15 Best Things to Do in Taipei - Highlights & Hidden Gems

Taipei is incredibly easy to explore, the food is amazing, there’s lots of history and sights all around and every neighborhood seems to have its own personality.

What surprised me most was just how much there is to do in Taipei. Whether you're interested in food, culture, nature, hiking, history, shopping or simply soaking up local life, Taipei has something for everyone.

This guide covers the very best things to do in Taipei, including the city's must-see attractions, the best neighborhoods to explore and the best day trips to take if you have some extra time in Taipei.

15 Best Things to Do in Taipei

As always I’ll start with the fun part first, namely the top things to do in Taipei. If you also want more practical information like the best places to stay, how to get around and everything else you need to know before your trip, just scroll further down and you’ll find everything you need.

If you need help planning your itinerary you can use my 2 day Itinerary in Taipei as a staring point.

Short on time in Taipei?

This guided tour takes you to all the highlight in the city in one fully packed day.

Visit Taipei 101

If there's one landmark that's become synonymous with Taipei, it's Taipei 101.

It's 508 metres (1,667 feet) tall and used to be the tallest building in the world. Even though new buildings have taken over the title, it still remains one of the city's most recognizable landmarks.

I visited on my second day in Taipei, and it was one of the highlights of the trip. You can choose to just see it from the outside, or head inside and see the view from the observation deck. I highly recommend heading inside.

To get to the top you’ll take the high-speed elevator that shoots you up to the observation deck in less than 40 seconds. I’ve read its one of the fastest elevators in the world, which is quite fun.

If you head up, don't miss the giant mass damper inside the building. It’s a massive golden sphere that helps stabilize the skyscraper during earthquakes and typhoons.

It's one of the only buildings in the world where this engineering is visible to visitors. Even though I'm no engineer, it was pretty cool to see.

Get tickets to Taipei 101 in advance and skip the line

Hike Elephant Mountain for the Best View in Taipei

If I had to choose just one experience in Taipei, this would probably be it.

After climbing to the top of Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan), you're rewarded with an absolutely stunning view of Taipeis skyline.

The hike itself is relatively short and usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes. I probably wouldn't even really call it a hike because the trail consists mostly of steep stone stairs all the way to the top.

You'll feel it in your legs for sure, but personally I think it's the heat and humidity that made it slightly rough.

Luckily, the reward is more than worth the effort.

From the various viewing platforms, you'll have incredible views of Taipei 101 along the rest of Taipeis skyscrapers.

I timed my hike for sunset, and it couldn't have been a better way to end the day.

Eat Your Way Through Raohe Night Market

My personal opinion is that you can't leave Taipei without at least visiting one night market.

There are plenty to choose from and you can find a more detailed guide about all of them here, but if you just have time for one I’d pick Raohe night market.

It’s a really cool spot to wander around, grab some food and just see local life unfold. Even if you're not a big fan of Taiwanese food, it’s still worth going to just experience the atmosphere.

Explore Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

One of the first places I visited in Taipei was Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. A spot I highly recommend everyone add to their itinerary.

Just makes sure to set aside enough time because this whole complex is much bigger than I'd imagined and we spent much longer here than planned.

I personally think the best part was just wandering around the Liberty Square and seeing the buildings from the outside, but if you head into the memorial hall you'll also be able to see the changing of the guard every hour.

The precision they have is insane and it was really cool to watch.

If you miss it, I wouldn't wait an hour to see it again, but if you time it correctly it's a really cool thing to witness.

Want to learn more about the area?

Join this guided morning tour that lets you explore the area while a guide explains the history and significance.

Visit Longshan Temple

This was another highlight in Taipei.

Unlike some historic attractions that feel like museums, this is still a functioning temple where locals come every day to pray, light incense, and make offerings. And the atmosphere was really cool

It’s not massive so you don't have to spend very long, but I think there were so many cool details everywhere to explore that you might end up spending more time than you think anyways.

If you want to you can also pair a visit here with a walk around Wanda District, which is one of Taipei's oldest neighborhoods.

Short on time and want everything organized?

I recommend this guided tour that takes you to all the top sights in Taipei in one full day.

