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Home » Asia » Taiwan » Taipei

19 BEST Places to Visit in Taipei (2024 • MUST-SEE SIGHTS)

Taipei is the modern capital of Taiwan. The diverse city has a great infrastructure and it’s easy to explore the key places of interest in Taipei as well as travel to nearby cities and towns. From one of the tallest towers in the world and a globally renowned zoo to places of natural interest and terrific shopping, Taipei offers plenty for everyone.

Taipei doesn’t feature on many travellers’ radars, particularly people from outside of Asia, and is often overlooked in favour of other East Asian cities. It can be difficult to find information on what to see and do if you are planning a trip to Taipei, especially if you want to hit up more offbeat attractions and head off the beaten path.

With this ultimate list of the best places to visit in Taipei, you’ll be able to make sure to cover all the top attractions. No matter your age or travelling style you’ll find plenty of reasons to add Taipei to your travel wish list.

Warning: some of these best places to visit in Taipei are sure to surprise you!

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Taipei:

These are the best places to visit in taipei, faq on the best places to visit in taipei, final thoughts on the best places to visit in taipei.

Datong is the perfect place to stay if you are travelling on a shoestring budget. It is located just north of Zhongzheng and remains very central to explore Taipei’s many destinations.

• Take a look at the humble features of the Confucius Temple
• On the contrary, marvel at Bao’an Temple, one of Taipei’s most ornate temples
• Try some local delicacies at the Ningxia Night Market

And now onto the fun stuff …my top picks for where to go in Taipei:

Ready for the breakdown of Taipei’s must-see places? Don’t miss these gems. These are the top things to see for crafting the ultimate Taipei itinerary!

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#1 – Taipei 101 – One of the most amazing places in Taipei

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• Eco-friendly structure
• Among the world’s tallest towers
• Rich symbolism
• Sweeping views

Why it’s awesome: This is top of the Taipei places to visit list for good reason. Up there, you feel top of the world! Shaped like a traditional pagoda and standing at 508 meters (1,667 feet) tall, the soaring Taipei 101 was once the world’s tallest tower. It’s is still said to be the biggest green building in the world, both because of the coloured glass on its facades and due to its many environmentally friendly features.

Steeped in symbolism, the impressive tower has 101 floors. One hundred is usually viewed as perfection, so this gleaming modern tower goes one step beyond being perfect! There’s a large and luxurious shopping mall next to the tower and inside there are various offices, an observation level, displays, a conference centre, and a VIP Club.

What to do there: Ride in the super-fast elevators to reach the observation levels, with both indoor and outdoor viewing areas to enjoy. Feast your eyes on the sweeping city views and see interesting displays related to the tower’s construction, use, and symbolism. Spot various symbolic features around the tower and see many of the best places in Taipei from a completely different perspective.

#2 – Taipei Zoo – Awesome place to visit in Taipei with kids

• Beautiful landscaping
• Home to diverse creatures
• Educational exhibits

Why it’s awesome: The largest zoo in Asia and one of the biggest zoos in the world, the modern and well-kept Taipei Zoo is often said to be among the best zoos on the planet. Spread over a large area, the zoo is home to an abundance of interesting species from across the globe.

Admission costs are low and it’s a fantastic place to spend a fun-filled day with the kids. Indeed, it’s one of the best places in Taipei for a family outing. There are various places to eat and drink throughout the zoo and the terrain is stroller friendly. Lush gardens, wide, open spaces, and educational displays add to the appeal.

What to do there: Plan to spend at least half a day (if not a whole day) exploring the large zoo. Seeing the cute pandas is often a highlight for many visitors, though don’t be disappointed if they are resting in the air conditioning! The children’s theatre, insectarium, and nocturnal animal house are also often popular with younger visitors.

#3 – Shilin Night Market – A must-see in Taipei for foodies!

• Array of items
• Lively vibe
• Lots of street food
• Popular with locals and tourists

Why it’s awesome: Large and lively, Shilin Night Market draws many locals and tourists alike every day of the week. Stalls spread through a maze of streets, and you’ll find a great selection of local goods and international brands, usually at discount prices.

Some places have fixed prices and there are somewhere you can haggle so make sure you perfect your haggling skills . It’s especially worth asking for discounts if you’re buying in bulk. It’s not only a great place for shopping, though; Shilin Night Market is also one of the top spots in Taipei for delicious street food. It’s veritable foodie heaven!

What to do there: Stroll along the streets, letting your senses guide you as you sample a huge selection of local cuisine. Inhale the rich aromas, watch as vendors cook up dishes on the spot, and see an exciting array of delicacies set out to tempt the hungry.

Sink your teeth into things like fried buns, dim sum, stinky tofu, tempura, grilled meats, oyster omelet, and much, much more. Once you think it couldn’t get any better, pop into the underground Shilin Night Market Food Court for even more mouth-watering treats! It really is one of the best places to eat in Taipei.

Another famous night market in Taipei if you liked the Shilin Night Market is the Ningxia Night Market which is another great place to try some street food.

Discover Taiwanese culture and cuisine on this exclusive tour . Sample a variety of snacks including pineapple cake, grilled octopus, mango shaved ice and more to experience the flavours of Taiwan.

#4 – Longshan Temple – One of the most religious places to see in Taipei

• Long history
• Gorgeous architecture
• Spiritual ambience
• Ornate statues

Why it’s awesome: Built in the late 1730s by people from Fujian, Taipei’s Longshan Temple became a major spiritual and community centre for settlers from mainland China; it was built in honour of an ancient temple in their home province.

Still an active place of worship today, it is also one of the most significant religious landmarks in Taipei. The Longshan Temple features ornate and colourful details and the vibe is tranquil and serene. It’s a place to go in Taipei to have a breather from the city.

What to do there: Admire the striking building from the outside, feasting your eyes on the decorative pillars and roof, statues, and grand doorways. Step inside, where you’ll likely see people praying and making merit, inhale the sweet smells of incense, and see even more spiritual statues and artwork.

Wander through the grand halls and pause to take in the details of the various altars. There are shrines to various Chinese gods and goddesses as well as to the Lord Buddha. As far as cultural places in Taipei go, this is one of the best.

Explore the origins of Taipei, experience authentic Taiwanese culture, discover the fascinating stories of our folk gods and learn how they influence the lives of believers in Taiwan during this Taiwan Cultural Walking Tour with a local guide.

#5 – Danshui River Mangrove Nature Reserve – One of the most underrated places to see in Taipei

• Interesting wildlife
• Pretty views
• Free attraction

Why it’s awesome: A short train ride from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, Danshui River Mangrove Nature Reserve is an interesting and peaceful outdoor spot.

One of the coolest lesser-visited attractions in Taipei, there is no charge to explore the nature reserve. Also known as Tamsui River Mangrove Nature Reserve, the area protects the large Hongshulin mangrove swamp as well as all the creatures that call the salty swamp home.

What to do there: Step into the small but informative education centre to learn more about the swamp and its eco-diversity before wandering along the boardwalk. Peer into the mangroves to spot an array of flora and fauna. Some of the most unusual creatures to look out for are the curious mudskippers – fish that can walk on land.

You’re also likely to see crabs and many types of birds. The ambiance is calm and there are great views of city life in the distance.

#6 – Jiufen – A very cool place in Taipei to go for a day

• Great shopping
• Plenty of photo opportunities
• Stunning vistas
• Historical vibe

Why it’s awesome: Jiufen is an old gold mining town in the wider Taipei area. Built by the Japanese, it is perched on the craggy mountainside near the coast. Easy to reach by road and rail from the heart of the city, it’s one of the most picturesque places of interest in Taipei.

There’s an olde-worlde vibe and plenty to see and do. The covered shopping area is especially popular and the views are beautiful. The town has featured in a number of movies and TV shows and if you’re backpacking Taiwan , be sure to include Jiufen on your itinerary.

What to do there: Visit the ornate Chinese temple and soak up the sense of spirituality and stand at the nearby observation point to enjoy beautiful views out over the water. Explore the two main hillside pedestrian streets of Shuchi Street and Jishan Street, pausing to look in the assortment of shops filled with an array of goods.

Stop for refreshments in a charming tea house and refuel in one of the traditional restaurants.

Although no longer open to visitors, you can see the outside of the historic Taiyang Co. Ruifang mining Operation Office and the now-derelict Jiufen Shingpeng Theatre, which was one of the earliest theatres in Taiwan. Feeling active? Go hiking up Mount Jilong and enjoy the terrific vistas!

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#7 – National Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall – Possibly one of the most important places to visit in Taipei

• Magnificent building
• Interesting and educational displays
• Traditional guards
• Beautiful grounds

Why it’s awesome: Among the most famous places in Taiwan, the National Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall is a well-known city landmark and a popular tourist attraction. Located at one end of the large Liberty Square, the iconic blue and white building is an attractive sight.

Open since 1980, it was constructed to honour the memory of the late president. Inside there is a large bronze statue of Chiang Kai Shek, guarded by solemn-looking soldiers in ceremonial uniforms, as well as educational displays and a library.

What to do there: Climb the 89 steps that lead to the upper level of the memorial hall, noting that the number of steps represents the age at which the former leader died. See the large statue of the late leader and snap some pictures of the smartly dressed guards. Descend back to ground level to learn more about the leader and Taiwan’s history in the museum.

There are many interesting objects and artifacts and comprehensive information is provided in English as well as Chinese languages. It’s one of the best places to visit in Taipei to get more of a sense of the culture and history of Taiwan.

#8 – Fort San Domingo – One of Taipei’s coolest historical sites

• One of Taiwan’s oldest buildings
• Controlled by various powers throughout history
• Informative displays
• Pleasant gardens

Why it’s awesome: Located in Tamsui, the striking red-colored fortress of San Domingo stands on the site of an earlier wooden fort. The original fortress was built by the Spanish, while the present building was constructed in the 1640s by the Dutch. It was later expanded and fortified further by the Qing regime and served as the British consulate from 1868.

It was occupied by the Japanese during the Pacific War, then later passed back to British control. One of the oldest buildings in Taiwan, today it is a National Historic Site and among the most popular tourist attractions in Taipei’s district of Tamsui.

What to do there: Pay the reasonable admission fee and climb the shaded steps to reach the entrance to the historic fortress. See the flag flying proudly above before following the sightseeing route through the fortress’s diverse areas.

In addition to the red fort, the site also has the original gate that was constructed during the Qing era, leafy gardens, and the English-style former residence of the British Consul. You can learn more about Taiwan’s history and see varied displays, period furnishings, and artifacts.

#9 – Houtong – Quite the quirky place to visit in Taipei!

• Former mining town
• Home to many cats
• Unusual features

Why it’s awesome: A short train ride from the heart of Taipei brings you to Houtong, an old coal-mining town built by the Japanese that is now known for its many felines. The hillside town was abandoned when the mines dried up, leaving cats to roam free, multiply, and claim the space as their own.

Today, Houtong is a Taipei must-see for any animal lover, particularly those with a penchant for cats. Volunteers care for the animals and have created many cool and quirky cat-themed attractions. I dunno about you, but this is my personal best place to visit in Taipei!

What to do there: Get up close and personal with the friendly cats that call Houtong home. You can buy food to pamper the kitties, but don’t feed them human treats as it can make them sick.

See the feline-themed artworks that adorn many walls, spot the small houses built to afford shelter to the strays, and enjoy snacks and drinks in one of the quaint cafes. There are plenty of great photo opportunities and you can purchase a range of cat-themed memorabilia.

Cat town: top sight in Taipei!

#10 – Beitou – Great place to visit in Taipei for couples

• Unusual sights
• Diverse museums
• Places of natural interest in Taipei

Why it’s awesome: Although soaking in hot springs may not be the most obvious choice of things to do when experiencing hot and humid conditions, taking a dip is surprisingly relaxing and soothing. Beitou Hot Springs has a number of well-maintained and clean hot springs, with private changing areas and lockers.

Signs clearly state the temperature of each pool. It’s one of the best public hot springs around the city, though you will also find some private hot springs if you want a more exclusive experience. Beitou also boasts stunning geothermal features and several interesting attractions.

What to do there: Melt your problems away! If you’re looking for things to do in Taipei to take your mind off all those measly problems you left back home, this is the place to go!

Marvel at the milky blue steaming waters of Beitou Thermal Valley, also known as Hell Valley (closed on Mondays), set in beautiful natural surroundings. Discover more about the area at Beitou Hot Spring Museum, Ketagalan Culture Center, and Beitou Library. Stroll through the scenic Beitou Hot Spring Park and Plum Garden, visit the small and secluded Puji Temple, and soothe away any aches and pains in the hot springs.

#11 – Ximending – A great place in Taipei if you love to shop!

• Youthful vibe
• Energetic at night time
• Japanese influence

Why it’s awesome: Ximending is one of the best places to visit in Taipei if you’re looking for cool shopping with a trendy and youthful vibe. Lively by day and by night, it has a wealth of recreational and leisure options too. Made popular when there was a heavy Japanese presence in Taiwan , it has gone from strength to strength since the 1980s.

It’s easy to spot the Japanese influences still today, though there is also a strong local feeling too. Brimming with clothes shops and accessory stores, the area also has cool karaoke joints, cinemas, and eateries.

What to do there: Spend hours browsing in a large variety of stores in Ximending, trying not to get swept away in the exuberant crowds. It’s an especially great place to shop in Taipei for alternative styles and items generally associated with various sub-cultures. Try out new fashions and perhaps add some funky pieces to your wardrobe. Stop for a bite to eat in one of the local restaurants and, as night falls, sing your heart out in one of the KTVs.

#12 – Ghost Mask Museum – One of the more unique places to visit in Taipei

• Quirky attraction
• Cultural and spiritual insights
• Hand-made items
• Lesser-visited museum

Why it’s awesome: The Ghost Mask Museum started life as one man’s private collection of hand-made ghostly masks. Nestled down a quiet alley, visitors can peer at some 1,500 unusual masks, with some that are rather grotesque and others that border on the comedic. Seeing the creepy collection of masks is definitely among the most unusual things to do in Taipei!

What to do there: Gaze in curiosity at the large collection of masks created by sculptor Wu Jyh Chyang and appreciate the effort and passion that must have gone into painstakingly creating each item by hand. Some masks are embellished with various items, including animal hair, cigarette butts, and scraps of cloth.

The museum provides insights into local ghost beliefs and some seek to teach valuable life lessons and warn of punishments that await one in the afterlife if people fail to live a righteous life. This may not be the top must-see in Taipei for those with a deep-seated fear of their own mortality… but I think it’s awesome!

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#13 – Taipei Botanical Garden – One of the nicer places in Taipei to sightsee!

• Centre for botanical research
• Pleasant walking trails
• Various gardens
• Wide selection of plants

Why it’s awesome:   Switching gears from Taipei’s more morbid attractions, the Taipei Botanical Garden is home to some 1,500 species of plants… and super pretty! Established as a botanical garden by the Japanese in the early 1920s, there has been a garden at the same place for many decades. The pretty and peaceful garden is split between 17 different areas, with historical buildings, sparkling ponds, and well-maintained footpaths too.

What to do there: Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque botanical garden, admiring a wide range of plants and flowers from different parts of the world. There are species native to the island of Taiwan, as well as those from neighbouring nations and farther afield. Some species are rare and there’s good information provided about the various flora.

#14 – Taipei Fine Arts Museum – A great place to visit in Taipei if you are alone/traveling solo

• Lovely building
• Interesting art works
• Activities for kids
• Learning opportunities

Why it’s awesome: The Fine Arts Museum is a Taipei must-do for anyone interested in art. A great place for solo travellers to immerse themselves in visual creativity, the museum has been capturing people’s interest since 1983. It was Taiwan’s first art museum to focus on contemporary and modern art. Now located at Taipei Expo Park, it’s a cool place to go in Taipei to escape the heat and enjoy a few hours in air-conditioned comfort.

The building has interesting architectural elements and there are many thought-provoking and stimulating art pieces to enjoy. There are regularly changing temporary displays in addition to the permanent exhibits, and the museum often hosts a range of special events.

What to do there: Wander along the tube-like suspended corridors, soaking up the Chinese influences, peer out through the gigantic windows to see nearby landmarks and open spaces, and, of course, feast your eyes on an abundance of fascinating art. Pieces span from the start of the twentieth century to the present day and there are works by both local and international artists.

Aiming to take visitors through the history of art in Taiwan, the museum also houses a number of antiques alongside modern works. If you’re visiting Taipei with children, don’t miss popping into the Children’s Art Education Centre too because kids love museums of fine art!

If you want to visit some more sites in the area, the Taipei Confucius Temple is just a ten-minute walk away and is a really stunning Chinese temple that doesn’t take too long to see.

#15 – Yehliu Geopark – A beautiful outdoor place to visit in Taipei

• Natural attraction
• Splendid views
• Brilliant photo opportunities
• Coastal setting

Why it’s awesome: Yehliu Geopark is a fascinating natural attraction to add to your bucket list when you travel to Taipei. Although fairly remote, it is easy to reach by bus, making it an ideal day trip from Taipei. There are many interesting geological formations, created by the mighty powers of Mother Nature over thousands of years. The unusual landscapes are photogenic and there are amazing views out over the ocean so make sure you bring your camera !

What to do there: Walk along the coast, soaking up the views and marvelling at the unusual rocky landscapes. The cape runs for around 1,700 metres (5,577 feet), and highlights include features named the Kissing Rock, Sea Candles, Ice Cream Rock, Elephant Rock, Fairy Shoe, and Ginger Rocks. Take plenty of pictures of the stunning Queen’s Head. You can also pay a visit to the nearby Yehliu Ocean World where you can observe an interesting selection of aquatic creatures.

#16 – Dahu Park – A cool place to see in Taipei with friends

• Enjoy being outdoors
• Lake and mountain vistas
• Varied activities
• Home to local wildlife

Why it’s awesome: Located in the Neihu District of Taipei, Dahu Park was established in 1979. One of the city’s prettiest parks, it is known for its large and scenic lake. The park sits in the shadow of Mt. Bailushi. There are various leisure options and it’s one of the best Taipei vacation ideas for families and groups of friends looking for somewhere to unwind in nature.

Combining natural and man-made features, there’s plenty to keep you occupied for several hours and it’s also one of the best places to stay in Taipei . If you visit Taipei on the weekend you’ll likely find the park teeming with local families, but if you go on a weekday you can enjoy a quieter ambiance.

What to do there: Cross the pretty Jindai Bridge that spans the large Egret Lake and enjoy the views of the lake and the surrounding nature.

Follow nature trails through the park and spot diverse flora and fauna, relax in the traditional Chinese-style pagoda next to the water’s edge, have a go at fishing, unwind in the heated swimming pool, and enjoy a little TLC in the sauna and steam room. If you’re feeling active, climb Mt. Bailushi for terrific views over the area.

#17 – Taipei City Mall – The Underground Mall in Taipei

• A great place to shop for boutique clothing and souveniers
• Easily connected to Taipei Main Station
• The oldest market in Taipei
• A cool place to pass the time

Why it’s awesome: Taipei City Mall is an underground mall between the Daan and Zhongzheng districts in Taipei City. It was the first underground market to open in Taipei City though it’s had its share of history. In the 90s, the government decided to knock down the original market and build a new one. It opened in the year 2000, eight years later, and provided shops for the 810 market stalls that originally stood there.

Now, the 825-meter long underground mall is composed of modern shops, filled with boutique brands and traditional stalls intertwined. It connects to Taipei Main Station and the metro, which is right underneath the mall. So it’s pretty easy to get to.

What to do there: shop until you drop! It’s a mall, so of course, it’s the place to be to buy clothing and souvenirs. You can find contemporary brands or something a little more traditional, or you can find a cafe or restaurant to relax in and enjoy some good food.

#18 – Yangmingshan National Park – The Most Beautiful National Park in Taipei

• One of the 9 National Parks in Taiwan
• A great place to enjoy nature and being outdoors
• Hiking and wildlife activities available
• A quiet place to escape the busy city center

Why it’s awesome: The Yangmingshan National Park is one of nine national parks in Taiwan and is conveniently located between Taipei and New Taipei City. 

Historically referred to as Caoshan (which means Green Mountain in English) the national park is a breath of fresh air away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are some nice scenic spots in the park to enjoy a nice picnic or you can just enjoy being out in nature.

You’ll find hiking trails that take you through stunning gardens, over rolling landscapes and past the hot springs. If you are staying in Taipei City for more than a week I would definitely recommend taking the trip up here.

If you don’t have a lot of time and you want to see some nature, consider checking out the Elephant Mountain hike. The Elephant Mountain is located within the city close to the Xiangshan MRT Station.

What to do there: As it’s a national park, the best thing to do here is to unwind in nature and just stroll around the hills and gardens. 

If you’re visiting on a weekend, you can only get to the national park by bus. From Taipei Main Station, take the 260 bus or the Red 30/208 from Jiantan MRT Station. These buses will drop you off at Yangmingshan bus station where it’s just a 700 meter walk to the park entrance.

#19 – National Palace Museum – The Largest Collection of Chinese Artifacts in The World

• Largest collection of Chinese artefacts in the world
• In a gorgeous building that’s worthy of Instagram photos
• Located in the Shilin district, perfect for those who want street food after
• A nice, quiet indoor activity to do when it rains

Why it’s awesome: The National Palace Museum is known for its permanent collection of nearly 700,000 pieces of Chinese artwork, relics, and artifacts. This is the largest collection of its type in the world. 

Spanning 8,000 years of Chinese history, mostly from the Ming and Qing dynasty, but also dating as far back as the neolithic age. The collection of high-quality pieces was usually collected by Chinese emperors, and they are now on display for public viewing. 

Many of the artifacts used to be housed in the Forbidden City in Beijing, but during the Civil War in China, many items were moved to Taipei to protect them from getting destroyed in the conflict.

A total of 2,972 crates of artifacts were moved from the Forbidden City, which was only 22% of the original number of crates due to be sent here, but it is said that the pieces that made it to the National Palace Museum represented some of the very best of the collection.

What to do there: Walk around and enjoy the incredible artifacts, from pottery and ceramics, weapons, paintings, clothing, and tools. There’s so much to see here, it could easily take you a whole day. 

The exterior is also one of the most beautiful buildings in Taipei City. You should take your time to admire the outside as well as inside. It’s also located in the Shilin District, so if you go in the afternoon, you can head to the night market for some food after.

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Find out what people want to know about the where to go in Taipei.

What is a free place to visit in Taipei?

The Danshui River Mangrove Nature Reserve is free to visit and a beautiful area in Taipei.

How many days should I spend in Taipei?

Taipei is a city you can see in a long weekend. 2 or 3 days is enough to see all the main highlights, but you might want to hang around longer if you want to do the hikes too.

What is Taipei famous for?

Taipei is famous for being the capital of Taiwan and the birthplace to bubble tea.

Is Taipei an expensive place to visit?

Yes, Taipei is generally quite expensive. However, it is still cheaper than Japan.

So, Taiwan is awesome and so is the capital; Taipei is filled with beautiful places to see indulging in rich culture and vibrant history.

I’d even say that Taiwan is criminally unexplored when compared to its other East Asian neighbours.

There’s no shortage of secrets in the city if you’re aching to break away from Taipei’s tourist attractions. Even if you stick to visiting Taipei’s popular places, you’re still going to have an awesome time!

Taiwan is a fantastic little island and another gem of East Asia with its own unique history.

When you get there, make sure you soak it up. Go to some places, hit up Taipei’s best destinations, and, most of all, eat yourself into that mother of all food comas at one of the incredible night markets, because there are so many. Whether you go to the Shilin Night Markets, Raohe Night Markets or Ningxia Night Market, don’t be afraid to try some BBQ.

And, most of all, have a blast!

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I want to buy a large paper map of Taipei that has the street names written in pinyin. Do you know where I can buy this kind of map?

I’m curious but I’ve read that the Ghost Mask Museum now has been closed. Do you know anything about this?

We haven’t heard about this. We don’t have anybody on the ground to go and check so if you find anything, please do let us know!

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30 Best Things To Do & Places To Visit In Taipei (Taiwan)

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: May 18, 2019  - Last updated: October 17, 2023

Taipei, Taiwan is an extraordinary place to visit.

It is a combination of cultural roots and modern beauty.

There are thirty exceptional places to visit in Taipei you will love.

To help you on your way, there is a description of each site below.

Table of Contents

1. The Sensational Views From Elephant Mountain

Ariyaphol Jiwalak / Shutterstock

You will have a stunning view of Taipei, Taiwan from the top of Elephant mountain.

If you take your hike during the afternoon, you will witness a stunning sunset and the incredible evening view.

The hike generally requires fifteen to twenty minutes to reach the top.

You can rest at the landing area after about ten minutes. There are restrooms and facilities available. You will encounter a lot of stairs.

Do not miss the wonders of the nearby Tonghua Night Market.

Address:  Alley 342, Lane 150, Section 5, Xinyi Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110

2. The Taipei 101 Observatory

MACHKAZU / Shutterstock

Taipei 101 was once one of the world’s tallest buildings. The observatory offers a panoramic view of 360 degrees.

People come to Taiwan from across the globe to see the night view from the 83rd floor observatory.

You can place a couple coins in the telescopes by the windows to see a spectacular view of Taipei below.

You will discover artwork featuring Taipei 101, souvenirs and postcards for sale on the indoor observation deck.

Address: 89th Floor, No. 7, Xinyi Road Section 5, Taipei City, Taiwan

3. Day Trip To Jiufen, The Santorini Of Taiwan

NH / Shutterstock

One of the best things to do in Taipei is to visit Jiufen. The Japanese originally constructed this gold mining mountain town.

