Taipei, as a capital city, is a must-visit destination when traveling in Taiwan. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a modern city fan, this metropolis offers a bunch of attractions waiting to be explored. We will introduce you 20 must-see places in Taipei including the iconic Taipei 101, numerous museums, and awe-inspiring temples showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage. Of course, we will not miss the bustling night markets, where you can indulge in delicious local food and experience the city’s lively atmosphere. We also name some hot springs, parks, and mountains for you to immerse yourself in the soothing and natural experience. These 20 essential spots are specially tailor-made for first-time visitors, ensuring an unforgettable experience in Taiwan’s dynamic capital city.
20 Places You Must Visit in Taipei – Part 1
The other 10 places are shown in Part 2.
1. Taipei 101
Get ready to be amazed by Taipei 101, the jaw-dropping skyscraper that dominates the Taipei skyline! Soaring to a staggering height of 508 meters (1,667 feet), this architectural marvel has it all. Take a trip up to the observatory, located on the upper floors, and prepare to have your breath taken away by the mesmerizing views of Taipei City. Gaze out over the city’s sparkling lights and bustling streets, all from the vantage point of this incredible tower. But that’s not all – you’ll also get to witness the Tuned Mass Damper, a gigantic pendulum-like structure that keeps the building stable during earthquakes. It’s engineering at its finest!
If you think that’s impressive, wait until you hear about the hidden gem on the 101st floor – a secret garden. Step into this lush oasis, surrounded by greenery and peaceful vibes. It’s like finding a tranquil escape right in the heart of the city. You can also experience an exciting walk on a cloud to the outdoor garden on 101st floor. Each participant will receive a complimentary souvenir photo, a 101 souvenir, and a beverage (total value over NT$1000). Only a limited number of guests are allowed per day, so do not forget to reserve your Skyline 460 ticket beforehand.
Oh, and did we mention that Taipei 101 held the record as the tallest building in the world until 2010? It’s a true symbol of Taiwan’s architectural prowess. And don’t forget about the mall inside Taipei 101, where you can shop to your heart’s content and indulge in mouthwatering gourmet delights. Get ready for an unforgettable experience at Taipei 101 – a soaring tower that will leave you in awe.
⏰ Observatory | 11:00 - 21:00 ⏰ Mall | Sun - Thu 11:00 - 21:30 Fri - Sat 11:00 - 22:00 🎫 Ticket info | Taipei 101 website or Klook (Observatory & skyline 460)
2. The National Palace Museum
The National Palace Museum in Taipei is a treasure trove of Chinese art and culture. Home to over 700,000 artifacts, this world-renowned museum showcases the rich history of China through its extensive collection of paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, jade, and more. The museum’s origins date back to the Forbidden City in Beijing, where the collection was first established. Today, visitors can explore the vast exhibition halls and immerse themselves in the beauty and significance of ancient Chinese art. With its exquisite craftsmanship and historical significance, the National Palace Museum is a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and history lovers alike, offering a fascinating glimpse into China’s imperial past.
⏰ Exhibition Hall | 9:00 - 17:00 closed on Monday ⏰ Zhishan Garden | 8:00 - 17:00 closed on Monday Zhide Garden | 24/7 open 🌐 Website (✅English) 🎫 Book tickets here
3. Miniatures Museum of Taiwan
Welcome to the Miniatures Museum of Taiwan, the first museum in Asia dedicated to showcasing the enchanting world of miniatures. Get ready to embark on a delightful journey into a realm where tiny wonders come to life! Every exhibit is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and boundless creativity of artists from around the world.
Step into the miniature streets, bustling with pint-sized shops, cafes, and even miniature people going about their day. Admire the exquisite details of tiny dollhouses, perfectly scaled furniture, and whimsical scenes that transport you to another world. From awe-inspiring replicas of famous landmarks to charming everyday scenes, the Miniatures Museum of Taiwan is a haven for both children and adults who appreciate the magic of miniatures. Prepare to be amazed as you explore this extraordinary museum, where big dreams unfold on a miniature scale.
⏰ 10:00 - 18:00 closed on Monday 🌐 Website (❌English) 🎫 Book tickets here
4. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is one of Taiwan’s most significant national memorial buildings. This grand structure is renowned for its majestic appearance and historical significance, serving as a memorial to the founding father of the Republic of China, Chiang Kai-shek. The design of the memorial hall draws inspiration from traditional Chinese architecture, blending elements of the palace and temple styles to create a harmonious and impressive structure. There is a permanent exhibition on the 1st floor regarding the history of freedom of speech in Taiwan as well as Chiang Kai-shek and the Republic of China.
