I stepped off the plane in Taipei, Taiwan, both excited and nervous about exploring this country. As a travel writer and author who has explored the world, I’ve learned that the most transformative journeys often begin alone. This solo adventure exploring Taipei and day trips into the countryside is for women, especially those over 50 who are curious about Asia but hesitant to travel alone. From enjoying the sunset at Taipei 101 to exploring Beitou’s Thermal Valley, I’m sharing what it’s really like to explore Taiwan independently. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re brave enough for a solo trip to Asia, this story is for you.
Key Takeaways:
- Is It Safe? Yes! I felt safe taking public transportation, walking around the city during the day and at night, and dining alone. The crime rate is very low.
- The people: Everyone I encountered was warm and welcoming. One thing I really appreciated is that no one stares. When I lived in South Korea, people constantly stared at me due to my blond hair and blue eyes.
- The heat: I visited in late April and found it very hot, but everywhere I went indoors had air conditioning, and it worked great. Pack a hat and bring a water bottle everywhere you go
- 7-Eleven and Family Mart: There really is a convenience store on every block in Taipei. Great stop for bottled water, public restroom, snacks, an ATM and the purchase of Metro Taipei tickets and inexpensive souvenirs.
Editor’s note: The writer was hosted.
Nine Best Things to Do Around Taipei for Women Over 50
During my trip to Taiwan, I fully immersed myself in the culture through a variety of activities that allowed me to learn more about the history, people, food and tea. I also included a few fun tourist attractions, like Taipei 101. Use public transportation or Uber to explore Taipei. I recommend booking a tour for day trips outside the city. It is so convenient, and you can meet other travelers.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Consider booking with My Taiwan Tour. Pricey but worth it. My guide, Jennifer You, immersed me in the culture and was so knowledgeable that it really enhanced my trip. She has a Ph.D. in English Literature, is a mountain guide and climber, and an artist. I learned so much more about Taiwan than I would have exploring on my own. The company can book complete trips or just day tours. They also have female guides available for women-only tours.
Are you ready to explore more? Let us inspire you!
C.K.S. Memorial Hall
The C.K.S. Memorial Hall honors President Chiang Kai-shek, who ruled the country during an authoritarian period and under martial law. Although the building represents a painful period in Taiwan’s history, you’ll now frequently find exhibitions on freedom and democracy. Located in a large park, which includes the National Concert Hall and the National Theater, allow plenty of time to explore the lovely gardens, ponds and exercise areas.
- Why It’s a Solo Win: Easy to reach with public transportation, popular tourist area. I enjoyed strolling through the grounds and never felt uneasy.
- The Comfort Factor: The park and hall are easy and accessible. Buildings are air-conditioned. Services include public restrooms, gift shops and restaurants
- Good to Know Before You Go: Book one of the C.K.S Memorial Hall’s specialized tours in advance. The Military Honor Guard performs sharp, synchronized drills every hour from 9 to 5.
- Where to Pause: In the National Concert Hall building is Chun Shui Tang. This restaurant is known for inventing the iconic Taiwanese Bubble Tea.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Climb the 89 stairs to the top of the C.K.S. Memorial Hall for great views of the grounds and the perfect photo op.
Taipei 101
Many sites will recommend alternatives to the Taipei 101 Observatory due to its touristy nature and crowds. Don’t listen! It’s so fun! I had a blast taking selfies at all the kitschy photo spots, and don’t miss the gift shop. The elevator to the 89th floor is not for the faint of heart. I’m slightly claustrophobic, but before I could get scared, the elevator reached the observatory. The super high-speed elevator soars from the 5th to the 89th floor in 37 seconds!
- Why It’s a Solo Win: Easy to reach by public transportation. Fun atmosphere. Everyone is having fun and is very friendly; you won’t stand out as a solo traveler.
- The Comfort Factor: Not much walking and plenty of places to sit in the observatory.
- Good to Know Before You Go: Buy tickets online to avoid lines.
- Where to Pause: Head to the 4th floor to LADURÉE for their signature macarons and a cup of tea. I loved it, super fancy and be prepared to wait as it is very popular.
Bulau Bulau Aboriginal Village
Visiting the Bulau Bulau Aboriginal Village is a unique experience that must be reserved six months in advance. The tribe has developed a tourism model that provides income to support the tribe. Tribal members drive visitors from the lower parking area up into the heart of the village, where they learn about tribal traditions and enjoy a true farm-to-table meal. I am a winelover, and I especially loved learning how Giwas crafts the tribe’s signature Millet Wine. She is becoming known worldwide for her skills in crafting this unique wine. Two-Star Michelin Chef André Chiang’s RAW Taipei serves her wine.
