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Looking for a vibrant and bustling city to explore? Look no further than Taipei, the capital of Taiwan. Taipei is one of the cities in Asia you cannot miss. With a rich culture and history, Taipei offers a plethora of places to visit and things to do. From bustling night markets to serene temples, Taipei has a unique charm that will captivate any traveler. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s unique cuisine, immersing yourself in its rich history, or simply taking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant metropolis, there are plenty of places to visit in Taipei that will leave a lasting impression.

Taipei, Taiwan city skyline at twilight.
Photo credit: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.

In this article, we’ll explore the 23 best places to visit in Taipei so that you can make the most of your next trip to this incredible city.

1. Taipei 101

The most iconic landmark in Taipei and one of the most popular tourist attractions. On every New Year’s Eve, Taiwanese people celebrate New Year with Taipei 101 fireworks.

Taipei 101 building in Taiwan. It was the tallest in the world from 2004 to 2010.
Photo credit: Tupungato /Shutterstock.

Taipei 101 was the world’s tallest building from 31 March 2004 to 10 March 2010. The building was designed to withstand earthquakes and typhoons, as there are many earthquakes and typhoons throughout the year.

By its name, Taipei 101 has 101 floors, and the observatory is on the 89th floor. Once at Taipei 101 Observation deck, you can view the Taipei skyline magnificently.

Insider Tip: I recommend visiting Taipei 101 for a sunset view to see the evening view. The night view is much better than the day view.

If you have a layover in Taipei for less than 24 hours or can stay in Taipei for just for a few hours, be sure to visit Taipei 101!

2. Din Tai Fung

Din Tai Fung is a world-renowned Taiwanese restaurant specializing in soup dumplings and noodles. It has a lot of famous dishes but is most famous for Xiaolongbao (小籠包).

Xiaolongbao is a type of small Chinese steamed bun, but the ones at Din Tai Fung are made by skilled chefs. The Xiaolongbao here is like broth-filled dumplings; you can taste the broth right after your first bite.

Xiao long bao and Chinese food at Din tai fung in Taipei,Taiwan.
Photo credit:twt2465/ Shutterstock.

Din Tai Fung has been awarded the Michelin Star 5 times and is a one-star Michelin restaurant chain. Din Tai Fung has received world acclaim, but only a few know it is from Taiwan. It is believed that the quality is the best when you dine at Din Tai Fung in Taiwan, so it is a must-visit place for many tourists.

In 2011, my Korean friend visited me in Taipei, and we went to Din Tai Fung; she and her friends said the food was much better than the Din Tai Fung restaurants in Korea!

3. Maokong

Want to experience Taiwanese Tea Culture and Tea-inspired Cuisine? Visit Maokong.

Maokong was a vital area to produce Tieguanyin Oolong Tea in the 1970s. The region produces fewer tea leaves but has become one of the top attractions for experiencing local tea culture and Taiwanese food.

A  tea table with accessories in a local tea house on the hills of Maokong Taiwan. And view for the tea plantation.
Photo credit: Nowaczyk/ Shutterstock.

What are the things to do in Maokong? You can experience Taiwanese tea culture, visit the waterfalls, take a hiking trail, take cable cars, and savor the local cuisine. There are so many things you can do, you can spend one day here or half a day, it depends on what you want to do and how you plan your trip.

It is accessible by public transportation, which is why it is so popular among the locals; you can reach Maokong within an hour from Taipei city centre.

Maokong is also popular with kids because they like taking cable cars!

4. Taipei Zoo

If you travel with kids in Taipei, you should visit Taipei Zoo. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions among families traveling with kids.

Taipei Zoo was first established in 1914 and has more than 2,407 animals, representing more than 354 species. It is the biggest zoo in Asia and costs less than two euros!

The gate of Taipei Zoo.
Photo credit: Light Orancio / Shutterstock.

The animals are not just from Taiwan; there are also some from abroad, like penguins, koalas, panda, etc. There are two sections: indoor displays and outdoor displays.