You will adore the maze of alleyways and lanes filled with rich culture. The buildings are a reflection of Japanese culture and architecture.

The town was originally an isolated and quaint village. There was a Japanese prisoner camp in the town during World War II. The prisoners were forced to mine gold.

Once the war ended, the town became a popular destination for tourists to celebrate the culture and history of Taiwan.

Address:  Jishan Street, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 224

4. The Scenic Shifen Waterfall

YUSHENG HSU / Shutterstock

The most famous waterfall in Taiwan is the Shifen Waterfall . Due to the horseshoe shape, the waterfall earned the nickname of Little Niagara after Niagara Falls.

The waterfall is forty meters wide, twenty meters high, extremely powerful and stunningly beautiful. You can walk almost to the bottom of the falls for incredible photographs.

The area encompasses two suspension bridges, exquisite green mountains, breathtaking landscapes, a gorgeous turquoise river, numerous photo opportunities and all the beauty of nature.

The Observation Point offers truly exquisite views. Unfortunately, a lot of people remain unaware of this breathtaking sight.

Address: No.11, Gankeng, Pingxi District, New Taipei City 226, Taiwan

5. Majestic Mount Keelung

Taiwankengo (Night view from Mount Keelung)

You can see Mount Keelung when you first enter Jiufen because the mountain is 588 meters tall.

The 45 to 60 minute climb is an adventure filled with stone steps set right into the mountain.

As you hike, you will pass three pavilions. The view of Taipei is extraordinary.

The hike is strenuous but worth every single step. Once you reach the top, the panoramic views of Taipei will take your breath away.

Standing on top of Mount Keelung will make you feel as though you have conquered the world. Your night view of Jiufen is one of the most beautiful sights imaginable.

Address:  Qiche Road, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 224

6. A Trip Into The Past At Bopiliao Old Street

Sanga Park / Shutterstock

Bopiliao Old Street is a representation of the Qing Dynasty beginning in 1644 and concluding in 1911. The Japanese colonial period is represented from 1945 through 1949.

You will love the unique stores including a Chinese medicine store, a public bathhouse, a clock store, a Taoist shrine, a rice company and a tea house.

If you are interested in the history of Taipei, visit the Heritage and Culture Center. The three main buildings are the Story Hall, the Medical Hall and the Education Hall.

The models of old-fashioned Taipei homes, Confucius Temples and ancient boats are enchanting.

You can visit a classroom from the past and view an amazing assortment of Chinese herbs.

Address: No.101, Guangzhou St., Wanhua Dist., Taipei City 108, Taiwan

7. The Glorious Sunset At Fisherman’s Wharf (Danshui)

Carlos Huang / Shutterstock

You will find Danshui on Taiwan’s northern coast, approximately forty minutes from Taipei. You will be enveloped in the unique cultures of both Japan and Taiwan.

Taipei tourists are drawn to the architectural and cultural attractions. Fisherman’s Wharf is just outside of Taipei, and renown for sunsets, party boats and amazing seafood.

The sunsets are spectacular. You will also find a variety of restaurants, traditional performers, street performers, shops, cafes and hawker stalls.

This is the entrance to the scenic North Coast of Taiwan.

Taking the time to visit the Tamsui Customs House Museum, Hongmao Cheng, the Hobe Fort and the Tamsui Museum is well worth the effort.

Address: Yuren, Tamsui Dist ,  New Taipei 22072,  Taiwan

8. The Crest Of Fort San Domingo

asiastock / Shutterstock

No trip to Taipei is complete without visiting the most recognized monument in Tamsui. The Spanish built the monument in 1629.

The original intention of Fort San Domingo was to enable the Spanish to rule the Chinese in northern Taiwan.

In 1642, the Spanish were forced to flee the island when it was taken by the Dutch and replaced with a stone fort.

The British completely renovated the fort in 1867. The red tiles used for the roof combine with the red brick veranda for an incredible burst of color.

The scenery at the crest of Fort San Domingo is incredibly attractive when the sun sets. The fort is located in New Taipei City, overlooking the Tamsui River.

Address: No.1, Lane 28, Zhongzheng Road,Danshuei District ,  New Taipei 25158,  Taiwan

9. The Natural Wonders Of Yangmingshan National Park

Han-Lin / Shutterstock

Yangmingshan National Park can be found in northern Taipei City. The area houses several parks, famous hot springs, hiking trails and an exceptional variety of wildlife and plants.

You will discover numerous warm temperate and subtropical climate zones as you explore.

The influence of the Japanese is obvious due to the hot springs, Formosan sweet gum and black pines.

The spring is welcomed with cherry blossoms and rhododendrons covering the mountain. The weather of the summer is amazing with southwest winds and showers.

The red maple leaves and silver grass arrive by October. Winter in Taipei is a fairy tale world of drifting clouds. The Han Chinese once cultivated tea plantations in the area.

Address: Jhuzihhu Rd, Beitou District ,  Taipei 112,  Taiwan

10. The Hualien County

You can take a train from Taipei to Hualien County. One of the best representations of Taiwan are the phenomenal views found on this sensational island.

This is the largest county in Taiwan with a population exceeding 350,000. This is also one of the first destinations for travelers once they reach Taipei.

The azure skies, majestic peaks, diversity of the culture, scenic views and friendly local are delightful.

You will enjoy spending your days here visiting Taroko National Park for the amazing gorges and the East Coast National for the breathtaking natural landscapes.

The name Hualien comes from the beauty of the swirling currents as they kiss the sea.

11. National Palace Museum In Taipei

vichie81 / Shutterstock

In 1965, the National Palace Museum opened their doors in Taipei. The quality of the museum has been compared to the Prado and the Louvre.

There is a collection of art from the emperors of China including porcelain, paintings and calligraphy.

One of the most spectacular pieces found in the Taipei museum are pieces of jadeite carved into cabbage.

The oldest pieces include loop earrings and a stunning jade necklace. These pieces have been dated back in excess of 8,000 years.

A simple jade cup from the eastern Zhou dynasty is marbled with exquisite veining. The morning dew was sipped from this cup to secure immortality.

The porcelain pieces include Qing vases, Ju ware from the 11th century and Ming vases.

Address:  No. 221, Sec 2, Zhi Shan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111

12. Celebrate Lunar New Year On Dihua Street

Charlesimage / Shutterstock

The Lunar New Year is celebrated on Dihua Street in Taipei, Taiwan. You will be excited when you see hundreds of stands selling everything from trendy to classic.

The food trucks offer local delights while the chefs spend the weekends showing how they prepare their dishes for the New Year in Taipei.

You can take photos wearing adorable dog costumes or Vintage style garments. You can have a lot of fun making New Year’s banners and red envelopes with your family.

You can indulge in a delectable assortment of food or visit the Ningxia Night market or the Rongbin Shopping District.

This is your chance to immerse yourself in the history of Taiwan.

Address: Datong District ,  Taipei 103,  Taiwan

13. The Historic Heritage Of Taipei At Liberty Square

THANAN / Shutterstock

Liberty Square is an enormous plaza located in the Zhongzheng District of Taipei. The square is dedicated to Chiang Kai-Shek.

This is where many of the public gatherings in Taiwan are hosted. Foreign dignitaries are greeted by the President of Taiwan in lavish and exciting red-carpet ceremonies.

The square fills with large crowds for the Taipei concerts and festivals. More than 800 events are hosted every year. You will find an event here nearly every time you visit.

There are ponds and colorful parks surrounding the beautiful paths of the square. Liberty Square serves as a poignant reminder of the Democratic progress made by Taiwan.

Address:  Democracy Blvd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100

14. Releasing Sky Lanterns On Pingxi Old Street

TungCheung / Shutterstock

You need to visit Pingxi Old Street when you visit Taipei, Taiwan. You will be delighted by the collection of street snacks and shops right by the Pingxi railway station.

The street is unique because it was built right into a hill. The overhead train track passes through the center where there are shops offering gifts and local foods.

You will be amazed by the shops constructed during the 1930’s and 1940’s.

You should take a moment to stand right on the tracks so you can release a traditional sky lantern at dusk and make a special wish.

Make sure you take a look at the wooden houses, originally built when the Japanese occupied the area.

Address:  Pingxi Street, Pingxi District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 226

15. Rock Climbing At The Long Dong Dragon Cave

TaiwanKengo

There is a rocky stretch of coastline in Taiwan, about an hour’s drive from Taipei. The curves of the coast will make you think of a dragon.

The area is gorgeous with sandstone cliffs above the sea and thick green vegetation blanketing the valleys and hills. The setting is magnificent.

The area has become extremely popular for scuba diving in the crystal clear waters, hiking and rock climbing.

The rock originated during the Miocene Era over 3.5 million years in the past.

The thick sandstone is a natural for rock climbing. Protections have been placed for traditional and sport climbing.

Address: Longdong Street, Gongliao Dist., New Taipei City, Taiwan

16. Beitou Thermal Valley

T.Dallas / Shutterstock

One of the most unique things to do in Taipei is visit Beitou Thermal Valley. This is one of the suppliers of the local hot springs.

The Beitou rocks contain radium, the only mineral on the globe named after a place in Taiwan.

The valley is covered with sulfuric steam. This is why it is referred to as Ghost Lake.

During the Japanese Occupation, Thermal Valley was deemed one of the twelve greatest sights of Taiwan.

No other Datunshan volcano group has temperatures as high as Thermal Valley.

You do not have to worry, the water is protected so you will not be able to fall in accidentally.

Address: Zhongshan Road, Near Wenquan Road ,  Taipei,  Taiwan

17. Incredible Beitou Hot Springs

Nowaczyk / Shutterstock

Beitou is located in Taipei. This area provides natural hot springs for the city.

The three types of hot springs in Beitou are the Ding Beitou transparent springs of iron sulfur, the milky white sulfur springs and the green sulfur you can only find in Akita, Japan and Beitou, Taiwan.

There are rules for every bath regarding the separation of genders you must follow. While you are enjoying Beitou, you may want to stay at one of the lovely resorts.

Once the waters have traveled from the main pond, they are cooler and the resorts enable you to enjoy the springs.

18. The Surreal Escape Of Daan Forest Park

Keitma / Shutterstock

The Beitou Dann Forest Park is lined with beautiful trees including maple, cajuput, camphor and ficus.

You can lose yourself in the lushness of the flower beds and bushes all over the park. You will feel as though you have entered a grand forest.

The park is Taipei’s biggest green space offering a skating rink, several exercise areas and a charming playground.

If you travel to Taipei, Taiwan during the holidays, you can watch a show for free at the amphitheater.

Take a stroll through the park for an incredibly peaceful experience.

Address: No.1, Sec. 2, Xinsheng S. Rd., Da’an District., Taipei City, Taiwan

19. The Attractions Of Huashan 1914 Creative Park

The Creative Park is located in the Taipei Zhongzheng District. This is considered the primary art center of Taiwan.

You will enjoy the performances, theater productions and large exhibits hosted here. This is where the artists come when they want to work on their creations.

Take the time to discover the indie brand shops, interactive and digital museums and bookshops. This area of Taipei offers amazing desserts and coffees.

The young musicians of Taipei provide mini concerts outdoors for those who truly love music.

Address:  No. 1, Section 1, Bade Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100

20. Yehliu Geopark Rock Formations

Suchart Boonyavech / Shutterstock

One of the most gorgeous destinations in new Taipei, Taiwan are the rock formations of the Yehliu Geopark . The formations are part of the Daliao Miaocene.

You will adore the different formations such as Queen’s Head, Sea Candles, Kissing Rock, Ginger Rocks and Princess Head.

You will discover Yehliu Ocean World right next to the Geopark.

The Taipei oceanarium offers you an enjoyable afternoon with performances by sea lions and dolphins as well as numerous ocean exhibits.

You will also learn about the sea life of Taipei during your adventure.

Address: No.167-1, Kangton Rd.  |  Yeh Liu Village ,  New Taipei 207,  Taiwan

21. The Ximending Experience

tristan tan / Shutterstock

One of the coolest areas in Taipei, Taiwan is Ximending. This neighborhood does not sleep and is known for their exciting nightlife.

Begin your day with a fantastic meal in a traditional breakfast shop.

There is a section of Emei Street with boutiques offering a nice selection of clothing to fill your afternoon in Taipei.

Once the sun has set, there is an amazing variety of food stalls and restaurants to tempt your taste buds.

There is a square not far from Red House with over twenty little cafes and bars. You can enjoy the local liquors and beers all night long.

22. The Infamous Wufenpu Shopping District

FotoGraphic / Shutterstock

You will be breathless when you enter this wholesale clothing market in Taipei, Taiwan.

The enormous bargain outlet is a shoppers paradise with the best deals you will find anywhere in Taipei.

The lanes crisscross to form a maze of delights filled with clothing racks and shops.

You will need hours to look at the latest garments, trends and accessories. You will discover something for every gender and age.

Once you have finished shopping, have a quick bite at any of the delicious food carts or satisfy the largest of appetites at the Raohe Night Market in Taipei, Taiwan.

Address:  Alley 9, Lane 443, Yongji Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110

23. The Underground Mall At Taipei Main Station

TK Kurikawa / Shutterstock

There are several underground malls located at the Taipei Main Station. This is the connection point for Shuanglian Station, Zhongshan Station and the Taipei Main Station.

In addition to amazing shopping, you should take a look at the lovely works available at the free art gallery.

The Taipei Book Street portion of the mall is the longest underground book street in Taiwan. Your senses will be captured by the expanded inventory and the modern vibe.

There is even an area with a stage for teenagers to practice different types of dance and cheerleading.

Address: B1,No.100, Section 1, Shimin Avenue ,  Taipei,  Taiwan

24. Amazing Food Tour At The Shilin Night Market

This is one of the most famous and biggest night markets in Taiwan. There is a superb selection of street foods to experience.

Try some of the local favorites offered at the food stalls or one of the fantastic restaurants.

The fish balls are deep fried and placed onto a skewer prior to being dusted with just a touch of fine pepper. Another favorite is the blow-torched steak.

After being diced into cubes, the steak is grilled then blowtorched for a unique and succulent flavor experience. The meat is enhanced with a nice smokey flavor.

Address: No.101, Jihe Road., Shilin District., Taipei City 111, Taiwan

25. Visit The Famous Longshan Temple

Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

The Mengjia Longshan Temple is one of the most popular in Taipei, Taiwan. The temple was originally constructed by Fujian settlers in 1738 as a gathering place.

The temple was built in the old village section of Taipei. The Longshan Temple has survived several wars and natural disasters.

The temple is not dedicated to just one religion or deity. The Confucian, Buddhist and Taoists faiths all worship here.

You will enjoy the experience, the friendly locals and the ability to take photographs while walking through the temple. It is important to be respectful to the locals.

Address:  No. 211, Guangzhou Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10853

26. The Ornate Bao’an Temple

Richie Chan / Shutterstock

The Bao’an temple is an exquisite structure in Taiwan filled with outstanding examples of traditional decorative arts.

If possible, visit Taipei from march through June during the yearly Baosheng Cultural Festival.

The celebrations include a birthday celebration for the Gods’, Taiwanese opera, parades, lion dances and Chinese medicine clinics.

Quanzhou immigrants from the Fujian province established the temple in 1760.

Address:  No. 61, Hami Street, Datong District, Taipei City, Taiwan 103

27. Wishing At The Confucius Temple

Robert CHG / Shutterstock

Wang Yi-shun is the famous craftsman responsible for creating this beautiful temple in Taipei, Taiwan.

You can learn about the history of Confucius including the Six Confucian arts such as riding and archery.

The confucius temple offers fun and interactive activities for both children and adults, an incredible plafond ceiling in Dacheng Hall and a 4D theater with a Confucius theme.

Do not miss the blooming flowers overflowing the vases in the Yi Gate courtyard during your trip to Taipei. You can even make a wish in the temple.

Address: 275 Dalong Street, Datong District ,  Taipei,  Taiwan

28. The Guandu Temple Of Taipei

The Guandu Temple of Taipei, Taiwan is a gorgeous, multi-story temple built in 1661. The temple was constructed into the side of the mountain.

The numerous tunnels are amazing and run directly through the mountain.

You will see two flights of steps at the back of the temple. Both offer a breathtaking panoramic view of the riverscape of Tamsui.

The temple features a jiannian rooftop and stone columns from the Qing era in the worship hall.

Stop by the food court on the riverside to sample a variety of delicacies from Taipei.

Address:  No. 360, Zhixing Road, Beitou District, Taipei City, Taiwan 112

29. The Xingtian Temple Of Taipei

The HippoZoom / Shutterstock

The Xingtian Temple is visited more than any other temple in Taipei, Taiwan. Although the temple is classified as Taoist, Confucianism and Buddhist cultures are also observed.

The temple is dedicated to the red-face General of the Three Kingdoms Period in China, Guan Yu. This is the patron saint of businessmen.

This is the newest temple in Taipei, built in 1967. You should experience one of the most popular activities here, fortune telling.

Fortunetelling Street offers you a choice of numerous fortune telling stands. Many Chinese look for solutions through traditional religion.

Address: No.109, Section. 2, Minquan E. Road., Zhongshan District., Taipei City 104, Taiwan

30. The Taipei Zoo

LMspencer / Shutterstock

The Taipei Zoo is a zoological garden located in the Wenshan District of Taipei.

Not only is this Taiwan’s most famous garden, it is the leader in recreation, education, conservation and research.

The zoo began with two pandas from China and an Asian bull elephant affectionately called Grandpa Lin Wang. The zoo has since greatly expanded.

The Taipei Zoo now features animals from Africa, Australia, Taiwan, the desert and the tropical rainforest of Asia.

You will be charmed by the Children’s Zoo and the 12,000 birds in the aviary.

The additional exhibits include a panda exhibit, a koala habitat, a reptile and amphibian house, a penguin habitat and a display of nocturnal animals.

Address: No. 30, Section.2, Xinguang Road., Wenshan District., Taipei City 11656, Taiwan

Remember to share this awesome guide with your friends!

Asia , Itineraries , Taiwan · November 17, 2020

A Local’s Taipei Itinerary: How to Spend 1-5 Days in Taipei

Taipei is a multifaceted city brimming with deep-rooted history, a pulsating culture, incredible architecture, and a fantastic food scene. But with so many layers to uncover, things to do, and street food to taste, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when planning a Taipei itinerary.

To help you figure out what to do and where to go, I’ve compiled this  fully flexible   itinerary in Taipei for 1-5 days . It’s packed with must-do activities, places to see, and top tips to make the most of your time during your 5-day stay.

Ready to find the absolute best things to do in Taipei and see all Taiwan’s colorful capital city has to offer? Let’s go! 

Disclaimer: This post probably contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through one of these links, I might receive a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

How many days to spend in Taipei

While one could easily spend weeks in Taipei, not everyone has the luxury of unlimited time in this megacity. With 1 or 2 days in Taipei, you’ll be able to see the city’s most iconic sights. However, to really uncover the city’s DNA, I recommend staying at least 3-5 days in Taipei. 

Plan Your Taipei Trip

Before you start your Taipei itinerary, read my detailed guides to help you better understand the city.

• Travel Tips for Taipei
• Where to Stay in Taipei
• Getting from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei
• Taipei Nightlife guide
• Solo Traveler’s Guide to Taipei
• Best Taipei Side Trips

In a rush? Pin this itinerary for Taipei to read later.

Taipei Itinerary Essentials

Want to maximize your time in Taipei? Here are a few essentials you’ll need for a stress-free 5 days Taipei itinerary. 

• Taipei has oodles of hotels and hostels. For the best prices,  search accommodation  at least 2-3 weeks in advance. Alternatively, see my insider’s guide on the best hotels & areas to stay in Taipei .
• Taipei has two airports, Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) and Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). While Songshan is closer to Taipei, Taoyuan is the main international gateway. Read my quick guide on how to get to Taipei from Taoyuan Airport . Alternatively, book a private transfer straight to your accommodation for a stress-free trip. 
• Grab a  Taipei Fun Pass  to see all the Taipei must-see sights at a discount. 
• While there are more than 4400 Wifi hotspots in Taiwan, it’s worth spending a few extra dollars on a local  4G Sim Card , Pocket Wifi , or this E-sim . By doing so, you can plan all your stops and access maps, schedules, and translations on the go. 
• Make sure to pack a  travel umbrella  as frequent downpours aren’t uncommon in Taipei. This guide on what to pack for Taiwan will also come in handy.
• Grab a  Lonely Planet guidebook  for more tips and things to do. It’s packed with awesome recommendations and insights into the culture, history, and more.
• Need travel insurance for your trip?  SafetyWing is my go-to travel insurance provider.

How to get around during your Itinerary in Taipei

Taipei is a sprawling city. While it is an exceptionally walkable city, an efficient transport network is ready to whizz you off to all corners. To maximize your 5 days in Taipei, use a mix of transport methods to access the best of Taipei’s attractions. Here’s how to get around during your 5-day stay.  

• MRT:  Taipei has an extensive subway system called the MRT. Tickets are cheap and you can buy them at any MRT station. However, to save time, grab Taiwan’s local top-up card, the  Easy Card . With this card, you can tap and go on the MRT, buses, and regional trains. See the metro map here . Also check out my guide on useful Taiwan travel apps to have on your phone.
• HOP ON HOP OFF BUS:  The Taipei sightseeing bus is a great way to get a well-rounded glimpse of the city while ticking off your Taipei must-visit list. The bus stops at all the major tourist attractions on this Taipei itinerary. It’s also a fun way to see the city from a different angle. There are two routes, and  9hr or 24hr passes  are available. 
• BY BIKE:  YouBike is an official bike sharing system in Taiwan. It allows you to rent a bike for as little as NT$10 per 30 minutes. You’ll find an endless supply of bicycle-sharing kiosks allover Taipei City, too. These are conveniently located outside MRT stations and tourist spots. Just a head’s up, you’ll need an  Easy Card  and a local number to register for this service. For single rent users, you’ll need to pay a NT$2000 deposit with your credit card. 
• TAXI:  Yellow taxis can be spotted and flagged down all over Taipei. They are reasonably priced, starting at around NT$120 for the first 1.25km and then increase with NT$5 for every 200m. Between 11 pm to 6 am, rates start at NT$140. 
• UBER:  Uber is a great and cheap alternative to get around Taipei quickly. Make sure to download the Uber app before you arrive. 

Best Hotels and Hostels to stay during an Itinerary for Taipei

Luxury: W Taipei  is the best luxury hotel in Taipei. The 5-star property features beautiful, spacious rooms accompanied by terrific views. But even on top of that, you’ll be steps from the trendy bars, shops, and restaurants of Xinyi.  Check rates/ availability here . 

Mid-Range: Via Hotel  is a 3-star hotel that combines comfort and design. It’s the perfect choice for mid-range travelers who want to be right in the city center. What’s more, it offers easy access to Taipei Main Station, as well as oodles of shops and eateries.  Check rates/ availability here .  

Budget:   Star Hostel  is a chic hostel offering both private and dorm rooms at great prices. Located mere steps from the Taipei Main Station, it’s the perfect base if you want to be close to the main transport hub.  Check rates/ availability here .  

Taipei Itinerary Quick Overview

Day 1 in Taipei:  Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall >> Longshan Temple >> Taipei 101 >> Elephant Mountain >> Raohe Night Market

Taipei Day 2:  Dihua Street >> North Gate >> Ximending >> Huashan 1914 Creative Park >> Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall >> Stroll the streets of Daan

Day 3 in Taipei:  National Palace Museum >> Beitou Hot Springs >> Tamsui >> Shilin Night Market

Taipei Day 4:  Yehliu Geopark >> Shifen >> Jiufen 

Day 5 in Taipei:  Taipei Zoo >> Maokong Mountain >> Taipei Fine Arts Museum >> Addiction Aquatic Development

Want to see the city’s best attractions without planning a thing? Check out this  city tour ,  night tour ,  walking tour , or this  popular sights private charter .

The Perfect Itinerary for Taipei: What to do in Taipei in 1-5 Days

Whether you have one day in Taipei or many, the city is jam-packed with places to see and fun things to do. 

Below you’ll find my top recommendations on how to spend up to 5 days in Taipei. I’ve included all the must-see attractions, iconic landmarks, and even a few hidden gems for those who’d like to experience Taipei’s quirky side! 

Throughout this Taipei itinerary, you’ll also get handy tips to help you experience the best of Taipei. With that said, though, feel free to mix things up as you see fit.

1 Day Taipei Itinerary

With only 1 day in Taipei, trying to figure out where to go and what to do in a megacity like Taipei can be challenging. While one day is not nearly enough to see all the city has to offer, it will allow ample time to get a taste of Taipei’s top attractions. Here are the best things to do in Taipei in 1 day. 

Oh, and travel tip – make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes . You have a lot of ground to cover on your first day! 

Get a glimpse into the past at Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

Kickstart your 1 day Taipei itinerary with a visit to the city’s most iconic square – Liberty Square ( 中正紀念堂廣場) .

Featuring neatly kept gardens, this sprawling area is home to the National Theater , the National Concert Hall , and of course, Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall (中正紀念堂).

Besides strolling the beautiful grounds and taking Instagrammable photos, it’s also a great spot to get a better understanding of Taiwan’s complex history. 

Within the main hall, browse the exhibitions and learn more about the country’s liberation struggles. Afterward, climb the 89 steps leading to the massive statue memorializing Chiang, Taiwan’s first president. It’s also worth watching the changing of the guards’ ceremony, which happens every hour on the hour. Entrance to Liberty Square, as well as Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, is free. 

