Are you wondering what to do, see, and eat during your trip to Taipei? We have all the answers here in this ultimate travel guide. From the abundant food options, night markets, historical sights, mountains, and natural beauty of the area, there are endless activities and sights to enjoy for any amount of time. About the author: I am a long-time Taipei resident. So far I have lived over 7 years in Taipei City. Originally I am from the USA, but I now call Taiwan my home. Specifically, I currently live in Nangang District, but I have also lived in Da’an District and Sanchong. Exploring Taipei is my passion.
🏯 Planning your trip to Taipei? 🏮
Here are some top travel tips for you:
Best time to visit: March-May, and October – November when the temperatures are nice and there is not as much rain
The land on which Taipei now stands on what was once part of Basay tribal land. The Basay people had lived on the land for thousands of years before the first Chinese settlers ever came. Chinese settlers from Fujian began living here during the Dutch rule in the 1600s. The first Chinese settlers came to the area in the mid-1800’s during the Qing Dynasty. They created a public area for drying rice and grain, called Dadaocheng (大稻埕) which also became the central market in the area. The earliest trading shops were built in 1851, mainly selling rice, sugar, camphor, and tea. Dihua Street (迪化街) was created around this time, making it the oldest street in Taipei. Most of the buildings were one story and made of red brick in Fujian style, and later western style houses were built. The walls and gates of Taipei were completed in 1884. In 1891, the first train connecting Keelung and Taipei was completed. During the Japanese era, in 1904 the walls of Taipei were destroyed after less than 30 years, and Taipei was re-planned into the capital of Taiwan. After the ROC took control of Taiwan, Taipei continued as the capital city, as well as the financial hub of Taiwan. During the Taiwan miracle, many rural families moved from southern Taiwan to factories and offices in Taipei, making Taipei the most populous urban area in Taiwan. Currently, Taipei is the most advanced and affluent city in Taiwan. It also has Taiwan’s most advanced public transportation system, making it easy for millions of commuters to live outside the city where rents are cheaper. Now, most of Taiwan’s economic activity is based in this city.
Basic Taipei Travel Tips:
There is no need to tip in Taiwan. It is not part of the culture here.
Taiwan uses the New Taiwan Dollar, and many transactions such as for street food still require cash. For more information, check out our guide to the New Taiwan Dollar here.
Get yourself a SIM card or portable WiFi such as from Klook here
Get yourself a SIM card or portable WiFi such as from Yesim hereso you can stay connected and don’t get lost in the city.
If you are from a country that does not have a 90-day visa-free program with Taiwan, consider getting your visa sorted with Ivisa.com. You can also check out our immigration FAQ here.
The electrical voltage is 110V.
Get yourself an Easy Card, so you can travel easily on the MRT, Train, HSR, Youbike, and even shop at convenience stores. You can also book a Taiwan travel pass on Klook here.
For more travel tips, check out our foreigner survival guide here.
When should you go to Taipei?
In my opinion, the best weather in Taipei is from March-May, and October – November, when the temperatures stay around 26 degrees Celsius and there is not as much rain. Summers are also nice, with the most sunny weather, but also hot and rainy. Winters can be cold (but not below freezing) and usually wet. Overall, there is no wrong answer as to what time of year you should visit Taipei. You will have a great time here at any time of year.
The only way to get to Taiwan is via airplane. Planes leave daily from Taipei’s Songshan and Toayuan Airport. Taoyuan Airport: Taoyuan is Taiwan’s largest airport and typically has cheaper flights and more flight times to choose from. It’s about an hour’s journey from Taoyuan Airport to the center of Taipei. You can travel via MRT, HSR, bus, or taxi to get to Taipei. You can get 30% off the Taoyuan Airport VIP lounge on KKday here. Songshan Airport: Songshan is a small airport in Taipei’s city center, and can be a convenient option for people traveling within Asia. The airport is right on the Taipei MRT brown line. You can book cheap flights to Taiwan on KKday here, Trip.com here, CheapO Air here, or Kiwi here.
How to get around in Taipei:
Taipei’s transportation system is convenient and safe. There are many options you can consider to get around in Taipei below: By Train: Gets you to the city center of all major cities in Taiwan. It is about 800NT to get from Taipei to Kaohsiung. Roughly half the price of the HSR. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. By HSR: (High-Speed Rail) – Gets you quickly from north to south. Besides Taipei and Kaohsiung, most of the stations are far from city centers. It costs about 1500NT to get from Taipei to Kaohsiung. You can book tickets to the high-speed rail (HSR) on Klook here or KKDay here. By MRT: (Mass Rapid Transit, Metro train, subway) – Easily gets you around Taipei and Kaohsiung. You can purchase a discount easy card to use on the MRT from Klook here or KKday here. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. By Bus: Buses can be tricky. Long-range buses such as Ubus and King Bus are easier to understand and cheaper than the local train. They can take you to the city center of every city throughout Taiwan and to remote tourist destinations such as sun moon lake. A long-range bus from Taipei to Kaohsiung is about 500 NT. You can also book tickets to travel to Shifen via inter-city bus on Klook here. You can also book a Taipei Sightseeing: Hop On, Hop Off Open Top Bus on TripAdvisor here. By Taxi: You can take short rides for about 150 NT, or hire a Taxi for a day for around 150 USD. By Car: If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Scooter: Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan’s landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan’s many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. ​You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here.
