Senior travel: Taipei
An easier pace for an older traveller: how many stops fit in a day, which places are step-free, and what the guide says about getting around, medicines and stairs.
Was this useful?
Pace for a day
About 2 stops a day. 5 h out − 45 min rest, divided by an average visit of 56 min (from this city’s guide) + 30 min to move.
Places, easiest access first
- Liberty Square and the ArchStep-free: yes · about 25 minNone on the plaza.
- Red House Theater (Ximen Red House)Step-free: yes · about 40 minA few steps at some shops.
- Ximending Pedestrian ZoneStep-free: yes · about 50 minSmall steps at some shops.
- Chiang Kai-shek Memorial HallStep-free: yes · about 60 min89 steps to the hall; use the lift.
- Taipei 101Step-free: yes · about 120 minNone.
- Bopiliao Old StreetStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 40 minA few steps at the halls.
- Longshan TempleStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 55 minA few steps at each door threshold.
Getting around in Taipei
Taipei is one of the easier Asian cities on wheels: every MRT station has a lift and tactile paths, and trains are step-free. The problems are narrow pavements blocked by scooters, uneven paving in older streets, and steps at temples and small restaurants.
- Pavements:
- Wide near big roads and malls; narrow and blocked by parked scooters in older districts.
- MRT:
- Lifts, tactile paths and a wheelchair space on every train; stations have accessible toilets.
- Buses:
- Most city buses are low-floor with a ramp.
- Taxis:
- Wheelchair-accessible taxis exist; book through the app or by phone (check).
- Temples and old streets:
- Steps at temple thresholds and uneven stone; Longshan has ramps at some entrances (check).
Medicines and health on the ground
The Taiwan guide lists no medicine paperwork. Check the official customs page for your medicines.
- Tap water:
- Not for drinking straight; boil or use filtered dispensers; ice in restaurants is made from filtered water.
- Heat:
- Heat exhaustion is real at 34 °C and 80% humidity: drink water, wear a hat and rest in the AC.
- Mosquitoes:
- Dengue fever occurs in southern Taiwan and occasionally in Taipei in summer and autumn; use repellent, especially at dusk.
- Sun:
- UV is high from May to September; use sun cream and a hat.
- Food:
- Street food is generally safe; choose busy stalls and cooked-to-order food.
- Insurance:
- Take medical travel insurance; a visitor pays the self-pay price at hospitals.
- Air conditioning:
- Very cold in malls and trains; carry a light layer.
More: how much medicine to pack, medicine times across time zones.
Ask your insurer
Age limits and prices differ by policy and the guides do not hold them, so put these to the insurer before you buy.
- What is the oldest age the policy covers, at purchase and on the last day of the trip?
- Does the price or the cover change after a certain age?
- Are existing conditions covered, and what must be declared?
- Does the cover include medical evacuation and trip interruption?
Not medical advice. This page does not know anyone’s health. Ask a doctor before the trip, and carry a list of medicines and conditions.