The capital of Taiwan, Taipei, is synonymous with vibrant night markets, massive skyscrapers like Taipei 1010, and diverse cultural attractions. It’s one of the most developed Asian cities, and you can always explore it without spending a lot of money. Let’s take a closer look at the average travel costs that you can expect in Taipei and some budget planning tips alongside.
What Your Daily Costs Look Like In Taipei
A budget-friendly trip to Taipei usually costs about 1,000-2,000 NTD per head per day (excluding accommodation options), while a more comfortable trip may cost more. Here are the estimated costs (per person) that you can usually expect.
- Accommodation:
Luxury hotels are usually about $150-300 per night, while mid-range ones charge about $60-100 per night. Budget hotels and hostels usually have prices ranging from $10-30 per night. You can possibly get lower nightly rates than most hotels by booking furnished apartment rentals in Taipei, especially for extended stays, with more space, flexible leases, and great amenities.
Groups and families don’t have to book multiple hotel rooms, while rates include utilities, Wi-Fi, and services (for more savings). You can also cook meals in kitchens to avoid the costs of dining out regularly.
- Food:
Taipei is paradise for those who love food, especially if you’re on a budget. Street food here is both pocket-friendly and tasty. Some night markets like the Shilin Night Market usually have meals for about $1-5, while local restaurants may charge about $5-10 per meal. Mid-range restaurants may charge around $15-30 per person.
- Transportation:
Getting around Taipei is quite affordable and efficient. You can take the MRT/Taipei Metro with fares varying between $0.50 and $2. You may book an EasyCard for metro and bus travel (and use it at some stores). Bus fares usually start from $0.50 and offer access to all parts of Taipei. Taxis are mostly pocket-friendly, with a base fare of $2.50, and are readily available in Taipei.
- Attractions & Activities:
You should account for the costs of attractions and activities in Taipei. For starters, the Taipei 101 observation deck may cost you about $20. You can still enjoy the views from the base plaza and the shopping mall without paying a penny. The entry fee is $10 for the National Palace Museum, giving access to rich glimpses of Chinese history and art over thousands of years.
Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) is the best place for gorgeous views of the city. You can then hike up Elephant Mountain, and it is completely free, while being a short distance away from the Xiangshan MRT station. The night markets (Raohe and Shilin) are fabulous experiences without requiring heavy spending. Temples like the Confucius Temple and Lungshan Temple are also free to visit.
Budget Planning & Savings Tips for Taipei
Here are some budget planning and savings tips that will stand you in good stead when you’re in Taipei.
- Obtain an EasyCard: It is vital for easy and discounted public transit (bus or MRT networks) along with convenience store transactions.
- Eat at Night Markets: You can enjoy authentic, delicious, and affordable street food (approx. 200 NTD for two people) to save more money.
- Leverage public transportation: The MRT is an efficient way to get around, and you can skip the costly taxis too. MRT/airport buses are pocket-friendly and swift choices in this regard.
- Free attractions: You can visit several free attractions, such as the Lungshan Temple, Confucius Temple, Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain) and the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.
- Connectivity and water: You may purchase a local SIM card for affordable and high-speed data at the airport when you land. You may also get free water at the dispensers present across schools, MRT stations and temples (saves you a lot of money on water bottles).
- Avoiding tourist traps: Eat away from the key touristy stretches and thoroughfares to find better rates. Exchange your currency at ATMs or banks, since not all places take foreign credit cards.
- Budget-friendly activities: The Yangmingshan National Park, Beitou hot springs, and Elephant Mountain are ideal for pocket-friendly natural experiences. You can also explore the markets and temple areas and take local trains to places like Fulong Beach or Jiufen.
- Book serviced apartments strategically: You can conveniently book serviced apartments at competitive rates. The nightly rates are lower, particularly for extended stays, with all-inclusive rates (covering utilities, internet, and services). Kitchens to cook meals also help lower costs, while groups and families don’t have to book multiple hotel rooms (while getting more space and privacy). Make sure you book in advance to get better availability and deals.
As you can see, enjoying a trip to Taipei is always possible without spending exorbitantly on accommodation, transportation, food, and other essentials. Follow the above-mentioned tips to find new ways to save money and enjoy exploring Taipei in a more authentic and local way. Here’s wishing you a memorable trip ahead!