Tourist Site Map:
Check out our map below of tourist sites in Taiwan, which is constantly updated:
101 things to do and see in Taipei:
In this blog, we will cover the following places (and things):
The Taipei 101 (aka Taipei World Financial Center) is the tallest building in Taiwan, standing at a height of 509 meters. It was the highest building in the world from 2004 to 2010 and is now the 10th highest building in the world as of 2019. It stands as an icon and symbol of Taiwan’s economic prosperity and may be the most recognizable building in Taiwan. It also features an observatory on the 89th floor with some of the best views of Taipei…(read more)
The National Palace Museum (aka NPM) in Taiwan has one of the largest collections of Chinese artifacts in the world, and perhaps the finest collection of Chinese art in the world. The museum is open year round and offers tours in many different languages. It is a must-see spot for any foreign tourist visiting Taiwan…(read more) Price: 350 NT per person. You can book discount tickets to the National Palace Museum on Klook here or KKday here. You can book a Taipei City Tour with National Palace Museum Ticket on on TripAdvisor here. Check out our full guide to the National Palace Museum here.
Shilin Night Market (aka Shihlin Night Market) is the largest night market in Taipei and also one of the most popular. Full of delicious street food, small hole-in-the-wall restaurants, souvenirs, and clothes, it is a great destination to experience Taiwan’s night market culture…(read more)
Raohe Street Night Market is a bustling night market in Eastern Taipei and one of the most popular in the city. One could argue that Roahe Street is the best night market in Taipei. With a large assortment of great food and snacks, along with the usual night market cheap clothes and everyday items, along with close proximity to public transport, Raohe Street is a must-see destination when you come to Taipei…(read more
Yongkang Street is home to some of the best food in Taipei. Neither a night market nor an old street, it is just a street with good food. The street is mostly geared to the tastes of tourists and foreign travelers. Besides food, there are also art shops, clothing shops, bookstores, tea shops, and many other specialty shops…(read more).
You can check out our full blog on Yongkang Street here.
Dihua Street is Taipei City’s biggest and oldest Old Street. Here you can find a large area with historical buildings and unique old-style shops. Also, there are many art spaces, museums, and restaurants to explore in the area. You should definitely make a stop in this historically rich area on your trip to Taipei…(read more)
Ximending is a historical neighborhood and shopping district in West Taipei. Originally built by the Japanese as an entertainment district, it later became the first designated pedestrian zone in Taiwan. Here you can find night market-esque food choices, historical sights, and endless shopping options. It is definitely worth a stop on your trip to Taipei…(read more)
If you don’t want to spend all day at the National Palace Museum but still want to learn about Taiwan’s history, you should visit Liberty Square (AKA Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall). It is one of the most notable landmarks in Taipei, as well as a symbol and gathering place of freedom and democracy. featuring a large public square, Chiang Kai-Shek memorial, opera houses, and gardens. It is officially a monument to the Generalissimo and President of the Republic of China, Chiang Kai-shek. Its iconic scenery and architecture are a must-visit for anyone traveling in Taipei…(read more).
If visiting the former dictator at CKS memorial hall is not your thing, you can still visit Taiwan’s National Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall (literally National Founding Father Memorial Hall) sits in the northern part of Xinyi District of Taipei, and includes a large open square and gardens. The inside of the memorial hall commemorates the life of the founding father of the Republic of China, Sun Yat-sen, who is revered on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. In addition, the memorial hall has a performance hall, free rotating art exhibitions, and a changing of the guard every hour. It is definitely a sight worth seeing on your trip to Taipei…(read more)
The Elephant Mountain trail (aka Xiangshan Trail) is perhaps the most easily accessible trail in Taipei with perhaps also the best views of the city. This popular and easy hike covers areas of Xinyi and Nangang District and offers excellent views of the 101 and the rest of downtown Taipei. It should be on the top of your list of places to visit in Taipei…(read more)
Check out our full guide to Elephant Mountain here.
The City Gates of Taipei are some of the most iconic landmarks in the city. Originally, five gates and a city wall were built here in the Qing Dynasty. Now only four gates remain, and only the North Gate remains in its original form. Now the city gates are popular landmarks, and you can also learn more about the old city walls and the history of the city at the Taipei Discovery Center in Taipei City Hall…(read more)
The Taipei Zoo is not only the largest and most varied zoo in Taiwan, it is also one of the best zoos in Asia, and at the same time has an extremely affordable price of only 60 NT per adult. If you have time you should definitely stop by and visit this zoo, if not for anything else but to see Taiwan’s ingenious animals like the Formosan Black Bear and Sika Deer which are hard to see in the wild…(read more)
Maokong is only one of a few Gondolas in Taiwan, but it is the most accessible. You can get there via the Taipei MRT. After embarking on the Gondola, you can view grand vistas of Southern Taipei, and then explore the mountainous streets of Maokong, which has tea shops, street food, restaurants, temples, hiking trails, and great views…(read more)
Price: 120 NT per person one way from Taipei Zoo Station to Maokong Station. 50 NT per trip for Taipei City residents. You can book discount tickets to Maokong Gondola on Klook here or KKday here.
