRT Station and you’ll be right there.

Taipei Zoo/Maokong Gondola- Believe it or not, the zoo is actually listed in our “Where to Go” category. Taipei has a world renowned zoo with animals from all over the world. Plus tickets are a mere 60NT and less for students! Why not go? It serves as a perfect day trip for backpackers, tourists and families alike. Also nearby is the Maokong Gondola  which will take you to one of the highest peaks in Taipei. There’re 4 stations each having cafes, traditional tea houses and viewing observatories- a perfect way to see greater Taipei City. Take the MRT to the end of the brown line to Taipei Zoo Station. Once there you’ll also see signs directing you to the Maokong Gondola in case you want to skip the animals for the day. Click Here for Google Map.

Taipei Bike Trail- The Taipei Bike Trail is an amazing way to explore the city. First of all, it’s just not a single trail, rather an extensive, interlocking web of hundreds of paths weaving through Taipei and New Taipei City. You can get a map of the trail at a local hostel or, better yet, explore solo. They’re easily identifiable on main roads with a picture of a bicycle and always have trails next to any major river. You can also rent a bike for very cheap. Click Here for Bike Trail Map.

Little Jakarta- The name explains it all. Go to Taipei Main Station on a Sunday afternoon and (while facing the front of the station) take a right, cross the street and walk straight until you see a small alley with loud, Indonesian karaoke blaring. (It’s near impossible to find and these directions aren’t the best, but it’s worth attempting since it can be a lot of fun). This is the popular hangout for the Indonesian expat community and every Sunday there’s great food, music and people drinking beers outside on the street. It’s a cool cultural experience and a great was to pass a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Where NOT to go in Taipei:

The top of Taipei 101- Taipei 101 was the world’s tallest building until 2010; now it’s the planet’s second, so that right there is already a blow to its prestige. Riding to the top costs 400NT (about 13 bucks) and involves a long, boring wait with other trigger happy tourists. But once at the peak, it’s just not that exciting. Let’s face it, Taipei’s skyline isn’t that impressive. You should definitely see 101 (and that’s easy since it’s visible from just about anywhere n the city) but don't waste your time or money on heading to the top.

Where to Stay in Taipei:

The Chocolate Box Backpacker’s Hostel- The Chocolate Box Backpacker’s Hostel is located in Shida night market, meaning all the great bars and cheap eats are close at hand. It’s also a clean and comfortable joint with discount prices for the more time you stay. Click the link for Chocolate Box Backpacker’s Hostel Website.

Da’an Park- Da’an Park is only for cheap travelers because, as the name shows, it’s just a park. Located on He Ping East Rd., it’s Taipei City’s largest park, meaning it’s very easy to find a plot of land, bench or pavilion to sprawl out your sleeping bag on. It’s also centrally located and walking distance to some of the bars listed on our “To Go” list. However, the park technically closes at sunset and doesn’t allow individuals to spend the night, so make sure you find a place away from the lit paths tucked into a cluster of trees to avoid being spotted by the security guards. Click Here for Google Map.

Love Hotels- Many Taiwanese opt to live with their family until marriage. This creates a major problem when you want to have your girlfriend or boyfriend spend the night. Luckily, they realize this dilemma and have thus created Love Hotels. Love Hotels are cheap motel style accommodations that are found on just about every block of the city. They’re used for lovers escaping their parents’ houses, but are also great ways to save money since you often pay by the hour. For you campers, buy an hour to grab a quick shower after spending the night in a park and take advantage of the free porn and condoms available! So how can you spot a Love Hotel? Let's just say you'll recognize one when you see it...

Where NOT to stay in Taipei:

This is easy- any expensive hotel. How do you know it’s expensive? Look at the damn price!

Where to go After Taipei:

Once you’ve consumed every cheap beer at Club 7, slept in Da’an Park and ate so much smelly tofu that it’s seeping through your pores, you might want to head south and explore uncharted territory out of Taipei. Here’s what I have to offer:

Kendning- Kending is a touristy beach town on the complete opposite end of the sweet potato shaped island. To confirm, yes, it’s touristy, but it’s also Taiwan’s most beautiful beach with a few bargain hotels. (Keep in mind that the price is always negotiable and never settle with their first offer, especially during non-peak season). Kending is also the home of Spring Scream, a crazy music festival that takes place every spring (check local listings for the exact dates and band line up since it changes yearly). Spring Scream is basically the Taiwanese version of the Full Moon Party. Warning- the cops have caught on that people like to do drugs at music fests and have, in recent years, began random searches of individual belongings. Possession of illegal narcotics in Taiwan can seriously fuck you over, so always keep that in mind.

Circle the Island- A popular trip for athletes and adventurers is hopping on a bicycle and circling the entire island of Taiwan. Most start in Taipei, head down the east coast to Kending, then turn around and head north up the west coast. The east coast is more mountainous and definitely more difficult that the flat, industrialized west coast, but it’s worth the blood, sweat and tears since it’s a lot more scenic and home to the majority of Taiwan’s aboriginal people. To save money, try camping out in temples and/or national parks along the way, but more often enough a local will invite you into their homes for a good meal and comfortable bed. If circling the island is too much, then just try doing half of it instead for still a great experience. Circling the island, for seasoned cyclist and little stops can take about eight days.

Ah Li Mountain- Ah Li Mountain is located deep in the interior of Taiwan and boasts the country’s most magnificent sunrises. Ah Li is without a doubt incredibly touristy, but not enough to destroy the mysticism, 2,000 year old trees and pristine natural beauty. Plus, taking the scenic railroad from Jiayi City is one of the world’s steepest railways and an awesome way to seeTaiwan’s wilderness.

Some other great cities in Taiwan are Taichung, Taidong, Hualien, Yilan, Kaohsiung, Tainan and Jade Mountain (although maneuvering through government red tape to get an entrance permit for this mountain park is a nightmare). 

Where NOT to go after Taipei:

No where! Taiwan is a beautiful and safe country with some of the planets most hospitable residences. Just about every city and attraction in the country is worth seeing, and every region has its own culture, delicacies and customs. The only thing you have to worry about in some destinations is finding too many tourists, but at the end of the day that ain’t so bad. Plus you’ll find that the majority of tourist destinations cater to local travelers as opposed to international ones, something that’s allowed many of these tourist destinations of Taiwan to still remain very Taiwanese at heart. Enjoy your trip!