Popular Other Transportation Passes in Beitou Gate of Taipei Prefecture

The area around the North Gate of Taipei Prefecture City is rich in historical sites, making it perfect for a walking tour. Starting from the North Gate, you can walk to the 'Taipei Post Office' (now Chunghwa Post Headquarters), built during the Japanese colonial era, known for its unique architectural style. Not far away is the elegantly designed 'Presidential Office Building', a prominent landmark showcasing grand architectural presence. Additionally, '228 Peace Memorial Park' offers lush greenery along with numerous historical relics and monuments, providing a deep dive into Taipei's history and culture. These attractions are within close proximity, allowing for a comprehensive cultural exploration.

In addition to taking the Taipei MRT to Beimen Station (Songshan-Xindian Line/Airport MRT) or Taipei Main Station (a hub for multiple MRT lines and TRA/HSR) and then walking, you can also consider using buses. Several bus routes pass by the North Gate area, such as at the 'North Gate' or 'Museum' stops, covering routes from various directions in Taipei. You can choose the most convenient bus based on your departure point. The bus system is frequent and can effectively reach areas not directly served by the MRT. For those who enjoy a stroll, walking from Taipei Main Station to the North Gate takes only about 10-15 minutes, offering city views along the way.

For tourists in Taipei, the choice between transportation passes mainly depends on your length of stay and expected usage. If you plan to use the MRT intensively within a short period (e.g., one day) and will be entering and exiting stations multiple times, then purchasing a Taipei MRT one-day pass would be more cost-effective, allowing unlimited MRT rides within the specified time. If your itinerary is longer, or if you plan to use buses, YouBike, or even make small payments at convenience stores besides the MRT, then a reloadable EasyCard would be a more flexible and convenient option. EasyCards can be topped up repeatedly and have a wide range of uses, saving you the hassle of buying tickets each time and are a preferred choice for many long-term visitors. Both have their advantages, and you can make the best choice based on your travel plans.

The most comfortable seasons to visit the North Gate of Taipei Prefecture City are generally autumn (around October to early December) and spring (around March to May). During these times, Taipei's weather is cool and pleasant, with gentle sunshine, making it ideal for outdoor activities and extended walks. Autumn offers dry weather, avoiding the summer's humidity and afternoon thunderstorms, as well as the persistent damp cold of winter. Spring may also bring opportunities to see flowers blooming in the city. If visiting in summer (June to September), be sure to protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated, and consider scheduling outdoor activities for the morning or evening. In winter (mid-December to February), it's advisable to bring warm clothing and rain gear.

It is very convenient for foreign tourists to purchase public transportation passes in Taipei. The most common and recommended option is the 'EasyCard'. You can purchase an EasyCard at the information counters, automated top-up machines at any Taipei MRT station, or at convenience stores (such as 7-ELEVEN, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, OK Mart). After purchasing, you can top it up with cash as needed at the same locations. To use it, simply tap the card on the reader when taking the MRT or bus, and the fare will be deducted. The EasyCard is not only usable for public transportation in Taipei but also in many public transport systems across Taiwan, and it supports small payments, bringing great convenience to your trip.

The most convenient way to explore attractions around Taipei's North Gate is by 'walking,' as many historical sites are within close reach. Additionally, the 'Taipei MRT' is the core system connecting major areas; after taking the MRT to Beimen Station or Taipei Main Station, you can easily transfer to other destinations. Numerous 'bus' routes also pass through the North Gate vicinity, offering more detailed network coverage, allowing for flexible choices based on your itinerary. For short distances, you can also consider renting a 'YouBike' (shared bicycle). Rental stations are available near the North Gate, Taipei Post Office, and 228 Peace Memorial Park, allowing you to travel through the city's alleys at a more leisurely pace and enjoy the exploration.

The EasyCard's applicability in Taipei is extensive, far beyond just transportation. In addition to the MRT, buses, and YouBike, you can also use it for small purchases at many convenience stores (like 7-ELEVEN, FamilyMart, etc.), supermarkets, some department stores, and chain restaurants. For tourist attractions, some museums and art exhibition venues accept EasyCard payments for admission tickets or at their gift shops, such as the Taipei Zoo and Taipei Children's Amusement Park. Its convenience allows you to avoid carrying a lot of cash while traveling in Taipei, making shopping and sightseeing enjoyable. It's an indispensable helper for exploring Taipei.

For a one-day cultural and historical tour around the North Gate of Taipei Prefecture City, it is recommended to start at the North Gate plaza, appreciating its architectural beauty and historical significance. Then, walk along Yanping South Road to the 'Taipei Post Office' and 'Presidential Office Building', experiencing the architectural styles of different eras. For lunch, you can choose specialty foods around the North Gate or in the Ximending shopping district. In the afternoon, visit the exterior of the 'Presidential Office Building' to admire its magnificent facade, then proceed to '228 Peace Memorial Park'. Within the park, you'll find historical relics like the Taiwan Museum and the Ji Gong Hao Yi Arch, offering insights into Taiwan's modern history amidst the greenery. In the evening, head to Dadaocheng Wharf to enjoy the sunset and the beauty of Tamsui River, concluding a fulfilling day. This route can be navigated by combining walking with public transportation for an in-depth experience of Taipei's historical charm.

The North Gate of Taipei Prefecture City is an outdoor historical monument, and as one of the five major gates of the former Taipei city, it does not have specific opening hours or entry restrictions. Located alongside a busy thoroughfare, visitors can access it at any time. You can admire its brickwork details during the day or its historical charm illuminated at night, as you please. As an open-air historical landmark, no ticket or reservation is required for a close-up view, making it an important cultural heritage site for understanding Taipei's early urban landscape. Please be mindful of surrounding traffic safety when visiting.

For sightseeing around the North Gate of Taipei Prefecture City, considering you might need to take the MRT and buses to other nearby attractions or from your accommodation, it is recommended to use either an 'EasyCard' or a 'Taipei MRT One-Day Pass'. The EasyCard offers high flexibility, is valid for various public transport modes and small purchases, and is very convenient for travelers planning multi-day trips or those uncertain about their daily travel volume. If you plan to frequently use the MRT to visit multiple spots within a single day, such as starting from Beimen Station and then going to places like Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Dongmen, or Ximen, the 'Taipei MRT One-Day Pass' allows for unlimited MRT rides within 24 hours of activation, saving you the trouble of swiping each time and helping to control your transportation budget. Both types of cards can make your exploration around the North Gate smoother.