Looking for the best places to visit in Taipei, Taiwan? From iconic landmarks like Taipei 101 and historical attractions such as Longshan Temple to famous night markets and scenic day trips like Jiufen, Taipei offers a unique blend of culture, food, shopping and nature. This Taipei travel guide highlights the top attractions and must-visit destinations for first-time visitors planning their Taipei itinerary.
Taipei is a fascinating global city where tradition, culture and modern innovation coexist harmoniously. Compared to many other Asian cities, the warm hospitality of the Taiwanese people makes exploring Taipei especially enjoyable and convenient for travellers. From bustling night markets and vibrant street food culture to historical temples and world-class museums, Taipei offers an incredibly diverse travel experience for every type of visitor.
To help you plan your trip, here are some of the best tourist attractions and must-visit places in Taipei, Taiwan.
1. Taipei 101 Observatory
Standing proudly above the Taipei skyline, Taipei 101 remains one of Taiwan’s most iconic landmarks and among the tallest skyscrapers in the world. The tower features 101 floors symbolising the renewal of time and prosperity, while the number eight incorporated throughout the building represents abundance and good fortune in Chinese culture.
Visitors can head up to the observatory deck to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Taipei City from above the clouds. The surrounding Xinyi District is also one of Taipei’s premier shopping and dining destinations.
Address: No. 7, Sec. 5, Xinyi Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110 l Tel: +8862 8101 8800 l Opening hours: 9:00am – 10:00pm Daily l Fees: Adults NT$500, Fast Pass NT$1000, Children & Students NT$450 l Website: Taipei 101
2. National Palace Museum
The National Palace Museum is one of the largest museums in the world and houses more than 696,000 ancient Chinese imperial artefacts and artworks spanning over 10,000 years of Chinese history. Many of these priceless collections were brought from Beijing during the Chinese Civil War and are considered some of the finest Chinese artefacts ever preserved.
History lovers and culture enthusiasts can easily spend an entire day exploring its extensive galleries filled with paintings, jade carvings, ceramics, calligraphy and historical treasures.
Address: No. 221, Sec. 2, Zhishan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City 11143 l Tel: +8862 2881 2021 l Opening hours: 8:30am – 6:30pm l Fees: General admission NT$250 l Website: National Palace Museum
3. Mengjia Longshan Temple
Built in 1738 by Fujian settlers, Mengjia Longshan Temple is one of Taiwan’s most famous and historically significant temples. Located in Taipei’s Wanhua District, the temple has survived wars, earthquakes and numerous natural disasters thanks to continuous restoration efforts by local devotees.
The temple’s intricate carvings, traditional architecture and spiritual atmosphere make it one of the top cultural attractions in Taipei.
Address: No. 211, Guangzhou St., Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10853 l Opening hours: 6:00am – 10:00pm l Website: Longshan Temple
4. Shilin Night Market Taipei
No Taipei itinerary is complete without visiting Shilin Night Market, the city’s most famous and largest night market. The market is packed with local street food, shopping stalls, arcade games and trendy fashion outlets.
Popular Taiwanese snacks here include oyster omelettes, huge fried chicken cutlets, scallion pancakes, grilled squid, sausage wrapped in glutinous rice and bubble tea.
Address: Shilin District, Taipei City l Opening hours: 5:00pm – 12:00am Daily
5. Ximending Shopping District & Red House
Often referred to as the “Harajuku of Taipei”, Ximending is the centre of youth culture, fashion and entertainment in Taiwan. The bustling pedestrian streets are filled with trendy retail stores, themed cafés, street performances and popular Taiwanese snacks.
Nearby, the iconic Red House Theatre features indie art shops, cultural exhibitions and creative markets that showcase Taiwan’s vibrant arts scene.
Address: 10 Chengdu Road, Wanhua District, Taipei City l Opening hours: 11:00am – 9:00pm l Website: Red House Theatre
6. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall
Dedicated to Dr Sun Yat-Sen, the founding father of modern China, this majestic memorial hall serves as both a historical landmark and cultural venue in Taipei.
The impressive architecture, landscaped gardens and ceremonial atmosphere make it a popular stop for both tourists and locals.
Address: No. 505, Sec. 4, Ren-ai Road, Taipei 110 l Opening hours: 8:30am – 4:30pm l Website: Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall
7. Lin Family Mansion & Garden
Located in Banqiao, Lin Family Mansion & Garden is one of Taiwan’s best-preserved examples of traditional Chinese garden architecture. Once owned by one of Taiwan’s wealthiest families, the estate reflects the grandeur and elegance of historical Taiwanese residences.
Address: No. 9, Ximen St., Banqiao District, New Taipei City l Opening hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm l Website: Lin Family Mansion and Garden
8. Jiufen Taiwan
Jiufen is one of Taiwan’s most picturesque mountain towns and a highly popular day trip from Taipei. Originally developed during the gold mining boom under Japanese rule, Jiufen today is famous for its nostalgic old streets, traditional tea houses, lantern-lined alleys and breathtaking ocean views.
The town’s unique atmosphere is often said to have inspired scenes from Studio Ghibli’s animated film Spirited Away.
Address: Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan
9. Tamsui & Fort San Domingo
Tamsui is a charming riverside district popular for its scenic waterfront promenade, seafood snacks, historical architecture and sunset views. One of the area’s most famous attractions is Fort San Domingo, originally built by the Spanish in 1628 before later being occupied by the Dutch.
Address: No. 1, Lane 28, Zhongzheng Road, Tamsui District, New Taipei City
10. Yangmingshan National Park
Yangmingshan National Park is famous for its volcanic landscapes, hot springs, flower fields and hiking trails. Located north of Taipei, the park is a favourite escape for locals seeking cooler weather and scenic mountain views.
The best time to visit Yangmingshan is during the flower blossom season between January and May.
Getting there: Take Bus 260 from Taipei Main Station or Bus Red 5 from Jiantan MRT Station.
Frequently Asked Questions About Taipei
What is the best time to visit Taipei?
The best time to visit Taipei is between October and April when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing.
How many days are enough for Taipei?
A 4 to 5-day itinerary is usually sufficient to explore Taipei’s major attractions, night markets and nearby day trips.
What is Taipei famous for?
Taipei is famous for Taipei 101, Taiwanese night markets, bubble tea, hot springs, mountain scenery and cultural attractions.
Conclusion
Whether you enjoy food, shopping, nature, history or culture, Taipei offers an incredible variety of attractions and experiences for every traveller. From iconic skyscrapers and bustling night markets to historical temples and scenic mountain escapes, Taipei remains one of Asia’s most rewarding travel destinations.
If you are planning your next Taiwan holiday, these best places to visit in Taipei deserve a spot on your itinerary.