I like Penguin and Koala the most. Tigers, giraffes, and rhinoceros are the top 3 most popular animals at the zoo. I also find monkeys, elephants, and hippos are worth visiting. I stayed in the monkey area the longest because they were active, and I loved watching them interact with their peers.

Insider Tip: If you visit the zoo in the summer, have sunscreen and some water because it is very hot in Taipei.

5. Yangmingshan National Park

Yangmingshan National Park (陽明山國家公園) was established in 1985 to preserve the Tatun Volcano Group. Tatun Volcano Group consists of more than 20 volcanos in Taipei, but the volcanos have been inactive for years.

Because of the volcanos, there are lovely mountains in Yangmingshan National Park. One of the most famous ones are Shichisei Mountain (七星山) and Xiaoyoukeng (小油坑). If you follow the hiking trail for Xiaoyoukeng, you can see a sizeable volcanic steam vent area.

Hydrangea flowers are blooming beautifully in Yangmingshan National Park, Taiwan.
Photo credit: 54613 / Shutterstock.

Shichisei Mountain (七星山) is also worth visiting as it is 1,120 meters above sea level. It takes at least three hours to finish the hiking route.

There are so many things you can see beyond Shichisei Mountain (七星山) and Xiaoyoukeng (小油坑); you can join one of the best Yangmingshan day tours to see everything and get some fresh air in the mountain, so you don’t need to do everything yourself.

Insider Tip: The best time to visit is from April to October. However, there might be typhoons in summer, so check the weather before you leave for the park.

6. Beitou Thermal Valley

When you are about to reach Beitou Thermal Valley (北投地熱谷), you can immediately notice the steam rising from the ground. The view is impressive.

Thermal Valley is a natural wonder and an important source of acidic sulfur hot springs. Hot spring is the groundwater heated by geothermal heat beneath the Earth’s surface and then rises to the surface. It helps you relax your body and promote blood circulation. Since 1896, the area has had a hot spring business, where the owners welcome guests to take hot springs.

Beautiful nature hot spring in Beitou Thermal Valley a famous hot spring of beitou district, Taipei City, Taiwan.
Photo credit: Various images / Shutterstock.

The area was also famous among Japanese people during the Japanese colonial period because of the hot springs. Therefore, the buildings and the streets in the area are in Japanese style.

Insider Tip: If you want to visit Beitou Thermal Valley, I recommend combining seeing Beitou Thermal Valley and Yangmingshan National Park together in the same day trip as they are both in the same area. You can also stay at hot spring hotels in Beitou District if you want to get the most out of your trip!

7. Longshan Temple

Longshan Temple (龍山寺) is located in Wanhua District. It is your best choice as it is one of the oldest temples in Taipei city. Today, it is still one of the most famous temples.

Longshan Temple is a Buddhist temple that also incorporates elements of Taoism. The followers visit the temples to pray, make offerings, and seek blessings for various aspects of their lives, including health, wealth, and relationships.

Longshan Temple in Lukang Township, Taiwan.
Photo credit: Robert CHG / Shutterstock.

The temple was established in 1738 and has been recognized as an important historical site in Taipei. When you visit Longshan Temple, do not just stay outside; the temple welcomes all guests worldwide.

Around Longshan Temple, there is a street full of fortune tellers. If you are interested, you can ask any questions, like relationships, health, wealth, career, etc.

8. Ximending

Ximending (西門町) is a vibrant neighborhood for young people to hang out. It is also close to Taipei Main Station.

You can find a lot of shops and restaurants for young people, like H&M, Nike, Starbucks etc. You can also see some local brands. It is an area mix of big brands and local brands. There are also some shopping malls in this area.

Besides the shops and restaurants, Ximending is also an excellent area to stay in Taipei as a tourist since it’s well connected to public transportation.

Ximending district in Taipei city of Taiwan.
Photo credit: leungchopan/ Shutterstock.

On the weekends, the city government welcomes street performers. Sometimes, you see high school students perform guitar on the street to promote their annual school event.

In addition, it is also a local art center. Besides art exhibitions, you will also find creative hand-crafted markets every weekend at The Red House (紅樓).

