Things to do & places to visit in Taipei, Taiwan

You can eat very well—and very cheaply—in Taipei. The restaurants may not look posh, but the quality of the food is superlative. And there’s a huge variety of restaurants—in addition to local Taiwanese specialties, you’ll find regional cuisines from all over China, as well as great Indian, Japanese and even Italian options. Just make sure to leave some room for snacks—street-vendor food here is addictive.

Taipei #1 destination in Taiwan 2023. The average rating score is 4.16 based on 107.7k traveler reviews, of 350 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Taipei, current date and time: Friday, May 10, 2024, 14:21.

Taipei Weather Statistics view more »

Top things to do (31)

• Theaters
• Trams
• Art Galleries
• Neighborhoods
• Seasonal Fireworks
• Educational sites
• Flea & Street Markets
• Monuments & Statues
• Zoos
• Observation Decks & Towers
• Libraries
• Gardens
• Geologic Formations
• Speciality & Gift Shops
• Mountains
• Department Stores
• Rail Services
• Parks
• Architectural Buildings
• Historic Sites
• National Parks
• Religious Sites
• History Museums
• Shopping Malls
• Points of Interest & Landmarks
• Amusement & Theme Parks
• Taxis & Shuttles
• Government Buildings
• Public Transportation Systems
• Speciality Museums
• Hot Springs & Geysers

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

1. 4.5 Taipei Metro System (8.291 reviews)
   - Try to avoid peak periods
   Rail Services • Taxis & Shuttles • Public Transportation Systems
   
   
   The Metro is cheap, but fast, clean, and gets the job done. I used it extensively with an Easycard. You can buy individual paper tickets, but Easycard allows a lot of flexibility and allows for other purchases. I took the Red line all the way north and used the light rail to the sea coast. Stations have signs and announcements in English and platform doors direct you to doors for fast boarding. Lines are colour-coded and stations are numbered, in case you cannot remember names. There is no eating or drinking on the Metro, so it is very clean. The Taoyuan Airport Metro line is quick and costs 150NTD, but the airport is a long way out. There are Priority Seats for elderly, disabled, or pregnant. See more..
   
2. 4.5 Maokong Gondola (4.616 reviews)
   - Cable car with excellent views
   Trams
   
   
   For $NTD 120, you can ride the cable car the whole way (one way) and experience lovely views of the countryside and Taipei, and over the zoo. We didn’t see any animals but I imagine if you were lucky you may be able to. The total journey is over 4km and lasts approximately 20 mins or so, and makes for a peaceful ride. It was very busy when we came which meant we had to be seated with others in our cable car, but we didn’t mind this too much. See more..
   
3. 4.5 Elephant Mountain (aka Nangang District Hiking Trail) (3.294 reviews)
   - Worthwhile short walk - views of Taipei
   Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks
   
   
   My partner and I did this very easy walk up the stairs while visiting Taipei 101 and other buildings/temples in Taipei. The walk is only 184m in ascent although there are lots of stairs to climb up to reach the top. My partner isn’t very fit and this only took us 25 mins so I wouldn’t be too concerned about fitness. The views you get of Taipei 101 and Taipei itself are worth it, so I’d highly recommend fitting this into your Taipei itinerary. See more..
   
4. 4.5 Taipei Zoo (3.196 reviews)
   - Nice little zoo in Taipei
   Spent 2-3 hours Zoos
   
   
   The largest zoo in Asia, this was original a private zoological garden. The giant panda house, Formosan animal area, koala house and Asian tropical rainforest area are of particular note. See more..
   
5. 4.5 TAIPEI 101 Observatory (2.586 reviews)
   - Take the fast elevator to the top
   Friday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Observation Decks & Towers
   
   
   Taipei 101 is the tallest building in Taiwan. It is one of the tallest buildings in the world. You can take a fast elevator to the top and arrive in a matterr of seconds. The view from the Observator is spectacular, on a clear day you can see most of northen Taiwan. By the way, don't miss seeing the bright yellow stabiliser, it stops the building from swaying See more..
   
6. 4.5 Taiwan High Speed Rail (2.009 reviews)
   - Fast North-South travel
   Rail Services • Public Transportation Systems
   
   
   I traveled from Kaohsiung to Taipei in about two hours by this train. The cast was 1,340NTD (about $A67). It was fast, reasonably comfortable, and full. The HSR station in Kaosiung is shared with other long distance trains and the city Metro, so interchanges are easy, just a bit of walking and many escalators. There was some catering on the train, but it is easy to bring your own food. This is the only high speed line, although some limited expresses are quick over shorter distances. See more..
   
7. 4.5 Yangmingshan National Park (1.413 reviews)
   - Caught the Sakura over at Yang Ming Shan!
   Spent More than 3 hours Mountains • National Parks • Gardens
   
   
   Embrace nature and flower gardens with a picnic or leisurely hike up the rolling hillsides of Yangmingshan. The park is accessible by public bus. See more..
   
