free tourist spots in taipei

The 47 best free attractions in Taipei

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1 Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

2 Shilin Night Market

3 Taipei Zoo

4 daan park, 5 taipei 101 shopping center.

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6 Bangka Lungshan Temple

7 yangmingshan national park, 8 taipei 101 observatory, 9 national dr. sun yat-sen memorial hall, 10 jianguo holiday flower market, 11 xiangshan, 12 beitou hot springs resort, 13 yangmingshan national park management office, 14 yehliu geopark, 15 taipei botanical garden.

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16 Songshan Ciyou Temple

17 xinsheng park area of taipei expo park, 18 chiang kai-shek shilin residence, 19 songshan ci hui temple, 20 linjiang night market, 21 ximending night market, 22 xiangshan trail, 23 228 peace memorial park, 24 bitan tourist attraction, 25 dahu park.

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26 Treasure Hill Artist Village

27 huaxi street night market, 28 xiangshan park, 29 taipei water park, 30 jingmei night market, 31 jiancheng park, 33 44 south military village building d, 34 yangmingshan american military housing, 35 miculture tiger mountain.

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36 XinYi Bookstore

37 taipei public library beitou branch, 38 linsen park, 39 bamboo lake, 40 beitou park, 41 dajia riverside park, 42 junjian yan hiking trail, 43 taipei city hakka cultural park, 44 rongxing garden, 45 zhongshan park.

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46 Tianmu Historic Trail

47 fuyang eco park, top searches in taipei, popular road trips from taipei, what's the weather like in taipei.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Taipei for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Taipei in January
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All road trips from Taipei

• Taipei to Taichung drive
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Explore nearby places

• Miaoli City
• Hualien City
• Changhua City
• Nantou City
• Yonaguni-cho
• Pingtan County
• Lianjiang County
• Taketomi-cho
• Luoyuan County
• Xiapu County

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Taipei throughout the year

• Taipei in January
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• Taipei in September
• Taipei in October
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Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Taipei?

Get inspired for your trip to Taipei with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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Best free attractions in nearby cities

• The best free attractions in New Taipei
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• The best free attractions in Taketomi-cho
• The best free attractions in Ruifang

Best attractions in nearby cities

• Top things to do and attractions in Taichung
• Top things to do and attractions in Taoyuan
• Top things to do and attractions in Fuzhou
• Top things to do and attractions in Hsinchu
• Top things to do and attractions in Hualien City
• Top things to do and attractions in Changhua City
• Top things to do and attractions in Chiayi
• Top things to do and attractions in Yilan City
• Top things to do and attractions in Yonaguni-cho
• Top things to do and attractions in Da'an
• Top things to do and attractions in Wanhua
• Top things to do and attractions in Banqiao

Best restaurants in nearby cities

• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Taichung
• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Fuzhou
• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Hsinchu
• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Hualien City
• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Changhua City
• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Keelung
• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Yilan City
• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Yonaguni-cho
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• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Banqiao

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The Best Free Walking Tours in Taipei, Taiwan

Doing a walking tour is one of the best ways to experience a large city like Taipei , especially when you first arrive. It can help you get oriented, make new friends, and understand the culture and history from a local’s perspective.

Below I’m going to recommend four free Taipei walking tours run by two different organizations, Like it Formosa and TourMeAway . All of them highly informative and well organized, so I suggest you decide based on which one has the time, day, and places you prefer.

Keep in mind that even though these tours are “free”, tipping is recommended . Even though tipping is not expected for almost everything in Taiwan, the guides on free walking tours may be university students, elderly, and/or local volunteers who could really use the money. (Read more here about tipping in Taiwan .)

A recommended tip is TWD 200 to 500 , for each person in your group, depending on how satisfied you are. This is still cheaper than a paid tour. Kids are allowed, but they’ll need to walk far and it can be very hot in the daytime.

I’ll also recommend some paid/private walking tours of Taipei at the end.

Table of Contents

Four Taipei Free Walking Tours

The following four walking tours in Taipei are run by two different organizations, Like It Formosa and TourMeAway. They are in no particular order.

If you need to store some luggage before doing the walking tour, find out how to find and use Taipei’s luggage lockers here .

Like It Formosa: Taipei Free Walking Tour Historic Route

Like it Formosa’s free Taipei Walking Tour covers some of the most important modern and historical attractions in Taipei’s Old City (Wanhua district, also called Mengjia or Bangka), including popular Ximending neighborhood, and the adjacent Zhongshan district.

These include Longshan Temple (the city’s most famous and important temple), Bopiliao Historical Block (a walking street of old restored buildings), Red House Theater (Japanese era building now the center of Taipei’s LGBTQ+ scene), the Presidential Office Building , and 2/28 Peace Park , which commemorates the 2/28 tragedy .

You’ll finish the tour at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall , which you’ll probably want to further explore on your own.

This tour is run by passionate and highly knowledgeable local guides . It serves as a great intro the city. (First timers should also see my guides to getting from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei or Taoyuan Airport to Ximending ).

It runs every day from 10 AM to 1 PM. Consider to avoid Mondays, when Red House Theater and Bopiliao are closed.

You’ll need to wait till the end for lunch, but don’t worry, there’s a mid-tour stop for traditional Taiwanese ice cream . The ice cream shop where they stop has been going since 1945, and this kind of ice cream is vegan (see my Taiwan vegan guide ).

If you’re starving at the end of the tour, I recommend going for soup dumplings ( xiaolongbao ) here or here beside CKS Memorial Hall. These are good alternatives to the always packed Din Tai Fung, Taiwan’s most famous restaurant.

You’re allowed to just show up , but they like it you reserve a spot on Klook or on the tour site , so they can know how many are joining.

If you book the tour on Klook, use my Klook referral link to register for your account first. This will give you a free credit on the checkout page when you book any other activities, tickets, etc. in Taiwan.

Like It Formosa: Free Walking Tour Golden Age Route

Like it Formosa has another free Taipei walking tour. The Golden Age Route starts at Beimen , which was the northern gate of Taipei’s Old City. It is the only one of Taipei’s Old City gates that retains its original look.

From there, the tour goes further north to Dihua Street in Dadaocheng area . This is often called “Taipei’s Oldest Street”. This street thrived when Dadaocheng Port opened up beside it on the river. Today it is known for its Chinese herbs and medicine shops, tea shops, and traditional fabric market.

On the tour, you’ll also visit the small but very important Xia Hai City God Temple . This temple has one of the city’s noisiest parades on the god’s birthday (usually around June). There’s an elaborate sequence of rituals for doing prayers at this temple – the guides will show you how.

Join this tour if you’ve already done the main sights in the Old City and you want to get a little more off the beaten track in Taipei – with experienced locals showing you the way.

