I’ll cover various free and paid things to do based on personal experience. Read on to learn more.
I’ll cover various free and paid things to do based on my experience. I’ve lived in New Taipei City for over 5 years. I’ve explored many great places in Taipei.
Is Taipei Even Worth Visiting?
Taipei is worth visiting. It has many tourist spots and great public transport. The city’s rich culture, tasty food, and lively nightlife make it a must-see place. Even a short trip can be rewarding and memorable.
Though separate areas, I often group Taipei and New Taipei. New Taipei has more mountain spots (like Shifen) and beaches.
Both areas have plenty for visitors and expats to do.
However, I won’t include New Taipei spots in this guide.
Let’s see whether there’s anything worth buying.
Should I Buy Any Souvenirs?
Here are specific souvenirs that I recommend from Taipei:
- Jade
- Meat-shaped stones
- Taipei 101 items
- Pokémon center items
- Art
I provide more information on souvenirs to get in a separate guide.
Most items come from tourist spots. The Artist Corner by Jianguo Flower Market has lots of art, but it’s costly. You could also buy from locals who set up booths around the city.
You should also see what souvenirs to get from other cities before buying anything from Taipei:
Let’s get into things to do.
33 Tourist Attractions in Taipei
Here’s what I’ll cover with each spot:
- Basic info (hours, pricing, etc.)
- Who each spot is best for
- Other helpful info
- How to get there
Here’s a map of all these spots:
I wrote a 3-day itinerary that may help you decide what to do. It groups nearby spots. Check it out.
For visiting many spots in a short time, consider the Taipei FunPASS. It gives free entry to many places on this list and more.
The KLOOK Pass offers discounts on entry fees for many spots.
The FunPASS gives you more value, though.
Let’s begin with the first spot.
1. Miniatures Museum of Taiwan
| Entry Fee | NT$150 |
| Address | 10489, Taipei City, Zhongshan District, Section 1, Jianguo North Road, 96號B1 |
| Average Time Spent Here | 1 hr |
| Chinese Name | 袖珍博物館; Xiùzhēn bówùguǎn |
Best for: Families, art lovers, and model enthusiasts.
This museum shows detailed small models, including famous places and fantasy scenes. The fine details are amazing.
It’s a unique place that offers a new view on buildings, art, and stories.
The biggest difficulty about this place is getting there. It’s not super close to any MRT station.
See my guide to learn more on getting there.
Get a ticket2. Hop-on, Hop-off Bus
| Cost | NT$300 |
| Is It Worth Riding? | It depends |
| Time to Finish Route | Average time: 100 minutes |
| Rush hour: 130 minutes | |
| Air Conditioning? | Yes |
| Should I Tip the Tour Guide? | No |
Best for: First-time visitors and those short on time.
This bus tour lets you see sights flexibly, covering Taipei’s top spots.
Its audio guide teaches you about the city as you ride. You can get off at any stop to explore and get back on to keep going.
It’s a quick way to see the city’s best parts.
If you take the bus, you’ll get a much better value getting the 4-hour pass.
I enjoyed the bus when I took it. But that was during the pandemic. There wasn’t anyone on it haha.
Nowadays, it seems like it’s always cramped. Thus, I’d recommend taking it in the morning.
Learn more about what this bus is and where it goes in a separate piece.
3. National Palace Museum (Northern Branch)
| Entry Fee | Regular ticket: NT$350 |
| Group ticket: NT$320 each | |
| Discount ticket: NT$150 * | |
| Address | No. 221, Sec 2, Zhi Shan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, 111 |
| Average Time Spent Here | 2 hrs |
| Chinese Name | 國立故宮博物院; guólì gùgōng bówùyuàn |
Best for: History buffs and art lovers.
The museum has many Chinese items and treasures, spanning 8,000 years. It’s one of the world’s biggest museums with over 700,000 old Chinese artifacts.
Visitors can see its old art, pottery, jade, and writing. It shows how Chinese culture grew over time.
I usually don’t like museums, but this one was worth visiting because of all the neat items.
Here’s a guide with more information on this museum.
