This is your sign to visit Taiwan! Whether you’re a first-timer or a return visitor, the best things to do in Taipei deserve a spot on your itinerary.
Searching for the best things to do in Taipei, Taiwan? As a fourth-time visitor to the city, I’ve put together an ultimate guide on the top tourist attractions, shopping districts, arts and culture enclaves, night markets and easy half-day escapes in Taipei. With my personal experience and pro tips sprinkled in the mix, this guide will make planning your Taipei itinerary oh-so-easy.
Here’s my hot take: whether it’s the satisfying street food, wallet-friendly shopping, serene scenery, or warm culture, Taiwan doesn’t pale in comparison to South Korea and Japan as Asian travel destinations. So, consider this your sign to book a trip to Taipei’s capital! Psst: if you’re looking to explore beyond Taipei, we’ve also found the best cities to visit and best things to do in Taiwan, and the best things to do in Tainan.
Top attractions in Taipei to tick off your list
1. Taipei 101
When it comes to tourist attractions in Taipei, Taipei 101 is unmissable. This 101-storey building was the first in the world to exceed 500m in height, and held the title of the world’s tallest building from 2004 to 2009. See the city from above the clouds at the Taipei 101 Observatory (from $20 per pax), or try the Skyline 460 experience ($120 per pax) if you’re feeling adventurous. The latter lets you stand on the building’s roof while being safely supported with harnesses.
Best for: A panoramic view of Taipei city
Opening hours: Daily, 10am to 9pm (varies for observatory and Skyline 460 experience)
Address: Taipei 101, No.45, City Hall Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City 110, Taiwan
2. Taipei Zoo
Searching for fun things to do with kids in Taipei? Add Taipei Zoo to the agenda. As the largest zoo in Southeast Asia and one of the world’s 10 largest municipal zoos, this famous Taipei attraction can keep the whole family entertained for a whole day. Come see more than 1,600 animals, including adorable giant pandas, indigenous animals like the Chinese pangolin and Asiatic black bear, and more.
I recommend pairing this attraction with a trip to the scenic tea-growing area of Maokong. Head to the Taipei Zoo Station of Maokong Gondola and take a scenic 30-minute ride up the mountain. Once you’re in the serene mountainous area, find a traditional teahouse to sip aromatic local brews and soak in gorgeous nature views.
Best for: A day trip exploring Southeast Asia’s biggest zoo and scenic teahouses
Opening hours: Daily, 9am to 5pm
Address: Taipei Zoo, No. 30, Section 2, Xinguang Road, Wanxing Village, Wenshan District, Taipei City, 116
3. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
History buffs, you know a visit to the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is a must. This famous tourist attraction in Taipei is a national monument dedicated to the former president of the Republic of China, Chiang Kai-shek. Bask in the imposing stature of the iconic white marble building, stroll through a 25-hectare park, and catch the hourly ceremonial changing of the guards (every hour from 9am to 5pm).
Best for: An awe-inspiring historical landmark surrounded by nature
Opening hours: Daily, 9am to 6pm
Address: Chiang Kei-shek Memorial Hall, No.21, Zhongshan South Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City 100012, Taiwan
4. Longshan Temple
Taiwan is known for a huge density of temples – over 15,000, to be exact – and the historic Longshan Temple is one such notable spot in Taipei. Nestled in one of the city’s most historic districts, this temple is almost 300 years old and is dedicated to a mix of religions – namely Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. Fun fact: many locals and tourists visit for the popular matchmaking god (aka ‘yue lao’), a deity believed to bless visitors with blissful love lives!
Best for: A historic temple with intricate architecture and a matchmaking god
Opening hours: Daily, 6am to 10pm
Address: Longshan Temple, No. 211, Guangzhou Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City, 10853
5. National Palace Museum
I didn’t forget about the museum-goers. If you only have time for one during your trip, check out Taipei’s National Palace Museum. On the outside, the museum is reminiscent of a Northern Chinese palace; while inside, it is home to relics and artefacts kept by generations of Chinese emperors. Join a guided tour available in various languages, including Chinese, English, French and Japanese, or explore the museum grounds at your own pace.
Best for: A world-class museum with ancient Chinese relics and artefacts
Opening hours: Daily, 9am to 5pm
Address: National Palace Museum, No. 221, Section 2, Zhi Shan Road, Shilin District, Taipei City, 111
6. Elephant Mountain
Okay, I know not everyone enjoys working out on vacation. But, hey, Taipei’s vast nature offerings are too good not to take advantage of. Bookmark Elephant Mountain in the Xinyi District for a quick 30 to 40-minute hike. You’ll be rewarded with a bird’s-eye view of the city and the iconic Taipei 101 at the peak. Thirty minutes might seem short but fair warning: the stairs are steep and seemingly endless, so don’t turn up in jeans like me.