The free walking tour runs every Tues/Thur/Sat/Sun from 3:00 to 5:30 PM. Book your spot here or on the official site to let them know you’re coming.

Like it Formosa also has a number of paid tours in Taipei and other cities in Taiwan.

TourMeAway: Old Town Taipei Tour

TourMeAway has been running another of the most popular Taipei walking tours for almost a decade. Over 20,000 visitors have joined this the Old Town Taipei Tour . It’s similar but not exactly the same as Like It Formosa’s Taipei Free Walking Tour and takes place in the morning instead of afternoon .

On this tour, the (usually young) guides introduce the 228 tragedy, Japanese history in Taiwan, and other aspects of Taiwan’s modern history and culture. The guides aren’t always Taiwanese, but they’re always very knowledgeable. The tour is a great introduction to Taiwan if you’ve just arrived .

Included on the tour are: 228 Peace Memorial Park , Presidential Office , Chengzhong Market , Zhongshan Hall , and Red House Theater in trendy Ximending. Red House is closed on Mondays, but you can still admire the building, and there’s still lots to see around it.

The free guided tour runs on Mon/Wed/Sat (May to September) and Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat (Oct to Apr). It starts at NTU Hospital MRT (one station south of Taipei Main Station) at 3:30 in summer and 2:00 the rest of the year. The tour takes 2.5 to 3 hours.

Make sure to sign up if you want to secure a spot.

TourMeAway: Longshan Temple Tour

Besides the free Old Town Taipei Tour, TourMeAway also runs second very popular free Taipei tour, the Longshan Temple Tour (see my own recommended walking route and how to pray at Longshan Temple if you want to visit on your own!)

Longshan Temple is Taipei’s most famous and important temple. On this tour, you can find out how to do local temple rituals like throwing moon stones , get your fortune read , and learn the history of this sacred place.

The tour provides a window into local temple customs, so you can have a better idea of what you are observing when you visit Taiwanese temples.

The tour also includes a foray into the neighborhood around the temple, where you’ll visit Mengxia Park (where local elders place Chinese chess), Herb Alley (an alley beside the temple where all kinds of Chinese herbs are sold), and Bopiliao Historical Block nearby.

This tour is currently held on Tues/Thu/Sun at 5 PM, with a meeting point at Longshan Temple MRT station. Make sure to sign up before you join.

TourMeAway also has a popular (paid) night market tour called Hunger Game every Thursday evening and a (paid) Pub Crawl every weekend – perfect for making some friends.

They also have other paid tours by request and some free virtual tours of popular Taipei sights here on their site .

Taipei Private (Paid) Walking Tours

Doing a paid private tour in Taipei comes with a few advantages. The group will be smaller, or it might just be you and guidethe tour . This will give you more opportunity to ask questions and get to know the guide(s).

Depending on the tour, the timing may also be more flexible and the itinerary could be customized. Also keep in mind that most people tip the guides on the “free” tours I covered above, so paying for one of these tours isn’t much different. It will cost a little more, though.

• This private LGBT Walking Tour covers important LGBT sights in Ximending, the heart of Taipei’s Pride culture. It also visits 2/28 Peace Park, where Taiwan’s first Pride parade was held. Keep in mind that Taiwan was the first (and still, only) country in Asia to legalize equal marriage rights.
• On the Street Food Walking Tour , you will experience some of Taipei’s street foods, one of the city’s biggest claims of fame. You can choose the area to focus on.
• This Shilin Night Market Food Walking Tour will allow you to NOT get lost in Taipei’s largest and most famous night market (though you can probably do fine if you click the last link and use my guide, map included!). Also see my guide to the best night markets in Taiwan .
• Klook also has paid walking tours of Longshan Temple , Shilin area (in the daytime, before the famous night market starts), and Dadaocheng .
• The Taipei Double Decker Sightseeing Bus will drop you off at popular sights around the city so you can walk and visit them yourself. It has two different lines.
• TourMeAway and Like It Formosa also have paid walking tours on their sites.

Should you tip the guides on a paid tour? Traditionally, tips are not given in Taiwan, even for guides. However, because many foreign guests do tip guides, they’ve become more accustomed to receiving them.

The choice is still up to you. It won’t be a big deal if you don’t, but if you’re really satisfied with the tour guide’s service and you want to, a small tip of 5-10% is appreciated.

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Passersby marvel at the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, erected in memory of Chiang Kai-shek, former president of the Republic of China.

• FREE THINGS TO DO

Free Things to Do in Taipei

Enjoy Taiwan's energetic capital—packed with elaborate temples and edgy art—without blowing your budget.

A densely populated basin surrounded by verdant mountains, Taiwan’s energetic capital is packed with elaborate temples, ancient and edgy art, Chinese memorials, green space, and its celebrated night markets. And with tea gardens and hot springs minutes away, there’s plenty to keep the thrifty traveler happy, starting with free Wi-Fi citywide.

Attractions

National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Built in the early 19th century as a paean to Chinese folk god Baosheng Dadi, revered for his medical miracles, Baoan Temple still draws believers asking the doctor deity for healing. Its fantastically ornate decorative arts—wall murals depicting dragons and gods, sculptures, mosaics, and koji ceramic art—and revival of temple rites earned it a UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award in 2003. English-speaking volunteers are available to interpret the symbolism of the works. An annual folk festival is held at the temple each spring. Past festivals have featured fireworks, opera performances, and a Chinese medical clinic, all free.

Nearby is the Minnan-style Confucius Temple , modeled on the original found in the philosopher’s hometown of Qufu in Shandong Province and intended as an educational center to study Confucianism. The temple complex is another trove of architectural adornments, including the octagonal plafond ceiling in the main Dacheng Hall. Entrance is free.

The equally exquisite Lungshan Temple was founded in 1738 to venerate Guanyin, the bodhisattva of mercy, but today is home to a hundred-plus folk deities as well, including Yue Lao (aka the Chinese Cupid) and Wenchang Dijun, god of culture and literature and popular with students offering up a prayer before exams. Admission is free. If the gods can’t help, try the fortune-tellers, masseurs, and herbal vendors that peddle their services and wares outside the temple. Visit during the Lunar New Year for a lantern-lighting ceremony and other festivities.

The venerable National Palace Museum opens its doors for free on five days of the year: New Year’s Day; Lantern Festival day; International Museum Day (May 18); World Tourism Day (September 27); and National Day (October 10). Otherwise, adult admission is about $8; school-age children always get in free. With tapestries, paintings, ceramics, bronzes, calligraphy, and other antiquities from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, it's the world’s largest collection of Chinese art. Much of it was commandeered from Beijing’s Forbidden City by the Nationalists before they fled China’s communist takeover in 1949. Get up to speed on your dynasties at the orientation gallery on the first floor, and don’t miss the jadeite bok choy cabbage, believed to be a gift to Emperor Kuang-Hsu’s (1875-1908) consort Chin. English guided tours are offered at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily for free but must be booked online at least three days in advance.

