Taipei 101 Guide

Theo

I've lived in Taiwan for over 5 years and love discovering all it has to offer. I made this blog to share Taiwan living and travel resources I wish I'd had.

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Category: Taipei Attractions, To Do

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This guide will cover everything to do in and around Taipei 101. Read on to see if it’s worth visiting.

I’ve explored all the tourist-accessible floors of the Taipei 101 World Trade Center. Here, I’ll share my experience, tips for navigating this skyscraper, and useful information.


Must-Do Activities Inside Taipei 101

You can do the following inside Taipei 101:

  • View the city through the observatory
  • Get a better view of Taipei from the top floor
  • Have coffee/tea while viewing the city
  • Eat
  • Shop

You can do a lot inside Taipei 101, including visiting observatories, cafés, and restaurants. The plaza outside also features public art and peaceful protestors, who won’t bother you.

If you visit in December, you’ll see Christmas decorations and light displays, perfect for photos.

Let’s cover in-depth what there is to do.



1. Taipei 101 Observatory (89th Floor)

  • Admission Fee: NT$300
  • Average Time Spent Here: 2 – 3 hours

The 89th floor offers exhibits showcasing Taiwan’s technical achievements, plus incredible city views. You can also see the massive seismic damper on the 87th floor. I’ll explain what this damper is later.

I’m a stamp collector. I punch stamps from various MRT stations and tourist attractions in a book. You’ll find some stamps in this observatory.

Otherwise, visit the gift shops and cafés and get a breathtaking view of Taipei without having to shell out the extra money to see the top of the tower.

To get there, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the 5th Floor: Take the escalators or elevators to reach the ticket counters and entrance.
  2. Purchase Tickets: Buy them on-site if you didn’t purchase online.
  3. Enter the Observatory Area: Proceed to the entrance with your ticket.
  4. Take the Elevator: Hop on one of the world’s fastest elevators to the 89th floor.

Wait times for elevators can vary from 15 minutes to over an hour.

Once you get to the observatory, roam the observation deck. Collect your stamps, buy souvenirs, sit, gaze at Taipei City, and take pictures.

Once you’re bored, make your way to the tuned mass damper room.

The damper is the biggest in the world and my favorite thing to see when visiting Taipei 101 — aside from the city view. You’ll get to watch it jiggle if you’re in Taipei 101 during an earthquake.

Here it is wiggling during a 6.8 magnitude earthquake.

Want to go higher in Taipei 101?



2. Skyline 460 (101st Floor)

  • Admission Fee: NT$1,000 – 3,000
  • Average Time Spent Here: 1 hour

Important: Don’t do this experience if you have high blood pressure or suffer from medical conditions that could go crazy when going so high.

Visiting the 101st floor of Taipei 101 will lead you outside. You’ll get a stellar view of Taipei and New Taipei Cities.

When I went, I saw a rainbow. Keep an eye out for that.

Video of Taipei from the roof of Taipei 101

There’s not much to do in this spot other than to relax (or panic) and gaze at the concrete jungle below. However, the experience is worth every penny.

Here are the steps to visit:

  1. Buy a Ticket: Purchase a separate ticket specifically for Skyline 460.
  2. Check-In: Head to the 5th-floor observatory entrance and show your ticket.
  3. Go to the 89th Floor: Take the main elevator to the indoor observatory.
  4. Meet Your Guide: A guide will escort your group to the 101st floor.
  5. Gear Up: Staff will help you into a safety harness.
  6. Climb the Stairs: Walk up a few flights of stairs to the rooftop.
  7. Strap In: A safety guard will attach your harness to a rope.

While on the rooftop, you’ll be tethered to ropes for safety, which limits your movement. But safety is worth it.

You can also get a professional photo taken, which the staff will email to you afterward. They don’t print the photos anymore.

Once you’ve had enough fun on the roof, you can check out floors 88, 89, and 91 as you please.

Ready to leave?

Let a staff member know on the 89th floor, and they’ll guide you back to the lobby.

Or you can explore floors 88, 89, and 91.

Maybe you went too high…


3. Simple Kaffa

There used to be a Starbucks on the 35th floor of Taipei 101, but due to the pandemic, it was permanently shut down. It will not be missed.

There’s only Simple Kaffa on the 88th floor now, which is much better than the Starbucks.

Here’s how to get a spot at Simple Kaffa.


