43 Best Things to Do in Taipei, Taiwan: Where to Go & What to See

For any trip to East Asia, digging into all the best things to do in Taipei is an absolute must. Whether you’re looking to zip atop Taipei 101, eat delicious Taiwanese food at Shilin Night Market or marvel at the cultural heritage of Taiwan at Longshan Temple, visiting the top tourist attractions in Taipei will be among the highlights of any Taiwan itinerary.

Not sure where to go in Taipei? Plan your trip with this complete guide for what to do in Taipei including all the best places to visit in Taipei…

What to do in Taipei: Top attractions & best places to visit

Gawk at the city from above at Taipei 101

There’s quite literally no way you can leave Taipei without seeing Taipei 101.

Rarely a block slips by where you can’t see this magnificent landmark peeking into your view to keep you on track. But don’t let yourself stop there…

The observation deck is where most travellers set their sights.

For NT$500, you can hop into the world’s fastest elevator to see the world’s largest wind damper that keeps one of the world’s tallest buildings from toppling over.

The 360-degree panoramic view of Taipei City atop Taipei 101 is magnificent.

Viewing the city from above here is no doubt one of the best things to do in Taipei and will give you a grander appreciation of the enormity of the city than simply wandering the city centre neighbourhoods ever can.

Taipei 101 is also home to a number of shops and, perhaps more intriguing, a smattering of restaurants strewn throughout the building. (See the most famous of its restaurants next!)

Learn more about the Generalissimo at National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

No man had a greater impact on modern Taiwan than Chiang Kai-shek. And if you ever wanted to learn more about the Generalissimo, National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is where to do it.

Political opinions aside, the architecture of this monument is impressive.

SEE ALSO: Taipei Travel Guide

The white facade, overlooking Liberty Square, reflects a simple, uncluttered modern Chinese aesthetic. Atop the memorial, a royal blue roof adds flair with its intricate 8-sided classic design, symbolizing wealth and prosperity.

Inside you’ll find a memorial library, a museum, and exhibits depicting the history of modern Taiwan. If you have any passing interest in Asian history, be sure to take a quick look.

Browse cultural artifacts at the National Palace Museum

When China and Taiwan went splits during the Chinese Civil War, so too did their most precious cultural artifacts. Fearing their destruction, none other than the Generalissimo planned to ship the best of the best off to Taiwan.

Not all of the pieces the Generalissimo earmarked for Taiwan made it here. But the ones that did were worth the hassle.

No understanding of Chinese cultural history could be complete without a visit to the National Palace Museum.

In total, the museum is home to almost 700,000 artifacts ranging from precious jade figurines and bronzes to ancient ceramics and paintings dated as far back as the 7th-century.

Most of the artifacts are housed for safe-keeping, but there are still thousands on public display throughout most of the year.

Unusually enough for Taiwan, the main building of the museum is open 7 days a week. (Yes, even Mondays!)

Although it isn’t the easiest attraction to reach, if you’re interested in Chinese history and culture, there’s no substitute.

Get spiritual at Longshan Temple

Arguably the most famous temple in Taipei, Longshan Temple is an absolute must-see.

The temple is more than just a historical relic; it’s an (extremely) active place of worship. Unlike most you’ll encounter in Asia, Longshan isn’t affiliated with any major religion.

Chinese folk deities are worshipped here with great fervor. (And with a small donation and a little guidance from other worshippers, you can join in, too.)

What you see here now is hardly the original. It’s been destroyed and rebuilt far more than Taipeiers would like, but has always maintained its grace.

Spend a little time here to explore the intricacies and the deep symbolism. You’ll undoubtedly emerge with a deeper appreciation of Taipei and Taiwan.

Elsewhere in the district, one of the oldest areas in Taipei, you’ll also find a handful of other beautiful temples. The well-preserved Qingshui Temple and Bangka Qingshan Temple, located just to the north, are worthy of a quick detour.

Catch a glimpse of the future at Ximending

It’s no Shibuya Crossing, but Ximending is as close as you’ll get to it in Taipei.

Ximending in Wanhua District is the consumerist heart of Taipei. And as the neon lights jolt into the sky, it’s one of the most interesting places to go in Taipei for night wanderers.

