Is Ximending a tourist trap?

Ximending is considered a bustling, tourist-heavy, and sometimes overrated area, but it is not a "trap" in the sense of being entirely unworthwhile. While it features crowded streets with higher prices and typical souvenirs, it is also a vibrant hub for fashion, street food, and youth culture, making it a "must-see" for first-time visitors.

Is Ximending worth visiting?

... claw machines and comic characters all around the city and this what makes Ximending so popular for. Crazy busy, but worth a visit. Lots of shops, good mixture of premium shops and stalls to pick up some bargains, some some great street performers e...

Where to avoid in Taipei?

Wanhua District and Zhongshan District have been considered as the most dangerous districts in Taipei. The amount of crime in these two districts is the highest.

Is Ximending like Myeongdong?

Ximending is like the Myeongdong in Seoul, Korea. Except that Myeongdong is cheaper, larger and has more varieties.

Why is Ximending famous?

Ximending (西門町) is best known as a bustling, colorful shopping district near Taipei Main Station. Tourists arriving on the Airport MRT can easily transfer one stop to Ximending from Main Station's central hub to immerse themselves in the area's unique mix of the trendy and the traditional.

Taipei Taiwan Travel Tips (Scams)

Where do the rich live in Taipei?

The Xinyi district is one of the top neighborhoods in Taipei. Millionaires are buying up luxury properties there. Xinyi, the city's financial hub, is a neighborhood of skyscrapers, luxury condominiums, and high-end restaurants and shopping.

Is it better to stay in Ximending or Taipei main station?

If you have a Taipei trip soon, you may want to consider staying around Taipei Main Station area instead of Ximending Area. It is super convenient once you arrive via the express train or the bus. You'll have easy access to meet-up locations, the MRT, and the HSR.

Is the Myeongdong Market a tourist trap?

But if you'd rather avoid tourist traps, I'd suggest skipping Myeongdong, Gwangjang Market, and Gangnam. 1. Myeongdong sounds amazing if you're looking for convenience or visiting for the first time. But what Myeongdong offers is overpriced street food that's not even Korean.

What is the hippest neighborhood in Taipei?

Taipei's trendiest district and hipster hangout, Zhongshan is the Taipei neighborhood for cool cafes, boutique shops and second-hand stores. Every side-street in Zhongshan is packed with hole in the wall bars and a treasure trove of thrift stores.

Why do the Olympics not recognize Taiwan?

Taiwan participates in the Olympics as "Chinese Taipei" due to political pressure from mainland China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, forcing a compromise where Taiwan competes under a neutral name, flag, and anthem to avoid being excluded entirely from international sporting events. This stems from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognizing the People's Republic of China (PRC) in 1971 and subsequent agreements like the 1981 Nagoya Resolution, which allows Taiwan's Olympic Committee to exist under specific conditions. 

Is it okay to wear red in Taiwan?

Yes, you can absolutely wear red in Taiwan; it's a very auspicious color symbolizing good fortune, happiness, and celebration, used extensively in festivals, weddings, and temples, though you should avoid writing someone's name in red ink as it's considered bad luck and a sign of death. Red clothing is common and welcomed, especially during festive times, and generally, you can wear whatever you like, with few restrictions. 

What is the nicest area of Taipei?

Ximending, or Ximen, is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Taipei. This pedestrian-only shopping district is famous for its quirky shops, cafés, bars and restaurants, LGBT-friendly scene, street art, history, and some of the best street food in Taipei.

When to avoid visiting Taipei?

The worst times to visit Taiwan are from April to June (the plum rain season) and from July to September (high temperatures and typhoons). April to June: The rainfall during this season is heavy and the wet drizzle usually lasts for the whole day.

Why stay at Ximending?

Ximending is a place where anything goes, according to the latest trends in Japanese pop culture. Come here to mingle with trendy locals and perhaps feel inspired to change your own looks before visiting one of the many pubs and clubs.

What is the coolest street in Taipei?

Yongkang Street in Taipei

Just a few months ago, the world-renown travel guide Time Out magazine published “the 33 coolest streets in the world” and listed Taipei's Yongkang Street as the 4th from the top.

Are Taiwanese friendly to tourists?

Taiwan loves foreigners — unless you are the “wrong” kind. That thought crossed my mind when I encountered weird behavior from a store clerk; my questions were ignored and their attitude was unwelcoming. Yet, the moment a white foreigner walked in, their attitude changed. They became cheerful, polite and eager to help.

Where do celebrities stay in Taipei?

Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, is known for its bustling night markets, modern skyline, and rich cultural heritage.

• Hotel Proverbs Taipei. Taiwan. ...
• Regent Taipei Hotel. Celebrities that have stayed here. ...
• Grand Hyatt Taipei. ...
• The Okura Prestige Taipei. ...
• The Landis Taipei Hotel. ...
• Les Suites Taipei Ching Cheng. ...
• Hotel Eclat Taipei.

What is the most beautiful village in Taiwan?

6 of The Most Beautiful Towns and Villages in Taiwan

• Dajia. Located on the northwestern corner of Taichung, Dajia is an old coastal town in a picture-perfect setting. ...
• Beitou. If you're in need of some rest and relaxation, hop on the MRT Metro from Taipei to the peaceful district of Beitou. ...
• Shifen. ...
• Meinong. ...
• Jiji. ...
• Kenting.

Is Sanxia Old Street worth visiting?

This heritage area is well worth a visit you are in the area. Sanxia is an old area of the new city. Sanxia Old Street has lots of authentic products, the souvenirs are worth a look. There are a number of "old streets" around the island, this is a good one.

What is the biggest tourist trap in the world?

Still, the biggest of all is Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, California, which counts more 'tourist trap' mentions (1,049) than any other attraction in the world. Situated on the northern waterfront of San Francisco, the Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood is home to souvenir shops, restaurants and attractions.

What is Gen Z's favorite city?

Seoul, South Korea has been ranked the favorite city in the world by Gen Z and Millennial travelers, according to the 2025 Trazees Awards by Trazee Travel 🏆. The ranking was based on reader votes from young travelers who value culture, food, nightlife, and modern city vibes.

Is Ximending worth going?

Taipei's Ximending is famous for its bright lights, evening bites and late nights – Ximending is the heart and soul of Taipei's Wanhua District, home to sublime street art, cool shops like Pop Mart and night-time entertainment.

How much is a taxi from Ximending to Taipei Main Station?

The fastest way to get from Ximending to Taipei is to taxi which takes 5 min and costs $5 - $7. Is there a direct train between Ximending and Taipei? Yes, there is a direct train departing from Ximen and arriving at Songjiang Nanjing. Services depart every 10 minutes, and operate every day.

What is the coolest neighborhood in Taipei?

Zhongshan After Dark

The urban vibe turns cool and easy, and the fragrance of marvelous cuisines drift down the breezy lanes. Jump into the buzzing atmosphere and chill charms of one of Taipei's top nightlife neighborhoods, embracing the captivating allure of diverse cultures from around the world.