Reserving a Spot in Simple Kaffa

Minimum SpendNT$180
Worth Visiting?Yes
Wait Time2+ hours

Here’s how you’d get to Simple Kaffa:

  1. Visit the First Floor: Enter the lobby with the “Love” sculpture and find the reservation desk on the left.
  2. Make a Reservation: Tell the staff you want to reserve a spot at Simple Kaffa.
  3. Wait: Be prepared for a long wait.

It’ll take forever to wait, but this is the cheapest way to visit Taipei 101. It’s around half the price of visiting the 89th-floor observatory. If you visit during a cloudy day, the wait will likely be shorter, but you won’t have as good of a view.

You’ll want some food after all this caffeine.



4. Dining Options: Basement Food Court & Din Tai Fung

Taipei 101’s basement level (B1) is packed with shops and restaurants, including Taiwan’s famous Din Tai Fung, known for its world-class dumplings.

din tai fung taipei 101 1

If it’s your first time at Din Tai Fung, my wife (a local) recommends:

  • Sour, spicy soup
  • Fried rice with pork
  • Any flavor of xiaolongbao (dumplings)

I also recommend the dumplings along with the sticky rice wraps and the sesame buns.

Wait times can exceed an hour, so check the wait time on Din Tai Fung’s website. For quicker service, make a reservation through platforms like KKday or KLOOK (for groups of 2 or more).

Don’t waste space on your phone by downloading the Waitlist app. There’s no benefit to doing so.

Other restaurants and fast food joints you’ll find include:

McDonald’sMos BurgerStarbucksMister Donut
Jasons (Supermarket)Hsin Tung YangAguan Hotpot Taipei 101TKK Fried Chicken
Yu Jan Shin (bakery)Juice BearKQ TeaKavalan Whiskey
Taipei 101 basement floor restaurants.

Prices for these restaurants seem consistent with other restaurant pricing throughout Taipei. But it’s often crowded. If you arrive during a lunch or dinner rush, you may have difficulty finding a seat.

After eating, let’s walk off those calories.


5. Shopping & Souvenirs

The first four floors of Taipei 101 are filled with shops offering luxury goods, accessories, skincare, and souvenirs.

Here’s what to expect:

  • Boutique stores
  • Watches and jewelry
  • Skincare products
  • Unique souvenirs
  • Another food court: Try Jean-Paul Hévin, Shi Ling Shabu, or Salt Stone.

There’s also a World Gym Elite on the 6th floor if you want to work out during your visit.

On the 5th floor, you’ll find a small food court with options like Ikari Coffee. This is also where you can purchase tickets for the 89th and 101st-floor observatories.

Here are some of the brands you’ll find.

1A. Luxury shopping: Brands available inside Taipei 101

Here are some of the brands you’ll find in Taipei 101’s shopping mall:

GUCCICartierLouis VuittonBURBERRY
BVLGARIVan Cleef & ArpelsBOTTEGA VENETACoach
DiorPolo Ralph LaurenSeikoJo Malone

From what I understand, Taipei 101 doesn’t offer any special pricing versus what you’d find in other locations and stores in other countries.

The mall features well-known luxury brands, though prices are similar to other locations worldwide.

If you’re part of certain international shopping programs (like Ginza Six in Japan or Times Square in Hong Kong), you can get discounts (details below).

You don’t have to just buy luxury brands. Let’s see what cool stuff you could find.


2A. Unique Souvenirs Worth Buying: Items Exclusive to Taipei 101

Here are my top souvenir recommendations:

  • Souvenir stamps (official stamps with Taipei 101 designs).
  • Damper Baby merchandise: plushies, magnets, and more featuring the building’s mascot.
  • Taipei 101-shaped liquor bottles or water bottles.
  • Keychains, postcards, and shot glasses.
  • Building models (a fun keepsake for architecture fans).

All the souvenirs listed above are unique to Taipei 101 and are extremely difficult and/or impossible to find elsewhere.

For souvenirs elsewhere in Taiwan, see this guide.

You could also get chocolate and tea bag gift boxes, but they’re not the best quality. If you’re after food souvenirs, look elsewhere and don’t fall for the gimmick of “it’s shaped like Taipei 101, so it’s cool.”

Here’s what the Damper Baby looks like:

AD 4nXeAOhBDoGhk2WyFO37u 52Z1vguYh6ufMfjaJrt207Uof1w9dffq4Lv6FDGXOdPDkX53HwAXDGD5MX3FYimItpeV5kDrYrWn zAK4ik1h wimf21w6V2kmSLjFTm9cTHe9vGEZDZ2wMDvZXANf7NrfGCNo?key=XMUdlorFH u26YWzUQOv8g
Screenshot from Taipei 101.

