I’ll cover various free- and paid things to do in Taipei. Keep reading to learn more.
I’ve lived in New Taipei City (adjacent to Taipei) for more than three years. And since I’ve isolated myself in Northern Taiwan, I’ve explored many incredible places in Taipei.
Throughout this guide, I’ll cover a massive list of the top things to do in Taipei, which will cover almost all aspects of Taiwan’s culture. When covering each activity, I’ll briefly cover why you should go there and where you can find it.
Table of Contents
Let’s fill out your Taiwan itinerary.
33 Tourist Attractions in Taipei
| Attraction | Best For |
|---|---|
| Miniatures Museum | Families |
| National Palace Museum | Families |
| Buddhist & Taoist Temples | Historians |
| Shi Yun Fried Chicken | Foodies |
| Hiking | Families & couples |
| Taipei Children’s Amusement Park | Families |
| Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall | Historians |
| Double 8 | Couples |
| Qidong Street | Historians |
| Eat Taiwanese food | Anyone |
| Riversides | Anyone |
| Ear cleaning salons | Couples |
| Taipei 101 | Families |
| Maokong Mountain | Couples |
| Yangmingshan | Couples |
| Da’an Forest Park | Families |
| Tech. Malls in Taipei | Tech. Enthusiasts |
| Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall | Historians |
| Taipei Expo Market | Couples |
| Jiantanshan Trail | Couples |
| Play Pokémon GO | Anyone |
| Internet Cafe | Solo travelers |
| Jianguo Holiday Flower Market | Couples |
| Simple Kaffa Coffee | Couples |
| Shopping malls | Families |
| Miramar Ferris Wheel | Families |
| National Revolutionary Martyrs Shrine | Historians |
| Indigenous People’s park | Historians |
| Taipei Night Markets | Foodies |
| Dadaocheng Wharf | Couples |
| Hakka Cultural Park | Anyone |
| Huashan Creative Park | Couples |
| Ximending Shopping District | Young people |
1. Miniatures Museum of Taiwan
This museum showcases many miniature and doll displays sourced from America and Europe. It’ll cost you around NT$150 to enter.
While the museum’s small, you’ll likely find yourself in the Miniatures Museum for hours. Observing the details of each display.
Miniatures Museum address: 10489, Taipei City, Zhongshan District, Section 1, Jianguo North Road, 96號B1
2. Real Life ASMR Ear Cleaning
I don’t recommend any specific professional ear-cleaning salon. Expect to pay NT$600 ($20) or higher. But it’s a unique experience that I’d want to do again.
Before choosing one, I recommend scrolling through their reviews to see whether they speak English. If not, you could always bring a friend who speaks Mandarin.
You’ll love these salons if you’re a frequent Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) listener. They won’t whisper in your ear, though.
They will offer these services:
- Melt wax over your ear (ear candling): supposed to create a vacuum and remove ear wax
- Rub a feather on your ear
- Massage your ear
- Pick out ear wax
- They hit some metal thing that they’ll run against the feather (it sends faint vibrations through your ear)
When I went, they didn’t melt wax over my ear. I don’t remember why. Probably for the best, I couldn’t find legitimate sources to back any health benefits.
3. Jianguo Holiday Flower Market
This market’s under a highway and has a wide selection of flowers, bonsai trees, and other plants. It’s open Saturday and Sunday—9 am–6 pm and is free to enter.
Check out the local street food vendors while you’re here. Then visit the nearby jade market and explore their vendors’ wares. Once you’re done, walk more at Taipei’s largest park, Da’an Forest Park.
If you don’t want an Uber or a taxi, take Taipei Metro’s Red line toward Da’an Park Station. Afterward, walk for around five minutes, and you’ll find yourself at the Jianguo Holiday Flower Market.
Jianguo Holiday Flower Market address: Section 1, Jianguo South Road, Da’an District, Taipei City, 106
4. National Palace Museum (Northern Branch)
The National Palace Museum’s northern branch houses more than 700,000 ancient Chinese artifacts, dating back at least 8,000 years. These exhibits make this museum the largest of its kind on earth.