Best for: An accessible nature trail with Taipei 101 views
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Address: Elephant Mountain, No. 31, Alley 401, Lane 150, Section 5, Xinyi Road, Sanli Village, Xinyi District, Taipei City, 110
Where to shop and cafe-hop in Taipei
7. Ximending District
Nicknamed the Harajuku and Times Square of Taipei, Ximending is a must-visit shopping district. You’ll find everything you expect in a bustling tourist area: trendy local brands like Airspace and Ur Living, big brands like Don Don Donki, Uniqlo and H&M, street food stores that are hard to resist, souvenir shops and more. The area is also famous for its iconic rainbow crossing and show-stopping street performances – I’ve seen magic shows, busking and acrobatic acts, among others!
Best for: A bustling shopping district with everything a tourist needs
Address: Ximending, multiple areas including Zhonghua Road, Chengdu Road, Wuchang Road and Xining South Road in the Wanhua District of Taipei City, Taiwan
8. Xinyi District
Orchard Road in Singapore will face fierce competition in Taipei’s Xinyi District. This modern shopping district offers luxury shopping, high-end dining, trendy brands and nightlife all rolled into one. Some iconic spots include Taipei 101, department stores such as Breeze Xinyi and Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, as well as ATT 4 Fun Xinyi shopping mall packed with youthful brands. If a shopping spree is what your heart desires, Xinyi District is a must-visit.
Best for: Luxury shopping, trendy brands and nightlife in one place
Address: Xinyi District, multiple areas including Xinyi Road, Section 5, Songren Road, and Songzhi Road
9. Zhongshan District
If Xinyi District is the posh older sister, Zhongshan neighbourhood is that hip and cool(er) younger sister. I love how the area nails the balance between history and modernity. Yes, you can find trendy boutiques, charming cafes like Fujin Tree Cafe, Coffee Dumbo and Instil Coffee, as well as Japanese izakayas. At the same time, you can spot traces of history in its Japanese-era buildings and Qing Dynasty-style courtyard houses.
Pro tip: visit Zhongshan Linear Park on the weekend for an outdoor flea market with local crafts and cool knick-knacks!
Best for: A cool, trendy enclave with a splash of history
Address: Zhongshan District, multiple areas including Zhongshan North Road and around the MRT Zhongshan Station
A dose of arts and culture in Taipei
10. Huashan 1914 Creative Park
A former wine and sake distillery turned into a cultural space, Huashan 1914 Creative Park is on my itinerary every time I visit Taipei. With its restored buildings and warehouses, the creative park retains a retro and nostalgic charm.
Inside, you’ll find ever-changing exhibitions, pop-up stores, souvenir shops stocked with unique local crafts, an independent film cinema, and more. Need a break from shopping? Fuel up at on-site dining spots, including Chun Shui Tang teahouse and Daylight cafe.
Best for: An artsy day with local crafts, pop-ups and cool exhibitions
Opening hours: Daily, 11am to 9pm
Address: Huashan 1914 Creative Park, No. 1, Section 1, Bade Road, Meihua Village, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, 100
11. Songshan Cultural and Creative Park
Creatives, here’s another artsy space in Taipei to add to your list: Songshan Cultural and Creative Park. Formerly a tobacco factory, this space in Xinyi District has gotten a cultural uplift to become the city’s go-to creative hub. Like Huashan, the sprawling space comprises exhibition halls, conference spaces, art workshops and several souvenir shops.
The creative park also houses the Eslite Spectrum Songyan Store – a multi-functional space that consists of a huge bookstore, a creative marketplace, restaurants, a cinema and a performance hall. Before you leave, stop by the Baroque Garden and the ecological landscape pond for some fresh air and greenery. You can thank me later.
Best for: A creative park with a massive bookstore, exhibitions and green spaces
Opening hours: Daily, 8am to 10pm
Address: Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, No. 133, Guangfu South Road, Xinren Village, Xinyi District, Taipei City, 11072
12. Dihua Street
Welcome to Dihua Street, the oldest street in Taipei that drips with nostalgic charm. Locals flock here for their annual Lunar New Year shopping, but there’s still a lot to see year-round. Stroll down the street and you’ll see old-school stores selling dried goods, traditional herbs and spices, fabric stores and teahouses.
While the architecture and atmosphere invoke nostalgia, there’s a splash of modernity with trendy new cafes such as Alchemist Coffee and Pallas Cafe. A visit to Dihua Street is incomplete without stopping by Dadaocheng Wharf. Once a trading port for tea and textiles, it is now a crowd-favourite riverside area with a container food market and scenic cycling trails.