Even during the day, Ximending is a trendy shopping mecca. It’s especially popular with the well-to-do younger crowd. International brands seem to be a favourite around here. (As a Canadian, I was pleasantly shocked to spot a Roots store in Ximending!)

SEE ALSO: Best Hotels in Ximending

Notable food stalls and restaurants also grace the area.

Keep on the look out for Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle, a well-known place in Ximending that’s one of the best places to eat in Taipei for a quick snack.

Hike up Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan)

There’s no sugar-coating it: In Taiwan’s extreme heat and humidity, clambering up Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) won’t be easy. For the views and escaping the chaos, however, it’ll be well worth your effort.

From the Elephant Mountain hiking trail entrance, a solid 10 to 20 minutes of stair climbing awaits. (There’s plenty of opportunity to rest along the trail, if you need it.)

After you’ve collected a Crossfit-worthy bucket of sweat, savour some spectacular views of the skyline at one of the many panorama points. This is definitely one of the best places to see in Taipei!

Entertain the kids at Taipei Zoo

Of all the family-friendly activities in Taipei, visiting Taipei Zoo might get you the most brownie points from the little ones.

Taipei Zoo is the largest in Asia, easily putting it among the top points of interest in Taipei.

The variety of animals—originating from all around the world—is astounding. But the true rockstar here, and the animal most likely to elicit mega cheers from the kids, is Yuan Zai, the first Giant Panda born in Taiwan.

Experience the heart of Taipei at Liberty Square

If Taipei City has a heart, it’s Liberty Square in Zhongzheng District.

Whenever Taiwanese take to the streets in protest or a special guest drops by for a visit, Liberty Square is where it all goes down.

Taipei clearly enjoys this public space. Filter in at nearly any time and you’ll find Taipeiers making fine use of the space to jog, play mahjong, practice t’ai chi or simply chill out.

Catch at performance at the National Theater and Concert Hall

You may be tricked into believing that the duo of buildings on the west end of Liberty Square are important historical buildings from Taipei’s early history.

Not so. In fact, even I’ve been around longer.

Completed in 1987 in traditional Chinese architectural style, The National Theater and Concert Halls are fraternal twin performing venues.

The stages are graced by performers or all types, ranging from popular local artists to some of the biggest performers on the planet. (Think more Kirov Ballet or Three Tenors, and less Taylor Swift or Justin Bieber.)

SEE ALSO: When is the Best Time to Visit Taipei?

If you’re lucky enough to be in town for a big performance, or a popular festival like the Taipei International Arts Festival or Taipei Film Festival, one of these venues will be the go-to place.

Catch the city’s quirkier side at Huashan 1914 Creative Park

Whomever said Taipei was bleak & boring clearly never spent time in Huashan 1914 Creative Park.

Occupying an abandoned winery & sake distillery, the complex reminds us of the quirkier side of Taipei.

The collection of buildings here hosts a mish-mash of rotating museum exhibits, restaurants, shops, cafés, and bars.

Truthfully, it’s one of the more interesting areas to wander around in Zhongzheng and one of the best places to visit in Taipei. It’s like Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates: You’ll never know what you’re gonna get!

Chow down at the lesser-known Gongguan Night Market

The colossal Gongguan Night Market, located along the Da’an District and Zhongzheng District border, is one of the biggest and most interesting night markets in Taipei.

With National Taiwan University across the road, the crowd is noticeably more youthful. Perhaps that explains why the flavours here skew more towards trendy Southeast Asian than traditional Taiwanese.

SEE ALSO: How to Spend the Perfect 48 Hours in Taipei

Wandering among the vendors and finding the popular stalls isn’t too difficult. A few specialities to look out for include bubble tea, pan-fried buns and Cantonese-style roasted duck.

Explore Taiwan’s past at the National Museum of History

I can’t imagine mainland China is overly thrilled that this massive collection of Chinese relics resides at the National Museum of History in Taipei rather than in Shanghai or Beijing.

The artifacts here are quite stunning. And even if you’re not an art- or history-buff, you’ll probably appreciate the intricacy and craftsmanship of what’s on display.

Whether you decide to pay the NT$30 entrance fee (not open Mondays!), the building, an architectural masterpiece itself, is worth a gander.