Regular tickets cost NT$350. Anyone (Taiwanese and non) under 17 years old could enter for free.
You’ll find the following items in the National Palace Museum:
| Coins | Carvings | Enamel wares |
| Textiles | Ceramics | Bronzes |
| Books | Rare documents | Paintings |
| Fans | Tapestries | Textiles |
They offer a virtual tour of the museum’s facilities to get a better idea of what you’ll find there.
National Palace Museum (north) address: No. 221, Sec 2, Zhi Shan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, 111
5. Taipei 101 Observatory, Skyline, & Starbucks
Buy a ticket to visit the 89th floor of Taipei 101 for NT$300. Or NT$1000–3000 ($30–100) to see the 101st floor.
The former is an indoor observation area for visitors that gives you access to the tuned mass damper. A giant ball that helps prevent Taipei 101 from swerving during earthquakes and typhoons.
The latter takes you to the top of Taipei 101 and gives you a stellar view of Taipei and New Taipei Cities.
If you set up a reservation for the world’s highest Starbucks, ascend again within one of the world’s fastest elevators and enjoy your expensive coffee from above the clouds.
Otherwise, explore Taipei 101’s other floors. I cover a floor plan in a separate guide. Most of the accessible floors are shopping areas.
Check the weather before you visit Taipei 101. A cloudy day can ruin the atmosphere.
Each evening from 6:00 to 10:00, the top of the tower displays a color associated with the day:
| Day of the Week | Color |
|---|---|
| Monday | Red |
| Tuesday | Orange |
| Wednesday | Yellow |
| Thursday | Green |
| Friday | Blue |
| Saturday | Indigo |
| Sunday | Violet |
Taipei 101 address: No. 7, Section 5, Xinyi Rd, Xinyi District
6. Coffee at Simple Kaffa
If you’re a coffee snob, you must try Simple Kaffa’s coffee. The 2016 World Barista Champion, Berg Wu, owns this café and serves coffee that deserves the rating this shop has [1].
Simple Kaffa offers desserts, light meals, and coffee for those who need a high-quality caffeine fix to start their days.
Simple Kaffa address: No. 27, Section 2, Zhongxiao East Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, 100
7. Visit One of Many Temples
Taiwan has thousands of temples for Buddhists, Taoists, or Confucianists [2]. These include temples for neighborhood deities that watch over the locals and notable temples that host events.
A majority of these temples are free to enter. Ensure you look into superstitions and temple etiquette before entering these temples. Do not make an ass out of yourself.
A couple of examples of what not to do include pointing at the gods (statues) and standing between a person in the middle of praying and an incense altar. Photography is acceptable. However, don’t be obnoxious about it.
You may notice swastikas at Buddhist temples. It’s a religious icon from way before the Nazi regime, used by Eurasian cultures. Buddhist swastika symbols will look like this (卐) or (卍).
Taiwan travel tip: while you’re at each temple, observe the roof. They have three figures toward the center, representing what worshipers hope for when they pray at that temple.
8. Maokong Gondola
The Maokong Gondola begins at the Taipei Zoo Station and terminates at Maokong Station in Maokong mountain. A fantastic area to browse mom-and-pop tea shops and places to buy souvenirs.
If you’re in Taipei during New Year’s Eve, visit one of the tea houses and watch the Taipei 101 fireworks. So long as the weather’s good, you’ll get an incredible view while not having to deal with the hordes of Taipei 101 spectators after the show.
Then there’s Zhinan Temple. It’s a pretty temple, but don’t go there with an unmarried partner if you value your relationship. Folklore states the temple’s deity, Lü Dongbin, will try to break up your relationship.
Spending the entire day in this area? Visit the Taipei Zoo. Only pay NT$60 for a ticket.
It’s a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) [3]. Meaning, they care more about animal welfare.
Maokong Gondola address: No. 8, Section 2, Xinguang Road, Wenshan District, Taipei City, 116
9. Explore Shopping Centers: Enjoy the Conditioned Air
Avoid Taiwan’s scorching humidity throughout most of the year or the rain, and stroll through one of its hundreds of shopping centers. Usually, these malls will have food courts and supermarkets, among other stores owned by brands you’re familiar with.