4. Taipei 101 Observatory & Skyline
| Entry Fee | Observatory: NT$300 |
| 101st Floor: ~NT$3,000 | |
| Address | No. 7, Section 5, Xinyi Rd, Xinyi District |
| Average Time Spent Here | 2 – 3 hrs |
| Chinese Name | 臺北101; táiběi 101 |
Best for: Photography enthusiasts and architecture lovers.
Taipei 101 gives great views of the city from the 89th floor. The building itself is an amazing feat.
Visitors can also go to the open-air deck on the 101st floor for a view of the whole city.
I’ve visited both. The 101st floor is definitely worth the money.
The 89th floor is meh. The indoor view isn’t the best, but I love looking at the mass damper.
I’m in the process of writing a guide for this.
Otherwise, visit the shopping center and food court to explore the building. Once you’re done, you could do more at Xinyi Breeze. A neighboring shopping center.
Find more information on Taipei 101, here.
Book Observatory tickets:
Book 460 Skyline tickets:
5. Miramar Entertainment Park
| Entry Fee (Ferris Wheel) | Weekdays: NT$150 |
| Weekends: NT$200 | |
| Children under 110 cm (3’ 6”) enter for free | |
| Address | No. 20, Jingye 3rd Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, 10491 |
| Ferris Wheel Duration | 16 min |
| Chinese Name | 美麗華百樂園; měilì huá bǎi lèyuán |
Best for: Shoppers and casual visitors.
This mall has many shops and places to eat.
Then there’s the 95-meter Ferris wheel that gives great views of Taipei, especially at night. I suggest going when the sun’s about to set on a clear day.
My wife and I got the best view of the city in a cool, air-conditioned cabin.
It’s perfect for a relaxed day out. Families and couples will like its fun vibe.
I talk more about the Ferris wheel and what to do in the shopping center in another post.
6. Taipei Children’s Amusement Park
| Entry Fee | NT$200 |
| Address | No. 55, Section 5, Chengde Road, Shilin District, Taipei City, 11169 |
| Average Time Spent Here | 3 hrs |
| Chinese Name | 臺北市立兒童新樂園; táiběi shìlì értóng xīn yuè yuán |
Best for: Families with young children.
This park has 13 rides, a playground, a children’s theater, and a science center next door. The science center teaches kids about rocks, electronics, and more.
Find more information on the park here.
7. Coffee at Simple Kaffa
If you love coffee, you must try Simple Kaffa. The 2016 World Barista Champion, Berg Wu, owns this café. Their coffee is as good as people say it is [1].
Simple Kaffa has sweets, light meals, and coffee for those who need good caffeine to start their day.
The main store is next to Huashan 1914 park. It takes a long time (20+ minutes) to get a seat here, though.
I didn’t taste much of a difference at other Simple Kaffa stores.
Here’s where you can order Simple Kaffa souvenirs:
Reserve Online8. Maokong Mountain & Taipei Zoo
| Entry Fee | Maokong Gondola: NT$180 |
| Taipei Zoo: NT$100 | |
| Address | No. 30號, Section 2, Xinguang Rd, Wenshan District, Taipei City, 116 |
| Average Time Spent Here | 3 hrs each |
| Chinese Name | Maokong: 貓空; māo kōng |
| Taipei Zoo: 臺北市立動物園; Táiběi shìlì dòngwùyuán |
Best for: Nature lovers, families, and tea enthusiasts.
The mountain has nice views and many tea houses. It’s a peaceful place to visit. You can take the Maokong Gondola for wide views of Taipei.
The nearby Taipei Zoo is great for families and animal fans. It has animals from around the world, including giant pandas.
You can enjoy nature, culture, and fun in one trip here.
A day here gives you both quiet mountain time and the fun of Taiwan’s biggest zoo.
Learn more about the zoo here.
And more about Maokong Mountain in this guide.
9. Jianguo Holiday Flower Market
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Address | Section 1, Jianguo South Road, Da’an District, Taipei City, 106 |
| Average Time Spent Here | Up to 1.5 hrs |
| Chinese Name | Flower Market: 建國假日花市 |
| Jade Market: 建國假日玉市 |
Best for: Art and nature lovers.
You can look at fresh flowers, unique jade pieces, and local art here. The markets are a good place to see Taiwanese culture through crafts, plants, and art.
