Safety Score
9.1/10
Currency
New Taiwan dollar
Language
Mandarin Chinese
Timezone
Asia/Shanghai
About taipei
Taipei, the vibrant capital of Taiwan, is a modern, densely populated metropolis located in the northern part of the island. Known for its fusion of traditional culture and high-tech development, the city features landmarks like the bamboo-shaped Taipei 101, bustling night markets such as Shilin, and a clean, efficient metro system
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Taipei is during spring (March to May) and autumn (October to early December) for pleasant, mild weather with minimal rain and no extreme heat.
Things to Do in taipei, Taiwan
Best Things to See & Do in taipei
Taipei 101 Observatory
A world-famous skyscraper featuring a "Secret Garden" on the 101st floor and a massive wind damper.
2026 visitors rave about the 101st-floor "Secret Garden" and the record-breaking elevator; many suggest Klook to skip the 45-min ticket line.
- +Unparalleled city views
- +High-speed elevator
- +Interactive damper exhibit
- -Very crowded on weekends
- -Expensive tickets
- -Weather dependent
Ximending Walking District
Taipei's "Harajuku," a vibrant hub of street art, trendy boutiques, and the 2026 POP MART lantern installations.
The energy is "contagious"; 2026 reviews highlight the massive 8-meter "Baby Molly" statue and the incredible street food diversity.
- +Vibrant nightlife
- +Great shopping
- +Iconic street art
- -Extremely crowded
- -Can be overwhelming
- -Tourist pricing in parts
National Palace Museum
Home to over 650,000 ancient Chinese artifacts, currently undergoing a grand 2026 architectural renewal.
Reviewers call it a "cultural powerhouse"; 2026 visitors recommend the "Meat-Shaped Stone" and the new digital immersive wing.
- +World-class collection
- +Beautiful architecture
- +Deep historical value
- -Far from city center
- -Some wings closed for renovation
- -Very large/tiring
Shilin Night Market
The largest and most famous night market in Taipei, with a history spanning over a century.
A "gourmet sanctuary"; 2026 reviews highlight the underground food court and the Michelin-listed "Large Fried Chicken."
- +Endless food variety
- +Classic Taipei vibe
- +Great souvenirs
- -Very touristy
- -Can be hot and cramped
- -Loud environment
Beitou Hot Springs
A geothermal valley featuring public baths, luxury resorts, and a beautiful wooden library.
Reviewers call it a "haven for relaxation"; 2026 visitors love the foot baths and the historic Hot Spring Museum.
- +Therapeutic waters
- +Scenic landscapes
- +Easy MRT access
- -Public baths can be crowded
- -Sulfur smell (rotten eggs)
- -Hot in summer
Yangmingshan National Park
A sprawling park featuring volcanic landscapes, cherry blossoms, and the majestic Qixing Mountain.
A "cyclist's paradise"; 2026 visitors rave about the sulfur fumaroles and the seasonal flower festivals.
- +Stunning natural beauty
- +Great hiking trails
- +Refreshing air
- -Requires bus/taxi to reach
- -Weather changes rapidly
- -Can be steep
Dihua Street (Dadaocheng)
The city's oldest street, famous for traditional medicine, fabrics, and the massive Lunar New Year Market.
Reviewers love the "Qing Dynasty vibe"; 2026 visitors highlight the boutique cafes hidden in historic courtyards.
- +Authentic history
- +Great tea and spices
- +Beautiful architecture
- -Very crowded during CNY
- -Many shops close early
- -Narrow sidewalks
Longshan Temple
A magnificent 1738 temple dedicated to Guanyin, known for its intricate carvings and vibrant worshipers.
Reviewers call it "spiritually electric"; 2026 visitors are moved by the chanting and the ornate dragon pillars.
- +Incredible craftsmanship
- +Rich cultural immersion
- +Free entry
- -Very crowded
- -Smoke from incense
- -Strict photography rules
Maokong Gondola
A scenic cable car ride over tea plantations to the mountain village of Maokong.
Reviewers recommend the "Crystal Cabins" with glass floors; 2026 visitors love the sunset tea sessions at the top.