Insider’s Tips:  If time permits, take a stroll over to the  Presidential Palace  (中華民國總統府). It was built during the Japanese Colonial era and has a gorgeous red brick exterior and large balconies. Today, it serves as the workplace of Taiwan’s president. Join the free guided tour (weekdays only) to get a glimpse of the inside. Afterward, take a stroll through the serene  2/28 Peace Memorial Park  (二二八和平公園). The park commemorates the victims of the anti-government uprising movement in 1947. Don’t miss the huge memorial monument at the center of the park! The nearby memorial museum also offers more insights into Taiwan’s turbulent past. 

Experience the Culture at Longshan Temple

Next up on your Taipei itinerary, head to Taipei’s most famous religious complex, Longshan Temple (龍山寺). Dating back to 1737, Longshan Temple is one of the most famous landmarks in Taiwan and a great place to get acquainted with Chinese folk religion. To this day, locals journey from near and far to make prayers and wish for good fortune in these incense-filled halls. 

Right near the entrance, you can relish in the local custom of throwing moon blocks . Make sure to throw these tiny blocks in unison. The way they fall will reveal whether the gods favor you or not. 

There is no entrance fee for Longshan Temple. But please remember to dress appropriately as this is still a place of worship. 

Insider’s Tips:  A short stroll from here, head to the  Bopiliao Historical Block  (剝皮寮歷史街區) where you’ll find stacks of 18th-century houses. To learn more about the area’s history, you can also join this free  walking tour . Afterward, browse the  Huaxi Street Market  (華西街觀光夜市) filled with weird and interesting traditional snacks. Or better yet, join this  fun food tour . Just a word of caution; this is Taipei’s red-light district and it can be a bit seedy at night. Although Taipei is a very safe city, I wouldn’t recommend visiting here late at night if you are a solo female traveler.  

Take in the Views Atop Taipei 101  

In Xinyi, often dubbed as the Times Square of Taipei, you’ll find one of Asia’s most iconic landmarks – Taipei 101 (台北101). 

This imposing bamboo-shaped skyscraper towers 509m above the city and showcases exceptional design inside and out. Taipei 101 also houses the world’s 3 rd fastest elevator, traveling at a speed of 1,010 meters per minute. It is the most prominent landmark in the city, rightly deserving a spot on your Taipei itinerary.

Within the tower, you can browse the world’s best luxury stores. These include the likes of Bvlgari, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Patek Philippe, to name just a few!

But arguably, the best thing to do here is get a bird’s-eye view over the entire city. Once you’re done browsing the stores, head to the Observation Deck. Besides taking in the excellent vistas, don’t miss getting a close-up look at the massive damper housed here. The damper weighs a whopping 660 tons and stabilizes the tower during strong winds or typhoons.

Just a word of warning – the Observation Deck’s lines are always long, and one could easily queue for hours. Grab a fast track pass to skip the lines. 

Insider’s Tips:  While here, don’t miss Taiwan’s very own Michelin Star restaurant  Din Tai Fung  (鼎泰豐). The eatery serves up the juiciest xiao long bao ever! If time permits, take a stroll through the lively  Att 4 Fun  (信義店) pedestrian area. Here you’ll find loads of trendy hangouts, hip bars, Taipei’s coolest clubs, and great shopping hotspots. A few blocks further, explore the  Breeze Songgao Store  (微風松高) filled with shops, hip food trucks, and restaurants. There’s a great vibe here, so don’t skip it! 

Catch the sunset at Elephant Mountain

Just one stop down the MRT Red Line is one of Taipei’s most Instagrammable places – Elephant Mountain (象山) 

Popular among sunset chasers and nature seekers alike, Elephant Mountain offers spectacular views over the entire city bowl. While it’s quite a steep trek to the view points, the sights along the way will be more than enough reward. 

Depending on your fitness level, it takes about 20 minutes to reach the first observation platform. For the best views, though, continue on a bit further. There you can scramble up on the boulders and snap an iconic selfie with the entire city as your backdrop.

Feast at Raohe Night Market

After a day out exploring all Taipei’s iconic sights, it’s time to sample some of the city’s best street food. And the best place to do just that is at Raohe Night Market (饒河街觀光夜市).

Raohe is one of the most famous night markets in Taiwan , and no Taipei itinerary would be complete without a visit here. The best part? There are loads of street food snacks to try. These include bubble milk tea, grilled squid, fried chicken steak, pepper pork buns, and stinky tofu. Prefer to visit with a guide? Here’s a great Raohe night market tour .

Besides filling up with all the delicious food, it’s also a great place to bargain hunt. You’ll find everything from clothes, cellphone accessories, bags, earrings, and more here! If you’re looking to squeeze in a bit of shopping, the nearby maze-like alleyways of  Wufenpu  (五分埔) is for you. Here you’ll find tons of cheap clothing stores selling the latest Korean and Japanese fashion trends. It’s also a great place to practice your haggling during your itinerary in Taipei. 

2 Day Taipei Itinerary

With 2 days in Taipei, you can get a closer look at the city’s quirky pop culture, visit a few more historical sites, and of course, relish in its bustling food scene. 

Follow my sample itinerary above, and then on day 2 check out these cool places in Taipei. 

Browse the historic Dihua Street 

Start your morning bright and early with a visit to one of the city’s best-preserved streets, Dihua (迪化街).

Right in the heart of Datong, you’ll find a bunch of restored buildings dating back to the 1800s. It’s a great place to stroll, people watch and of course, get acquainted with authentic Taipei. Don’t miss the bustling market that sells a mix of weird and wonderful food, teas, spices, as well as traditional Chinese medicinal products.

After taking in the sights and sounds of Dihua Street, make a quick photo stop at the impressive 19th century  North Gate  (臺北府城 北門), which was built as part of the city’s fortifications. 

Enjoy the vibe at Ximending Walking District

Next up, head over to the massive pedestrian walking street of Ximending (西門町).

Ximending is a bustling youth district on the western side of Taipei City, rightly nicknamed the Shibuya or Harajuku of Taipei. With hip clothing stores, brightly-lit billboards, themed cafes like Modern Toilet (便所主題餐廳 西門店), and alleyways dotted with the city’s best street art, it’s not hard to see why its such a firm favorite among tourists and locals alike. All in all, Ximending is a great place to stroll around, shop, eat, hunt for street art, and people watch.

Another noteworthy attraction to check out while here is the  Red House Theatre  (西門紅樓), which showcases cheap live performances.  Ningxia Night Market  (寧夏夜市) is also just around the corner and is another great Taipei night market. Join this cool Michelin night tour at Ningxia  to sample the best street food on offer here! 

Check out the Quirky Displays at Huashan 1914 Creative Park

Built in 1914, Huashan Creative Park (華山1914文化創意產業園區) has quite a unique history. It was once a Japanese sake brewery, and then later a camphor refinery. Today, the park is the city’s most prominent art center and a popular go-to spot among art lovers and those looking to escape Taipei’s concrete jungle. 

There are several buildings to browse filled with cute artisan shops, designer stores, bookshops, as well as several gourmet eateries and hipster hangouts. Don’t miss the cool outdoor art displays dotted around sprawling gardens. 

Stroll through Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall

After getting a taste of Taipei’s artsy side, head over to Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall (國立國父紀念館). It is one of Taipei’s most important historical buildings and another interesting place to learn a little about Taiwan’s history. 

The memorial hall was built in 1972 to honor Taiwan’s founding father, Sun Yat-sen. The main structure features intricate architecture and is surrounded by lovely gardens, which also house a massive fountain. Within its walls, you’ll find varied exhibitions offering insight into Sun’s life and his revolution efforts.

Insider’s tips:  Nearby, take a gentle stroll through the city’s largest park  Daan Forest Park  (大安森林公園). Alternatively, head over to  JenGuo Flower Market  or  Jianguo Jade Market  (建國玉市). Both are excellent places to shop for souvenirs and quirky trinkets. The buzzing alleyways jolting off from  Lane 137, Yanji Street  are just a stone’s throw from here and are chock-full with hipster hangouts, themed cafes, hidden izakayas, and posh international eateries. If you’re not hungry, it’s still an excellent place for a walkabout or to grab a cuppa. If you’re seeking a boozy cocktail, head out to the Instagrammable  Drunk Cafe  (爛醉咖啡). Alternatively, grab an ice-cold beer at the city’s best craft beer bar,  On Tap . 

Taipei 3 Days Itinerary

If you have 3 days in Taipei, you’ll have more than enough time to explore the far-flung corners of the city and get a closer look at a few more must-see attractions. Follow the steps above and on day 3 of your Taipei itinerary, head out to these places below. 

Browse the National Palace Museum 

Start your day early with a visit to one of the city’s most iconic museums, the National Palace Museum (國立故宮博物院).

Housing more than 700,000 pieces of ancient Chinese imperial artifacts, artworks, and relics, spanning over 8000 years of history, the museum holds the world’s most complete Chinese artifacts collection. The National Palace museum is a treasure trove for history buffs and art enthusiasts, rightly deserving a spot on any Taipei itinerary! 

The museum entrance fee is NT$350, but since the lines are always long, it’s worth grabbing a  discounted e-ticket here  in advance. 

Visit Beitou Hot Springs

Most visitors to Taipei don’t know that actual volcanoes are right within the city’s limits. So next up on your itinerary in Taipei, immerse yourself in nature with a visit to the steamy thermal pools of Beitou Hot Springs (北投溫泉).

Beitou  is one of Taipei’s most popular side trips, and it’s not hard to understand why. Surrounded by lush greenery and the allure of abundant hot springs is what really makes this Japanese-inspired retreat such a popular go-to spot among locals and those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of urban Taipei. This picture-perfect setting is perfect spot to unwind!

If you’re not checking in at one of the luxurious hot spring hotels, like  Grand View Resort , head out to one of the outdoor public baths to experience the geothermal activity like a local. 

Other things to do in Beitou include visiting the  Beitou Thermal Valley  or “Hell Valley” (地熱谷), the  Beitou Hot Spring Museum  (北投溫泉博物館), the  Beitou Museum  (北投文物館) and the  Xinbeitou Historic Station  (新北投車站).

For a unique experience, enjoy a traditional Japanese ceremony at the  Taiwan Folk Arts Museum  (北投文物館), visit the  Ketagalan Culture Center  (凱達格蘭文物館), or stop by one of the incense-filled temples like  Puji Temple  (北投普濟寺). 

Looking to get off the beaten path? Head out to one of Taipei’s best-hidden gems –  Wulai  (烏來). Wulai is an aboriginal village neatly tucked away in the mountains. Here you can soak in hot springs, hunt for waterfalls, eat traditional Atayal food, and take a fun ride on the cutest little train ever! Read my guide on  what to do in Wulai . 

Wander the streets of Tamsui

After enjoying a slice of nature, head out to Tamsui (淡水) – a scenic little town located on the Tamsui River banks right at the edge of Taipei City. 

Tamsui, also often spelled Danshui, has a lot going for it. From a bustling Old Street chock-full with cute artisan stores, souvenir shops, and vendors serving up the freshest seafood imaginable to several historical sites and a booming craft beer scene. But even on top of that, the star attraction here is the incredible sunset. 

While you can catch an epic sunset from anywhere along the boardwalk, the best spot to watch the sun melt away over the horizon is at Lover’s Bridge . It’s a popular spot among love birds and photographers, so expect it to fill up quickly!

Oh, and don’t miss stopping by the incredible Wuji Tianyuan Temple if you happen to visit Taipei during cherry blossom season.

Insider’s Tip: For those traveling between Hongshulin and Fishermen’s Wharf , the newly built Tamsui light rail line is a fun way to explore the area. The Blue Seaside Line, which will connect the Tamsui MRT and the Fisherman’s Wharf is scheduled to be completed in 2024.

Eat your way through Shilin Night Market

The last stop on your 3 days in Taipei itinerary is Shilin Night Market (士林夜市). 

Shilin is a bustling place jam-packed with food vendors and stalls selling all kinds of bits and bobs. What’s more, it is probably the best and most popular street food market in Taipei! It’s the perfect spot to sample local street snacks and authentic Taiwanese cuisine. 

Since the area really only comes alive at night, make sure to time your visit here. Whatever you do, though, come hungry, because there are lots to try! 

Taipei 4 Day itinerary

With so much to do in Taipei, it’s hard to get bored. But beyond the buzzing urban hub, there are a handful of must-see places worth a visit. So, on day 4 of your Taipei itinerary, it’s time to explore the city’s outskirts! Think quaint little towns, lush jungles dotted with waterfalls, epic ocean views, and great hiking opportunities! 

Visit the rock formations at Yehliu

Yehliu Geopark (野柳地質公園)   is a unique place along Taiwan’s north   coast that’s well worth a visit. Fringed by the Pacific Ocean, this massive geopark is home to cool fossils and the weirdest rock formations imaginable. Some of the most notable rock forms to look out for are the Queen’s Head, Fairy’s Shoe, Bean Curd, and Dragon Head. 

Yehliu is a great place to stroll around, take in the incredible ocean views and scenery, and of course, hunt for bizarre rock formations. Don’t forget your  camera , because you’ll want to take lots of photos of this alien-like wonderland! 

Insider’s Tips:  There is a small entrance fee (NT$120) to enter the park, but you can also grab an entry ticket online in advance. While it’s relatively straightforward to visit Yehliu independently, joining a day tour will save you the hassle of planning a thing. Another good option is this  tour which includes a pastry making sesh. If you have your own set of wheels, also check out the Twin Candlesticks and Shen’ao Elephant Rock nearby.

See Taiwan’s widest waterfall 

Just 32 kilometers northwest of Taipei City, lies Taiwan’s very own mini version of Niagara Falls measuring 40m in width – Shifen Falls (十分瀑布).

The waterfall is tucked away amid a lush jungle setting, and there are tons of lookout points covering all angles of the waterfall. It’s an incredibly scenic place to visit and the perfect choice for those wanting to spend a day immersed in nature.

I’ve written an extensive guide on Shifen , which includes absolutely everything you need to know about visiting this beautiful area – from how to easily get there to what to do in the quaint little town, as well as other cool places to check out nearby. If you prefer to join a guided tour,  this one  is a great half-day option. 

Wander the lantern-filled alleys of Jiufen

A visit to Taipei (or Taiwan as a matter of fact) would simply not be complete without a trip to Jiufen (九份). Located not too far from Shifen, this gorgeous little town is perched on a hillside and offers epic views over the ocean and mountains.

While the views are incredible and stand testament to Taiwan’s mind-blowing natural scenery, there is yet another reason to add Jiufen to your Taipei itinerary. Often touted as the inspiration to Miyazaki’s Spirited Away, Jiufen’s true charm lies in its rustic alleyways strewn with dangling red lanterns, charming traditional teahouses, hot spring hotels, and phenomenal food scene. 

While most people visit here on a half-day trip from Taipei, I highly recommend staying overnight if you can. The night view is absolutely breathtaking! And if you love photography, you could easily spend hours wandering through the little alleyways. Also read my guide on how to get from Taipei to Jiufen for the easiest routes there.

If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, hike up  Keelung Mountain  (雞籠山登山步道) or join this  Jiufen Village tour  to see other highlights like the  Golden Waterfall and the Ying Yan Sea  (陰陽海). 

Itinerary for Taipei 5 Days

On the final day of your Taipei 5 days itinerary, enjoy a different side of the city surrounded by greenery right in the heart of town. Pop by the zoo, take a thrilling gondola ride, and see some of the world’s finest artworks on display. Then, end your day with a massive feast at the city’s top seafood market. 

Meet furry friends at Taipei Zoo

If you’re visiting Taipei with kids, it’s worth stopping by the Taipei Zoo (臺北市立動物園). The zoo is the largest zoological garden in Taiwan, and is home to more than 2000 animals from various species, including pandas and koalas! 

While it is one of the city’s top attractions, the grounds are massive, making it quite easy to get away from the crowds and enjoy the varied animal life at your leisure. If you plan on spending several hours year, pack a picnic basket to enjoy on the grass. Grab a Taipei Zoo combo ticket here to skip the lines. 

Enjoy a tea ceremony at Maokong

After visiting the zoo’s furry friends, head over to the Maokong Gondola to  take a fun ride in a glass-bottom car  over the mountain tops. Besides enjoying the views below your feet, the views of the city’s skyscraper-studded skyline in the distance are just as magnificent. 

Once at the top, pop into cute coffee shops or tea houses offering  authentic tea ceremonies  and traditional Taiwanese fare with sprawling tea plantations at their doorstep.  

Browse Taipei Fine Arts Museum

If you still want to squeeze in another activity before dinner time, hop back on the MRT to Yuanshan Station and head over to the Taipei Fine Arts Museum (臺北市立美術館). 

Here you’ll find some of the best local and international artwork displayed in an impressive geometrical building. The museum showcases more than 5000 pieces of traditional and contemporary art, but I highly recommend checking out the photography section. The entrance fee is NT$30, and the museum is open until 20:30 on Saturdays. 

Insider’s Tips: If you’re looking for non-touristy things to do in Taipei, a stroll through the dreamy Floral Tunnel (花之隧道) or a visit to the Lin An Tai Historical House and Museum (林安泰古厝) should not be overlooked.

Enjoy the vibes at AAD

On the last night of your 5 days Taipei itinerary, head over to the city’s best indoor seafood market – Addiction Aquatic Development (上引水產). 

This massive complex is home to several eateries, dishing up everything from hot pot and barbecued skewers to melt-in-the-mouth sashimi, huge crabs and more. 

There’s also an incredible deli where you can buy all kinds of imported goods, tasty snacks, fresh seafood and Kobe beef. 

AAD gets quite lively at night, so don’t come too late. If the restaurants are packed, grab a few snacks at the deli instead. There are many seating areas scattered around the market where you can sit back and enjoy your food. Also, don’t miss the sangria! It’s the best you’ll find in the city! 

5 Days Itinerary in Taipei Conclusion

Taipei is truly a remarkable city with plenty to keep you busy. I hope this Taipei travel itinerary has helped you figure out what to do and where to go in Taipei!

That wraps up this Taipei itinerary for 5 days or less. Do you have any tips for fellow travelers planning an itinerary in Taipei? Feel free to share your top tips and epic things to do in Taipei below! 

Need More Help Planning a Taiwan Trip?

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October 9, 2023 at

Hello I am still confused of what to see in Taiwan…ours is pure cultural no adventure no beach. Can u help…with an itinerary For 7 nites..with 1/2 free days to walk around. Thanks Wynoma de Faria

October 11, 2023 at

Hey Wynoma,

Even if you’re looking for a more culturally oriented itinerary, there’s loads to do in Taiwan. With seven nights, you’ll have more than enough time to venture outside of Taipei and see a bit more of the island. Here’s some inspo:

– Spend 2-3 days in Taipei and visit the museums and temples. Check out the National Palace Museum, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Longshan Temple, and Taipei 101. Also, be sure to visit some of the night markets like Shilin or Raohe. – Take a day trip from Taipei to Jiufen. – Spend a day in Tainan (Taiwan’s ancient capital city). Visit Chihkan Tower, Koxinga Shrine, Anping Old Street, and the Anping Tree House. – Travel to Kaohsiung for 1-2 days and visit the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center, the temples and pavilions at Lotus Pond, and the Pier 2 Art Center.

Of course, there are loads more to see and do, but if you’re not really into nature/ adventure, the spots above should tick your boxes. Hope this helps!

December 19, 2023 at

Hello, I’m planning to visit Yehliu Geopark, Shifen and Jiufen for a whole day. I plan to go in that order and travel by public transport/taxi if needed, can you recommend me some bus/mrt I should take to go those places.

January 19, 2024 at

Hey Wendy, it might be tough to squeeze all three places in on one day, but if you start super early and make use of taxis/Uber it might be doable.

You can catch Kuo-Kuan Bus 1815 from TPE Bus Station. The journey takes about 1h30. From there, I’d suggest getting a taxi/Uber to the Ruifang Train Station so that you can catch the train Shifen. You can check with the driver if he’s willing to take you all the way to Shifen but it’s quite rural and it will be pricy. From Shifen, you’ll need to catch the train back to Ruifang from where you’ll need to get a bus to Jiufen. There aren’t many taxis in Shifen, but just walk around and ask the locals. We got a taxi there once and it saved us the hassle of dealing with public transport. It was rather expensive though for such a short distance.

Google Maps works extremely well in TW and once you have an idea of your timings it will give you the best options on which buses/ trains to take. Just make sure you check the timings of the last bus/train. Here’s a link to the TRA website if you want to get a better idea of the train schedules in the meantime.

January 17, 2024 at

I am traveling alone to Taiwan for 7D, possible to purchase a local day trip to Jiufengand Sifen Falls, another day trip to Tainan, and the third day to Sun Moon Lake? Please give me your suggestion.

Hey Sue, Jiufen and Shifen are popular day trips from TPE and there are loads of guided tours that will get you there (check on Klook).

Tainan is accessible from Taipei and the HSR (bullet train) can get you there is less than 2hrs. Here’s my guide on how to get to Tainan from Taipei . For SML, the best way to get there is to first take the HSR to Taichung where you can catch the bus to SML. I’ve written a guide on that too, see here . Just a side note, Tainan and SML are both really great places to visit with lots to do, so I recommend spending at least 2D1N in each to make the most of your time there.

February 15, 2024 at

Hello, I’m planning to visit Yehliu Geopark, Shifen and Jiufen for a whole day with my wife and would like to take a private tour (so that we can be flexible with the timing etc). Can you recommend any reliable companies that offer private tours? Thank you very much.

Hey TH, thanks for stopping by.

My go-to provider for tours in Taiwan is Klook . They have a wide selection of tours, so it’s easy to find the right option that suits your schedule and budget. (Here’s my affiliate link to all the tours they have to Yehliu, Jiufen & Shifen )

Alternatively, you can also check out this tour on GetYourGuide which has an option for a private tour.

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30 Must-Visit Attractions in Taipei

Taipei 101 and night markets are attractions that come to mind when you mention Taiwan’s capital city. But there’s so much more to this vibrant city than the former tallest building in the world . From arty hubs to steaming craters, here’s our guide on where to go in Taipei.

1. chiang kai-shek memorial hall.

Memorial, Building, Park

2. Dr Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

Memorial, Park

3. Elephant Mountain

Hiking Trail

4. Bopiliao Old Street

5. grand hotel.

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6. Martyrs' Shrine

7. shilin night market.

Market, Bubble Tea Shop, Street Food

8. National Palace Museum

9. danshui old street.

Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark

A wonderful street in the old fishing village of Danshui (which is now more of a town), Danshui Old Street ticks all the boxes for quaintness, food and souvenirs. One end of the street opens on to a wharf which is one of the nicest Taipei tourist spots to take in the sunset.

10. Fort San Domingo

11. hobe fort, 12. lover's bridge, 13. longshan temple.

Buddhist Temple, Shrine

14. National Taiwan Museum and 228 Memorial Park

Building, Memorial, Museum, Park

15. The Presidential Palace

16. huashan 1914 creative park.

Bookstore, Park, Winery

17. Miramar Ferris Wheel

Park, Building

18. Yangmingshan National Park

19. Taipei 101

20. Chiang Kai-shek Shilin Residence

Memorial, Building

21. The hot springs at Wulai

Swimming Pool

22. Maokong Gondola

Architectural Landmark

Maokong is a tea-growing district on the outskirts of the city not far from Taipei Zoo . Ride the MRT to the zoo and then take a cable car up over the mountain into Maokong. Here, visitors can sit and enjoy locally grown tea while taking in the views of the city in the local tearooms and restaurants . Try to visit in the late afternoon so you can enjoy the sunset in the early evening and get some great night shots of the city.

23. Eat street food anywhere

Market, Taiwanese

Taiwan is well known for its incredible cuisine , and while there are many amazing restaurants to visit in the city, some of the tastiest treats can be found on the side of the street. Street food in Taipei is nothing short of world class, and the choices available beggar belief. Head to any local night market or simply walk down any street, and you’ll soon find vendors selling everything from the infamous stinky tofu to fried chicken on a stick. Enjoying a pancake stuffed with beef from a paper bag doesn’t sound too enticing a prospect, but it really is an experience worth trying. Join a street food tour to find the best places to eat.

Unusual Things to Do in Taipei

Eat from a toilet bowl.

Eating food that looks like the chef has produced it in the most unhygienic way is actually a thing in Taipei. In fact, the restaurant that started it all, Modern Toilet, has three branches. All the menu’s delicacies (not quite the right word) arrive at the table in miniature toilet bowls, cisterns, and even urinals. And to say the chocolate ice cream is a sight to behold is something of an understatement.

Stroke a cat at a cat cafe

Taipei is a city full of rented apartments, many of which have landlords that enforce strict no-pet rules. So the animal-loving city dwellers have no option but to turn to cat cafes for a few stress-relieving hours in the company of felines. At these cafes, cats enjoy a life of privilege with customers eager to shower each with attention and treats from the menus.

Enjoy 5-star karaoke

The karaoke bars in Taipei have lobbies that would put a five-star hotel to shame. These luxury 24–hour establishments offer rooms with large screen TVs, private bathrooms, and an endless songbook of cheesy sing-a-long tunes. They even provide food and alcohol around the clock, and many see them as the perfect place to finish off a night of clubbing.

Let a bird tell your fortune

Taipei’s Longshan Temple is one of the first stops on many a tour of the city, but it is not the only attraction in this neighbourhood. This is where many locals come to have their fortunes told – and quite often it’s a feathered friend that’s doing the telling. Birds hop along tables choosing slivers of bamboo or picture cards that indicate the paying customer’s future luck or lack thereof. A strange custom and one that has to be seen to be believed.

