Taipei might be known for its mountainous surroundings, but the city itself is surprisingly flat, making it an ideal spot for cycling. With a network of accessible city bikes and bike lanes, exploring the city on two wheels is a breeze. If you’re looking for a unique and active way to get to know Taipei, I highly recommend booking a Taipei Bike Tour with Taipei Bike Works, a locally run Taiwan bike shop.
Here’s why my experience with their Morning Taipei Bike Tour was a must-do, and why it should be at the top of your itinerary when visiting the city.
BOOK HERE: Taipei Bike Works Morning Tour
Taipei Morning Bike Tour: Rain or Shine
My day started at Taipei Bike Works, a well-known Taipei bike shop offering an array of well-maintained Taipei bike rentals. There, I met John, our passionate and knowledgeable guide. The forecast called for rain, but that didn’t stop us. According to John, Taipei bike tours run rain or shine—he even mentioned once giving a tour during a typhoon!
While I was a bit nervous about cycling in the rain, the shop provided ponchos and helmets. Looking back, I would suggest bringing or asking for shoe booties, as my shoes were completely soaked by the end of the ride, which led to a comical few hours in the Taipei Plaza Premium Lounge later that day. Thankfully, John noted this, and he might add them to the gear list for future guests.
After gearing up and getting fitted with our bikes, we received a brief overview of safety guidelines and our itinerary. John outlined the route on a map, highlighting stops along the way and alternate options should the weather worsen.
Despite the drizzle, the excitement took over, and I soon forgot about the weather as we peddled through Taipei’s lively, bustling streets.
A Hearty Start: Traditional Taiwanese Breakfast (Or Not Quite)
The tour normally kicks off with a traditional Taiwanese breakfast at a local eatery. Think dishes like danbing (egg pancakes), youtiao (fried dough sticks), scallion pancakes, and freshly made soy milk—all classic Taiwanese breakfast staples.
Unfortunately for me, this usual stop was closed since I was touring on a Sunday. Instead, John led us to a nearby dumpling shop for brunch, and I wasn’t disappointed. The dumpling feast was a delicious surprise! We tried various dumplings stuffed with pork, veggies, and other local ingredients.
As we ate, John shared his recommendations on where to find the best street food and local markets in the city. While not as comprehensive as the Taipei Eats food tour I had taken earlier in my trip, this impromptu food stop was still informative and added a fun, personal touch to the day.
Klook.comTaipei’s North Gate and the Morning Market
Our first stop on the Taipei bike tour was Taipei’s North Gate, a historic landmark that once marked the entrance to the old walled city. This beautifully restored gate offers a glimpse into Taipei’s past, standing tall amidst the city’s modern landscape.
Nearby, we cycled through a bustling morning market, where locals were busy purchasing fresh produce, meats, and daily essentials. Although our stop was brief, the contrast between the North Gate’s history and the vibrant market gave us a unique snapshot of everyday life in Taipei.
Shuanglian Market
Next, we cycled to Shuanglian Market, a traditional street market that locals frequent for fresh ingredients and everyday goods. John pointed out how the market reflects Taipei’s strong culinary culture. Though we had limited time here, the sights and smells were enough to tempt me into planning a return visit to sample more local snacks.
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: The Heart of the Tour
One of the key highlights of the Taipei Bike Works tour was our visit to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. We spent more time here than planned, as it offered a welcome reprieve from the rain—though I didn’t mind one bit.
John, our guide, made sure we arrived just in time for the changing of the guard, a precise and fascinating ceremony that added a special air to the experience. Afterward, we had free time to explore the museum, which offered rich insights into Taiwan’s political history.
The sheer size and grandeur of the memorial, combined with John’s detailed historical context, made this stop particularly memorable. Despite the weather, the significance of this iconic landmark shone through as a defining moment of the Taipei bike tour.
Riding Along Taipei’s Flood Walls
After leaving the memorial, we pedaled along the flood walls that protect Taipei from river flooding. These walls are crucial to the city’s safety, given its vulnerability to heavy rains and typhoons.
