Taipei
Taipei, Taiwan is a vibrant and modern city with a rich history, a striking futuristic skyline, and a deep appreciation for culture and cuisine. The port city of Keelung, located on the northern coast, serves as the gateway to Taipei, Taiwan's economic, political, and cultural center. Keelung itself is a dynamic and culturally rich city, known as the "Rainy Port" due to its frequent showers. It's famous for its bustling night markets, vibrant local life, and a unique blend of coastal charm and historical depth.
⛵ Port Introduction
The Port of Keelung is a large, deep-water port that can accommodate cruise ships of all sizes. There are multiple piers available, and your ship will dock directly at a pier, so no tendering is required. The most common piers are in the inner harbor, which is an excellent advantage as it places you right at the edge of the city. The attractions of Keelung are a short walk from the pier.
⚓ Terminal Information
The Port of Keelung has two main passenger terminal buildings, the East and West terminals. Both are permanent, multi-level buildings. Once you disembark, you will walk a short distance along the pier and into the terminal building. The walk to the city center from the terminals is a short, pleasant stroll, with the closest attractions a 4-8 minute walk away.
🚻 Terminal Facilities
The terminal buildings are well-equipped with amenities. You'll find a passenger waiting area, a service counter, restrooms, and a breastfeeding room. There are also water dispensers, currency exchange services, and automated currency machines that provide two-way exchanges for USD, JPY, and RMB. You'll also find a tourist information center with friendly staff who can provide maps and directions.
🗣️ Language
The local language is Mandarin Chinese. While you will find that English is spoken in the main tourist areas and at the cruise terminal, it is not as universally spoken as in some other countries. It is highly recommended to have a few basic Mandarin phrases on hand.
A few useful phrases:
Nǐ hǎo (nee-HOW) - Hello
Xièxie (shyeh-shyeh) - Thank you
Bù kèqì (boo kuh-chee) - You're welcome
Nǐ huì shuō yīngyǔ ma? (nee hway shwoh ying-yoo ma) - Do you speak English?
💰 Money
The official currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD). While credit cards are widely accepted at most restaurants and larger shops, cash is still the preferred method of payment at many small shops, local markets, and for street food. It is highly recommended to have some TWD on hand. ATMs are available in the terminal and throughout the city, but you should check with your bank to see if they charge a fee for international withdrawals.
🚗 Transportation
Keelung is a very walkable city, and its main attractions are clustered in the city center. To get to Taipei, you have a few excellent options.
Walking: The best way to explore downtown Keelung is on foot. The historic streets, shops, and Miaokou Night Market are all within easy walking distance of the cruise docks.
Train: The train is the best and most affordable way to get to Taipei. The Keelung Station is a 4-8 minute walk from the cruise terminal. The train ride to Taipei takes about 30-40 minutes and is a great way to see the beautiful landscape.
Taxis: Taxis are available at the cruise terminal. The rates are metered, but a ride to Taipei will be expensive.
Ride-Sharing: Uber is available in Taiwan and can be a good alternative to a taxi.
♿ Accessibility
Taipei has an accessibility rating of 7 out of 10. The cruise terminals are modern and fully accessible, with ramps and elevators. The city has made a great effort to make its public transportation system and main attractions accessible. However, some of the historic areas may have uneven surfaces and stairs that can be challenging to navigate. Many museums and landmarks like Taipei 101 and the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall have accessible pathways and elevators.
🚶♀️ The best way to get to town from cruise port
To get to the main city of Taipei, the best way is to take the train. The train station is a very short walk from the cruise terminal, and the train ride is fast, efficient, and affordable. If you choose to explore Keelung, you can simply walk.
🚽 Toilet
Public restrooms are generally available and clean in both Keelung and Taipei, especially at major tourist attractions, train stations, and shopping centers. They are free to use.
💊 Drugstore
Watsons: There are many Watsons pharmacies in Keelung and Taipei, and they are a great place to get everything from over-the-counter medications to cosmetics.
Cosmed: This is another major drugstore chain that you can find in both cities.
✨ Authentic Experience
Dine at the Miaokou Night Market: For a taste of authentic Taiwanese street food, walk to the famous Miaokou Night Market. It is a bustling, open-air market with a variety of vendors selling local delicacies like oyster omelets, thick crab soup, and tempura. It's a true culinary adventure.
Explore the Temples of Keelung: For a glimpse into the city's rich culture, visit the temples of Keelung. The Dianji Temple is a beautiful temple with a vibrant atmosphere, and the Zhongzheng Park, with its giant Guanyin statue, offers a panoramic view of the harbor and the city.
Take a Train to Taipei and Visit the National Palace Museum: For a deep dive into Chinese history and culture, take a train to Taipei and visit the National Palace Museum. It houses one of the largest collections of ancient Chinese artifacts and artworks in the world. It's a fantastic and unique experience.
