Best things to do in Taipei
Find out more about those top places in Taipei
Taipei Travel Guide: The Perfect Blend of Tradition, Skyscrapers, and Night Markets
Tucked between the mighty Central Mountains and the scenic Yangming Mountains, Taipei sits gracefully on the banks of the Tan-shui River on Taiwan Island. As the capital of the Republic of China, this bustling metropolis is more than just the country’s cultural and economic hub—it’s a city where ancient traditions meet cutting-edge modernity, offering travelers a delightful mix of historical wonders, top attractions, and a lifestyle that never sleeps.
Whether you're a foodie in search of tasty street snacks or an architecture lover gazing up at the towering Taipei 101, Taipei has something for everyone. So, grab your travel guide and buckle up for an unforgettable journey through this dynamic, vibrant city. Here's a little preview of things to do and the places to visit that will make you fall in love with Taipei!
Top Attractions: Taipei’s Glittering Modernity & Ancient Charm
Taipei isn’t your average city—it’s a place where ancient temples nestle in the shadow of shiny skyscrapers, and historical landmarks sit side by side with the latest shopping malls and night markets. Here are some of the top attractions you absolutely must visit:
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Taipei 101: You can’t talk about Taipei without mentioning its iconic skyscraper—Taipei 101. At a whopping 1,667 feet (508.1 meters) tall, it used to hold the title of the world’s tallest building until 2010. Today, it’s a must-see for anyone visiting the city. Take the high-speed elevator to the top for panoramic views of the city that will have you snapping photos faster than you can say "wow." Trust us, the sightseeing is worth every second of the ride up!
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Lungshan Temple of Manka: Looking to experience some traditional Taiwanese culture? Head over to the Lungshan Temple—a stunning blend of ancient Chinese architecture, intricate carvings, and a peaceful atmosphere that will leave you feeling like you’ve stepped back in time. It’s one of the most famous temples in Taipei and a top spot for those seeking a bit of spiritual zen in the heart of the city.
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Dalongdong Baoan Temple: For a deeper dive into Taiwan's spiritual side, don't miss the Dalongdong Baoan Temple. This gem is famous for its beautiful carvings and historic significance, making it a great place to admire both the craftsmanship and the cultural traditions of the area.
Night Markets & Street Food: Where Every Bite is an Adventure
Now, if there’s one thing Taipei is famous for, it’s its night markets. These bustling hubs of food stalls and street vendors offer some of the best (and most adventurous) street food you’ll ever try. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, you’ll find yourself gravitating toward these neon-lit food meccas.
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Shilin Night Market: This is the big kahuna of night markets, offering everything from stinky tofu (yes, you read that right) to bubble tea and grilled squid. It’s an unmissable stop for those looking to experience the best of Taiwanese street food.
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Raohe Street Night Market: If you like your markets with a side of atmosphere, then Raohe Street is where the magic happens. With its traditional snacks and bustling energy, it’s a place where locals and tourists mingle, and tantalizing aromas fill the air.
Museums & Cultural Attractions: A History Buff's Dream
Taipei has no shortage of informative museums and cultural experiences to satisfy your inner history nerd. Whether you’re into ancient relics, art, or Taiwanese history, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy.
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National Palace Museum: For history lovers, this museum is an absolute treasure trove of Chinese artifacts. With over 700,000 pieces of art, including imperial artifacts, ancient ceramics, and rare scrolls, it’s one of the top attractions in Taipei.
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Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: This massive monument dedicated to the founder of the Republic of China is an impressive mix of architecture and history. Stroll around the grand square, take in the beautiful gardens, and don’t forget to catch the changing of the guard ceremony—trust us, it's a sight to see.
Shopping & Modern Life: Taipei’s Glitzy Side
If shopping is your thing, Taipei will have you covered. From luxury shopping malls to quirky little boutiques, you’ll find plenty of ways to empty your wallet while indulging in some serious retail therapy.
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Ximending: Known as the “Harajuku of Taipei”, Ximending is a trendy neighborhood packed with fashion, street art, and pop culture. It's a great place to soak up the youthful vibe of the city, pick up unique souvenirs, and maybe even catch a live performance.
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Taipei 101 Mall: For a more upscale experience, the Taipei 101 Mall has luxury brands, designer boutiques, and restaurants with views that are just as breathtaking as the shopping.
Food Lover’s Paradise: A Street Food Experience Like No Other
Taipei is not just a city of sights—it’s also a city of bites. Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of flavor, and make sure you try the following while you're in town:
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Beef Noodle Soup: The national dish of Taiwan, beef noodle soup is a hearty and delicious meal you can’t miss. Perfect for fueling your sightseeing adventures!
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Bubble Tea: Yes, this is where bubble tea was born, and you’d be remiss not to try it here. Whether you like your tea classic, fruity, or with extra tapioca pearls, Taipei has the best of the best.
Final Thoughts: Why Taipei Should Be on Your Travel Bucket List
From ancient temples and traditional markets to high-tech skyscrapers and world-class museums, Taipei is a city that truly has it all. Whether you’re a foodie, an adventurer, or a history buff, you’ll find endless things to do and places to visit in this vibrant, welcoming city.
So, if you haven’t already, start planning your trip to Taipei now—after all, it’s the perfect destination for those looking to experience both the old and the new, the traditional and the cutting-edge, all in one incredible city. Ready for an adventure? Taipei’s waiting!
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Taipei 101
Taipei 101 is a skyscraper with 1,667 feet (0.51 km) height. In 2004, when the building was completed, it became the tallest building in the world and remained so until it was succeeded by Burj Khalifa in 2007. From 89th to 91st floors there are observation areas from where you can have beautiful views of the city. This building has one of the fastest elevators in the world. You can spot this mammoth building from far away and with its lights on it shimmers at night making itself more prominent.
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Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
The giant Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall is a popular tourist attraction in Taipei. Built in the memory of Taiwan/Republic of China’s former president Chiang Kai-Shek, this monument is a fine piece of architecture. The monument is flanked by a beautiful park which makes it even more attractive. Made of marble, the interior of the monument is equally beautiful.
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National Palace Museum
Opened to public in 1965, the National Palace museum in Taipei has an interesting collection and has about 700,000 artifacts including ancient Chinese items and artworks. It has items dating back to Neolithic age. The museum has 4 floors and is a good place to learn about Chinese history and culture.
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Confucius Temple
Built in 1879, the Confucius Temple was destroyed in Japanese era and rebuilt in 1930. The Confucius Temple is one of the many amazing temples in Taiwan, is a quiet, peaceful and informative place where you can learn about Confucianism. The temple also has a pool with beautiful turtles.
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Shilin Night Market
One of the most famous and largest food night markets in Taiwan, the Shilin Night market is a paradise for food lovers. It is a huge market which offers a vast variety of food including traditional, international and local food.