Wander Through Ximending

Ximending is often compared to Tokyo's Harajuku street, and even though I can’t say it was as fascinating as Harajuku, it was a really cool area to explore.

The area is packed with shopping streets, cafés, street performers, cinemas, and more food than you could possibly eat in one visit.

There’s not one specific thing to do here, so just set aside some time to wander around and take it all in. Walk down small side streets, browse independent boutiques, stop for bubble tea, and watch the performers in the pedestrian square.

It's also one of the best places in Taipei to pick up souvenirs, whether you're looking for Taiwanese snacks, skincare, stationery, anime merchandise, or locally designed gifts.

Ready to book your trip?

Compare the latest flight prices and find the best deals here.

Visit the National Palace Museum

The Taipei National Museum is home to one of the world's largest collections of Chinese imperial art and artefacts, with nearly 700,000 treasures spanning thousands of years, so it's well worth a visit.

The museum is massive so even if you decide to visit you can’t really see it all in one visit.

Instead, focus on a few of the museum's highlights, including the famous Jadeite Cabbage and the Meat-Shaped Stone, which are two of Taiwan's most beloved artworks.

Buy your E-ticket to the museum in advance here

Ride the Maokong Gondola

I actually didn't know about this until after I left Taipei so I never made it, but I'm still adding it here because it looks like so much fun. If I'd know about it I would've tried to add it to my Taipei itineray.

It's a cable car that takes you away from the sometimes chaotic city and up into the mountains.

The area you arrive at is supposed to be famous for tea plantations and have really peaceful mountain scenery.

It sounds like the perfect break from the city if you have enough time.

Check availability for the various tours

There are various tickets to get, ranging from a single gondola ride to trips including visits to the zoo, a teahouse or all day FunPasses and much more.

Step Back in Time on Dihua Street

Located in the historic Dadaocheng neighborhood, this is one of the oldest streets in Taipei and offers a completely different atmosphere from areas like Ximending or Xinyi.

Instead of modern shopping malls, you'll find beautifully restored buildings filled with traditional tea shops, herbal medicine stores, fabric shops, local bakeries, and independent boutiques.

This is another spot I just wandered without any particular destination in mind, popping into small shops and discovering products I'd never seen before. There’s a lot of cute traditional tea houses here well worth a visit.

Looking for the perfect place to stay?

Browse the best hotels, guesthouses, and boutique stays in Taipei here.

Visit Huashan 1914 Creative Park

With only a couple of days in Taipei I didn’t have time to prioritise this, but if you have more time it looks like a fun place to explore.

It was originally built as a sake brewery during the Japanese colonial era, but the complex has been transformed into one of the city's most vibrant cultural spaces.

Today it's filled with art galleries, design stores, pop-up exhibitions, independent cafés, craft markets and photography exhibitions

I’ve also heard that you'll find locals selling handmade product and artwork here on the weekends.

Travel with peace of mind and get travel insurance before your trip.

I personally use SafetyWing and highly recommend it for every kind of trip. Check their prices & plans here.

Grab a Drink at a Rooftop Bar in Xinyi

Most people come to Xinyi simply to visit Taipei 101, but the area have more to offer. Especially after sunset.

It’s filled with skyscrapers that light up and plenty of rooftop bars with amazing views of the city.

It’s especially perfect it you don't feel like climbing to Elephant Mountain to see the skyline at night.

Need mobile data when you land?

I always set up an eSIM before flying so I'm connected the moment I arrive. Compare the best plans from Airalo here.

Best Day Trips from Taipei

As I only spent a weekend in Taipei I didn't have time to do any day trips, but I did find some spots that I would've loved to visit.

I’m saving them for my next visit!

So even though I personally never made it there I’m adding it here so it's easier for you to plan your trip if you're spending more time in Taipei than me, or if you just want to switch up one of your days in Taipei with something else.

If you need help planning your days in Taipei, I have an article on How to spend 2 days in Taipei.

Want to make the most of your trip?

Browse the highest-rated tours and experiences here.

Relax at Beitou Hot Springs

If you're looking for a break from sightseeing, head to Beitou.

It’s actually not that far away from the city so you can easily just take the MRT there.