Free each Saturday from 5 p.m. to close (8:30 p.m.), the airy Taipei Fine Arts Museum exhibits international and local art, from a retrospective on American architect Louis Kahn to a show featuring installation works by avant-garde Taiwanese artist Dean-E Mei. The Children's Art Education Center also presents free workshops to engage kids in works on display, such as a recent interactive installation on 20th-century German painter Paul Klee.

Wander the narrow passages and staircases of Treasure Hill Artist Village , a onetime illegal settlement that was renovated by the government into an eco-friendly creative community. The colony features 14 studios with exhibition space for resident artists. Check the website for what’s on display.

The cable car ride to the area’s tea district in the hills of Maokong will cost you about $1.60, but admission is free at the Taipei Tea Promotion Center, where you’ll learn how the regional oolong is produced. Several of the tea gardens along Zhinan Road offer tea tastings.

Kids under the height of three feet seven inches get in free to the observatory at Taipei 101 , the city’s iconic skyscraper, which briefly held the title of world's tallest building. (Officially the Taipei International Financial Center, the building was designed to resemble a stalk of bamboo, symbolizing flexibility and fast growth.) Adult tickets, on the other hand, cost $16, but the experience may be worth it for the stomach-churning whoosh of the world’s fastest elevator—it goes from ground level to the 89th floor in 40 seconds—and 360-degree panorama of Taipei. Another Guinness World Records claim to fame: The world’s largest and heaviest wind damper, designed to reduce the swaying of the tower in strong gusts, is suspended between the 87th and 92nd floors for your viewing pleasure.

Carved out of the city in the 1980s, leafy Daan Forest Park was inspired by New York’s Central Park. Though it's less sprawling, its 64 acres packs in all of the essentials of an urban park: pavilions, ponds, a skating rink, an amphitheater, and, most importantly, a playground with swings and a jungle gym. Find them in the northeast corner.

With an admission price of less than $2, the Taipei Zoo may not be free, but it's a true bargain. Animals aren’t confined to cages, and most are grouped into eight exhibition areas, from the Children’s Zoo—with domestic animals like rabbits, llamas, and mini-horses—to the Formosan section, featuring the indigenous Chinese pangolin and Asiatic black bear. Highlight: Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan, giant pandas gifted by China in 2008 as a gesture of unity. Their offspring Yuan Zai , born in 2013, was the first panda cub born in Taiwan.

For less than a buck a ticket, the Taipei Children’s Amusement Park will likely provide hours of entertainment for tots with its game area, sand zone, and giant slides. The park’s 13 major rides—including bumper cars, a carousel, spinning teacups, and a Ferris wheel—are priced separately from about 65 cents to a dollar.

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Food & Drink

Stinky tofu, dumplings, beef noodles: Taipei is synonymous with cheap eats like these. While street vendors are out at all hours, save your appetite for the city’s colorful night markets , where you’ll find the best assortment of xiao chi (“small eats”) and a carnival-like atmosphere. Don’t miss the small alleyways at Shilin , the most sprawling of the markets, where you can snack on an oyster omelet while perusing knockoff fashions and cheap electronics. Spare ribs in herbal broth, squid stew, and black pepper buns are a few of the specialties at Raohe Street , one of the oldest of the city’s markets. They don’t call Huaxi Street Snake Alley for nothing: Offerings skew toward “tonics,” such as all manner of snake and rat preparations believed to be good for the health. If that doesn’t appeal, the shaved ice is supposed to be the best around. Still hungry? Head to the slightly less crowded Tonghua Night Market for a plate of cheap and satisfying Taiwanese teppanyaki (think poor man’s Japanese steakhouse fare). Also big here: steamed buns and grilled sausages.

Modeled on European urban spaces, Taipei Park was established in 1908, when Taiwan was ruled by Japan. Its name was changed to 228 Memorial Peace Park in 1996 to commemorate the massacre of thousands of protesters by the Kuomintang-led government on February 28, 1947. A memorial to the victims stands in the southern end of the park. Join the locals for an afternoon jog or early-morning tai chi.

Considered the country’s best example of Chinese garden design, the Lin Family Mansion and Garden in New Taipei City was built in 1847 by Guo Hua Lin and Guo Fang Lin, scions of a rice magnate who emigrated from China’s Fujian Province. Admission is free. Wander the garden paths at will; entrance to the house is by (free) tour only. Notice the architectural motifs—bats, coins—symbolizing good fortune. Closer to Taipei proper, locals get their garden fix at Taipei Botanical Garden , where you can leaf peep in the fall and see the lotuses come summer.

Unwind in the municipal pools at Beitou Hot Springs , just a 20-minute train ride from downtown, for an entry fee of around $1.30. Outdoorsy locals head to the volcanic landscape of Yangmingshan National Park , easily accessible by public transportation, to hike, view cherry blossoms in the spring, and plunge into yet more hot springs.

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10 free things to do in taipei, taiwan + diy itinerary this 2023.

What to do in Taipei this 2023, when you're on a tight budget?

10 free things to do in taipei, taiwan this 2023, 1. visit chiang kai shek memorial hall.

2. Witness the Changing of the Guards

3. Explore Shilin Official Residence

4. Visit the Martyrs' Shrine

5. Visit a Temple

6. Witness the daily devotion of the locals at Longshan Temple

7. Visit the National Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

8. Take a selfie with the Taipei 101

A post shared by Pinoy Adventurista (Mervz) 🇵🇭 (@pinoyadventurista) on Nov 21, 2017 at 12:23am PST

9. Climb Elephant Mountain

10. Soak up the atmosphere of Taipei's Night Markets

There you have it! My 10 Best FREE Things to do in Taipei! Enjoy, have fun and discover the best of Taipei on a budget!

One-day taipei diy itinerary, where to stay in taipei, [ click here to see the list of top-rated hotels in taipei ].

• Taipei, Taiwan Travel Guide
• Hotels and Hostels in Taipei, Taiwan
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Looking for Budget Travel Guide Blogs, Hotel Reviews, and Sample DIY Itineraries? Welcome to Pinoy Adventurista, "Your Next Ultimate Adventure Starts Here!" Pinoy Adventurista is one of the Top Travel Blogs in the Philippines and the World. In 2013, he visited all the 81 provinces in the Philippines.

