Things to do in Taipei on a budget
We are just a few months shy before the end of another decade! Before we approach the big 2-0 in 2020, embark on a virtual 5D getaway to Taipei or ride on one of the city’s flashiest Ferris Wheel all for a price tag under $20!
All prices are accurate as of October 2019.
1. i-Ride Taipei Flying Cinema Experience Center ($17.89)
Psych yourself up for an aerial cruise across Taiwan- except you’re strapped safely to the confines of your seats! i-Ride Taipei Flying Cinema Experience Center gifts patrons an exotic experience as the multi-sensory 5D ride takes you through famous cities like Tainan and even a 360-degree grand reveal of the Jade Mountain from above.
If you’re hankering for an-out-of-this-world experience, this virtual tease is a great introduction to the rest of Taiwan before making the actual trip!
Address: 6F, No. 17, Songzhi Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City (6F of Breeze NanShan Plaza)
Opening Hours: 11am to 9.30pm from Sunday to Wednesday, 11am to 10pm from Thursday to Saturday
2. Tamsui Lovers’ Tower ($13.39)
Renowned for its sunset glow up, Tamsui Lovers’ Tower is one iconic background perfect for your romantic date with bae. The strikingly overarching bridge has also long become the centerpiece for many wedding shots.
That’s not all; head up to the peak of the tower and be prepared to feast your eyes. The 100 metre, 360-degree revolving observation tower has never disappointed. Overlooking the Taiwan Strait and Mount Guanyin, the golden landscape is best captured at the tip of Taipei.
Address: No. 83, Guanhai Road, Tamsui District, New Taipei City
Opening Hours: 10am to 12pm, 2pm to 9pm on weekdays, 10am to 9pm on weekends
3. Kitten Coffee Garden (~ $15)
Photo credits: Anthony Lin on Flickr
Taipei’s Houtong Cat Village may be the purrfect paradise for Taiwan’s felines, but closer to the center lies a humble cafe that catapulted the first cat cafe in the world! Kitten Coffee Garden has a cozy interior, populated with 12 kittens, 2 dogs, and a bird. Yup, despite what it’s called, diversity is definitely in the name of the game.
Photo credits: CHUCHUCHO on Flickr
Their menu mainly features main meals like spaghetti and the cutest dessert art for under 240NT$ ($10.74). As the residents of the cafe vie for your attention, keep your bellies filled with their in-house meals.
Address: No. 129, Fuhua Road, Shilin District, Taipei City, 111
Opening Hours: 12pm – 10pm
4. National Palace & Shung Ye Museum ($17.25)
Behind every great city is a rich-standing history of culture and quaint relics! From a detailed exhibition of Taipei’s early native tribes – Abomosa Aborigines to an impressive collection of royal family heirlooms, each article cradles an unspoken story for you to uncover.
Make sure to head to Shung Ye Museum to redeem both tickets (including the National Palace) first!
5. Yehliu Ocean World ($16.10)
Definitely for the kids (and young at heart), the Yehliu Ocean World is a one-stop enclave for heart-stopping dolphin stunts and gravity-defying high dives from trained professionals! The size of the complex may pale in comparison to other massive water parks but the thrilling performances certainly make up for it.
Address: No.167-3, Gangdong, Wanli Dist., New Taipei City 207, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Opening Hours: 9am to 5pm on weekdays and 9am to 5.30pm on weekends
6. Yehliu Geopark ($3.59)
Yehliu Geopark is that one prime location famed for not just its natural formations, but more so in millennial terms, a rugged backdrop borne solely for the gram’. Don’t be surprised if you catch Instagrammers rocking out their hypebeast #ootd or posing dramatically in their bellowing maxi dresses.
The best time to visit Taipei’s geological wonders is always when the day is clear. Should the weather gods not come through, save this trip for another day; after all, the ticket to Yehliu Geopark is open-dated!
Address: No 167-1, Gangdong Rd., Yehliu Village, Wanli District, New Taipei City (Yehliu Visitor Center)
Opening Hours: 8am to 5pm
7. Spring City Resort Beitou Hot Spring Spa ($16.85)
There’s nothing more rejuvenating after a long trip than sinking yourself into the warming abyss of a hot spring. 10/10 recommended, the Beitou Hot Spring Spa is the cherry on top after a night of shopping the streets of Shilin.
There are 9 multi-functional spas situated across the vicinity such as a family pool, water pool, and a public pool. Since it is not advisable to soak for more than an hour at one go, our game plan includes a 7-minute rotation at every pool, before settling down at your favorite spot.
Address: No. 18, Youya Road, Beitou District, Taipei City
Opening Hours: 24 hours (except for Public Spa: 9am to 10pm)
8. Huashan 1914 Creative Park (Free)
Photo credits: Michelle Lee on Flickr
Huashan 1914 Creative Park is Taipei’s brainchild for its growing art scene, peppering the city with its taste for the unconventional and underrated. From freshly groomed lawns trimmed into a line of houses to unique architecture flanking the walkway, here is where the locals come to unleash their creativity.
Photo credits: Chi-Hung Lin on Flickr
And in true IG-worthy style, Huashan 1914 Creative Park has plenty of exhibitions, museums, and galleries to revamp your IG feed!
Address: No. 1, Section 1, Bade Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
Opening Hours: 24 hours
9. Miramar Entertainment Park Ferris Wheel ($5.79)
Apart from the usual hideouts of Elephant Mountain and Taipei 101, switch it up a notch for a searing neon lights display without the legwork of climbing up the mountain! Onboard the Miramar Entertainment Park Ferris Wheel and feast your eyes on Taipei’s illuminated cityscapes.
If you’re tailored made for the life of an adrenaline junkie, gather your guts and request for a cabin with glass-flooring. For just under $6, witness the city come to life without racking up a bill.
Address: No. 20, Jingye 3rd Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan
Opening Hours: 10am to 11pm from Sunday to Thursday, 11am to 12am on Friday & Saturday
10. Maokong Gondola ($9.89)
Another great alternative to discovering Taipei is the Maokong Gondola, a swift 30-minute ride featuring uninterrupted views and a panoramic scene of Taipei attractions like the Zhinan Temple and of course, the Maokong Mountain.
#Klooktip: As Taipei welcomes the beginning of sweater weather, pair your getaway with Maokong’s popular Cat Ice-cream! The fragrant green tea soft-serve is great for a sugary midday pick-me-up.
Address: No.8, Sec. 2, Xinguang Rd., Wenshan Dist., Taipei City 116, Taiwan
Opening Hours: 9am to 9pm from Tuesday to Friday, 8.30am to 10pm on Saturday and 8.30am to 8pm on Sunday
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