Here are gashapons are inside the mall that are a great, cheap, and small souvenir.

gashapons of the Taipei 101 mascot

Also.

If you’re into whiskey, check out the Kavalan store. Their award-winning whiskey is excellent but pricey — regular bottles cost over NT$2,000. However, they sell small sample bottles for around NT$100 – 200, making it affordable to try. You can also enjoy a tasting at their bar.

You could also try it at the bar.

Here’s the discount program I mentioned.



Global Partnership: Taipei 101 Discount Card

If you’re a member of shopping programs like Ginza Six (Japan) or Times Square (Hong Kong), you’re eligible for these discounts:

  • 5 – 10% off in participating Taipei 101 stores.
  • 10 – 20% off observatory tickets (maximum 4 tickets).
  • 10 – 20% off Skyline 460 tickets (maximum 4 tickets).

To get the discounts, show your membership card at the customer service counter on the B1 floor.

There are also local membership programs like Prestige Club or 101 Pay, but they’re better suited for residents.

Here’s the floor plan for Taipei 101.

3A. Taipei 101 Floor Plan

Here’s everything you’ll find on each floor in Taipei 101:

FloorPurpose
101Outdoor observation deck
93 – 100Mechanical rooms
87 – 92Tuned mass damper
91Outdoor observatory
87 & 90Mechanical rooms
88 – 89Indoor observatories
85 – 86Diamond Tony’s 101 Panorama restaurant
13 – 84Mix of office suites and mechanical rooms
9 – 12Taipei stock exchange
7 – 8Mechanical rooms
6World Gym
5Observatory deck elevator entrance
1 – 4Shopping center
B1MRT Station (Exit 4)
B2 – B5Parking garage
Taipei 101 floor plan.


What to Do Outside & Around Taipei 101

AttractionDescriptionAvg Stay Duration
Sun Yat-sen Memorial HallA popular building to commemorate Sun Yat Sen.2 – 3 hrs
Tonghua Night MarketA night market.2 hrs
I recommend Yu Pin Yuan Iced and Hot Tangyuan (Michelin star restaurant).
Elephant MountainA 20-minute hike that’ll give you a breathtaking view of Taipei2 hrs
Xinyi Shopping DistrictUpscale malls, cinemas, and more3 hrs
Songshan Cultural & Creative ParkAn old tobacco factory.2 hrs
Songshan Fengtian TempleA little far, but pretty and not so “touristy”.1 hr
Taipei World Trade CenterOften hosts events (like COMPUTEX)1+ hr
Four South VillageAn old military village.1 hr

Four South Village is outside Taipei 101 and is a decent place to kill some time. Try and find some souvenirs here and explore the area if the weather’s nice.

Otherwise, here’s the itinerary I’d recommend revolving around Taipei 101:

  1. Start the day with Taipei 101
  2. Walk around Xinyi
  3. Visit the Songshan Cultural & Creative Park
  4. Hike at Xiangshan
  5. Go to clubs (if that’s what you’re into)

I go into more detail with this itinerary in a separate piece. Check it out.

Here’s something to add to this list if it’s New Year’s Eve.


New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show

  • Duration: Usually 5 minutes

Every December 31st, Taipei 101 lights up the sky with one of the world’s most iconic fireworks displays. Before the show, explore the nearby Xinyi District, which offers food stalls and live advertisements projected onto the building.

When the clock strikes midnight, Taipei 101 bursts into colorful fireworks and smoke.

If you want a great view of the fireworks, you can surround yourself with locals and see them up close. But I’ve honestly had a bad experience being up close. It’s super crowded, and people often will try to take your spot.

If you don’t mind watching from afar, visit Maokong Mountain — I recommend this route. This prevents you from following the masses like a school of fish once the fireworks end. You also avoid the massive MRT congestion.

One year, I had to wait in line for an hour to get in an MRT cart when leaving Taipei 101. The congestion has improved, but watching the fireworks from Maokong has always been a more relaxing experience with fewer tourists.

If your budget allows, book a table at a nearby restaurant or club for a more luxurious experience. Just be sure to reserve a year in advance.

Where would you stay by Taipei 101 regardless of the time of year?