Stretching for kilometers, they also feature beautiful murals, adding an artistic touch to their functionality. John shared stories about how these flood walls have evolved over the years to safeguard Taipei, making it a fascinating part of our ride.
Dadaocheng Pier Plaza: A Scenic Riverside Stop
Our Taipei bike rentals proved their worth as we cruised toward Dadaocheng Pier Plaza, once Taipei’s main shipping port. The riverside offered stunning views of New Taipei City and the distant Yangming Mountain Range.
Even with the rain, this was a perfect spot for a photo break. The pier has a storied past as a key part of Taipei’s trading history, which John explained as we admired the misty views.
Longshan Temple: A Must-See on Any Taipei Bike Tour
Though we had to skip a few planned stops due to worsening weather, we made it to the famous Longshan Temple, Taipei’s most revered temple. The rain only added to the atmosphere, enhancing the rich incense and colorful offerings that filled the temple. John walked us through the temple’s history and shared how it remains a spiritual hub for locals and visitors alike.
Why You Should Join a Taipei Bike Tour
1) Navigate the City With a Knowledgeable Local
One of the main reasons I recommend Taipei Bike Works is because of their local expertise. John’s love for Taipei was infectious, and he filled the tour with fun facts and history about each stop.
For example, when we visited WunChang Temple, nestled in a bustling market, John explained the significance of the Daoist deity of culture and literature worshipped there. He pointed out small details in the architecture that I would have missed on my own.
Taipei’s streets can be a maze, but with a guide, navigating is a breeze. It was a relief to have someone lead the way, particularly when we rode through the vibrant and chaotic Ximending shopping district—Taipei’s equivalent of Times Square. John even helped us dodge traffic like a pro!
2) Taipei Bike Rental Included
I loved that the bike rental was included in the tour package, so there was no hassle of finding a Taipei bike rental beforehand. The bike I rode was comfortable, sturdy, and perfect for a city ride.
If you’re new to cycling or don’t have much experience on a bike, don’t worry—the tour is designed to be easy and accessible, even for those who aren’t regular cyclists. The flat terrain and the steady pace meant that I never felt rushed.
3) Gain Confidence to Use the City Bike Rental Network
One of the biggest takeaways from this Taipei bike tour was the confidence I gained to use the city’s popular bike-sharing system on my own. Taipei is dotted with YouBike stations, and after a few hours riding with John, I felt much more comfortable navigating the city.
John also gave tips on the best routes and hidden gems to explore, encouraging us to hop on a bike later to see more of the city at our own pace.
4) Great Meal With the Guide
While the tour includes breakfast, the added bonus of a meal with a local guide was one of the highlights for me. During brunch, John’s insights into Taiwanese food culture made the experience more enriching.
We chatted about food markets, local eateries, and hidden street food spots that I wouldn’t have known to visit otherwise. John also went out of his way to make a dinner reservation for one of the guests and provided excellent recommendations for those of us who had a few more days in Taipei.
5) Exercise in a City That’s Easy to Skip on Foot
While Taipei’s MRT metro system is fantastic, it can mean you skip out on walking. Biking the city was a nice change of pace and gave me a chance to burn off some of those extra dumplings!
The scenic ride along the Danshui Riverside Bikeway was one of my favorite moments, offering beautiful open skyline views and a break from the bustling city streets.
Conclusion: A Fun and Easy Way to Explore Taipei
Despite the rain, my experience with Taipei Bike Works was fantastic. John was an excellent guide—his passion for Taipei’s history and culture was evident at every stop, from the CKS Memorial Hall to the Longshan Temple. Not only did I learn a ton, but I also felt more confident navigating the city on two wheels afterward.
If you’re visiting Taipei for the first time, this tour is a great way to see the highlights, learn about the culture, and get comfortable enough to explore on your own using Taipei’s convenient bike rental network. Whether you’re in Taipei for 3 days or planning a longer stay, make sure you add this bike tour to your list of must-dos!
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