Taipei is an incredible city to visit in Taiwan. It’s buzzing with activity, cool neighbourhoods, and some of the best bars we visited in Asia. It’s a totally epic city and one that’s well worth exploring if you’re heading to Taiwan (or the wider geographic region).
We’ve spent quite a bit of time in the city, and it’s so easy to get under the skin of what makes Taipei special on a trip. Not only that, it’s a really safe, well-connected city that ’s super easy to get around – even if it can feel quite spread out.
So, to help you get the most out of your time in Taipei, I’m sharing the top places we loved visiting in the city: cool speakeasies, delicious night markets, and, of course, the temples.
Take a look below at the best things to do in Taipei on your trip. Have the absolute best time.
1.) Taipei Night Markets
Night markets in Taipei are a must-visit. They are not just a place for tourists or visitors—locals from across the city come to eat, chill, and socialise, too.
One thing you will find is that there are heaps of night markets in Taipei to choose from. So, to help you get the most out of your visit, I’ve created a whole post on the best Taipei Night Markets you won’t want to miss.
We loved Linjiang Night Market, Yong Le Night Market, Raohe Street Night Market – but there are so many more that we’ve detailed in our post.
Oh, and take cash with you (specifically smaller notes of around $100). Nearly all vendors are cash only, and they hate breaking bigger notes.
Read more: Taipei’s best night markets to visit
2.) Taipei 101 Observatory (台北101)
Probably one of Taipei’s most iconic buildings, ‘Taipei 101’ is an absolute must-see when visiting Taipei. Now, what makes Taipei 101 so special is that it has its very own observation deck, which you can visit by grabbing these tickets. The views are incredible and the lookout lets you see all over the whole of Taipei itself.
Now, if you do head up to the 101 Observation Deck, you will miss the iconic skyline view of the 101 building itself. This isn’t a bad thing; it’s just that some of the best views (in my opinion) include the 101 building within the vista.
Still, it’s absolutely worth visiting for a 45-minute trip, and the views across Taipei are spectacular on a clear day.
Also, don’t forget, you can get some incredible views over the wider coastline from the Bitou Cape Hiking Trail in the Ruifang District of the city. It’s beautiful if you want some time away from the city streets. Plus, if you want some great views of Taipei itself, head up Elephant Mountain. The views are breathtaking.
Read more: Best places across Taiwan to visit
3.) Da’an District, Neighbourhood bar district
Okay, so the Da’an Neighbourhood of Taipei is one of my favourites to visit if you’re looking to visit some of the best bars and restaurants in Taipei. Not only that, it’s one of the best things to do in Taipei if you’re looking for a night out in the city.
There are heaps around this area, and they’re all very local, cool and very unique. In my opinion, Taipei’s bar culture is one of the best I’ve experienced whilst travelling in Asia, particularly for cocktails.
Now, we have some absolute favourite bars in Taipei that you can’t miss – but it’s not exhaustive. There is a new, constantly opening or pop-up bar that’s well worth asking about in your hotel (or with locals) once you arrive.
If it’s a speakeasy you’re after, head to PUN. Don’t get put off by having to stroll down a tiny alley – PUN is very well hidden. Now, this is the Google Maps spot of the bar itself.
When you’re here, walk down the narrow alley until you get to an opening on the left-hand side. There is a grey room with a button that you press. Press that button! This will then open the unmarked door to the right, which will lead you into PUN itself. The vibe here is very cool, and the cocktails are delicious.
As with most higher-end cocktail bars in Taipei, there is typically a minimum spend. This usually equates to 1 or 2 alcoholic drinks.
Afterwards, make sure to head to Bar Pine (松) (Google Maps link, here).
Another great spot that has around 8 tables inside. These guys know their stuff when it comes to spirit-led cocktails and each drink has it’s own story. We loved it here.
Oh, and don’t forget about Tei by Obound (Google Maps link, here). This place is truly special.
Here, they specialise in tea-based cocktails that are so yummy. To enter, you have to pour your tea on the side table that will open a secret door to the bar itself. Don’t worry, though, if you can’t find the tea, the team will help you!
Finally, for another late-night opening, head to Monkie (Google Maps link, here). This is a great cocktail bar to stop for iconic cocktails and delicious food. We had sizzling steak, chicken, and heaps more while we were there.
Read more: Best places across Taiwan to visit
4.) National Dr. Sunn Yat-Sen Memorial Hall
Not too far from Taipei’s High Speed Train Station, the National Dr. Sunn Yat-Sen Memorial Hall is well worth a gander at whilst visiting the city. Here, you can wander the memorial hall to learn more about China’s founding father. From an international perspective, it’s a great way to learn more about the long history of Taiwan.
Visits are free and take around 20-30 minutes.
Read more: Taipei’s best night markets to visit
5.) Ximen Neighbourhood
Now, Dihua Street is as busy as it comes! It kind of reminds me of Times Square in New York City, and it’s a hive of activity in the day and evening.
There are literally thousand of people on the streets here and it’s certainly an area that’s geared up for visitors to Taipei itself. When you’re here, you’ll find iconic stores like PopMart, the Ximending Night Market and the wider walking district that is filled with stalls and shops.