While the malls don’t offer any entertainment value, it’s still a great way to exercise indoors and see what types of goods Taiwanese people love.
10. Shi Yun Fried Chicken
Do you love fried food?
Try Shida Night Market’s Shi Yun. The chicken’s affordable and mouth-watering.
If you’re not familiar with how many Taiwanese restaurants work, let’s break it down. Approach the cart, snatch a pair of tongs and a red basket, and move all the food you want into the basket. Afterward, hand it to the vendor.
Shida Night Market—student market—address: Lane 39, Shida Road, Da’an District, Taipei City, 106
11. Hike on Yangmingshan
Yangmingshan has sulfur vents to check out in addition to various paths like:
| Trail | Distance to Peak | Time to Hike |
|---|---|---|
| Mt. Datun | 3.2 mi (5.4 km) | 4 hrs 20 min. |
| Mt. Zhongzheng | 2.4 mi (4 km) | 3 hrs |
| Mt. Miantian | 2.6 mi (4.2 km) | 3 hrs |
| Erziping | 1.1 mi (1.8 km) | 80 min. |
| Mt. Caigongkeng | 0.9 mi (1.5 km) | 50 min. |
Prepare yourself for bugs (e.g., Asian giant hornets) and snakes. There are plenty of snakes slithering through the tall grass you’ll encounter.
Address: No. 1-20, Yangming Creek Walkway, Beitou District, Taipei City, 112
12. Miramar Entertainment Park
It’s NT$150 to ride the 95-meter-high Ferris wheel. It’s a fantastic way to get a romantic view of Taipei City’s skyline.
The Ferris wheel sits on top of a shopping center. Once you’re done riding the wheel, drink at the outdoor bar, listen to live music (which sometimes happens), and maybe see an IMAX movie.
Miramar Entertainment Park address: No. 20, Jingye 3rd Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, 10491
13. Hike on One of Taipei’s Many Paths
Taipei City has more than 165 hiking paths spread throughout the city [4]. Each leads to various peaks and endpoints where hikers could gaze at Taipei from different angles. While trekking these trails, you’ll likely stumble upon religious temples.
When hiking, be careful of snakes and giant hornets. Wear boots to protect yourself from bites, and avoid wearing strong scents to deter the murder hornets.
14. Spend the Day in Da’an Forest Park
Flee the concrete jungle of Taipei, and stroll through the lungs of Taipei City while observing the critters and plants. While you’re at Da’an, check out or hang out around the following:
- Skating rink
- Children’s playground
- Amphitheater
- A couple of ponds
- Various pavilions
I always see people setting up picnics. Use visiting this area as a chance to set up somewhere to relax. Just ensure you pick up after yourself.
15. Visit the National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine
The National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine honors the Kuomintang (KMT) soldiers who perished during the Chinese Civil War. And the relocation of the KMT government to Taiwan.
It has several small exhibits to observe and learn about Taiwan’s past. Moreover, it’s free to enter.
National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine address: No. 139, Beian Rd, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, 10491
16. Taipei Children’s Amusement Park
Taipei’s Children’s Park has 13 rides, a playground, a children’s theater, and a neighboring National Taiwan Science Education Center. The science center houses exhibits that teach kids about geology, electronics, and more.
A full-price ticket costs NT$30 per person. Expect to pay NT$30–80 per ride. These prices will vary by attraction.
Taipei Children’s Amusement Park address: No. 55, Section 5, Chengde Road, Shilin District, Taipei City, 11169
17. Guanghua Digital Plaza & Skytrend: Computer Builder’s Paradise
Taipei’s electronic enthusiasts’ haven consists of two massive buildings. One newer and the other older. The newer building, Skytrend, usually has themed exhibitions on the bottom floor.
The ascending floors will have varying themes with different products. For instance, the Photography floor will have drones, cameras, and equipment. Most items on these floors cost a lot and are suitable for testing items.