If you want to experience Taipei city mall and city center vibe, be sure to visit Ximending.

9. Yehliu Geopark

It is one of Taiwan’s most fantastic natural wonders and attracts many tourists worldwide. It is for sure one of the must-visit Taipei attractions.

The world-famous work is Queen’s Head (野柳女王頭). Mother Nature crafted this unique rock with her hands of time, wind, and nature, making it look like a woman’s side profile.

Strange rocks in Yehliu Geopark Park on the northern coast of Taiwan.
Photo credit: CHC3537/ Shutterstock.

Queen’s Head got its attention and became famous after Wu Tung-Hsing, who loved taking pictures and was the chairperson of Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Department Store, took pictures of it in 1962.

It is believed that Queen’s Head might lost her Head due to the nature. The neck is getting slimmer day by day. The government is trying to slow down the process.

If you plan to visit Asia, you must see this place before it is too late!

10. Jiufen Old Street

Jiufen is surrounded by the mountain and the north coast, so you can enjoy the natural scenery while walking around.

This place became famous among tourists for two reasons: the movie “A City of Sadness” (悲傷城市) was filmed at this place; the renowned Japanese animation film “Spirited Away” (神隱少女) was inspired by it.

Top view of Jiufen Old Street in Taipei Taiwan.
Photo credit: f11photo / Shutterstock.

While you are here, you can visit “Jiufen Old Street” to savor the local cuisines, like Taiwanese meatballs (肉圓) and Taro Ball (芋圓), or enjoy local tea ceremony at the tea house.

If you love hiking, first visit Teapot Mountain (茶壺山) to have the best view over the north coast of Taiwan and end your day at Jiufen Old Street.

11. Ningxia Night Market

If you love street food, be sure to visit the night markets. The night market is where all the street vendors get together to sell food in the evening.

When talking about night markets, the most famous night market is Shilin Night Market. Still, it’s not where the locals go anymore since it’s pricy and touristic.

Taipei, Taiwan - MAY 2016: Many people eating & drinking in Ningxia Road Night Market, a famous snack street in Taipei City.
Photo credit: Chintung Lee / Shutterstock.

Ningxia Night Market is one of the top markets that the locals go and it’s easy to get to by public transportation. If you are there, you should try the delicious street food at Fang Chia Shredded Chicken on the Rice (方家雞肉飯) and Rong’s Pork Liver (豬肝榮仔). Some other Taiwanese street food that are worth trying are: bubble tea, stinky tofu etc.

The market starts at 17.00 and gets busy from 17.30 to 19.00. For popular food, you must wait in lines, which is considered normal in Taipei.

12. Fu Hang Soy Milk

Breakfast is the first meal of the day. If you are in Taipei, you will notice that there are many breakfast shops, and the most popular dishes are Taiwanese egg pancake roll (蛋餅), soy milk (豆漿), and shao bin (燒餅).

Fu Hang Soy Milk (阜杭豆漿) is the breakfast place that offers what the locals like, and its soy milk is the most famous and recommended by Michelin Guide. The site was established in 1958 in a local market. Still, as the business has gone well, they have an extensive food area for its customers. The chefs here make soy milk daily and offer handmade Taiwanese egg pancake rolls and Shao Bins.

Fu Hang Soy Milk or Fu Hang Dou Jiang, a famous traditional breakfast restaurant in Huashan Market Building. People get long line up to buy this popular breakfast.
Photo credit: Shawn.ccf / Shutterstock.

Unlike other shops, Shao Bin here is different; you can taste the substantial texture of sesame flatbread. There’s an open kitchen where you can see the chefs making the bread, soy milk, and other food.

Fu Hang Soy Milk is near Metro Sando Temple Station, which is just one stop from Metro Taipei Main Station.

13. Taipei’s National Palace Museum

If you are interested in the Chinese artwork collection, visit Taipei’s National Palace Museum. The museum is located in Shilin District.