Where to Stay Near Taipei 101

Here are some options for hotels you’ll have near Taipei 101:

Upper RangeMid-RangeBudget
HotelHumble House TaipeiHome HotelFormosa 101
DescriptionLuxurious rooms, high-end amenities, excellent location near Taipei 101.Modern rooms, convenient for exploring Taipei’s neighborhoods.Ideal for backpackers, communal spaces, short walk to the tower.
HighlightsRooftop infinity pool, Michelin-starred restaurant, luxurious spa, elegant rooms with city views.Complimentary breakfast buffet, stylish décor, convenient location near MRT Daan Station, family-friendly rooms.Budget-friendly rates, social atmosphere, communal kitchen, dorm and private room options, convenient location near Taipei 101.
Walking Distance from Taipei 1015 minutes20 minutes5 minutes

Here’s what the view looks like from inside the Humble House:

Humble House, Taipei City, Taiwan
The view.

This was one of the best hotels I’ve stayed in. My wife and I happened to get here when the prices were low. They’re pretty high now.

Now you have a place to stay. How do you get to Taipei 101?


Transportation Options to Taipei 101

Let’s compare different public transportation options:

Transportation MediumBest ForAvg Price
Taipei MRTBest overallNTD$20 – 60 (One way)
City BusCheapestNT$15, 30, or 45
Rideshare / TaxiMost convenientVaries
YouBikeBest exerciseNT$5 – 40 per 30 min
WalkingIf you’re nearbyFree
Hop-on, hop-off busFunnestNT$290

Some of these points require further emphasis. I’ll cover those throughout the following sections.

You can also rent a YouBike and ride it to Taipei 101. There’s a station in front of it. I explain the process of renting these bikes in a separate guide.

Let’s begin with the best way to get there.


1. Taipei MRT

  • Payment Methods: IC card or cash
  • Price Range: NT$20 – 65
  • Number of Stations: 131
  • Stations Nearby:
    • Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station (Red Line): Use Exit 4 for a short walk to the building.
    • Taipei City Hall Station (Blue Line): Use Exit 2, then walk about 10 minutes to Taipei 101.

Taking the MRT is the quickest way to reach Taipei 101, especially during peak traffic hours.

Don’t know how to use it? Here’s a guide with what you should know.

Here’s the cheapest medium.


2. Taipei City Bus

  • Payment Methods: IC card or cash.
  • Avg. Price:
    • 1 segment: NT$15
    • 2-segment: NT$30
    • 3-segment: NT$45

Get to Taipei 101 using a bus by arriving at the following stations:

  • 101 International Shopping Center Station: BL5, 537, 28, 797, 32, Taipei Sightseeing Double Decker Bus.
  • Taipei 101 MRT Station: 28, 281, 537, 915, BR6, G1, BR21, BR18, or 647.

Taking the bus is the most affordable option. But it may take you longer to get there if there’s a traffic jam.

Buses are the cheapest way to travel, but traffic can cause delays. If you’re visiting for the first time, download the Bus+ app to track arrival times.

If you want to explore more of the city, the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus is a great option. It’s slower but includes a guided tour of Taipei’s history.

Here’s a guide that’ll teach you more about using it.

This is my favorite way of getting around.


3. Taxi or Uber

  • How to Pay: Cash, card, & IC cards
  • Avg. Price:
    • Base fare: NT$70 (covers the first 1.25 km).
    • NT$5 per additional 200 m.
    • NT$5 per 100 seconds of waiting time.

If you choose a taxi:

  • Show the driver this address: No. 45 號, City Hall Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, 110.
  • Watch the meter during your ride to ensure fair pricing.

Taiwan does not have Grab, Lyft, or DiDi. Only Uber, LINE Taxi, and some similar apps.

Uber will automatically pull out your money. Thus, it’s easier to deal with.

Neither method requires you to know Mandarin Chinese.

Taking a taxi requires you to present Taipei 101’s address. Watch the meter throughout your trip and pay the driver once your journey ends.

You can call these numbers to order a taxi:

  • 55850: ask for a cab in English and the operator should connect you to someone
    • 55850 is also the name of an app to book a taxi in Taiwan with.
  • 27997997: English-Speaking Drivers’ Association

That’s all for the important information. Here are some funner facts.


