The 15 Best Things to Do in Taipei, Taiwan
15 top things to do in Taiwan’s capital
Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, is full of wonders and surprises. From its bustling night markets to its iconic landmarks, Taipei is sure to offer something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re looking for a cultural experience or a thrilling adventure, there’s no shortage of activities to choose from. To help you make the most of your trip to Taipei, we’ve compiled a list of the 15 best things to do in the city.
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See the National Palace Museum
Located in the heart of Taipei City, the National Palace Museum is a must-see attraction for any traveler. This grand museum houses an impressive collection of over 690,000 ancient artifacts and pieces of art that span 5,000 years of Chinese history.
Highlights include jade ornaments from the Qing dynasty, ancient bronzes and calligraphy, ceramics, and paintings. The Museum also holds regular exhibitions of traditional Chinese art as well as rotating international collections.
Visitors can spend hours admiring the vast collections and taking in the history of the Palace. A visit to the National Palace Museum is a must-do activity in Taipei.
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Shop at the Shilin Night Market
No visit to Taipei is complete without checking out the Shilin Night Market. Located near the Jiantan MRT Station, this sprawling night market is one of the largest and most popular in the city. It’s known for its cheap and tasty street food, from popcorn chicken to bubble tea.
You can also find plenty of souvenirs, such as clothes, jewelry, and traditional Chinese handicrafts. There’s also an underground arcade and shopping mall, perfect for those rainy days or after-dark shopping sprees.
With so much to explore, you’re sure to find something you love at the Shilin Night Market!
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Visit Taipei 101
Taipei 101 is an iconic building and a must-see destination in the city. Located in Xinyi District, the skyscraper boasts some of the best views in Taipei. With 101 floors and 508 meters high, it was the world's tallest building from 2004 to 2010.
Inside the tower there’s a handy mall with dozens of restaurants and shops for a quick bite and some retail therapy. There's also an observation deck on the 89th floor, giving visitors an amazing panoramic view of the entire city. Don't forget to take pictures from the top!
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Stroll Through Dihua Street
If you're looking for a unique shopping experience, then you must visit Dihua Street. Located in the Datong District, this lively street is filled with traditional Chinese shops and vendors selling everything from herbs and spices to fabrics and handicrafts.
The street also has a variety of food stalls and eateries, serving up delicious dishes and snacks. As you wander through Dihua Street, you can admire the old-style architecture and browse through the interesting stores. It’s one of the best places in Taipei for street food.
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Visit Longshan Temple
Longshan Temple, located in the Wanhua District of Taipei, is a must-see Taipei historic landmark. Built in 1738 and dedicated to the Buddhist deity Guanyin, this ornate temple is the oldest and most renowned of its kind in Taiwan.
Within its walls you will find a large main hall, prayer rooms, courtyards, and various sculptures depicting traditional Buddhist figures. You will be able to witness devotees burning incense and meditating, or you can take part in various festivals and events that are held in this beautiful temple throughout the year.
Make sure to explore the many intricate details of Longshan Temple, from its colorful decorations to its traditional architecture, for an unforgettable experience.
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Take a Day Trip to Yehliu Geopark
One of the most popular places to visit while in Taipei is Yehliu Geopark. Located just outside of the city, the Geopark is home to incredible rock formations and landscapes that are sure to amaze. Take a day trip to explore the various rock formations, including the iconic Queen's Head and Fairy Shoe.
Don't forget to take photos to capture the spectacular beauty of the park. You can also take part in activities such as horseback riding and boat trips in the nearby waters. Whether you’re looking for adventure or just a peaceful escape, Yehliu Geopark has something for everyone!
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Explore the Ximending neighbourhood
Located in the Wanhua District, Ximending is one of Taipei's most popular shopping and entertainment districts. This lively pedestrian-only district is home to a variety of boutiques, restaurants, karaoke bars, and night clubs.
Ximending also boasts a large variety of street performers, including musicians, acrobats, and magicians. Spend some time exploring Ximending and you're sure to find something interesting and fun to do.
Don't forget to stop by Red House Theater, a historic landmark and former theater from 1908 that now serves as a cultural hub for events and performances. Whether you're looking to shop, eat, or just people watch, Ximending has something for everyone.
