Local’s Recommendation: 20 Places You Must Visit in Taipei

Growing up in Taipei for over two decades, I’ve witnessed firsthand the city’s incredible transformation.

As a first-time visitor, you won’t want to miss iconic landmarks like the towering Taipei 101, or delve into history at our world-class museums. However, I want to include some less popular options that most visitors miss out.

From popular attractions to hidden local gem, I invite you to explore Taipei with me like a local.

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 (crazy right?), 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

This is a personal favorite. 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.

You know what? There is great food around Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall as well.

⏰ 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! Tasty food near Longshan Temple is also waiting for you.

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 

11. Ximending

The place name of Ximending comes from the Japanese colonial era. At that time, most residents lived inside Taipei City, and the Ximending area was their leisure spot. In the early days, Ximending was mainly focused on the film industry. After the Nationalist government relocated to Taiwan in 1949, department stores and other entertainment venues sprung up like mushrooms, making it the largest entertainment center of that time. However, it later declined with the rise of the Eastern district in Taipei.

Source: Unsplash

In recent years, with the construction of the Taipei Metro Bannan Line, Ximending has gradually regained its popularity. The Taipei City government has planned a series of revitalization activities and pedestrian zones. Ximending often hosts markets and music performances on weekends, attracting young people to gather there.

The iconic Red House building in Ximending was completed in 1907. During the Japanese colonial period, it was a market where the Japanese conducted trade. After 1945, it was converted into a theater, showcasing popular performances such as Peking opera, Yue opera, and cross talk. In 2000, a major fire damaged the surrounding illegal buildings and a significant part of the Red House’s Cross Theater. In 2002, under the management of the Paper Windmill Theater Company, the Red House underwent a comprehensive renovation and reopened as the Red House Theater. The first floor now houses a café and boutique shops, while the second floor hosts regular cultural and artistic events. In 2007, the Ximending Creative Market was established, organizing themed markets in alignment with Taiwan’s festivals, allowing Taiwanese creative design brands to settle in, and making the Red House a development platform for Taiwan’s cultural and creative industry professionals.

Source: Unsplash

If you long for the Asian shopping malls of 50 years ago, Wannian Building will be a must-visit place for you. In the 1970s, it was an entertainment venue featuring cinemas and an ice skating rink. Today, Wannian Building still houses numerous small shops, with around 50-60 shops on each floor, occupying approximately 10 square meters per shop. The shops are closely adjacent, offering a diverse range of products including toys, shoes, electronics, and more. The basement floor is a food court, with many beloved local eateries, including Wan Lian Sweet and Spicy (萬聯甜不辣), Jin Yuan Pork Ribs Wannian Branch (金園排骨萬年店), and don’t miss Calcutta Indian Food (加爾各答印度料理). Check this post for ultimate food guide in Ximending >>> Ultimate food guide for Ximending: Best restaurant, drink, beef noodle, Cantonese food, cafe in Ximending

Red House | Tue Wed Thu 11:00 - 20:00 Fri Sat -21:00 Sun -22:00 closed on Mon
Wannian Building | 11:30 - 22:00 Mon 14:00 - 22:00 (map)
Wan Lian Sweet and Spicy | 11:00 - 19:30 closed on Sun (map)
Jin Yuan Pork Ribs | Sun - Thu 11:00 - 21:00 Fri & Sat 11:00 - 21:30  (map)
Calcutta Indian Food | 11:30 - 14:00 & 17:00–21:30 Closed on Mon (map)
🌐 Red House webiste (✅English, Japanese, Korean)

12. Hsing-Tian Temple

Source: Shutterstock

Hsing-Tian Temple, primarily dedicated to Lord Guan, is a prominent figure in Chinese history who lived from 162 to 219 AD. Due to his unwavering loyalty and righteousness, he is revered as the Martial Saint. Additionally, his financial acumen has led to him being honored as a deity of business protection. Alongside Guan Sheng Di Jun, Liu Bei, and Zhang Fei are also enshrined, known together as the famous “Peach Garden Oath Brothers” from Chinese history.

The present location of Hsing-Tian Temple was established in 1967. Unlike other traditional temples in Taiwan, Hsing-Tian Temple’s altar is adorned only with fresh flowers and clear tea, without any other offerings. This is because Hsing-Tian Temple prohibits animal sacrifices and discourages practices such as burning joss paper, performing plays for the deities, and presenting thanksgiving gold plaques. Additionally, there are no donation boxes in front of the temple, as the temple discourages followers from offering money for incense and oil.

