Is Taipei safe for solo travelers?

5 min read · Updated 2026-10

Taipei is one of the easier big cities in Asia to explore on your own, and that includes the evening. The main streets stay busy late, the MRT is clean and well lit, and serious crime against visitors is uncommon. The things that actually catch solo travelers out are more everyday: traffic, the weather and getting home after the last train. Here is what to know, and who to call if something goes wrong.

The short answer

• Walking around at night: busy areas such as Ximending, the night markets, Zhongshan and the East District stay lively until late. Use the same care you would in any big city.
• The biggest everyday risk: traffic, especially scooters and turning cars at crossings.
• Emergency numbers: 110 for the police, 119 for fire and ambulance.

Getting home at night

• The MRT runs from about 06:00 until around midnight. Last trains differ by line and station, so check the Taipei Metro app or the board in the station before a late night out.
• Waiting late on a platform? Many MRT platforms have a marked night-time waiting area with cameras and an intercom to the station staff.
• After the last train, take a taxi. Taxis are yellow and metered, and easy to find in the busy areas. Uber also works in Taipei if you prefer to book in English and have the trip recorded in an app.
• Show the driver the Chinese name. Every place page on this site has the name in Chinese, ready to show.
• Hungry after midnight? See our late-night list, and pick a hotel near an MRT station (where to stay).

Crossing the street

• Look before you step out, even on a green light. Cars and scooters turning into your crossing do not always stop for pedestrians.
• Watch your footing under the arcades. The covered walkways along shopfronts have steps, slopes and parked scooters, and the tiles get slippery in the rain.

Typhoons, earthquakes and heat

• Typhoons come mostly in summer and early autumn. When one is close, the city may declare a typhoon day: offices and schools close, many shops and sights close early or stay shut, and transport can run a reduced service. Buy food and water early, stay indoors and follow the Central Weather Administration.
• Earthquakes are common, and most are small. Your phone may sound a loud alert with a message in Chinese. If the shaking is strong, drop, cover and hold on, away from windows.
• Heat: summers are hot and humid. Carry water and take breaks in air conditioning. Convenience stores are on almost every block.

Money, bags and health

• Pickpocketing is not common, but keep your bag in front of you in crowded night markets.
• Keep a backup. Carry a second card and some cash separately from your wallet.
• Tap water: locals boil it before drinking. Drink bottled or filtered water.
• Pharmacies (藥局) are easy to find. For anything serious, go to a hospital emergency department (急診). Visitors pay in full, so travel insurance is worth having.

If something goes wrong

• Police: 110. Fire and ambulance: 119.
• Tourist hotline: 0800-011-765. Free, 24 hours, in English, Japanese, Korean and Mandarin, for travel questions and help.
• Lost your passport? Report it to the police, then contact your country’s embassy or representative office in Taipei.

Traveling as a woman alone

Many women travel to Taipei alone and find it comfortable, including at night. The usual big-city habits still apply: keep an eye on your drink in bars, tell someone at home your plans, and use a booked taxi or Uber late at night instead of accepting a ride from a stranger.

Check the latest

Central Weather Administration for typhoon and earthquake updates, Taipei Metro for first and last trains, and the Taiwan Tourism Administration for the tourist hotline.

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