Best for: A historic walkthrough of Taipei’s oldest street
Opening hours: Open 24 hours (varies by store)
Address: Dihua Street, No. 146, Section 1, Dihua Street, Dayou Village, Datong District, Taipei City, 103
13. Miniatures Museum of Taiwan
The Miniatures Museum of Taiwan is a hidden gem that I’ll recommend in a heartbeat. As its name suggests, the museum is a treasure trove of miniature artworks with a focus on masterpieces from Europe and North America. The collection of over 100 artworks includes architecturally precise dollhouses and exquisitely made room boxes. Spare enough time for this stop, ‘cos I spent over two hours scrutinising and appreciating the incredible attention to detail.
Best for: A whimsical museum with intricately crafted miniatures
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm
Address: Miniatures Museum of Taiwan, 10489, Taipei City, Zhongshan District, Zhuyuan Village, Section 1, Jianguo N Rd, No. 96, B1
Eat your way through night markets in Taipei
14. Raohe Night Market
You simply can’t miss out on the night markets when travelling in Taipei – or just Taiwan in general. At the top of our list is the crowd-favourite Raohe Street Night Market. Known for its iconic illuminated archway, this market is an easy two-minute stroll from Songshan MRT Station.
Must-eats include the Fuzhou black pepper buns roasted in a traditional brick and clay oven, Shi Boss’ spicy stinky tofu, as well as rice balls served atop crushed ice and drizzled with osmanthus syrup from Yu Pin Yuan Iced and Hot Tangyuan.
Best for: A buzzing night market with variety and convenience
Opening hours: Daily, 5pm to 12am
Address: Raohe Night Market, Raohe Street, Songshan District, Taipei City, 105
15. Ningxia Night Market
Ningxia Night Market is a personal favourite. Nestled in the Datong District (walkable if you stay near the Taipei Main Station area), this night market isn’t the most impressive in size and offerings, but I love how cosy it feels.
It primarily consists of two long rows of stalls and you can easily stroll through it in under 10 minutes – that’s if you’re not distracted. Stuff yourself silly with popular picks like deep-fried taro duck egg yolk balls from Liu Yu Zhi, Michelin Guide-recognised oyster egg omelette from Yuan Huan Pien, and Tong Nian’s papaya milk.
Best for: An underrated gem located near Taipei Main Station
Opening hours: Daily, 5pm to 11.30pm
Address: Ningxia Night Market, Ningxia Road, Xingming Village, Datong District, Taipei City, 103
16. Linjiang Night Market
A local friend brought me to Linjiang Night Market, so I knew it wouldn’t be a flop. This night market is located within a residential area in Da’an District and I only spotted a handful of tourists while I was there. It’s ideal if you don’t want to bump into every other Singaporean at Raohe or Shilin Night Market.
I didn’t try Michelin-rated picks like Lo Chi Hsiao Chao and Yakou Stinky Tofu, but the small stores I bought from all left me impressed. Think juicy pork sausages grilled to perfection, crispy scallion pancake with a runny fried egg, and stinky tofu pot.
Best for: Escaping tourist crowds and living like a local
Opening hours: Daily, 6pm to 12am
Address: Linjiang Night Market, Linjiang Street, Da’an District, Taipei City, 106
17. Shilin Night Market
Some rave about how big Shilin Night Market is, while others call it a tourist trap. If it’s your first time in Taipei, I say drop by and experience it for yourself. After all, it’s one of the biggest night markets in Taipei that’ll let you tick off your food bucket list in no time.
Famous eats include whole baked potatoes simmering in indulgent cheese sauce from Prince Cheese Potato, squid and pork intestine vermicelli soup from A Hui Vermicelli, as well as comforting herbal pork rib soup from Hai You Pork Ribs.
Best for: An iconic tourist attraction to check off your list
Opening hours: Daily, 4pm to 12am
Address: Shilin Night Market, No. 101, Jihe Road, Yixin Village, Shilin District, Taipei City, 111
Easy escapes from Taipei for a day trip
18. Beitou District
Escape the hustle and bustle of Taipei with a relaxing trip to Beitou District. This mountainous region in the north is fondly known as the ‘hot spring capital’. The natural hot springs boast therapeutic, sulfur-rich waters, with options between free public spots (like Fuxing Hot Foot Spa) and private resorts.
Other landmark attractions include a bubbling jade-hued lake of Beitou Thermal Valley, Beitou Hot Spring Museum to learn about the area’s history, and the eco-friendly Beitou Library. Tip: Beitou is right at the base of Yangmingshan National Park, so it’s worth combining these places in a single trip!
