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Taipei is one of my favorite cities. Taipei has a unique vibe and there are so many amazing things to do!
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25+ Things to do in Taipei, Taiwan
Check out the top 25+ things to do in Taipei.
Beitou Thermal Valley (aka Hell Valley)
The sulfur scent that wafts off the water is pretty stinky but you get used to it (or so I tell myself).
It’s a lovely place that’s not very far from the Hot Springs. The steam rising from the water dances around in the wind and can be quite surreal.
Time Needed: 20 minutes
Normal Price: free
Day: 2
Visitor Tips:
- It’s very busy weekends and holidays.
- The water is very acidic so there is NO bathing here.
Beitou Hot Springs
I suggest you take a trip to the public hot spring (Millennium Hot Spring).
This hot spring is the most affordable. It’s also a real Taiwanese experience.
If you’re not comfortable with the unisex aspect, there are private hot springs in the area that you can visit instead.
Time Needed: 2 hours
Normal Price: NT$40 entry + NT$20 locker fee (2xNT$10 coins)
Taipei Fun Pass: not included
Day: 2
Visitor Tips:
- Check the bathing suit requirements carefully before you go. They are strictly enforced!
- No 2-piece bathing suits or shorts with pockets are allowed.
- Bring a towel and bottled water.
- If you have long hair, you’ll need a bathing cap (basically any kind of hat is acceptable).
- The Millennium Hot Springs opens daily for 6 times lots. It’s closed in between each for a cleaning. Plan your visit accordingly!
- 5:30 – 7:30am
- 8:00 – 10:00am
- 10:30am – 1:00pm
- 1:30 – 4:00pm
- 4:30 – 7:00pm
- 7:30 – 10:00pm
Bopiliao Historical Block
The Bopiliao Historical Block is an area of Taipei with buildings dating back to the 18^th^ Century.
It’s a really small area that you can walk through after (or before) a visit to Lungshan Temple.
Time Needed: 1 hour
Normal Price: free
Day: 1
Visitor Tips:
- Closed on Mondays.
- There is a museum that can be visited for a fee.
Dalongdong Baoan Temple
Dalongdong Baoan Temple is a stunning shrine completed in 1830.
Time Needed: 30+ minutes
Normal Price: free entry
Day: 2
Visitor Tips:
- closed on Mondays.
Elephant Mountain Viewpoint (via Xianshan Trail)
You’ve seen those beautiful pictures of Taipei with Taipei 101 in them, right? They were probably taken from the Elephant Mountain Viewpoint.
You’ll follow the Xianshan Hiking Trail up for about 20 to 30 minutes. It’s a fairly easy hike up, although parts can be a little steep. If you’re worried though, there are rest spots along the way.
Keep in mind that it’s a busy place pretty much all the time. You’ll need to queue in line to take any great shots (although it’s pretty orderly).
Time Needed: 2 hours
Normal Price: free
Day: 1
Visitor Tips:
- There are 3 viewpoints – keep going RIGHT as you hike up to see them.
Huashan 1914 Creative Park
Huashan 1914 Creative Park is an old winery that has become a creative venue for the young and cool.
This is a great place to pick up some amazing souvenirs made by real artists instead of in a cheap factory – although, you’ll pay a premium price for them.
There’s a large park you can relax in (grab some food or bring a picnic).
Time Needed: 2 hours
Normal Price: free
Day: 1
Visitor Tips:
- If you’re around on a weekend, check for any events that may be happening!
Jianguo Jade Market
The Jianguo Jade Market is a long, busy market that’s open on weekends.
If you’re going to be in Taipei on the weekend be sure to drop into the Jade market.
This is a great market to pick up some souvenirs like clay pots or small jade figurines and jewelry.
Time Needed: 60 to 90 minutes
Normal Price: free
Day: 1 (weekends only)
Visitor Tips:
- HAGGLE! Know what something is worth before you go to buy it because prices her can be inflated (especially for tourists).
Linjiang Street Night Market (aka Tonghua Night Market)
This is a smaller night market that’s open from about 6pm to midnight.
It’s a less crowded market but it has a large variety of food at reasonable prices.
Time Needed: 1 hour (or more)
Normal Price: free
Day: 1
Visitor Tips:
- If you’re wanting more night market after leaving, head over to the Shida night market!
Lungshan Temple
Lungshan Temple is probably the most famous temple in Taipei. It honors both Buddhist and Taoist deities.
Time Needed: up to an hour
Normal Price: free entry
Day: 1
Visitor Tips:
- If you’re a morning person, arrive right at opening (6:00am) to see the morning chant (it’s often done at 8am as well).
Maji Square
Maji Square is (mostly) a place to grab a bite to eat and sit outside. There are a variety of restaurants and food stalls serving delicious eats
Time Needed: 30 minutes + time to eat!
Normal Price: free
Day: 2
Visitor Tips:
- Try to visit on a weekend when the farmers market is happening.
Maokong Gondola
Gondola rides are a great way to relax and get a good view of a city.
The Maokong Gondola goes from the Taipei Zoo MRT station to the little village of Maokong which is famed for its tea.