- +Breathtaking mountain views
- +Crystal-floor cabins
- +Great tea houses
- -Long queues for glass cabins
- -Closed on Mondays
- -Suspended in high winds
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
A grand monument with a blue-tiled roof and a massive bronze statue, featuring a daily changing of the guard.
2026 visitors love the precision of the guard ceremony and the vast Liberty Square for photography.
- +Iconic landmark
- +Impressive guard ceremony
- +Free entry
- -Lots of stairs
- -Very hot in the sun
- -Very formal atmosphere
Huashan 1914 Creative Park
A former wine factory turned into a hub for art, design, and pop-up exhibitions like the 2026 Crayon Shin-chan Museum.
The "coolest spot in town"; 2026 reviewers rave about the interactive anime exhibits and the indie cinema.
- +Unique industrial vibe
- +Great pop-up events
- +Indie shops/cafes
- -Can be very busy
- -Pop-up tickets are pricey
- -Small indoor spaces
Raohe Street Night Market
A single-path market known for its ornate entrance temple and Michelin-listed black pepper buns.
Reviewers call it the "foodie's favorite"; 2026 visitors say the Fuzhou Black Pepper Buns are worth the 20-min wait.
- +Easy to navigate
- +Top-quality street food
- +Stunning temple entrance
- -Very narrow and crowded
- -Limited seating
- -Can be smoky
Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan)
A steep hiking trail offering the most famous "postcard view" of Taipei 101.
Reviewers warn about the "endless stairs" but say the 2026 sunset view is the best free thing in Taipei.
- +Best views of Taipei 101
- +Free and accessible
- +Great workout
- -Very steep stairs
- -Extremely crowded at sunset
- -Mosquitoes at dusk
Songshan Cultural & Creative Park
A restored tobacco factory featuring a lily pond, design museums, and a high-end Eslite bookstore.
A "serene cultural hub"; 2026 visitors love the blend of 1930s architecture and modern Taiwanese design.
- +Peaceful gardens
- +Great bookstore
- +High-quality design
- -Can be quiet on weekdays
- -Exhibitions change often
- -Pricey souvenirs
Taipei Zoo
One of the largest zoos in Asia, home to giant pandas and a massive African safari zone.
A "family must-do"; 2026 reviewers love the panda house and the seamless connection to the Maokong Gondola.
- +Very affordable
- +Great for families
- +Educational exhibits
- -Massive (requires walking)
- -Hot and humid
- -Pandas have long queues
Ningxia Night Market
A small, focused market famous for its traditional oyster omelets and high density of Michelin-starred stalls.
The "local's secret"; 2026 visitors love that it's less "touristy" and more focused on old-school Taiwanese flavors.
- +Authentic flavors
- +Michelin-starred stalls
- +Less chaotic than Shilin
- -Small and narrow
- -Limited non-food items
- -Long food queues
Lin Family Mansion & Garden
A stunningly preserved 19th-century Chinese residential garden with traditional pavilions and bridges.
Reviewers call it a "traditional masterpiece"; 2026 visitors enjoy the quiet garden paths and the intricate woodwork.
- +Beautiful landscaping
- +Historical depth
- +Very photogenic
- -Away from city center
- -Guided tours mostly in Chinese
- -Entry fee required
Taipei Fine Arts Museum
A striking white modernist building showcasing contemporary Taiwanese and international art.
A "modernist gem"; 2026 visitors love the experimental installations and the quiet, air-conditioned galleries.
- +Great contemporary art
- +Affordable entry
- +Quiet atmosphere
- -Exhibits can be abstract
- -Limited permanent collection
- -Away from city center
Liberty Square (Paifang)
The massive plaza in front of the CJK Memorial Hall, often used for public gatherings and festivals.
Reviewers love the grand scale; 2026 visitors say it’s the best place to fly a kite or watch the sunset over the city.
- +Grand scale
- +Great for photos
- +Central location
- -No shade/very hot
- -Always has tour groups
- -Can be windy
Thermal Valley (Hell Valley)
A volcanic valley with a steaming green lake of sulfuric water near Beitou.