The Guang Hua Digital Plaza has several floors stuffed with stores having discounted products and electronic repair service places. It’s a great place to find affordable electronics or to buy parts for building a PC.
Since Taiwan’s a smaller market, you won’t find cheaper PC parts. That includes video cards. Here’s a walkthrough from around 4 years ago:
Reach Guang Hua and Skytrend by taking the Taipei Metro to Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station. It’s an intercepting point for the Blue and Orange lines.
Guanghua Digital Plaza address: No. 8, Section 3, Civic Blvd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, 100
18. Indigenous People’s Park: Learn More About Taiwan’s Culture
A park dedicated to preserving Taiwan’s indigenous people’s culture. While you’re here, you’ll find statues, totem tiles, and other cultural images that’ll help you learn more about the indigenous people in Taiwan and how they’ve impacted the country.
It’s not the biggest park, but it’s a pleasant walk. Moreover, there’s a nearby castle to observe.
Indigenous People’s Park address: Sec 2, Zhi Shan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, 111
19. Stroll Through One of the Memorial Halls
Taipei has two memorial halls, Chiang Kai-shek and Sun Yat-sen. Both have parks surrounding each set of monuments and offer a means for you to learn about these notable figures in Taiwan’s history.
At Chiang Kai Shek memorial hall, explore the National Concert Hall and National Theater, which often host famous musicians like Shao Lian Lin.
Addresses:
- Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall: No. 505號, Section 4, Ren’ai Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, 110
- Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: No. 21, Zhongshan S Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, 100
20. Visit One of the Many Night Markets
Taipei has over 15 night markets, all ready for you to venture into. Each has a collection of food vendors, carnival games, and general wares shops.
Here are all the night markets Taipei has:
| Night Market | Food To Try | Chinese Name |
|---|---|---|
| Nanjichang Night Market | Sesame Oil Chicken | 南機場夜市 |
| Ximending Night Market | Ice cream at the Snow King | NA |
| Shilin Night Market | Giant sausages | 士林夜市 |
| Raohe Street Night Market | Black pepper bun & mochi | 饒河街觀光夜市 |
| Ningxia Night Market | Shredded Chicken on the Rice | 寧夏夜市 |
| Dalong Night Market | Nothing noteworthy | 大龍街夜市 |
| Gongguan Night Market | Taiwanese Hamburger | 公館夜市 |
| Guangzhou Street Night Market | Fried marlin cakes | 廣州街夜市 |
| Jingmei Night Market | Tofu pudding | 景美夜市 |
| Liaoning Street Night Market | Boiled squid | 遼寧街夜市 |
| Shida Night Market | Fried chicken | 師大路夜市 |
| Shipai Night Market | Nothing noteworthy | 石牌夜市 |
| Shuang Cheng Street Night Market | Nothing noteworthy | 雙成街夜市 |
| Tonghua Street Night market | Stinky tofu & tangyuan | 通化街夜市 |
| Yansan Night Market | Cabbage rice | 延三夜市 |
| 737 Night Market | Nothing noteworthy | 737夜市 |
| Huaxi Street Night Market | Steamed minced pork with pickles in broth | 華西街觀光夜市 |
21. Old House Bouldering | Double 8
Rather than hiking outdoors, you could boulder (rock climb) between 30–60 minutes inside Double 8. Afterward, take some time and explore the outside Dihua old Street.
Double 8 address: No. 251號, Section 1, Dihua St, Datong District, Taipei City, 10348
22. Taipei Expo Farmer’s Market
This farmer’s market is a perfect opportunity for tourists to explore Taiwan’s local farming culture. With foods sourced from around the country, you can browse this market on a nice day and see what they offer.
Once finished with the farmer’s market, visit MAJI square.
It houses a lot of food vendors, bars, and nightclubs. There’s also a children’s park nearby. Furthermore, the Keelung river’s somewhat close if you want to ride a bike along the river.
If riding the Taipei MRT, go down the Red line and depart at Yuanshan.