At Hsing-Tian Temple, visitors can experience Taiwan’s unique “shou jing 收驚” culture. In Taiwanese belief, encountering a frightening event, especially for children, might cause the soul to leave the body, leading to unstable sleep and loss of appetite. In such cases, adults often bring children to the temple for a “shou jing” ritual, where a ceremony is performed to call back the wandering soul. If you want to experience this, you can see long queues forming on both sides of the main hall after 11:20 AM on regular weekdays, indicating the preparation for the “shou jing” ritual.

Source: 遠見

Hsing-Tian Temple is widely regarded as efficacious, attracting many people seeking divine guidance and divination. As a result, the underground shopping area near the temple is nearly filled with fortune-telling stalls, creating a distinctive characteristic of the temple’s surroundings.

Hsing-Tian Temple | 4:00 - 22:00 (map)
shou jing 收驚 | 11:20 - 18:30 may change
🌐 Website (✅English, Japanese) 

13. Shilin Night Market

Shilin Night Market is one of the largest and most famous night markets in Taipei. It’s a hub for a wide variety of Taiwanese street food, centered around the Yangming Theater and Cicheng Temple. The market spans streets like Wenlin Road, Dadao Road, and Danan Road. The prices of the night market snacks are affordable. Here are a few classic food recommendations:

Zhong Cheng Hao Oyster Omelette: Fresh oysters are mixed with vegetables and batter, then fried on a griddle. They are served with a savory sauce.
Hai You Shi Quan Pork Ribs: Recommended by the Michelin Bib Gourmand, these pork ribs are prepared by stewing with fifteen types of Chinese herbs for six hours. The result is tender and flavorful ribs, particularly comforting in winter.
Shilin Hao Da Da Chicken Cutlet: Known for its generous portions, this stall offers a variety of fried chicken cutlets.
Zhong Family’s Shanghai Sheng Jian Bao: Also recommended by the Michelin Bib Gourmand, these small pan-fried buns are crispy on the outside and filled with a choice of cabbage or pork on the inside.

Source : Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government

Shilin Night Market offers a plethora of delicious food options. A future article will provide more detailed introductions. You can reach the market conveniently by taking the MRT Red Line to either Shilin Station or Jiantan Station.

Zhong Cheng Hao Oyster Omelette | Mon - Fri 16:00 - 1:00 Sat - Sun 15:00 - 1:00 (map)
Hai You Shi Quan Pork Ribs | 15:00 - 00:00 Closed on Tue (map)
Shilin Hao Da Da Chicken Cutlet | 15:00 - 00:00 (map)
Zhong Family's Shanghai Sheng Jian Bao | Sat - Mon 14:30 - 21:00 Tue Thu Fri 15:00 - 22:00 closed on Wed (map)

14. Raohe Street Tourist Night Market

Another must-visit night market in Taipei is Raohe Street Night Market, located on Raohe Street between Section 4, Bade Road, and Fuyuan Street in the Songshan District. In its early days, Raohe Street prospered due to the deep waters of the Keelung River, which facilitated water transportation and vibrant commercial activities between Raohe Street and Songshan Train Station. Over time, the riverbed silted up, leading to decreased ship traffic and a decline in business operations. In 1987, it was developed into a 500-meter-long night market, becoming Taipei’s second tourist night market.

Source: Unsplash / Vernon Raineil Cenzon

Stretching approximately 600 meters, Raohe Street Night Market features illuminated archways at the entrances located on Fuyuan Street and in front of Songshan Train Station. These archways mark the beginning of the bustling night market area. One of the most sought-after stalls near the entrance is the Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded Fuzhou Shizu Pepper Bun. Freshly baked, the pepper bun boasts a crispy crust, juicy pork filling, and a rich aroma of pepper—a definite must-try at Raohe Night Market. Other must-try delicacies include Hou Zhuang Pork Flake Noodles, Chen Dong Medicinal Stewed Pork Ribs, and Mochi Babies. This night market has a high density of Michelin recommendations, and I’ll be sharing a detailed guide in a future post.