As you ascend to the top of the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, an intriguing sight awaits you. Every hour, you can witness the captivating ceremony known as the Changing of the Honored Guards. This ritual pays tribute to the memory of Chiang Kai-shek and adds a touch of solemnity to the memorial hall.
Surrounding the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, visitors can find two other notable cultural landmarks, the National Theater and the National Concert Hall. These venues collectively form the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Cultural Center.
The National Theater, known as the “Guo Ju,” is a prominent performing arts venue that showcases a diverse range of theatrical productions, including traditional Chinese opera, contemporary plays, and international performances. Adjacent to the National Theater is the National Concert Hall, or “Guo Yin,” a world-class music venue that hosts a variety of classical concerts, orchestral performances, and recitals. Together, the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, National Theater, and National Concert Hall create a vibrant cultural hub where visitors can immerse themselves in the rich heritage of Taiwan’s performing arts.
⏰ Memorial Hall | 9:00 - 18:00 close on national holiday ⏰ Memorial Park | 5:00 - 24:00 🌐 Website (✅English) 🎫 Free Admission
5. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
The Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, located in Taipei, Taiwan, is a prominent national monument dedicated to the memory of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of the Republic of China. This magnificent structure, surrounded by lush gardens, stands as a symbol of Taiwan’s democratic heritage and pays tribute to Dr. Sun’s significant contributions to the nation. Inside the memorial hall, visitors can explore exhibitions that chronicle Dr. Sun’s life and achievements, featuring artifacts, photographs, and historical documents. The hall’s main auditorium also hosts cultural performances and events, adding to its vibrant atmosphere. With its rich historical significance and architectural grandeur, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall serves as a beacon of inspiration and a place of reverence for visitors seeking to learn about Taiwan’s history and the visionary leader who helped shape it.
⏰ Memorial Hall | 9:00 - 18:00 ⏰ Changing of the Honored Guards | 9:00 - 17:00 (Every hour) ⏰ Flag Raising | 6:30 Flag Lowering | 17:30 🌐 Website (✅English) 🎫 Free Admission
6. Taipei Fine Arts Museum
Taipei Fine Art Museum is a stunning architectural masterpiece situated in the serene Taipei Expo Park. Its grand design, crafted by Kao & Pan Architects, seamlessly blends traditional arches and modern elements, while floor-to-ceiling glass walls flood the interiors with natural light and offer breathtaking views of the surroundings. Step inside to immerse yourself in a world of artistic wonders, as the museum hosts a diverse range of captivating exhibitions featuring contemporary art, paintings, sculptures, installations, and more. With its thought-provoking displays and inspiring collection, Taipei Fine Art Museum provides a vibrant space where visitors can explore and appreciate the rich tapestry of artistic expressions.
After exploring the Taipei Fine Arts Museum, you can take a leisurely walk over to the nearby Taipei Expo Park, a spacious park established during the World Exposition in Taipei. It’s expansive and currently serves as a venue for various events and markets. Adjacent to the Pavilion of the Future, you’ll find the delightful “Maji Maji Food Market,” offering an enticing selection of international delicacies and occasional live music shows, making it an ideal spot to relax and savor the evening atmosphere.
⏰ Museum | Tue - Fri & Sun 9:30 - 17:30 Sat 9:30 - 20:30 (closed on Mon) ⏰ Maji Maji Food Market | 12:00 - 21:00 🌐 Website (✅English) 🎫 Adult NT$ 30 | 6-12 yr & student NT$ 15
7. Songshan Cultural and Creative Park
Songshan Cultural and Creative Park is another captivating destination where art and innovation intertwine. Housed within a renovated tobacco factory, this vibrant hub showcases the creativity and talents of local artists and designers. Explore the park’s inspiring exhibitions, featuring diverse artwork, installations, and interactive displays. Immerse yourself in the artistic atmosphere, wander through the galleries, and witness the dynamic fusion of traditional and contemporary artistic expressions. Songshan Cultural and Creative Park is a must-visit for travelers seeking to be inspired and immersed in Taiwan’s thriving arts scene.
You can check what exhibition is happening now here. Though the website is available in English, the information for the most current exhibitions is only available in Chinese. Some exhibitions offer free admission, but some do not. Make sure to check before heading!
⏰ 8:00 - 22:00 (Maybe different for exhibitions) 🌐 Website (✅English)
8. Dalongdong | Baoan Temple
Once upon a time, nestled near the meeting point of the Tamsui River and Keelung River, there existed an old settlement in Taipei known as Dalongdong. Long before the bustling streets of Dadaocheng took shape, Dalongdong was already a thriving hub. Legend has it that the land upon which this neighborhood stood was once home to the Pourapon community, a branch of the Ketagalan Plains Aboriginal Tribe. Over time, this land transformed into a vibrant enclave, bustling with life and activity.
