CME Cruises Visiting Keelung (Taipei), Taiwan

Keelung serves as the maritime gateway to Taipei, Taiwan’s vibrant capital, but it is a destination in its own right. While most travelers immediately head for Taipei (approximately 40 minutes away by train or taxi), Keelung offers a gritty, authentic charm and one of the island's most celebrated culinary hotspots: the Miaokou Night Market. If your ship departs late, navigating the yellow lanterns of Miaokou for tempura and bubble tea is an essential experience. However, for a single day in port, Taipei is the priority. This is a sophisticated metropolis that balances high-tech efficiency with deep traditional roots. The National Palace Museum is the cultural heavyweight here, housing the world's largest collection of Chinese imperial artifacts—treasures saved from the Forbidden City during the civil war. It requires at least two hours to appreciate properly. For architectural contrast, visit the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall with its stark white grandeur, then head to Longshan Temple in the Wanhua District to witness active Taoist and Buddhist worship amidst incense smoke. Taipei 101, once the world's tallest building, dominates the skyline. While the observatory offers views, the massive wind damper engineering marvel inside is the real draw for technically minded visitors. Food is arguably Taiwan's greatest export. We recommend skipping generic international options to try authentic xiao long bao (soup dumplings) at the original Din Tai Fung or seeking out a local shop for beef noodle soup. Practical Advice: Keelung is one of the rainiest cities in Asia; always carry rain gear. The train from Keelung Station to Taipei Main Station is reliable, inexpensive, and often faster than a taxi during rush hour traffic. Taipei’s MRT (subway) is pristine, safe, and English-friendly, making self-guided exploration entirely feasible for confident travelers.