Taipei Children’s Amusement Park (in Chinese “New Child’s Amusement Park” 兒童新樂園 Értóng xīn lèyuán) is one of the funnest places for Children in Taiwan. Because it is run by Taipei City, the entrance fee is significantly subsidized, meaning you can have a full-blown child amusement park experience for a fraction of the price. If you have kids, this is definitely a place you should stop to visit…(read more)
Wufenpu is a wholesale clothing market in Xinyi District of Taipei, and the largest wholesale clothing market in Taiwan. It covers an entire city block, full of mostly wholesale clothing shops. If you are looking to shop for clothes on the cheap in Taiwan, this is the place for you…(read more)
Taiwan fruits are the best. They are one of the main reasons we love Taiwan and have decided to stay in Taiwan for the long term. Although the fruits in Taiwan are highly seasonal, you can always find delicious and sweet fruit here year-round. If you come from a non-tropical country, you have likely been missing out on the full sweet flavor that these fruits are meant to have…(read more)
One of the best parts of Taiwan is its cuisine, and one of the greatest forms of cuisine in Taiwan is hot pot. Basically, it involves boiling meat and vegetables in a broth to eat. In particular, all-you-can-eat hot pot buffets in Taiwan are a great way to get full, which can be divided into small hot pots, low-end hot pot buffets, and high-end hot pot buffets…(read more)
Price: Small hotpot (no buffet):80-150 NT per pot Semi-buffet hotpot (free drinks, rice, and maybe ice cream): 100-200 NT per person Low-end full hotpot buffet (cheaper buffet items): 300-500 NT per person High-end hotpot buffet (more expensive, higher quality buffet items): 500-2000 NT per person You can find more discount hot pot restaurant vouchers on KKday here or Klook here.
Check out our full guide to eating Hot Pot in Taiwan here.
Taiwan’s Pizza Hut 歡樂吧 all you can eat buffet is every American pizza lover’s dream, at a reasonable price. Let me reiterate this clearly: Pizza Hut has buffets in Taiwan. For about 400 NT, you can have all-you-can-eat pizza. This is cheaper than buying a small Pizza Hut pizza from their delivery locations. And you can sample all the new weird Pizza Hut flavors without having to buy an entire pizza…(read more)
Price: (as of Jan 2025): 449 NTD on weekdays, 499 NTD on weekends. Kids under 7 years old are free.
Check out our full guide to Pizza Hut’s Buffet here.
Every time I see a stock photo of Taipei shot from Elephant Mountain, a little part of me dies inside because Taipei has so many other beautiful viewpoints and vistas. If you are looking for stock photos of Taipei, consider going to one of the following locations to take a less cliché photo…(read more)
Check out our list of the best views of Taipei here.
Yangmingshan National Park is a mountainous area in Taipei and New Taipei, known for its volcanic activity, hiking trails, wildlife, waterfalls, hot springs, and sulfur vents. It is definitely worth a stop on your trip to Taipei…(read more)
Price:
Free entrance into the park (car parking 30-50 NT， scooter parking 20 NT) You can book tours to Yangmingshan on TripAdvisor here, Klook here, or KKday here or here.
Sulfur Valley (Liuhuang Valley) in Yangmingshan National Park is a large volcanic sulfur hot spring area with hiking trails, steam vents, sulfur deposits, and large natural hot springs. Sulfur Valley contains a trail that circles the area and also has a free public spring to soak your feet in. It is a unique and interesting stop on the mountain and worth a visit on your trip to Yangmingshan…(read more)
You can book a rock climbing experience at Sulphur Valley on Klook here or KKday here.
Qingtiangang in Yangmingshan National Park is a large grassland that lies on top of an old lava terrace. It is famous for the water buffalo that congregate here to graze and is one of the most popular areas in the park. Besides enjoying views of wild water buffalo, there are also many hiking trails and historic trails nearby. Overall it is a family-friendly destination and one of the most popular attractions in Taipei City…(read more)
Beitou is a hot spring area in northern Taipei, which uses the natural spring water from Yangmingshan and Sulfur Valley. Originally a Japanese-era resort town, it now has an abundance of hot spring hotels and public hot springs to enjoy…(read more)
Guanyinshan is a relatively short and easy trail in New Taipei with perhaps some of the best views of the Taipei Basin. This popular and easy hike is located in the Guanyinshan Recreation Area, in Wugu District of New Taipei, and offers excellent views of the Wugu, Luzhou, Sanchong, Bali, Tamsui, and the rest of downtown Taipei. It should be on your list of places to visit in Taipei…(read more)
Tamsui District of New Taipei is famous for its delicious food and historical atmosphere. It is one of the most popular and well-known areas in all of Taiwan. Some local delicacies here include A-gei, iron eggs, fried squid, and other seafood. Historical places near here include Fort San Domingo, Hobe Fort, Tamsui Old Street, Bali Old Street, and the Shihsanhang archaeological site. There is plenty here to see and do for almost every kind of traveler…(read more)
Tamsui Old Street (aka Danshui Old Street or Tamshui Old Street) is a street in Tamsui District of New Taipei famous for its delicious food and historical atmosphere. It is one of the most popular and well-known old streets in all of Taiwan. Some local delicacies here include A-gei, iron eggs, fried squid, and other seafood…(read more)
Bali Old Street (aka Bali Ferry Dock Old Street 八里渡輪頭老街) is a shopping area near Bali Wharf, connecting with Tamui Old Street via ferry and bicycle route. It is one of the oldest ports in Taiwan, with a long history of businesses and great seafood nearby…(read more)
You can also book a SUP / sand bar digging experience near Bali Old Street on KKday here. You can also book a sailing experience on the Tamsui River on KKday here.
Fort San Domingo (aka 紅毛城 Hongmaocheng, “City of Red Hair”) is one of the oldest buildings in Taiwan, with a nearly 400 year history. Originally built by the Spanish, it was handed over to nine different nations including the Dutch, Qing, Japan, British, Australia, USA, and the ROC. Now it is a popular tourist destination in Tamsui.
