This is your sign to visit Taipei! Whether you’re a first-timer or a return visitor, these places deserve a spot on your itinerary.
It may be getting expensive, but that won’t stop you from travelling. Is it possible to live the jet-set lifestyle and save some coins? Of course! Introducing destination dupes, a travel trend that’s gaining popularity this year. This is where you skip the popular places in favour of budget-friendly options that still offer the same vibes. One fine example is visiting Taipei instead of Seoul. Similar, but not quite the same. If you’re looking for a guide to Taipei City, we know the best places to visit.
While Taipei (and Taiwan) can be considered a year-round destination, certain months are ideal for travelling. If you’re planning a visit, we recommend dropping in March, April, October, and November. There aren’t too many tourists, and the weather’s just right. Spring may be short-lived (from March to early May), but it’s still a good time to spot cherry blossoms.
Taipei city guide: All the places you have to visit
1. Huashan 1914 Creative Park
We love discovering urban spaces that were originally something else altogether, and this cultural centre is one place you must visit when in Taipei. Huashan (as it’s known to the locals) is located at a former distillery consisting of restored buildings and warehouses. Today, it’s the capital’s hippest tourist spot, featuring live music performances, an independent film cinema, constantly changing exhibitions, pop-up shops, and more. As there are plenty of things to see and do here, we recommend setting aside half a day for your creative park adventure.
Huashan 1914 Creative Park, No 1, Section 1, Bade Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan
2. Taipei Public Library Beitou Branch
A public library? Really? Yes, but this is a special one – it’s Taiwan’s first eco-friendly green architecture project. Built entirely out of wood from managed forests, the building features large windows that allow natural light in and a roof that converts sunlight into electricity. Notice the slope on the roof? It collects rainwater, which is then used for flushing the toilets. Unsurprisingly, the library houses many books dedicated to ecological conservation. It was also named one of the most beautiful public libraries in the world.
Taipei Public Library Beitou Branch, No 251, Guangming Road, Beitou District, Taipei City, Taiwan
3. Gongguan Night Market
Night markets are synonymous with Taipei, with popular haunts such as Shilin and Raohe. But we want to direct your attention to Gong Guan. It may be small – two short blocks filled with street vendors – but it’s still mighty. One well-known stall is Lan Jia Gua Bao, which sells pork belly buns. Topped with crushed peanuts and pickled mustard greens, each bun will set you back around $3. Be prepared to queue!
Another famous stall is Hsiung Chi Scallion Pancake, where you can order the delicacy with cheese, corn, or ham toppings. While you’re here, get your hands on bubble tea, cuttlefish vermicelli with thick soup, and pig’s blood cake (only for the adventurous eaters!).
Gongguan Night Market, Lane 90, Section 4, Roosevelt Road, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan
4. Pier 5
Located beside Dadaocheng Wharf, the once serene area was transformed into a vibrant, expanding capsule market filled with food stalls, live music, and bars. The rooftop terraces offer unobstructed views of the Tamsui River but are only open to paying customers. So, all you have to do is get a drink or some light nosh and ask the vendor if you can head up. Otherwise, seating areas are nearby where you can pound wine by the riverside and watch the sunset. Psst: it gets insanely crowded after 7pm, so if you intend to visit, get here before then.
Pier 5, Dadaocheng Wharf, Datong District, Taipei City, Taiwan
5. Songshan Cultural and Creative Park
Get in, creatives, we’re going to another artsy space in Taipei. Songshan is often dubbed the city’s creative hub, aiming to inspire and nurture creativity through various artistic, cultural, and creative events. Like Huashan, the sprawling space comprises exhibition halls, conference spaces, a large bookshop, a record store, and many art workshops. Beyond that, visitors can explore a large ecology area and learn more about wildlife and local species native to the country as well as escape the hustle and bustle of the city by wandering around Baroque Garden.
Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, No 133, Guangfu South Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan
6. Taipei Water Park
If you’re travelling to Taipei with little ones in tow, this is probably the best place to visit… in their opinion. But we’ll get to that later. Firstly, the adults can drink up Taipei’s past at the Museum of Drinking Water, housed in a pumping station built in 1908. Fun fact: the facility produced up to 480,000 tonnes of clean water daily while operational. Pop in and check out all the original piping and equipment up close. Take the time to explore the many trails, one leading to Treasure Hill’s Artist Village, a quaint area decorated with street art, installations, and exhibitions.
Now, the flower garden near the main gate is a children’s water park, aka the only place kiddos want to visit. The entry cost changes depending on the season; remember to bring towels and swimsuits.
Taipei Water Park, No 1, Siyuan Street, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan
7. Fortune Teller Alley
How does getting your fortune told by a local sound? Drop by Fortune Teller Alley below Longshan Temple if you’re up for it. This charming hidden spot is where you can find numerous fortune tellers setting up shop in the bazaar area. There are three methods to have your fortune told: the standard date and time of birth, the palm reading method, which utilises the lines on your hand and face, and getting a trained bird to choose three cards that reference Taiwanese folk tales.
If you’re going ahead with this, pick a teller who speaks English! It would be unfortunate if you don’t understand what’s being told. Now, whether you choose to believe them or not, that’s up to you.
Fortune Teller Alley, Longshan Temple, No 211, Guangzhou Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan
8. Chang’s Halal Beef Noodle Shop
We bet all that exploring has made you hungry. Let’s refuel with a piping hot bowl of spicy beef noodles, shall we? This highly-raved eating spot is a good place to sit down, take a break, and fill your stomach. Besides beef noodles, Chang’s is well-known for its beef potstickers (fried dumplings). Remember to wash everything down with a cup of cold soya milk!
We also like that everything is wallet-friendly, and you can easily communicate with the trilingual staff (they speak Chinese, English, and Japanese). Of course, an obvious plus point is that it’s halal-certified. Muslim travellers, jot down this eatery on your to-visit list.
Chang’s Halal Beef Noodle Shop, No 21, Yanping S Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan
9. Houtong Cat Village
Cat lovers, where you at? We’ve found your purr-radise. Previously a coal mining village, Houtong is now home to hundreds of stray felines. Visitors will practically meow with delight as they spot kitties at every turn. Get ready to snap loads of photos and videos! These friendly catties are easy to win over – just feed them treats you can get at any store! If you’re doing that, remember to clean up the messes.
See if you can spot pointed ears, paw prints, and curly tails in the shops and signboards, too. Take a break at the cat-themed cafes, and check out the souvenir shops selling kitty trinkets before you leave.
Houtong Cat Village, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan
Add these top places to your itinerary when you visit Taipei!
