The Top 10 Things to Do in Taipei, Taiwan: Must-See Attractions for Travelers
- Alex Brown
- Nov 13, 2024
- 10 min read
Updated: Nov 13, 2024
If you’re traveling to Taipei, you’re about to dive into a city that’s equal parts modern metropolis and cultural gem. Taipei is famous for its night markets, historical sites, breathtaking natural scenery, and a food scene that can only be described as a foodie's dream. From spiritual temples and scenic hikes to bustling shopping districts, here’s a guide to the top 10 things you won’t want to miss.
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In this article we're going to discuss:
1. Shilin Night Market
Shilin Night Market is a sprawling, vibrant market that takes up entire streets with hundreds of food stalls, clothing vendors, and game booths.
Known as Taipei’s largest and most popular night market, Shilin offers a sensory overload of delicious aromas, bright lights, and lively crowds.
Established in 1909, it’s been a central part of local life and a place where both residents and tourists gather to taste the best of Taiwanese street food.
Things to Do:
Food Tasting: Sample iconic Taiwanese snacks like XXL fried chicken cutlets, stinky tofu (an acquired taste, but a must-try!), and oyster omelets. For dessert, you can’t miss the mango shaved ice or bubble tea, which originated in Taiwan.
Play Traditional Games: Shilin has carnival-style game stalls where you can try your hand at ring tosses, balloon shooting, and claw machines. You might even win a quirky prize to take home!
Shopping for Souvenirs: Browse through stalls selling souvenirs, clothes, and accessories. Shilin offers a mix of traditional Taiwanese trinkets, trendy streetwear, and handmade crafts.
Pro Tip:
Plan to visit on a weekday evening to avoid the larger weekend crowds. If you’re coming hungry, bring cash and go with friends so you can share and try more items!
For the best City Tours of Taipei, click HERE!
2. Lungshan Temple
Lungshan Temple is one of Taipei’s oldest and most cherished temples, dating back to 1738. It has survived earthquakes, fires, and wars, standing resilient as a symbol of Taiwan’s spiritual strength.
Lungshan Temple is dedicated to a mix of Buddhist, Taoist, and folk deities, embodying the multicultural beliefs of the local people.
The temple’s architecture is stunning, featuring dragon sculptures, elaborate wood carvings, and hanging lanterns.
Things to Do:
Participate in a Prayer Ceremony: Lungshan Temple is an active place of worship, and you’ll often see locals lighting incense and praying. If you’re lucky, you might witness a full prayer ceremony with chanting, offering a glimpse into Taiwan’s spiritual life.
Admire the Architecture and Art: From the intricately designed roof with dragon sculptures to the detailed carvings on columns, every inch of the temple tells a story. Make sure to look closely at the walls and ceilings adorned with mythological scenes.
Draw a Fortune Stick: Visitors can try the local tradition of drawing a fortune stick, which provides guidance and insights based on the messages interpreted by temple staff.
Pro Tip:
Respect the temple customs by dressing modestly, and avoid making loud noises inside. Try to visit in the early morning to enjoy the calm atmosphere before the temple becomes crowded.
3. National Palace Museum
The National Palace Museum in Taipei is home to one of the largest collections of ancient Chinese art and artifacts in the world.
With over 700,000 pieces, the museum’s collection includes items originally from Beijing’s Forbidden City. Artifacts range from jade carvings and bronze ware to rare calligraphy and paintings, some of which date back thousands of years.
The museum itself is designed in the style of a traditional Chinese palace, adding to the historic atmosphere.
Things to Do:
Explore the Permanent Collections: Highlights include the jade cabbage (a delicately carved jade piece resembling a head of cabbage) and the meat-shaped stone, two iconic treasures of the museum. Each room is dedicated to different forms of ancient art, like ceramics, bronze, and textiles.
Attend a Cultural Workshop: The museum occasionally hosts workshops on traditional Chinese art forms, such as brush painting and calligraphy. It’s a unique way to immerse yourself in ancient Chinese culture.
Stroll Through Zhishan Garden: Adjacent to the museum is the serene Zhishan Garden, a classical Chinese-style garden with ponds, pavilions, and carefully manicured landscapes. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a few hours of museum exploration.
Pro Tip:
If you’re a history lover, plan to spend at least half a day here. For a more enriching experience, rent an audio guide or join a guided tour.