It’s great for anyone wanting a casual, artistic experience.
The flower market isn’t ideal for tourists since you can’t take plants home. But it’s cool to check out.
Look at the Jade Market and Artist Corner for souvenirs.
Check out the Jade Market and Artist Corner for souvenirs.
I have more information for all 3 markets in a separate piece.
10. Visit One of Many Temples
Taiwan has tens of thousands of temples for Buddhists, Taoists, or Confucianists [2]. Some are for local gods that watch over people, and some big temples hold events.
Longshan Temple is the most popular in the country and in Taipei City.
It’s easy to get to and kind of close to Ximending and the Bopiliao Historical Block.
I’ve been to over a hundred temples and never had to pay to go in.
Make sure you know about beliefs and how to act in temples before going in. Don’t be a dick. For example, don’t point at the gods (statues) or stand between someone praying and an incense altar.
You can take photos, but don’t be rude about it.
You might see swastikas at Buddhist temples. It’s an old religious symbol from before the Nazis, used by many cultures. Buddhist swastikas look like this (卐) or (卍).
Neat tidbit: While you’re at each temple, observe the roof. They have three figures toward the center, representing what worshipers hope for when they pray at that temple.
11. Hike on Yangmingshan
- Permit Required to Hike?: No
Best for: Hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Yangmingshan offers scenic hiking trails, volcanic landscapes, and relaxing hot springs.
Yangmingshan has nice hiking trails, volcanic areas, and relaxing hot springs.
You can see flower fields, sulfur vents, and quiet spots.
It’s a great place to get away from the city and enjoy Taipei’s natural beauty.
Here are the various paths to check out:
| Trail | Time to Hike | Distance to Peak |
|---|---|---|
| Mt. Datun | 3.2 mi (5.4 km) | 4 hrs 20 min |
| Mt. Zhongzheng | 2.4 mi (4 km) | 3 hrs |
| Mt. Miantian | 2.6 mi (4.2 km) | 3 hrs |
| Erziping | 1.1 mi (1.8 km) | 80 min |
| Mt. Caigongkeng | 0.9 mi (1.5 km) | 50 min |
Prepare yourself for bugs (e.g., Asian giant hornets) and snakes. There are plenty of snakes slithering through the tall grass you’ll encounter.
When I was there, I saw a snake that looked like he was about as long as me (5’11”). But he didn’t pay me any attention.
I have a little more information regarding Yangmingshan here.
12. Spend the Day in Da’an Forest Park
| Address | No. 1號, Section 2, Xinsheng S Rd, Da’an District, Taipei City, 106 |
| Average Time Spent Here | 1 hr |
| Chinese Name | 大安森林公園; dàān sēnlín gōngyuán |
Best for: Families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Daan Park is Taipei’s green getaway, with playgrounds, walking paths, and ponds.
You can exercise, have picnics, or just relax in nature. It’s great if you want a quiet break in the middle of the city.
It’s a park… There’s not much else to say.
If you want more info, check out this guide.
13. Visit the National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine
| Address | No. 8, Section 3, Civic Blvd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, 100 |
| Average Time Spent Here | <30 min |
| Chinese Name | 國民革命忠烈祠; guómín gémìng zhōngliècí |
Best for: History buffs and culture lovers.
This shrine honors Taiwan’s military heroes. It has a cool changing of the guard ceremony. It looks like Beijing’s Forbidden City and shows Taiwan’s past.
The building style and ceremonies make it a must-see for culture and history.
Find more information on this spot here.
14. Guanghua Digital Plaza & Syntrend: Computer Builder’s Paradise
Best for: Tech enthusiasts and gadget shoppers.
Guanghua Plaza is Taipei’s top spot for electronics and digital goods.
Syntrend has the newest tech trends in a modern shopping place. You can find everything from computers to gadgets here. It’s great for tech lovers.
Many electronics come from Taiwan, but they often cost more here than in other countries (like the USA). That’s because Taiwan has a smaller market.
Even if you don’t want to see the electronics, it’s near many popular spots like Huashan Park, a Don Don Donki, and more.
See more on nearby attractions here.