Price: 80 NT per person (includes passage to the British Consulate, Hobe Fort, and the Little White House). You can book tickets to this fort and nearby historic sites on Klook here or KKday here.
You can see our full guide to Fort San Domingo here.
Taiwan’s northern coast is an amazing, beautiful area with unique geology and rocks, lots of sandy beaches, amazing mountain views and hikes, old streets, night markets, historical sites, and much more to discover…(read more)
Yehliu is perhaps the most famous geological park in Taiwan, with its most famous landmark being the Queen’s Head Rock. These rock formations have been forming for thousands of years through erosion of soft sandstone due to wind and water. Hurry and see these formations soon before they are gone forever…(read more)
Another great attraction in Yehliu if you have time is theOcean World aquarium that sits in the parking lot next to Yehliu Geopark. It is like the SeaWorld of Taipei and is by far the best aquarium in northern Taiwan. The one in Kenting is better though. There is also a tank where you can see sea turtles up close…(read more)
Price:
450 NT per person. You can book discount tickets to Yehliu Ocean World on Klook here and KKday here. You can also book tickets to the Yehliu Ocean World Parent-Child playground on Klook here.
Check out our full blog on Yehliu Ocean World here.
32. Capybura Rock 象鼻岩
Capybara Rock (Formerly Elephant Trunk Rock) is a rock shaped like its name in the Shenao area of Ruifang District, New Taipei City. There are also many interesting rock formations in the area. It was one of the most recognizable rock formations on the north coast and a popular location for, kayakers, snorkelers, and Instagrammers…(read more).
Longdong (aka Dragon Caves -龍洞 Lóngdòng) is a popular spot for snorkeling, scuba diving, and rock climbing. There is also a large sea cave there (pictured above) from where the place gets its name…(read more)
Jinshan Old Street (aka Jinbaoli Old Street 金包里老街 Jīnbāolǐ lǎojiē) is a popular historical street in Jinshan District of New Taipei. The most famous delicacy here is duck but you can also find other traditional Taiwanese snacks among the numerous shops and restaurants here. It is definitely worth a stop on your trip to Taiwan’s Northern Coast…(read more)
The Pingxi Railway in New Taipei has some of the most popular attractions in Northern Taiwan. With a total of 7 stations (plus 2 if you count Ruifang and Houtong), there are endless places to explore, eat, hike, and enjoy Taiwan’s history, culture, and natural beauty all in one place…(read more here).
Houtong is a cat paradise, with many cat loving citizens proposing to bring abandoned cats to the village for a better life. The town has been a hub for cat lovers and enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy the town’s rich history as well as hundreds of cats and cat related shops around the village.
Shifen Old Street is the largest and busiest old street on the Pingxi Railway line, famous for setting off lanterns into the sky, and for visiting the famous Shifen Waterfall nearby. Here one can enjoy delicious food, and beautiful scenery, and learn about the mining history of the area. The sky lanterns have become a major environmental issue, but because of the allure to tourists the practice doesn’t seem like it will end soon…(read more)
Shifen Waterfall is the widest waterfall in Taiwan and perhaps the most picturesque in all of Taiwan. It is easily accessible by foot from Shifen Train Station and includes restaurants, gardens, and suspension bridges along the way. Its spectacular cascading falls are definitely worth a stop for anyone in Taiwan…(read more)
Pingxi Old Street has the second largest old street in Pingxi District and is full of delicious food, souvenirs, and opportunities to light off sky lanterns. From Pingxi station you can walk down to the historic streets in the small town, and take selfies with the train tracks and bridges that cross the two rivers passing through the town. It is definitely a must-see stop along the Pingxi Railway…(read more)
Pingxi Crags are a set of hiking trails that traverse steep mountain peaks and rock cliffs in the mountains south of Pingxi Village. The sedimentary rocks here stick out of the forest at the tops of the mountains, making for great views but also dangerous climbs…(read more)
Jingtong Old Street is the heart of the historic mining town of Jingtong, in Pingxi District of New Taipei City, which once had the largest mine in Taiwan. It has a long street with delicious food and souvenirs, sky lanterns, and many historical buildings nearby. As the last stop on the Pingxi Railway, you should definitely get off the train and check it out…(read more)
Wulai Waterfall is the highest waterfall in northern Taiwan. Here you can find a street with snacks and restaurants and a gondola that leads to a second tier of the waterfall and an amusement park. In addition, there are hikes, wildlife, and endless mountain scenery to explore…(read more)
You can book tickets to the gondola and to Yun Hsien theme park on Klook here or KKday here.
Wulai Old Street has become a major tourist attraction, partly because of its close proximity to Taipei. It has museums, waterfalls, a gondola, a train, an old street night market, and most of all hot springs. It has an old Japanese era coal mining railroad track which has been restored with a working train. In addition there are hikes, wildlife, and endless mountain scenery to explore…(read more)
Keelung’s Miaokou Night Market is a large night market in northern Taiwan, full of all kinds of delicious Taiwanese street food considered by some to be the best in Taiwan. The market consists mostly of food stalls in front of the Dianji Temple in Keelung, streching on both sides down the street. It is said to be a must see night market and one of the busiest in Taiwan…(read more)
Jiufen is an old mountain village in Ruifang District of New Taipei City, and has perhaps the best old street in all of Taiwan, with authentic Taiwanese food, sloping steps, traditional Chinese architecture, and great views of Su Ao and Keelung Harbors. There are also multiple historical sights within the town. The entire village is built on a mountain slope, so that you can enjoy views of Taiwan’s north coast from basically anywhere in the city…(read more)
Jinguashi is a small village in Ruifang District in New Taipei, famous for its now defunct mines. Here you can explore the Gold Mine Museum, touch a multi-million dollar gold ingot, see golden waterfalls, go on some of the best hikes in Taiwan, check out the old mining town, see Japanese era historic sites, and explore abandoned mining sites…(read more)
Qianshuiwan (aka Qianshui Bay) in Sanzhi District of New Taipei is a popular beach destination, which includes a pristine bike path that goes all the way to Baishawan. There is also a nice sandy beach, pier, and lots of beach side restaurants nearby. It is a great beach destination along the northeast coast of Taiwan…(read more)
You can check out our full guide to Qianshuiwan here.