- Why It’s a Solo Win: When booked with a tour company, it is a great day trip from Taipei. With a tour, no worries about getting to the tribe, which is in a rural, mountainous area.
- The Comfort Factor: Prepare for lots of walking. The terrain is rough and uneven. No plastic bottles allowed, so bring a water bottle with you.
- Good to Know Before You Go: You need to plan and book this experience at least six months in advance.
- Where to Pause: The tribe has a shaded dining area with seating and restrooms. It is centrally located and easy to come back to if you want a break.
National Palace Museum
I loved touring the National Palace Museum, such an interesting view of Taiwan’s art and culture. I am glad I had allocated lots of time as the museum is large with multiple floors. I loved the Vase with “One Hundred Deer”, such a unique, colorful piece and so different from the blue and white I usually associate with the Ming Dynasty.
- Why It’s a Solo Win: I think museums are always a great option when solo traveling. It’s a safe location and easy to explore on your own. I loved being able to geek out at Ming Dynasty vases at my own pace.
- The Comfort Factor: Restrooms, elevators and plenty of benches if you need a break.
- Good to Know Before You Go: You can rent an audio guide or follow a themed online tour to navigate the massive collection.
- Where to Pause: Sanxitang Space on the fourth floor has the best coffee and a great place to have lunch.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Don’t miss the gift shop. I bought most of my souvenirs here due to the variety and great prices.
Taipei Tea Tour
This full day Taipei Tea Tour taught me so much about tea. I love everything about tea culture: the ceremony, the flavors and its cultural meanings. Start the day with a scenic ride on the Maokong Gondola to visit Tea Master Chang Nai-Miao Memorial Hall where his descendants perform a traditional tea ceremony for guests. Don’t miss a visit to the charming town of Pinglin to tour the Pinglin Tea Museum. End the day with a drive up to the Bagua Tea Plantation to take in stunning views of terraced hills with rows of tea plants and Thousand Island Lake.
- Why It’s a Solo Win: Taking a tour makes it easy to see multiple sights for one price.
- The Comfort Factor: I found the day to be pretty easy with activities such as the gondola which was very relaxing.
- Good to Know Before You Go: Make sure to take a full day tour as there is so much to see and do.
- Where to Pause: I loved our stop at Bagua Tea Garden View Restaurant. Perfect stop to enjoy coffee, tea and incredible views.
SheBuysTravel: When you get off the Maokong Gondola you will see a few places selling soft serve tea ice cream. Make sure to try as it was so tasty.
Beitou Thermal Valley
The heat really got to me when I explored the Beitou Thermal Valley but it was so worth it. I enjoyed strolling around the hot springs and visiting the Beitou Hot Springs Museum. The highlight of the day included a visit to the Marshal Zen Garden, a former Japanese hot spring hotel for a private hot spring soak. Manicured gardens and tiered stone paths frame the historic building as it hugs the hillside. I could have soaked all day. Such a relaxing experience.
- Why It’s a Solo Win: It’s a safe area with lots of people on the trails around the hot springs. Located in Taipei, you can access it by subway.
- The Comfort Factor: This was the toughest day for me due to the heat and lots of walking. Make sure to drink plenty of water and plan for stops. The local library welcomes visitors and has air conditioning.
- Good to Know Before You Go: No swimming at the hot springs; you must book a soak at a public bathhouse or a private room at a hotel or other location
- Where to Pause: The Marshal Zen Garden has a nice restaurant with a variety of beverages that hit the spot before your soak.
Jiufen Old Street
I just loved this street. Your driver drops you in front of the Jiufen Xiahai City God Temple to begin the adventure as it’s pedestrian only on Jiufen Old Street. I don’t usually like crowds but this busy street didn’t bother me. The sights, sounds and smells enthralled me. Lots of great street food and shops, we even walked through an old tunnel to get to another area. The whole day just felt like an adventure.
- Why It’s a Solo Win: Although the street is very crowded, I never felt unsafe. I love to shop and eat so this was a win for me: great street food and lots of variety in the little shops.
- The Comfort Factor: Be aware that the street gradually climbs up a hill and the pavement can be uneven.
- Good to Know Before You Go: Before I left I went to a medical travel appointment. My doctor advised me to enjoy the street food but to choose only piping-hot, cooked dishes.