15. Stroll Through One of the Memorial Halls
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Address | CKS: 100, Taipei City, Zhongzheng District |
| SYS: No. 505號, Section 4, Ren’ai Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, 110 | |
| Average Time Spent Here | 2 – 3 hours each |
| Chinese Name | CKS: 中正紀念堂; zhōngzhèng jìniàn táng |
| SYS: 國立國父紀念館; guólì guófù jìniànguǎn |
Best for: History enthusiasts and architecture lovers.
These two halls honor important people in Taiwan’s history.
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall has big courtyards, a blue and white building, and a grand plaza.
Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall shows exhibits about Taiwan’s founding father and recent history.
Both have changing of the guard ceremonies and host cultural events.
The building style and peaceful gardens around both halls show Taiwan’s past. You can learn about Taiwan’s leaders while enjoying the big, pretty surroundings.
Sun Yat-Sen is closed until 2025 for fixes.
And more about Sun Yat-sen here.
16. Visit One of the Many Night Markets
Best for: Food lovers and late-night explorers.
Taipei’s night markets are famous for street food, snacks, and unique local goods.
Popular spots like Shilin and Raohe have many types of food and lively atmospheres.
You can shop, try local foods, and enjoy the city’s nightlife. Night markets are a must-see to enjoy Taiwan’s food culture.
Shilin is the most popular, but doesn’t have that special of food.
I like Raohe or Tonghua’s foods better.
Here are all the night markets you’ll find in Taipei City:
| Night Market | Recommended Foods | District |
|---|---|---|
| Nanjichang | Stinky Tofu | Zhongzheng |
| Ximending | Beef cubes | Wanhua |
| Shilin | Cold noodles at Good Friend | Shilin |
| Raohe | Black pepper bun at Fuzhou Black Pepper Bun | Songshan |
| Linjiang/Tonghua | Stinky tofu | Da’an |
| Ningxia | Deep fried taro balls | Datong |
| Dalong | Dan Zai noodles | Datong |
| Gongguan | Taiwanese burgers at Lan Chia GuaBao | Da’an |
| Guangzhou | Nothing special | Wanhua |
| Jingmei | Tofu pudding | Wenshan |
| Liaoning | Squid soup | Zhongshan |
| Shida | Fried chicken at Shi Yun | Da’an |
| Shipai | Nothing special | Beitou |
| Shuang Cheng | Nothing special | Zhongshan |
| Yansan | Spiced chicken rolls | Datong |
| 737 | Pig’s blood cake | Neihu |
| Huaxi | Steamed minced pork with pickles in broth at Wang’s Broth | Wanhua |
17. Taipei Expo Farmer’s Market
| Address | 1號, Yumen St, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, 10491 |
| Average Time Spent Here | 2 hrs |
| Chinese Name | 臺北花博農民市集; táiběi huā bó nóngmín shì jí |
Best for: Foodies and sustainability enthusiasts.
This weekend market has fresh, local food straight from Taiwan’s farmers. You can find organic products, unique Taiwanese snacks, and handmade goods. It’s great for those who want to support local farms and try Taiwan’s seasonal flavors.
After the farmer’s market, visit MAJI square. It has many food sellers, bars, and nightclubs.
There’s also a children’s park nearby.
The Keelung river is close if you want to ride a bike along it.
If riding the Taipei MRT, take the Red line and get off at Yuanshan.
18. Have a Drink at Dadaocheng Wharf
| Address | 103, Taipei City, Datong District |
| Average Time Spent Here | 2+ hrs |
| Chinese Name | Dihua: 迪化街; dí huà jiē |
| Dadaocheng: 大稻埕碼頭; dà dào chéng mǎtóu |
Best for: Culture seekers and history lovers.
Dadaocheng Wharf has sunset views and riverside activities. They also have many outdoor bars and restaurants. After eating, walk or ride a bike along the river to burn off those calories.
Dihua Old Street, nearby, is known for its old buildings, traditional shops, and tea houses. You can explore Taiwan’s cultural history while enjoying the charming old-world feel.
This old street is super busy around the Lunar New Year.
More about both spots in this guide.
19. Bathe in the Beitou Hot Springs
Best for: Relaxation seekers and nature lovers.
Beitou has public and private hot springs. Private hot springs in different places will vary.