Chill out in Taipei Botanical Garden

Anyone who needs a break from the busy streets, would do well to find this little gem beside the National Museum of History.

There’s no place in the city like Taipei Botanical Garden. Although originally established for research, the garden now stands as one of Taipei’s favourite escapes from the urban buzz.

If you need ideas for what to see in Taipei, walking along the boardwalks and trails is truly impressive. They’ll transport you through everything from a bamboo garden, rainforestesque jungle, exotic flowers, and a lotus pond.

Get the latest gadgets at Guanghua Digital Plaza

Keeping up with the latest electronic gadgets is easy: pop into Guanghua Digital Plaza.

Within the six-storey building you’re bound to find whatever technology you’ve been craving, even if not necessarily at the bargain-basement prices you would expect.

Before the new space-age building popped up, the marketplace was a little more traditional. Today you’ll find less opportunity for bargaining since prices are, as in Western countries, posted. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to grab yourself a few perks!

Grab breakfast at Dongmen Market

Dongmen Market is one of the few places in Taipei that starts frying up its traditional Taiwanese street food goodies at the crack of dawn rather than twilight.

This small traditional market isn’t necessarily worth a special trip, but if you happen to be fighting off jet lag early in the morning in Zhongzheng District, grabbing a breakfast at Dongmen Market isn’t a great little detour.

Unless you speak and/or read Chinese, ordering will be a bit of a challenge. If in doubt, go with a traditional Taiwanese breakfast treat like an oyster omelette. You can’t go wrong here!

Eat silky xiaolongbao at Din Tai Fung

Eating at Din Tai Fung in Taipei 101 is one of those life-affirming experiences that teaches you the harsh lesson that every Chinese takeout dumpling you’d ever eaten at home was bumbling mess.

In case there was ever any doubt, yes, the silky-smooth dumplings here are worth waiting in the permanent line-up for.

Even if you hobble to the gates as the restaurant is opening up for lunch, the queue can be staggering. Wait it out. You’ll thank me.

Get a history lesson at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

Not many men are revered on both sides of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and People’s Republic of China (China) divide. Sun Yat-sen is one of them.

And if you decided to visit Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, you will learn just how important this leader was to China on both sides of the strait.

Getting here only involves a short northwest detour from Taipei 101.

Even if you aren’t interested in packing in a quick history lesson, wandering around Zhongshan Park, where the hall is located, is a nice break from the hustle of Xinyi.

Get creative at Songshan Cultural & Creative Park

At one point, someone decided that the pollution from industrial progress in Taipei was doing enough to clog the lungs of Taipeiers and shut down a cigarette factory.

What followed was regenerating the abandoned grounds into Songshan Cultural & Creative Park, a creative hub that’s Xinyi’s answer to Huashan 1914 in Zhongzheng.

Taipei City built the complex to spark creativity and innovation. And it looks like it’s doing a fine job.

In it, you’ll find trendy art galleries, rotating exhibitions, and event spaces. (Maybe a walk here might even inspire a little spark of your own.)

Browse indie art at Red House Theater

The historic Red House Theater is one of Taipei’s finer redevelopment stories. Within years, this turn-of-the-century Japanese-built market house transformed from a derelict eyesore to one of the most important cultural venues and creative hubs in Taipei.

Much like Huashan 1914, the Red House Theater appeals to Taipei’s artistic community. Drop by this must-visit attraction to browse works from independent artists, catch a performance, or simply enjoy a coffee in an ultra-hip atmosphere.

Catch a glimpse of the past at Bopiliao Old Street

Dating back to the Qing Dynasty, Bopiliao Old Street is one of the few Taipei points of interest that haven’t been completely swept up by modern development.

It couldn’t have been easy in Taipei’s building boom. But surprisingly enough, the government chose history over economics, and did a remarkable job restoring Bopiliao to its former glory.

Although the architectural styles here aren’t so uncommon elsewhere in Taiwan, within Taipei, there aren’t many parallels. Wandering around here will channel a less-industrialized past, seemingly lifetimes ago.

If you’re interested in a mini-history lesson on the area, the Heritage and Culture Education Center of Taipei can fill you in on all the details.