Taipei Expo Farmer’s Market address: No. 1號, Yumen Street, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, 10491
23. Have a Drink at Dadaocheng Wharf
Grab a drink (or BYOB) and gaze at the Tamsui river. Then explore the historic Dihua Old Street. People will flood this area if you’re around Taiwan in January or February before the Lunar New Year. They’ll shop for traditional candies and other ingredients for Lunar New Year’s Eve feasts.
24. Beitou Hot Springs
Beitou has public and private hot springs. Private hot springs throughout various establishments and businesses will vary.
One hotel that has decent pricing is the Waterhouse Hotel. It’s a Japanese-inspired hotel that also offers an affordable private hot spring. You’ll pay NT$780 an hour on weekdays for a soak. NT$1080 on weekends.
Guests could soak in these pools for an unlimited amount of time. Except from December to February. Then it’s a 4-hour limit [5 HTTP link].
Guests can use the hot springs for free. Consider booking a room here.
For a mixed-gender public hot spring outside the hotel mentioned above, expect to pay at least NT$40 per hour. You’ll need to dress in swimwear in these pools.
The Long Nai Tang Hot Spring costs NT$150 an hour and is a nude hot spring. However, it’s separated by gender.
Before or after relaxing, check out the following areas spread throughout Beitou:
- Beitou Library: explore brilliant architecture
- Thermal Valley: gaze at the thermal sulfur valley
- Hot springs museum: learn more about Taiwan’s history
To find the Beitou hot springs resort, take the Taipei Metro Red Line toward Tamsui and depart at Beitou station. From there, transfer to Xinbeitou and take the train to the resort.
25. Time Travel: Qidong Street Japanese Houses
Qidong Street has spanned various eras, including the Qing Dynasty, Japan’s colonization, and the current government.
When Japan ruled over Taiwan, this area belonged to the Saiwaichō civil servant housing group between the 1920s and ’40s. However, if you go to these houses now, they remain unchanged for the most part.
So, you’ll get a glimpse of what life was like in Taiwan under Japanese rule.
26. Jiantanshan Trail
Rather than hiking on the overcrowded Elephant mountain, roam through the nature-rich environment of Jiantan Mountain Trail to get a breathtaking view of Taipei.
Perfect for watching fireworks on New Year’s Eve or snapping a fantastic picture.
Don’t forget to buy a drink to slurp down while gazing at Taipei.
This two-mile (3.3 km) hike leads to a vista with a 180-degree view of:
- Taipei 101
- Four Beasts Mountains
- Dajia Riverside Park
- MacArthur Bridge
- Keelung River
- The airplanes ascending and descending at Songshan Airport
You can also catch the Red Line train to Jiantan Station to reach the trailhead. From that point, leave through exit two and follow stone steps toward a trail.
Jiantanshan Trail address: 10491, Taipei City, Zhongshan District, 中山北路四段71巷2弄69號
27. Taipei City Hakka Cultural Park
If you’d like to learn more about the Hakka people’s culture, this is one of the best places to go in Taipei. It’s a place for the Hakka people to gather and socialize. While also presenting scenery to teach you more about their culture.
Taipei Hakka Cultural Park address: No. 2, Section 3, Tingzhou Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, 100
28. Indulge On Various Taiwanese Dishes and Drinks
Eat around. Taipei’s full of drink shops, street food, convenience stores, and bakeries. Try bubble tea at various shops. Buy a pineapple cake from a bakery.
Explore Taiwan’s convenience store culture. All options will fill your tummy for the day and ensure you get the gist of Taiwan’s food culture.
29. Get Lost in Taipei and Play Pokémon GO!
If you have data or utilize Taipei’s free Wi-Fi, hop on your phone and play Pokémon GO all day. You’ll find a lot of Pokémon at parks and tourist spots. Moreover, you won’t have to worry about a lack of people doing raids or attacking gyms.
When you go to a gym that just activated, you’ll see a large group of people gathered in one area battling the raid boss.
30. See What’s Going on at Huashan 1914 Creative Park
The Huashan 1914 Creative Park is a multi-purpose park that hosts various events throughout the year. Sometimes, you’ll find exhibits while you’re here, while other times, you’ll run into a European market, concert, or whatever else they’re hosting.