One hotel with good prices is the Waterhouse Hotel. It’s a Japanese-style hotel that offers an affordable private hot spring. You’ll pay NT$780 an hour on weekdays for a soak. NT$1080 on weekends.
Guests could soak in these pools for as long as they want. Except from December to February. Then it’s a 4-hour limit [5].
For a mixed-gender public hot spring outside this hotel, expect to pay at least NT$40 per hour. You’ll need to wear swimwear in these pools.
The Long Nai Tang Hot Spring costs NT$150 an hour and is a nude hot spring. But it’s separated by gender.
Before or after relaxing, check out these areas in Beitou:
- Beitou Library: See great building design
- Thermal Valley: Look at the thermal sulfur valley
- Hot springs museum: Learn more about Taiwan’s history
To find the Beitou hot springs resort, take the Taipei Metro Red Line toward Tamsui and get off at Beitou station.
Then, change to Xinbeitou and take the train to the resort.
20. Time Travel: Qidong Street Japanese Houses
| Address | Qidong St, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, 100 |
| Average Time Spent Here | 1 hr |
| Chinese Name | 齊東老街; qí dōng lǎo jiē |
Best for: Architecture enthusiasts and history buffs.
This street keeps old Japanese-style wooden houses, showing Taiwan’s colonial past. You can explore these old buildings, some now cafes or art galleries. It’s a quiet place for those interested in Taiwan’s mix of Japanese and local history.
21. Jiantanshan Trail
| Address | 10491, Taipei City, Zhongshan District, 中山北路四段71巷2弄69號 |
| Trail Length | 1.5 hrs |
| Chinese Name | 劍潭山親山步道; jiàn tán shān qīn shān bùdào |
Instead of hiking on the crowded Elephant mountain, walk through the nature-rich Jiantan Mountain Trail to get a great view of Taipei.
Perfect for watching fireworks on New Year’s Eve or taking a fantastic picture. Don’t forget to buy a drink to sip while looking at Taipei.
This 2-mile (3.3 km) hike leads to a vista with a 180-degree view of:
- Taipei 101
- Four Beasts Mountains
- Dajia Riverside Park
- MacArthur Bridge
- Keelung River
- The planes taking off and landing at Songshan Airport
You can also take the Red Line train to Jiantan Station to reach the start of the trail. From there, go out exit two and follow stone steps toward a trail.
This is my favorite hiking path because it’s not difficult and has a rewarding view.
It’s also not as crowded as popular paths like Elephant Mountain.
22. See What’s Going on at Huashan 1914 Creative Park
| Address | No. 1, Section 1, Bade Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, 100 |
| Average Time Spent Here | 2 hrs |
| Chinese Name | 華山1914文化創意園區內的; huàshān 1914 wénhuà chuàngyì yuánqū nèi de |
Huashan 1914 Creative Park is a multi-use park with many events all year. You might find exhibits, a European market, a concert, or other events.
It’s close to the Skytrend Shopping Center. You’ll have lots of free things to do in this part of Taipei.
23. Sleep in an Internet Café
Internet cafés are great for anyone to use the internet and get free drinks.
I suggest QTime.
It doesn’t have the best ratings, but it has many features for foreigners and Taiwanese.
QTime’s price menu is in English, Japanese, and Chinese.
This café is open 24/7. If you’re arriving in Taipei late and don’t want to deal with a hotel, an internet café is a good choice. Bring your passport. They’ll need to see it.
They have two price levels: membership and non-membership. If you plan to stay more than five hours, you might want to get a membership. It’s the best deal. The membership costs NT$100 ($3.50).
QTime has 3 types of rooms:
| Room Type | Member Price | Non-Member Price | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Area | NT$39/hr | NT$60/hr | Open room |
| Box | NT$39/hr | NT$60/hr | Single-person room |
| Japan Box | NT$102/hr | Member only room | Two-person room |
The Box and Japan Box rooms have at least 1 USB port (not Type C), TV, DVD player, power outlet, gaming computer, and light.
They don’t have food options except ice cream. If it’s late and you’re hungry, go to one of Taiwan’s many convenience stores.
Whether you’re a member or not, you get these perks:
- Unlimited ice cream (chocolate and vanilla) at the front counter.
