Taipei, Taiwan September 2026

I had the opportunity for join a work trip to Taiwan, and of course I jumped on it. The trip was mostly dictated by work, but I was able to extend a couple days to explore Taiwan on my own, and I'm really glad I did. I was only really able to explore the city of Taipei, however we were able to take a day trip to the Kavalan Whisky distillery in Yilan County, as well as check out the nearby mountain town of Juifen. Both were great side trips to get out of the city and into the mountains for a short time. The weather this time of year was hot, humid and rainy. Of the 7 days I was there, it rained all day 4 of them. So if you aren't into rain, I suggest traveling to Taiwan outside of the June-September months.

Sunday-Friday I stayed at the K Hotel on Songjihan Rd. About a 45 minute ride from the International airport (also has a local airport about 5 minutes away). This is a popular hotel chain for business travelers. It gives you the basics- solid sized room, free breakfast buffet (better than your Hampton Inn's for sure), free laundry if needed, no gym though. I did find a gym about a 10 minute walk from the hotel, MoreFit, than opened at 7am, had everything I needed, and was $6 for a day pass (paid in cash only). My first night I was delirious so I did not venture out for dinner, but instead ordered Din Tai Fung on Uber eats, which was the move.

Friday-Sunday I moved to the City Hall area- where I stayed at the W Taipei. Loved this hotel- huge room with amazing city views, great restaurants (the breakfast buffet was amazing, dinner via room service was also spot on). Big gym, heated pool, great location right by the MRT train. Getting around the city via their local train was super easy- and cheap! Less than $2 a ride, the map was easy to figure out as well as transfers, trains came very often and you just tapped your credit card for entry.

What I did during the week of work travel:

Visited the Kavalan Whisky Distillery in Yilan County- traveled by shuttle, about 1.5 hrs.

Checked out the Palace museum

Walking tour of Old Town - cute craft shops and a few temples

Coffee tasting and breakfast at Mr. Brown (very good)

Observation deck at Taipei 101 (do not do this if it's cloudy- you will see nothing)

Tea experience

Foot Massage at local spa (45 minutes minimum with a neck/shoulder massage quickly included)

Visited the Temple of Wealth (5 minute walk from the hotel)

When I had the weekend to myself to explore, I visited:

Raohe Street Night Market (tried the sweet potato balls, Chicken sausage, popcorn chicken and churros- all fried goodness, I think everything was $5-10 total)

Climbed Elephant Mountain- right in town, 20 minutes of stairs for great views of the city and lots of hiking options to keep going once at the top

Juifen Town- "Spirited Away" town- took an uber about 40 minutes from Taipei to this adorable mountain town. Tons of shops, restaurants- found a quiet, cozy cafe called Twilight Cafe up the mountain for some brunch and tea. If the weather had been nicer, lots of trails nearby for coastal hikes and views of the beach below.

Other Meals I enjoyed while in Taipei:

Wow brunch- cash only

Eel Restaurant in Yilan County- authentic Taiwanese cuisine

Buchskin brewery- Japanese BBQ restaurant and upstairs has the Kavalan bar

Hi Lai Celebrity Cuisine- great views of the city

To Infinity and Beyond- World's Top 50 Best bars

Fujin Tree

Teppanyaki- Hibatchi

Yonshin Tea Bar

Din Tai Fung (the best!)

If you like shopping and night culture- Taiwan is your place! So many mega malls, everything is open late and people are OUT at night. Very well lit and very safe!