Fuzhou Shizu Pepper Bun | 15:30 - 23:00 (map)
Hou Zhuang Pork Flake Noodles | 11:00 - 00:30 (map)
Chen Dong Medicinal Stewed Pork Ribs | 16:30 - 23:00 (map)
Mochi Babies | 16:00 - 00:00 closed on Mon & Tue (map)
🚌 MRT Songshan station Exit 5 (green line)

15. Maokong

Source: Maokong Found your tea cafe

Nestled in the hills of Taipei, Maokong is one of the largest tea-producing areas in the city, renowned for its Baozhong tea and Tie Guan Yin. Due to its elevated location, it offers a sweeping panoramic view of Taipei’s landscape. This has led to the establishment of numerous scenic tea houses, attracting crowds on weekends who come to sip tea while enjoying the vista. Many Maokong restaurants also incorporate tea into their dishes, resulting in unique tea-infused cuisines. For instance, tea leaves are added to chicken soup, infusing the broth with a subtle tea aroma, effectively cutting through the richness and adding an extra layer of fragrance.

Source: Instagram @auroralin_photography

Maokong’s accessibility, coupled with its hiking trails during the day and cityscape views at night, makes it a bustling hub on weekends. To reach Maokong, you have options like the gondola, buses, and taxis. Our top recommendation is the gondola. After taking the MRT to the Zoo Station, you can transfer to the gondola. During the day journey, you’ll be treated to sweeping vistas of Maokong’s lush mountains. The one-way fare is 120 NT dollars, and you can conveniently use an EasyCard for payment.

We planned a day trip to Taipei Zoo and Maokong, check it out!

Maokong gondola
⏰ Weekdays 9:00 - 21:00 Weekends 9:00 - 22:00
🎫 NT$ 300 （online purchase）
🌐 Website (✅English ✅Spanish ✅Japanese ✅German ✅French and more)

16. Yangmingshan National Park

Source: QuietParks.org (left), Taipei Tourism Bureau (right)

Yangmingshan National Park is the closest national park to Taiwan’s urban area. This ecologically rich park nurtures many precious conservation-worthy animals. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the elusive Formosan Blue Magpie, a unique bird species native to Taiwan.

The park is adorned with a variety of flowers, including plum blossoms, cherries, peaches, apricots, azaleas, and camellias. Every spring, the cherry blossoms bloom, drawing crowds to the mountains for flower appreciation. Following the cherry blossom season, around mid-March, calla lilies in Bamboo Lake flourish, providing an opportunity for flower picking. You can take home a bundle of calla lilies. In autumn, the vibrant maple leaves become a visual treat. Moreover, due to the volcanic activity in the park, visitors are attracted to its unique sulfur hot springs during winter.

Source: Yangmingshan National Park

One of the park’s highlights is the Flower Clock, composed of various seasonal flowers. When spring arrives in Yangmingshan, you must capture a photo here! Besides the Flower Clock, Yangmingshan offers attractions like Xiaoyoukeng, where you can observe a volcanic crater up close, Yangmingshuwu, the largest residence of Chiang Kai-shek, and Qingshan Grassland. If you’re a fan of hiking and enjoying nature, a visit to Yangmingshan National Park is an absolute must. We have a detailed guide to Yangmingshan if you ever plan to visit. The food at Yangmingshan is also unbeatable!

Yangmingshan National Park 
🚌 Yangmingshan → Taipei Station | Bus S260
🌐 Website (✅English ✅Japanese)

17. Beitou

Source: Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government

Beitou, renowned for its abundant sulfur deposits, gained its reputation as a hotbed of hot springs back in 1896 when the Japanese established Taiwan’s very first hot spring resort here. Since the era of Japanese rule, Beitou’s hot spring industry has thrived, cementing its prominent status.
A visit to Beitou’s Hot Spring Museum provides a captivating glimpse into the public bathhouse culture of the Japanese colonial period. Many of the bathhouse structures have been meticulously preserved, offering a window into Beitou’s architectural and cultural heritage.

Source: Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government

Heading uphill toward Beitou Park, you’ll find the perennially mist-shrouded Thermal Valley Park, the birthplace of Beitou’s hot springs. The air carries a pungent sulfur scent, and the spring water reaches scalding temperatures of 90 to 100 degrees Celsius, with an astonishingly low pH level of 1.6, making it highly acidic. With well-constructed boardwalks in place, visitors have the opportunity for an up-close encounter with the source of these rejuvenating hot springs.

Additionally, the Beitou Library is a must-visit destination. Crafted from wood, its striking exterior is complemented by a green roof and sloped grassy terrain designed for moisture retention, natural drainage into rainwater collection tanks, and subsequent reuse for plant irrigation and toilet flushing. These eco-friendly features have earned Beitou Library numerous architectural accolades.