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Visit Jiufen Old Street
Jiufen Old Street is one of the top attractions in Taipei. Located near the northeast coast of the city, this historic street is full of interesting things to do and see. From its narrow alleys, winding stairways and picturesque views, Jiufen Old Street will take your breath away.
Here, you can find traditional food stalls, souvenir shops and small cafes. Take your time to explore this unique area and soak in the atmosphere. At night, the street is illuminated with colorful lights that make it even more magical.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening or just want to get lost in the beauty of this old street, Jiufen is the perfect place to go.
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Check Out Maokong Gondola
Head over to the Maokong Gondola for stunning views of Taipei and beyond. This gondola is an exciting experience that you won’t want to miss out on. It will take you up the mountain and offer spectacular views. Once you reach the top, there are tea plantations, quaint restaurants and street markets to explore.
On a clear day, you can even see all the way to the ocean. Don’t forget to bring your camera – the photos you take here will be amazing! You will definitely love it and make sure to add it to your list of must-do activities in Taipei.
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Hang Out at Raohe Street Night Market
Raohe Street Night Market is the perfect place to spend a night out in Taipei. The area has all sorts of unique food and activities that you can enjoy. You can shop for clothes, souvenirs, and snacks like bubble tea, oyster omelette, and pork buns.
There are also street performances such as magicians, musicians, and acrobats. You can even join in on the fun and take part in karaoke competitions. Whether it’s day or night, Raohe Street Night Market has something to offer everyone.
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Eat at Din Tai Fung
If you’re looking for an unforgettable dining experience in Taipei, head to Din Tai Fung. Located in the Xinyi district of Taipei, this Michelin-star restaurant serves up some of the most delicious dumplings in the world. The Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings) are especially popular, as they have a delicate wrapping that is filled with hot, flavorful soup.
The xiao long baos are usually served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce that gives it a unique flavor. Din Tai Fung also offers a variety of other dishes, such as pork buns, noodles, and other Chinese dishes. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a full meal, Din Tai Fung is the perfect place to get your fill of delicious Taiwanese cuisine.
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Look around Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
One of the most popular and important sites to visit in Taipei is the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall. This impressive monument is dedicated to the former President of Taiwan, Chiang Kai-Shek, and stands as a symbol of democracy.
Here you can see the changing of the guards ceremony that takes place every hour, and explore the National Theater and National Concert Hall nearby. The memorial hall also houses an array of exhibits and artifacts related to Chiang Kai-Shek's life and legacy.
Take some time to explore this remarkable site and pay your respects to the man who helped shape modern-day Taiwan.
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Visit Taipei Zoo
Taipei Zoo is a great place to learn about and see animals from all over the world. It's home to more than 2,000 species of animals, including the rare Formosan black bear. The zoo has beautiful gardens and a variety of interesting exhibits, such as the Giant Panda House and the Nocturnal Animal House.
Kids will love exploring the Butterfly Garden, Reptile House, and Children's Zoo. There are also interactive activities and shows available at the zoo. If you're looking for a unique experience, Taipei Zoo is definitely worth visiting.
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Take a Hike
Taipei is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails and breathtaking views. From day hikes to long weekend trips, Taipei has something for everyone. One of the most popular trails is Elephant Mountain, which boasts stunning views of the city from its summit.
Hiking to the peak of Mt. Datun also offers rewarding views, while the trails around Yangmingshan National Park will take you through lush forests and wetlands. If you're looking for an easy hike that's not too challenging, try the Maokong Gondola trail, a scenic trail that winds its way around the gondola track.
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Visit Beitou hot springs
Beitou Hot Springs is a must-see destination in Taipei. Located in the northern part of the city, it is one of the most popular hot spring spots in Taiwan. Here, visitors can enjoy therapeutic mineral baths and soak up the beautiful scenery of the surrounding mountains.
There are many different hot springs to choose from, including sulfur, iron and alkaline springs. Many of these offer day passes so you can come and go as you please. Be sure to also take time to explore Beitou Park and check out the famous Beitou Hot Spring Museum while you’re here.
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