Baishawan is one of the nicest beaches in northern Taiwan. The sand is white, the water shallow (and warm in the summer), and it is relatively well kept and clean. Due to its proximity to Taipei, it sees lots of visitors especially from foreigners. Swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and kite surfing are all popular activities at this beach…(read more).
Zhongjiao Bay (aka Zhongjiaowan 中角灣, or Zhongjiao Shazhu Wan 中角沙珠灣) is a long sandy beach in Jinshan District of New Taipei, known as the most popular surfing location in Northern Taiwan. It is popular for surfing and swimming, and nearby there are also hikes, interesting rock formations, and the nearby Jinshan Old Street and Jinshan Hot Springs. It is definitely a relaxing place to spend an afternoon. Nearby you can also find other sandy beaches such as Jinshan Beach and Xialiao Beach 下寮灣 (Jinshan Ocean Waterpark)…(read more)
You can book surfing lessons at Zhongjiao Bay on Klook here.
Emerald Bay is another popular beach along the northern Coast. Paragliding is the most popular activity at this beach but people also swim and surf here too.
You can also book a SUP / Paddle Board experience here on KKday.
The Wanli UFO Houses (aka Futuros) are a neighborhood of abandoned futuristic houses near Wanli Beach (aka Emerald Bay, Green Bay, or Feicuiwan) in Wanli District of New Taipei, and are some of the most popular urban exploration and Instagram destinations in Northern Taiwan…(read more)
You can also book a SUP / Paddle Board experience here on KKday.
For more information, check out our full blog on the Wanli UFO Houses here.
Only a 20 minute car drive away, Dawulun Beach in Keelung is the closest sandy ocean beach to Taipei City. Although it is small, it has a calm shallow swimming area and the sand looks like it was shipped straight from Kenting. It is definitely worth a visit for all beach lovers in Taipei…(read more)
Heping Island Park is a geo-park and water park on Heping Island, just outside of downtown Keelung. Here you can find many interesting rock formations in the sedimentary rock along the seashore. There are also salt water swimming pools, amazing places to go diving, a playground, hiking trails, and historical sights. Some would say this island is the world’s best kept secret. It is definitely worth stopping here along Taiwan’s northern coast…read more.
Fulong Beach is my favorite beach in greater Taipei. It is easily accessible by public transportation (TRA Gongliao Station) and has beautiful golden sand, a large shallow swimming area, and tons of food options within walking distance. The paid part of the beach features sand sculptures and lifeguards, while the free part of the beach is less clean but there are no annoying lifeguards to whistle at you all the time, making it a foreigners paradise…(read more)
Wai’ao Beach (aka Gangao Beach 港澳沙灘, or Wai’ao Ocean Recreation Area 外澳海水浴場) in Toucheng township of Yilan County is one of the most popular surfing destinations in Taiwan. It features a long flat sandy beach and constant waves. It is also a special beach in Taiwan because you have a constant view of another island in the distance, Turtle Island. It is definitely a great beach worth visiting…(read more)
Keelung Islet is a small but tall rock off the coast of Keelung City. It first opened for tourists in 2001, but was closed in 2013 due to Typhoon damage, but then opened again in 2019. You can hike to the top of the island to its lighthouse and enjoy the views of Taiwan’s Northern Coast. You can take a ferry ride to the island from Keelung harbor, but tourists are barred from visiting in the winter months…(read more)
Price:
Boat trip to the island and hike to the lighthouse: about 700 NT Boat trip to the island, lighthouse, and other places such as elephant trunk rock: about 1200 NT Again, you can book tickets on Klook here or KKday here; booking on these sites is usually cheaper than buying tickets in person.