This district is famous for its natural hot springs, so if you need a place to relax for a couple of days this is pefect.

Whether you choose a luxury spa, a traditional bathhouse, or a hotel with private hot spring pools, this is one of Taipei's most popular experiences.

If you have three or four days in Taipei, I'd definitely recommend setting aside at least half a day for Beitou.

Best Hotels in Beitou

If you want to stay longer in Beitou these are the hotels I would book!

Hotel Royal Beitou

This is one of the area's most popular hotels. It offers spacious rooms, private hot spring baths, and a relaxing spa atmosphere. It's ideal if you want a wellness-focused stay without splurging on ultra-luxury.

Check prices and availability

Grand View Resort

This is consistently ranked among the best hotels in Taiwan so if you want to treat yourself this is the place to book. Expect beautifully designed rooms, private hot spring baths, mountain views, and one of the city's best spas.

Check prices and availability

Beitou Sweet Me Hot Spring Resort

For travellers looking for something a little more affordable while still enjoying the hot spring experience, this offers excellent value. Many rooms include private hot spring tubs, making it a great option for couples looking for a relaxing getaway.

Check prices and availability

Take a Day Trip to Jiufen

If you have more days in Taipei, this is another day trip I would do.

Jiufen is supposed to be one of Taiwan's most atmospheric destinations. You'll find narrow alleyways lined with traditional teahouses, red lanterns, local snack stalls, and souvenir shops and it looks incredibly charming.

Jiufen is easily reached by public transport, but if you're short on time, a guided day tour is a convenient way to combine it with nearby attractions.

Visit Shifen and Release a Sky Lantern

If you do a guided tour, a visit to Shifen is often combined with Jiufen, but you can also visit it on your own.

The town is actually built around an active railway line, with shops and cafés sitting just metres from the tracks.

When trains pass through, everyone steps aside before returning to browse the street a few minutes later.

The city is however best known for its colorful sky lanterns. Visitors write their wishes or hopes on paper lanterns before releasing them into the sky, creating one of Taiwan's most iconic travel experiences.

Yes, it sounds a bit touristy, but I also think it sounds like a lot of fun.

Escape to Yangmingshan National Park

One of the things that makes Taipei such a unique city is how quickly you can swap skyscrapers for nature.

Less than an hour from the city centre, you’ll find Yangmingshan National Park.

Here you can explore volcanic landscapes, hiking trails, waterfalls, hot springs, flower fields, and incredible mountain views.

You can do this as a day trip, but for me personally it also seems like a spot I would like to spend more time in when I go back.

It looks really amazing in all the pictures I’ve seen and I could easily see myself spending a couple of days just here.

Where to Stay in Taipei

One thing that surprised me about Taipei was how easy it was to get around. Thanks to the excellent MRT system, you don't necessarily have to stay right next to every attraction.

As long as you're close to a metro station, you'll be able to explore the city with ease.

For a weekend trip, I'd recommend staying in either Ximending, Zhongzheng, or Xinyi.

Each neighborhood has its own personality, but they're all well connected and make a great base for first-time visitors. Read my Guide on the various areas to stay in Taipei for more detailed descriptions.

This is where I stayed during my weekend in Taipei, and I would happily book it again.

CitizenM Taipei North gate

If you're looking for a stylish hotel without spending a fortune, this is an excellent choice. It was within walking distance of Ximending, Taipei Main Station, and several MRT stops, making it incredibly easy to get around. Everything is controlled through an iPad, which gave the hotel a fun, modern feel.

Check prices and availability

Hotel Resonance

Hotel Resonance is one of the best-rated hotels in the city. The rooms are spacious by Taipei standards, beautifully designed, and the location is fantastic for exploring both the historic sights and modern districts. It's an ideal option for couples looking for a comfortable stay without paying luxury prices.

Check prices and availability

Grand Hyatt Taipei

If you're celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself, the Grand Hyatt Taipei is hard to beat. Located next to Taipei 101, the hotel offers spacious rooms, multiple restaurants, a beautiful outdoor pool, and incredible views over the city skyline.

Check prices and availability

How Many Days Do You Need in Taipei?