- Where to Pause: The Jioufen Teahouse just oozes history, tea and art. It is owned by artist Hung Chi-Sheng and you can view her work downstairs.
Ikken Antique Art and Lifestyle
Touring the Ikken Antique Art and Lifestyle opens the door to an aesthetic lifestyle of history, culture, tradition, craftsmanship and the life of the literati. The compound opened in 1940 as the Pingxi Guesthouse of Taiyang Mining Company where it was a place for company executives and visiting VIPs to stay, relax and socialize. A lush Japanese-style garden wraps around the historic mansion.
- Why It’s a Solo Win: A house museum tour is a great solo activity where a solo traveler can comfortably join a group tour. It’s a great way to meet people who have similar interests.
- The Comfort Factor: An easy tour in an air-conditioned building. Not much walking.
- Good to Know Before You Go: By reservation only, a minimum of four people. My Taiwan Tour can arrange a day trip to the area. Also wear socks as you have to take off your shoes to tour.
- Where to Pause: Book the tea tasting with desserts, a two-hour experience at Ikken and totally worth the splurge. You’ll enjoy this splurge in a private reception hall separate from the standard tour route.
Longshan Temple
Walking into the Longshan Temple, which I found both chaotic from the tourists and prayerful at the same time, is deeply spiritual. The colorful lanterns, statues representing deities and people chanting pulls you into the experience. As a solo traveler it’s the perfect spot to slow down and observe local life. Taiwanese culture that costs nothing to experience but offers peace.
- Why It’s a Solo Win: Easy to get to on the Taipei MRT (subway) and a beautiful place to explore.
- The Comfort Factor: It’s just a short walk from the MRT station and it is a peaceful place to visit.
- Good to Know Before You Go: Go in the morning to avoid crowds, be respectful and dress modestly. The temple allows photography, but please avoid pointing your camera at worshippers.
- Where to Pause: Visit the Bopiliao Historic Block which has shops and restaurants
The Logistics
I found Taipei easy to explore. Great public transportation, Uber works with your app in English and sidewalks are wide with plenty of room for pedestrians. During business hours Taipei is busy but not overwhelmingly so. Here are a few logistical things I found helpful for my trip.
- Where To Stay: I stayed at the Hotel Cozzi Zhongxiao Taipei, a four star hotel for a few nights before moving to the Sheraton Grand Taipei Hotel, a five star hotel. Both were very nice but I preferred the Hotel Cozzi because frankly it was cozy and very comfortable. The Sheraton has all the bells and whistles of a five star hotel. Both are in the Zhongxiao district almost across the street from each other and an MRT station is right out the door of both hotels.
- Money: When I first went to use my Visa card, it didn’t work. My bank assures me I don’t need to make a travel notification. I won’t make that mistake again. Alert your bank to your travel dates to avoid frozen cards. I am usually a credit card only traveler but I brought some cash for incidentals. I exchanged at the hotel, not the best rate but when you are exchanging small amounts it’s not that big of a difference. I also used ATMs and surprisingly my American Express worked at lots of locations.
- Travel Clinic: My medical insurance offers this but it’s also offered at places like Costco. My appointment reviewed my shots and also prescribed medication to carry with me for intestinal issues. The doctor provided me with a printout of health risks for the area. I found it very helpful
- 7-Eleven and Family Mart: These two convenience store brands are located on every block. Make them your best friend for clean restrooms, ATMs, snacks and so much more. The Taiwan Tourism Administration has partnered with 7-Eleven to provide tourist support.
- Technology: I found most restaurants took credit cards. Most had QR codes and Wifi to order your food with menus in Mandarin Chinese and English.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Buy an Easycard at 7-Eleven which is good for public transportation and small retail purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Taipei and Taiwan have a very low crime rate. I never felt uncomfortable walking around the city and people tend to mind their own business.
The Taipei MRT (subway) is very friendly to the over-50 crowd. Signs are clearly marked in English and Mandarin Chinese, elevators at the stations, and the trains have “priority seats” for seniors, pregnant women and the disabled. I did find myself a little lost in the bigger stations when trying to change trains but I was able to figure it out.
Yes! I never had an issue finding a clean restroom. Some places still had old-style toilets but usually had both styles with signs on the doors indicating which type.
For older women this is no joke. Always carry a water bottle and drink frequently; it is the main way to keep cool and avoid a heat injury. Do active activities in the morning and do inside things in the heat of the day. I found plenty of air-conditioned places to take a break.
I didn’t feel awkward. Taipei has a big solo-dining culture. Lots of places have counters or tables for one.
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