Guishan Island (literally Turtle Mountain Island) is a turtle shaped island off the coast of Yilan in Eastern Taiwan. Once inhabited by fisherman, it is now a coast guard base, but is open for day tours. The island tour includes beautiful sea cliffs, hiking, a lake, abandoned village, military tunnels, and whale watching just offshore…(read more)
Yilan is a gem on Taiwan’s northeast coast. It has rugged mountains, waterfalls, a flat coastal plain, a volcanic island, hot springs, and some of the best beaches in Taiwan. In addition, you can find night markets, seafood markets, museums, and much more to explore here. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Taiwan…(read more)
Hsinchu is not only Taiwan’s technological hub, but is also rich with historical sights, Hakka culture, and natural beauty. It has numerous old streets, preserved Japanese-era and Qing-era buildings, zoos, mountains, lakes, rivers, beaches, and much more to explore. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Taiwan…(read more)
For you expats or foreigners who have never left Taipei, Miaoli is a large rural county in central Taiwan. For years I myself never visited, because I didn’t know what was there and had no reason to go. It turns out there are quite a few attractions here in this secret paradise…(read more)
If Taiwan is the best kept secret in Asia, then Penghu is the best-kept secret of the best-kept secret in Asia. It has just everything you could possibly want from a tropical island vacation getaway. Less than an hour plane ride from Taipei with multiple flights daily, it’s also easy to get to. We are sure that a trip to Penghu is one that you will not regret, and there will be more things to do than you could ever have time for…(read more)
Kinmen (aka Jinmen or Quemoy) is a group of islands off the coast of Xiamen, China, belonging to Taiwan. For years it was the front lines and closest territory to China during the Chinese Civil War, which has not officially ended. Now that the war with China has come to a close due to the establishment of the “status quo,” Kinmen has been open to tourism, especially from that of China. Kinmen has the highest concentration of museums and historical buildings in almost anywhere in Taiwan, as well as local cuisine, beaches, and scenery, making it an ideal vacation destination for both Taiwanese, Chinese, and other foreign tourists…(read more)
The Matsu Archipelago is a group of small islands off the coast of China that belong to Taiwan. Acting for a long time as military outposts for Taiwan, the islands have recently opened to tourists. Here you can find traditional stone house villages, magical “blue tear” bioluminescent phenomena, wild sika deer, military museums, a Mazu memorial park including the largest Mazu statue in the world, a variety of local food, and much more to explore…(read more)
Tonghua Street Night Market (aka Linjiang Street Night Market) is a large night market in Da’an District of Taipei City. It’s not as touristy as other night markets in Taipei, and you can find almost anything to eat here, along with cheap clothes and accessories. If you want to experience an authentic night market experience while in Taipei, Tonghua is the place to go…(read more)
Check out our full guide to Tonghua Night Market here.
Huaxi Street Night Market (aka Snake Alley) is a mostly indoor night market that stretches from Bangka Old Street to Longshan Temple in Wanhua District of Taipei. Some specialties of this market include snake meat and turtle meat. Overall it is a unique night market experience in Taiwan that feels more like it is in Southeast Asia…(read more)
You can book a walking tour of Huaxi Street Night Market on Klook here.
Check out our full guide to Huaxi Street Night Market here.
At the southern end of the street, the night market becomes Bangka (Měngjiǎ 艋舺) Night Market which goes east to west along Guangzhou Street. This night market is also known as Guangzhou Street Night Market. Really, this night market and Huaxi Street are one interconnected super night market…(read more)
You can book a walking tour of Bangka Night Market on Klook here.
Check out our full guide to Bangka Night Market here.
Jianguo Flower Market is a long market that lies under the Jianguo freeway and is open only on weekends. The market is split into an artist’s corner, the main flower market selling plants and gardening products, and a jade market. It is definitely worth a stop during your next weekend in Taipei…(read more)
You can check out our full guide to Jianguo Flower Market here.
Xizhi Night Market is an indoor night market under Xizhi TRA station. It includes nearly 100 stalls and is famous for its spring onion cakes and sticky rice. If you are in the area this night market is definitely worth a stop…(read more)
Check out our full guide to Xizhi Night Market here.
Luodong Night Market is the largest night market in Yilan and is one of the area’s top tourist destinations. The night market covers a large area and usually is packed with people. Delicacies here include mutton soup, shaved ice, duck noodles, and onion pancakes. It is definitely worth a visit on your next trip to Yilan…(read more)
Check out our full guide to Luodong Night Market here.
Nanjichang Night Market (南機場夜市) is a large night market area in Zhongzheng District of Taipei known for its variety of food stalls and local crowds. The night market sits far away from the MRT station, meaning that usually only locals will snack here and prices are generally cheaper. Popular foods here include meatballs, sesame flatbread, stinky tofu, and more. It is definitely an authentic Taipei night market experience. …(read more) You can check out our full guide to Nanjichang Night Market here.
Bopiliao Old Street (aka Bopiliao Historical District/Street 剝皮寮歷史街區) is a historical street in Taipei, made almost completely of one or two-story brick buildings, many dating over 200 years ago and was one of the earliest commercial districts in northern Taiwan. Here you can find museums, shops, food options, and art exhibitions. It is definitely worth a stop on your trip to Taipei…(read more)
You can book a walking tour of Bopiliao Old Street on Klook here.
Check out our full guide to Bopiliao Old Street here.
Shenkeng Old Street is one of the largest and busiest old streets in New Taipei, known for its famous tofu delicacies, and old Taiwan feel. Here one can enjoy delicious food, beautiful scenery, and buy nostalgic Taiwan related souvenirs. The Tofu here is truly incredible; Shenkeng is known as the Tofu capital of Taiwan, so you should definitely stop by here on your next trip to Taipei…(read more)
Shiding Old Street (aka Shiding East Street) is a small street in the busiest part of the mountainous Shiding District in New Taipei. There are some great restaurants here, an old mining town feel, great views of old multi story houses towering over the rivers, and beautiful surrounding mountains. Also, there are some great hiking trails and scenery nearby.