8. 4.5 Taoyuan International Airport MRT (1.316 reviews)
   - Take the MRT to the Airport
   Spent < 1 hour Public Transportation Systems
   
   
   The Airport MRT departs from the Taipei Main Station. There are two schedules -- the express andd the train that stops at more stations, which is slower. It's a very convenient and punctual. By the way, you must have an MRT card. If you don't have a a card, you will have to buy one and it will cost you more. See more..
   
9. 4.5 Daan Forest Park (886 reviews)
   - Park is pride of Taipei City
   Parks
   
   
   Taipei's version of New York City's Central Park, this park is 26 hectares, the size of three major league baseball fields. Take a walk around the ecological pond, enjoy a meal See more..
   
10. 4.5 National Taiwan University (637 reviews)
    - Taiwan's top university
    Educational sites
    
    
    Tai Da has been Taiwan' top university since the Japanese era. The Gothic red brick building was constructed in the Japanese colonial period (1895-1945). Tai Da, as it is known, has a beautiful campus, where Taiwan's elite is educated. It's the equivalent of Oxford or Harvard. See more..
    
11. 4.5 Beitou Public Library, Taipei (531 reviews)
    - Contemporary library is a marvelous design
    Friday: 8:30 AM - 9:00 PM Libraries
    
    
    This building is a striking demonstration of contemporary architecture. It's built to take account of environmental principles, including using solar panels and retaining water. The green principles also include using foliage to moderate the effects of climate and the use of contemporary window designs. I am stunned every time I see the Beitou Public Library, it's a marvelous building See more..
    
12. 4.5 Taipei Children's Amusement Park (436 reviews)
    - Interesting enough for at least half a day!
    Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks
    
    
    All rides could be paid for by a smart card, including EasyCard, which allows paying fares for all public transport around Taipei. Entrance is an additional NT$30, payable also by EasyCard and so ticketless also. Rides are classified for children based on height and numbered for easy reference: most ranged from NT$20 to NT$80 per ride. Street performers have booked sessions that would be announced periodically before each sessions. There was indoor facility as well and I gather bookings via an app would help with planning for the day, although we lined up for all the rides and the worst wait was ~30 minutes. There were lots of photo points and some parts were being renovated still and so were not opened. I see rooms for ongoing improvement, which makes returning in the future a must! See more..
    
13. 4.5 Dalongdong Bao An Temple (408 reviews)
    - A must for art lovers and history buffs
    Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
    
    
    dedicated to Paosheng Tati, the God of Medicine See more..
    
14. 4.5 Sunnyhills (392 reviews)
    - One of the best pineapple cake in Taipei
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Speciality & Gift Shops
    
    
    Sunny hills is not close to underground station, closet one at least 2km away, 20 mins to 30 mins walk and not easy to find. It is located near a high school, once you get in, waitress will find you seat and free tea and one free pineapple cake no matter you will purchase or not. Quality is one of the best, but not cheapest. Suggest visitor try different shop's pineapple cake, this one is relatively sour because made with real pineapple. See more..
    
15. 4.5 TaipeiEYE (297 reviews)
    - Two times In two years, still great
    Friday: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Theaters
    
    
    Traditional Taiwanese performance Peking Opera with beautiful singing and acrobatics, Dynamic lion dance or Aboriginal dance at TaipeiEYE. Recommended for ages six and up. Tickets are available online. Every Monday/Wednesday/Friday 20:00-21:00 TWD550 Every Saturday 20:00-21:30 TWD 880 NOW SHOWING is The Journey to The West : White Bone Spirit See more..
    
16. 4.5 Taipei 101 Countdown Fireworks (289 reviews)
    - Exciting countdown.
    Seasonal Fireworks
    
    
    In Taipei for New Year’s Eve? Then be sure to catch the city-wide countdown ritual at Taipei 101! An exhilarating fireworks display will shoot from Taipei 101 to celebrate the new year. For the best views, head to Xiangshan early to battle out photographers for a good spot. The East corner of Taipei 101 and the North Bank of Keelung River offer also good views of the show. After midnight, head to a star performance or the numerous parties around the city to continue the celebrations! See more..
    
17. 4.5 Guandu Temple (Kuantu Temple) (272 reviews)
    - Chinese New Year’s Day visit
    Religious Sites
    
    
    honoring the Goddess Matzu See more..
    
18. 4.5 Songshan Ciyou Temple (247 reviews)
    - Very good
    Friday: 6:00 AM - 10:30 PM Religious Sites
    
    
    The temple has a temperature screen check at the entrance and is full of locals praying. They allow you to use your mobile phone camera here. This is a more traditional temple and you can see them burn gold money paper also. See more..
    
19. 4.0 Taipei 101 (12.2k reviews)
    - Great View
    Spent 2-3 hours Architectural Buildings • Shopping Malls
    
    
    At 101 stories high, Taiwan's tallest skyscraper boasts spectacular views and high-end shopping boutiques including Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton. There's also a Din Tai Fung on the basement level. See more..
    
