My Top 10 Of The Must-Sees In Taipei

Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, is the kind of city that’s always bustling, whether you visit by day or by night. Charming and modern, Taipei has nevertheless managed to preserve its history and past. Let me guide you to the best things to do that won’t require you to empty your wallet!

This post contains affiliate links. Whenever you buy something through one of these, I get a small commission, without any extra cost to you. Thank you!

Save it for later!

Taipei in a few words

Taipei’s history is full of trials and conflicts, “belonging” to one country and then another before finally achieving independence (even if it was never proclaimed). Today, the young capital (only a hundred years old) is a modern, cosmopolitan city, with magnificent landscapes and numerous historic monuments that are sure to seduce you. Without further ado, let’s set off together to discover its must-see sites!

Must-Sees of Taipei

1. Elephant Mountain & Taipei 101

Address: No. 7, Section 5, Xinyi Rd, Xinyi District
How to get there: you can take the subway Tamsui-Xinyi Line (red) and get off at Taipei 101/World Trade Center, then walk for 4mn

I can’t talk about Taipei without mentioning the famous Taipei 101. so there it is. For the record, the tower has 101 floors, hence its name, and is in fact taller than the famous Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia. This skyscraper, which is primarily an office building, will also satisfy those who want to go shopping, as the lower floors are actually a shopping mall. But be prepared to splurge, as the brands on display aren’t exactly aimed at budget travelers.

One thing I’d avoid is going up to the observatory, because although it’s a good way to enjoy the panorama over the city, it’s too expensive for my taste, and I do, in fact, have another address that will allow you to save money while admiring enchanting views: Xiangshan, also known as Elephant Mountain.

This free trail is the ideal place to see Taipei 101 from afar, as well as the beautiful capital from above. To get there, cross Xiangshan Park before continuing on the trail of the same name. Once at the top, catch your breath and admire the breathtaking view.

2. Bopiliao Historical Block

Address: Lane 713, Kangding Rd, Wanhua District
How to get there: you can take the subway Bannan Line (blue), get off at Lungshan Temple and walk for 4mn
Opening hours: from Tuesday to Sunday (09:00-18:00)

This well-preserved old street is one of Taipei’s must-sees if you want to discover traditional architecture dating back to the Qing period and Japanese colonization. Visiting this block is like going back in time and getting a glimpse of what life was like thanks to its various exhibits that will show you how the city eventually evolved and flourished.

3. Lungshan Temple

Address: No. 211, Guangzhou St, Wanhua District
How to get there: you can take the subway Bannan Line (blue), get off at Lungshan Temple and walk for 4mn
Opening hours: 06:00-21:30 every day

Located just a few meters from Bopiliao Historical Block, Lungshan Temple is an easy visit for anyone wishing to enjoy beautiful, historic sites. Lungshan Temple, while not the largest you’ll ever see, still takes some time to explore with its exquisite carvings, vibrant lanterns and magnificent architecture.

After exploring the temple’s interior and exterior, don’t forget to wander around the various Chinese herbal medicine stores you’ll find around Lungshan, whether you’d like to sample a delicious herbal tea to buy as a souvenir or simply smell the pleasantly different scents!

Pro tip: remember to be quiet and respectful when visiting the temple, as there are many people worshiping.

4. Day trip to Jiufen

Address: Ruifang District, New Taipei City
How to get there: get to Taipei MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing Station and hop on Keelung Bus 1062 to Jiufen Old Street. The ride will cost NT$90 ($2.50) and will last around 90mn.

Famous for its old tea houses and enchanting mountain views, no trip to Taipei, or rather Taiwan, is complete without a visit to Jiufen. Explore its ancient mining tunnels, sample its delicious cuisine and embark on a nostalgic yet sublime adventure in this relaxing little town.

If you’d like to find out more about this lovely day trip, check out my article on Jiufen here!

5. National Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

Address: 100, Zhongzheng District
How to get there: you can take the subway Songshan-Xindian Line (green) or Tamsui-Xinyi Line (red), get off at Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall and walk 3mn
Opening hours: 09:00-18:00 every day

This memorial hall dedicated to President Chiang Kai-Shek has undergone quite a few changes, especially when you consider that the monument is actually dedicated to a dictator when Taiwan was still under authoritarian rule. Since then, many people have questioned whether it was right to honor such a person, especially now that the government is a democracy.

So why visit it? Simply because the Taiwanese have repurposed it into a place of freedom and solidarity through various exhibitions, festivals and cultural activities.

Personally, I like the way Taiwan has preserved this painful aspect of its history while transforming it into something more optimistic to show how people can recover and get back on their feet.
If you’d like to find out more about this venue or discover the current exhibitions, here’s the link to the official website!

Pro tip: watch the changing of the guards of honor, which takes place every hour from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., right in front of the giant statue of Chiang Kai-Shek.

6. Dihua Street

Address: Section 1, Dihua St, Datong District
How to get there: you can take the subway Songshan-Xiandian Line (green), get off at Beimen and walk 8mn

Want to discover a charming, traditional old street? Then head for Dihua Street and its lively market! Here you can buy all kinds of goods or discover another part of the lively city. One thing’s for sure: you’ll get your dose of culture here! Oh, and the street is close to one of the city’s best night markets: the Ningxia Night Market. Get your taste buds ready for Taiwanese specialties!