One of the most remarkable features of Dalongdong is its row of forty-four shops affectionately called the “Forty-Four Kans.” These quaint wooden structures, each uniquely designed, stood as a testament to the creativity and resilience of the early inhabitants. They formed a picturesque streetscape, capturing the essence of a bygone era.
At the heart of Dalongdong lies Baoan Temple, a revered Taiwanese folk religion temple dedicated to Baosheng Dadi, the God of Health and Prosperity. Its intricate architecture and spiritual significance draw visitors from far and wide, seeking blessings and solace.
Throughout the years, Baoan Temple has undergone renovations and restorations, preserving its cultural heritage and standing as a symbol of the community’s resilience. Its significance was recognized when it received the prestigious UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation in 2003.
⏰ Baoan Temple 6:30 - 21:00
9. Dadaocheng | Dihua Street | Xiahai City God Temple
Dadaocheng, located in the Datong District of Taipei City, derived its name from its vast rice-drying fields. In the late 18th century, with the opening of Tamsui Port, Dadaocheng became Taipei’s bustling commercial center and a hub for tea and textile trade. Today, Dadaocheng is a vibrant hub for Chinese medicine, North-South goods, and fabric shops, blending century-old architecture with emerging creative boutiques. It exudes a unique vitality by harmoniously combining the old and the new.
Every year before the Lunar New Year, Dihua Street welcomes a large influx of people who come to purchase dried goods, souvenirs, and various ingredients for the holiday. The street also houses numerous shops selling distinctive Taiwanese products. The architecture of Dihua Street is characterized by Minnan-style buildings, Western-style mansions, and Baroque-inspired structures. Within Dihua Street, the Xia Hai City God Temple stands as one of Taipei’s most famous temples, known for its effectiveness in granting marital blessings. If you have the opportunity, be sure to visit and pay your respects.
In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along the Dadaocheng Wharf and enjoy the sunset. The Dadaocheng Wharf Night Market offers a variety of cocktails and delicious cuisine. It’s the perfect setting to gather with a few friends, feel the cool breeze, and enjoy the reflection of city lights on the river, creating a pleasant atmosphere for a relaxing evening.
⏰ Xiahai City God Temple | 7:00 - 19:00 ⏰ Dadaocheng Wharf (Market) | 16:00 - 00:00
10. Wanhua | Longshan Temple | Bopiliao Historic Block
Wanhua, formerly known as “Monga,” is an area in Taipei that was developed earlier. Its old name originates from the Ketagalan language, meaning “canoe.” Wanhua District is one of the earliest developed areas in Taipei City and is home to many old communities and historic sites.
Longshan Temple is one of the designated national historic sites and the most renowned temple in Wanhua District. It has been the center of local faith since the Qing Dynasty, as it houses various deities such as Guanyin Bodhisattva, Wenchang Emperor, and Yue Lao. The palace-style architecture follows the traditional Chinese courtyard layout with a front hall, main hall, rear hall, and flanking dragon pavilions. In front of the San Chuan Hall, there are a pair of unique bronze coiled dragon columns rarely found elsewhere in Taiwan. The roof ridges and eaves of the entire temple are adorned with auspicious creatures like dragons and phoenixes, showcasing the essence of Taiwan’s clay sculpture art.
Located in Lane 224, Xichang Street, next to Longshan Temple, there is a gathering of over ten herbal medicine shops. In the early days when medical services were not well-developed, people would visit temples to seek herbal remedies. They would then come to this place to collect and consume the prescribed herbs. As a result, Xingcao Lane is also known as the “Street of Life-saving” or the “Street of Healing.” Many of the shops now also sell herbal teas and bitter teas, offering a refreshing way to cool down. Don’t forget to buy a cup and enjoy the cooling and soothing effects of these herbal beverages!
The Bopiliao Historical Block, which originated in the early Qing Dynasty and spans across the Qing Dynasty, the Japanese colonial era, and the Republic of China period, blends different architectural styles and cultural characteristics from various time periods. It has become a street that represents the distinctive features of the Monga area. Today, in order to revitalize the use of the historical buildings effectively, the spaces are utilized for art exhibitions, film promotions, and cultural and historical education, aiming to raise awareness and educate the public about the cultural and historical significance of the area.
⏰ Longshan Temple | 6:00 - 21:45 ⏰ Bopiliao Historic Block | 9:00 - 18:00 closed on Mon 🌐 Bopiliao website (✅English) 🎫 Free Admission
The above are the top 10 must-visit places in Taipei. In this article, we mainly focused on historical and cultural experiences. In the next article, we will introduce another 10 exciting attractions in Taipei, including natural destinations, old streets, and night markets. If you’re planning a trip to Taipei, do not miss out on these amazing places!
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