Source: Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government

If you find yourself in Taipei during the winter months, we wholeheartedly recommend planning a day trip to Beitou to immerse yourself in the therapeutic embrace of its hot springs!

Checkout our dedicated posts to Beitou:
👉 A Local’s Complete Guide to Beitou Travel

👉 One Day Beitou Itinerary – Most Optimized Route to See Everything

👉 Beitou Hot Spring Recommendations: 7 Best Hot Springs that will Cleanse Your Spirit

👉 What to Eat in Beitou: Best Food and Restaurant Recommendations

Hot Spring Museum (map)
⏰ 10:00 - 18:00 closed on Mon
🌐 website (✅English ✅Japanese)
Thermal Valley Park (map)
⏰ 24/7 open
Beitou Library (map)
⏰ Tue - Sat 8:30 - 21:00 Sun & Mon 9:00 - 17:00

18. Xiangshan (Elephant Moutain)

Take the MRT to Xiangshan Station, and follow the signs along the way to reach the trailhead for Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain). Xiangshan is one of Taipei’s Four Beasts Mountains, and despite its elevation of just over 100 meters, it offers one of the best vantage points to admire Taipei 101. During the New Year, Taipei 101 hosts a dazzling fireworks display, drawing crowds of spectators to Xiangshan. If you’re looking to plan a day trip near Taipei 101 and want to get closer to nature, hiking up Xiangshan is an excellent choice. After the hike, head over to Taipei 101’s food court for a break.

Source: Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government

🚌 MRT Xiangshan station (Exit 2)

19. Tamsui

Located in the northern part of Taipei, Tamsui is situated near the mouth of the Tamsui River. It was once the largest port in the Taipei area, although the number of ships docking here has diminished over the years. Nevertheless, the historic and culturally rich streets of Tamsui continue to attract countless visitors each year.

One of Tamsui’s most famous landmarks is the Red Fort, originally dating back to 1624 when it was built by the Spanish as San Domingo Fort. It was later reconstructed on the same site in 1644 by the Dutch, becoming the Red Fort we see today. It once served as the British Consulate and is now open to visitors, making it one of Taiwan’s earliest architectural structures. Adjacent to it is the Little White House, built in 1864, featuring typical colonial-style architecture with a Spanish gallery structure. During the Qing Dynasty, it served as the official residence of the Tamsui Customs Superintendent.

Source: Wikipedia

In addition to these historic buildings, Tamsui Old Street is bustling with activity and offers a wide array of delicious cuisine for you to savor. Don’t miss out on trying Tamsui’s famous A-Gei, Grandma’s Iron Eggs, and handmade fish ball soup. In the evening, make sure to head to Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf to witness the beautiful sunset, and you can even take a ferry ride to explore the mouth of the Tamsui River! To buy a ferry ticket, we recommend Klook.

Source: Unsplash / W T

Red fort | Mon - Fri 9:30 - 17:00 Sat & Sun 9:30 - 18:00 (map)
Little White House | Mon - Fri 9:30 - 17:00 Sat & Sun 9:30 - 18:00 (map)
Ferry (Fisherman’s Wharf ⇋ Old Street) | NT$ 60 (one way) Klook
🚌 MRT Tamsui station

20. National Taiwan Science Education Center

Source: National Taiwan Science Education Center

If you’re traveling with kids or have a keen interest in science, I recommend visiting the National Taiwan Science Education Center. In its permanent exhibitions, you’ll find a plethora of interactive equipment that allows you to get hands-on with science. There’s even a suspended bicycle that offers the thrilling experience of cycling high above the ground.

In addition to the permanent exhibits, there are also occasional special exhibitions, such as haunted house displays, semiconductor exhibitions, Tutankhamun exhibits, and the ever-popular 3D theater. With 3D glasses on, the seats move in sync with the film, providing a sensation of riding a roller coaster through volcanoes or experiencing the ground-shaking footsteps of dinosaurs from the Jurassic era.

🚌 MRT Jiantan station ➞ Bus R30 / 4 / 8
🚌 MRT Shilin station ➞ Bus R30 / R12 / 557
🌐 website (✅English)

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And… that’s a wrap! I know this is a long post but I have too much to day about each location. We will write dedicated posts for each location (when we get time…), so please stay tuned.

Also if you have not noticed yet, the authors of Blue Canoe Travel are huge foodies. Do not miss our super detailed guides to what to eat in Taiwan! See ya around!