The National Palace Museum in Taipei has a permanent collection of nearly 700,000 pieces of Chinese artifacts and artworks. The Chinese landscape paintings during Qing Dynasty from Guo Xi (郭熙), Li Tang (李唐), and Fan Kuan (范寬), are considered the must-visit paintings at the museum. Other must-see works include Jadeite Cabbage (翠玉白菜) and Meat-Shaped Stone (肉形石).

Antiques are displayed in Taipei's National Palace Museum in Taipei, Taiwan, Asia.
Photo credit: Chokniti-Studio/ Shutterstock.

It can take days to see all the artwork. To make the most of your visit, you can plan ahead what specific areas or items you would like to see first and check if there are any special exhibitions when you visit.

Insider Tip: Remember that there’s an English-guided tour every day, but sign up at the information desk.

14. Dihua Street

Dihua Street (迪化街) was established in the 1850s and is the oldest commercial street in Taipei. In the 19th century, Dihua Street was the center for small businesses selling rice, vinegar, salt, tea leaves, and Chinese medicinal herbs.

The buildings there look very different from today; you can see things like ornate doorways, a combination of wood and brick.

Colorful lanterns hang on the ceiling at YongLe Market at  DiHua street when Chinese New Year Holiday in Taipei.
Photo credit: topimages/ Shutterstock.

Today, some shops still sell Chinese medicinal herbs and dried food. The street is bustling around two weeks before the lunar new year since the locals are here to buy food for the family for the holiday.

15. Taipei Children’s Amusement Park

Another place to visit with kids in Taipei – Taipei Children’s Amusement Park (兒童新樂園).

Night view of Taipei Children's Amusement Park, began life as the Taipei Children's Recreation Center, located in Yuanshan.
Photo credit: Richie Chan / Shutterstock.

It was opened to the public in 2014 and is the largest publicly operated amusement park in Taiwan, besides a wide variety of amusement rides and special activities, like escape rooms and the sand playground.

Insider Tip: In summer, the park opens its kids’ pool to the public; pack swimsuits! 

16. Houtong Cat Village

Are you a cat lover? If so, this place is for you!

Some abandoned cats were already in the Houtong (猴硐) area. In 2009, a cat lover hosted a campaign online to make a better place for the stray cats in the area. Soon after, other cat lovers joined the campaign, and it became a place for abandoned cats and got the name Cat Village.

Cat black and white in shrine at Houtong cat village, Taiwan.
Photo credit: Kangsadarn.S/ Shutterstock.

At Houtong Cat Village (猴硐貓村), you can see cats everywhere, like cat-shaped bridges, pet food bowls on the side of the walkways, cat street signs, cat-themed cafes, and, of course, cats roaming around.

Besides Cat Village, the place was a coal-mining site. When you are there, you can also understand more about the mining activities, the workers, and the business in the area.

17. Wulai Old Street

Wulai (烏來) is a place full of nature and home to indigenous Atayal people. The name Wulai is transliterated from the Atayal phrase kilux ulay, which means “hot and poisonous.” This is the phrase when they first found the hot spring in the area.

You can see the Atayal cultural influence here, like the Taiwanese sausage with the spice found by the Atayal people in the area.

Taiwan Wulai old street.
Photo credit: leungchopan / Shutterstock.

There are many things to do in Wulai, like enjoy hot springs, take a picture with the waterfall, take a hiking trail, get a cable car ride to the amusement park on the mountain, and savor the food inspired by Atayal culture.

The Taiwan cherry (Prunus campanulata) Flower season is in February and March. It is the best time of the year to visit this place. However, it might be cold since it is still winter. Remember to get a good coat to keep you warm.

18. Shifen Waterfall

Want to get the best waterfall view? Visit Shifen Waterfall (十份瀑布).

Shifen Waterfall is the broadest waterfall in Taiwan. Its total height is 20 meters, and its width is 40 meters. The locals call it the” Little Niagara of Taiwan*”* because they share some similarities.

Shifen Waterfall in Taiwan is a retroclinic waterfall, which is similar to Niagara Falls in North America, which earned it the reputation of "Taiwan Niagara Falls".
Photo credit: Lin kent/ Shutterstock.