10 FREE Things to Do in TAIPEI, TAIWAN

Taiwan is steadily catching up with its Asian neighbors as a choice travel destination for Filipinos, even more so with the forthcoming visa-free entry policy for Philippine passport holders and other Southeast Asian countries. Its location usually excludes it from the usual Southeast Asian backpacking route, but with its efficient transport system, numerous night markets, awe-inspiring architecture, rising art districts, a wide spectrum of shopping options, and most of all, the relaxed and accommodating locals, I firmly believe that Taiwan will rise up and be one of the top destinations in Asia in the coming years.

Rent a Pocket Wi-fi!

Pocket Wifi Rental is more convenient because you just need to connect to the device, which can accommodate up to 5 devices at once. Klook’s wifi rental service also provides unlimited 4G data with no deceleration to 3G. You can pick it up at Taipei Taoyuan Airport. The number of available units so reserve one as soon as you can.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

Elephant Mountain

Want to get the best view of Taipei? Elephant Mountain , also known as Xiangshan, gives you a double treat as you marvel at the view of the cityscape while enjoying nature. Late afternoon is the best time to hike, presenting you the cityscape in 3 different lighting modes: daytime, sunset, and nighttime. Reaching the top will take you 15-20 minutes in total. The jumping-off point for the hike, Xiangshan Hiking Trail, is just a 15-minute walk from Taipei 101 . You may avail yourself of the YouBike service if you want to get there faster.

Location: Xinyi District, Taipei (Near MRT Xiangshan Station) How to Get There: From MRT Xiangshan Station (Red Line 2), take Exit 2 where you can see a park. Walk until the end of that road, then turn left and continue walking until you reach the jump-off point – Xiangshan Hiking Trail.

Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

The building of this memorial hall was completed in 1972. The project was spearheaded by Chiang Kai-shek himself in honor of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the founder of the Republic of China. Explore the area and learn about history through the life of Sun Yat-sen or enjoy other exhibits found within the compound.

Location: No. 505, Section 4, Ren’ai Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City Operation Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Daily) How to Get There: Take the Blue Line 5 to Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall Station (S.Y.S.)

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Opened to the public in 1980, this important historical landmark was built as a tribute to the first president of the Republic of China, popularly known as Taiwan. Its blue-colored roof commands attention, making the entrance and the facade more striking. One of the must-sees is the hourly changing of the military personnel guarding the massive statue of Chiang Kai-shek.

Location: No. 21, Zhongshan South Road, Taipei City Operation Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Daily) How to Get There: Take either Red Line 2 or Green Line 3 to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Station (C.K.S.)

Martyr’s Shrine

Constructed in 1969, the complex boasts impressive architecture. The whole area commemorates the Kuomintang soldiers who lost their lives during the Chinese Civil War. Just like Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, the hourly changing of honor guards stationed at the front gate is one of the spectacles that draw visitors to this place.

Location: No. 139, Beian Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City Operation Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Daily) How to Get There: From Jiantan Station (Red Line 2), take Exit 1 going to the southbound buses. Go for Bus 267, 556, or 902.

Dalongdong Bao’an Temple

A UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Site, Dalongdong Bao’an Temple is a Taiwanese folk religion temple, dating back to mid 1700s. The temple is well-known for the Baosheng Cultural Festival, which usually starts in April and lasts until May. Locals and foreign visitors alike can marvel on the ancient architecture, the sculpted statues, and the colorful murals as they stroll around the place.

Location: No. 17, Lane 49, Bao’an Street, Datong District, Taipei City Operation Hours: 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM (Daily) How to Get There: From Yuanshan Station (Red Line 2), take Exit 2 and continue walking down Kulun Street until you reach Dalong Street. Take a right and continue walking until you reach Hami Street. Continue walking until you see the temple entrance on the right side.

Shifen Old Streets

Located in Pingxi District, Shifen Old Streets is buzzing with colorful food stalls, souvenir shops, and brightly smiling locals and tourists alike. Get your adrenaline pumping when you hear the bell signaling people to get out of the track to make way for the passing train. Note that the Shifen Waterfalls is just a 20-minute walk from Shifen Station. Entrance is TWD80 per adult and TWD50 per child.

Location: Pingxi District, New Taipei City How to Get There: From Taipei Main Station, take a train going to Ruifang Station, then transfer to Pingxi Line.

Jiufen Old Street

If you are a fan of Hayao Miyazaki films, a visit to Jiufen Old Street is a must. Used to be a gold mining area during the Japanese period, this mountain town is reminiscent of scenes in Hayao Miyazaki’s film Spirited Away. Revel in the mix of Japanese and Chinese aesthetics while you scan your eyes for souvenirs and through food stalls or cafes and quaint restaurants. You can stop here first before going to Shifen in Pingxi. Some people stay overnight here, but if you are planning to do the same, you have to book your accommodation ahead of your visit.

Location: Jishan Street, Ruifang District, New Taipei City How to Get There: From Taipei Main Station, take a train going to Ruifang Station. Along Mingdeng Road is a bus station (Local Residents Plaza) with routes heading toward Jiufen. Take bus Route 827 or 788. Going back to Taipei city, take bus Route 1062.

If you have more budget and you want convenience , you can also join a group tour that will allow you to explore the following sites. Coach transportation and hotel pickup are included in the package:

• Jiufen Town, famous for its unique teahouse culture
• Pitou Cape and its caves and sea cliffs
• Rock formations at Nanya

Shilin Night Market

After spending your time exploring the city of Taipei, reward yourself with good food and shopping! Where else should you do it than in one of the largest night markets in Taiwan. Shilin Night Market is also one of the most popular, especially among tourists, because it has a wide array of choices – from food to souvenirs to clothes. You can find both local and international products here. Some of the traditional Taiwanese fares you can discover are the oyster omelets, fried buns, supersized fried chicken, bubble teas, and, of course, the notorious stinky tofu!

Location: No. 101, Jihe Road, Shilin District, Taipei City Operation Hours: 3:00 PM to 1:00 AM (Daily) How to Get There: Take the Red Line 2 to Jiantan Station, and then use Exit 1. Cross the street to the night market’s entrance.

Raohe Street Night Market

Being one of the oldest (opened in 1987) and the first tourist night market in Taipei, Raohe Night Market should be on your list of must-visit night markets in Taiwan. Savor not only your food but also the place’s lively vibe. Having a hard time deciding on which food to buy? Most vendors will let you try some of their goods, especially those tasty dried fruit products. Some of the popular grub are oyster vermicelli, pepper pies, and herbal-stewed ribs.

Location: Raohe Street, Songshan District, Taipei City Operation Hours: 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM (Daily) How to Get There: Take Green Line 3 to Songshan Station. Go to Exit 5. Cross the street to the night market’s entrance.

