Taipei, officially Taipei City, serves as the capital and a special municipality of Taiwan. Located in Northern Taiwan, it is an enclave within New Taipei City, situated approximately 25 kilometres southwest of the northern port city of Keelung. Most of the urban area rests on the Taipei Basin, an ancient lakebed bounded by the valleys of the Keelung and Xindian rivers, which join to form the Tamsui River along the western border.

The region was originally inhabited by the Ketagalan people before Han Chinese colonists began settling in the basin in 1709. Taipei became the provincial capital in 1887 under Qing rule, later serving as the seat of the Government-General during Japanese administration from 1895 to 1945. Following the Republic of China government's relocation in 1949, it became the national seat, upgrading to a special municipality in 1967.

The city is a blend of Chinese heritage with Japanese and American influences, featuring districts that range from the narrow streets of old Taipei to modern areas with supermalls and boutiques. Notable architectural and cultural landmarks include Taipei 101, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, the Presidential Office Building, and several temples such as Dalongdong Baoan Temple and Lungshan Temple.

Taipei functions as the economic, political, educational, and cultural center of Taiwan, rated an Alpha City by GaWC. It offers diverse attractions including shopping districts like Ximending, numerous night markets, and natural features such as Maokong and Yangmingshan. The city is also known for its traditional tea houses, art galleries, and inclusive dining scene catering to various tastes.

The municipality has a population of 2,429,429 as of 2026. It is connected by railways, highways, airports, and bus lines, served by Songshan and Taoyuan airports. The broader Taipei–Keelung metropolitan area, including New Taipei and Keelung, has a population of 7,047,559, making it the 40th most-populous urban area in the world.