Best for: A relaxing escape with sulfurous hot springs and green spaces
Address: Beitou District, multiple areas including Zhongshan Road, Guangming Road, and Youya Road near Xinbeitou MRT Station
19. Tamsui District
Gorgeous seaside views, a charming old street and historic sites – Tamsui District easily won a spot in my heart. This coastal district in New Taipei City is conveniently located at Tamsui Station, the last station of the Tamsui-Xinyi line. Once you alight, you’ll be greeted by a stunning riverside area with street performances and ample areas to sit and enjoy the view.
Continue towards Tamsui Old Streets for famous street food like iron eggs (marinated quail eggs), a-gei (fried tofu stuffed with minced meat and glass noodles), and deep-fried prawn spring rolls. Other popular stops include Qingshui and Longshan Temples, Fort Santo Domingo and Aletheia University. End your trip at Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf to cross the iconic Lover’s Bridge and soak in sunset waterfront views.
Best for: A coastal adventure with local delicacies, historical sites and waterfront sunsets
Address: Tamsui District, multiple areas in the northwest of New Taipei City, Taiwan
How to get to Taipei from Singapore
Book a direct flight from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). Airlines like Singapore Airlines, Eva Air, China Airlines and Scoot offer direct flights, with a flight time between 4.5 and 5 hours.
Once you’ve arrived at TPE, the easiest way to reach Taipei city is to take the Airport MRT (a 40-minute ride) or the Airport Bus (a one-hour ride) to Taipei Main Station. From there, you can take the Taipei MRT to different areas of the city. Alternatively, taxis and private-hire cars via Uber and Line Taxi are available.
How to get around Taipei
By car: Taxis and private-hire cars are easily available and affordably priced. Private-hire cars can be booked via the Uber and Line Taxi mobile apps.
By public transport: Taipei has a reliable and affordable public transport system, including the Taipei MRT and public buses. You can buy single trip tickets, or get an EasyCard or iPass, which can be bought and topped up at the station and convenience stores like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart.
By bicycle: Taipei is known for its green commute culture and you can find public rental bike services from YouBike around the city. Download the free YouBike mobile app for one-time bicycle rental services or rental memberships.
By scooter or motorbike: Scooters and motorbikes are popular ways for locals to get around, but you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) with the correct motorcycle endorsement, along with your home country’s valid driver’s license. Travellers can rent scooters and motorbikes through platforms like Klook or KKday.
Pro tips when travelling in Taipei
- Taiwan is a typhoon-prone country, with typhoon season usually from June to October – avoid this period for unpredictable weather!
- It rains frequently in Taipei (almost half of the year), so carry an umbrella or a raincoat when heading out.
- Bring cash! Most night markets and old-school vendors only accept cash and selected online payments like Line Pay.
- Get an EasyCard or iPass, especially for longer trips. This nifty card can be used for public transport, convenience stores and selected stores.
Now that we’ve found the best things to do in Taipei, it’s time to book a trip to Taiwan’s capital!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top attractions in Taipei for first-time visitors?
If you’re visiting Taipei for the first time, I recommend starting with iconic landmarks like Taipei 101, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and Longshan Temple, as well as famous shopping districts like Ximending and Xinyi. It’s also a must to add night markets such as Raohe and Ningxia to your itinerary as they are part of the quintessential local experience!
What is the best way to get around Taipei?
The Taipei MRT (or metro) is the most efficient and budget-friendly way to navigate the city. Trains run frequently from as early as 6am to midnight and cover almost every major attraction. Tip: purchase an EasyCard or iPass at any station or convenience store, and use it to tap-and-go on the MRT, local buses, YouBike bicycle rentals, and even at convenience stores like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart.
When is the best time of year to visit Taipei?
The best time to visit Taipei is during autumn (October to November) and spring (March to May) as it’s usually cooler with lower rainfall. Summers (June to September) can be intensely hot, humid and prone to typhoons, while winters (December to February) will be damp and chilly.
How many days should I plan to spend in Taipei?
For a first-time visitor, four to five days is the sweet spot. This gives you enough time to tick off top attractions like Taipei 101, Ximending and various night markets, while having enough room for easy day trips to places like Tamsui and Beitou.
Is English widely spoken in Taipei?
Yes, travelling in Taipei is highly accessible for English speakers. Most MRT stations, street signs and menus at major restaurants or night markets feature clear English translations. While older vendors or taxi drivers might only speak Mandarin or Taiwanese, younger locals and hospitality staff can usually communicate in English and are exceptionally helpful.
Is cash still required in Taipei?
Yes, most night markets, old vendors, smaller boutiques and traditional cafes only accept cash. Be sure to withdraw cash ahead of your trip or at the airport upon arrival, or use the ATMs available inside local convenience stores.