Pinglin Old Street (also known as Pinglin Shopping District 坪林商圈) is a small street in the mountainous Pinglin District in New Taipei. There are some great tea shops here, a tea museum, Qing dynasty stone houses, and beautiful views of the Beishi River and surrounding mountains. Also, there are some great hiking trails and camp sites nearby. If you love tea, Pinglin is the place for you…(read more)
Daxi Old Street is one of the largest and busiest old streets in Taiwan, known for its dried tofu delicacies, and old Taiwan feel. Here one can enjoy delicious food, beautiful scenery, and buy nostalgic Taiwan-related souvenirs. This may be the biggest and best old street in Taiwan, so you should definitely stop by here on your next trip to northern Taiwan…(read more)
Sanxia Old Street is beautiful and one of the best Old Streets in greater Taipei. Here you can eat sausages, ice cream, stinky tofu, and some Ox Horn Bread which is the delicacy of Sanxia…(read more)
The National Taiwan Museum is the oldest and one of the best in the country and focuses on the natural, geological, and human history of Taiwan. Located in downtown Taipei, it is easily accessible, and you can spend an entire afternoon here. It is definitely worth a visit on your next trip to Taipei…(read more)
The Taiwan Coal Mine Museum (aka New Pingxi Coal Mine Museum) is a former coal mine turned museum near Shifen Station on the Pingxi Railway line. Here you can ride in era coal carts and have an authentic experience of Taiwan coal mining life. The mine is the only one in Taiwan that still holds mining rights, and the only one with operating “one eyed monk” electric locomotives that you can actually ride…(read more)
You can book a tour to the Taiwan Coal Mine Museum on KKday here.
Check out our full guide to the Taiwan Coal Mine Museum here.
The Taipei Astronomical Museum is insightful, fun, and amazing. It has the biggest planetarium I have ever seen and up-to-date scientific information about the cosmos and new discoveries. It also contains a roller coaster ride and a theater. It is definitely worth a trip for the whole family…(read more)
Taiwan’s 228 Museum commemorates the 228 incident and surrounding history, including the martyrs, victims, and hardships they went through. It is one of the best places to learn about one of the most important events in Taiwan’s history, and learn about Taiwan’s authoritarian past and struggle for freedom has shaped the present. The best part is it’s free…(read more)
Price: Free!
Check out our full guide to the Taiwan’s 228 Museum here.
Taiwan’s Postal Museum provides a unique history of Taiwan from the perspective of its postal service. It includes some of the first stamps ever made in the world, every stamp Taiwan has ever made, and a vast collection of stamps from most other countries in the world. In addition, it shows a history of postal services in Taiwan and throughout the world, as well as DIY activities. It is a fun and interesting visit for the whole family…(read more)
Price: 30 NT per person.
Check out our full guide to Taiwan’s Postal Museum here.
The Miniatures Museum of Taiwan was the first miniature museum in Asia, and with 200 items is the second largest miniature museum in the world. The collection includes Medieval architecture, Disney characters, doll houses, scenes from fairytales, and more. It is definitely worth a stop for miniature enthusiasts everywhere…(read more) Price: Adults: 250 NT at the door, or 219 NT if booked on Klook or KKday.
The Taiwan Railway Museum (officially National Museum of Taiwan – Railway Department Park) is perhaps the best railway museum in Taiwan. It is built inside the old Railway Department of the Governor General of Taiwan and features multiple interactive exhibitions, thousands of artifacts, and a large miniature of Taipei’s railway. It is definitely worth a visit on your next trip to Taipei…(read more)
Academia Sinica’s Museum of History and Philology is one of the best museums in Taiwan. It has the largest collection of Chinese oracle bone remains in the world. It is also free, usually devoid of people, and has some of the most amazing ancient artifacts from Taiwan and China. It is like a mini National Palace Museum, and is worth a visit on your trip to Taipei…(read more)
Price: Free!
Check out our full guide to Academia Sinica’s Museum of History and Philology here.
The Farglory U Museum, aka Farglory Architecture and Culture Museum, is an architecture museum in Xizhi, New Taipei. The museum gives a brief history of world architecture and also has play areas and reading areas for children. Overall it is a worthwhile visit for the family while you are at IFG Mall…(read more)
Price: Free
Check out our full guide to the Farglory U Museum here.
The main film in the Keelung Marine Science Museum (國立海洋科技博物館)is weirdly a musical/visual tribute to the building’s past as a former power plant. I’m all for historical preservation, but this was just strange and overboard…(read more) This is the only photo I have of the museum. Despite its name, there are actually no marine animals. Everything is either a model, photo, or interactive exhibit.
Shihsanhang Museum of Archaeology (aka the 13th Site Museum of Archaeology) is a museum in Bali District of New Taipei featuring archaeological exhibits on Taiwan’s history and prehistory, as well as international archaeological exhibitions. Here is one of the best places in Taiwan to see clearly what Taiwan was like in prehistoric times…(read more)
Price: 80 NT per person You can book tickets for a discount on KKday here.
Check out our full guide to Shihsanhang Museum of Archaeology here.
88. Lanyang Museum 蘭陽博物館
The Lanyang Museum focuses on Toucheng’s history and artifacts. If you want to learn about the history of Toucheng, this is the place to visit. It is also a beautiful building, designed in the shape of Cuestas, or slanted rocks that appear commonly along Toucheng’s coastline. For more on this museum, check out our guide to Toucheng here.
You can book discount exhibition tickets to the museum on KKday here or book a tour through Klook here.
Check out our full guide to the Lanyang Museum here.
Cihu Lake (aka Cihu Mausoleum 慈湖陵寝, or Mausoleum of Late President Chiang) in Daxi District of Taoyuan is one of the most interesting parks in Taiwan. Much of the park is full of statues of a former dictator, Chiang Kai-shek. Also, Chiang Kai-shek’s former residence and his mausoleum are on the site. It is definitely a unique place worth visiting…(read more)
Price: Seeing statues and visitors’ center: Free Back part of Cihu Park: 100 NT per person 50 NT for cars You can book a tour to Cihu on KKday here.