It’s a great place to visit, especially for an hour or two, but I wouldn’t spend all evening here, especially if you’re on the hunt for a good foodie spot. In my opinion, a good hour is enough to get the flavour of the place, and we found it quite hard to find top-rated restaurants in this area.
That’s not saying you can’t find them, it’s just you have to research much more to find a gem that isn’t just catering for tourist footfall.
Read more: Best places across Taiwan to visit
6.) Longhsan Temple
Not too far from the walking streets of the Ximen Neighbourhood, Longhsan Temple is a Buddhist and Taoist temple that’s really easy to visit if you’re already in the area.
Once here, take a wander inside the temple that is literally centuries old. It’s said that the Lunghsan Temple dates back to the 18th Century and still stands proudly to this day.
Visits take around 15-25 minutes and it’s so easy to see if you’re already in the local area.
Read more: Taipei’s best night markets to visit
7.) Chang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
Totally free to enter, the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is absolutely colossal and well worth wandering around for an hour or so while visiting Taipei. Here, you’ll get to explore the wider grounds and the museum inside. It’s breathtaking, and the whole site is just beautiful.
One thing to note is that the site can get very hot in the midday. There is very little shade, so make sure to take water with you and SPF. The sun can be so intense here in Taiwan.
Visits are free, and it’s one of the best things to do in Taipei if you spend a few days in the city.
If you want a guided trip, book this incredible day tour that not only takes in Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, but it’ll also take you to the famous hot springs. It’s such a great way to experience more of the wider area around Taipei.
Read more: Taipei’s best night markets to visit
8) Taipei Fine Arts Museum
We loved the Taipei Fine Arts Museum. There is something so zen and calming about the space they’ve created in the city.
There is a small entrance fee to explore inside the fine arts museum, but it is so worth it. They have heaps of permanent and seasonal exhibits across around three floors (it might be one or two more; I just can’t remember exactly).
Visits take around 90-240 minutes, and it’s well worth visiting in the heat of the midday sun. This way, you can relax in the air-conditioned exhibits and wander at a nice, relaxing pace.
Also, to make things easy to get around, you can book this hop-on-hop-off bus tour that will drop you off at some of Taipei’s best places to visit. This is a great way to maximise your time, especially if you’re only in the city for a day or two.
Read more: Best places across Taiwan to visit
9.) National Palace Museum
Just outside the city limits of central Taipei itself, the National Palace Museum is worth visiting if you want to learn more about the heritage and culture of the wider region.
Here, you’ll find heaps of Chinese artefacts, with some dating back thousands of years.
It’s an absolutely colossal place to visit, and you can easily spend all day wandering around the exhibits. After all, it’s one of the largest exhibits in Taiwan.
There is a small entrance fee, but like the Taipei Fine Arts Museum, it’s well worth the cost.
10.) Juifen Old Street
I know, I know! It’s not in Taipei but it is around a 50-minute drive from the centre of Taipei and well worth visiting. Now, what makes the hilly town of Juifen’s Old Street so special is its winding little alleys, neon lights and foodie spots that line the streets here.
The whole area around Juifen Old Street is lovely to visit for a long afternoon trip from Taipei itself. A taxi takes around 50 minutes or 90 minutes via public transport. Just make sure to stay until the early evening, when the area is lit up with the most colourful signs. It really is one of the best things to do in Taipei if you fancy a wander away from the city itself.
Oh, one final thing – if it’s raining, make sure to take sensible shoes! The alleys get very slippery.
To make things easy, book this Juifen day trip tour that will take you to the areas key spots you won’t want to miss. It’s so much fun and incredible to see. Just be sure to book this tour before arriving in Taipei as tickets can sell out.
11.) Huashan 1914 Creative Park
We loved the Huashan 1914 Creative Park. Visiting is easily one of the best things to do in Taipei if you want a chilled out afternoon of cafes, cool independent stores, cinema and more in one area.
The Huashan 1914 Creative Park is situated within a historic factory complex that has been transformed into an idyllic spot.
Whilst here, you’ll get to pop into the park’s pop-up stores and explore the cafe culture in Taipei. We spent around 2 hours here and loved it.
Read more: Best places across Taiwan to visit
12.) Grand Hotel tunnels
Probably one of Taipei’s most iconic hotels, the Grand Hotel is worth visiting, even if you’re not staying there. During our time in Taipei, we stayed at both the Grand Hotel and Regent Hotel, and whilst both are iconic properties, we did love the rooms more at the Regent Hotel.
That being said, the Grand Hotel is great! Even if you’re not staying, make sure to book a tour of the Grand Hotel escape tunnels, which you can actually explore on a guided tour.
Tours take around 30 minutes, and you’ll learn more about the history of Taiwan, the iconic Grand Hotel, and how the tunnels came into existence.
Also, you can easily book this private tour of Taipei by car. The best thing about this tour is that it’s all on your terms, you can stay as little or as long as you want at Taipei’s must-visit places.
Read more: Best places across Taiwan to visit
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