Nǐ hǎo! Wondering what to see in Taipei City? Here's the 101 on the best things to do in Taiwan's vibrant metropolis.
Thinking of travelling to Taipei? Known as the first Asian country to legalise same-sex marriage, there’s no shortage of colourful things to do in Taiwan’s capital. This bustling metropolis blends modernity with tradition, where sleek skyscrapers sit alongside historic temples and night markets.
Best Things to See and Do in Taipei, Taiwan
1. Taipei 101
Taiwan’s most iconic skyscraper, Taipei 101, houses a luxury shopping mall, premium office spaces, the Taiwan Stock Exchange, and several observation decks. Visitors can ride a high-speed elevator to the 89th floor and arrive in just 37 seconds, making it one of the fastest lifts in the world.
Panoramic city view from Taipei 101. Photo: Lord Acuña
From the indoor observatory, you can enjoy sweeping 360-degree views of Taipei, which is undoubtedly the highlight of the Taipei 101 experience. And just one floor below, you’ll find the Tuned Mass Damper – a massive 660-tonne steel sphere designed to stabilise the building during earthquakes and strong typhoons.
(L) The Tuned Mass Damper in Taipei 101 on the 88th floor. (R) A Taipei 101 neon sign. Photo: Lord Acuña
Location: No. 7, Section 5, Xinyi Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110
Opening hours: 10:00 – 21:00
2. Ximending
(L) Window shopping in Ximending. (R) Digging into my Hot Star Large Fried Chicken. Photo: Lord Acuña
Ximending is Taipei’s lively shopping and entertainment district in Wanhua. The best time to visit is in the evening, from around 18:00 to midnight, when the area comes alive. Here, you can spend your time shopping, sampling street food, or catching street performances in the central pedestrian zone.
Photo: Nadine Tolentino
As a pioneer for LGBTQ+ rights in Asia, you can also find here the Rainbow Six pedestrian crossing, a brightly coloured landmark located outside Exit 6 of the Ximen MRT station. And if you’re in the city on the last Saturday of October, don’t miss Taiwan Pride, the largest LGBTQ+ pride event in East Asia, held annually.
3. Lungshan Temple
Built in 1738 by settlers from Fujian, Lungshan Temple (also spelt Longshan) served as a gathering place for Chinese immigrants. It has stood the test of time, surviving natural disasters and wars. The temple houses hundreds of statues representing Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian deities. Vivid paintings adorn the walls, while stone statues of mystical creatures guard the grounds. Visiting the temple is free, though donations are encouraged to help with its upkeep.
Location: No. 211, Guangzhou St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10853
Opening hours: 06:00 – 22:00
Cost: Free
4. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
A visit to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei. Photo: Lord Acuña
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is a national monument set within a 25-hectare park. Built in memory of the Republic of China’s first president, the hall has played an important role in Taiwan’s political history. Events held here in the 1980s helped shape the country’s path towards modern democracy. Today, visitors can enter free of charge to admire the hall’s white marble façade, blue-tiled roof, and the imposing bronze statue of Chiang Kai-shek inside.
Location: No. 21, Zhongshan S. Rd., Zhongzheng District, Taipei City 1004, Taiwan
Opening hours: 09:00 – 18:00
Cost: Free
5. Jiufen Old Street
(L) Entrance to Jiu Fen Old Street. (R) A break from walking while enjoying the scenic views. Photo: Lord Acuña
Just over an hour’s drive from Taipei City, Jiufen Old Street (or Jioufen) is a hillside destination famous for its maze-like alleyways, beautifully lantern-lit at night. The area is lively and atmospheric, with teahouses, street food stalls, restaurants, and shops packed along its narrow paths.
Trying some delicious Taiwanese desserts at Jiu Fen Old Street. Photo: Lord Acuña
And if you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss the traditional Taiwanese desserts here. Must-try treats include chewy taro balls (served hot or cold), peanut ice cream rolls with cilantro, and soft mochi. Although Jiufen Old Street is accessible 24/7, most stores here typically operate between 10:00 and 20:00.
Location: Jishan St, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 224
6. Shifen Old Street
Shifen Old Street is known for its rustic railway tracks and offers a nostalgic glimpse into Taiwan’s cultural past. The historic Pingxi Line train is still active and functional, and runs directly through the centre of the bustling, narrow street. Here, you can also make your own paper lantern, write your wishes on it, and release it into the sky with friends or family. It’s a memorable experience that stands out from the usual sightseeing in Taipei.
Location: Shifen St, Pingxi District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 226
7. Raohe Night Market
Entrance to Raohe Street Night Market in Taipei. Photo: Lord Acuña
Feeling hungry after a long day of exploring? Fuel up at Raohe Night Market, a 600-metre stretch lined with around 400 street food stalls. There’s a wide variety of snacks and dishes, with options to suit almost every palate. A couple of my personal favourites include blow-torched beef cubes and savoury escargot.
Location: Raohe St, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105
Opening hours: 17:00 – 00:00
8. Taipei Performing Arts Centre
The stunning Taipei Performing Arts Centre in Taiwan. Photo: Jay Liu
After ten years of construction, the Taipei Performing Arts Centre opened in 2022. This state-of-the-art cultural hub in the heart of Taipei offers a unique experience for theatre enthusiasts and art lovers alike. The centre features three distinct theatres housed within a striking cube-and-sphere design. For those who want to learn more about TPAC, audio-guided tours are available from NTD 120.
Location: No. 1, Jiantan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111
Opening hours: 12:00 – 21:00
9. Shilin Night Market
Don’t miss Shilin Night Market, the largest of its kind in Taipei. Photo: Lord Acuña
Shilin Night Market is the largest night market in Taipei. Here, you’ll find not only a vast array of popular street food but also hundreds of stalls selling clothing, accessories, souvenirs, and games. The market spans multiple streets, so allow plenty of time if you want to explore and browse thoroughly.
Location: No. 101, Jihe Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111
Opening hours: 16:00 – 00:00
10. National Chung Cheng University
Any Meteor Garden fans in the house? If you want to relive the F4 craze, pay a visit to National Chung Cheng University, where many iconic scenes from the Taiwanese drama were filmed. Although it’s nearly three hours from Taipei, it’s well worth the trip for die-hard fans of the show.
Location: No. 168, Section 1, Daxue Rd, Minxiong Township, Chiayi County, Taiwan 62102
So there you have it – the list of best things to see and do in Taipei. Whether you’re drawn to modern attractions or traditional culture, you are guaranteed to have the best time in Taiwan’s capital!
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