20. 4.0 National Palace Museum (8.859 reviews)
    - Beautiful Chinese Art Works!
    Friday: 8:30 AM - 9:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
    
    
    This extraordinary collection of historic art treasures, fascinating for its depth and breadth, has miraculously escaped destruction over hundreds of years. Some pieces date back to the tenth century. See more..
    
21. 4.0 Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall (7.657 reviews)
    - Humongous memorial hall and grounds - Chinese New Year’s Eve visit
    Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
    
    
    Sixty-two landscaped acres of gardens and walkways surround this marble and tile landmark building. See more..
    
22. 4.0 Longshan Temple (6.890 reviews)
    - Chinese New Year’s Eve visit
    Friday: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Religious Sites
    
    
    Many festivals and celebrations are held in Lungshan, often called "meeting place of the gods" for the wealth of deities worshipped here. Lungshan means "Dragon Mountain." See more..
    
23. 4.0 Shilin Night Market (5.276 reviews)
    - One of the island's top attractions
    Spent 2-3 hours Flea & Street Markets
    
    
    Taipei's best-known night market is one of the island's top tourist attractions. The Shilin Night Market sells all sorts of things, from trinkets to fashionable clothing at bargain prices.. Many people visit the night market just for the food, for which it is deservedly famous world-wide. The oyster omelets can scarcely be matched anywhere. The stinky tofu is delicious, one you get past the smell. You can also get a tasty steak. By the way, the clothing is made for local people, who tend to be smaller than Westerners. Be prepared to bargain. Entry is fee. By the way, best way to get there is by MRT, the Jiantan MRT Red Line station is across the road from the market. See more..
    
24. 4.0 Ximending (2.592 reviews)
    - Fun place to meet for teenagers
    Spent 2-3 hours Neighborhoods
    
    
    Ximending is the Kingdom of the Kids. It's a fun place to meet for teenagers. There are lots of pop-up shops and good places to eat. Ximending starts warming up in the afternoon. Ximending is easily accessible by the Taipei MRT. The Ximemding MRT Station is on the MRT Blue line, it's always busy, day and night. See more..
    
25. 4.0 Beitou Hot Spring (2.176 reviews)
    - Public and Private Hot Springs
    Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Hot Springs & Geysers
    
    
    The public hot springs are located in and around a park in the town of Xinbeitou. It takes maybe 20 minutes to get there from the Taipei main station. You get on the red line and then transfer to the Xinbeitou line for the last 5 minutes. The park is outside the station and the public hot springs are a 8 to 10 minute walk. Bring your own towel, soap and shampoo. I had to buy a swimsuit ($10) at the more conservative Millennium Hot Springs (see photo). The Longnice Hot Spring pool ( see photo) is a block away and no swimsuit is needed. We opted for the four hour soak at the Grand View resort, which is about a 15 minute walk up the hill from the park. Men and women have separate areas, it is pricey, but worth it. See more..
    
26. 4.0 Raohe Street Night Market (1.888 reviews)
    - Amazing Mall
    Flea & Street Markets
    
    
    Jao Ho Street has become a secondary road and the business has also declined. Therefore, the government set up a night market in 1987. It is the second tourist night market in Taipei. See more..
    
27. 4.0 Ximen Red House - Ximending (1.740 reviews)
    - Historic building finds new direction
    Friday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM Speciality & Gift Shops
    
    
    Full of tourists, but with street performances and shows to entertain kids and adults alike. A fun and affordable place to shop for souvenirs and eat street food. See more..
    
28. 4.0 Hsing Tian Kong (1.430 reviews)
    - Taoist temple is very popular
    Friday: 4:00 AM - 10:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Religious Sites
    
    
    This Taoist temple is one of the most popular in Taipei. It honours Guan Yu, who was a real person. Guan Yu was deified because of the esteem and respect the Chinese peoole had for him. Offerings are placed in fron of the long tables in front of the Guan Yu statue. Guan Yu features in "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms," one of China's classic novels. See more..
    
29. 4.0 National Revolutionary Martyrs' Shrine (1.426 reviews)
    - For those who fought and did not survive
    Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour History Museums
    
    
    This majestic shrine honors the Republic of China's war dead. Marvel at the soldiers' precision at the changing of the guard ceremony that occurs every hour. See more..
    
30. 4.0 Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall (1.127 reviews)
    - A beautiful memorial for the Father of the Nation
    Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
    
    
    It was just a few minutes walk from Taipei 101. Upon entering the gate, one is treated to a wide expanse of well-manicured lawns, beds of flowers, a tall flagpole waving the Taiwanese flag as well as concreted pavement. The main entrance leads to the hall that contains a statue of Sun Yat Sen. We did not stay that long to witness the changing of the guards because of the threatening thunderstorm. On the side of the main hall is a mini-museum where the leader's accomplishments are displayed. A souvenir shop is also located inside. Outside there is a park falso frequented both by locals and tourists. An MRT station of the same name is just outside the memorial and is a few meters from the gate at the back. This historical place charges no admission fee. See more..