7. Songshan Ciyou Temple

Address: No. 761, Section 4, Bade Rd, Songshan District
How to get there: you can take the subway Songshan-Xindian Line (green), get off at Songshan and walk for a minute
Opening hours: 05:30-22:30 every day

This is one of my favorite places in Taipei, as there are many things to do in the Songshan district, one of them being a visit to the Songshan Ciyou temple. The temple, which honors the Goddess of the Sea, Mazu, and is adorned with various creatures each symbolizing something different, is quite impressive and wait until you discover the interior!

And to top it all off, there’s even a lovely night market (Raohe Street Night Market) just a few meters from the temple, making for a unique and enjoyable evening, if you ask me!

Finally, after your fine meal or before your visit to the temple, my best advice is to take a refreshing stroll through Chengmei Left Bank Riverside Park.

Magnificent by day, it’s even more so at night, with its stunning views over the Keelung River! And for our jogging and cycling friends, it’s the kind of place you’d look for in the middle of the city if you want to get some exercise.

8. 228 Peace Memorial Park

Address: No. 3, Ketagalan Blvd, Zhongzheng District
How to get there: you can take the subway Tamsui-Xinyi Line (red), get off at NTU Hospital, the park is only a few metres away from the station

This park, created in memory of the victims of the events of February 27-28, 1947, is a way of remembering and honoring those who resisted the corrupt and authoritarian government of the time.

Take time to explore the various parts of the park, rest in its many gardens and see the various solemn sculptures representing the democracy and freedom won. A place steeped in the tragic events of the past, it is now a haven of peace in the heart of the city.

9. Fa Zhu Gong Temple

Address: No. 2, Lane 344, Nanjing W Rd, Datong District
How to get there: you can take the subway Songshan-Xindian Line (green), get off at Beimen and walk for 10mn or pay a visit to the temple before going to Ningxia Night Market (10mn away)
Opening hours: 07:00-19:00 every day

Another of my favorites in Taipei. This temple is quite special in that the entrance is directly into a small alley on the second floor, making it one of a kind in the city. It’s also steeped in history, as it was directly opposite the temple that the unfortunate events of February 1947 began.

Pro tip: if you’re not in the mood to climb the stairs to the second floor, there’s even an elevator available.

10. Xinsheng Park Area of Taipei Expo Park

Address: No. 105, Section 3, Xinsheng N Rd, Zhongshan District
How to get there: you can take the subway Zhonghe-Xinlu Line (yellow), get off at Zhongshan Elementary School and walk for 10mn

If you like botanical gardens, this is the place for you! There are also plenty of activities for children. Whether you’re traveling alone or with the family, this park is the ideal place to rest, relax and have fun.

Bring your lunch and watch the planes fly overhead for an even more picturesque experience!

Pro tip: come here in the morning or evening for a more leisurely exploration of the park.

How to get to Taipei?

• From abroad:

If you’re not already in the country, you can book a flight from any country to Taipei (Taoyuan International Airport). As the city is well served by public transport, you can then take the Express train or the Commuter train to the city center (39mn and 53mn respectively). If you’re planning to stay in Taiwan for more than a few days, I strongly recommend buying an EasyCard, which you can top up as you go.

For more information on fares and timetables, here are the links to the International Airport website as well as Metro.

• From within the country:

Whether you choose to travel by plane, THSR (Taiwan High Speed Rail), TRA (Taiwan Railways Administration) or bus, the only factor to take into account is your time and budget. Transportation in Taiwan is efficient, affordable and comfortable. Whatever you choose, make the most of it and get ready for a memorable adventure!

How to get around

Getting around Taipei isn’t difficult, as there are various modes of transport, all affordable and easily accessible. Whether you choose to explore the city on foot, by bike or with the MRT (subway), you’ll be able to see all the main attractions in the city, as well as some outside.

Don’t forget to buy your EasyCard in advance at one of the MRT stations for easy travel throughout Taiwan. You can recharge it at any station and use it to rent bicycles (YouBike).

Visa

You probably won’t need a visa, as many countries have a visa waiver program with Taiwan allowing visitors to stay for up to 90 days. Check here to see if your country is on the list!

But don’t forget that you’ll still need a passport valid for 6 months to enter Taiwan, and usually a return plane/ferry ticket.

Best time to go

If you want to avoid the rainy season or the hot, humid weather, you’d better choose the months from November to April. You’ll be able to enjoy the tropical climate, as well as the end-of-year festivities!

In a nutshell

Taipei, the big, bustling city, is not just about skyscrapers and delicious food. It’s also a place rich in history and multicultural diversity, which has managed to preserve its identity and thrive in difficult times. The combination of tradition and modernity in a magnificent landscape makes the capital a must-see for anyone visiting Taiwan.

Want to see my Kaohsiung top 10? You’ll find it here!

🎯 Would you like to go straight to my recommendations?

🛌 Hostel: We Come Hostel

🗺️ Recommended Tours:
– Taipei Free Historic Walking Tour
– Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen day Tour

Love it? Feel free to share it!