For the Cheapest Flights to Taipei, click HERE!
4. Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain)
For the best views of Taipei and the iconic Taipei 101, take a hike up Xiangshan, also known as Elephant Mountain.
This relatively short but steep trail takes about 20-30 minutes to reach the main viewpoint and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
The trail is part of the Four Beasts Mountains and is especially popular at sunset, when the city is bathed in golden light.
Things to Do:
Capture the View of Taipei 101: The view of Taipei 101 from Elephant Mountain is postcard-perfect. Make sure to bring a camera or phone for photos!
Climb to Multiple Viewing Platforms: There are several platforms along the trail, each offering slightly different angles of the city. The “Six Giant Rocks” viewpoint is a popular spot for adventurous photo ops.
Night Hike for City Lights: If you’re up for it, hike in the early evening to catch the cityscape illuminated at night. The glittering lights of Taipei are truly magical from this height.
Pro Tip:
Wear comfortable shoes as the trail has plenty of stairs. Bring water, especially if you’re hiking during the day when it can get hot and humid.
5. Ximending Walking District
Ximending is Taipei’s trendy, youth-centered neighborhood known for its shopping, street art, and bustling nightlife.
Often referred to as Taipei’s answer to Tokyo’s Harajuku, Ximending is a hotspot for fashion, music, and street performances.
This pedestrian-friendly area is packed with unique shops, anime stores, cafes, and endless food stalls, making it a great place to spend an afternoon or evening exploring.
Things to Do:
Shop for Unique Fashion and Souvenirs: Ximending is filled with local boutiques, vintage stores, and quirky accessory shops. You can find everything from the latest streetwear trends to K-pop memorabilia.
Indulge in Street Food: Try Taiwanese specialties like fried squid, pearl milk tea, and pineapple cakes. The area’s small restaurants and food stalls are perfect for grazing as you explore.
Check Out the Street Art and Performances: Ximending’s walls are covered with colorful murals, and it’s common to see buskers and street performers entertaining the crowds.
Pro Tip:
Keep an eye out for the “Red House,” a historic theater building in Ximending. Inside, you’ll find a market that features local artists and designers.
For the top 10 Restaurants in Taipei, click HERE!
6. Raohe Street Night Market
Raohe Street Night Market is one of Taipei’s oldest and most traditional night markets, stretching over 600 meters and brimming with delicious Taiwanese treats.
Located near the Ciyou Temple, Raohe is more compact than Shilin but offers a more traditional, local atmosphere.
It’s particularly famous for its black pepper buns and diverse array of snacks, drawing food lovers from all over.
Things to Do:
Taste the Black Pepper Buns: These savory buns, filled with juicy pork and fragrant green onions, are a must-try at Raohe. The buns are baked in clay ovens, giving them a crispy crust and mouthwatering flavor.
Try Traditional Snacks: From grilled squid and Taiwanese sausages to herbal pork rib soup, there’s no shortage of flavors to discover here.
Visit Ciyou Temple: Located at the entrance of the market, this colorful temple is worth a quick visit for its intricate architecture and peaceful ambiance.
Pro Tip:
Arrive around 5 or 6 p.m. for the best selection of fresh food and to avoid the peak crowds later in the evening.
For the best City Tours of Taipei, click HERE!
7. Yangmingshan National Park
Just a short drive from the city, Yangmingshan National Park offers a lush, mountainous escape with stunning natural scenery.
Known for its hot springs, cherry blossoms, and volcanic landscapes, Yangmingshan is a popular day-trip destination.
The park covers over 28,000 acres, featuring a variety of hiking trails that pass by scenic viewpoints, waterfalls, and flower fields. The blend of hot springs and cool mountain air makes this a refreshing break from the city’s hustle.
Things to Do:
Soak in a Hot Spring: The Beitou Hot Spring area nearby offers a variety of public and private hot springs, letting you unwind in naturally warm, mineral-rich waters.
Hike the Xiaoyoukeng Trail: This scenic trail takes you to the Xiaoyoukeng Crater, an active volcanic area where you’ll see sulfur gas emissions and geothermal activity up close.
See the Calla Lily Fields and Cherry Blossoms: In spring, Yangmingshan’s cherry blossoms are in full bloom, while autumn brings vivid silvergrass fields. The calla lily fields in Zhuzihu, located within the park, are also a stunning sight when in bloom.