Visit “Snake Alley” on Huaxi Street in Wanhua District

Not long ago, Huaxi Street Night Market was the type of carnivalesque sideshow that either drew visitors in for the freakshow or completely scared them off.

These days, it’s, thankfully, is a little tamer, but probably still less savoury than you’d hope for your first Taipei night market experience.

Yes, the “snake alley” moniker still holds. But unless you’re fascinated by weird foods (and are not above risking a swift bout with salmonella) you’d probably do best to stick to more traditional meals.

Eat to your heart’s content on Guangzhou Street

Guangzhou Street Night Market is favoured by native Taipeiers over neighbouring Huaxi.

It’s the more traditional of the two, relying more on quality & flavour than on sleazy gimmicks to attract the crowds.

On the whole, the dishes here are cheaper and more flavourful than its neighbour. Whether that’s just a function of finally regaining your appetite after seeing, God knows what, deep-fried next door, I can’t say.

A famous dish to try here is glutinous rice in pork intestines. It tastes better than it sounds, and looks worse than it tastes. (But if it’s okay with you, I’ll stick to my bubble tea.)

Chow down at Shilin Night Market

No visit to Taipei is complete without a evening out in Shilin Night Market. Whether you go for the tasty flavours or to wage war against your claustrophobia, it’s a wild ride.

Choosing among the myriad of vendors, stretched across numerous city blocks, can be overwhelming.

My personal pick here would be the Oreo milkshakes near the southern entrance. Not exactly authentic, but it washes down all the pork sausages and oyster omelets just fine.

Entertain the family at the National Taiwan Science Education Center

Unless otherwise afflicted with an incurable love of science, most independent travellers would give the National Taiwan Science Education Center a miss. For family travellers, however, this museum is the perfect break from temple-hopping and food-hunting.

The exhibits cover all things science from math and physics to chemistry and earth science. It evens seems to be “foreigner-friendly,” with plenty of English translations peppered along the way.

Wander about the humble Confucius Temple

As the focal point of Confucian worship in the city, Confucius Temple deserves a quick look, if only for comparing its austere and humble features to other temples.

And it’s free to enter, so there’s little reason you shouldn’t wander into Datong District to check it out.

Inside the temple, you’ll find interactive displays (in English, too!) that teach you about Confucius and Confucian values.

It’s no wonder you’ll often find school groups on educational field trips here.

Marvel at the ornate designs of Bao’an Temple

The Taiwanese folk religion neighbour of Confucius Temple, Bao’an Temple features a façade that captures your attention immediately.

It’s more ornate than most temples around Taipei, and, undoubtedly, one of the city’s most striking.

Compared to Longshan, Bao’an receives far fewer visitors. (In fact, when I visited, it was almost entirely devoid of tourists.)

Just remember, that this is an active place of worship, not a tourist attraction. Respectful behaviour is a must.

Eat yourself into a frenzy on Ningxia Road

With my accommodations only ten minutes away by foot in Zhongzheng, I slipped into Ningxia Night Market quite a few times during my visit.

Ningxia is still busy, but a little easier to navigate—and, more importantly, easier to escape from—than others in Taipei.

For the most part, the market extends down just one road: Ningxia.

Vendors here jangle all the best Taiwanese street foods in front of you including fried chicken, oyster vermicelli (my personal favourite here—yum!), and that nasty little beast of a snack, stinky tofu.

Take a breather at Da’an Forest Park

New York has Central Park. Taipei has Da’an Forest Park. Citizens have affectionately dubbed Daan Forest Park the “Lungs of Taipei.” Now, it would be hard to imagine the city without it.

Like the Botanical Garden in Zhongzheng, Daan Forest Park is a welcome escape from Taipei City. Taipeiers love wandering the walking paths and animal-spotting within the park’s twenty-six acres of greenery. You’ll love it, too.

Shop among the millennials at Shida

Unlike other evening markets in Taipei, Shida Night Market is geared more towards shoppers than foodies.

With a slew of Shida’s vendors scurrying elsewhere after a change in regulations, many young entrepreneurs swooped in to set up shop and peddle the latest fashions.

Nowadays, like Ximending and Gongguan, Shida is a favourite among hip millennials on the hunt for bargains.