Huashan Creative Park is close to the Skytrend Shopping Center. Meaning, you’ll have plenty of free things to do in this part of Taipei.
Huashan 1914 Creative Park address: No. 1, Section 1, Bade Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, 100
31. Cycle Along the Riverside
You’ll find roadways alongside Taiwan’s various rivers throughout the country, especially in Taipei or New Taipei.
Spend around NT$10 ($0.36) per half hour—for the first four hours—and rent a YouBike. As you explore these paths, you’ll find parks, photo spots, portable toilets, vending machines, and art on the floodwalls.
I recommend wearing sunscreen, though. You won’t find that much cover.
32. Sleep in an Internet Cafe
Internet cafés are an excellent option for anyone to browse the internet and get some free drinks. I recommend QTime.
While it doesn’t have the best ratings, it offers many features for foreigners and Taiwanese.
QTime’s pricing menu is available in English, Japanese, and Chinese.
This café also operates 24/7. So, if you’re arriving in Taipei late and don’t want to deal with a hotel, an internet café is an excellent alternative. Ensure you bring your passport. They’ll need to see it.
They have two tiers that tie into pricing; membership and non-membership. If you plan to stay more than five hours, you might want to grab a membership. It’s the best bang for your buck. The membership costs NT$100 ($3.50).
QTime has three types of rooms available:
| Room Type | Member Price | Non-Member Price | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Area | NT$39/hr | NT$60/hr | Open room |
| Box | NT$39/hr | NT$60/hr | Single-person room |
| Japan Box | NT$102/hr | Member only room | Two-person room |
The Box and Japan Box rooms come with at least 1 USB port (not Type C), TV, DVD player, electrical outlet, a gaming computer, and a light.
Other than ice cream, they don’t have other food options. If it’s the middle of the night and your stomach’s growling, make your way to one of Taiwan’s thousands of convenience stores.
Whether you’re a member or non, you have all these perks available:
- Unlimited ice cream (chocolate and vanilla) by the front counter.
- Unlimited drinks like; grapefruit-, green-, milk-, lemon-, and black tea; grape and orange juice; hot- and iced water; and Pepsi.
- Showers (NT$75/hr)
- Free DVDs rentals
- A manga and magazine library (Chinese characters only)
QTime address: 100, Taipei City, Zhongzheng District, Guanqian Road, 6號B1
33. Visit the Ximending Pedestrian Area
Ximending, or Ximen, is a youth shopping district where you’ll find street performers, various shops, interesting restaurants like the modern toilet, or even the unofficial Ximen Night Market.
Taipei Map for Tourist Spots
Taipei Travel Essentials
Here’s what I recommend packing for Taipei:
| Backpack cover | Insect repellent | Sunscreen |
| Deodorant | Reusable water bottle | Dummy phone & wallet |
| Clothing | Saline nasal spray | Packable jacket |
| High-top boots | Female hygiene products | Sanitizing wipes |
| Medication | Condoms | Copy of travel documents |
| Portable power bank | Passport wallet/Purse/Day pack | Eye drops |
| Unlocked smartphone | Travel adapter | International Driving Permit |
| VPN | Portable Wireless Router | Lip balm |
| KF94 Face Mask | Durable umbrella | |
I have tested and frequently use all of these products except for the travel adapter and the backpack cover. I do have the travel adapter on my list of things to buy, though. I do thorough research on the products I recommend. As I always want to use the “best” of whatever I buy.
FAQs
Browse these commonly asked questions about tourist attractions in Taipei to see if you’ll find an answer to a question that has been bugging you.
What Are the Top Attractions to Visit in Taipei?
The top attractions to visit in Taipei are Taipei 101, Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, the National Palace Museum, and Shilin Night Market.
Finishing Up
Out of all the top things to do in Taipei, my favorite place to visit is the Skytrend technology shopping center. Everyone has different preferences, though.
Since Taipei’s small, you could explore a good portion of these places in a few days. And likely when visiting Taiwan, you’ll spend most of your time in this area.
Learn more about traveling to Taipei by checking out my other guides.
