Top 10 Recommended Places to Visit in Taipei, Taiwan
Taiwan is just a 2-hour-and-30-minute flight from South Korea, making it closer than Tokyo, Japan. Despite being a smaller country than South Korea, Taiwan offers a wealth of activities and attractions. Personally, I have fond memories of museum tours and night market visits. Beyond that, Taiwan boasts geological parks and stunning waterfalls like Shifen Falls. Today, I’d like to share my top 10 must-visit places in Taipei, filled with great memories. Since it’s so close, why not plan your final trip of the year to Taiwan?
National Palace Museum
For those interested in history and archaeology, the National Palace Museum is a must-visit in Taipei. This museum covers over 8,000 years of Chinese history and culture, making it one of the most significant Chinese history museums in the world. It houses approximately 690,000 artifacts and artworks. Even if museums aren’t your thing, the building’s unique and beautiful architecture makes it worth a visit. At night, the museum is illuminated, creating a romantic atmosphere.
Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan)
Known as Elephant Mountain, Xiangshan is perfect for light trekking. Its gentle slopes and low elevation make it accessible for beginner hikers. The open vistas offer sweeping views of Taipei, including the iconic Taipei 101 tower, one of the tallest buildings in the world. The chance to see this landmark from afar makes Elephant Mountain a worthwhile destination.
Shifen Waterfall
While not located in central Taipei, Shifen Waterfall is easily accessible and well worth a visit. This horseshoe-shaped waterfall is one of Taiwan’s most famous, with a width exceeding 131 feet (40 meters) and a height of 39 feet (12 meters). When I visited, the walkway was under construction, so I couldn’t see it from the front. I’m not sure if that’s still the case, but I imagine seeing this majestic waterfall head-on would be even more breathtaking.
Night Markets
No trip to Taipei is complete without visiting its night markets. Most travel agencies and blogs recommend Shilin Night Market, but I personally preferred Ningxia Night Market. Ningxia offered more food options at better prices and tastier dishes. Shilin is larger but focuses more on souvenirs and has a roof, making it ideal for rainy days. If you can, visit both to experience the best of Taipei’s night markets—Ningxia for food lovers and Shilin for souvenir shoppers.
Longshan Temple
One of Taipei’s oldest temples, Longshan Temple is a must-see. Built in 1738 by immigrants from Fujian, China, this temple boasts ornate and intricate architecture that’s hard to believe dates back to the 1700s. Despite damage over time, continuous restoration and expansion have made it even more robust. I’m a fan of historical buildings, but unfortunately, I didn’t have time to visit this one—a regret I still carry!
Yehliu Geopark
Yehliu Geopark is known for its unique rock formations, including the famous Queen’s Head, a rock resembling a royal profile. It’s so popular that you may need to wait in line to take a photo. Be sure to bring an umbrella, parasol, or hat, as there’s no shade, and it can get extremely hot—I learned this the hard way!
Yilan
Yilan, located in northeastern Taiwan, is often recommended as a Taipei destination. It’s a bit far for a quick stop, so plan to spend a full day there. With mountains and the sea nearby, the scenery is spectacular. I wish I had visited!
Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
Also known as the Zhongzheng Memorial Hall, the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall is one of Taipei’s most iconic landmarks. It attracts thousands of international and local visitors daily. The grounds feature gardens, a pond, and walkways, and the unique structures inspire artists and visitors alike.
Taipei 101
Completed in 2004, Taipei 101 stands at 1,667 feet (508 meters) and ranks as the tenth tallest building in the world. At the time of its completion, it was the tallest, making it widely recognized. With indoor and outdoor observation decks, it offers stunning views of Taipei’s skyline and vibrant nightlife. Taipei 101 is a defining feature of the city!
Taipei Zoo
The final must-visit spot is the Taipei Zoo. You might wonder why you’d visit a zoo in Taiwan when they exist everywhere, but this zoo is one of the largest in Asia. It showcases native Taiwanese wildlife alongside diverse animals and plants from around the world, making it popular with both tourists and locals.
Researching Taipei’s must-visit places made me realize how many I missed. I thought my 4-night, 5-day trip was long enough, but spending one day in Jiufen and another at Shifen Waterfall and Yehliu Geopark left little time for central Taipei. I also got distracted by food and shopping, which meant I didn’t prioritize sightseeing. Next time, I’ll plan a trip focused on landmarks and attractions!