That’s not to say that you can’t find a tasty meal here. Keep on the watch here for pan-fried dumplings (sheng jian bao), a thicker and more filling dumpling than the more common xiaolongbao (streamed dumplings).

Experience traditional Taiwanese fare on Linjiang Street

You’ll quickly see Tonghua Night Market (Linjiang Street) is a little less flashy than other Taipei night markets. And that’s precisely why I think you’ll love it.

The flavours here are varied, ranging everywhere from sweet to savoury.

On the street food side of things, you’ll do well to seek out the market’s well-known fried shrimp balls, boar sausages, and red bean cake.

Savour in the sweetness at Yu Chocolatier

Taipei is justifiably famous for its food, but chocolate? A visit to Yu Chocolatier might convince you otherwise.

This small café serves up some of the best chocolate in Taiwan, combining the sophistication of French chocolate-making with distinctively Asian flavours like tropical fruits and tea.

Check out the museums of Taipei Expo Park

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what Taipei Expo Park is.

At one end is Yuanshan Park, an area filled with well-tended gardens and Maji Maji Square, an international hawker centre; at the other, two top museums: Taipei Fine Art Museum and Taipei Story House.

Even further afoot, you’ll find Xinsheng Park, home to Lin An Tai Historical House and Museum and pavilions left over from the 2010 Taipei International Flora Exposition.

At any rate, whatever your interests you can find a reason to spend some time here.

Peruse the Taipei Fine Arts Museum

Welcome to one of the largest modern art collections in Asia! If you have any passing interest in art, you’ll appreciate strolling through the six-storey Taipei Fine Arts Museum.

Admittedly, art is not my thing. But the design of the building itself—especially when lit up un the evening—is outstanding and worthy of the walk.

Eat pepper buns on Raohe Street

I’m not sure where Raohe Night Market falls among the most popular with Taipeiers. If my observations are correct, I would imagine it’s high up there.

I remember Raohe Street for two things: dense crowds and pepper meat buns. Of course, there’s more to it than that.

Some local favourites to try out here, besides the pepper meat buns near the main entrance, include oyster noodles, herbal spare rib soup, and Taiwanese-style tempura.

Worship Mazu at Ciyou Temple

A nice surprise for visitors to Raohe is Ciyou Temple, gracing the space just to the right of the main gate. It’s dedicated to Mazu, a Chinese patron goddess said to protect fishermen and sailors at sea.

The architectural details here are stunning, especially when lit up. It’s not hard to get lost in its intricacies.

(Just try not to block the sidewalk as you gawk at it—this is a busy corner!)

Shop at Core Pacific City (Living Mall)

If humans colonized Mars, I’d expect its first shopping mall to look something like Core Pacific City, or the Living Mall as many Taipeiers call it.

The unmistakable dome adorning the mall’s façade has become a Taipei landmark. And even if you aren’t interested in shopping, it’s worth taking a look at if you’re in Songshan District.

(Visit in the evening if you can—the lighting is spectacular!)

Although it’s fallen out of fashion in recent years, Core Pacific City remains one of the better places in Taipei to shop. Businesses are spread out over 15 above- and underground floors.

Not that there’s ever a shortage of food in Taipei, but in addition to the 400 stores, there’s over 80 restaurants at the Living Mall to tempt your taste buds.

Zip up the Maokong Gondola

In spending so much time exploring the streets, one of the best things to do in Taipei might just be zipping up the Maokong Gondola.

As you climb 4.3 kilometres along the Maokong Gondola cable car line, you’ll be treated to stunning vistas of Taipei City and the surrounding mountains—even a mountaintop temple! Splurge on a “crystal cabin” if you want to feel as if you’re floating miles above the forest.

Arriving in Maokong, there’s ample opportunity for hiking through tea plantations and up into the hills.

The trails are surprisingly well-marked, so it’s unlikely you’ll get lost unless you choose to go off path. Be sure to carry a lot of water. Even with the breeze and elevation, it still gets quite hot up here!

If the hiking trails are not calling out to you, a must-have experience here is to drop into one of the teahouses perched along the plantations for fresh tea with a view.