Ximending Youth Shopping District

Often dubbed the “Harajuku of Taipei,” this shopping district pulsates with a youthful vibe. Its streets are flanked with a wide array of fashion shops, restaurants, and bars! It was established during the Japanese period as a recreation center but is now a legit tourist attraction and a favorite among local youth.

Nearest Station: Ximen (Blue Line 5 or Green Line 3)

These are just some of the many things you can do in Taipei. You can visit other night markets, discover more historical landmarks, and chill in one of the parks. If you want to maximize your time, you can even avail yourself of its very efficient YouBike service. Travel at your own pace.

More detailed travel guide here: Taipei Travel Guide

How to Get to Taipei

Since September 2016, Taiwan has made it easier for Filipinos to enter the country. For Philippine passport holders, since visa-free entry policy is still in the works, here’s how to get Taiwan visa or Travel Authorization Certificate (TAC).

If you’re coming from Manila and want to make the most of your time in Taipei, EVA Air offers the best flight schedule. Treat time as currency, too! The schedule below will take you to Taipei early in the morning and bring you back to Manila late at night but not too late so you could still have enough rest for tomorrow if you have work or school. It wouldn’t hurt to spend a little bit more if it means you’ll get to make the most of your time AND your money, given that EVA Air is a Skytrax-rated 5-star airline.

Where to Stay in Taipei

Determine your needs, priorities, and budget. Taipei provides different types of accommodations from budget to mid-range to luxury, so you will have plenty of choices. Here are some of the top budget hotels and hostels in Taipei.

• Mr Lobsters Secret Den Design Hostel . 9F, No.22, Sec. 1, Chongqing N. Rd, Taipei Main Station. Check rates and availability.
• MUIU Capsule Inn . 12F, No.37, Sec. 1, Kaifeng St, Taipei Main Station, Taipei, Taiwan 10044. Check rates and availability.

Search for more: Taipei Hotels

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14 Places to Visit in Taipei and Taiwan + Things To Do

Taiwan’s capital, Taipei, is your gateway to experiencing the best of the country. It is home to impressive attractions and unique activities that make the vibrant city, a melting pot of cultures, one of the best destinations in Asia.

Towering at 508 meters, Taipei 101 proves to be one of the most popular city attractions. But Taipei is more than just about the building, once the tallest in the world. It also has several other sights worth visiting. Check out Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, Ximending, National Place Museum, Lungshan Temple, and Martyr’s Shrine are famed for their cultural and historical values. If you love nature, check out Taipei Creative Park and Elephant Mountain. For some adventures, snack till you drop at Taipei Night Markets, soak in thermal waters at Beitou Hot Spring or ride a bike along the Riverside Parks.

Taipei is a bustling city with wonderful natural beauty. This destination is well-served by cheap flights from major Asian cities, coursed through the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. Traveling from Singapore, Manila, Kota Kinabalu, Busan, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and other destinations is hassle-free.

To help with your trip planning, I’ve added links to the locations on Google Maps. Feel free to click/tap on the links posted below. Then, use the “save” feature on the Google Maps app for easy reference. But before you start ticking goals off your bucketlist, here are travel essentials & discounts you’ll need to check. Pre-book online for a hassle-free trip!

Taipei travel essentials

Click below to compare rates & read reviews:

Taipei Hotels Tours + discounts Flights

See also: Taipei Itinerary + Travel Guide .

Popular tours & discounts booked by other travelers:

Taiwan 4G Unli Internet/Data Pocket Wifi

Yehliu-Shifen-Jiufen Shuttle Bus from Ximen

Taipei 101 Observatory Admission Ticket

Taipei private car charter (1 day sightseeing)

Taiwan 4G Unlimited Data SIM Card (TW Airport Pick Up)

Taipei Airport (Taoyuan) private car transfer

View all travel tips on: Taipei .

Where to stay in Taipei:

Humble House Taipei

Splurge / Xinyi

See discounts

W Taipei Hotel

Roaders Hotel

Mid-Range / Ximending

Next Taipei Hostel

Budget / Ximending

Budget / Taipei Main Station

Bouti City Capsule Inn

1. Taipei 101

Location : 110, Taiwan, Taipei City, Xinyi District, Section 5, Xinyi Rd, 7號89樓 . Save on Google Maps .

See rates & book online

Taipei Night Market, Fine Dining & Temple Tour

For more travel inspiration,  follow Detourista on :

Instagram Facebook tiktok Pinterest

2. Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

Location : No. 21號, Zhongshan South Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100 . Save on Google Maps .

Taipei Double Decker Bus Tour

Explore Taipei City Tour

3. Jiufen Old Street

Location : Jishan Street, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 224 . Save on Google Maps .

Taipei-Jiufen Village & The Northeast Coast Day Tour

Jiufen Shuttle Bus from Ximen

One Day Traditional Qipao Rental in Jiufen

4. Ximending

Places to see in Ximending

Tianhou Temple

The Red House

Presidential Office Building

Beimen-Taipei Old North Gate

Location : Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108 . Save on Google Maps .

5. Martyr’s Shrine

Location : No. 139號, Beian Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10491 . Save on Google Maps .

6. National Palace Museum

Location : No. 221, Sec 2, Zhi Shan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111 . Save on Google Maps .

7. Elephant Mountain

8. Lungshan Temple

Location : No. 211, Guangzhou Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10853 . Save on Google Maps .

9. Taipei Night Markets

Top night markets in Taipei

Shilin Night Market

Raohe Night Market

Keelung Night Market

Ningxia Night Market

Huaxi Night Market

Linjiang Street Night Market

Taipei Night Market Tour

Keelung Midnight Fish Market Adventure

10. Taipei Creative Parks

Taipei Cinema Park

Huashan 1914 Creative Park

Songshan Creative Park

More places to go near Taipei

11. Yehliu Geopark

Location : 207, Taiwan, New Taipei City, Wanli District, 港東路167-1號 . Save on Google Maps .

Taiwan Northern Coast Tour

12. Shifen Old Street

Location : 226, Taiwan, New Taipei City, Pingxi District . Save on Google Maps .

13. Shifen Waterfall

Location : 226, Taiwan, New Taipei City, Pingxi District, 乾坑10號 . Save on Google Maps .

14. Zhongshe Flower Market

Location : No. 333號, Section 5, Sanfeng Road, Houli District, Taichung City, Taiwan 421 . Save on Google Maps .

What places have you added to your bucketlist? Have you been to beautiful places in Taipei that should be on this list? Feel free to share your thoughts!

Places to visit in Taipei

Taipei tourist spots, things to do in Taipei, where to go in Taipei & more.

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

Where to Stay in Taipei

The areas of Ximending and Taipei Main Station are the perfect base for your sightseeing tour, especially if you are looking for highly rated budget and mid-range accommodations. Book your hotel or hostel near MRT stations for easy transfers to/from the airport and popular tourist spots in the city.

