Travel Guide to Taipei, Taiwan

Why Taipei Is Great for Solo Women

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Taipei is one of Asia’s best-kept secrets for solo female travelers. Taiwan is incredibly safe — it regularly ranks among the safest countries in Asia — and Taipei combines that safety with a food scene that rivals any city on earth, an efficient and affordable transit system, and a culture that is progressive, welcoming, and deeply respectful. Taiwan was the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage, reflecting a society that values individual freedom and equality.

The city is also remarkably affordable compared to Tokyo or Seoul. Night markets offer some of the best street food in the world for a few dollars. The MRT is spotless and goes everywhere. And the natural beauty surrounding the city — mountains, hot springs, coastal towns — is easily accessible for day trips.

Safety Overview

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Overall safety rating: 9/10. Taipei is exceptionally safe for solo women. Violent crime is very rare, and street harassment is uncommon. You can walk alone at night in virtually every neighborhood. The night markets are bustling until late and provide safety in numbers. The main concern is motor scooters — they are everywhere and do not always respect pedestrian right-of-way. Typhoon season (July-September) is the only significant natural risk.

Emergency number: 110 (police) or 119 (ambulance). English proficiency varies, but younger Taiwanese generally speak it well, and Google Translate works reliably for Mandarin.

Where to Stay (Solo-Friendly)

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Budget: Star Hostel Taipei Main Station and Meander Hostel are highly rated by solo female travelers, with female-only dorms, clean facilities, and friendly staff ($15-25/night).

Mid-range: Hotels in the Zhongshan or Da’an districts offer a central location with a neighborhood feel. Check Plus Taipei is modern and well-connected ($60-90/night).

Splurge: The Mandarin Oriental or W Taipei for luxury with excellent service ($200+/night).

Getting Around

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Taipei’s MRT (metro) is one of the best urban transit systems in Asia: clean, affordable, punctual, and safe. An EasyCard (like a rechargeable transit pass) works on the MRT, buses, YouBike stations, and even convenience stores. YouBike (public bike sharing) is excellent for exploring neighborhoods at your own pace. Uber is available but regular taxis are safe, metered, and cheap.

Solo-Friendly Activities

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1. Night market crawl — Shilin, Raohe, and Ningxia night markets offer endless solo-friendly eating; ordering and eating solo is the norm
2. Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) — a short, rewarding hike with stunning sunset views of the Taipei 101 skyline
3. Jiufen day trip — the atmospheric hillside town that inspired Spirited Away, reachable by bus in under 90 minutes
4. Beitou Hot Springs — public and private hot spring baths in a beautiful hillside neighborhood, accessible by MRT
5. National Palace Museum — one of the world’s greatest collections of Chinese art and artifacts
6. Dadaocheng neighborhood — historic district with tea houses, temples, and the atmospheric Dihua Street market

Safety Tips Specific to Women

• Night markets are very safe even late at night — they are well-lit, crowded, and a normal part of daily Taiwanese life
• Watch for scooters when crossing streets — they weave through traffic and do not always stop for pedestrians; use crosswalks and wait for the walk signal
• Convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) are everywhere, open 24/7, and serve as safe havens — you can buy food, charge your phone, use the ATM, and even pick up packages there
• Taiwanese people are genuinely helpful — if you look lost, someone will likely approach and offer help; this is normal and safe
• Typhoon season (July-September) can disrupt travel; check the Central Weather Administration for warnings and follow local guidance
• The MRT has priority seats for women and elderly; the system is clean, safe, and well-monitored by cameras