Escape down a slide

There were always rumours that Taipei’s most iconic hotel, The Grand Hotel , had a secret escape route designed for the former president, Chiang Kai-shek. A fire and subsequent safety check at the hotel in 1995 not only revealed its existence, but also the fact that one tunnel had an escape slide. The hotel sometimes offers tours to the public, but these are few and far between, making this a once-in-a- lifetime experience.

Buy a book at 1am

Reading is a popular pastime in Taiwan as is evident by the many small comic libraries and stores dotted around Taipei. But perhaps the most telling sign of their affinity with books is the fact that one of their largest bookstores, the Dunhua branch of Eslite, is open 24-hours a day. 1am book cravings are now a thing of the past.

Go shrimp fishing

Fishing is an activity usually associated with flowing rivers or large bodies of water. Not so in Taipei where there’s a range of 24-hour shrimp fishing establishments. Yes, that’s right, customers sit around a large man-made pool and fish for their dinner which they then throw on the barbecue by their side. Fun? Perhaps. Odd? Definitely.

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20 BEST THINGS TO SEE IN TAIPEI [TAIWAN GUIDE]

Why Visit Taipei?

Taipei is one of the most exciting cities to visit in Asia! From bustling night markets to tranquil temples, Taipei, the capital of Taiwan , has an eclectic mix of experiences that we absolutely loved during our visit!

We’re excited to share our top picks and tips in this blog, to help you make the most of your Taipei adventure.

Key Takeaways from a Visit to Taipei

– Taipei’s food scene is a paradise for foodies. From delicious street food in night markets to sophisticated dining experiences. – Cultural Richness : The city is a treasure trove of cultural experiences. From the historic temples like Longshan to the modern marvels like Taipei 101. – Friendly Locals : One of Taipei’s biggest charms is its people. The warmth and hospitality of the locals enhance the travel experience. – Natural Beauty within Reach : Despite being a bustling metropolis, Taipei is close to several natural getaways such as the Pingxi Line , Maokong Gondola, or hiking Elephant Mountain. – You’ll need at least 3 full days to see the essentials of Taipei. 1 week is the ideal time to see most of Taipei and its surroundings.

Watch this video for a Sneak Peek into Taipei:

20 Best Things To See in Taipei

1. check out taipei 101 observatory.

Arguably the #1 activity in Taipei! The Taipei 101 Observatory .

Taipei 101, once the world’s tallest building ( standing at 508 meters ), is a landmark that defines Taipei’s skyline. This architectural marvel, reminiscent of a giant bamboo stalk, symbolizes technological advancement and traditional Asian design.

The highlight is the observatory, located on the 89th to 91st floors. It offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Taipei and its surroundings.

The best time to visit the observatory is right before sunset. However, booking in advance is required!

READ OUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO VISITING TAIPEI 101

2. Have Fun at Ximending District

Ximending is Taipei’s youth culture hub, filled with colorful shops, street art, and pop-up performances. It’s a great place to feel the city’s pulse and maybe pick up some quirky souvenirs.

At night, the area transforms into a lively spectacle, with street performers and a young crowd soaking up the energetic atmosphere. Ximending is not just a shopping district; it’s a cultural experience, embodying the youthful spirit and contemporary pulse of Taipei.

There are many things to see at Ximending!

READ OUR GUIDE ABOUT THE BEST THINGS TO SEE AT XIMENDING

3. Explore Dihua Old Street

Within walking distance from Ximending, continue your visit of Taipei at Dihua Old Street . This is one of our favorite places to visit in Taipei!

Dihua Street is a charming testament to the city’s rich past. This street, known for its well-preserved Qing Dynasty architecture, has a nostalgic atmosphere, offering a stark contrast to Taipei’s modernity.

It’s famous for its traditional Chinese medicine shops, tea houses, fabric markets, and a variety of stores selling Taiwanese crafts and snacks. Strolling down this street feels like a journey through time, where every shop and alleyway tells a story of Taipei’s cultural and commercial history.

Dihua Old Street is one of the best things to see in Taipei! Make sure to check it out.

READ OUR FULL GUIDE TO DIHUA OLD STREET

4. Visit the National Taiwan Museum, the Oldest Museum in Taipei

Also within walking distance from Ximending, you can reach the beautiful National Taiwan Museum.

The National Taiwan Museum is the oldest museum in Taiwan. It offers a window into the rich heritage and natural history of the island.

Housed in an elegant, colonial-era building, the museum presents a fascinating mix of exhibitions that encompass Taiwan’s biology, ethnology, and geology.

5. Enjoy a walk through the 228 Peace Memorial Park

Right in front of the Taiwan National Museum, you can enjoy a tranquil stroll at the 228 Peace Memorial Park in Taipei.

The park was established to honor the victims of the 228 Incident of 1947, a tragic event that marked the beginning of a long period of martial law in Taiwan. The park features lush greenery, peaceful walkways, and reflective water features, providing a serene escape from the city’s hustle.

We especially liked the nice Pagoda surrounded by water!

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE 228 PEACE MEMORIAL PARK IN TAIPEI

6. Witness History at Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

After visiting the park, you can continue on foot to Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall , one of the best things to see in Taipei!

The Memorial Hall in Taipei stands as a tribute to Chiang Kai-Shek , the former President of the Republic of China. This majestic landmark, set within a vast, beautifully landscaped park, features a striking white facade with a blue-tiled octagonal roof, symbolizing the sky.

The hall itself is a marvel of traditional Chinese architecture, and it’s surrounded by elegant gardens, tranquil ponds, and walkways.

Inside, a large statue of Chiang Kai-Shek dominates the main chamber. Don’t miss the change of guards every hour.

A visit to the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall offers not only a glimpse into Taiwan’s history but also a chance to appreciate its commitment to preserving cultural heritage.

READ OUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO CHIANG KAI-SHEK MEMORIAL HALL

7. Wander at Rongjing Gorgeous Time

At about another 10-minute walk from Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, discover the latest attraction in Taipei: the charming Rongjing Gorgeous Time .

Originally serving as the Official Dormitories of Taihoku Prison during the Qing Dynasty, this area witnessed significant events, from housing political prisoners during Japanese rule to becoming a community hub for immigrants and public servants.

Today this place has been transformed and is full of Japanese bars and restaurants! It does feel like we were in Japan while visiting this place.

It’s even possible to  rent a kimono . This is possible in one of the first houses when you arrive at Rongjin from Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR A VISIT TO RONGJING GORGEOUS TIME

8. Travel Back in Time at Bopiliao Old Street

After our visit to Rongjin Gorgeous Time, we took a short taxi ride to the stunning Bopiliao Old Street .

This well-preserved street dates back to the Qing Dynasty and offers a glimpse into Taiwan’s rich past.

As you stroll along Bopiliao, you are transported back in time with its traditional architecture, including Qing-period buildings, Japanese colonial houses, and restored shops.

The street has become a cultural hotspot, hosting various art exhibitions, cultural events, and educational programs. It’s a must-visit when you are traveling to Taipei.

DISCOVER BOPILIAO OLD STREET IN TAIPEI

9. Visit Longshan Temple at night, one of the best things to see in Taipei

Near Bopiliao continue your visit of Taipei at our favorite temple: Longshan Temple. A peaceful retreat amidst the city’s hustle. The temple’s architecture and the devotion of worshippers were truly moving.

Dating back to the 18th century, this temple is an exquisite example of traditional Taiwanese architecture, with intricate carvings, stunning lanterns, and beautifully crafted dragon pillars. The best is to visit the temple at night!

The temple not only serves as a religious site but also as a cultural hub, where one can witness traditional rituals, festivals, and a vibrant display of faith and community spirit.

The entrance is free.

READ OUR TRAVEL GUIDE TO LONGSHAN TEMPLE IN TAIPEI

10. Eat at Huaxi Street Night Market (“Snake Alley”)

Huaxi Street Night Market , often referred to as Taipei’s “Snake Alley,” is one of the city’s most intriguing night markets.

If by now, you finished your visit of Longshan Temple at night, you must be ready for dinner! Simply cross the street, and you will arrive at Huaxi Street Night Market.

This market is famous for its exotic offerings, including snake-based delicacies, traditional Chinese medicine shops, and an array of seafood.

A visit here offers a sensory adventure, complete with delicious street food, interesting souvenirs, and a peek into the more unusual aspects of traditional Taiwanese culture.

READ OUR ARTICLE ABOUT HUAXI STREET NIGHT MARKET

11. Enjoy the Artistic Vibes at Huashan 1914 Creative Park

The next day, start with a visit to Huashan 1914 Creative Park, a dynamic cultural and arts space in Taipei. It’s a flourishing hub for creativity and artistic expression.

Originally a wine factory, this historic complex has been brilliantly transformed into a lively arts center. The park features a blend of industrial architecture and contemporary art, housing galleries, theaters, and unique art installations.

As we went there on a Saturday, the place was jam-packed! But still fun.

The array of quirky cafes and craft shops add to its charm, making Huashan 1914 Creative Park a must-visit for those seeking inspiration, entertainment, and a taste of Taipei’s modern artistic scene.

12. Check out Fujin Street, Taipei’s Hipster Area

If you have limited time in Taipei, you can probably skip that part… However, if you are staying there for a week or more, you can explore Fujin Street , a much lesser touristy place in Taipei.

Originally a quiet residential area, Fujin Street in Taipei has transformed over the years into a vibrant hub for local artists and entrepreneurs.

The street exudes a relaxed, bohemian vibe, with tree-lined paths and a mix of old and new architecture. Today, Fujin Street is probably the most hipster area of Taipei!

THINGS TO DO AT FUJIN STREET IN TAIPEI

13. Enjoy some of the Best Seafood at Addiction Aquatic Development

If you craving for some of the best seafood in Taipei, don’t hesitate and head right away to Addiction Aquatic Development !

Addiction Aquatic Development in Taipei is a seafood lover’s paradise, offering a unique and upscale market experience.

This modern, warehouse-style space combines a live seafood market, sushi and sashimi bars, a gourmet supermarket, and seafood-themed eateries, all under one roof. Renowned for its fresh and high-quality seafood, you can indulge in a range of dining experiences, from grabbing a quick sushi plate to enjoying a full, luxurious seafood meal.

For us, it’s a must when in Taipei!

14. Exploring the National Palace Museum

After finishing your meal at Addiction Aquatic Development, head to one of the best Museums in Taiwan: The National Palace Museum (not to be confused with the National Taiwan Museum, as described earlier in this post).

This museum houses an extensive collection of Chinese imperial artifacts. We were captivated by the intricate jade carvings and ancient scrolls. Allocate a few hours here; it’s worth it!

15. Enjoy Shilin Night Market

Shilin Night Market in Taipei is a vibrant Taiwanese street food and culture, renowned as one of the largest and most famous night markets in the city.

This bustling market comes alive as the sun sets, with countless stalls and eateries lining the streets, offering an endless array of Taiwanese snacks, from classic bubble tea and stinky tofu to mouthwatering fried chicken and oyster omelets.

Beyond the food, Shilin also boasts a variety of shops selling clothes, accessories, and souvenirs, making it a perfect spot for late-night shopping.

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SHILIN NIGHT MARKET IN TAIPEI

16. Raohe, another Night Market Worth Visiting in Taipei!

Raohe is one of Taipei’s oldest night markets and a must-visit for foodies. We loved the pepper pork buns and the variety of seafood on offer.

This bustling 600-meter-long street is a culinary haven, lined with a myriad of stalls and vendors serving up classic local favorites.

The lively atmosphere, with the aroma of delicious food filling the air and the buzz of excited visitors, makes for a truly vibrant and sensory experience.

A visit to Raohe Street Night Market is one of the best things to see in Taipei

17. Hike Elephant Mountain for Some of the Best Views in Taipei

For panoramic city views, we trekked up Elephant Mountain. The trail can be steep, but the breathtaking view of Taipei, especially as the sun sets behind Taipei 101, is a rewarding experience.

Elephant Mountain offers one of the best vantage points for breathtaking views of Taipei, particularly its iconic Taipei 101. This popular hiking spot features a relatively easy trail, which leads to a series of viewing platforms.

The hike, taking about 15-20 minutes, is a bit steep but well worth the effort, especially at sunset. At that time, this place fills up with a crowd of photographers and nature lovers.

Checking the view at Elephant Mountain is one of the unmissable things to do in Taipei!

18. Walking/Cycling Along the Riverside

Taipei boasts well-maintained and extensive riverside paths, particularly along the Tamsui River, offering a peaceful retreat from the urban bustle.

These paths are ideal for leisurely bike rides or tranquil walks, with stunning views of the city skyline, lush greenery, and the gently flowing river. The routes are dotted with parks, cafes, and art installations, enhancing the experience.

Near Ximending, you can even go to Dadaocheng Wharf Container Market at night, located by the river. It’s full of container-style eateries and bars! A really cool atmosphere.

19. Check out Miramar Ferris Wheel for another Great Viewpoint of Taipei

The Miramar Ferris Wheel, a prominent feature of the Miramar Entertainment Park in Taipei, offers an enchanting experience with panoramic views of the city.

Standing at an impressive height, this giant wheel lights up at night in a dazzling display of colors easily recognizable in the city’s skyline.

As you go up the wheel, the bustling cityscape of Taipei unfolds beneath you, offering stunning vistas that stretch all the way to the mountains in the distance. Riding the Miramar Ferris Wheel, especially in the evening when the city lights sparkle like jewels, is one of the best things to do in Taipei!

20. Experience New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Taipei!

Experiencing New Year’s Eve in Taipei, with one of the most impressive fireworks in the world at Taipei 101, is an unforgettable experience. We were lucky enough to experience it in 2023. One our of most memorable fireworks ever!

At midnights thousands or people gather around Taipei 101 to watch the show. The fireworks come out directly from the Tower, giving it an extra vertical perspective.

Best Day Trips From Taipei

1. soothing relaxation at beitou hot springs.

Seeking tranquility, we headed to Beitou. The thermal valley and its hot springs are a heavenly retreat. We recommend visiting one of the many public baths or booking a private room for a more intimate experience.

Beitou is nestled in a lush, mountainous area and is famous for its natural thermal springs. The water, rich in minerals, is believed to have healing properties, offering a soothing respite for both body and mind.

The area also features the Beitou Hot Spring Museum, where you can learn about the history of hot springs in Taiwan, and the nearby Thermal Valley, known for its steaming, jade-colored waters.

2. Tea Tasting in Maokong

Taking the gondola to Maokong was a highlight. The area’s tea houses offer exquisite Taiwanese tea, and the views over the rolling hills are serene.

Maokong is perched in the hills on the outskirts of Taipei and it’s accessible via a scenic gondola ride. Maokong is famous for tea enthusiasts. The area is dotted with traditional teahouses, where you can savor locally grown oolong tea while enjoying the tranquil mountain scenery.

Walking along the winding paths, you can visit small tea plantations and learn about the intricate process of tea making.

3. Day Trip to Jiufen Old Street

Jiufen is one of the most popular day trips from Taipei. Although we decided to spend the night there (which we actually recommend in order to avoid the crowd during the day), it can easily be visited during a day trip from Taipei.

Jiufen is one of the most charming old towns in Taiwan with narrow lanes full of lanterns and traditional tea houses. The views of the mountains and sea are spectacular, making it a perfect day trip from Taipei.

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT JIUFEN IN TAIWAN

4. Pingxi Line

The Pingxi Railway Line , offers a unique and scenic journey through the lush, mountainous landscapes of New Taipei City.

This historic train line, known for its slow-paced and leisurely rides, takes you through charming rural areas and small towns, each with its own character and attractions.

Key stops along the Pingxi Line include Jingtong , an old mining town where you can enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere and bamboo wishing poles; Pingxi , famous for its annual Sky Lantern Festival and quaint streets; and Shifen , known for the Shifen Waterfall, one of Taiwan’s most beautiful waterfalls, and the Shifen Old Street where visitors release sky lanterns into the sky.

Each stop on the Pingxi Line offers a glimpse into Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty, making it a great day trip from Taipei

FULL GUIDE FOR A DAY TRIP ALONG THE PINGXI LINE

5. Explore Nature’s Wonder at Yehliu Geopark

We ended our trip with a day visit to Yehliu Geopark. The unique geological formations, like the famous “Queen’s Head,” are a fascinating sight.

A day trip to Yehliu Geopark, located on the northern coast of Taiwan, is an extraordinary escape into a landscape of natural wonder. Renowned for its unique geological formations, the park is home to a variety of unique rock structures, including the iconic “Queen’s Head,” a rock formation resembling a human head.

The coastal views add to the dramatic and picturesque setting, making it a photographer’s paradise.

Best Places to Go Shopping in Taipei

Taipei is also a true paradise if you love shopping from global brands to local designers, and Japanese-influenced culture.

We listed the 5 essential neighborhoods for a crazy shopping spree in Taipei.

1. Ximending: the trendiest neighborhood in Taipei

We already talked about Ximending above in our article. There is no better place to shop in Taipei than in Ximending. Here you will find pretty much anything.

Start your journey with the Wan Nian Commercial Building and Shinjuku Plaza. Are you looking to get a tattoo? So go to Tattoo Street!

And the many pedestrian streets in Ximending are lined up with countless shops.

2. Xiinyi District and Taipei 101

If you go to Taipei, you’re definitely going to take a look at the famous Taipei 101. It is located in the Xinyi district, another area super famous for shopping!

There are malls like ATT 4 FUN and Shin Kong Mitsukoshi that offer everything from designer labels to gadgets. F

3. Japan in Taipei: Shopping dive in Zhongshan

Zhongshan is a bit like a trip to Tokyo without leaving Taipei. There are special areas dedicated to Japanese culture, such as Tiao Tong Shopping District.

It’s a great place to find Japanese designer clothes and culinary delights.

And there is SPOT – Taipei Film House . You’ll hardly believe it was a former American consulate! This is a significant cultural institution in Taipei, contributing to the promotion of film culture, artistic expression, and the development of the local film industry.

4. Gongguan: A paradise for students and good deals

If you’re the thrifty type, Gongguan is for you. The area is popular with students from local universities such as National Taiwan University.

It’s also a great place for budget shopping, especially at the Gongguan Night Market.

5. Jian Guo: The floral and mineral escape

The Jian Guo flower market and jade market are the perfect combo for a weekend. Between the scents of local flowers and the shine of jade jewelry, this place is unique!

Best Places to Stay in Taipei?

Taipei’s accommodation options are as diverse as the city itself.

From the luxury hotels in Xinyi District to the quaint and cozy inns in the historic Wanhua District, there’s a perfect spot for everyone. As for us, we decided to stay in Ximending, at the center of the action!

Here are our top 3 hotel recommendations in Taipei:

1. CitizenM Taipei North Gate (Mid-Range)

CitizenM Taipei North Gate is a contemporary, boutique-style hotel located right by Ximending and near Taipei Main Station. It’s really convenient. Plus the modern design and innovative approach to hospitality is perfect!

2. Hotel W (Luxury)

The W Hotel in Taipei is a luxury hotel with a chic, contemporary design and vibrant atmosphere. Located in the bustling Xinyi District, it has a direct view on the Taipei 101!

The hotel features stylish rooms with cutting-edge design, upscale dining options, and a renowned rooftop bar offering panoramic views of the city.

3. CityInn Hotel Plus – Ximending Branch (low budget)

This hotel is valued for its convenient location near Ximeninding, it’s affordable clean and has excellent reviews. It’s situated opposite a shopping mall, offering easy access to dining and shopping options.

How to Get Around in Taipei?

Getting around Taipei is convenient and efficient, thanks to its well-developed public transportation system and other modes of transport.

1. Taipei Metro (MRT)

The MRT is the backbone of Taipei’s public transportation. Covering the city with five color-coded lines, it connects major attractions and neighborhoods.

The metro operates from 6:00 am to midnight, making it a reliable option for both early and late activities. Fares range from NT$20 to NT$60, depending on the distance.

All announcements and signage are available in both Chinese and English.

Complementing the MRT, Taipei’s extensive bus network reaches areas that are less accessible by the metro. Buses are a cost-effective option, with most fares set at just NT$15. To be honest, we used the bus 90% of the time, simply check the itinerary on Google Maps. It’s super easy.

The hop-on-hop-off Taipei Double Decker Bus Tour is another great choice to visit Taipei, offering a convenient way to major attractions.

3. Taxis/Uber

Yellow taxis are abundant throughout Taipei. They are a more expensive option, but still affordable by international standards. Uber is also available in Taipei and offers a convenient and familiar option for getting around, especially if you prefer a service with an app-based interface.

4. Cycling /Walking

For a more active and scenic mode of transport, consider using YouBike, Taipei’s bike-sharing service. Stations are located near MRT stations and tourist spots, making it easy to pick up and drop off bikes across the city.

Another option is to walk. Many attractions are close to each other, and walking (although a bit more tiring) will make you see more of the city…

5. Transportation Cards & Passes

To simplify payment and potentially save on fares, consider getting an EasyCard or a Taipei Pass . The EasyCard is a contactless payment card used for public transportation and in participating shops.

It offers a 20% discount on single rides over regular tokens. The Taipei Pass provides unlimited rides on the MRT and city buses for a set number of days.

6. Join a Tour Group

Best food to try in taipei.

Taipei is full of amazing dishes and snacks! Here we listed our favorite ones during our trip to the city:

• Danzai Noodle : A snack-sized dish with braised minced pork, shrimp, bean sprouts, and cilantro, often served with wheat or rice flour noodles.
• Baby Eel Noodles : A Tainan-origin dish using fresh water Field Eel, paired with pre-fried Yi-mien noodles, available in dry and wet preparations.
• Hot Pot : A communal meal experience with a variety of broth options and ingredients like thinly sliced meats, seafood, and vegetables.
• Dumpling: the famous Xiao Long Bao from Din Tai Fung . Unmissable when in Taipei
• Grilled Squid : A savory street food item marinated in garlic and soy sauce before being grilled, often found at night markets.
• Scallion Pancakes : A popular street snack made from a batter of flour, oil, and sliced onions, fried to golden perfection. Yum! We love this one!
• Taiwanese Oyster Omelet : A combination of eggs, oysters, and vegetables, creating a savory omelet that’s a staple in Taiwanese night markets.
• Stinky Tofu : A fermented tofu dish known for its pungent aroma, often deep-fried and served with pickled cabbage and hot sauce. It tastes better than it smells! Trust us…
• Pineapple Cakes : A popular pastry with a flaky crust and pineapple jam filling, widely available in bakeries across Taipei.
• Bubble Tea & Jelly Drinks : Originating from Taiwan, these drinks feature tapioca balls or jelly in a variety of tea flavors.

Best Time to Visit Taipei

The best time to visit Taipei largely depends on your preferences for weather and activities, as well as your tolerance for crowds and heat. Generally Spring and Autumn are the best seasons to visit Taipei due to its cooler weather.

Summers in Taipei are hot and humid, with average temperatures between 27°C to 30°C, peaking in July. This season experiences significant rainfall, so waterproof clothing is essential.

Winters are the driest but coolest, with average temperatures around 16°C to 18°C. e Chinese New Year sometimes falls in late January or early February, which can be a festive yet busy time to visit.

Wrapping Up Our Trip to Taipei

Our trip to Taipei was an incredible blend of cultural discovery, culinary delight, and urban exploration.

Every corner of this city has a story, and we feel like we’ve just scratched the surface.

Taipei is not just a city; it’s a feeling, an experience that stays with you. We left with full hearts and a promise to ourselves to return. If you’re planning a trip to Taipei, get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!

Related Posts

• 20 BEST THINGS TO DO IN XIMENDING, TAIPEI
• GUIDE TO VISIT TAIPEI 101
• DISCOVER THE CHARMS OF DIHUA STREET IN TAIPEI
• GUIDE TO LONGSHAN TEMPLE IN TAIPEI
• 15 BEST THINGS TO SEE AT SUN MOON LAKE
• VISITING THE BEAUTIFUL BOPILIAO OLD STREET IN TAPEI
• GUIDE TO HUAXI STREET NIGHT MARKET
• VISITING CHIANG KAI SHEK MEMORIAL
• VISITING 228 MEMORIAL PARK IN TAIPEI
• DISCOVER FUJIN STREET – TAIPEI’S HIPSTER AREA
• SHILIN NIGHT MARKET IN TAIPEI + 10 BEST FOOD STALLS
• FULL TRAVEL GUIDE TO TAROKO GORGE

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50 Unmissable Things to Do in Taipei in 2024

Dear reader: This article contains links to products and services that I may be compensated for, at no extra cost to you.

Taiwan’s bustling, vivacious, food-loving capital has something for everyone. Whether you will travel to Taipei to indulge in the city’s complex history, creative arts, traditional temples, unrivaled nature, or perhaps you just eat your heart out at world-renowned night markets, this city’s got you covered.

After living in Taipei for over a decade, there’s no way I could make this a short article. Choosing only 10 or 15 things to do in Taipei simply would not do this enchanting, multi-faceted metropolis justice. So just a heads up, this article is going to cover a lot!

