Why Taipei Is One of the Best Cities in Asia for First-Time Solo Travelers

If you have been thinking about taking your first solo trip to Asia but keep talking yourself out of it, I get it. It is exciting and terrifying at the same time. People tend to recommend Tokyo as the best country to visit Asia for the first time. While Tokyo is amazing, I feel like Taipei is going to pop off for solo traveling in the next few years for many reasons.

Taipei is one of those cities that makes solo travel feel less scary and a lot more doable. It is safe, easy to get around, and surprisingly gentle for a place that might feel far from home. If you are nervous but curious, Taipei is a really good place to start.

Taipei Feels Genuinely Safe

Safety is usually the first thing people ask me about when it comes to solo travel, especially as a female. And honestly, Taipei is one of the few cities where I felt comfortable almost immediately.

I landed at Taipei airport around 9PM and safely took the metro to my hotel. Walking around at night did not feel stressful. Public transportation felt calm and organized. Even in busy areas, the energy felt friendly, not overwhelming.

It is a place where you can put your headphones in, wander a little, and actually enjoy being alone without worry.

Getting Around Is Way Easier Than You Expect

If the idea of navigating public transportation in a new country makes your stomach drop, Taipei will surprise you.

The MRT is clean, affordable, and clearly marked in English. Trains come often and Google Maps works perfectly in Taiwan. I did a whole on how to use the public transportation, how to get a metro card, and more, linked here.

For a first solo trip, that ease matters more than people realize. When getting around feels simple, everything else feels lighter too. If you’re anti-metro, Taiwan also has uber.

Eating Alone Is Completely Normal Here

One of the things I hate about solo travel is eating alone, but in Taipei, it felt normal.

Taipei makes this a non issue. Night markets are designed for grabbing small bites and moving on. Noodle shops and cafes are used to solo diners. No awkward stares. No pressure.

I actually loved how easy it was to just sit down, eat, people watch, and take my time. If eating alone has ever made you hesitate about solo travel, Taipei helps you get over that fast. I still pulled out my phone or book to kill time but there was always other people eating alone so I never felt awkward.

You Do Not Need to Speak Mandarin to Get By

This is another big worry I hear all the time. And while learning a few basic phrases is always helpful, you do not need to be fluent to feel comfortable in Taipei.

Most signs are bilingual, transportation is easy to follow, and people are incredibly patient. Even when we did not speak the same language, there was always a way to figure things out. I often used my Google Translate if I had issues communicating.

A smile and a little effort go a long way here and people are genuinely friendly. People were curious about why I was there and where I was from and would try their best to talk to me. We stumbled through conversations but it was fun!

You Can Balance Exploring and Slowing Down

Taipei is great if you like having options without feeling rushed.

You can spend the morning wandering neighborhoods or cafes, then head out for a hike like Elephant Mountain in the afternoon. Places like Maokong, Beitou, or Jiufen make it easy to escape the city without over planning. I was able to go to Juifen in the afternoon via public transport and was back in the within a few hours.

As a solo traveler, that flexibility is everything. You can listen to your energy and adjust your day without feeling like you are missing out.

Final Thoughts

If Asia feels exciting but intimidating, Taipei is a really kind place to begin. It is safe, welcoming, and gives you space to figure things out without pressure.

You do not have to be a fearless solo traveler to come here. Taipei meets you where you are and helps you grow from there.

And honestly, that is what makes it so special. If you’re looking for inspiration for your trip to Taipei, check out my Taipei Mini Guide which includes a map of all my recommendations in Taipei, when to visit, what to do and what to eat as a solo traveler!