35 Best Things to Do & Places to Visit in Taipei
We love visiting Taipei. From the iconic Taipei 101 complex to the bustling street markets at night, I just love the mixture of modern, metropolitan vibes and the deep cultural roots of the city. There’s just so much to see and do in Taipei that if you’re a first-time traveller, you might not even know where to start! Well, don’t worry because this article has got you covered.
Here’s a list of the top 35 things to do in Taipei — specifically, sightseeing, various fun activities, and temple-hopping. Out of the three categories, you’ll surely find something that’s to your liking!
Things to do in Taipei: Sightseeing
1. Admire the majestic Taipei 101 from Elephant Mountain
Image credit: SeanPavonePhoto via CanvaPro
Looking for the best spot for an overlooking view of the city? Then Elephant Mountain is the place for you. The hiking trail of the mountain is located near Taipei 101, and only takes about 20 minutes to go to the top. What’s more, there is no charge for it, and you can enjoy the magnificent view both day and night.
2. And then head up to the observatory inside Taipei 101
Image credit: Taipei101 Official Website
For the best things to do in Taipei, you have to enter Taipei 101, which was once the world’s tallest building. Go up to the 89th floor of the building where the observation deck is, to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the entire Taipei city! The way up is extremely fun too, as it only takes less than a minute to go up to the 89th floor from the fifth floor.
3. Take a day trip to Jiufen, the Santorini of Taiwan
Image credit: note thanun
Jiufen is one of the most popular Taipei attractions. This gem of a town, which resembles the classic anime, Spirited Away, is just a short train ride away from Taipei Main Station. The (almost) mystical feel surrounding the town only adds to the immensely beautiful appeal of the scenery there. Trust me, the trip will be worth it!
4. Take a short train ride to visit the scenic Shifen Waterfall
Image credit: Andy Wang
After exploring Jiufen, you might as well stop by Shifen Waterfall, too. Some even refer to it as the Niagara Falls of Taipei! Rainbows can often be spotted where the waters splash into the lake 40 metres below, making it one of the most surreal places you’ll find near Taipei in terms of natural scenery. As the sun shines on the waterfall mists, visitors often get to see a rainbow hanging on the waterfall or the pool, adding colours to the already beautiful vista.
5. Hike up Keelung Mountain for a spectacular night view of Jiufen
Image credit: New Taipei City Tourism and Travel Official Website
To catch a glance at the entire Jiufen at night, hike up Keelung Mountain. It provides the shortest hiking trail near the town, and the stunning views from above are not to be missed. Particularly at night, when the night lights illuminate the entire Jiufen.
6. Travel back in time on Bopiliao Old Street
Image credit: Bopiliao Official Facebook Page
The buildings on Bopiliao Old Street date all the way back to the 18th century and represent a part of Taipei that has not been touched by the city’s rapid development, making it a significant link to its cultural past! Plus, it’s an extremely photogenic place. You can expect well-preserved buildings from the Qing Dynasty and the Japanese period. Moreover, this place has also been established as the Heritage and Culture Education Centre, where visitors can learn about the history of education and medical development of the country.
7. Catch the sunset in Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf
Image credit: W T
Besides the pretty sunset views it offers, the Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf is home to the romantic 165 meters-long Lover’s Bridge and the Lover’s Tower, a perfect place for couples travelling together. Take a ferry boat ride, walk along the bridge, or go up to the tower to enjoy a broader view with your other half. There are also seafood restaurants nearby to fill your tummy. z
8.Trek to the top of Fort San Domingo
Image credit: New Taipei City Tourism and Travel Official Website
A historical fortress near the Tamsui district, Fort San Domingo was built by Spanish colonisers in the 17th century. The architecture of the buildings here demonstrates the mix of influences of Dutch, Spanish, and Japanese cultures, as well as the Qing dynasty. The mansions were once consular residences, while some of the buildings served as offices and dungeons back in the 1800s under the British government.