Fun Facts About Taipei 101

Here’s some useless (but cool) information about Taipei 101 [3, 4]:

World’s Tallest Building Rank10th place
Number of Floors101
Elevator Speed37.7 miles (60.67 km) per hour
LocationTaipei City, Taiwan
Chinese Name臺北101
Building Height1,667 ft (508.1 m)
OpenedDecember 31, 2004
Pendulum Weight600 metric tons (600,000 kg)
Pendulum Diameter118 feet (5.4 meters)
Cost to Build1.8 billion USD
Fastest Elevator in the World Rank6th fastest in the world
Elevator Time from 5th to 89th Floor37 seconds
Cost to Build Each ElevatorNT$80 million (2.4 million USD)
ArchitectC.Y. Lee & Partners
EngineerThornton-Tomasetti Engineers, Evergreen Consulting Engineering, Inc.

Let’s explore other information you might like.


1. Brief History of the Building

Taipei 101 (aka Taipei World Financial Center) was a project led by Harace Lin and other corporations in 1997. From there, the Samsung C&T Corporation and various contractors worked hard and quickly constructed this massive building.

It debuted on December 31, 2004. When it presented a massive fireworks display to celebrate the building’s opening.

It held the crown as the world’s tallest building until 2009, when the Burj Khalifa took its place. However, it remains the world’s tallest green building [1]. To achieve this title, it earned the LEED V4 platinum certification.

That means it scored points in the highest category possible regarding water efficiency, building materials used, indoor environmental quality, and other factors.


2. Building Design Inspiration

Taipei 101’s design combines traditional Chinese elements with modern engineering:

  • Bamboo: The structure’s segmented design and tapering shape resemble a stalk of bamboo, a symbol of growth, flexibility, and longevity in Chinese culture.
  • Number “8”: The building consists of eight stacked sections, as the number eight is considered lucky in many East Asian countries, representing prosperity and good fortune.
  • Ancient Chinese Coin: The circular design at the base of the building is inspired by ancient Chinese coins, symbolizing wealth and abundance.
  • Ruyi Symbol: The curled ruyi figures found throughout the structure symbolize heavenly clouds and also represent power and good luck.
  • Pagoda: The overall shape of the building is reminiscent of a traditional Chinese pagoda, symbolizing strength and resilience.
  • Dragon: The dragon motifs integrated into the building’s exterior represent power, strength, and good fortune.

At night, the top of Taipei 101 glows in different colors.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the weekly light schedule:

  • Monday: Red
  • Tuesday: Orange
  • Wednesday: Yellow
  • Thursday: Green
  • Friday: Blue
  • Saturday: Indigo
  • Sunday: Violet

3. Taipei 101 Damper: How It Works

The Taipei 101 tuned mass damper is a large steel pendulum weighing 660 metric tons (728 short tons). It’s suspended with 8 cables between the 87th and 92nd floors of the skyscraper and is designed to counteract the building’s movement caused by strong winds and earthquakes.

It’s the largest mass damper on earth (as of 2024).

taipei 101 mass damper

Other names for this engineering masterpiece include:

  • Harmonic absorber
  • Seismic damper

It produces a reaction force to counter vibrations or shocks from the outside. The tuned mass damper will prevent the landmark from swaying during an earthquake or typhoon since it reduces the buildings movement by 30 – 40% [2].

I’m not an engineer and can’t explain how this black magic works.

Here’s a video that does a great job of explaining it:

I can’t find information as to how large a quake Taipei 101 can withstand. However, it had no damage during the April 2024 7.4-magnitude earthquake, which occurred within 80 miles of its epicenter.


Useful Information About Taipei 101

Is It Worth Visiting?Yes
Average Time Spent2 – 3 hrs
Entry FeeNT$300 – 3,000
FunPASS InclusionUnlimited, Classic, and Exploring
Dress CodeNone
HoursSunday – Thursday: 11 AM – 9:30 PM
Friday & Saturday: 11 AM – 10 PM
Best Time to VisitSunny days
AddressNo. 7, Section 5, Xinyi Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, 110
Websitetaipei-101.com.tw
City LocatedTaipei City
Free Wi-FiiTaiwan, Taipei 101 Free Wi-Fi, Taipei Free

Fact sheet about Taipei 101.

Notes and tips:

  • “FunPASS Inclusion” means that having particular FunPASSes will give you free admission. Here’s more information on this pass.
  • Check the weather forecast before visiting, especially if you want to access the outdoor deck. Just check the CWA website, you don’t need an app…
  • Consider visiting at sunset for spectacular views.

Sources

  1. Taipei 101 case study. Philips.
  2. Taipei 101’s mass damper. Atlas Obscura.
  3. Top 100 tallest buildings. Skyscraper Center.
  4. World’s fastest lifts. Designing Buildings.