Taipei is a city full of surprises. It’s modern but still deeply connected to its history. It’s fast-paced but knows how to slow down when it comes to tea, temples, and hot springs. If you’ve never been to Asia before, Taipei is a gentle and welcoming start. If you’re already a world traveler, Taipei will still impress you with its food, markets, mountains, and friendly people. From towering skyscrapers to peaceful shrines, here are 12 absolute best things to do in Taipei, Taiwan. Each spot comes with its own story and charm.
1. Visit Taipei 101
You can’t miss Taipei 101. Literally. It used to be the tallest building in the world, standing at 508 meters. Its design is based on a bamboo stalk, a symbol of strength and growth in Chinese culture. Opened in 2004, Taipei 101 quickly became a symbol of the city’s pride and modern progress.
Inside, there’s a fancy shopping mall, restaurants, and one of the fastest elevators in the world. It takes you to the 89th-floor observatory in less than 40 seconds. From the top, the city looks like a miniature model. You’ll see mountains, buildings, and maybe even a sunset if you time it right.
2. Explore Longshan Temple
Longshan Temple is the most famous and oldest temple in Taipei. It was built in 1738 by settlers from Fujian, China. Over the years, it has survived earthquakes, fires, and even World War II bombings. Each time, it was rebuilt by the community.
The temple is dedicated to Guanyin, the goddess of mercy, but you’ll also find statues from Taoism, Buddhism, and folk beliefs. The atmosphere is peaceful, with the smell of incense in the air and the sound of soft prayers. Locals come here to make wishes, toss moon blocks, and light candles.
3. Walk Around Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
This place is not just a landmark. It tells a story about Taiwan’s past. The memorial hall was built in 1980 to honor Chiang Kai-shek, the former leader of the Republic of China. The white building with its blue roof is full of symbolism, matching Taiwan’s flag.
You’ll see guards standing completely still at the entrance. Every hour, they perform a slow and serious changing of the guard ceremony. The large square around the hall is often filled with people walking, dancing, or just relaxing. It’s a good spot to take in some history and get a feel for local life.
4. Eat Your Way Through Shilin Night Market
Shilin Night Market is the biggest and most famous night market in Taipei. It started over 100 years ago as a place for farmers to sell food and goods. Now it’s a buzzing spot packed with food stalls, games, clothes, and souvenirs.
The most famous dish here is probably the stinky tofu. It smells strong but tastes much better than it smells. You can also try bubble tea, fried chicken cutlets, oyster omelets, and flame-grilled steak. Don’t come here full. You’ll want to try everything.
5. Relax at Beitou Hot Springs
Beitou is a neighborhood in northern Taipei that’s famous for its natural hot springs. The Japanese developed the area during their rule over Taiwan in the early 1900s. You can still see that influence in the public bathhouses and architecture.
You can dip your feet in free public hot springs, or pay a small fee to visit one of the many hot spring hotels. There’s also the Beitou Hot Springs Museum, which used to be a Japanese bathhouse. It explains how the springs were discovered and used over time. The nearby Thermal Valley is full of steam and has a bright green color from the minerals in the water.
6. Hike Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan)
If you want a great view of Taipei 101, go to Elephant Mountain. It’s not too hard to climb, but the steps can be steep. It takes about 20 minutes to get to the first viewing platform, which is enough for most people.
Elephant Mountain is part of the “Four Beasts” mountains, and it’s the most popular one. Local people often come here in the early morning or evening to exercise. At sunset, it can get crowded with photographers and travelers, so come early if you want a quiet moment.
7. Visit the National Palace Museum
The National Palace Museum is one of the best museums in the world for Chinese art and history. It holds over 700,000 ancient artifacts, many of which were brought from China during the Chinese Civil War to protect them from destruction.
The most famous items include a jade cabbage and a meat-shaped stone that looks like a piece of pork belly. Besides these, you’ll find calligraphy, paintings, pottery, and rare books from over 5,000 years of history. The museum is large and quiet, perfect for a calm afternoon of learning.
8. Take a Trip to Maokong by Gondola
Maokong is a hilly tea-growing area on the edge of Taipei. It used to be hard to reach, but now you can ride the Maokong Gondola, a cable car that takes you over the forest and up the mountain.
The area is known for its oolong tea. You can sit in one of the many tea houses with a view of the mountains and city. The tradition of drinking tea here goes back to the Qing Dynasty, when tea was one of Taiwan’s main exports. Some tea houses let you brew your own pot in the traditional way.
9. Shop Around Ximending
Ximending is like Taipei’s version of Harajuku or Times Square. It’s a pedestrian shopping area with street performers, fashion stores, and lots of bright lights. It’s popular with younger people, and you’ll find all kinds of food, including Japanese, Korean, and local snacks.
The area also has history. It was once part of the Japanese colonial district, and the Red House Theater is a reminder of that time. The theater now hosts art markets and small performances. It’s a good mix of old and new in one lively place.
10. Discover Dihua Street in Dadaocheng
Dihua Street is a historical street that dates back to the 1800s. It was once the main area for tea trade, herbs, fabrics, and traditional medicine. Many of the buildings have been restored but still keep their original character.
Today, it’s a mix of old shops and new creative spaces. You can buy dried fruits, spices, and handmade crafts. During the Lunar New Year, the street is filled with people buying snacks and decorations. The nearby Dadaocheng Wharf is also great for sunset views over the Tamsui River.
11. Visit the Lin An Tai Historical House
This traditional Chinese house is one of the oldest buildings in Taipei. It was built in the late 1700s by a wealthy family from Fujian. The house was moved and rebuilt in the 1970s to save it from being destroyed.
Walking through the courtyards and gardens, you get a real feeling of what life was like for rich families in old Taiwan. The details in the wood carvings, stone sculptures, and layout show strong influence from southern Chinese architecture. It’s quiet here, and not many tourists know about it, so it’s a peaceful spot to visit.
12. Ride the MRT and Explore Random Neighborhoods
Taipei’s MRT system is clean, fast, and easy to use. It connects most of the major tourist spots, but it also gives you the freedom to hop off and explore places that aren’t in every guidebook.
Neighborhoods like Gongguan, Zhongxiao Dunhua, and Songshan each have their own character. You’ll find local cafés, quiet parks, bookstores, night markets, temples, and friendly people everywhere. Just walking and getting a little lost is sometimes the best way to discover the heart of a city.
Taipei is full of life but never feels overwhelming. The food is amazing, the people are kind, and the mix of old traditions with new energy makes it a place you won’t forget. Whether you’re here for a few days or a few weeks, these 12 things will help you see the best of what the city has to offer.
