Taipei Bike Tours

Taipei Bike Tours offers one of the most efficient ways to see the historic heart of the city in a single morning. Its four-hour Morning Cycling City Tour covers about 15 kilometres on two wheels, linking sights that would take a full day to visit on foot and adding a traditional Taiwanese breakfast along the way. Rides start and finish at the company's shop in Dadaocheng, which is also known as Taipei Bike Works.

The route is packed with highlights. After a breakfast stop, the ride visits Shuanglian Morning Market and Wenchang Temple, then passes Jingfu Gate, the old East Gate of the city, to the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, where riders can watch the honour guard drills, and the Presidential Office Building. It continues to Lungshan Temple in Wanhua before following the Tamsui Riverside Bikeway back north to Dihua Street and Xiahai Temple. It is an efficient overview of the city's historic districts, with a local guide on hand to answer questions as you go.

Everything you need is included: a bicycle, a helmet, the guide, breakfast and bottled water. The tour suits reasonably fit adults and older children who are comfortable riding in a city; the route includes plenty of stops, but you should be confident on a bike in traffic and on shared paths. If you have not cycled for a while, consider a short practice ride before the day.

Timing matters. Riders normally gather at 8:50 for a 9:00 departure, and the tour leaves by 9:20 at the latest. In the hottest part of summer, from mid-July to mid-September, the schedule moves earlier, meeting at 7:50 for an 8:00 start and finishing at noon. Wear light, breathable clothes and closed shoes, apply sun cream, and bring a rain jacket in the wetter months. Book online through the company's booking page, and message the team as soon as possible if your plans change.

The meeting point is the shop at No. 9, Lane 70, Section 2, Chongqing North Road in the Datong District; look for the blue sign above the door, across the street from a park. The shop is in historic Dadaocheng, so after the ride you can stay in the area for lunch, a tea tasting at Wang Tea on the neighbouring lane or a slower stroll along Dihua Street.