Taipei: Private Car City Tour with Custom Stops & Pickup

Summary

Old temples, city lights, street food and stories in Taipei

You’ll ride through Taipei’s neighborhoods in your own private car with hotel pickup included—pausing for city views at Taipei 101, wandering Dihua Street’s food stalls, stepping quietly inside Longshan Temple’s smoky courtyards. With a local guide steering you between old stories and new tastes, every hour feels like your own little discovery.

What’s the experience like?

We slid into the backseat just after breakfast, still a bit groggy from jet lag. Our driver-guide—Mr. Chen, who had this gentle way of explaining things—grinned in the mirror and asked if we wanted to start with “the tall one or the old one.” We picked Taipei 101 first, because honestly, you can’t not. The elevator shot us up so fast my ears popped (I tried to hide it but Chen noticed). From the top, the city looked like a patchwork quilt—gray roofs, neon signs blinking even in daylight. I didn’t expect to feel so small up there. Or maybe it was just the clouds moving in.

After that we zigzagged through traffic to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. There were schoolkids on a field trip practicing their bows in front of the giant statue—one kid waved at me and I waved back before I realized I was probably embarrassing myself. The changing of the guard was all sharp shoes and echoing steps; I tried to film it but got distracted by a stray dog weaving between tourists’ legs. Chen told us stories about his own grandfather during that era—he didn’t rush us at all.

Dihua Street hit me right in the nose: fried dough, dried herbs, incense from somewhere I couldn’t see. We wandered past stalls selling pineapple cakes and those chewy nougats (I bought too many). At Longshan Temple, I fumbled with incense sticks and watched an older woman pray with her eyes closed tight—her lips barely moved but she looked so peaceful. The air was thick with sandalwood and something floral I couldn’t place. We ended up at Bopiliao Historical Block where the bricks felt warm under my hand and a couple posed for wedding photos while their aunties fussed over hairpins.

I liked that nothing felt rushed or forced; when it started drizzling, Chen just handed me an umbrella without saying anything. Eight hours went by weirdly fast—I still think about that view from Taipei 101 sometimes, or how the lanterns outside Longshan flickered as dusk crept in. If you want a day trip from Taipei where you can actually breathe (and snack), this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Taipei city cultural and culinary tour

• Visit Taipei 101 skyscraper
• Explore Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
• Tour Taipei Confucius Temple
• Walk through Bopiliao Historical Block
• Visit Longshan Temple
• Enjoy street food at Dihua Street

Top questions

How long is the private car tour in Taipei?

The private car tour lasts for 8 hours.

Does this Taipei city tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off within Taipei City are included.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, but special wheelchair vehicles need booking at least a month ahead with an extra fee.

Can infants join this private Taipei tour?

Yes, infants are welcome; child seats are available if requested in advance.

Are meals included on this private car day trip?

No set meals are included but stops can be made at halal certified or vegetarian restaurants on request.

What attractions does the customized Taipei tour cover?

You can visit Taipei 101, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Confucius Temple, Dihua Street, Longshan Temple, and Bopiliao Historical Block.

Is travel insurance provided for guests?

Yes, travel insurance is included for every guest; personal details are required before departure.

What languages does the guide speak on this tour?

The driver-guide speaks Chinese and English.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere within Taipei City limits plus transportation by air-conditioned private vehicle—with a Chinese or English-speaking driver-guide who’ll tailor stops to your pace. Travel insurance is provided for peace of mind along with help arranging halal or vegetarian meals if you ask ahead; umbrellas come out if it rains and there’s always room for snacks (and stories) along the way.