It takes only around 20 minutes to get to the waterfall, and the easy trail is for all ages, not ups and downs. You will first pass two suspension bridges and one smaller waterfall. The famous Shifen Waterfall is at the end of the hiking trail.

If you love nature and have yet to plan to visit South America for Niagara Waterfall, be sure to visit Shifen Waterfall in Taipei.

19. Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

The memorial hall was built to honor and commemorate Chiang Kai-shek. He is the former President of the Republic of China and played a significant role in Taiwan’s history.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei, taiwan. The translation of the Chinese characters on plaque is "chiang kai chek memorial hall".
Photo credit: Sean Hsu/ Shutterstock.

Next to Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall (中正紀念堂), Liberty Square (自由廣場) is also worth visiting. Liberty Square is vital for Taiwan’s democracy since many demonstrations were hosted here.

20. National Dr.Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall

It is a significant cultural and historical landmark located in Taipei, Taiwan. It is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen (Sun Zhongshan), a prominent Chinese revolutionary leader and the founding father of the Republic of China.

When you are there, pay attention to the architectural design. It is considered a masterpiece in a traditional Chinese style with elements of the Ming and Qing dynasties. It has a blue-tiled roof and white walls and houses a bronze statue of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen in the center of the building.

Ancient Chinese Memorial Hall II.
Photo credit : Andrew G. Davis/ Shutterstock.

Today, the memorial hall hosts cultural performances, art exhibitions, and educational events.

If you are in Taipei for New Year’s Eve, visit National Dr.Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall (國父紀念館) to get the best New Year countdown fireworks from Taipei 101.

21. Taipei Fine Arts Museum

If you love art, do not miss Taipei Fine Arts Museum (臺北市立美術館), the first museum for contemporary art exhibitions in Taiwan.

Building view of the Taipei Fine Arts Museum in Taiwan. it's the first museum in Taiwan built for contemporary art exhibitions.
Photo credit: Jack Hong/ Shutterstock.

The museum opened to the public in 1983. It hosts exhibitions from local and international artists.

Taipei Fine Arts Museum has played a significant role in promoting contemporary art in Taipei and in Taiwan.

22. Taipei Confucius Temple

The temple is situated in the Datong District of Taipei, Taiwan. It was initially built during the Qing Dynasty in 1879 and is the oldest Confucius temple in Taiwan. The purpose was to honor Confucius and promote his teachings.

Taipei Confucius Temple in dalongdong, taipei, taiwan.
Photo credit: Richie Chan/ Shutterstock.

Confucius was a Chinese philosopher and educator who greatly impacted Taiwan’s culture and education. Some students visit the temple hoping to perform better at school exams, especially for the university entrance exam.

23. Xiangshan, Also Known as Elephant Mountain.

There are many hiking trails in Taipei, and Xiangshan is one of the most popular ones.

Xiangshan is named after the elephant because the rock looks like the shape of an elephant’s Head and trunk from a distance. It became famous because you can get a nice view over Taipei, including Taipei 101 when reaching the top.

Elephant Trunk Statue at Xiangshan Park, Taipei.
Photo credit: 5758.stef / Shutterstoc

Xiangshan is also the most popular place for Instagram pictures; you can take photos with Taipei 101 on the rocks at the top of Xiangshan.

Insider Tip: If you want to avoid the crowd, visiting early in the morning or evening is best. If you are here in summer, have some water with you since it’s hot in Taipei.  

From Metro Xiangshan Station, it takes around 1 hour to get to the top, and you can go to Taipei 101 afterward.

So Many Reasons to Visit Taipei!

There are definitely more places to visit in Taipei, but you will get the most from your trip by visiting these 19 places! Hope you find this post helpful!

View of Taipei 101.
Photo credit: Nawin Chaochumnarn/ Shutterstock.

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Min Liu

Min grew up in Taipei, Taiwan, and runs the Taipei Travel Tips. She hopes Taipei Travel Tips will help tourists explore Taipei and Taiwan like a local and have a great time in Taiwan.

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