Taiwan is a melting pot of cultures that has earned a reputation as "the heart of Asia," so it's no wonder its capital, Taipei, attracts so many travelers each year. Joining the Essential Free Tour of Taipei, you will spend a fun day walking with your local guide through the historic center of the city and get to understand that the capital of Taiwan is a museum city. With its tall skyscrapers, Taipei is one of the cornerstones of technology worldwide. But at the same time, the modern business atmosphere is combined with numerous historical monuments, local markets and small neighborhood temples. On your tour, you'll see mausoleums, buildings displaying signs of Japanese occupation, and government buildings where the influence of Western architecture is evident.

One of Taipei's great gems is its Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. It is a 30,000-meter building dedicated to the controversial first president of the Taiwan we know today. The 89 steps symbolizing the age of his death lead to a 76-meter-high octagonal hall that never fails to impress visitors. In this great complex, there are other architectural gems such as the National Concert Hall and the National Theater, as well as many other interesting landmarks. This large monumental area is a perfect place to learn about the complex history of Taiwan, officially the Republic of China. The island was the refuge of Chinese nationalists who fled from mainland China after a dramatic civil war. Since then, the island has been in a complex political and diplomatic situation.

Apart from its monumental side, Taipei is also a city of small alleys, noisy street food markets, parks, traditional houses with Japanese influences, and Buddhist temples where people of all ages come to burn incense. In popular areas like Ximending, famous for its night market, you'll learn how Taipei has developed a cuisine and a spirituality combining all the traditions of mainland China, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, aboriginal traditions and more. Walking the streets of Taipei with your local guide and your small group of fellow travelers will surely be one of the best memories of your trip! You will understand the modern history of Taipei, learn to visit temples in a respectful way, discover the best dishes of local food and take great photos. Do not hesitate to book now!