There are 31 Crystal Cabins (glass-floored gondolas) on the Maokong Gondola. I’m a wee touch scared of heights but survived taking one on the way up.
Time Needed: at least 2 hours
Normal Price: NT$120 each way
Taipei Fun Pass: unlimited & exploring
Day: 3
Visitor Tips:
- If you don’t want to take the Gondola both ways, there’s a minibus you can take down for NT$15.
MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art)
MOCA Taipei is a steal. The entrance fee is NT$50 (which at today’s exchange rate is less than $2 USD).
There’s no permanent exhibition so be sure to check the calendar for your dates. The museum often allows free entry during the setup of new exhibits.
Time Needed: 2 hours
Normal Price: NT$50
Taipei Fun Pass: not included
Day: 3
Visitor Tips:
- closed on Mondays.
National Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
The Chiang Kai-Shek (CKS) Memorial Hall is an impressive site. There are lovely gardens, a gate, opera house, national theatre house, and the memorial hall.
Time Needed: 60 to 90 minutes
Normal Price: free
Day: 3
Visitor Tips:
- You can see the changing of the guards every hour (on the hour) from 9am to 5pm.
- You can also watch the flag being raised and lowered daily (time varies based on season).
National Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall
The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen (SYS) Memorial Hall is dedicated to Sun Yet Sen who is considered the father of modern China.
There are beautiful gardens, the memorial hall, an exhibition about SYS, and temporary exhibitions.
Time Needed: at least 60 minutes
Normal Price: free
Day: 1
Visitor Tips:
- You can see the changing of the guards (it’s very impressive) every hour on the hour. It’s possible to watch it twice in one visit – once from the top level and once from the ground.
National Taiwan Museum
The National Taiwan Museum is dedicated to the history of Taiwan.
The permanent exhibit (3^rd^ floor) displays artifacts from Taiwan’s indigenous tribes.
The museum also houses temporary exhibits from other places.
Time Needed: 60 to 90 minutes
Normal Price: NT$30
Taipei Fun Pass: not included
Day: 3
Visitor Tips:
- Your ticket price includes the Land Bank Exhibition Hall (which is where you’ll find dinosaurs). Time permitting, you should check out both.
Pavilion of New Fashion (aka EcoARK)
You don’t even have to go inside this building (although if you’re interested, you can).
The Pavilion of New Fashion is a building made entirely from recycled PET bottles.
Take a wander around and marvel at the construction!
Time Needed: 15 minutes
Normal Price: free*
Day: 2
Visitor Tips:
- The building houses exhibitions, so feel free to check it out if it’s something that appeals to you!
Raohe Night Market
I love night markets and Taipei has some of the best.
The Raohe Night Market is a popular but small-ish market.
Don’t fill up eating at the first place that looks good though because there’s so much delicious food to try!
Time Needed: 1 to 2 hours
Normal Price: free
Day: 3
Shilin Market
The Shilin Night Market is the most iconic in Taipei. It’s huge and crowded but worth a visit.
The Shilin Market has an underground food court that is packed with delicious food options! Be sure to go hungry!
Time Needed: 2 hours (or longer!)
Normal Price: free
Day: 2
Visitor Tips:
- go early and stay late!
Taipei 101
Taipei 101 is an iconic landmark in Taiwan. It was the once the tallest building in the world (but not anymore) and is still the tallest building in Taipei.
Honestly, it was pretty polluted outside when I was in Taiwan so my views were meh. However, the Wind Damper inside is really cool and worth checking out!
Time Needed: 90 minutes
Normal Price: NT$600 (general)
Taipei Fun Pass: unlimited & classic
Day: 1
Visitor Tips:
- Go just before sunset so you can get daytime and nighttime views of Taipei.
- Book your tickets in advance to avoid waiting in long lines to purchase tickets!
- In 2019, Taipei 101 opened up the 101st floor (roof) for the first time. Tickets to this floor are NT$3,000.
Taipei Confucius Temple
The Taipei Confucius Temple is a very informative temple. It’s not as flashy as most temples you’ll visit but it really imparts a strong sense of what Confucianism is all about.
If I had to choose one, this might be my favorite temple.
Time Needed: 45+ minutes
Normal Price: free
Day: 2
Visitor Tips:
- it’s across the street from the Baoan Temple which is also worth a visit!
Taipei Fine Arts Museum
The Taipei Fine Arts Museum is dedicated to modern and contemporary art exhibitions, not classic fine art.
This is a huge museum with exhibitions that change regularly.
Time Needed: 2 hours
Normal Price: NT$30
Taipei Fun Pass: not included
Day: 2
Taipei Tianhou Temple
The Taipei Tianhou Temple is dedicated to Mazu, the sea goddess. It’s ornate and colorful and worth a visit!
Time Needed: 45 minutes
Normal Price: free
Day: 1
Visitor Tips:
- the entrance is a bit hidden by shops.
The North Gate
Taipei was once surrounded by a wall and this is the only original piece remaining.
Time Needed: 15 minutes
Normal Price: blah
Taipei Fun Pass: not included
Day: 1
Visitor Tips:
- You can also find the East Gate, South Gate, Little South Gate, and West Gate in Taipei but none are original.
