Discover the top things to do in Taipei
Planning a trip to Taiwan? Start your adventure in Taipei — the vibrant capital city that perfectly blends tradition, nature, and modern city life.
Whether you're here for breathtaking views, relaxing hot springs, or mouthwatering night market eats, Taipei is the ultimate starting point for your Taiwan journey. From scenic gondola rides to cultural landmarks and foodie hotspots, here are the best things to do in Taipei for first-timers and returning travellers alike.
How to get around Taipei
Getting around Taipei is a breeze thanks to its efficient and tourist-friendly transport system. The Taipei Metro (MRT) has five main lines that connect you to most of the city’s top attractions — from night markets to museums and even the Maokong Gondola.
Grab an EasyCard at Taoyuan Airport to make your travels even smoother. You can top it up for metro rides, bus fares, and even cashless payments at convenience stores and vending machines around the city.
Want unlimited rides and added convenience? The Taipei Fun Pass offers unlimited access to the MRT, city buses, Taiwan Tourist Shuttle, and the Maokong Gondola — all in one card. It's perfect for travellers who want to explore more without worrying about transport costs.
Need help choosing the best pass? Check out our guide to railway and metro travel in Taipei to find the right fit for your itinerary.
Taipei Travel Essentials
Top things to do in Taipei
- Day trips: Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen, Shifen
Getting around
- Airport transfer: Car transfer
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Best Things to do in Taipei
1. Taipei 101
Kick off your Taipei adventure with its most iconic landmark — Taipei 101. Standing at 508 metres, it was once the tallest building in the world and remains a must-visit for first-time travellers. Head up to the observatory in the late afternoon to catch the city’s changing skyline — from daytime views to golden sunsets and sparkling night lights.
Taipei 101 is also a hotspot for luxury shopping and local eats, with an impressive food court and restaurants inside the tower. Visiting during New Year’s Eve? Don’t miss the famous Taipei 101 fireworks — one of the best countdown events in Asia.
Book your observatory tickets on Klook for a hassle-free experience, or upgrade to a skip-the-line pass that includes access to the ultra-exclusive Skyline 460 Observation Deck, souvenir photos, and complimentary coffee.
Address: No. 7, Sec. 5, Xinyi Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 101
Nearest metro station: Taipei 101 station
Klook Tip: Explore Taipei 101 and other top Taipei attractions and save on ticket prices with Klook Pass Taipei! Choose from a comprehensive list of your favorite activities and enjoy the flexibility to visit them within 30 days!
2. National Palace Museum
If you’re only visiting one museum in Taipei, make it the National Palace Museum. Home to over 700,000 ancient Chinese artifacts and artworks, this world-renowned museum takes you on a journey through thousands of years of Chinese history and culture.
Don't miss the museum’s most famous piece — the Jadeite Cabbage. This delicate jade carving is a national treasure and a must-see highlight. To make the most of your visit, book your entrance ticket in advance on Klook to skip the queues.
For a deeper dive into Taiwan’s past, head across the street to the Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines, which focuses on the island’s indigenous cultures and traditions.
Address: No. 221, Sec. 2, Zhishan Road, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 101
Nearest metro station: Shilin station and take a transfer bus
3. Taipei Night Markets
No trip to Taipei is complete without diving into its legendary night markets. Taiwan is a food lover’s paradise, and the best way to experience its flavours is through the sizzling street food stalls that come alive after dark.
Start with Shilin Night Market, the largest and most popular in the city. Here, you’ll find everything from crispy chicken cutlets to bubble tea, alongside shopping stalls and old-school arcade games.
For a more local vibe, head to Ningxia Night Market or Raohe Night Market — both beloved by Taipei residents. These markets are also home to Michelin Bib Gourmand street food stalls, so you know you’re in for a treat.
Save space in your tummy for these Michelin Guide Gourmand selections:
Shilin Night Market:
- Chung Chia Sheng Jian Bao
- Good Friend Cold Noodles
- Hai Yu Pork Ribs
Ningxia Night Market:
- Fang Chia Shredded Chicken Rice
- Liu Yu Zi’s Fried Taro Balls
- Rong’s Pork Liver
Raohe Night Market:
- Fuzhou Black Pepper Bun
- Beef Noodles and Beef Entrails Soup
- Chen Tung Pork Ribs Medicinal Herbs Soup
- A Kuo Lu Wei’s braised food
Address
Shilin Night Market: No. 101, Jihe Road, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111.
- Nearest metro station: Shilin metro station.
Ningxia Night Market: 103, Ningxia Road, Datong District, Taipei City.
- Nearest metro station: Shuanglian or Zhongshan station
Raohe Night Market: 105, Raohe Street, Songshan District, Taipei City.
- Nearest metro station: Songshan station.
4. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
One of Taipei’s most important landmarks, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is a must-see for first-time visitors. Located in the expansive Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Park, the hall is free to enter and offers a glimpse into Taiwan’s modern history.
Plan your visit around the changing of the guards ceremony, which happens every hour from 9AM to 5PM — a popular spectacle for visitors. The surrounding park is also home to the elegant National Theatre and National Concert Hall , both of which host world-class performances and cultural exhibitions throughout the year.
Address: No. 21, Zhongshan S. Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
Nearest metro station: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall station
Klook Tip: Hop on and off the Taipei Double Decker Sightseeing Bus that brings you to popular attractions like Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. With a 9-hour or 24-hour bus pass, you can enjoy a convenient tour of Taipei via two sightseeing bus routes.