9. Get close to nature in Yangmingshan National Park
Image credit: Rong-Yuan Lin
One of the best places to visit in Taipei, Yangmingshan National Park welcomes visitors during all four seasons. Offering different scenery during different seasons, we recommend you to visit during winter especially! If you get lucky, you might even experience some rare snowfall.
10. Say hi to the Elephant Trunk Rock in Shen Ao
Image credit: New Taipei City Tourism and Travel Official Wesbite
One of the must-go Taipei attractions is Shen’ao’s Elephant Trunk Rock: a natural scenic spot by the shore, featuring a massive rock that resembles the elephant trunk. Besides taking pictures with the “elephant,” visitors can embrace the gorgeous scenery even more by kayaking and snorkelling at the sea.
11. Take a detour to Hualien County
Image credit: Timo Volz
Hualien County is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited – and I’ve visited quite a few beautiful places! Granted, it’s a two-hour train ride from Taipei. But once you’ve set foot in places like Taroko Gorge, you’ll know that it was worth the journey.
12. Enjoy the view by the Bitou Cape Park
Image credit: New Taipei City Tourism and Travel Official Wesbite
For another beautiful sightseeing spot, head to Bitou Cape Park. Some of the best scenic spots here include Longdong Bay, Bitou Cape Lighthouse, and unique natural formations like Nanya. The latter is a place full of striking rocks formed through weathering, erosion, and oxidation. Nanya is most crowded during sunrise and sunset, as visitors want to get the most ravishing pictures possible!
13. Spend time admiring the beauty of Laomei Green Reef
Image credit: New Taipei City Tourism and Travel Official Wesbite
Laomei Green Reef’s beauty is unbelievable. The reef was formed by a volcanic eruption. After centuries of sea erosion, it is now covered by green algae, and there goes an incredible, picturesque natural sight that leaves visitors in awe.
14. Watch pretty hydrangeas and calla lilies in Zhuzihu
Image credit: Calla Lily Official Facebook Page
I don’t know about you, but seeing a village full of pretty flowers just makes me so delighted. Zhuzihu is home to enchanting hydrangeas and calla lilies, making it one of the most captivating places to visit in Taipei. Here, you can take a stroll around the lovely blossoms, while enjoying the peace and chilly weather, especially during springtime.
Things to do in Taipei: Fun activities
15. Enjoy the world’s largest Chinese art collection at Taipei’s National Palace Museum
Image credit: National Palace Museum Official Website
There are nearly 700,000 pieces of Chinese artefacts and artwork in Taipei’s National Palace Museum. Out of the many collections, it is the calligraphy, paintings, books, and porcelains that are most influential. Decades later in 2000, its Southern branch opened in Chiayi County, and both museums possess architectural designs from the Qing dynasty.
Some award-winning Taiwanese movies were also filmed at the National Palace Museum in Taipei. How cool is that?
16. Visit Dihua Street during the Lunar New Year for an unforgettable cultural experience
Image credit: Michael Rehfeldt
Located in the Dadaocheng neighbourhood, Dihua Street is depicted as the Lunar New Year Shopping Area. The old-style market sells all sorts of Lunar New Year-related goods, as well as traditional Chinese medicines, herbs, clothing, and tea. The place is especially popular before and during Lunar New Year, but you can also visit the many handicraft shops, restaurants, and cafes beyond the festive season.
17. Discover Taipei’s historical heritage at Liberty Square
Image credit: Romeo A.
At Taipei’s Liberty Square, you’ll find important historical buildings such as the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, the National Concert Hall, and the National Theatre. The square itself serves as an important place for public gatherings and represents an integral part of Taiwan’s democratic society.
18. Release traditional sky lanterns on Shifen Old Street
Image credit (L-R): Ivan Hutomo; Joel Fulgencio
Go to Shifen Old Street (otherwise called Pingxi Old Street) and your wishes just might come true. You can write down your wish on a lantern using any language of your choice. No need to worry about not knowing what to do as there will be plenty of helpful guides around to help you.
You may have to contend with large crowds at this tourist hotspot, especially during peak tourist season, which is the beginning and the end of a year. November to February is also a better time to visit, as the weather is colder compared to other months.