Treasure Hill Artists Village
Treasure Hill was once a squatters village (illegal settlement). It’s now an artist’s village that’s unique.
Time Needed: 90 minutes
Normal Price: free
Day: 3
Visitor Tips:
- the artists in the community offer free guided walking tours on the weekend.
Zhinan Temple
Zhinan (aka Chih Nan) Temple is a Taoist temple located on Houshan (aka Monkey Mountain).
It’s easily accessible by the Maokong Gondola (see above) or by car and then 1,200 steps – your choice!
Legend has it that if young married couples visit the temple, it will cause problems in their love life and eventually the relationship will end.
Time Needed: 1 hour
Normal Price: free entry
Day: 3
Suggested Itineraries for Taipei
1, 2 or 3-Days in Taipei Itinerary
Since Taiwan is an island, you’re probably going to spend at least 2 days in Taipei.
I love Taipei and could spend weeks there, so I highly recommend you do at least these 3 days!
But, if you only have 1 or 2 days choose the days of this itinerary that appeal most to you and your interests.
Day 1:
Cost: NT$600
- Lungshan Temple
- Bopiliao Historical Block
- Taipei Tianhou Temple
- The North Gate
- Huashan 1914 Creative Park
- Jianguo Jade Market (only on weekends)
- National Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall
- Taipei 101
- Xiangshan Trail to Elephant Mountain Viewpoint
- Linjiant Street Night Market
Day 2:
Cost: NT$90
- Thermal Valley
- Beitou Hot Springs
- Maji Square
- Pavilion of New Fashion
- Taipei Fine Arts Museum
- Taipei Confucius Temple
- Dalongdong Baoan Temple
- Shilin Night Market
Day 3:
Cost: NT$320
- Maokong Gondola
- Zhinan Temple
- Treasure Hill
- National Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
- National Taiwan Museum
- MOCA
- Raohe Night Market
Have More Time?
If you have more than 3 days in Taipei, here are some more (time-consuming) things to do and great day trips out of the city:
Buy a Taipei Fun Pass?
You’ll have noticed that these things to do had a Taipei Fun Pass line and most said “not included.” The truth is, Taipei is an inexpensive city with a. lot of free things to do.
However, you may want to purchase one anyways. The Taipei Fun Pass has 3 options: Unlimited, Exploring, & Classic.
The Unlimited Fun Pass (NT$1,200 one-day, NT$1,600 two-days, and NT$1,900 three-days) includes entrance to 16 attractions plus unlimited use of the metro, tourist shuttle, and buses in Taipei.
The Exploring Fun Pass (NT$650 two-day and NT$850 three-days) includes entrance to 20 attractions and can be used as an Easy Card (see How to Get Around Taipei below).
The Classic Fun Pass (NT$950) includes 2 attractions and can be used as an Easy Card.
The Taipei Card might not be the best for you, but the only way to know is if you check it out.
Things to Know About Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei is such a vibrant, authentic, amazing city. Here are the practical details you’ll need to know before you go.
Money in Taipei
Taiwan uses the New Taiwan Dollar (NT$)
Tipping is not common or expected in Taiwan. Even in tourist areas, it’s not a thing. There’s no need to tip in Taiwan.
The only exception is in some restaurants (usually large, expensive chains) but they’ll typically add the tip onto your bill automatically.
Language in Taipei
The official language of Taiwan is Mandarin Chinese. Taiwan uses traditional Chinese characters (mainland China uses simplified characters).
English is widely spoken in Taipei but if you venture out of the city, it’s less common.
How to Get Around Taipei
Taipei neighborhoods are walkable but the city is very spread out. so you’ll need another way to. get from one neighborhood to the next.
Public transit is convenient, easy to use, and affordable. The metro lines are superb and the buses are easy to navigate.
Signage for public transportation will be in Chinese and English. Station staff will likely speak English but bus drivers may not speak any English.
Taxis in Taipei are cheap and drivers are (almost always) polite and honest. Taxi drivers may or may not speak English. If they do they’ll likely chat with you the whole trip about life in Taipei and life wherever you’re from.
Things to Eat in Taipei
The food! Oh, the food in Taipei. I think I ate 90% of my dinners at markets on my feet while walking… but here are two tasty items that you should definitely try in Taipei.
Bao Bun (Taiwanese Hamburger)
A bao bun is usually a steamed bun stuffed with pork belly (braised), pickled vegetables, peanut powder, and cilantro. Yum!
Niu Rou Mian (Beef Noodle Soup)
You can get beef noodle soup with a clear broth (more of a beef focused flavor) or dark broth (the broth is the flavor focus). I prefer the dark broth, but the clear is also delicious!
Enjoy Taipei!
Taipei is a fabulous (although spread out) city! Even if you only have a few days, you can still see a lot of awesome stuff.
Ready for more? Why not try another island country nearby! Check out 21+ Awesome Things to do in Tokyo, Japan next.
Have you been to Taipei? What was your favorite thing in the city? Let me know in the comments below!
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