If you are set on a splurge, the best hotels can be found in Xinyi neighborhood, Taipei's cosmopolitan business district where you can find Taipei 101.

Where to book

Click below & search recommended Taipei hotels/hostels/home rentals within your budget. Remember to set your  min/max price , travel dates, and  sort by review ratings . I often book online with these trusted booking sites below for rock-bottom prices & convenient bookings.

Agoda Booking.com

Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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8 of the best things to do in Taipei

Oct 12, 2023 • 6 min read

City views, culture and history: here are the best things to do in Taipei © Nate Hovee / Getty Images

There's plenty to do on a visit to Taipei  – you could be admiring spectacular views over the city, experiencing the very best foods in the legendary night markets or learning all about Taiwan's history and culture in its many temples and memorial halls. 

Put these activities at the top of your list to experience the very best of Taipei on your next visit.

1. Take a hike in the wilderness surrounding the city

Taipei is a city surrounded by forested mountains and reaching the lush tracts of wilderness from the city center is surprisingly easy. The route I like best is the spectacular Jinmianshan Trail. It starts just a short walk from Xihu Station and connects with a large number of other trails, which means you can opt to hike for as little or as long as you like. But the most popular hiking route has to be the Xiangshan Trail weaving up the side of Elephant Mountain, which nudges right up against the city center.

Planning tip: The Xiangshan Trail is a one-hour circular route and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views over the city and of the Taipei 101 tower.

2. Admire the rarities at the National Palace Museum

Love a good artifact? You’ll love the National Palace Museum , which has 700,000 ancient imperial artifacts from both China and Taiwan. You’ll find plenty of rarities from China – the museum has close connections with the Palace Museum in Beijing’s Forbidden City, and many of the exhibits were originally displayed in the museum there. 

The museum is especially popular with art fans, who flock here to admire the enormous collections of decorative carvings, enamelware, ceramics, lacquerware and ceremonial bronzes. My favorite exhibit is the beautifully carved jade cabbage, complete with a locust hiding amongst its leaves. It’s believed the sculpture was given to a former emperor’s consort in the late 19th century.

3. Check out Taipei's beautiful temples 

Taipei lays claim to some of Asia’s most beautiful temples, many of which subscribe to the Southern Chinese style of Qing Dynasty architecture – a style you’ll probably recognize if you’ve been to Singapore. Most Taipei temples pay nods to Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism, while a smaller number are dedicated entirely to Buddhism. 

To see the best ones, head to Taipei’s oldest neighborhoods  such as Wanhua, which was once a walled city (only one of the original city gates remain). This is where you’ll find the Bangka Longshan Temple , which dates back to 1738, and the Qingshan Temple , where you’ll find a statue of Zhang Gun – a Taoist deity whose eyes are said to follow visitors as they move around the temple.

Planning tip:  There’s no formal dress code, but remember to dress respectfully, remove shoes and step over each temple’s door sill, rather than on it. These sills are believed to ward off unwanted spirits and remind visitors they’re about to enter a sacred space.

4. Head up Taipei 101, one of the world's tallest buildings

Got a head for heights? Make a beeline for Taipei 101 , which claimed the title of world’s tallest building between 2004 and 2009 when it was eclipsed by Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. The 1,667-ft (508m) skyscraper has been designed to withstand strong earthquakes – handy considering it’s 600ft from a major fault line.

There are observation decks on levels 88, 89, and 91, although it’s worth noting that the one on level 88 has been designed mainly to provide visitors with a view of the (admittedly spectacular) mass damper – the largest and heaviest one in the world. This enormous steel sphere moves back and forth to counter any movement by the building itself. Head to level 91, which is open-air and has been the setting for several concerts, including performances by Japanese pop band AKT48.

5. Go shopping at a night market 

Taiwan’s night markets are legendary. You’ll find them throughout the city: sprawling clusters of stalls serving up traditional dishes such as braised pork rice, Taiwanese spring rolls and tempura. The most famous ones include Wanhua's Huaxi Night Market, where there’s a focus on traditional dishes (salty rice pudding washed down with snake wine, anyone?) although I'm also a huge fan of the market on Linjiang Street , known for its wallet-friendly cuisine. The offerings aren’t just limited to food either – market stalls sell everything from homeware to clothes.

Planning tip: Hardcore foodies should also squeeze in a visit to Ningxia Night Market, where specialties include oyster omelets, sesame-coated mochi and taro balls.

6. Eat at Din Tai Fung, Taipei's best dumpling restaurant

It’s said that you haven’t tried xiao long bao dumplings unless you’ve sampled the ones at Din Tai Fung , a chain of restaurants which dates back to the 1970s and was founded by Bing Yi-Yang, who moved to Taiwan as a youngster. In 2010, the Hong Kong branch earned a Michelin star – a first for a Taiwanese restaurant – and there are now restaurants in America, Europe and the Middle East. 

Planning tip:  The best place to try the dumplings is the branch at the base of Taipei 101 – a glass-walled kitchen allows visitors to watch chefs at work and waiting staff dash across the restaurant floor carrying wobbling towers of dumpling baskets. I recommend the original xiao long bao dumplings, although the braised beef soup is legendary, too.

7. Tour the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is a national landmark and memorial erected to honor the late Chiang Kai-shek, the former president of China who fled to Taiwan in 1949 after Communists established the People's Republic of China. Once in Taipei, he established a government in exile and to this day remains Taiwan’s longest-serving leader, albeit a divisive one – his party was responsible for the imprisonment of 140,000 Taiwanese and it’s believed Chiang Kai-shek hoped to regain control of China until the day he died.

Many Taiwanese feel their country’s countless memorials to Chiang Kai-shek should be removed, but whatever your viewpoint, a visit to this one, with its bronze statue of Chiang and the emblem of the Chinese Nationalist Party adorning the vaulted roof, is a great option for anyone keen to learn more about Taiwan’s turbulent past.

8. Visit the National Dr Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall

For a different insight into Taiwan’s past, visit the National Dr Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall , a tribute to the man who many see as the father of the Republic of China. He was a physician, revolutionary and political leader who helped overthrow the Qing dynasty in the late 1800s. He became the first President of the Republic of China in 1912 and is revered in both China and Taiwan, where his portrait hangs in parliament. 

There are several exhibition halls filled with Chinese art and a library stuffed with thousands of Chinese manuscripts. For me, though, the biggest attraction is the Central Hall’s hourly changing of the guard, when soldiers in immaculate white uniforms perform a choreographed routine in front of an enormous statue of Dr Sun Yat-Sen.

This article was first published January 2022 and updated October 2023

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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 … here are the best places to visit 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

• 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.

#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.