Pro Tip:
Bring layers and a rain jacket, as the mountain weather can change quickly. Be sure to check the season for cherry blossoms or calla lilies if you’re hoping to catch these blooms.
8. Taipei 101
Once the tallest building in the world, Taipei 101 is an architectural marvel and one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
This 101-floor skyscraper, with its bamboo-inspired design, houses upscale shops, restaurants, and a world-famous observatory.
Standing at 508 meters tall, Taipei 101 offers panoramic views of the city from its observatory, making it a popular spot for both tourists and locals.
Things to Do:
Visit the Observatory: Take the world’s fastest elevator to the observatory on the 89th floor, where you’ll have 360-degree views of Taipei. On a clear day, you can see as far as the surrounding mountains and coast.
Explore the Taipei 101 Mall: The first five floors of Taipei 101 are dedicated to luxury shopping, featuring high-end brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel, as well as an impressive food court.
Learn About the Engineering: The observatory also features an exhibit on the building’s unique design and its massive tuned mass damper (a giant pendulum) that helps the building withstand earthquakes and typhoons.
Pro Tip:
Visit just before sunset to enjoy both daytime and nighttime views of Taipei. Advance tickets can save you time, especially during peak tourist hours.
For the Cheapest Flights to Taipei, click HERE!
9. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is a striking white-and-blue monument dedicated to the former leader of Taiwan, Chiang Kai-shek.
Located in Liberty Square, the memorial hall is surrounded by meticulously kept gardens, ponds, and classical Chinese architecture.
The grandiose structure stands at 76 meters tall and serves as both a tribute and a historic site, making it an important cultural landmark.
Things to Do:
Watch the Changing of the Guard Ceremony: Every hour, you can witness the changing of the guard, a ceremonial event involving precise and impressive military drills.
Explore the Museums: Inside the memorial, there are exhibitions showcasing Chiang Kai-shek’s life and Taiwan’s history. Learn about Taiwan’s political evolution and see memorabilia from Chiang’s life.
Stroll Around Liberty Square: The expansive square is flanked by the National Theater and National Concert Hall, two beautiful structures. It’s also a great place for photos, with the memorial as a backdrop.
Pro Tip:
Arrive early to avoid crowds and get a good spot for the changing of the guard. This area is popular with locals for morning exercises and is very photogenic during the early hours.
10. Maokong Gondola
For a tranquil escape from the city, take a scenic ride on the Maokong Gondola up to the hills of Maokong.
This peaceful area is known for its tea plantations and tea houses overlooking lush, green mountains. The gondola ride takes you over beautiful terrain, and you can even opt for a glass-bottomed car for an extra thrill.
Once at the top, you can explore tea houses, hiking trails, and beautiful views of Taipei from above.
Things to Do:
Ride in a Glass-Bottom Gondola: The glass-bottom gondola offers a thrilling view of the trees and valley below, making for a memorable experience.
Visit a Traditional Tea House: Maokong is famous for its tea culture. Spend an afternoon savoring oolong tea while enjoying the stunning mountain views. Some tea houses offer tea-picking experiences or tea-making lessons.
Hike the Maokong Trails: There are several hiking trails around Maokong, each offering serene natural views. The Zhanghu Trail is a popular choice for its scenic spots and temples along the way.
Pro Tip:
Take the gondola ride in the late afternoon to watch the sunset over the mountains. Bring a jacket, as it can get cooler in the evenings.
For the top 10 Restaurants in Taipei, click HERE!
Interactive Map
Conclusion
Taipei is a city that effortlessly blends the ancient with the modern, the peaceful with the bustling. With a rich tapestry of cultural landmarks, stunning natural scenery, and an unbeatable food scene, there’s something here for everyone.
These top 10 attractions highlight the diversity of Taipei, from spiritual temples and scenic mountains to bustling shopping districts and sky-high views.
By exploring these places, you’ll uncover the unique charm of Taipei and leave with unforgettable memories of Taiwan’s capital.
Q&A Section
What’s the best way to get around Taipei?
The Taipei MRT (metro) system is efficient, affordable, and covers most tourist spots. Buses, taxis, and bike rentals are also available for more specific areas.
When is the best time to visit Taipei?
How much time do I need to see these top attractions?
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