Living in Taipei for 4 years as a university student, I made some of the my best memories here.
Like many big cities around the world, Taipei has a little bit of everything — amazing food, beautiful nature, rich history, vibrant culture, and cool neighborhoods.
Here’s a list of things you can do around the city — perfect for first-timers or anyone looking to fall in love with Taipei.
🟠 Popular Spots
1. Taipei 101 — 🚇 Taipei 101 / World Trade Center Station (Line R)
The tallest building in Taiwan. Go up to the observatory for a stunning view of the city.
2. Liberty Square / Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (中正紀念堂) — 🚇 Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Station (Lines R & G)
Iconic plaza with grand architecture and hourly changing of the guard (9am – 5pm).
3. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall (國父紀念館) — 🚇 Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall Station (Line BL)
Dedicated to the founding father of the Republic of China, featuring ceremonial guards, exhibition halls, and a peaceful surrounding park.
4. National Palace Museum (故宮博物院) — 🚇 Shilin Station (Line R)
Home to world’s largest collections of ancient Chinese artifacts.
5. Dihua Street (迪化街)
6. Dadaocheng (大稻埕) — 🚇 Beimen Station (Line G) / Daqiaotou Station (Line O)
Old neighborhood with Minnan-style buildings, traditional shops, and local snacks and goodies.
6. Ximending (西門町) — 🚇 Ximen Station (Lines G & BL)
A lively historic district packed with youth culture, street performances, food, and shopping.
7. Daan Forest Park (大安森林公園) — 🚇 Daan Park Station (Line R)
Taipei’s version of Central Park. A large green space perfect for walking, jogging, or relaxing among trees, ponds, and birds.
🟢 Night Markets
1. Raohe Night Market (饒河夜市) — 🚇 Songshan Station (Line G)
Traditional night market known for its wide variety of food and affordable prices.
2. Ningxia Night Market (寧夏夜市) — 🚇 Shuanglian Station (Line R)
Smaller and more local night market with high-quality street food.
3. Shilin Night Market (士林夜市) — 🚇 Jiantan Station (Line R)
Taipei’s largest night market, full of street food, shops, and games.
🔵 What to Do
1. Elephant Mountain Trail (象山步道) — 🚇 Xiangshan Station (Line R)
Short uphill trail with panoramic views of Taipei 101 and the city skyline.
2. Taipei Zoo + Maokong Gondola (台北動物園 + 貓空纜車) — 🚇 Taipei Zoo Station (Line BR)
Visit the largest zoo in Taiwan, then take the scenic Maokong Gondola up the mountain. Enjoy tea houses, local food, and a beautiful night view of the city.
3. Bike Ride Along Tamsui River
Ride along the riverside from the city to Tamsui. Walk around Tamsui Old Street for delicious food, and continue to Fisherman’s Wharf (漁人碼頭) for a romantic sunset and the iconic Lover’s Bridge.
Day Trips from Taipei
▪ Jiufen Old Street (九份老街)
Charming mountain town with tea houses, narrow alleys, and classic Taiwanese street food.
▪ Pingxi Old Street (平溪老街)
Release a sky lantern with your wish written on it, and enjoy street food and souvenirs.
▪ Yangmingshan National Park (陽明山)
Nature escape with hiking trails, hot springs, waterfalls, and sulfur vents.
▪ Yehliu Geopark (野柳地質公園)
Unique coastal park with strange and beautiful rock formations shaped by the sea and wind.
Whether you’re here for a few days or a few years, Taipei has a way of making you feel at home. It’s a super friendly city that’s easy to navigate and full of surprises.
Happy exploring!
Check out other travel tips for Taipei:
《What to Eat in Taipei – A Local Food Guide 台北必吃》