Also, I’ve mainly stuck to what to do in Taipei within the city limits; for attractions in New Taipei City (the city that surrounds Taipei) and beyond, see my guide to the best day trips from Taipei . And if you prefer to avoid the typical tourist spots, here’s my off-the-beaten-track guide to Taipei ! Now, let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

Taipei Travel Essentials

• If you’re just starting to plan your Taipei visit, see my general Taipei travel guide , Taiwan travel guide and my new Taiwan travel blog, TaiwanObsessed !
• Learn how to find budget flights to Taipei and search for them on Kiwi.com . Find out how to get from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei here .
• A Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass can save you money. Read my Taipei Fun Pass guide to see how it works.
• If you don’t get a fun pass, pick up an EasyCard (see my guide to using EasyCard ) for all public transportation.
• Read about and download the best apps for Taipei .
• Get a WiFi device , eSIM , local SIM card – see my guide to picking up your SIM when you arrive.
• From the airport, take the Airport MRT to the city (35-50 min), the airport bus (50 min), or book a ride here . You can rent a car at the airport here . For a short stay, see my Taipei layover guide .
• Read these Taiwan FAQs , plan your complete Taiwan itinerary , and find the best time visit Taiwan .
• Get your bearings on Day 1 by taking one of these free walking tours .

Join my free Taiwan Travel Planning Group where I will personally answer any question you have!

Where to Stay in Taipei

Choosing where to stay in such a large city like Taipei can be a daunting task. That’s why I’ve written this separate guide to where to stay in Taipei , in which I break it down into the top neighborhoods to consider and best accommodations for every budget within those neighborhoods.

I’ve also got guides to the best hostels in Taipei , hotels around Taoyuan Airport , and luxury hotels in Taiwan .

Also see here for the best hotel deals on Booking , Agoda , and Klook . Booking is my personal favorite, but Agoda does tend to have slightly better prices in Taiwan. Klook is a very popular site for all kinds of activities and recently added hotels to their inventory.

Top 50 Taipei Attractions

Now let’s get to it! These 50 things to do in Taipei start with some of the biggest sights and attractions, but otherwise are in no particular order.

To figure out how to put it all together, here are my 1 day , 2 day , 3 day , 4 day , or 5 day Taipei itinerary recommendations. See here for visiting Taipei with kids , and my favorite things to do in Taiwan.

Also check out these fun things to do at Taoyuan International Airport .

Survey the City from Taipei 101

Once the world’s tallest building (2004-2010), Taipei 101 is the most iconic of Taiwan’s landmarks . It is shaped like a stalk of bamboo and is the world’s tallest green building. Learn even more cool features about the skyscraper in my Taipei 101 guide !

The best way to experience Taipei 101 is to ride the world’s fastest elevator up to the observation deck on the 89th to 91st floors. The 360-degree view is incredible, not to mention the enormous earthquake damper ball. I also love the Taiwanese souvenirs shop there. Save money when you order your entrance tickets online . Opt for the express pass to skip the long lines.

For a more thrilling experience, you can try the even higher Skyline 460 Observation Deck , which is on the actual roof of Taipei 101 (460 meters). The ticket includes entrance to the regular observation area and a drink. It’s cheaper on Klook than if you buy it there. There’s only 2 entries per day (2 PM and 3 PM). Read about my Skyline 460 experience here .

Don’t miss one of the events of the year in Taipei, the Taipei 101 fireworks display on New Year’s Eve. See more info in my guide to December in Taipei .

Insider Tip: To view Taipei 101 from an unusual (and Instagram famous) angle, make your way to Takemura Izakaya (竹村居酒屋), a 10-minute walk from Xiangshan MRT station, from where you can see Taipei 101 straight on through a narrow alley. Here are my other recommended places to view Taipei 101 .

Jump into Asia’s Best Night Markets & Vibrant Restaurant Scene

Taipei’s street food is world renowned, and you simply cannot visit Taipei without spending an evening strolling one or more of the city’s famed night markets.

An interesting fact about Taiwan : by tourist numbers, Taipei night markets are the country’s #1 tourist attraction, and several night market vendors are even recognized on the Michelin Bib Gourmand list!

The “big five” Taipei night markets are Shilin , Raohe , Tonghua , Ningxia , and Huaxi . Learn about each one in my Taipei night market guide , and decide what to eat in my introduction to the 101 best street foods in Taipei . The night market in Keelung , an easy day trip from Taipei, is also one of the best in Taiwan (and a personal favorite of mine). If you’re vegetarian or vegan, see my vegetarian night market guide .

As for restaurants, the city is overflowing with them. There are so many good ones that it can be tough to know where to begin. I’ve got the perfect guide to help you out: here are 80+ of the best Taipei restaurants , my favorite vegetarian ones , and a list of 24-hour restaurants in Taipei . And please remember there’s no need for tipping in Taipei at restaurants!

There are also some famous Old Streets in the greater Taipei area. These are like night markets, but operate in the daytime on historical blocks with beautifully restored buildings. Some of the best around Taipei are Sanxia Old Street, Shenkeng Stinky Tofu Old Street , and Tamsui Old Street .

For night market lovers, also see my guides to Feng Chia Night Market and other night markets in Taichung , night markets in Tainan , and night markets in Kaohsiung !

Photograph CKS Memorial Hall

Probably the second most recognizable building in Taipei is the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall (捷運中正紀念堂). The imposing blue and white structure was built in 1980 to honor the former dictator and contains a small museum about CKS.

CKS Memorial Hall sits in 240,000m2 Liberty Square, which also houses the classical-Chinese style National Theater and National Concert Hall. For the best view, head to Liberty Square Arch on the Western side of the square. The Taipei double decker bus stops here.

Immerse Yourself in Chinese History & Culture at National Palace Museum

Often described as the most important museum in the Chinese-speaking world, the National Palace Museum (國立故宮博物院) houses nearly 700,000 artifacts (about 3000 can be displayed at any given time) spanning 8000 years of Chinese history.

The museum’s origins are tied to the Palace Museum in the Forbidden City of Beijing, from where many of the artifacts were carried across China and to Taiwan in the final years of the Chinese Civil War.

Some of the most famous pieces include a piece of jade shaped like cabbage and a meat-shaped stone. We always find the Chinese scrolls particularly impressive. There are also a small kids’ area, gift shop with traditional souvenirs from Taiwan , and regular rotating exhibits.

Save time at the entrance gates by booking your ticket in advance online . Entrance to the National Palace Museum is also covered by the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass .

Also check out the Shung Ye Aboriginal Museum next door. If you plan to visit both, you can save money by booking this combined ticket online.

If you want to truly experience aboriginal culture in Taiwan, try Hualien County on the east coast of Taiwan around Taroko Gorge , Dulan in Taitung , Ita Thao village on Sun Moon Lake , or remote Orchid Island .

Access: Access: Take bus R30 from Shilin MRT station. Open 8:30-6:30 (to 9:00 on Fridays and Saturdays), admission NT350, National Palace and Shung Ye Museum combined ticket NT400.

Soak in Thermal Waters at Beitou Hot Spring

The Japanese-developed hot spring village around Xinbeitou MRT in Beitou district, usually called Beitou Hot Spring (北投溫泉) is Taipei City’s only hot spring resort and one of the best hot springs in Taiwan .

You could easily spend a whole day exploring the historic sights of Beitou; find out what to do there and which hot springs spas are the best for each budget in my detailed guide to Beitou Hot Spring . These hot springs are the perfect remedy to cold days in winter in Taipei , but the area is worth a visit anytime of year.

Besides Beitou public hot spring, most hot spring spas in Beitou are sex segregated and no bathing suits allowed. If you’re visiting with kids, the only kid-friendly hot spring in Beitou is Spring City Resort. You get a significant discount if you buy your ticket in advance on Klook . For the kids, just buy your ticket there to get the child price. Note that it’s a bit of a walk from the MRT to this spa, but they do have a free shuttle.

Beitou is included on this Beitou and Yangmingshan tour .

If you love hot springs, also consider visiting Wulai Hot Spring , Jiaoxi Hot Spring , Taian Hot Spring and Guanziling Mud Hot Spring in other parts of Taiwan.

Access: Take the red MRT line to Beitou station and transfer on the two stop pink line to Xinbeitou station.

Take a cooking class in Taipei

I can practicaly guarantee that you are going to become obsessed with Taiwanese food during your visit, so why not take a cooking class and learn how to make some of those delicious treats after you leave? But a word of warning: there are so many good ones to choose from that you may struggle to pick one. These include curses on traditional homecooked foods, street foods, aboriginal foods, and more.

If you prefer to just eat the real soup dumplings, head to Din Tai Fung, the most famous restaurant in Taipei. You can preorder your meal online to save time.

Search here for the best cooking classes in Taipei or try this DIY pineapple cake making class .

Observe the Changing of the Guards at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

Built in 1972, SYS Memorial Hall predates CKS Memorial Hall and commemorates the founding father of the Republic of China. Between the two, CKS is more visually striking so it should be higher on your list, but SYS is still worth a stop if you have time, especially for the hourly changing of the guards in the main entrance hall.

Like CKS Memorial Hall, the large square around it is a popular place for a stroll or for teens to practice their dance moves.

Access: Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall MRT station

See Temples, Temples, and More Temples

Taiwanese temples are beautifully ornate, colorful, and incense-filled places of active worship. Most of them combine influences from Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and folk religion, and visitors are always welcome to enter. See my detailed guide to the best Taiwanese temples in Taipei for my 30 favorite ones!

The city’s most important temples are found in Old Taipei, or Wanhua district, also known as Bangka in Taiwanese or Monga. Longshan Temple is the most famous and always at the top of every traveler’s list. Find out how to pray for love and other tips for visiting Longshan Temple here . Qingshui Temple, Qingshan Temple, and Tianhou Temple are all worth checking out in the area, too.

Outside of Wanhua, other top temples to visit include the Taipei Confucius Temple, Bao An Temple, Songshan Ciyou temple beside Raohe Night Market, incense-free Xingtian Temple, and Guandu Temple, which features a tunnel through a hill, further north toward Danshui.

Also see my guide to the best temples in Tainan , the spiritual heart of Taiwan.

Pet fuzzy felines in a cat cafe

Did you know that cat cafes were invented in Taipei, Taiwan? Yes, the world’s first cat cafe opened in Taipei in 1998. The trend spread to Japan about six years later, and from there, around the world. In fact, that first cat cafe is still open!

Most of these cafes either charge a small entrance fee or have a minimum order of one drink or snack. Then, you can snuggle with the cats as much as you want! Some only have one or two cats, while some have over 20.

In my detailed guide to the best cat cafes in Taipei , I introduce our personal favorite cat cafes in Taipei, all of which we personally visited. Note that some allow kids but some don’t – I’ve included this information for each entry.

Have a Picnic at Huashan 1914 Creative Arts Park

Built in (you guessed it) 1914 as a Japanese sake brewery and later camphor refinement mill, the facility was closed in 1987. 10 years later it was transformed into an arts and culture center called Huashan 1914 Creative Arts Park (華山1914文化創意產業園區; most locals simply call it Huashan), one of the first in a trend of re-purposing old buildings for such uses that has caught on across Taiwan.

The old factory walls and smokestacks of Huashan make cool backgrounds for photos, while the huge lawn out back is a favorite spot for Taipei residents to have a picnic. There’s always some kind of art exhibit or event going on here, especially on weekends, as well as a few restaurants and cafés.

There’s another former Japanese sake distillery converted into arts village in Taiwan; see my Taichung itinerary article to find out more!

Access: 5-minute walk from Zhongxiao Xinsheng MRT.

Hop of the Glass-Floor Gondola to Maokong

Head to the end of the Taipei Zoo MRT line to go for a ride on the Maokong Gondola . The 4-kilomter trip into the hills in the southeast of Taipei takes approximately 30 minutes. To made the best of the highly scenic ride, make sure to get in the correct line for the glass bottomed “Crystal Cabins”!

The gondola includes four stations: the boarding station near the MRT, a stop that connects to the Taipei Zoo, Zhinan Temple (which is worth it to see the large temple with an incredible view over the city), and Maokong.

The ride will take you over fields of Baozhong oolong tea (learn more in my guide to tea in Taiwan ), and at the top there are several traditional tea houses with views and hiking trails such as the one to Silver Stream Cave and Waterfall.

If you are specifically interested in tea, then I recommend this tea tour from Taipei .

A return ride on the gondola is also free for Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass holders. There’s also a Maokong Gondola and Taipei Zoo Combined Ticket .

Price: NT120 (one-way trip to the top), save 20NT by swiping with an EasyCard , NT60 (kids 6-12), free (under 6). The gondola runs 8:30 am to 9 pm (sometimes closed due to typhoons, heavy rain, or repairs. Announcements are made on the MRT.)

Take in epic Taipei views from Elephant Mountain

The Four Beasts (Elephant, Tiger, Leopard, and Lion) are four connected mountains on the eastern side of Taipei City. They offer picture-postcard views of Taipei, with towering Taipei 101 so close you can practically reach out and touch it.

Elephant mountain (Xiangshan or 象山) is by far the most popular and easiest to access. You only have to hike up for a few minutes to start enjoying fine views, and it takes about 30 minutes to reach the famous viewing spot with a large rock you can climb onto and pose on for photos. See my guide to Elephant Mountain and another one by my blogging friend here !

But you have been warned: this spot is extremely crowded, and you may have to wait in a line to pose. And don’t even imagine trying to get a spot up there for the fireworks shot from Taipei 101 on New Year’s Eve!

If you continue on to the outer three beasts, you will find the trails pleasantly non-crowded. You can get Taipei 101 views from several other hikes in Taipei. Here’s my guide to Taipei’s best hiking trails .

Access: It’s only a 10 minute walk from Elephant Mountain MRT station to the main trail up Elephant Mountain. It’s a little further, but you can also walk from Houshanpi on the blue MRT line to Tiger Mountain.

See my similar guide covering the top attractions and sights in Kaohsiung city , southern Taiwan.

Enjoy More Views from the Miramar Ferris Wheel

Another iconic Taipei landmark is the 95-meter Ferris wheel at Miramar Entertainment Park (a large department store) in Dazhi area, Zhongshan District, north of Songshan Airport and the Keelung river.

At night the Ferris Wheel is lit up and can be seen from many places in Taipei. The Ferris wheel moves slowly, allowing you enjoy uninterrupted views over Taipei.

Save money by booking your Ferris wheel ticket online . A ride on the Ferris wheel is also included on the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass .

Access: 5-minute walk from Jiannan Rd. MRT Station. Open 12:30 to 11 pm (Mon-Thurs), to midnight (Fri), 11am to midnight (Saturday), 11am to 11pm (Sun), NT150/200 (adults, weekday/weekend), kids under 110cm free.

See cherry blossoms in winter

Taipei is one of the best places outside of Japan to see cherry blossoms. You can see cherry blossoms from late January to early March in Taipei , but the exact times for each location are different, and some of them feature multiple kinds of cherry blossoms which bloom at different times.

The two best spots to see cherry blossoms in Taipei are Yangminshan and Tian Yuan Temple in Tamsui.

To find and all the cherry blossoms locations and their blooming times, see my guide to cherry blossoms spots in Taipei and across Taiwan .

Surround yourself in a sea of calla lilies

Besides cherry blossoms, flower afficianados will find several other reasons to love Taipei. Fields of gorgeous calla lillies can be seen at Zhuzihu in Yangmingshan National Park in spring in Taiwan.

This is also the best time to see azaleas, Taipei’s official flower, around Taipei, and tulips at Chiang Kai-Shek Residence. In autumn in Taipei, head to the hills around the city to see blooming silvergrass; see the best spots in my guide to visiting Taipei in November .

Access: See my article on how to get to Yangmingshan .

Peruse Jianguo Jade and Flower Markets

Every weekend, a large jade market is set up under the Jianguo Road Overpass starting at Zhongxiao East Road and going south. Not only jade items but also tea ware, jewelry, and all manner of goods is sold by rows upon rows of vendors.

Continuing south, another section is devoted entirely to flowers and plants. The sheer array of flowers on display is stunning, especially the orchids.

Access: Zhongxiao Xinsheng MRT station, Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT Station, or Da An Park MRT station. Open 9 am to 5 pm, Saturday and Sunday only.

Ride a YouBike along Taipei’s Riverside Parks

While at first glance the streets of Taipei may not seem so bike friendly, you will soon notice the signature orange and yellow bikes (made by local manufacturer Giant) everywhere.

There are hundreds of drop-off points for the bikes, often around MRT stations in Taipei and New Taipei City, and then rental prices are extremely reasonable.

You’ll need a local phone number to register an EasyCard for renting YouBikes, so I suggest buying a local SIM card when you arrive. However, it’s possible to rent without one – find out how in my YouBike riders’ guide .

One of my favorite rides is to rent a bike at Yuanshan station, riding past the Taipei Fine Arts Museum and Lin An Tai Historical Home to reach the Dajia Riverside Park, continuing  to Raohe Night Market and the Songshan Ciyou Temple. Cycling along the river around the northern stops of the Danshui MRT line is another popular option.

Check out Art Galleries and other Museums

Art lovers should start at the Taipei Fine Arts Museum near Yuanshan MRT Station and Museum of Contemporary Art near Zhongshan Station. For something a little more unusual, check out the Miniatures Museum ( save money on your ticket here ) near Songjiang Nanjing Station.

Once you’ve scratched the National Palace Museum off your list, check out the National Taiwan Museum, which focuses on earth science, plants, and animals, including the Land Bank Exhibition Hall across the street, which features dinosaurs. Other good choices for kids include the National Taiwan Science Education Center and Taipei Astronomical Museum.

My personal favorite museum in the greater Taipei area is the Museum of World Religions in New Taipei City.

Most of the above museums are included on the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass .

Watch Lunar New Year Dragon & Lion Dancing

If you happen to be visiting Taipei during Chinese New Year, you can’t miss the city’s best event, the dragon and lion dance performance held in the magnificent lobby of Grant Hyatt Taipei . While you’re there, consider dining at the Grand Hyatt Buffet Restaurant . We’ve been there with our kids and it was fantastic!

Traveling to Taipei during Lunar New Year can come with some challenges, though. Learn what will be open and closed in my guide to visiting Taipei during Chinese New Year .

Marvel at the incredible Taipei Lantern Festival

On the 15th day of the Lunar New Year, usually in February in Taipei ,  the Lantern Festival is celebrated across Taiwan. Every major city in the country holds its own display of lanterns. These lanterns can be huge, incredibly ornate, and outright cute. In Taipei, the latern festival location changes every year; in 2020 it was held at two locations: Ximending and Nangang.

This is not to be confused with the mass sky lantern releases which take place on the two weekends closest to the Lantern Festival in Pingxi, New Taipei City. See my info in my guide to the Taipei Lantern Festival and other cool festivals in Taiwan .

Witness a traditional Taiwanese street parade

Numerous traditional street festivals and parade happen throughout the year in Taipei. Most are tied to the birthdays of gods and goddesses enshrined in the local temples. They are extremely raucous affairs, with loads of fireworks, firecrackers, and traditional drumming, and they can take place at any time of day or night according to when the fortune tellers decide the best time is. If you live in Taipei, you will even grow accustomed to hearing this pass right by your house.

Some of the most famous traditional street parades include the Xiahai City God Birthday Parade, usually in June or July in Taipei , and the Qingshan King Birthday Parade in November or December.

Although not a parade per se, you can also see a lot of praying at offering tables and burning of ghost money on the streets of Taipei during the Ghost Festival , which usually takes place in August in Taipei , sometimes going into September in Taipei .

Cheer on the Dragon Boat Racers

The Dragon Boat festival is yet another unmissable traditional Taiwanese festival, usually taking place in June in Taipei . The custom is based on the story on the poet Qu Yuan, who during the Warring States Period of ancient China committed suicide by jumping into a river. The locals raced in boats to retrieve his body, and threw rice dumplings into the river to dissuade the fish from eating him. This explains the Taiwanese custom of eating zongzi , traditional rice dumplings wrapped in banana leaves.

The boat races are held at Dajia riverside park in Taipei, and foreign teams are even allowed to register. Get ready to feel hot, as the event usually coincides with the beginning of summer in Taiwan .

Twenty-four-hour breakfast

What do people eat in your country after a night of clubbing? In Taipei, it’s Taiwanese breakfast, the same stuff that people across the nation feast on every morning, and for good reason: it’s incredibly delicious.

Taiwanese breakfast shop classics include dan bing (thin crepes with egg and other toppings), steamed buns, shao bing (flaky pastries wrapped around egg and other things), you tiao (sticks of deep fried batter) dipped in warm soy milk, fan tuan (sticky rice tubes), toasted sandwiches, burgers, noodles, and more.

Ordering from a local breakfast shop can be a little intimidating for first timers – follow my my guide to Taiwanese breakfast foods and the best breakfast shops in Taipei .

Also read about visiting Fu Hang Soy Milk , the most famous one, and the best 24-hour restaurants in Taipei .

Spend a Sunny Afternoon at Yuanshan Park and Maji Sqaure

In 2010, the area around Yuanshan MRT rose to fame for hosting the International Flower Expo. Many of the flowers and areas built for the Expo remain today. With the addition of the excellent semi-covered food court, several great restaurants and bars, and a Weekend Farmer’s Market, it makes for a great place to spend a sunny afternoon.

Exiting from the MRT, you can’t miss the Expo Dome, where the weekend farmer’s market takes place. Walking under the covered area, you’ll soon reach Maji Sqaure (or Maji2), where you’ll find an upscale grocery, oyster bar, bagel shop, and over a dozen food stalls specializing in local and international fare.

This is also a great place for families, as you’ll find here a kids’ merry-go-round, motorized cars for hire, and games (weekends only). This is also the location of Triangle (an underground music venue) and a half dozen restaurants with great covered patios.

Past Maji Sqaure, you’ll see EcoArk , a building made of recycled bottles and materials, and across Zhongshan North Road you’ll find Fine Arts Park, a small aboriginal museum, Taipei Fine Arts Museum , and a little further towards the river, Lin An Tai Historical Home . Looking north, you can also spot massive Grand Hotel Taipei, built in the classical Chinese style.

Shop for Electronics at Guanghua Digital Plaza

If you’re wondering where to buy electronics in Taipei, head straight to massive Guanghua Digital Plaza (光華商場) on Civic Boulevard (access: Zhongxiao Xinsheng MRT). The 6-story complex and the lanes around it feature every computer or digital product you could imagine. Prices are decent but don’t expect to be able to use a credit card without a surcharge or to get a receipt.

For cameras and camera gear, you’re better off going to Camera Street , located south of North Gate near Taipei Main Station, on section 1 of Hankou Street and Bo Ai street between Zhongxiao West Rd. and Hankou street.

Wander the Artists’ Galleries of Treasure Hill Artists Village

The artists village of Treasure Hill (寶藏巖國際藝術村), located beside the Xindian River and near the National Taiwan Normal University in Zhongzheng District, began as a settlement for KMT war veterans. Later, the Taipei government preserved and developed it into an environmentally friendly urban village and artist’s enclave.

The village houses local and international artists and frequently serves as a venue for special exhibits or music & art performances. Some of the original families also still live here, and introductions to the individual families (and their contributions to the village) are posted on the outer walls of their houses. For them, daily life goes on as usual, so be sure to obey the signs and not wander into their homes.

Cool art displays are set up outside and inside many of the homes, and many of the galleries are left open for visitors to enter, even when nobody is in. The village has a more authentic working artists’ village feel compared to the other more institutional arts villages. It’s a must-see place to visit in Taipei if you are interested in the underground arts.

“Take a Break” in a Love Hotel

While love hotels may have a negative reputation as venues for cheating, spending a few more dollars on a nicer one can be a fun or even romantic experience. The two choices are usually to either “take a break” (休息) for two hours or spend the night.

Some offer secret entrances with concealed elevators, while the interiors can range from cheesy romantic to full-on luxury.

If you are just looking to “take a break”, you can also try one of the many hot spring hotels in Beitou. The nicer private springs usually come with a bed, essentially serving the same purpose as a love hotel.

Wego Funtel ( see on Booking / Agoda / Klook / read reviews ) is a popular chain of tasteful love hotels in Taiwan, with the original location near Jiannan Rd. MRT Station.

Experience a KTV or MTV bar

Karaoke, or Karaoke TV (KTV) is a super popularity activity among people of all ages in Taiwan. Typically a group of friends shares a private room, where they select songs from a digital system and sing their hearts out into microphones with a range of reverb effects. Guests can order snacks and drinks to the room, including booze. These are go-to places for people having birthday parties, a night out with colleagues, or a when there’s rainy weather or a typhoon.

The most popular KTV chains are Holiday and Partyworld. These places have some but not many English songs, but if you want all-Enlish KTV with an INCREDIBLE selection of music, make a reservation at EST via their Facebook page.

More popular among young teens, Movie TV (MTV) is the same concept, except you choose a video to watch on a large screen in a private room. For many youths, this may be the only way to get a bit of private time with their partner.

U2 MTV is a popular chain of MTV bars, with a couple locations in Ximending and elsewhere in Taipei.

Watch traditional Taiwanese opera

Do you know what the differences between Taiwanese and Peking opera are? You can experience performances from both, as well as Taiwanese aboriginal dancing, Taiwanese puppetry, traditional dragon dancing, and more on the stage at TaipeiEYE .

The programs at this authentic performing arts center in central Taipei change month and are always expertly executed. Don’t be surprised if they invite you up on the stage! Note: after being closed for 4 years during COVID and slow recovery, TaipeiEye has finally reopened its doors as of early 2024.

Access: No. 113, Sec. 2, Zhongshan N. Road, near Minquan W. Road MRT station

Explore Songshan Cultural and Creative Park

Like Huashan Creative Arts Park, Songshan Cultural and Creative Park (松山文創園區) is a large arts space that makes use of abandoned buildings from the past, in this case a former tobacco factory.