You may recognize the Chungshan Building from the back of the 100 NT dollar bill. Originally built as a meeting place for the now defunct National Assembly, the building is now rarely used for events. The fact that is the only building in the world built right on top of a sulfur vent means that it is hard to maintain, and many parts of the building are under constant repair. However it is full of precocious art and beautiful architecture, and it is open daily for tours…(read more)
You can book a private tour to the Chungshan building on Klook here.
Check out our full guide to the Chungshan Buildinghere.
The Taiwan Presidential Office building is the office for all presidents of Taiwan, past and present. One of the many historical buildings in Taipei, it is a beautiful Japanese era brick building, with a built-in museum inside. It is open for tours to the public on weekdays, and is definitely worth a visit…(read more)
Price: Free! Check out our full guide to the Taiwan Presidential Office building here.
The Yuanshan Grand Hotel is one of the tallest traditional Chinese buildings in the world and was the tallest building in Taiwan for nearly a decade. It also features multiple restaurants, a swimming pool, all-day buffet, shops, and secret underground tunnels, slides, and bunkers. It is a major landmark in Taipei and definitely worth a visit even if you do not plan to spend the night there…(read more)
Price: Free to walk inside the lobby. Rooms vary from about 3000 NT to 500,000 NT per night. We have stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). Tour times: Every day at 11 AM and 2 PM (check with the front desk to make sure) The tour is 200 NT per person You can book a tour of the hotel and secret tunnels on Klook here, or KKday here, which includes a lunch buffet.
Check out our full guide to the Yuanshan Grand Hotel here.
Bitan is a slow moving part of the Xindian River in Xindian District of New Taipei. It is also known as Bitan Lake, or Bitan Scenic Area (碧潭風景區). Here you can bike ride, paddle boat, go hiking, and shop at Xindian Old Street (新店老街). With convenient transportation via Taipei MRT, it is definitely worth a stop on your trip to Taipei…(read more)
Price: Free entrance Ferry boat: 20 NT one way Paddle boats: 300 NT for a two person boat, more for more people or electric boats Bike rental: 15-70 NT per hour depending on the bike SUP Paddle Boarding: 2000-3000 NT You can book an SUP / Stand up Paddle boarding experience at Bitan on TripAdvisor here, Klook here, or KKday here.
New Taipei Metropolitan Park in Sanchong and Luzhou Districts is my favorite city park in northern Taiwan. It features long green grass fields, lots of sidewalks and places to rest, as well as rivers and ponds. It’s a great place to ride a bike and exercise and relax if you are in the area…(read more)
Check out our full guide to New Taipei Metropolitan Park here.
The Caoling Old Trail (aka Caoling Historic Trail) is a section of the Danlan Old Trail connecting Gongliao District of New Taipei to Dali District of Toucheng Township in Yilan. In the past it was an important shipping route for goods from Yilan to Tamsui. Now it is a popular and family friendly hiking route due to its convenient public transportation, slow elevation gain, grassy mountain hills, and great views of the surrounding area…(read more)
Check out our full guide to the Caoling Old Trail here.
As one of the most secret and unknown tourist attractions in Taipei City, Nangang Tea Mountain is a large mountain area that offers pleasant hikes, great views, historical buildings, no crowds, and most of all tea. It is one of only two mountain tea-growing areas in Taipei City, the other being Maokong. Hopefully, this blog will help you understand how much natural beauty and intact history this is in Nangang District…(read more)
You can take 14% off the buffet at Courtyard Marriot Nangang on KKday here. You can also get a discount ticket to Crazy Car Cafe in Nangang, the only restaurant in Taiwan that offers Go-Karting, on KKday here.
Check out our full guide to Nangang Tea Mountain here.
Dajianshan Waterfall (aka Dajianshan Falls) is a set of waterfalls in Xizhi District of New Taipei City, Taiwan. It is easily accessible via a short, steep hiking path that takes about 15 minutes to walk up and includes six main tiers of waterfall and amazing natural scenery. Its spectacular cascading falls and pools have made it a most popular destination in the area…(read more)
You can book a river tracing experience at Dajianshan Waterfall on KKday here.
Check out our full blog on Dajianshan Waterfall here.
Baishihu Suspension Bridge in the mountains of Neihu is a quiet spot known for its strawberries and mountain farms. Across the bridge are some farms, gardens, trails, and coffee shops…(read more)
You can book a ticket to the Neihu Strawberry Garden on KKday here.
Check out our full guide to Baishihu and the surrounding area here.
Kuolai Old Trail was a major intersection along the Danlan Old Trail that connects Keelung to Yilan through the mountains of New Taipei. There are three pedestrian bridges, multiple camping locations, lots of swimming spots, and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Also, there are some great hiking trails along multiple sections of the original Danlan Old Trail to discover…(read more)
Full Moon Waterfall (Manyue Waterfall) lies in Sanxia’s Manyueyuan National Forest Recreation Area in New Taipei. It’s a beautiful waterfall and an easy family hike…(read more)
Price: 80 NT You can book a ticket to Manyueyuan National Forest Recreation Area on KKday here.
Check out our full blog on Full Moon Waterfall here.
Shiding District is a secret mountain paradise in New Taipei City, in northern Taiwan (新北市石碇區). Lots of people simply pass through here without knowing much about what there is to see. In this guide I will show you some of the secret historical and nature destinations in this amazing place…(read more)
Check out our full guide to Shiding District here.
That is the end of the listicle. Just to let you know, there are many more than 101 places to visit and things to do in Taipei. I have shared only some of my blogs of Taipei in this list. Go out there and explore Taipei for yourself!
For our up-to-date posts on Taipei, click on the categories tab here.
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