Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions in Taipei, Taiwan
Where to go in Taipei
Planning a trip and not sure where to start with the many attractions in Taipei? I honestly can’t think of another city that packs so much variety into one place: the buzz of night markets, alleys glowing with red lanterns, and a skyline of skyscrapers seen from a mountaintop. It’s just a couple of hours away by plane and easy on the wallet, so it’s a city I confidently recommend even to first-time overseas travelers. Today I’ve rounded up my personal Top 10 attractions in Taipei, ranked. This is a subjective list based on fame, accessibility, and overall travel satisfaction rather than any official metric, so take it just for fun. Let’s start from number 10!
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No. 10 — Beitou Hot Springs
First up is Beitou, a hot-spring town reachable with a single MRT ride from downtown. Step off at Xinbeitou Station and you’ll catch a faint whiff of sulfur — its source is the Thermal Valley (Dihuagu) you see above. Emerald spring water bubbles up at close to 90°C (194°F), sending white steam into the air for a wonderfully dreamlike scene. Options range from free open-air pools to upscale ryokan-style baths, making it perfect for soothing tired feet on your last day. Few cities let you enjoy a hot spring this easily right in town.
No. 9 — Yangmingshan National Park
Just an hour by bus from downtown, a completely different world opens up. Yangmingshan is a national park shaped by volcanic activity, and the sweeping silver-grass meadows of Qingtiangang, pictured here, are especially famous. In spring, cherry blossoms and azaleas color the slopes, and you’ll come across hot springs and steaming sulfur vents along the way. Well-maintained, easy walking trails make it comfortable even for hiking beginners. I recommend it to anyone who wants to escape the busy city for a breath of green.
No. 8 — Longshan Temple
Built in 1738, Longshan Temple is one of Taipei’s most beloved places of worship. It’s a unique space where Buddhism, Taoism, and folk belief blend together, its ornate carved roofs and incense-filled courtyard giving off a wonderfully exotic atmosphere. Many worshippers come to pray to Yue Lao, the deity said to tie the red thread of love, so it draws no small number of travelers hoping for luck in romance. It’s close to Ximending for easy combining, and offers an up-close look at the everyday faith of the Taiwanese people.
No. 7 — Ximending
Nicknamed “the Harajuku of Taipei,” Ximending is a street brimming with youth and trends. It’s a car-free pedestrian haven you can stroll at ease, and the rainbow crossing pictured here is a popular photo spot. Alleys are packed with the latest fashion shops and select stores, old-school eateries and bubble-tea stands, so time flies by just window-shopping. When night falls the neon glows even brighter, making it a great place to feel Taipei’s energy with your whole body.
No. 6 — Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (Liberty Square)
A grand building of pure white walls topped with a blue octagonal roof — that’s the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Dedicated to the Taiwanese statesman Chiang Kai-shek, it pairs with the vast Liberty Square and its enormous archway (paifang) to make a superb photo backdrop. Inside the main hall, a crisp changing-of-the-guard ceremony takes place on the hour, and the guards’ flawless precision is a sight in itself. The National Concert Hall and National Theater flank either side, lovely for a stroll, and being right in the city center, it’s wonderfully accessible.
No. 5 — Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan)
If you had to name the single best skyline viewpoint in the city, it’s Elephant Mountain, hands down. At just 183 m (600 ft) and with a trail of only about 1.5 km (0.9 mi), roughly 30 minutes of steps rewards you with the downtown panorama pictured here, Taipei 101 towering above it all. Especially at dusk, the city lights flickering on beneath a sunset make for an unforgettable scene. There’s no entrance fee, so grab comfy shoes and a bottle of water and time your climb for sunset.
No. 4 — Jiufen Old Street
A hillside of red-lantern alleys stacked layer upon layer — that’s Jiufen. Strictly speaking it sits in Ruifang District of New Taipei City, but it’s a stop that never gets left off a Taipei itinerary. Once a village that flourished on gold mining, it now welcomes travelers with lantern-lit stone stairways and traditional teahouses. As dusk falls and the red lanterns light up one by one, the dreamlike mood in the photo comes alive. It’s also famous for reminding people of the animated film “Spirited Away.” Enjoy a cup of tea while taking in the sea view below the mountain.
No. 3 — Shilin Night Market
If night markets are the highlight of any Taiwan trip, the pinnacle is Shilin, the largest in Taipei. From palm-sized XXL crispy fried chicken (extra-large jipai) to oyster omelets, bubble tea, and intestine noodles, it has it all — no wonder it’s called a mecca of street food. Just the heat of the crowds bustling from evening until late night gets your travel excitement rising. Bring plenty of cash, nibble your way through, and before you know it you’ll be full. It’s the tastiest way to spend a night in Taipei.
No. 2 — National Palace Museum
A rainy-day-proof indoor gem: the National Palace Museum. This world-class museum holds some 700,000 imperial Chinese artifacts — you’ll be astonished first by the sheer volume, then again by the exquisite craftsmanship. The Jadeite Cabbage, carved down to a katydid on its leaves, and the Meat-shaped Stone that looks just like a slab of braised pork belly are must-see signature pieces. With so many artifacts, exhibits rotate periodically, so mapping your route in advance makes for a richer visit. It’s the place to meet Taiwan’s deep history and art all at once.
No. 1 — Taipei 101
The symbol of any Taipei trip and the unshakable number one: Taipei 101. At 508 m (1,667 ft), it was the tallest building in the world from 2004 to 2010, and its silhouette shaped like segments of bamboo has become the face of the city. Board the ultra-fast elevator and you’ll reach the 89th-floor observatory in just 37 seconds — a speed that’s also among the fastest in the world. Beyond the sweeping city views below, it’s globally famous as the stage for the dazzling New Year’s Eve countdown fireworks. Add the chic shopping and dining of Xinyi District and there’s no better way to wrap up your Taipei trip.
And there you have it — the 10 attractions in Taipei you’d regret missing, all in one tour. What did you think? A city where skyscrapers and night markets, hot springs and old alleys mingle this closely really is charming no matter how often you look. I hope this guide serves as a handy companion for your own trip. I’ll be back with more useful travel tips next time. Have a wonderful journey!