There is a large outdoor area and pond for strolling around, while Eslite Spectrum Songyan Store contains an Eslite bookstore (the most famous bookstore chain in Taipei, known for its beautiful interior design) and a branch of the award winning Taiwanese bakery Wu Pao Chun. Various buildings on the grounds also regularly host art and design-related exhibitions and events.

Access: 10-minute walk from Sun Yat-sen MRT station.

Check Out 44 South Village

Yet another collection of old buildings restored into art village, 44 South Village (or Si Si Nan Cun/四四南村) is the least known of the bunch, and hides in a residential area only a stone’s throw from Taipei 101. The structures here were originally a military village built for KMT soldiers from China, and today they house a small shop, café, and bakery.

Venture into Yangmingshan National Park

Yangmingshan National Park (陽明山國家公園) is the closest national park to Taipei City; in fact, the 114-km2 area is divided between Taipei City and New Taipei City. Yangming Mountain is a massif rather than single mountain, with Seven Star Mountain (Qixingshan/七星山, 1120 meters) being it’s tallest peak.Seven Star Mountain is in fact a dormant volcano that last erupted 700,000 years ago, which explains why the region is so rich in hot springs.

Because the park is so huge, there is a lot to do up there, depending on the season. Early spring brings cherry blossoms (try Yangmingshan Flower Clock), while calla lilies come later in spring.

It’s always fun to hop in the the traditional hot spring bathhouse at Lengshuikeng (nude, sex segregated), while Tianlai Resort is Yangmingshan’s classiest. For more details and how to plan your trip, read about these fun things to do in Yangmingshan .

Access: Bus routes into the park are numerous and complicated. See my Yangmingshan transportation guide for all the details.

Watch a Taiwanese Baseball Game

Baseball isn’t as popular in Taiwan as it once was due to several game-fixing scandals in the past. Today only four teams remain in the CPBL (Chinese Professional Baseball League): the Chinatrust Brothers from Taichung, Fubon Guardians from New Taipei City, Lamigo Monkeys from Taoyuan , and the Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions from Tainan .

Still, catching a baseball game can be a fun way to spend an afternoon. Don’t expect anything too wild, but do expect to be featured on the big screen TV at some point during the game if you look non-Taiwanese.

In Taipei, you can catch games at the Tianmu Baseball Stadium. You can also get to the Xinzhuang Stadium in New Taipei City (my neighborhood!) on the MRT. Here is the schedule of games in Mandarin , and here’s an English website that explains how to read the schedule.

You can buy tickets from the iBon machine at any 7-Eleven or at the door.

Go Back in Time at the Gates of Old Taipei

In the late Qing Dynasty (around 1884), the government made Taipei into a walled city, in the area that is now Wanhua. The Japanese tore down the Old City walls, but four of the gates remain today: South Gate, Little South Gate, East Gate, and North Gate. However, only the North Gate retains its original form.

South Gate (Li Zheng Gate/麗正門), Little South Gate (Xiao Nan Men/小南門) and East Gate (Jing Fu Men/景福門) are all a short walk from Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. North Gate (Beimen/北門) near Taipei Main Station and Camera Street has been looking rather handsome ever since the ugly Zhongxiao Bridge Ramp was demolished and the area around it was fixed up in 2016. It’s fun to visit because you can walk right under it.

In Ximen (西門, literally “West Gate”) neighborhood, a creative metallic gate has been installed on the spot where the West Gate once sat.

Get a Traditional Knife Massage

While it may sound like a strange new alternative form of healing, knife massages go back over 2000 years in Chinese culture. Recently there has been a revival of traditional knife massage in Taipei, and I recently tried one out by a friend and licensed practitioner who runs a shop in Ximending.

Read all about my experience getting a knife massage in Taipei and find out how you can get one.

Find awesome street art in Ximending

Ximending is without a doubt Taipei’s coolest neighborhood. Besides the awesome street art, the pedestrian-only Ximending shopping district boasts the hippest fashions, trendiest restaurants, and largest collection of movie theaters.

Ximending is also home to historic Red Theater, where you’ll find the Weekend Craft & Arts Market as well as Taipei’s largest LGBT district and best collection of outdoor bar patios.

You can also uncover some impressive street art in Ximending. See more info in my article on 25 weird things to do in Ximending , and my food guide to Ximending .

Also nearby, Bopiliao Historical Block is a restored old street that retains a look from 200 years ago, and is becoming an increasingly popular spot to visit and take photos.

Explore Ximending on this LGBT walking tour .

Uncover historic tea and Chinese medicine shops on Dihua Street

The historic neighborhood of Dadaocheng, or Twatutia, could also make a strong claim as Taipei’s most interesting neighborhood to explore on foot. See my suggested self-guided walking tour of Dihua Street and Dadaocheng .

Once Taipei’s main port along the river, the area is known for its historic shops selling Taiwanese teas , Chinese medicinal herbs, fabrics, and more, as well as its Qing Dynasty and Japanese-era architecture. Dihua Street is the areas main street and one of the oldest streets in Taipei. Xia Hai City God Temple and the huge Yongle Fabric Market are also found here.

The riverside in Dadaocheng is great for strolling or cycling, while in recent years a little collection of food trucks and bars at Pier 5 has become a popular new spot for a sundowner.

Dadaocheng is also home to some of the best cooking classes in Taipei , especially at Taiwan Cooking 101 .

Continue your urban explorations in Da An

If Ximending is for teenagers and tourists and Dadaocheng attracts history and culture lovers, Da An is where students go to party or chill in artsy cafés. The district is home to three major universities, including NTU, Taiwan’s top university, as well as Shi Da and Tonghua Night Markets .

64-acre Da An Forest Park is Taipei’s answer to Central Park in New York. For a great walking tour, start at Dongmen MRT station (where you can also find the original branch of Din Tai Feng, Taipei’s most famous restaurant— pre-order your meal online here ). Walk down Yong Kang street, famous as the birthplace of Din Tai Fung restaurant and mango shaved ice . Here’s my self-guided food tour of Yongkang Street .

Continue south past Jinhua street (金華街) and you’ll enter a gorgeous neighborhood (around Qingtian Street and the numerous lanes around it) of wooden Japanese-era homes at varying states of decay or repair that once housed professors at NTU when it was a Japanese university. A good example is Qingtian 76, which has been converted into a restaurant, while several other atmospheric cafés and teahouses can also be found. The neighborhood is also home to an unusually high concentration of religious buildings, including the Taipei Grand Mosque and Taipei Taiwan Temple (an LDS church).

Nearby, Wistaria is the city’s most famous historical tea house, where academics, political dissidents, and artists once met in secret.

Have a night on the town in Dong Qu (Eastern District)

Stretching from Taipei Main Station to the eastern reaches of Taipei City, Zhongxiao East Road is one of Taipei’s main boulevards and connects the older districts of the city with the newer and glitzier east side. The blue MRT line runs directly under the street.

The section between Zhongxiao Xinsheng MRT station and Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, including all the small lanes running off from it, is often referred to by locals as Dong Qu or “Eastern District,” and is arguably Taipei’s liveliest and most fashionable area.

Zhongxiao East road is lined with outrageously expensive boutiques, and most pedestrians are dressed to the nines as they window shop. Here you’ll also find some of the city’s biggest night clubs, best craft beer and cocktail bars, and especially in the narrow lanes leading away from the main roads, a mind-boggling concentration and array of amazing restaurants.

You could dine in a different spot every night in this area for years and never run out of new places to try. Japanese, hot pot, BBQ, and Korean are especially common, but you can find anything and everything there.

Walk the riverside market in Tamsui

If a more laid-back, seaside vibe is your thing, then catch the red MRT line to the northernmost stop, Tamsui (the Taiwanese language pronunciation of Danshui). This district of New Taipei City lies at the point where the Danshui river meets the sea.

Just outside the MRT, start by strolling the Tamsui riverside promenade, a daytime and nighttime market. From here you can catch a river ferry to Fisherman’s Wharf, famous for sunsets from Lover’s Bridge, or to Bali, a town with a similar promenade on the other side of the river.

Just past the end of the Riverside Promenade, Fort San Domingo dates all the way back to 1637, when the Spanish occupied the north coast of Taiwan. It’s a picturesque building that makes a good backdrop for photos, along with the Former British Residence next door. See my recommended Tamsui itinerary here .

Entrance to the Tamsui Historical Museum, which includes Fort San Domigo and the British Residence, is included on the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass .

Tamsui is also the gateway to the beaches of the north coast. Form outside the MRT station, you can catch buses to great beaches such as Qianshuiwan (淺水灣) and Baishawan (白沙灣). Learn more in my guide to the best beaches around Taipei .

Addiction Aquatic Development

Visiting foodies put Addiction Aquatic Development (上引水產) , a seafood market converted into upscale grocery and seafood paradise, near the top of their list of things to do in Taipei, and for good reason.

The large complex includes standing sushi and seafood bars, a hot pot restaurant, outdoor seafood barbecue, and affordable takeaway sushi sets. You seafood journey begins in the entrance room filled with water tanks containing enormous king crabs.

Indulge in all the pearl milk tea you can handle

Don’t even think about coming to the homeland of pearl milk tea (also known as Boba or Bubble Tea) without trying it! It’s difficult to walk more than a block without stumbling upon a bubble tea shop, but some say the bubble tea served at Tiger Sugar, with picturesque liquid black sugar oozing down the inner sides of the glass as they hand it to you, is the city’s best.

Alternatively, try Chun Shui Tang (春水堂), the Taipei branch of the Taichung teashop that claims to have invented pearl milk tea (read about the original Chun Shui Tang in my list of things to do in Taichung ), or one of the many other famous pearl milk tea chains .

Besides the typical milk tea variety, you may always want to try passion fruit green tea with coconut chunks, taro & milk, or one of many other concoctions on offer.

Fine dining and Michelin rated restaurants

Ever since Michelin put out the inaugural Taipei Michelin Guide in 2018, the restaurants that made the list have (unsurprisingly) been tough to book, but you may still want to try.

20 restaurants in Taipei got Michelin stars, with only Cantonese La Palais at Palais de Chine Hotel clinching three stars. The other star restaurants mostly consist of Japanese, Chinese, French and European, and Taiwanese.

You can search the full list of Michelin recommendations , including the Bib Gourmand choices that include many night market vendors, on the Michelin Taipei page.

Taiwan’s most famous restaurant, Din Tai Fung, has numerous branches in Taipei and abroad, including one in Hong Kong that has won a Michelin star. Most tourists visiting Taiwan consider a visit to Din Tai Fung for its famed soup dumplings (each one has exactly 18 folds and you can watch them being made through a window at most branches) a must.

You can pre-order your Din Tai Fung meal here , or visit it on this Din Tai Fung and Taipei Night tour .

Warm your belly with spicy hot pot

Hot pot is every Taipei resident’s favorite comfort food in winter in Taiwan , but even in hellish summer temperatures you can still see groups of friends enveloped in steam at the city’s many, many, many hot pot restaurants.

Most popular hot point restaurants offer all-you-eat dining that usually includes gourmet ice cream like Haagen Dazs, as well as soft drinks and beer. Either you order unlimited dishes from a menu or help yourself from a serving area. There are different broth choices, but mala (mouth numbing spicy) is very popular.

Higher quality hot pot restaurants tend to be a la carte; try Ding Wang Hot Pot (鼎王麻辣鍋) if that’s what you’re after. For something more fun, try dragon themed Caiji Longfu (蔡記隆府) or the dinosaur themed chain Rododo Hot Pot (肉多多火鍋).

Hang with locals at a quick fry

Quick fry ( kuai chao or 快炒), also known as Hot Fry ( re chao or 熱潮) is a style of restaurant that is enormously popular in Taipei. Many of these noisy, informal eateries began as hole-in-the-wall restaurants then expanded to take up several shop spaces.

Typically large groups of friends dine on low round tables, sitting on crappy little chairs. Dishes are mostly fried and seafood heavy, and meant to be watered down with copious amounts of Taiwan beer, which you can grab yourself from the fridge or order from a beer girl.

Quick fry classics include three-cups dishes (meat, seafood, or mushrooms cooked in equal parts soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine), sweet and sour dishes, boiled greens with garlic, sashimi, noodles, and stir fried seafood dishes.

Some of of the best quick fries in Taipei are Pin Xian (品鱻, pictured above) near Liuzhangli MRT, Ba Xian Grill (八仙炭烤) beside Da’An Park, and 打咔生猛活海鮮 beside CKS Memorial Hall.

Explore Burma Street, a slice of Southeast Asia in Taiwan

One culinary anomaly in New Taipei City is Burma Street (also called Huaxin Street or Nanyang Sightseeing Food Street—南洋觀光美食街), which is the center of Taiwan’s Burmese-Chinese community, one of the country’s largest minorities. The food served in the dozens of restaurants on the streets combines Burmese, southern Chinese, and Chinese styles, and is seriously worth the trip.

Popular items include round flatbreads, mohinga (a coconut, banana stem, and fish curry that is considered the Burmese national dish), and cold noodles with tamarind vinegar, and Burmese milk tea. Find out exactly where to eat in my Burma Street food tour article .

Check out the craft beer scene

Like everywhere else in the world, the craft beer scene has exploded in Taipei in the last five years. My personal favorite is the Taihu Beer taprooms Driftwood in Ximending and Craft Beer Taproom (啜飲室 大安) just off Zhongxiao East Road, while Mikkeller Taipei, 23 Public Craft Beer, Zhangmen, and The 58 also stand out.

Nowadays, can even find some great craft beers amongst the usuals as 7-Eleven and FamilyMart, and these convenience stores usually release some extra ones every summer, something us residesnt always look forward to.

Find your way into a hidden speakeasy cocktail bar

The speakeasy-style cocktail bar has also caught on, with the biggest names (but shh…they are still “secrets”) being Ounce and Alchemy. Hankou 60 is a hip newer one in Ximending designed to look like a movie theater (it is located on Ximen’s “Movie Theater Street”), and you can even order a buttery cocktail concealed inside a real bag of popcorn.

I’ve always loved the custom-made drinks (especially the betel nut cocktail) at Fourplay Cuisine near the giant traffic circle on Renai Road (MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing or ZhongxiaoDunhua), and Woo Taipei (not to be confused with the Woo Bar at W Hotel) also serves excellent drinks with an old-timey vibe.

Get your fortune told

Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it! I know several people who have got their fortune told in Taipei, and there were all very surprised about how much the fortune teller knew about them after they revealed little more than their name and date of birth.

You can find traditional fortune tellers in Taipei in the underground mall below Longshan Temple, and in Fortune Teller Underpass under Minquan E. Road right next to Xingtian Temple.

Well, that brings us to the end of my list of best things to do in Taipei! Good luck on your upcoming Taipei visit, and if you have any questions or feel I’ve missed something, please feel free to comment below!

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31 thoughts on “50 Unmissable Things to Do in Taipei in 2024”

Just want to say a massive thanks for all of the extremely detailed and awesome information you provide on here about Taipei! I’m a full time solo female travel blogger/influencer from the U.S. and came to Taipei last minute, and your website has 100% been the most helpful thing I’ve found!! I even went to Modern Toilet (but had water-poisoning from Philippines so couldn’t stay)!!

Thanks again! – Alyssa (MyLifesATravelMovie on Insta)

Hi Alyssa, That’s so great to hear, and I’m really glad you were able to get some useful info from my stay. Enjoy your stay here, and I hope your tummy recovers soon!

Awesome!!! Thank you for sharing this. Planning to go there this June. What can you say about their beaches?

Hi Sherry! Thanks for you comment. Please see my guide to the best beaches within 1-2 hours of Taipei: http://www.nickkembel.com/best-taipei-beaches/

Thank you so much! Going to Taipei for a week soon and had NO IDEA where to start. Thanks to you I’ve got my whole week mapped out. Great web page.

Thanks for reading, Mark, and I’m glad I could help!

Great list but you didn’t include my home: BITAN waaaaah

My apologies lol! I did include Bitan in my “places to visit in Taipei with kids” though!

Hi Nick! Absolutely love your comprehensive website, I keep coming back to it! I’m planning a day trip with my grandma. She can’t walk very well, but she does love biking. She also loves nature. Are there any natural parks that are bike-friendly? For example, Yongminshan?

Hi Merel, and thanks a lot! In Taipei, the network of riverside biking trails are great and really easy. Yangmingshan is a huge area and lots of hills (it is a mountain massif after all), but I haven’t tried biking there so I’m not too sure. One place I enjoyed biking was in Pinglin. It’s a tea growing district in New Taipei City, so it’s an easy day trip from Taipei. You can rent a bike there are ride along some nice trails beside the river and see many tea fields. I hope that helps!

Hello Nick I found your information and would like to ask if you have a suggestion/itenirary for 6 adults traveling Taipei for 3-4 nights. We would like advise of what “must places” to visit in so little time. Hope you can help.

Hi Selina, Please start by checking my Taipei 3-day and 4-day itineraries, all my top suggestions are in there. If you still have questions after that, please let me know! Here are the links, please copy and paste! http://www.nickkembel.com/taipei-itinerary-3-days/ http://www.nickkembel.com/taipei-itinerary-4-days/

Thank you so much Nick. This article really informative and helpful

I absolutely loved the National Palace Museum. Been there six times and they always have new items on display each time! Also loved the souvenir shop with all of the Jade cabbage magnets.

The night markets were really cool to see, but I wasn’t sure about some of the seafood options there.

Here are some other places I loved checking out: https://creditcarrots.com/things-to-do-in-taipei/

Thanks for your feedback Dennis!

My goodness! Your website is exactly what I have been looking for. I’m from the USA, but my brother moved to study in Taiwan 3 years ago and I will be visiting him for the first time in the Autumn for 2 weeks. I believe he’s a little north of Taipei. I’ll have to dive into just about everything you have posted about (as well as all of your links), but the first thing that I’ll need to do is lock down a travel time. Do you specifically talk about the months to visit or can offer advice? My brother’s (or friends) availability could influence it, but right now the two timeframes I’m debating between are: ~Sep 5-19 ~Sep 27-Oct 11

It’s a bit early, but I think right now some of the places on the itinerary would be ~1/3rd+ time in Taipei, Alishan, Kenting National Park, Kaohsiung City, Wulai,and Taruko. My brother can speak Mandarin, although he might not be able to be with us the entire time. None our visitors will be able to (European decent ha..) Me and the others I’ll be with like absolutely everything – city, nature, beaches, cultural interactions etc…

Hey John, and thanks for your comment. Comparing those two date choices, it’s not going to make a huge difference, since they are only a few weeks apart. Generally speaking, September can still be very hot, so depending on what you are used to, you might want to choose the later dates to avoid the near-summer like heat & humidity. By October things cool down to lovely autumn temperatures, warm or even hot still. The only other factor I can imagine you might want to consider is that Thursday, October 1 is the Moon Festival in Taiwan. When a holiday is in a Thursday, the government also gives people the Friday off, so that will be a 4-day long weekend. It means your brother may have 4 days off, which is good, but it will also mean that half the country will be out on the roads, highways will be busy, train tickets hard to buy, and hotels will fill up fast. So this is one reason you may want to consider the earlier dates. Last but not least, typhoon season lasts into September and sometimes even October. There’s no way to know beforehand, and chances are unlikely, but it’s not impossible that a typhoon could strike during either of your date choices. It would just mean that, at the worst, you’d have to spend one day without going out. Let me know if you have more questions as your planning progresses! – Nick

Thanks for all the effort you have put into these detailed and informative posts!

You’re very welcome!

Great List! i am actually from taiwan, i used to live in beitou and my family and i would go to the hotsprings at least once a week. I have a suggestion which is the night markets and get boba, another one is the Jiji Earthquake museam, it is a really cool museam which takes place at an old school, and it really shows how the earthquake impacted the students in 1999, i believe that it includes a simulater but i don’t really remember since i was really young since i last been there. Fun fact, Miramar was my favorite place to be as a child, my grand parents would take me there and go on the ferris wheel! Everything on the list i have been to as a child and i really enjoyed, once again, this is a great list! Keep up the great work!

my bad! i forgot to read about the night market, terribly sorry. Please ignore the night market part

Hi Charlotte, thanks a lot for your feedback! I totally agree that the Jiji Earthquake Museum is a fascinating place. I have covered it in my guide to Taichung. I really should include it here too…Perhaps next time I update this article, I will add it here as well. Thanks again!

Thanks for the extensive guide on Taiwan!

I’ll be visiting Taipei City/Jiufen/Shifen on a 7-day vacation.

How much in NT$ do you think I should budget for, in terms of public transport/MRT/bus/shuttle & normal eating (including going to night markets)? (this budget excludes accommodation, which I’ve already paid for)

Looking forward to your advice 🙂

Best Regards. Ethan

If you stick to street food, you should be able to do this for around TWD 1000 or less per day. If you visit some bigger attractions (for example Taipei 101 Observatory is TWD 600) and/or a few nicer restaurants, you might have days that go up to around TWD 2000.

Thanks for your advice! 🙂

Loving your site thus far, still plenty to read and look at, our son has lived in Taipei for 3 years now but nice for us to get up to speed with this beautiful country before we see him in June.

Appreciate the work that has gone into your website.

Regards Nick P

Thanks so much!

So glad I stumbled onto your site! Planning a trip to Taipei end June and your blog has been so helpful! Haven’t been to Taipei since 2011 and I’m sure a lot has changed since then!

I’m planning for about the same time as yours to visit Taipei with my partner, so coincidence that i happened to see this great article of Nick as well, hope that we can meet there also end of June.

Thank you so much for this website! I have been in Taiwan for 5 weeks now (heading back in a few days) and I used your site to plan everything out! (I used your 3 week + recommended itenerary) When I talked to the locals they were all impressed by the locations you recommended and how it covered pretty much all of Taiwan. Really appreciate all your posts and I definitely couldn’t have done it without this site!

So glad to hear that!!

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15 things to know before going to Taipei

Oct 13, 2023 • 7 min read

Be ready for any visit to Taipei with this guide to health, safety and etiquette © asiastock / Shutterstock

Taiwanese culture is an intriguing tangle of traditional Chinese customs and Japanese sensibilities, permeated with an insatiable commercial drive.

The epitome of all things Taiwan is its capital  Taipei , a city so safe that you’d be wise to worry more about the weather than your wallet. While you may leave your laptop unattended in a cafe and expect it to be there when you return, the same may not be said of your umbrella.

Read on for a crash course in more of the capital’s quirks (example: wearing flip-flops in a rainstorm really is the wisest choice). Here’s all you need to know about health, safety and etiquette before your trip to Taipei.

1. Learn some very basic Mandarin

Luckily for non-native speakers, the communication style of the Taiwanese is very straightforward. The word “please” is a rarity when buying things, swapped instead for a polite bow and a thank-you after receiving your order.

If you can manage a simple “hello” (pīnyīn: nǐ hǎo ) and “thank you” ( xièxie ), along with your order of bubble tea ( yī bēi nǎi chá ), you might even receive a compliment on your impeccable Chinese from kindly vendors.

Often, Taiwanese locals will be more than happy to practice their high-school English skills with you. Still, making the effort to converse in Mandarin is a great way to level the playing field.

2. Pack flip-flops for the plum rain

When it rains in Taipei, it pours. And in summer it rains a lot. Each year, the city is blessed with 98in (2500mm) of rainfall, seeing the highest precipitation in the hottest months from June to September – also known as monsoon or “plum rain” season.

To save your best sneakers from saturation, wear flip-flops on rainy days (avoiding tiled surfaces) and include a raincoat and umbrella on your packing list. The rain usually won’t turn up until late afternoon, so it’s also a good idea to start your day quite early (between 6am and 8am), when the weather is cooler and the sky brighter.

3. Follow a Taipei foodie before you arrive

Beyond the Michelin-acclaimed Din Tai Fung and the slightly too touristy Shilin Night Market , Taipei has a mouthwatering food scene. Discover what’s new, popular and off the beaten track through the city’s network of local bloggers (we love  Hungry in Taipei  and  Taipei Foodie ) and on social media.

One nice shortcut for finding good local spots is to search on Instagram for the area you want (eg Ximen ; 西門) followed by the phrase “beautiful food” (美食). This will present all the recently hashtagged gems for your drooling perusal.

4. Hot-step it to a 7-Eleven for an EasyCard and a tea egg

The mother of all convenience stores in Taiwan, 7-Eleven sells all the familiar snacks, food and drinks you get in the West – with such added Asian lunch additions as onigiri  (Japanese rice balls) and tea-stained eggs.

But more than that, 7-Eleven is also the place to go for buying (and topping up) your MRT EasyCard , printing documents, sending packages and withdrawing cash. The swankiest locations even have bathrooms, free wi-fi and tables with charging docks.

A word of warning: convenience stores can quickly become a comfortable choice, but this will cost you in terms of the most authentic food and local interactions, so visit sparingly.

6. Don’t leave a tip

As in Japanese culture, tipping is not customary in Taiwan – in some cases, it could even be considered an insult. Due to Western influences, it has become slightly more common to tip in Taiwan, particularly in international hotels and bars. Generally, though, it is not expected.

7. Drinking culture is also eating culture

Cheap and cheerful with an unabashed amount of booze, a  re chao (熱炒) is the equivalent of a Japanese izakaya (or English pub). Re chao (meaning “fast fry”) serve up excellent wok-fried dishes at around 100NTD apiece, alongside Taiwan Beer and unlimited rice. Browse the tanks of live fish, lobster and other shellfish to see what’s fresh.