Savour in ah-gei at Tamsui Old Street

Travelling around Taiwan, you’ll find little places like Tamsui Old Street all over. Nonetheless, if you’re popping out to Tamsui, Old Street is a great place to take a stroll.

The biggest reason to come here (and, yes, when sorting out where to go in Taipei in general) is the food.

The vendors here truly offer up some remarkable stuff like ah-gei, a famous Tamsui stuffed tofu snack, and fish ball soup. Kids, if scared off by all the weird foods, will dig the carnival games scattered along the boardwalk.

Indulge in Taiwan’s colonial past at Fort San Domingo

You’ve probably already guessed that Fort San Domingo isn’t named after a famous Taiwanese war hero.

The history of Fort San Domingo is as complicated as any, and after housing a list of rulers almost as long as a list of Taylor Swift’s ex-boyfriends, there’s no doubt it deserves at least a short walkthrough.

For the spectacular mountain and river views alone, Fort San Domingo is worth the trek.

Eat among the sunrise crowd at Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf

Once again, food’s the word at Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf. Here you’ll find much of what you’d expect in any self-respecting Taiwanese culinary marketplace.

The offerings here hardly as diverse as what you’d find elsewhere. If you happen to find yourself wandering about in Tamsui, it’s a fantastic place for a grabbing a snack.

Watch the sunrise at Lover’s Bridge

Seeking out Tamsui’s most clichéd activity of watching the sunrise at Lover’s Bridge with your significant other is almost non-optional. (Just ask any one of the hundreds of pairs sharing your view!)

Lover’s Bridge itself gives off a funky futuristic vibe, but truly one of the coolest things to see in Taipei when springs to life after dark in a technicolour blaze. No wonder it’s a favourite shooting location among Taiwanese soap opera directors!

Walk through Beitou Hot Springs Park (Qinshui Park)

The usual starting point for any trip here is Beitou Hot Springs Park. The well-manicured public space splits alongside the geothermal river, built up with walkways that wind along with it. It’s hardly surprising that Beitou is one of the most popular day trips from Taipei!

Hot Springs Park is also home to Beitou Hot Springs Museum (closed Mondays), Beitou Library, and Millennium Hot Springs, a budget-friendly public hot spring that you’ll no doubt have to queue up for.

Marvel at Beitou Geothermal Valley (Hell Valley)

If Iceland floated over to Asia, it might look something like Beitou Geothermal Valley.

The jade waters, filling the lungs of Beitou with its sulfurous steam, drop a Blue Lagoon vibe. But maybe we should hold off on that comparison for now.

Unlike other hot springs areas in Beitou, Geothermal Valley isn’t the place to take a quick dip.

The waters here sit at almost boiling point and are quite acidic. And after a few unfortunate incidents involving some careless visitors, Geothermal Valley got slapped with the unfortunate nickname, Hell Valley.

As beautiful as it is to gawk at, the name is fairly fitting.

Where to stay in Taipei: The best hotels for sightseeing

With the top tourist attractions spread around the city, there’s no true definitive answer for where to stay in Taipei. Get your accommodations search started with these top-rated hotels & places to stay…

Recommended Taipei sightseeing tours

Want to get the most out of your trip? Before you get started planning out what to do in Taipei, don’t miss out on the all best that Taiwan’s capital offers by checking out these top Taipei tours..

Where to go in Taipei: Top points of interest & places to go

• Craving the best Taiwanese food? Gobble up anything at everything at the superlatively large Shilin Night Market or the more traditional Ningxia. For a sit down experience, it’s hard to beat the famous Din Tai Fung in Taipei 101.
• Seeking a glimpse of old Taipei? Saunter around the Bopiliao Historical Block.
• Want to visit the most impressive temples in Taipei? There’s no shortage! Start with the buzzin’ Longshan Temple, the beautifully ornate Bao’an, and Xingtian Temple (Hsing Tian Kong)
• Art lover? Check out the modern collection at the Museum of Contemporary Art Taipei housed in an early-20th-century school house.
• Love hiking? Tackle the never-ending stairway up Elephant Mountain for impressive views over Taipei.
• Need to escape the city in a hurry? Jolt up the Maokong Gondola, easily accessible with the MRT, and wander among the tea fields with distant views of Taipei as your backdrop.