19. Go rock climbing in the beautiful Longdong Bay
Image credit: Long Dong Bay Ocean Park Official Facebook Page
Try snorkelling, scuba diving, and rock climbing in the famous Longdong Bay, aka the Dragon Cave. There is onsite training available for beginners who are keen to experience thrilling rock climbing. For family-friendly activities, go canoeing and stand-up paddling.
20. Feel the heat of the Beitou Thermal Valley
Image credit: Yu tptw
One of the fun things to do in Taipei is to visit this literal “hot” spot. As tempting as it may sound, you’re not allowed to take a dip in the hot spring in Beitou Thermal Valley. The temperature and level of sulfur (you can smell it in the air!) are simply too high. Instead, it’s meant to simply be a scenic area where you can get some otherworldly shots.
21. Stay at a resort in Beitou and take a dip in the Beitou Hot Springs
Image credit: Tydence Davis
If you’re up for a dip anyway, you can enjoy a therapeutic session at the many resorts in the Beitou district. If you don’t feel like staying overnight, enter with a ticket and enjoy a healing, hot bath in Beitou Public Hot Springs, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area. You can even enjoy eggs boiled in hot spring water, a local delicacy!
22. Enjoy the urban oasis that is Daan Forest Park
Image credit: Lienyuan Lee
A green oasis near the city centre, Daan Forest Park is a huge public park suitable for many outdoor activities and family-friendly things to do in Taipei. Walk along the firefly pond, Guanyin statue, and flower beds. This place allows you to escape from the city for a while and get some fresh air. There’s also a stage where you can sit back and enjoy the performance of local artists.
23. Enjoy quirky attractions at Huashan 1914 Creative Park
Image credit: Huashan 1914 Creative Park Official Facebook Page
Huashan 1914 Creative Park allows you to catch a glimpse of the quirkiest art installations and fun events in Taipei. There are also many cute cafes, bookstores and interesting street performances. It used to be a Japanese winery back in the 1910s, but was later transformed into a creative, multipurpose art space.
24. Go Insta-crazy with the rock formations in Yehliu Geopark
Image credit: New Taipei City Tourism and Travel Official Website
Approximately an hour from Taipei, Yehliu Geopark is a geological park known for its remarkable, peculiar-looking rock formations. You can even say hello to Queen Elizabeth here! Its most well-known attraction is the Queen’s Head, which vaguely resembles the monarch. What’s more, its formation is estimated to have taken about 4,000 years.
Yehliu Geopark has many other mushroom rocks formed by sea erosion, such as the Fairy’s shoes and the mushroom rocks. It’s definitely one of the scenic places to visit near Taipei that you have to go to at least once!
Note: Visitors are prohibited from touching or climbing the rocks.
25. Party it up or hunt for delectable delights in Ximending
Image credit: Supasit Chantranon
Ximending is arguably the most happening hotspot in the city, home to countless clubs, bars, shopping malls, and great food spots. There’s never a dull moment in Ximending and it is the social hub and one of the best places to visit in Taipei. Here, youngsters can always be found having a good time, whether day or night.
It is also home to some of Taipei’s most iconic eateries and shops! Some of the must-try delicacies are Taiwanese fried chicken chops, oyster omelette, and pork rib noodles. Don’t forget to take cute pictures for the ’Gram at Eighty-Eightea Rinbansyo and The Red House!
26. Shop till you drop in the less-crowded Wufenpu District
Image credit: marilynyee via CanvaPro
If you’re looking to buy quirky clothes, fashionable accessories, and other eye-catching attire, Wufenpu is the place for you! Wufenpu’s name originated when five people of different surnames — He, Zhou, Shen, Du, Li — bought the land from the Pingpu people.
With alley upon alley of shops and outlets to choose from, you’ll be sure to find something (or some things) that suits your fancy in this largest garment district in Taipei. And it’s all at bargain prices – how awesome!