Taiwan's drinking culture is concentrated around the dinner table, meaning re chao restaurants often get more raucous than the bars. Those looking for the bar and club scene can try the rooftop establishments in Xinyi district after dinner.

8. There could be typhoons and earthquakes

Some of the strongest tropical cyclones in the world pass over Taipei in the late summer, ripping shop signs from buildings and making mailboxes all wonky. Keep an eye out for any alerts from the Central Weather Bureau , going outside only for essentials when a typhoon is incoming.

Earthquakes are also extremely common in Taipei (though the epicenter tends to lie further south). When you feel the ground shake and your phone shriek in alarm, do not panic. A “Presidential Alert” is sent as a warning, recommending people go outside while the Earth does its thing.

9. Be quiet and courteous on public transportation

Taipei’s metro service ( MRT ) is all sleek lines and clean plastic seats, polished to a high shine. In order to keep it that way, gum, food and drink (including even water) is banned on public transportation .

Since undue noise is also frowned upon on the MRT, rarely will you hear a conversation going above a low murmur. Refrain from loud conversations unless you want to receive some hard stares.

Another faux pas on the MRT is to sit in the dark-blue priority seats. These seats are reserved for those in need, including the elderly, pregnant and people with disabilities – a norm refreshingly maintained by local straphangers.

10. Remember to give and receive with two hands

This mainly applies to financial transactions, but it can also extend to gift-giving and even passing your passport over at immigration. Giving and receiving with two hands is a sign of respect, even if it means putting your shopping down to do so.

11. Greet Taiwanese with head dips, not handshakes

A handy custom in a post-Covid world, bowing is the preferred greeting in Taiwan, with handshaking reserved for business meetings. While locals treat bowing more casually than in either Korea or Japan, a polite head dip in gratitude for a fresh bubble tea won’t ever go amiss.

12. Buy bottled water

Most locals drink bottled water in the steamy heat. A sustainable alternative is to refill your bottle at water stations across the city, using the Feng Cha App to help locate them ( 奉茶行動 ).

13. Handling chopsticks is a subtle art

As if handling chopsticks wasn’t hard enough for some people, Taiwan has a long rulebook of how not to handle them. Primarily: never stick your chopstick upright into a bowl of rice (as it is said to resemble an incense sacrifice) and never point at anything but your food with them.

Other faux pas include crossing your chopsticks and using your own set for shared dishes. Being a forgiving bunch, Taiwanese are likely to overlook any slip-ups and perhaps offer you a fork instead.

14. Expect curious looks

Is Taipei tourist-friendly? Yes. But the Taiwanese can be shy.

The approachability of Taiwanese people lies at the heart of the island’s charm. Locals tend to be curious when spotting a foreigner, so you may experience a few stares. Nonetheless, you can expect a shy smile underneath. If you catch someone staring quietly, try smiling or striking up a conversation; you may make a new friend.

15. Taiwan and China feel worlds apart

Democratic, LGBTIQ-friendly Taiwan feels like a very different destination from China, and locals may cringe at any mention of the “motherland.”

Many young Taiwanese are fiercely pro-independence, while older generations tend to have a softer attitude towards China, rooted in economic necessity. Because of this divergence, people don’t usually talk politics in polite conversation.

As well as its history with China, the national culture has been shaped by both Japanese colonialists and Indigenous populations, the latter having settled the island up to 14,000 years prior to the arrival of Chinese Han. Learn more about the island’s aboriginal culture at the Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines in Shilin .

This article was first published Jul 17, 2022 and updated Oct 13, 2023.

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The 13 Best Things to See and Do in Taipei

Taipei, the capital of Taiwan and its most populous city, is the epicenter of tourism for the country (though most people just come for a short layover as it’s a major air hub for Asia).

And while there is plenty to do elsewhere in Taiwan , even if you don’t leave Taipei, you can still find lots of things to see and do in the area to fill close to a week!

I love Taipei. I lived here in 2010 while I taught English and built this website. It was a wonderful experience that helped me grow as a person. A decade later, I finally made it back to the city I loved so much and it was remarkable to see that so much of what I loved was still there: the endless gigantic food markets serving some of the best food in the world, a wild nightlife, spacious parks, interesting and quirky museums, and nearby mountains that call to you with easy and accessible hikes.

Taipei (like Taiwan as a whole) is a hugely underrated destination and I can’t urge you enough to visit. It combines culture, nature, wonderful people, and affordability. I don’t understand why more people don’t visit but make their loss, your gain!

To help you plan your trip, here are my top 13 things to do while in Taipei:  

1. Take a Free Walking Tour

One of the first things I do when I arrive in a new destination is take a free walking tour. They show you the lay of the land and help you see a place’s highlights while learning a little about its history and culture. Plus, you get access to a local guide who can answer any and all of your questions.

Like It Formosa offers free daily walking tours around Taipei. Their tours focus more on cultural history than their competitor, Tour Me Away , which also offers free walking tours geared towards the backpacker crowd (Tour Me Away also runs pub crawls).  

2. Visit the National Palace Museum

221, Sec 2, Zhi Shan Road, +886 2 2881 2021, hnpm.gov.tw/?l=2. Open Tuesday-Sunday 9am–5pm. Skip-the-line tickets are 346 TWD while half-day city tours that include entry cost 1,510 TWD.  

3. Soak in the Hot Springs

Admission to the hot springs starts around 60 TWD per person, making it a very affordable getaway for anyone looking for some R&R.

Hot Springs Museum: No. 2, Zhongshan Road, +886 2 2893 9981, hotspringmuseum.taipei. Open daily from 9am-5pm. Admission is free.

Xinbeitou Historic Station: 1 Qixing St., +886 2 2891 5558, xbths.taipei. Open Tuesday-Thursday from 10am-6pm and Friday-Sunday from 10am-8:30pm (closed Mondays). Admission is free.  

4. Take a Cooking Class

Some cooking classes worth checking out are:

• Ivy’s Kitchen
• CookInn Taiwan
• Make My Day Cooking Lab

Expect to pay around 2,500 TWD for a class.  

5. Visit the Museums

Taipei has a lot of museums. Given its size, I was surprised by how many actually they had, especially since the city isn’t known as being a center for museums. Here are some of my favorites:

• National Taiwan Museum – This is the oldest museum in Taiwan and covers its history from a variety of different scientific perspectives, such as anthropology, earth sciences, zoology, and botany. It’s really basic and best if you go with kids. Admission is 30 TWD.
• Miniatures Museum of Taipei – Opened in 1997, this museum is home to over 200 architectural miniatures, including castles, replica towns and streets, and even a 1/12 scale model of Buckingham Palace. It’s a weird museum but pretty cool. Admission is 200 TWD.
• Museum of Contemporary Arts – I’m not a fan of contemporary art myself, but if you are, then don’t miss this museum. It has a rotating collection of exhibits, so there is always something new on display. Admission is 100 TWD.
• Taipei Astronomical Museum – A fun and educational museum with exhibitions on ancient astronomy, technology, telescopes, the solar system, and much more. Admission is 40 TWD.
• Taipei Fine Art Museum – Opened in 1983, this was the first art museum in Taiwan. It’s home to a wide variety of works from both international and Taiwanese artists and hosts rotating exhibitions too. Admission is 30 TWD.
• National 228 Memorial Museum – This museum is dedicated to the tragic events that began on February 28, 1947, when an uprising against the Chinese government started following World War II. Admission is free.

6. Go Hiking

• Xiangshan Trail – An easy 45-minute hike that offers nice views of Taipei. It’s just a 10-minute walk from the Xiangshan MRT station.
• Bitoujiao Trail – Located one hour from town by car, this moderate hike takes you along the coast. The trail is in the Ruifeng District 11km east of Jiufen. The hike takes 2-3 hours.
• Jinmianshan Trail – An easy 1.5-hour hike in Yangmingshan National Park. The trail starts a 10-minute walk from the Xihu MRT station.
• Huang Didian Trail – A challenging ridge hike that takes around five hours. From Muzha Station, board the bus to Huafan University and get off at Huangdi Temple. From there, the trail is 25 minutes away on foot.
• Pingxi Crag Trail – A moderate 2-3-hour hike with lots of steep sections. For experienced hikers only. The trail begins just five minutes away from Pingxi station.

7. Take a Day Trip to Jiufen

Jiufen is tiny. You can walk around in about 30 minutes. The center of the city and its historic streets and buildings are all preserved as they looked 100 years ago so walking around here is a cool experience. Be sure to come early (like first thing in the morning) to beat the crowds because, by midday, the streets are wall-to-wall people. If you stay the night, you’ll also get the city to yourself once the crowds leave around 4pm.

As a tea lover, this is one of my favorite places in Taiwan because it’s home to some beautiful teahouses in the most stunning settings. It also overlooks a bay in the distance, and there are lots of lookouts.

Some teahouses not to miss are:

• Skyline Tea House
• Amei Tea House

Additionally, there are a few museums highlighting the town’s gold mining past, lots of parks and lookouts, and some nearby hiking trails. (If you want to hike, spend the night as you’ll need the extra time.)

The trip will take around 1-1.5 hours by train and bus. Take the train from Songshan Station (in Taipei) to Ruifang Station. From there you can take a bus straight to Jiufen. Expect to spend around 130-200 TWD for your round-trip ticket. There are also tourist buses with organized day trips but these can cost upwards of 1,000 TWD.  

8. See the Temples

• Longshan Temple – Built in 1738, this temple was built to honor the goddess of mercy, Guanyin. There are also statues worshipping 100 other Chinese folk deities here as well. The temple has been damaged or destroyed numerous times by earthquakes or military conflicts, but it is always rebuilt by the locals who still visit and worship at it. No. 211, Guangzhou Street, Wanhua District.
• Bao-an Temple – Dalongdong Baoan Temple (Bao-an for short) is a Taiwanese folk religion temple and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It dates to the mid-18th century and is home to two dragon columns that are over two centuries old. It looks particularly amazing lit up at night. No. 61, Hami Street, Datong District.
• Confucius Temple – Located near the Bao-an temple, this simple temple is dedicated to the famous philosopher Confucius, whose teachings are part of the cultural backbone of both Taiwan and mainland China. It’s modeled after the original Confucius Temple in Qufu, the hometown of Confucius in mainland China. No. 275, Dalong Street, Datong District.

9. Enjoy the View from Taipei 101

Additionally, go to Morton’s Steakhouse for happy hour. Not only do they have super cheap drink specials but their patio provides some extraordinary views of Taipei 101 itself.

No. 7, Section 5, Xinyi Road, taipei-101.com.tw/en. Open daily 11am–9pm. Admission is 600 TWD. Skip-the-line tickets are 1,200. I would definitely recommend getting your ticket in advance.  

10. See the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

In addition to his monument, which is over 75 meters (250 feet) tall, there is also a massive open square where rallies and protests have been held over the years (hence its renaming as Liberty Square). The memorial also houses a library and a museum that documents Chiang Kai-shek’s life and career. It also has exhibits on Taiwan’s history and how the country evolved throughout the years.

No. 21, Zhongshan South Road, Zhongzheng District, +886-2-2343-1100, cksmh.gov.tw/en. Open daily from 9am-6pm. Admission is free.  

11. Ride the Maokong Gondola

Stations at Taipei Zoo (2), Zhinan Temple, and Maokong. Open Monday–Friday 9am–9pm, 8:30am–10pm on weekends. Tickets start at 70 TWD.  

12. Explore the Night Markets

• Shulin Night Market – This is the biggest night market in Taiwan. Opened in 2017, it is home to over 400 vendors and covers a massive 12 acres. It’s full of delicious (and cheap) street food, as well as clothing, electronics, and all sorts of souvenirs and other goods.
• Raohe Night Market – The second most popular night market. Be sure to try the black pepper buns while you’re here. There’s also a Michelin-recognized food stall that you shouldn’t miss called Chen Dong Ribs Stewed in Medicinal Herbs.
• Tonghua Night Market – This night market is popular with locals, as it has a ton of delicious places to eat. It’s essentially a food market more than anything else. Be sure to try the stinky tofu!
• Snake Alley – Located in the former red-light district, Snake Alley (aka Huaxi Street Night Market)it gets its name from the fact that many tourists used to come here to eat snake meat. While I wouldn’t recommend that, there’s a tasty Michelin-recognized stall that’s worth sampling called Hsiao Wang Steamed Minced Pork with Pickles in Broth.
• Ningxia Night Market – This is one of the smaller night markets, so it’s easy to explore (though it does get crowded). There are lots of delicious oyster stalls here.

13. See the National Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall

In addition to the hall’s display of Sun’s possessions, it also serves as a meeting place, educational center, and cultural center.

No. 505, Section 4, Ren’ai Road, (02) 27588008 #546, yatsen.gov.tw/en. Open daily 9am–6pm. Admission is free.

From the food to museums to natural beauty, Taipei is a world-class city that I don’t think people appreciate enough. It needs to be on people’s radar more. I loved my time living there and coming back to visit just reminded me how marvelous (and affordable) the city is!

Make visiting Taipei a priority. With so much to see and do, you’re guaranteed to have an outstanding visit.

Book Your Trip to Taipei: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. Two of my favorite places to stay are:

• Star Hostel
• Meander Taipei Hostel

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Wantt More Information on Taiwan? be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Taiwan for even more planning tips!

Hi, I’m Nomadic Matt, the New York Times best-selling author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day and Ten Years a Nomad, as well as the founder of this website! And I’m here to help you save money on your next trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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The Perfect 3-Day Taipei Itinerary (2024 Updated Travel Guide)

October 14, 2023 by Bino 2 Comments

Taipei has long been an attractive travel destination for travelers from neighboring countries. While it has never really established itself in the backpackers’ trail, the city attracts plenty of midrange and high-end tourists looking to sample the local street food, shop in the night markets, soak in the hot springs and interact with the highly hospitable locals. Personally, Taipei is a feel-good place. I don’t go there expecting to see some mind-boggling sights. Like Tokyo , I go there time and time again for the wonderful ambiance.

If you are heading down south, also check out this Kaohsiung and Tainan itinerary .

Here is a well-balanced itinerary for Taipei that you can do in 3-days. It offers a fine mix between sights, eating and shopping and also has a few off-the-beaten path attractions thrown in.

Tip: If you are heading down to the other cities, check out this current promotion with Klook where Taiwan High Speed Rail tickets are available on a 20% off basis. Valid for Non-Taiwan residents only. Book your Taiwan HSR tickets here

chiang kai shek memorial hall

Day 1 – Quintessential Taipei

Tip: If you are landing in Taoyuan International Airport and wish to buy a local sim card for data needs, the airport does sell these but the queue tends to be quite long (not to mention it can get quite long at immigration as well). A way to circumvent this is by buying your sim card beforehand and just collect at the airport. I usually pre-order the sim card here to avoid the queues and the package also comes with a ticket for the airport train to Taipei.

national palace museum taipei by gary todd

The National Palace Museum (tickets available for the museum here ) is the farthest among Taipei’s attractions so might as well start here in order to devote the rest of your time in the city. When the Kuomintang fled from Mainland China and transferred their seat of power in Taipei, they brought with them plenty of treasured artifacts. These are now stored in the National Palace Museum. This is one of the – if not the – best places to see Chinese art. Good thing about this museum is that it opens at 8:30AM so you can have a relatively early start here. Opening hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm daily except Monday

artwork inside moca taipei by harry li

I am not really a museum type of person but I do recommend heading over to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA) Taipei to see plenty of quirky art pieces. Honestly, this is one of the museums that I genuinely enjoyed and won’t hesitate to return to. Opening hours: 10:00 to 18:00 daily except Monday / Nearest MRT: Taipei Main Station

Tip: Buses run aplenty in Taipei and is the best mode of public transport for those who want to minimize walking to their destination. It’s also the cheapest with fares at TWD 15 per ride. Do note that drivers don’t provide change and for some reason, some buses require payment upon boarding while others require payment upon alighting. You can easily tell these buses apart through the sign board on top of the driver seat. 上 means you pay upon boarding while 下 means you pay when you get off.

Stop over at Jinfeng Braised Pork Rice (#10, Section 1, Roosevelt Road) for lunch. There’s often a long queue here for the rice topped with braised pork. I personally do not enjoy it due to all the fat but many people rave about it. Opening hours: 11:00 to 1:00 daily / Nearest MRT: Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall Station

jinfeng braised pork rice

the gate to the chiang kai shek memorial hall

Make your way to the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall which is just a short walk from Jinfeng. The place is best visited in the afternoon since the façade faces the west. Before the Taipei 101 was built, this structure served as the city’s most iconic structure. While there, make sure to check out the changing of the guard ceremony which happens every hour on the hour. Opening hours: 9:00 to 18:00 / Admission: Free / Nearest MRT: Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall Station

longshan temple

From here, it’s a short bus ride to Longshan Temple , one of the most popular temples in Taipei and a great example of classical Taiwanese architecture. It also offers a good peek at local religious life. Two blocks away from the temple is the historic Bopiliao Walking Street where you can relive the olden days with Taisho (colonial Japanese) era architecture and try your hand at age-old crafts. Opening hours for Longshan Temple: 6:00 to 22:00 / Admission: Free / Nearest MRT: Long Shan Temple Station

red house ximending

Depending on your pace, it’d be late afternoon by this time – just right to witness the lights turning on at the buzzing Ximending shopping area. This is equivalent to Taipei’s high street and you can find all sorts of brands here as well as several shops selling traditional delicacies and tea. The Red House is a symbol of the area and inside you can find plenty of independent stalls run by enterprising locals. If this is your first time in Taipei, you need to check out Ximending. Alternatively, you can also check out this handy guide on Taipei for first timers . Nearest MRT: Ximen Station

While you will find plenty of restaurants in Ximending, I recommend skipping these and heading straight to Ningxia Night Market instead. You can either take a short cab ride or walk the 2km stretch. Taipei is famous for its night markets with each having its own specialty. Ningxia Night Market is well-known for food and people from all over the world come here to eat oyster omelette and mochi. While there are a couple of stores selling these items here, the place you should try for oyster omelette is: 圓環邊蚵仔煎 (Roundabout Oyster Omelette) and for mochi, it’s: 林記燒麻糬 Nearest MRT: Shuanglian Station or Zhongshan Station

Day 2 – Excursion to Yehliu and Jiufen

yehliu geopark by bill so

Start early in the morning and take bus 1815 to Yehliu GeoPark . The journey takes about 1.5 hours and depending on the weather and the crowd, you’ll find plenty of rocks jutting from the ground like mushrooms. It’s a pretty sight except when it gets too crowded. Avoid the weekends if you can. Alternatively, take the train to Pingxi and launch a sky lantern .

Take another bus to Jiufen , an old seaside mining town that has developed into a tourist attraction filled with teahouses, cafes and souvenir shops. It’s a charming place to simply wander around or to spend an hour or two holed up in one of the teahouses. For history buffs, there are also museums showcasing the town’s mining heritage. Alternatively, you can also take a 3-in-1 day tour   from Taipei Main Station which brings you to Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen and back within a day. This option saves you the commuting time and the need to find directions. You can find out more information for the combined tour here .

taipei 101 as seen from shangri-la far eastern plaza hotel taipei

Try to leave Jiufen by around 3 to 3:30pm and head back to Taipei via Bus #1062. Make your way to the Elephant Mountain Trail , a viewpoint that you climb in order to see sweeping views of Taipei 101 during sunset. Alternatively, you can also head up to the observatory of Taipei 101 itself (discounted tickets for Taipei 101 here ). In my opinion, this iconic building is better appreciated from afar.

For a truly special dinner experience, head to RAW (301 Lequn 3rd Road), the restaurant of one-Michelin starred chef, Andre Chiang. The cuisine is a fusion of Taiwanese and French cuisines. It gets booked out easily and online reservations are required.

raohe night market

End your day at the Raohe Night Market located at the other side of the river. This night market packs in a plethora of eats as well as ready-to-wear apparel. Nearest MRT: Songshan Station

Day 3 – Modern and Hipster Taipei

After two whirlwinds days exploring the city’s main attractions and also doing a day trip to Yehliu and Jiufen , your third day can be spent just chilling and exploring the more hipster side of the city. Taipei offers plenty for shopaholics out there and some up-and-coming neighborhoods offer a great counterpoint to characterless shopping malls.

fujin street in taipei

Start your day with some coffee from Fujin Tree 353 Cafe in Fujin Street – probably the most hipster area in Taipei. You’ll find plenty of quirky restaurants and boutiques with equally quirky people patronizing them. Even if you are not looking to buy anything, Fujin Street is also a great place for a stroll, being one of the rare tree-lined streets in the city. Opening hours: 9:00 to 18:00, daily

huashan 1914 creative park by travel oriented

Continuing on with quirky things, head over to Huashan 1914 Creative Park . What used to be a winery has been converted into a creative space attracting writers, moviemakers and even painters. There is always an exhibition going on in here which is worth checking out. You’ll also find a lot of local crafts and independent stores within the vicinity. Do note that the park is actually quite spread out and you’ll find the stores and exhibition areas in different buildings within the complex. It may not be an ideal place to visit whenever it’s raining. For tech geeks, you can continue on to Guanghua Digital Plaza for all your IT needs. Taiwan is a major manufacturer of computers and hardware. Opening hours: 11:00 to 21:00, daily / Nearest MRT: Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station

daan forest park mrt station

Pause for lunch at the famous Lin Dong Fang (#274, Section 2, Bade Road) for some delicious beef noodles before continuing on to Daan Forest Park for some r&r. The namesake metro station – Daan Forest Park – is an attraction in itself with curved glass curtain walls and plenty of art installations. Two metro stops away is the Kishu An Forest of Literature where you’ll be transported to another world with its Japanese style bungalow. Opening hours: 10:00 to 18:00, Tuesday to Sunday (until 21:00 on Friday and Saturday)

matcha canele at heiankyo in taipei

While you are in the general vicinity, check out Heiankyo (165 Shida Road, open 12:30PM to 8:00PM except Tuesdays) for some traditional and modern matcha-based desserts. My personal favorites are the matcha canele (the first time I’ve seen one) and the rich and flavorful match ice cream. The venue is highly authentic, replete with a mini Japanese rock garden outside and interiors mimicking a traditional tea house.

koo chen fu national library at national taiwan university

Even those who have no interest in reading will probably be awed by the interiors of the Koo Chen Fu National Library (inside the National Taiwan University). Designed by Japanese architect, Toyo Ito, the reading room is made up of over 88 white columns that creates something like a forest out of minimalism. Admission is free but do note the library closes slightly earlier, at 5PM, during Saturdays and it’s closed on Sundays.

old buildings in dihua street by adam jones

Spend the late afternoon at Dihua Street , a colonial era part of town that has been rejuvenated with plenty of traditional shops. You’ll find Chinese medicine stores interspersing with cafes, antique shops as well as the odd art studio. Opening hours: 10:00 to 22:30, daily / Nearest MRT: Shuanglian Station

End the day at Shilin Night Market , undoubtedly Taipei’s biggest and most well-known night market. The place is known for local delights such as stinky tofu as well as oyster mee sua so make sure to come with an empty stomach. Opening hours: 15:00 to 1:00, daily / Nearest MRT: Jiantan Station

Getting to Taipei from Taoyuan International Airport

• Available 24 hours. Taxis cost roughly TWD 1,000  to 1200 from the airport to the city center. Alternatively, you can book pre-arranged rides here at around 15 to 20% cheaper than taxis. If there are 3 to 4 persons in your group, this option is recommended over public transport or the MRT.
• The relatively new Taoyuan Airport MRT gets you from the airport to Taipei Main Station in roughly 37 minutes. The price is TWD 230 per person. You can buy tickets online at a hefty discount.
• You can also take one of several airport buses that stop in Taipei’s main station. In case you’re arriving in Taipei past midnight and don’t wish to spend on taxis, take the #1819 Kuo Kuang bus. It costs TWD 125.

Travel Tips for Taipei

• Best time to visit Taipei: It is between October to March when the days are relatively cool. Even during the “depth of winter” in January, temperatures rarely fall below 10 degrees celsius. Summer is between June to September and it can get really hot and humid in the city. That being said, summer is the best time to visit the city if you wish to see the city with sunshine. This is especially helpful if you wish to climb Elephant Mountain for instance and witness a nice sunset blanketing the city. Taipei is notoriously known for its prolonged cloud cover. It’s one of the least sunniest capitals in the world!
• Travel Insurance: In these uncertain times, it may be wise to get travel insurance before traveling to Taiwan. If you reside in Singapore, check out Starr Travelead , one of the cheapest travel insurance. They have a promotion that comes with S$10 cash rebate that helps to cover the insurance cost. 
• Changing Money in Taipei: If you come from Singapore and are armed with Singapore Dollars, you might find the rates in DBS (the local Taipei branch) quite competitive. For folks from elsewhere who are bringing in USD, you can change money in the airport. The spread is slightly less than 1%. In the city, it is advisable to change money at large banks such as Bank of Taiwan.
• Transport Passes: If you foresee yourself taking buses and the subway in Taipei, it is advisable to purchase their local transport pass – the Easycard . You get 20% discount for public transport rides in Taipei. It also works in Kaohsiung’s public transport system as well as for supermarket, convenience store and other places. At the end of your trip, you can refund any unused amount with a mere TWD 20 service charge. 

Where to stay in Taipei

citizenm taipei hotel

Taipei has a plethora of accommodation options but the city is most well-known for its boutique hotels – some of which have “branches” throughout the capital. I personally enjoyed staying at citizenM Taipei Northgate with its high-tech rooms and beds situated just next to the window with panoramic views of the city. The property is also 5 minutes walk to the airport MRT station and 15 minutes walk to Ximending. Alternatively, the amba Taipei Zhongshan will attract those who are into a clean, all-white and minimalist theme. You can also check out more Taipei hotels HERE  to compare for the best prices.