Although many travellers, me included, visit Taipei as a stopover, I think the city deserves more than just one or two days. After visiting I really wish I’d had more days there.

Here's what I'd recommend:

2 days – Enough to see the major highlights, visit Taipei 101, explore temples, hike Elephant Mountain, and experience a night market or two.

3–4 days – Ideal for adding Beitou Hot Springs, the National Palace Museum, Maokong Gondola, and a slower pace.

5 days or more – Perfect if you want to include day trips to Jiufen, Shifen, Yangmingshan National Park, or other destinations around northern Taiwan.

Personally, I left wishing I'd had at least another couple of days.

Best Time to Visit Taipei

Taipei is really a year-round destination, but some seasons are definitely more comfortable than others.

Spring (March–May)

This is one of the best times to visit.

This season has pleasant temperatures, blooming flowers and relatively comfortable humidity, so it's perfect for sightseeing.

Summer (June–August)

Expect hot, humid weather with occasional heavy rain and typhoons.

If you visit during summer, start your sightseeing early in the morning and plan indoor attractions during the hottest part of the day.

I visited in July, and even though it’s absolutely doable, it is crazy hot and humid!

Autumn (September–November)

When I go back I'm going to aim at visiting Taipei in autumn.

The weather is warm without being overwhelming, the skies are often clear, and hiking conditions are supposed to be excellent.

Winter (December–February)

Winter in Taipei is generally mild compared to Europe or North America.

While temperatures are cooler and rain is more common, it's still a great time to visit, especially if you're planning to explore hot springs.

Tips for Visiting Taipei

A few things I learned during my trip:

• Buy an EasyCard as soon as you arrive. It makes using the MRT and buses incredibly simple.
• Download an eSIM before your flight so you have internet as soon as you land.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes, you'll probably walk far more than expected.
• Carry some cash for markets and smaller restaurants.
• Try as much street food as possible.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Taipei most famous for?

Taipei is best known for Taipei 101, its incredible night markets, delicious street food, beautiful temples, efficient public transport, and easy access to nature.

Is Taipei worth visiting?

Without a doubt.

I originally visited as a weekend stopover, but it quickly became one of my favorite cities in Asia. It has an amazing mix of culture, food, modern architecture, and outdoor experiences that makes it appealing to almost every type of traveler.

Is Taipei expensive?

Compared to cities like Tokyo or Singapore, I found Taipei surprisingly affordable.

Accommodation can vary depending on the season, but food, transport, and many attractions offer excellent value for money.

Is Taipei safe?

Yes.

Taipei is consistently ranked among the safest cities in the world, and I felt comfortable exploring both during the day and in the evening.

As always, use normal precautions, but it's a fantastic destination for solo travellers, couples, and families alike.

Final Thoughts: Top Things To Do In Taipei

Taipei is a city that's incredibly easy to fall in love with. The food is unforgettable, the people are welcoming, the public transport is one of the best I've ever used, and the variety of experiences means there's genuinely something for everyone.

Whether you're watching the sunset from Elephant Mountain, wandering through Longshan Temple, eating your way through Raohe Night Market, or enjoying the views from Taipei 101, every day feels completely different from the last.

I honestly think Taipei is one of Asia's most underrated capital cities.

If you're planning a trip to Taiwan, or even just have a long stopover, don't make the mistake of rushing through it like I did, and instead add a couple of extra days to really enjoy it.

I know I'll be back someday, and next time I'll be staying much longer than 48 hours.

Plan Your Trip to Taipei

Hopefully this guide has given you everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip to Taipei. To make planning even easier, I've included all the resources I personally use when I travel.

Find the best hotels and compare prices on Booking.com

Compare flight prices on Skyscanner.com

Book buses, trains and ferries with 12Go

Brows the best tours on Viator here

Compare eSIM plans with Airalo here

Get travel insurance from SafetyWing here

Every recommendation is based on tools and services I genuinely use and would recommend to friends and family.

By using these links you help me continue to create free travel guides like this one.

Thank you for supporting Travels with Ingrid!

If you have any questions about travel in Taipei, or just want to follow along as I travel the world full time, don‘t hesitate to reach out to me on social media.

I would love to connect and help out!

-Ingrid

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