Shopping

In Taipei you can buy almost anything you can think of from designer names to antique curios, electronics, original jewellery, hand-painted scrolls, fragrant tea and quality toys for children. Department stores, boutiques and small shops all offer quality at reasonable prices in sleek and sophisticated surroundings.

Night markets are fun to shop in. While they only accept cash and vendors rarely speak English, shoppers can often bargain. The best selection and prices for souvenirs, gifts, casual clothing and traditional handicrafts can often be found in the capital's many night markets. Taipei's notable shopping districts offer a good selection of shops where visitors can get good buys.

Taiwan is also a shopping heaven for females of all ages. From large department stores and shopping centers full of top-end designer labels to small markets with accessories and cheap clothing, the goods and services these places offer are guaranteed to ensure that your shopping experience is not only enjoyable but also memorable.

Leisure

After the workday ends Taipei relaxes until the wee small hours of the morning. There are many ways to spend those leisure hours from shopping in department stores to browsing in night markets. As well, there are cultural shows of Taiwanese Opera and cinemas screening English language films. Coffee houses and teahouses provide quiet havens to sip and chat.

The atmosphere in Taipei's discos and MTV and KTV lounges is decidedly more lively! For those keen on sport there are fitness centres and swimming pools, ten-pin bowling and golfing on world class courses. Colourful by day, Taipei sparkles by night. The streets of Taipei are safe by night so get out and enjoy the capital when neon lights shine.

Where and What to eat

Taiwan is a true food lover's paradise. Exquisite Chinese cuisines and a wide variety of international foods delight hungry visitors.

Restaurants, cafes, fast food outlets and snack stalls selling local specialties are conveniently located in larger cities. International food courts are found in all major department stores.

Taipei offers the finest Chinese cuisine in the world. There are reasonably priced restaurants on almost every street where tourists can have excellent meals. For true gourmets major hotels have superior Chinese restaurants. As well, there are sophisticated independent restaurants that serve regional Chinese cuisines where visitors dine in style.

Budget travellers haven't been forgotten. There are numerous fast food outlets, countless snack centres - generally located in the basements of department stores - and stalls at night markets where inexpensive meals are available in a lively environment.

As a major tourist destination and a international business centre, Taipei also has restaurants offering European and American cuisines as well as non Chinese Asian fare like Indian, Indonesian, Korean and Japanese.

Getting around

Visitors to Taiwan are pleased to discover an extensive air, road and rail network that provides an economic and convenient way to explore the island.