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Hi, my name is Bino and I started I Wander around 15 years ago with the aim of sharing about some of my personal journeys and experiences, hoping that the information may benefit readers like yourselves. Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below. Alternatively, you can also email me at b i n o (at) iwandered.net. You can follow I Wander on Facebook , Telegram , or Instagram . Also, if you liked this article, please feel free to SHARE or RETWEET

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February 23, 2018 at 12:45 am

Great post Bino. I agree that Taipei is a feel-good place. I visited for the first time last month on an independent trip with a friend. I went to Huashan 1914 Creative Park on a cold and rainy day expecting it to be indoors. Ha ha! Ended up spending most of my time watching a movie in the SPOT cinema. It was interesting reading about your suggested itinerary. I wrote my own version of a 2-day itinerary on my blog!

September 3, 2019 at 3:01 pm

SIR BINO, YOUR TAIPEI TOUR WAS VERY INFORMATIVE. GOT LOTS OF IDEAS. AM SURE YOUR WRITE UPS ON TAIPEI WILL HELP OUR SEPT. 2019 TRIP TO TAIPEI MEMORABLE MORE POWER TO YOU. GOD LOVES US ALL. THANK YOU.

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21 Exciting Things To Do In Taipei: Must-See Attractions Every First-Timer Needs to Experience

Can’t say you’ve visited until you’ve experienced these 21 exciting things to do in Taipei.

I’ve always pegged Taipei as the go-to destination for bubble tea obsessed teenage girls. But hey! Turns out, Taipei has so much more to offer.

From the iconic Taipei 101 and breathtaking views at the Yehliu Geopark to partying hotspots at Ximending, the capital of Taiwan has a little bit of everything. It’s even perfect if you just want to kick back and wind down, with relaxing sites like the Beitou Hot Springs or artsy places like Huashan Creative Park — Taipei really has it all!

This list contains 21 exciting things to do in Taipei whether it’s your first or 10th time to this charming city. 😉

P/S. The best way to get around Taipei for first-timers is with the Taipei Fun Pass , which offers free unlimited public transport and entrance fees to some attractions — but more on that later!

Breathtaking Must-Sees in Taipei

1) enjoy the beautiful skyline at taipei 101.

You can’t travel to Taipei and not visit the most iconic attraction. Standing at 508m high, Taipei 101 was the world’s tallest building from 2004–2010 (since overtaken by the Burj Khalifa ) and boasts an unbelievably scenic view, especially at night!

It’s not just one of those observation decks though — it’s also a high-end shopping mall, and you can also witness the building’s wind damper that stabilises it during strong winds or earthquakes.

Entrance Fee: NT$600 (Free with Taipei Fun Pass ) Opening Hours: 11AM – 9PM (Mon – Fri), 10AM – 9PM (Sat – Sun); last admission at 8:30PM How to get there: Take the MRT to Taipei 101 Station. Observation decks are on the 88th and 89th floors, with an outdoor deck on the 91st floor opened on some occasions, weather permitting.

2)  Marvel at the natural wonders of Yehliu Geopark

Photo credit: Maryjoy Caballero  via  Unsplash

The park is known for its unique rock formations that jut out the land’s surface, looking like it’s straight out of a sci-fi movie. If I had to imagine what Pluto or Uranus looked like, this would be it!

The most iconic structure at Yehliu Geopark is the Queen’s head that’s supposedly named after its likeness to ancient Egyptian Queen Nefertiti . Unfortunately the neck of the Queen’s head is showing signs of erosion, and the head may fall off by 2020 or even sooner ☹️. So if you’re planning to go here, go soon!

Entrance Fee: NT$80 (Free with Taipei Fun Pass ) Opening Hours: 8AM – 5PM How To Get There : Take the MRT to Tamsui Station, and then take shuttle bus 862 to Crown Northern Coastline.

3) Get lost in Jiufen Town

Take a trip back to ancient Taiwan at the Jiufen Old Street . Its cobblestone pathways, historical architecture and pretty lights alone make the trip out well worth the travel.

But most people really come here for the street food — from classic Taiwanese sausages to chewy taro balls!

For a more detailed list of must-eats in Jiufen, check out our Shifen & Jiufen guide !

How to get there:  Take Bus 965 from Banqiao Station and drop off at either Jiufen or Jinguashi.

4) Hike up the Elephant Mountain to catch the sunset

Hands down, this is the best vantage point to catch the sunset (and get a shot of Taipei’s skyline with Taipei 101 actually in it).

The hike up Elephant Mountain is relatively easy (the physical activity is well worth it!) — a 20-minute walk up will get you there. Make sure you reach the peak a little before sunset so you get to see the buildings gradually light up!

How to get there:  Take the MRT to Xiangshan Station and walk out via Exit 2. Then, follow the signs to the start of the trail.

5) Ride a gondola up Maokong Mountain

Another way to experience the city skyline is by taking this 25-minute gondola ride up Maokong Mountain , where a quaint village famous for locally brewed tea is at. It’s the perfect respite from the bustle of the city for some peace and quiet!

Photo credit: Where Food Takes Us

To experience the glass-bottomed carriage, get onto the “Eyes of the Maokong” gondola.

Cost:  NT$120 one way (Two free one way tickets with Taipei Fun Pass ) Opening Hours:  Generally 8:30AM – 9PM, closes 10PM on Saturdays. Check weather conditions on the  official website  before going. How to get there:  Take the MRT to Taipei Zoo Station. Then, follow the signs leading to the gondola (the gondola makes three stops to get to Maokong).

6) Hop on Miramar Park’s ferris wheel for sick views

If you’d like to soak in the city skyline in a more intimate setting (couples, we’re talking to you!), Miramar Park ‘s ferris wheel does the trick! The 95m-high wheel goes around for 17 minutes — enough for a romantic private proposal against the sunset, perhaps?

Entrance Fee: NT$150, NT$200 on weekends (Free with Taipei Fun Pass ) Opening Hours: 11AM – 11PM, closes 12AM on Fridays and Saturdays. How to get there: Take the MRT to Jianna RD station and leave from exit 3.

Exciting Things to Do in Taipei

7) go on a satisfying food crawl at shilin night market.

Passion Fruit Cheese Oyster

There are way too many night markets to keep track in Taipei (Taipei is, after all, synonymous with street food), but if there is one you have to visit, it’s the Shilin Night Market boasting over 500 street food vendors. So time to put on your big boy/girl pants because you’ll need to make room!

Besides the passion fruit cheese oysters (pictured above), I personally enjoyed the princess cheese potato (mashed potato generously topped with nacho cheese, corn and bacon) and coffin bread as well (grilled buttered toast stuffed with savoury fillings). Just go crazy and try everything!

Opening Hours:  5PM – 12AM How to get there: Take the MRT to Jiantan Station and walk 100m from Exit 1.

Read also: 11 Food to Eat in Shilin Night Market, Taiwan

8) Explore Yangmingshan National Park

Photo credit: Get Your Guide

Another piece of evidence that Taipei is both a city destination and nature getaway at the same time. Yangmingshan is the only park in Taipei, and arguably the most popular one in Taiwan due to its hot springs and sulphur crystals!

Go hiking at Xiaoyoukeng to get to the park’s highest peak, and dip your feet into the hot springs at Lengshuikeng afterwards. You’ll want to make it to Qingtiangang by sunset though, for the best view!

Entrance Fee:  Free Opening Hours:  9AM – 4:30PM, closed on last Monday of every month How to get there: Take bus 260 from Taipei Main Station or the Red 30 or 208 from Jiantan MRT Station and will drop you directly to Yangmingshan National Park bus station. From there follow to signs to the park.

9) Make new furry friends at the Taipei Zoo

People won’t normally think about visiting Taipei Zoo , but as one of Asia’s largest zoos it’s worth a visit if you have extra time to spare with 14 exhibition areas housing pandas, koalas and penguins (and rare species like the Sika Deer and Swinhoe’s Pheasant). It’ll be a hit with couples/families with young kids!

Entrance Fee:  NT$60 (Free with Taipei Fun Pass ) Opening Hours:  9AM – 5PM, last entry at 4PM. Animal exhibits close at 4:30PM. How to get there:  Take the MRT to Taipei Zoo and walk out from Exit 1.

10) Party it up at Ximending

One of the best things about visiting a city is that it never sleeps, and therefore neither should you! Ximending is where locals party with bars and clubs that run till the wee hours of the morning.

If you’re not a hardcore clubber like me and prefer chilling with a few beers, I recommend heading to Driftwood, that’s owned by Taihu Brewing . It serves great local Taiwanese beer that went down my throat smoother than water (drinks from NT$200).

Driftwood Opening Hours:  5PM – 11:30PM Address: No. 46 Kunming Street, Wanhua Dist., Taipei

11) Shop till you drop at the Di Hua District

Photo credit: calinite17 via  Flickr

The Di Hua district is a fusion of modernity and tradition. Row after row of rustic brick buildings and narrow lanes, you’ll find many small boutique shops selling clothes, handmade soaps, delicious food, bags, souvenirs, and more! The charming, unassuming streets managed to rob quite a bit of my cash but I was happy with my buys.

The Taipei Fun Pass lets you score some deals around the area, like 10% off your bill from dining at Muhills Restaurant and complimentary cake at Lee Cake . Opening Hours:  10AM – 10:30PM How to get there: Take the MRT to Beimen Station. Then, take Exit 3 and walk down Tacheng Street until you reach Dihua Road about 1km away.

12) Get your fortune told by birds at Longshan Temple

Photo credit: Taiwan Tourism Bureau

Longshan Temple holds a special spot in the hearts of the Taiwanese. It’s almost 300 years old and managed to survive the infamous destructive raid during World War II where 3,800 bombs were dropped onto the city.

The architecture of the building is marvellous, and the entire place is filled with so much culture and history. I spent a few hours wandering around the temple getting lost in the serenity of it all. And If you’re in the mood for a whacky adventure, there’s a booth at the Longshan Temple Underground Bazaar that offers fortune telling services by birds (From NT$1,000).

Longshan Temple Entrance Fee: Free Opening Hours: 6AM – 10PM How to get there: Take the blue line of the metro to Longshan Temple Station.

Relaxing Things to Do in Taipei

13) visit taipei’s own niagara falls — shifen waterfall.

At first glance, Taipei appears to be a concrete jungle with its skyscrapers and many shopping malls, but look deeper and you’ll find a ton of hidden gems. One of them is the 40m-tall Shifen Waterfall that’s been dubbed the Little Niagara of Taiwan!

How to get there: From Taipei Main Station, take a northbound train ( except  Keelung-bound trains) and alight at Ruifang Station. Then, transfer to the Pingxi Line and alight at Shifen Station. From the station it is a 20 minute walk, there are English signs along the way for you to follow!

14) Take a dip in Taipei’s Beitou Hot Springs

Just a stone’s throw away from Taipei city centre, the Beitou district has an entire day’s worth of attractions to offer. The two main highlights are the Millenium Hot Springs and Thermal Valley !

The former is a public bath (four of them, to be exact) while the latter, also known as Hell Valley, is basically a turquoise-coloured pool in a crater that stays boiling hot. Beyond just being absolutely beautiful to look at and walk through, the water has the radioactive element radium, that’s said to boast healing properties.

*Pro-tip: Towels are not provided so bring your own!

Entrance Fee:  NT$40 (Millennium Hot Springs), Free (Thermal Valley) Opening Hours:  5:30AM – 7:30AM, 8AM – 10AM, 10:30AM – 1PM, 1:30PM – 4PM, 4:30PM – 7PM, 7:30PM – 10PM How to get there: Take the MRT Tamsui-Xinyi Line to Beitou Station and transfer to the Xinbeitou Line, and alight at Xinbeitou Station. Upon exiting station, Xinbeitou Station. walk straight on either side of the park to find the hot springs.

15) Explore the secluded Heping Island-Park

The Heping Island Park looks out over the undulating rocks and sandy slopes that eventually stretch out into the Pacific Ocean. It’s the perfect place to stroll along the shore, or even settle down for a nice picnic and relaxing swim!

Entrance Fee:  NT$80 (Free with Taipei Fun Pass ) Opening Hours:  8AM – 6PM (May – Oct), 8AM – 5PM (Nov – Apr) How to get there: Take the MRT to Tamsui Station on the red line. Then, take the Coastal Keelung Shuttle Bus (T99) to Peace Island-Park.

Explore the Artistic Side of Taipei

16)  soak in the culture of taiwan at the national palace museum.

The National Palace Museum is home to 690,000 pieces of ancient Chinese art spanning across 8,000 years worth of history, and arguably hosts the world’s largest and finest collection of Chinese art!

Look out for the famous Jadeite Cabbage , a piece of jade carved into the shape of a Chinese cabbage and the Mao Gong Ding , a cauldron with the longest inscription on any ancient Chinese bronze.

Entrance Fee:  NT$350 (Free with Taipei Fun Pass ) Opening Hours:  8:30AM – 6:30PM (Sun – Thu), closes 9PM on Fridays and Saturdays. How to get there: Take the MRT to Shilin Station, then walk out from Exit 1 to take Bus 30.

17)  Feel like a giant at the Miniature Museum of Taiwan

The Miniature Museum , also known as the museum of dreams, is the first museum in Asia to collect miniatures. Famous places like the Buckingham Palace and Rose Mansion are exquisitely replicated here, and even the smallest functioning television in the world!

Entrance Fee:  NT$200 (Free with Taipei Fun Pass ) Opening Hours:  10AM – 6PM, closed on Mondays How to get there: Take the MRT to Songjiang Nanjing Station, and take Exit 4.

18) Take quirky photos at Huashan 1914 Creative Park

Rows upon rows of dystopian-looking buildings have been repurposed to become an artsy space at the Huashan 1914 Creative Park , and is now filled with cute cafes, boutique shops, local bookstores, galleries and even art exhibitions.

The quaint district felt almost magical, a drastic change from the fast-paced city life of Taipei, with few people strolling the streets and quirky exhibits scattered all over. When we visited, there was even a Lay’s exhibition (pictured above)!

Entrance Fee: Free Opening Hours:  9:30AM – 9PM, closes 10PM on Fridays and Saturdays. How to get there: Take the MRT to Zhong Xiao Xing Sheng Station. Take Exit 1, then walk straight. When you see an underpass and a giant red diamond, cross the street.

19) Visit world renowned artist Juming’s work at the Juming Museum

Juming is a world renowned local artist in Taiwan whose main medium of expression is through sculpting. A lot of his work is a reflection of what he had seen growing up, either inspired by his interaction with the war or just the culture around him. As you walk into the exhibition space, you’ll see an interesting row of sculpted soldiers from the Civil War marching towards the entrance.

I really enjoyed this museum because the art was very accessible, and that I at least learnt something about Taiwan as I left.

Entrance Fee:  NT$350 (Free with Taipei Fun Pass ) Opening Hours:  10AM – 6PM (May – Oct), 10AM – 5PM (Nov – Apr) How to get there: Take the MRT to Tamsui Station, and then take shuttle bus 862 to Crown Northern Coastline.

20) Take Instagram-worthy photos at Graffiti Lane

Photo credit: Taipei Expat

Also known as America Street, Graffiti Lane is an open-air art gallery of legal street art. The Taipei Youth Art Centre manages the artworks in this lane by reviewing proposals from both local artists and the property owners themselves. Come prepared with some swanky outfits for that perfect Instagram shot!

Entrance Fee:  Free Address: No. 19, Kangding Road, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108 (This address will take you to the Taipei Cinema Park . Graffiti Lane is in the alley behind).

21) Catch a performance at Ximending’s Red House

The Red House is considered Taiwan’s most iconic location in the cultural and creative industry. Constructed in 1908 by Japanese architect Kondo Juro, it was the first public market in Taiwan that’s now home to creative art shops, cute cafes and a fully equipped performance space.

Come during the weekend to experience the outdoor bazaar set up in front of the building, where up-and-coming artists sell their work/products!

Opening Hours:  11AM – 9:30PM, closed on Mondays Address : No. 10, Chengdu Road, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108

Save time and money with this Taipei essential — the Taipei Fun Pass

We made use of the Taipei Fun Pass for this trip, which comes really handy especially if it’s your first time to Taipei and want to visit all of the city’s best attractions.

There are three different passes to get, but I got the 3-Day Unlimited Card that’s probably the best of the lot. For NT$1,900, I could visit up to 16 attractions for free, on top of unlimited rides on public trains and buses. I easily covered the cost of the card by just visiting eight attractions (incl. transport there), without even needing to rush around.

Another perk of the Taipei Fun Pass is scoring discounts at shops and restaurants around Taipei (there are over 200 of them), like Fleish Cafe , No.01 Food Theatre Restaurant , Red 99 Spicy Mala Hot Pot .

On top of cost savings (and not having to worry about topping up my card for public transport at all), you also save time with the pass by jumping the queues at attractions and entering them directly!

The best introduction to Taiwan — Taipei

Taipei is an extremely multi-faceted city, and a gift that keeps on giving. Just when you think you’re done exploring the city, you discover a whole other side to it! Beyond just its city-life allure with late night partying and beautiful city skylines, Taipei doubles up as a nature getaway, a relaxing vacation spot and an arts hub. I’ve never been to a country where I genuinely believed that it had something to offer for everyone.

Read also: 4D3N Taipei Itinerary — Insider guide to exploring Taipei and its outskirts like a local

We hope this exciting list of things to do will help you plan your Taipei adventure! Let us know in the comments if we missed out on anything.

This post was brought to you by Taipei Fun Pass .

Like what you see? Follow us on  Facebook ,  Instagram , and  YouTube  for more travel updates!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Travel Intern (@thetravelintern) on Feb 25, 2019 at 4:56am PST

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Taipei is such an exciting place to see in Taiwan! Great list on what to do in Taipei for the first-timers! Very detailed and interesting! Thanks for sharing!

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Where to go in taipei — 14+ must-see & best places to visit in taipei.

Traveling to Taipei is a trend in recent years. You can come here to visit, shop, study nature or enjoy food… All of them are wonderful because Taipei owns the wonderful things that only this city has. The following attractions you definitely must visit to make your Taipei trip perfect and complete! So, where to go in Taipei (where to go in Taiwan Taipei) and best places to go in Taipei? Let’s check it out our suggested places to visit in Taipei Taiwan with 14+ top places to visit in Taipei (Taipei top attractions) and best places to visit in Taipei including Taipei interesting places to visit, top ten places to visit in Taipei, Taipei places of interest… to find out the answer.

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• Jiufen travel blog — Jiufen day trip from Taipei: How to spend 1 perfect day in Jiufen?
• Must eat food in Taipei — Top 23+ best street food in Taipei & best places to eat them

National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

When traveling to Taipei, we should also know about the history of the cities we have visited. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is one of the largest historic buildings in Taipei with great value, where almost any visitor must visit once. His life is closely linked to the destiny of traditional Chinese culture and forms a country rich in Chinese identity as we see it today.

Chiang Kai-shek National Memorial Hall is divided into 5 main parts:

• Chiang Kai-shek Memorial House (Main Hall)
• Chiang Kai-shek Statue.
• Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Park
• The National Theater and National Concert Hall
• The 1st floor of Memorial Hall

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is a very large square with a huge entry gate, the inside area is divided into 5 sections as mentioned above. The two sides of the main Memorial Hall are The National Theater and National Concert Hall which were built in the bold traditional style of the Chinese architecture, sophisticated and unique. The giant statue of Chiang Kai-shek is placed in a building with blue-roof, white walls and surrounded by galleries with large document storage about Taiwan’s history and culture. When you come here, you also have the opportunity to admire the serious guards in military uniform and the change of the guard is very solemn.

Address: No.21, Zhongshan S.Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei City 10048, Taiwan Phone: +886-2-2343-1100 Hours: 9AM–6PM Height: 76 m (249 ft) Admission: Free Url: https://en.cksmh.gov.tw/ Getting there: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is located in the Freedom Square Taipei (Zhongzheng District) in central Taipei so you can easily get here by bus or MRT (take the Red Line or Green Line).

National Palace Museum (#best places to visit in taipei)

With more than 700.000 artifacts still preserved or restored, the National Palace Museum is a huge art collection that in this trip to Taipei, you must visit to admire. The National Palace Museum of Taipei is also one of the largest museums in the world displaying royal artifacts and works of art, so you must definitely see the beauty of this museum once, from architecture in general to artifacts in particular.

There are artifacts of more than 10.000 years of age, from the Stone Age to the end of the Qing Dynasty. Really, it can be said that the National Palace Museum is huge and magical. In which, the paintings, calligraphy, jade statues, ceramics, jewelry and religious artifacts are displayed in abundance, each artifact has a separate story and document. You can spend the whole day admire each item carefully. The average visit time is about 3 hours.

Address: No. 221, Sec 2, Zhi Shan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111 Hours: 8:30AM–6:30PM / Friday & Saturday: 8:30AM–9PM Tickets: 250 TWD ($8.04) Founded: October 10, 1925 Phone: +886 2 2881 2021 Url: https://www.npm.gov.tw/en/ Getting there: Take the bus number 18, 19, 30, 255, 304, 805. You can catch these buses at Taipei station.

Almost every Taiwanese film has an image of this famous tower, a proud symbol of Taiwanese people, so no one visited Taipei but skipped the building. This is the second tallest tower in the world with 101 floors and is the busiest international commercial and financial center of Taipei. To visiting the entire of the building will takes 2 to 3 hours.

Inside the Taipei 101 is luxurious and sophisticated, from the 1st to 5th floor are the shopping malls, which gathers many famous brands around the world and famous Chinese-style restaurants, especially the extremely famous dimsum restaurant of Din Tai Fung (Read more: Visit Din Tai Fung Taipei Original (Din Tai Fung Xinyi) — Tasting the best dimsum at the best dimsum restaurant in the world ) .

At the 88th floor of the tower, you can view the whole of Taipei, a modern and magnificent picture, especially when the sunset gradually descends. Tickets to the 88th floor cost about 600 TWD ($19.30) and will be cheaper if you buy online in advance. In addition, you also have the world’s fastest elevator experience and see the world’s largest balancing sphere in the building. Besides, don’t forget to watch the documentary about the building process, very interesting.

On clear days, the weather is nice, many people line up to see the scenery at the 88th floor of Taipei 101. So you can go early, or go in the noon, to avoid have to queue too long.

Location: Xinyi Special District, Xinyi District; Taipei, Taiwan Address: No. 45 Shifu Road, Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan. Hours: 9 am – 10 pm Admission: Free. Tickets to the 88th floor are 600 TWD ($19.30)/person. Top floor: 439.2 m (1,441 ft) Cost: NT$ 58 billion; (US$1.934 billion) Url: https://www.taipei-101.com.tw Getting there: Take the MRT to World Trade Center station, EXIT 1. From here, you can take pictures of the building. After that, walk 200 meters to enter inside.

Zhongxiao Dunhua shopping street

If Taipei City Hall has luxury goods for the elite, Zhongxiao Dunhua has items with prices for everyone, especially budget or mid-range price fashion items like H&M, Zara, F21, Uniqlo, … Almost all Taipei tourists and even locals love shopping at stores in this area.

In addition, Zhongxiao Dunhua is also the place where all of delicious and “eye-catching” Taiwanese restaurants are gathered. The “popular” eateries has, luxury restaurants also. After freely shopping, then find a eatery to stop by for a break, recharge energy.

Location: Da’an District, Taipei, Taiwan. Opening hours: 24 hours Admission: Free Getting there: This neighborhood stretches from MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing to MRT Zhongxiao Dunhua, so you get off at MRT Zhongxiao Dunhua as the most convenient.

New Taipei City Hall (#where to go in taipei)

Taipei City Hall is very close to Taipei 101 so in your Taipei travel itinerary, when you visited Taipei 101, it is only a 5 – 10 minute walk to Taipei City Hall. The area is considered to be the most bustling and busiest place in Taipei when companies, shopping centers, restaurants and the most beautiful cafes concentrate here to raise the modernity and dynamism of city.

The world-class fashion brands, famous restaurants and even the most sophisticated craft shops are present on the streets. When night falls, Taipei City Hall lights up, everything will be spectacular. All your needs about travel and shopping in Taipei will be met in this area.

Ximending Night Market

If you want to enjoy delicious, nutritious, cheap food, stop by the Ximending night market. Tourist cities that have night markets almost always bring a more youthful and bustling feel than cities that don’t. Any night market also attracts visitors by popular goods, diverse street food. Even without shopping, you can still take a walk, admiring the bustling scene of the night market. Cheap fashion items such as clothes, jewelry, shoes and bags, even handicrafts can also be found at this Ximending night market.

In addition, Taipei also has other famous and crowded night markets such as Raohe Night Market, Shilin Night Market, Fuhe Flea Market …

• Ximending food blog: Ximending street food — What to eat in Ximending, Taipei ?
• Taipei night market food — Top 18 best Taipei street food night market you should try
• Top night markets in Taiwan — Top 11 best night markets in Taiwan .

Address: No. 177 Xining South Street, Wanhua District, Taipei, Taiwan. Opening hours: 11AM–11PM Admission: Free entrance

Huashan 1914 Creative Park (#where to visit in taipei)

The source of energy, enthusiasm and creativity of Taiwanese youth are mostly concentrated in this park. From a wine factory, the government has turned this place into an innovative park for young people, art lovers and street entertainment activities.

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