Taipei is a comfortable, clean and surprisingly welcoming capital, with the silhouette of the Taipei 101 skyscraper as its visual landmark. For a couple it offers a relaxed trip: night markets with street food, temples in the middle of neighbourhoods, hot springs on the outskirts, cafés, museums and hiking trails with views over the city. According to the FCDO's official advice, crime rates in Taiwan are extremely low, which makes it one of the easiest places in East Asia for a first trip. We have not found any lifestyle venue, club or event in Taipei with a verifiable official website, so we recommend none. We include nothing related to sex tourism: it is a different field, with legal risk and the exploitation of people, and BarSwinger does not promote it.
A weekend in Taipei
Begin with the Taipei 101 skyscraper and its observation deck, then come down to stroll the neighbourhoods around it. Longshan Temple, in the Wanhua district, is a good example of traditional religious life: enter respectfully, quietly and without photographing people who are praying. At night, the night markets are an essential part of the experience, with food stalls and popular games. The National Palace Museum holds one of the great collections of Chinese art. To escape the city, the hot springs of Beitou and the trails in nearby hills allow a quiet day; the town of Jiufen is a classic excursion.
Getting around
The Taipei metro is clean and easy to understand, with signs in English, and is complemented by buses and shared bikes. The international airport connects to the centre by train and bus. If you plan to drive, the FCDO requires a 1949 international driving permit as well as a UK licence, validated at a motor vehicles office, and warns that the alcohol limit is about a quarter of England's. Beware of scooters: they weave through traffic and vehicles do not always stop at pedestrian crossings.
Entry
According to the FCDO (Taiwan advice, updated on 28 August 2026, consulted on 7 November 2026), holders of a British passport can enter visa-free for up to 90 days, extendable by a further 90 once in the country; your passport must have at least six months' validity from arrival. You must complete the Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) online within three days before you arrive. If your passport is from another country, check with Taiwan's Bureau of Consular Affairs. Declare cash if it exceeds NT$100,000 or US$10,000; if you do not, it can be seized when you leave.
Safety, drugs and respecting the law
The FCDO recommends staying vigilant, following local media and always carrying ID; the police usually accept a printed copy of the passport photo page. Drug laws are stricter than in the UK, including cannabis: trafficking, possession or use can lead to severe penalties and, in some cases, the death penalty. You cannot bring in cannabis oil, even if prescribed in another country. Taiwan has some of Asia's most progressive LGBT+ rights policies, according to the advice, and discrimination on grounds of gender or gender identity is illegal. This does not change the fact that, as in any country, you must respect the rules on sexual acts in public: there are no verifiable venues here for us to recommend.
Typhoons, earthquakes and dengue
The FCDO says typhoon season runs from May to November and that there is a risk of road blockages and landslides afterwards, especially in the centre and south. Earthquakes are a real risk: see the safety guide offered by the Taipei City Government. It also reports a significant increase in dengue cases in the south (including Kaohsiung and Tainan): if you travel there, use repellent and avoid bites. Altitude can affect you in mountain areas. The advice also mentions mpox among the risks to check.
Health
Hospitals work on a pay-as-you-use basis; buy insurance with repatriation. The ambulance and fire number is 119 (no usual paramedic, unlike in the UK), police 110 and coastguard 118. For help in English, the free helpline for foreigners is 0800 024 111. If you bring medicines, carry the prescription and do not exceed the prescribed amount.
Eating and going out sensibly
Street food is part of the charm, but apply common sense: choose stalls with a steady stream of customers, clean or sanitise your hands before eating and drink from sealed bottles if you doubt the water. If you go out at night, stay together, watch your drinks and get back by metro or an official taxi. Temples are places of worship in use: speak softly, avoid pointing at people who are praying and ask before taking photos. With these precautions, Taipei is a very rewarding city to travel in as a couple.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa? Not with a British passport, up to 90 days, according to the FCDO. With another passport, ask Taiwan's office in your country.
Is it safe? The FCDO rates crime as extremely low, but normal precautions still apply.
Are there lifestyle clubs? We could not verify any with an official website.
Is there an earthquake risk? Yes. Check the city's official guide and local notices.
This page is informational and does not replace legal advice. Source: the FCDO travel advice for Taiwan. If you travel beyond Taipei, read our guide to Taiwan.
Keep exploring: all destinations and the Taiwan guide.