- Unlimited drinks like grapefruit-, green-, milk-, lemon-, and black tea; grape and orange juice; hot- and iced water; and Pepsi.
- Showers (NT$75/hr)
- Free DVD rentals
- A manga and magazine library (Chinese only)
QTime address: 100, Taipei City, Zhongzheng District, Guanqian Road, 6號B1
24. Visit the Ximending Pedestrian Area
Best for: Shoppers and youth culture enthusiasts.
Ximending is Taipei’s trendiest area, full of fashion shops, restaurants, and street shows. It’s called the “Harajuku of Taipei,” and it’s a busy place for street culture, pop culture, and nightlife. You can shop, try trendy food, and enjoy the lively mood.
Though I visit often, I’m starting to lose interest because it’s mostly turning into an area full of souvenir shops.
They still have many great restaurants, which I cover in this guide.
I’d suggest the Taipei City Mall, which is under Taipei Main Station. You’ll find lots of gashapon machines, many anime stores, and other cool places.
It’s also underground and a great place to escape the heat.
If you want more info on Ximending, check this guide.
25. Tilted Mailboxes
- Address: 110024, 4F, No.1, City Hall Rd., Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan
Best for: Photo enthusiasts and curious visitors.
These two famous postboxes were bent by a falling sign during Typhoon Soudelor. Now, they’re a quirky local landmark.
Near Zhongxiao Fuxing, the postboxes offer a fun, unexpected photo chance for anyone wanting to capture a unique part of Taipei’s recent history.
Don’t go out of your way to see them. You’ll only spend about 10 minutes here.
But it’s a neat thing to see if you’re in the area.
26. Rongjin Park
| Address | No. 167號, Jinhua St, Da’an District, Taipei City, 106 |
| Average Time Spent Here | 20 – 60 min |
| Chinese Name | 榕錦時光生活園區; róng jǐn shíguāng shēnghuó yuánqū |
Best for: History buffs and families.
Rongjin Park used to be a Japanese prison, now turned into a peaceful green space. You can explore the park’s history while enjoying its playgrounds and walking paths. The mix of historical importance and modern design makes it a unique place for thinking and relaxing.
27. Yongkang Shopping District
| Address | Yongkang St., Da’an Dist., Taipei City, Taiwan |
| Average Time Spent Here | 1 – 2 hours |
| Chinese Name | 永康街區; yǒngkāng jiēqū |
Best for: Foodies and shoppers.
Yongkang is famous for its local eateries, international restaurants, and small shops. You can try Taipei’s famous mango shaved ice or enjoy the many dining options. The district is also great for browsing unique stores and experiencing Taipei’s casual dining culture.
See this guide for restaurant recommendations.
28. Pokémon Center, Taipei
| Address | 110202, Taipei City, Xinyi District, Songshou Rd, 110號 11號 新光三越台北信義新天地A11 3F |
| Average Time Spent Here | <1 hr |
| Chinese Name | 寶可夢中心臺北; bǎo kě mèng zhōngxīn táiběi |
Best for: Pokémon fans and collectors.
This official store offers exclusive Pokémon-themed goods, toys, and accessories. You can shop for rare items, join special events, and dive into the world of Pokémon.
More information on the Pokémon Center here.
It’s a must-visit spot for fans looking for souvenirs or just to enjoy some nostalgia.
It’s also the only other Pokémon that’s outside Japan (aside from Singapore). And it’s better than the Singapore one — sorry Singaporians.
29. Treasure Hill
| Address | No. 2, Alley 14, Lane 230, Section 3, Tingzhou Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, 100 |
| Average Time Spent Here | <1 hr |
| Chinese Name | 寶藏巖; bǎozàng yán |
Best for: Art lovers and cultural explorers.
Treasure Hill is an old community turned into an artist village. You can explore art studios, galleries, and creative spaces. The mix of old military housing with modern art displays makes this a unique place to discover Taiwan’s growing art scene.
Accommodation in Taipei
Sources
- Berg Wu Of Taiwan Wins The 2016 World Barista Championship. Sprudge. 6/25/2016.
- Temples of Taiwan. Taiwan Today. 4/01/1964.