#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 best places to visit 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!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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Taiwan travel: 10 free things to do in the tourist paradise

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the bounty of nature and get familiarised with rich cultural sites, Taiwan is the place to be. The beautiful island nation offers the perfect amalgamation of ancient wonders and modern marvels, that too on a budget. From exploring night markets to hiking on the hillsides and frolicking by the beaches during travel, you can enjoy a host of free things in Taiwan.

The urban metropolis offers a host of activities and picturesque locations to satiate your wanderlust all year round. And especially with the Taiwanese government’s lucrative travel offers to boost tourism, travellers are lining up to grab the best accommodation deals pronto. So, if you’re scouring locations for your next budget-friendly and Instagram-worthy trip, we suggest you book the earliest flight to travel to Taiwan. Sit back and trust us to be your official itinerary planner as we take you through the 10 best things to do in Taiwan for an unforgettable experience. Keep reading!

Taiwan travel: 10 free things to do for a budget-friendly trip

1. explore taipei’s night markets for your gastronomical adventures.

Nothing comes close to Taiwan ‘s night markets if you want to explore the local delicacies or walk away with great deals on clothes, shoes, jewellery and more.  Taiwan’s gorgeous capital city Taipei is home to some of the best night markets, whether it’s the popular and the largest Shilin Night Market or the distinctive Ningxia Night Market. 

Flaunting over 500 food stalls offering the best pork paper, stinky tofu, fried chicken fillets, sticky rice sausage rolls and whatnot, Shilin is a paradise for all gastronomes out there. Get your bargaining skills in place to get great deals on souvenirs, clothes, Chinese tea sets and ceramics. These make for great gifts to take back home!

Meanwhile, Ningxia boasts a more old-Taiwan-style aura. It is famous for its traditional gourmet snacks including oyster omelette and fried taro balls. Ningxia is on the more affordable side, making it a must-visit for all budget-conscious hunters. If you want to explore delectable street food away from the chaos of locals and tourists, Ningxia is the place for you.

How to reach Shilin Night Market: Take THSR (or TRA) to Taipei Station. Further, travel from the Taipei MRT to Jiantan Station. Take the Taipei Sightseeing Bus Blue Route to the MRT Jiantan Station stop.

2. Unleash the adventure junkie in you with scenic hiking trails

Go beyond the urban pleasures of the metropolis and hike your way into Taiwan’s natural wilderness. Take a half-day trip to Yangmingshan National Park, with its hiking trails offering everything from lush forests, hot springs to breathtaking bird and butterfly species. If you love hikes, then it’s likely that you’ll reach Qi Xing Shan, Yangmingshan’s highest peak, which offers panoramic views of the hills and volcanoes as well as the stunning Taipei Basin.

Taroko National Park is another great offering for hiking enthusiasts. The Zhuilu Old Trail is the most impressive trail here, resting more than 700 metres above the canyon floor with extremely limited to negligible fencing or rail alongside the trail edge. Zhuilu will get your heart pounding with its narrow pathways amid the treacherous mountains. In addition, the pagodas, the Taoist temples with the rushing green river residing alongside make for unmatchable views you don’t want to miss.

The period from March to May and October to December offers you the best weather to indulge in hiking activities, so plan your trip accordingly. Also, while entry is free, certain areas (including the hikes) require access permits that you must apply well in time.

How to reach Yangmingshan National Park : Take THSR (or TRA) to Taipei Station. Then transfer to Royal Bus 1717 to the Yangmingshan National Park Administration stop.

3. Get touristy at the iconic Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

You don’t want to miss one of the most grandiose monuments when you travel to Taiwan. The Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall is dedicated to none other than the former military leader Chiang Kai-shek. It’s a wonderful place to familiarise yourself with the political and military history of the country. The memorial gives an in-depth insight into the day-to-day workings of the leader.

You’ll be delighted to witness the ‘Changing of the Guards’ ceremony in front of the huge bronze statue. It takes place at the beginning of each hour from 9 am to 5 pm. The flag-raising ceremony at dawn and the lowering ceremony at dusk are other tourist-favourite sightings. Located inside the expansive public plaza Liberty Square, the landmark is surrounded by the National Concert Hall and the National Theater.

The best time to visit the memorial is towards the end of January when you’ll also be able to witness the New Taipei City Pingxi International Sky Lantern Festival. Another option is to hop by in late June when the Taipei Dragon Boat Festival takes place.

Timings : Memorial Hall- 9 am to 6 pm, Memorial Park- 5 am to 12 am

How to reach : Take the MRT to Chaing Kai Shek Memorial Hall Metro Station. Use Red Line 2 or Green Line 3.

4. Lay eyes on exotic species at the Taipei Zoo

While children under six and adults over 65 can visit the zoo for free, other visitors can enter Southeast Asia’s largest zoo at a minimal fee of less than USD 2. Animal lovers will be introduced to eight outdoor exhibition areas ranging from the ‘Children’s Zoo’ and ‘Formosan Animal Area’ to the ‘African Animal Area’. As for the seven indoor exhibit areas, you’ll be introduced to the Insectarium, the immensely popular Koala House and the Penguin House.

Two beautiful giant pandas (Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan) were the resident celebrities of the zoo, presented by China in 2008 as a gesture of unity. However, Tuan Tuan passed away in 2022. Asian Elephant ‘Grandpa Lin Wang’ was another star of the zoo, who lived for 86 long years. You’ll find his gigantic stuffed version on display in the museum’s Education Centre. From koalas, Asiatic black bears, grey kangaroos and chimpanzees to monkeys, snakes, tortoises and meerkats, the zoo possesses a large treasure of species. It’s a must-visit spot, especially if you have toddlers along. 

Timings : 9 am to 5 pm (last entry at 4 pm). The animal exhibits are on display from 9 am to 4:30 pm

How to reach : The best way is to take the MRT Wenshan-Neihu Line and get off at Taipei Zoo Station.

5. Take a rejuvenating dip in the outdoor hot springs

Taiwan is a haven for hot spring lovers. The geothermally heated water springing from the Earth’s lap is the best way to unwind after a tiring day. In addition, the spots are extremely photogenic to flaunt on your Instagram feed. The Fanfan Creek Hot Spring in Taiwan’s Yilan is one of the most easily accessible hot springs. Fanfan is in the lap of cliffs and trees and is devoid of strong sulphur odour making it very therapeutic to relax and bathe here.

Another remarkable spot in Northern Taiwan is the Sileng Hot Spring. Hidden in the shade of a valley, you’ll have to go through a challenging trail to witness it. You’ll have to start by hiking down the hillside, into the lap of a chilly river with a hot spring on the bank. Enjoy the rustic jungle views surrounded by beautiful birds as well as mammal species as you relax here. The hot spring is also one of the best camping places in Taiwan.