5. Yangmingshan National Park
Visit Xiaoyoukeng to see bubbling sulphur vents up close, or relax in a hot spring hotel like Tien Lai Resort and Spa. If you love hiking, the park offers well-marked trails with views of mountains, valleys, and open grasslands.
Come in spring to catch cherry blossoms and calla lilies in bloom — and don’t miss the chance to pick your own lilies at local flower farms!
Address: No. 1-20, Zhizihu Road, Beitou District, Taipei City, Taiwan 11292
Nearest metro station: Jiantan or Beitou station and take a transfer bus
6. Beitou Hot Springs
Photo Credit: Ricky_GU on Flickr
Soaking in Beitou hot springs is one of the best things to do in Taipei especially if you visit in winter. Easily accessible by public transportation, the hot spring village is famed for its spring water that flows from the mountains in Yangmingshan.
Feel rejuvenated in the mineral-rich waters of the Beitou Public Hot Spring (Millennium Hot Spring) or hotels with private baths. Other than enjoying hot springs, you can go rock climbing in Beitou Sulphur Valley.
Address (Beitou Public Hot Spring): No. 6, Zhongshan Road, Beitou District, Taipei City, Taiwan 112
Nearest metro station: Beitou station
7. Maokong Tea Plantations and Maokong Gondola
Photo Credit: Sonse on Flickr
If you love tea and light hiking, Maokong is a must-visit. Located in Taipei’s Wenshan District, this peaceful hillside village is famous for its high-quality Taiwanese oolong tea and stunning mountain views — perfect for a half-day escape from the city.
Start your adventure with a scenic ride on the Maokong Gondola. For the best views, hop into a glass-bottom “crystal cabin” and glide over forests, temples, and tea farms. The gondola route also stops at Taipei Zoo, so you can easily combine both attractions in one day.
Tropical Rainforest Area (Source: Taipei Zoo)
Wander through terraced tea plantations, hike the peaceful trails, and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed oolong at one of the traditional tea houses overlooking the valley.
Save more with a Maokong Gondola + Taipei Zoo Combo Ticket on Klook!
Address (Maokong Gondola): No. 8, Sec. 2, Xiguang Road, Wenshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 116
Nearest metro station: Taipei Zoo station
8. Huashan 1914 Creative Park
Unleash your creative side at Huashan 1914 Creative Park, one of Taipei’s trendiest cultural hangouts. Once a wine factory and camphor refinery, this transformed space is now a vibrant hub for art, design, and indie culture.
Wander through art galleries, pop-up exhibitions, quirky boutique stores, and cozy book cafés. You’ll often find live performances, weekend markets, and interactive art installations — making every visit feel fresh and inspiring.
Address: No. 1, Sec. 1, Bade Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
Nearest metro station: Zhongxiao Xinsheng station
9. Hike Elephant Mountain
For one of the best panoramic views of Taipei, Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) is the place to go. This popular urban hiking trail is just a short MRT ride from the city center and offers a quick but satisfying workout.
The hike takes around 1 to 1.5 hours round-trip, with well-paved stairs leading you through lush greenery to a scenic lookout point. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable view of Taipei’s skyline, with Taipei 101 front and center — especially stunning at sunset or during the blue hour.
It’s the perfect spot for photos, a breather from the city, or a romantic viewpoint at night.
Klook Tip: Early morning or late afternoon on a weekday are the best times to visit to avoid crowds and enjoy a mesmerizing sunrise or sunset framed by Taipei’s most famous skyscraper.
Address: Lane 150, Songren Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City
Nearest metro station: Xiangshan station
10. Ximending
A must-visit in Taipei, Ximending is the city’s go-to spot for shopping, street food, and youth culture. Often called the “Harajuku of Taipei,” this lively district is known for its trendy fashion stores, quirky boutiques, and non-stop energy.
At the heart of Ximending is the iconic Red House, a historic building turned creative market space with indie shops and weekend events. As you explore, don’t miss local favourites like the famous Ay-Chung Flour Rice Noodles and silky smooth Origin Tofu Pudding — perfect pick-me-ups between shopping stops.
Address: Chengdu Road, Wanhua District, Taipei City 108
Nearest metro station: Ximen station
11. Wanhua District: Longshan Temple, Herbal Lane, and Bopiliao Old Street
Be transported back to Taipei’s past at the historical Wanhua District. Begin your walking tour at the majestic Longshan Temple, which was built in 1738 for early Chinese settlers, and immerse in the neighborhood’s nostalgic charm along Herbal Lane.
Get ready to pose in the new hotspot for photographers–the thoughtfully preserved Bopiliao Historic Block lined with traditional shops. Don’t forget to visit the Huaxi Street Night Market, also called the Snake Alley, for some nourishing snake soup.
Address: Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108
Nearest metro station: Longshan Temple station
12. Get a Massage
After a full day of exploring, nothing beats a rejuvenating massage to unwind. Taipei is known for its wide range of spa and wellness options — whether you’re after a soothing foot massage, a luxurious full-body treatment, or both, there’s something for every tired traveller.
Try Village Spa for a top-tier body massage experience, or head to A’Chron at Taipei 101 for a sky-high spa session with incredible city views. It’s the perfect way to recharge before your next adventure.
Don’t forget to check Taiwan’s latest travel requirements, and make the most of your trip by booking your Taipei tours and activities on Klook — from gondola rides to skip-the-line tickets and relaxing spa packages, it’s all just a click away!
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