Reviewers call the steam "otherworldly"; 2026 visitors enjoy the new wooden walkways that get you closer to the mist.
- +Free to visit
- +Unique natural sight
- +Great for photos
- -Small/Quick visit
- -Strong sulfur smell
- -Very hot and humid
Eslite Spectrum Songyan
A flagship concept store and mall focusing on crafts, design, and a 24-hour bookstore experience.
A "lifestyle paradise"; 2026 visitors love the DIY craft workshops and the upscale food court.
- +Beautiful design
- +DIY workshops
- +Great gift shopping
- -Higher price point
- -Can be crowded
- -Bookstore can be loud
Zhongshan Linear Park
A newly revitalized green corridor above the MRT line, filled with public art, markets, and indie cafes.
The 2026 "hipster heart"; reviewers love the weekend markets and the "underground" shopping street nearby.
- +Trendy and walkable
- +Great indie cafes
- +Public art galore
- -Can be busy at night
- -Limited seating
- -MRT noise nearby
Treasure Hill Guest Village
A former veteran's settlement turned into an artist colony built on a hillside.
Reviewers call it "quirky and cool"; 2026 visitors enjoy the maze-like alleys and the "hidden" art studios.
- +Unique history
- +Great river views
- +Bohemian vibe
- -Lots of steep stairs
- -Mosquitoes
- -Some areas are private
Confucius Temple
A peaceful temple dedicated to the great philosopher, featuring traditional music and 4D cinema experiences.
Reviewers love the "quiet dignity"; 2026 visitors appreciate the high-tech 4D show that explains Confucian history.
- +Peaceful and serene
- +Interactive 4D show
- +Free entry
- -Away from major sites
- -Simple architecture
- -Can be quiet
Miramar Ferris Wheel
A giant Ferris wheel atop a shopping mall, offering views of the Keelung River and the city.
A "romantic date spot"; 2026 visitors love the night light show on the wheel and the nearby IMAX theater.
- +Iconic night views
- +Shopping attached
- +Romantic vibe
- -Slow ride
- -Away from city center
- -Pricey for the duration
Things to Do in taipei - Top 25 Attractions
Planning a trip to taipei? Discover the 25 best things to do in taipei, Taiwan. From iconic landmarks and historic sites to local markets and outdoor adventures, our guide covers the top attractions and must-see sights that make taipei one of the most popular destinations in Taiwan.
Top things to see in taipei include Taipei 101 Observatory, Ximending Walking District, National Palace Museum and 2 more incredible sites. Each offers a unique glimpse into what makes taipei special for first-time visitors and seasoned travellers alike.
Whether you're visiting taipei for a weekend break or a longer stay, there are things to do for every type of traveller — cultural experiences, historic sightseeing, outdoor activities, and local food markets. Most visitors recommend spending at least 2–3 days to cover the main highlights of taipei.
Browse the full list of taipei attractions below, save your favourites, and build a personalised itinerary that matches your pace and interests. Our free taipei travel guide is updated regularly so you always have the most current recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions about taipei
taipei offers numerous iconic attractions. Our curated list includes top-rated landmarks, museums, and hidden gems. Browse our recommendations above to plan your perfect sightseeing itinerary.
To avoid long queues, visit popular attractions early in the morning or book skip-the-line tickets online. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
Yes, taipei has many free attractions including parks, historic neighborhoods, and sometimes free museum days. Check our tips section for money-saving advice.
Explore More of taipei
About taipei, Taiwan
taipei is a popular travel destination in Taiwan, offering a compelling mix of culture, history, and modern life. When planning your taipei trip, note that the local language is Mandarin Chinese, the currency is New Taiwan dollar, the best time to visit is The best time to visit Taipei is during spring (March to May) and autumn (October to early December) for pleasant, mild weather with minimal rain and no extreme heat.. Our free taipei guide covers 25 things to do and must-see attractions, 25 top-rated restaurants, 25 recommended hotels and places to stay, all handpicked to help you travel smarter and make the most of every day.