How to reach: From the Yilan Bus Station, take bus 1744 and sit for an hour-long journey to reach Fanfan Station. The springs are a 20-minute walk from here.

6. Visit Taiwan’s largest alpine lake, Sun Moon Lake

Surrounded by mountains, streams and forests, this beautiful lake presents the best of the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Taiwan. The lake is separated by Lalu Island in the middle, bifurcating it into a part looking like a crescent moon, while the other appears to be a round sun. That’s why it’s called ‘Sun Moon’ Lake. The lake flaunts a dreamy blanket haze in the wee hours of the morning, while the dusk presents a shimmery golden picture of the sun melting on the water body.

There are plenty of activities here to keep you entertained. Enjoy bike rides on the pedestrian paths around the lake, take cable cars or boat rides or just hop onto a train at Jiji to experience the Taiwan railway during your travel. You can also rent a canoe or rowboat for a wholesome experience. 

Not only this, but you can also witness the customs and traditions of the indigenous Thao tribe and Bunun tribe residing here. You must visit the Ita Thao shopping district, where you can devour scrumptious Thao cuisine while enjoying the tribe’s music and dance performances. The Ci’en Pagoda is another attraction here. To fully explore the place, we suggest you spend at least two nights here. You especially won’t regret coming to this beautiful landscape with your partner. 

How to reach : From Taipei City, take the HSR train to Taichung HSR Station. It will take about one hour. Then transfer to the Nantou bus at Taichung station to directly reach Sun Moon Lake.

7. Bask in the majestic beauty of mountains at Taroko National Park

The crowned jewel among Taiwan’s natural wonders, Taroko National Park stands at the gorge of Mount Taroko, offering the most pristine sceneries. From the entrance, you can take the Taroko Gorge Trail to visit the Eternal Spring Shrine, which is of utmost cultural and historic significance. The Shrine, which is nestled beautifully into the landscape, commemorates the veterans who died constructing the Central Cross-Island Highway. Those looking to immerse themselves in tranquillity can also visit the Changuang Temple. The beautiful Buddhist shrine is located just at the entrance of Taroko Gorge.

Embark on the Swallow Grotto Trail to enjoy the views of cliffs as well as the turquoise Liwu River. Meanwhile, the Shakadang Trail offers an exploration of the jungle mountainous area. Visitors can enjoy several replenishing activities including rafting as well as mountain hiking or just admiring the beauty of the waterfalls.

Visit the national park in October to witness the annual Taroko Music Festival. It boasts marvellous performances that perfectly encapsulate the traditions of people and communities here.

How to reach : The best way is to take a train from Taipei to Hualien. Opt for the Taroko Express or Puyuma train for the fastest route.

8. Seek divine guidance at the unique Xingtian Temple

Xingtiang isn’t an old-school place of worship that follows archaic practices and beliefs. The site is famous for its progressive policies and relatively modern outlook, which is what attracts thousands of people each day. The main altar sees offerings of only fresh flowers and tea, while killing and offering animals is prohibited here. Burning of ritual paper money as a tribute to the deceased, presenting gold ornaments to the deities as well as staging operas for the gods, is all discouraged here.

What’s more, there’s no donation box, a first for a highly religious establishment. The absence of all these things makes the visit a hugely enriching experience.

Xingtian Temple is dedicated to Lord Guan, one of the most celebrated figures in Chinese culture. The deified general, who served during China’s Three Kingdoms period, is also known as the ‘God of War’. Interested in knowing about your future? The pedestrian underpass outside the temple is lined up with fortune tellers and palmists who take monetary advantage of the temple’s popularity.

Timings : 4 am to10 pm

How to reach : Take the Taiwan High-Speed Rail to Taipei Station, transfer Taipei MRT to Xingtian Temple Station.

9. Get relaxing beach therapy at Fulong Beach

It’s never a bad day to hit the beach, especially if it comes with the most picturesque views. If you’re done exploring the various tourist attractions in Taipei, head to Fulong Beach , located at the mouth of the Shuang River. The best time to bask in the serenity of this 3 km stretch of golden sand is on weekdays. Weekdays are perfect to sunbathe here with pints of beer and snacks without the tourist hullabaloo. You can also go kayaking, canoeing, or windsurfing based on the currents.

The best time to visit Fulong Beach is from May to July, coinciding with the Fulong Sand Sculpture Festival. Taiwan’s annual rock music festival, the Hohaiyan Rock Festival, also takes place at Fulong Beach every year. So, if you want a weekend filled with good music, food and more, check the festival dates and plan accordingly.

How to reach : The best way to reach it is by taking the train from Taipei Main Station to Fulong Station. Available every 15-30 minutes, the trains take about 1.5 hours to get to Fulong.

10. Experience the old way of life at Lukang

The historic town of Lukang brings back memories of Taiwan’s glory days. The town wasn’t only the economic and transport hub of Taiwan in early times, but its cultural offerings were no less. You’ll find over 200 temples nestled in the alleyways, in addition to multiple handicraft stores and traditional food stalls satiating all your touristy needs. Some famous attractions here are Lukang Old Street as well as Tianhou Temple, the most revered Matsu temple in Taiwan.

If historically rich places excite you, visit the Lukang Folk Arts Museum. It houses paintings, carved stones, musical instruments and more artefacts of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The museum also boasts an aesthetic combination of Asian as well as Western architecture. Nine Turns Lane is another place to visit. Legend has it that these thin, crooked alleyways of Nine Turns Lane were built as natural windbreaks to block the chilly winds and to confuse pirates who got lost in the turns. Some people also claim that these alleyways kept evil spirits at bay as they couldn’t manoeuvre through the twisted ways.

How to reach : From Taipei, board the train to Changhua and make the transfer to Lukang.

Hope this guide makes your planning easier!

(Hero image credit: Pexels)

(Feature image credit: shutterbean/ Pixabay)

Best hotels to stay in Taiwan

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Answer: To get the best of Taiwan's landscapes and other outdoor activities, plan your visit between September to November.

Answer: 8 to 10 days is a good amount of time to explore the major sights in Taiwan as well as spend a generous amount of time at each destination.

Answer: For a fun and budget-friendly trip, explore Taipei’s night markets, visit scenic hiking trails or explore the temples and memorials of Taiwan.

Answer: Yes, travel to Taiwan is absolutely safe.

Kriti Nayyar

Kriti is a stay-at-home dog mama, whose knack for telling interesting stories keeps her erstwhile monotonous life sane. A literature & journalism degree holder, you'll find her binging on Agatha Christie novels while critiquing the everyday state of affairs. On Kriti's seldom social outings, she's seen devouring coffee sangria with appetizing bread on the side.

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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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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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