Taiwan is generally a safe, friendly, and convenient destination. However, first-time visitors may still encounter overpriced food, tourist-oriented night markets, outdated social media recommendations, or long lines that do not always reflect what locals actually choose.
As a Taiwanese local, these are the five most important things I think travelers should know before visiting Taiwan in 2026.
Last updated date：2026/07/21
5 Things You Must Know Before Visiting Taiwan:
- Don’t Buy Pre-Cut Fruit in Ximending
- For Bubble Milk Tea, I Recommend 50 Lan
- Know the Story Behind Ximending’s Crispy Donut Shops
- Ningxia Night Market Is Crowded and More Tourist-Oriented
- Don’t Be Alarmed If You See Homeless People in Certain Areas
5 Things You Must Know Before Visiting Taiwan
Don’t Buy Pre-Cut Fruit in Ximending
Ximending is one of Taipei’s most popular shopping areas, but street fruit stalls are known for charging much higher prices than regular fruit shops or supermarkets.
The fruit may already be peeled and displayed in cups, making it look convenient. However, all stalls charge by weight.
You may only buy a small amount of fruit but still end up paying several hundred New Taiwan dollars.
What Should You Do?
Visit a local fruit shop instead. At many traditional fruit shops, the owner can cut the fruit for you for free after you purchase it.
Supermarkets are also a good option because the prices and weights are clearly labeled.
Recommended Places to Buy Fruit:
- PX Mart
- Carrefour
- Local neighborhood fruit shops
- Traditional morning markets
My Recommended Traditional Fruit Shop in Ximending 👉 Google Maps
For Bubble Milk Tea, I Recommend 50 Lan
Many travelers look for the most famous or viral bubble tea shop in Taiwan. However, the longest lines do not always reflect what Taiwanese people actually drink in daily life.
As a Taiwanese, I recommend starting with 50 Lan, one of Taiwan’s most familiar drink chains. It has many branches, transparent prices, and relatively consistent quality, so you do not need to spend a long time waiting outside a viral store.
Classic bubble milk tea is usually made with black tea, but in Taiwan, we also often choose milk tea made with green tea or oolong tea.
If you want to try something different, simply tell the staff:
- Green Milk Tea with Pearls or Oolong Milk Tea with Pearls.
These options have a lighter or more fragrant tea flavor than traditional black tea milk tea.
The Nearest 50 Lan Bubble Tea Shop to Ximending 👉 Google Maps
What Should You Order at 50 Lan?
50 Lan offers both small and large pearls.Large pearls are the classic choice for traditional Taiwanese bubble milk tea.Small pearls are softer and easier to chew.
You can also order a mix of small and large pearls for two different textures in one drink. If you want a different tea base, try green milk tea or oolong milk tea with pearls.
My Recommended Orders:
- Classic Bubble Milk Tea with large pearls
- Green Milk Tea with pearls
- Oolong Milk Tea with pearls
- Bubble Milk Tea with mixed small and large pearls
- 30% sugar
Taiwanese drinks can be quite sweet, so choosing 30% or 50% sugar is usually a good starting point for first-time visitors.
Know the Story Behind Ximending’s Crispy Donut Shops
A famous crispy donut shop called Yi Cui became extremely popular in Ximending and regularly attracted long lines. However, the store’s operating team changed after a rental dispute in June 2026.
The previous team later opened a new shop called Liang Liang Cui, which is also located in Ximending. Because of this change, many locals who followed the original team now visit Liang Liang Cui instead.
This does not necessarily mean that one shop is better than the other. It simply means that the recipe you try may be different from the one served before.
What Should You Do?
Visit Liang Liang Cui if you want to try the shop opened by the previous operating team.
Liang Liang Cui 👉 Google Maps
Ningxia Night Market Is Crowded and More Tourist-Oriented
Ningxia Night Market is one of the most famous night markets in Taipei. It is easy to reach and has many well-known food stalls, but it can also be:
- Extremely crowded
- Difficult to walk through
- Filled with long food queues
- More expensive than smaller local night markets
Ningxia Night Market is not necessarily bad, but it may not be the best choice if you want a more local atmosphere.
Where Do Locals Go Instead?
I recommend visiting the night markets around Longshan Temple:
- Guangzhou Street Night Market
- Wuzhou Street Night Market
- Bangka Night Market
These three night market areas are located very close to one another, so you can visit them all during the same evening.
They feel more local, offer many classic Taiwanese snacks, and are often more affordable than the most tourist-oriented night markets.
Why Visit These Night Markets?
- The food is generally more affordable.
- The atmosphere feels more local.
- Many stalls specialize in traditional Taiwanese dishes.
- You will see more local residents eating there.
Guangzhou Street Night Market👉 Google Maps
Wuzhou Street Night Market 👉 Google Maps
Bangka Night Market 👉 Google Maps
Don’t Be Alarmed If You See Homeless People in Certain Areas
In Taipei, you may notice more people experiencing homelessness around Taipei Main Station, Ximending, and Longshan Temple.
Wanhua is one of Taipei’s oldest districts and has long been home to a diverse mix of residents, traditional markets, historic buildings, and social support services.
Taipei City also provides outreach, temporary accommodation, healthcare referrals, and other assistance for people experiencing homelessness.
If you see several people sitting, resting, or gathering in public spaces, there is usually no need to feel alarmed.
Most are unlikely to approach or disturb visitors.
A Local Food Experience Near Longshan Temple
Hidden within a traditional market, Xinfu Market is a horseshoe-shaped building that was originally built as a public market in 1935 during the Japanese colonial period.
Today, it has been restored and transformed into a cultural space with exhibitions, local history displays, and several unique shops.
One of the highlights is Wanderland Hirunomi, a small and relaxed bar where you can take a break after exploring Longshan Temple.
You can pick up a plate inside the bar, head out to the surrounding traditional market to buy food, and then bring it back to enjoy at your table. The bar allows guests to bring outside food.
This concept encourages visitors to support local market stalls while enjoying their food in a comfortable setting. It is a fun and easy way to try different Taiwanese market dishes.
Wanderland Hirunomi 👉 Google Maps
Final Thoughts
Taiwan is not a destination where travelers need to be constantly worried about scams.
Most Taiwanese people are helpful, and most shops are honest. However, tourist areas can still have overpriced products, crowded viral restaurants, or recommendations that are no longer up to date.
I will continue updating this article with more local advice, food recommendations, and travel warnings to help people visiting Taiwan avoid common mistakes and enjoy a better trip.