Taipei

🏮 Taipei (TPE): Car or No Car? Here’s Your Clear Travel Guide

Taipei is one of Asia’s most modern, connected, and tourist-friendly cities. Home to incredible night markets, soaring Taipei 101, and an efficient metro system, this city knows how to move people quickly and comfortably.

🚫 You do NOT need a car in Taipei.
✅ Rent a car only if you’re planning to explore outside the city into rural Taiwan.

Let’s break down the best way to get around.

🚆 Why You Don’t Need a Car in Taipei

Taipei has a world-class public transport system, and it’s not an exaggeration. Between the MRT (metro), buses, taxis, and high-speed trains, you can go almost anywhere — without dealing with traffic, signage, or parking.

🌟 Key Reasons to Skip the Car:

  • Firstly, the MRT is clean, English-friendly, and connects all major neighbourhoods.

  • Secondly, parking is limited and expensive in central areas.

  • Additionally, driving in city traffic isn’t easy due to scooters, pedestrians, and one-way lanes.

  • Finally, the train network lets you do day trips without a single road worry.

➡ You’re better off letting Taipei’s smooth systems do the work.

🚶 Perfect for Car-Free Exploring

You can comfortably explore:

  • Taipei 101 & Xinyi District

  • National Palace Museum

  • Shilin Night Market

  • Elephant Mountain & Maokong Gondola

  • Chiang Kai-shek Memorial

  • Beitou hot springs (via MRT + bus)

You’ll be hopping between districts in no time, all with your trusty EasyCard.

🚗 When Renting a Car Is Useful

Of course, once you leave the city, Taiwan becomes a land of stunning coastlines, mountains, lakes, and indigenous towns. While trains are still excellent, a car can give you extra flexibility.

✅ Rent a Car If You’re Planning To:

  • Drive to Taroko Gorge (Hualien direction)

  • Visit the East Coast National Scenic Area

  • Explore Sun Moon Lake or Alishan

  • Stay in remote mountain lodges or coastal towns

  • Do a multi-stop scenic road trip around the island

➡ For nature lovers and explorers, the car becomes a perfect tool outside Taipei.

🧭 Quick Decision Table

Your Taiwan Travel Plan Car Needed?
Taipei city only ❌ No
Night markets, museums, hikes in Taipei ❌ No
Day trip to Jiufen or Pingxi ❌ No (train/bus)
Weekend trip to Taroko Gorge ✅ Optional (train + taxi also works)
Taiwan round-island scenic drive ✅ Yes

🎯 Final Verdict

  • 🚫 Don’t rent a car if your trip is based in Taipei or includes day trips by train.

  • ✅ Rent a car if you want to see rural Taiwan’s natural side at your own pace.

🚇 In Taipei, the MRT is more than transport — it’s part of the city’s charm.

 

 

Best places in Taipei for nighttime photography 📸🌃

  • Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) – Classic skyline views with Taipei 101 front and centre.

  • Bishan Temple viewpoint (Bishanyan) – Wide, elevated panorama over the city lights.

  • Taipei 101 area (Xinyi District) – Shoot up-close with nearby rooftops or street reflections.

  • Miramar Ferris Wheel – Colourful long-exposure shots with the lit wheel.

  • Hushan Peak Observation Deck – For dramatic views with fewer crowds.

  • Maokong Gondola – Scenic night rides with hilltop tea houses as photo spots.

  • Riverside parks (Tamsui or Keelung River) – Waterside views with bridges and city reflections.

  • Rainbow Bridge in Songshan – Illuminated pedestrian bridge with skyline in backdrop.