27. Explore the Underground Mall at Taipei Main Station
Image credit: Wpcpey
Spanning close to a kilometre in length, the Taipei City Mall is an underground mall beneath Taipei Main Station. Expect many stalls selling a multitude of different objects, from manga and anime figurines to quirky souvenirs and even Indonesian cuisine!
28. Go on an epic street food tour at some of Taipei’s famous night markets
Image credit: Max Oh
If there’s one thing you absolutely cannot leave Taipei without doing, it’s hitting the night markets in search of glorious local food. After all, Taipei is one of the most famous street food havens in the world! The largest and most famous night market in the city is Shilin Night Market.
However, I personally feel that Shilin is too mainstream, and as a result, is always packed with tourists. Instead, I prefer visiting Ningxia Night Market. It’s just a few MRT stops away from Shilin, has (marginally) fewer people, and — in my opinion — cheaper (but still amazing) street food!
29. Catch the breathtaking New Year’s Eve fireworks display at Taipei 101
Image credit: maggie hung
Trust me, as the clock strikes 12 on New Year’s Eve, you’ll be at a loss for words! The space right outside of Taipei 101 is the place to go for a memorable New Year countdown. Let the spectacular fireworks show kickstart a prosperous new year.
30. Visit a (charitable) pet cafe
Image credit: 浪浪別哭
Although pet cafes have been a trendy novelty for quite a while, there’s one such cafe in Taipei that is meaningfully different. Called Lang Lang Don’t Cry (Lang, in this case, means “stray” in Mandarin), the cafe houses mainly stray dogs and cats that have been rescued off the streets of Taipei. The owners allow them to interact with guests in hopes that it will spur patrons to adopt them. Given that none of the animals stays at the cafe for very long, I’d say that the cafe has been a resounding success so far!
The cafe itself boasts a cosy, homey ambience, perfect for a reprieve from the bustling city. Humans can enjoy waffles and a variety of coffee and tea, and even purchase some treats for the cuddly animals in the cafe. A portion of every penny you spend goes towards the owners’ continuous efforts to help strays find a forever home.
Things to do in Taipei: Temple hopping
31. Pay a visit to Taipei’s famous Lungshan Temple
Image credit: Goranq
Lungshan Temple is one of the top religious places in the country. This 300-year-old temple is always busy as many locals come for worship, as well as to enjoy its beauty. What’s better? The entrance is free.
Come during the Buddha’s Birthday in May, the Ghost Festival in August, or any other festival. During these times, you get to celebrate and experience the fun of the local’s traditional folk culture.
32. Admire the delicate details within the ornate Bao’an Temple
Image credit: Bao’an Temple Official Facebook Page
Another Taiwanese folk religion temple, Bao’an Temple, is just as gorgeous. Come by and take a look at the delicate details of the temple. The sanctuary houses rituals and performances during festive seasons. Particularly during the Baosheng Emperor’s (the Deity of Medicine) birthday, many locals would come by and celebrate.
33. Make a wish at the neighbouring Confucius Temple
Image credit: Dudva
Taipei Confucius Temple is modelled after the original Confucius Temple in Shandong, China. As the name suggests, the temple showcases the history and journey of the venerated Chinese philosopher and teacher. Local students would usually come here to seek blessings for their upcoming examinations.
34. Make a pilgrimage to Guandu Temple
Image credit: gaga930
The majestic Guandu Temple is built into the side of a mountain with a tunnel which runs right through it. This sanctuary is only around 15 minutes walk from the Guandu MRT Station. It is dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess Mazu, who is mostly worshipped by the Taoists and Buddhists.
At the rear of the temple, visitors may be treated to panoramic views of the Tamsui River. Not bad for a temple that dates all the way back to 1661 — making it the oldest temple in Northern Taiwan.
35. Get a fortune block reading at Xingtian Temple
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One of the most popular Taipei attractions, Xingtian Temple is known for the unique dragon elements on its fixtures. The temple is devoted to Guan Gong or Lord Guan, also known as the God of War in Taoism. People tend to come here for fortune block readings on help or guidance.
