Taipei is a unique global city where traditions, culture and innovations seem to co-exist in perfect harmony. Compared to other Asian cities, the warm & hospitable nature of Taiwanese makes exploring Taipei so much easier. Time can be a challenge when trying to experience the multiple facade of Taipei from the lively street-food scene, rowdy night markets to the highbrow National Palace Museum. To assist you with your trip planning, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the Top 10 Must Visit Tourist Attractions in Taipei, Taiwan.
1. Taipei 101 Building
With a height of 101 floors commemorating the renewal of time, this towering skyscraper is the perfect way to see Taipei from above the clouds. The main tower features a series of eight segments of eight floors each. From the Chinese perspective, the number eight is associated with abundance, prosperity and good fortune.
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 (Last tickets at 9:15pm) l Getting there: 10 minutes walk from MRT Blue Line (Nangang Line) or Taipei Station, Exit 4 on the MRT Red Line (Xin-Yi Line) l Fees: Adults NT$500, Fast Pass NT$1000, Children & Students NT$450 l Website: Taipei 101 l Facebook: Taipei 101 Observatory
2. National Palace Museum
The National Palace Museum and the Palace Museum in the Forbidden City in Beijing, China, share the same roots from old Palace Museum in Beijing due to the Chinese Civil War. Helmed as one of the largest museums in the world, it has a permanent collection of more than 696,000 pieces of ancient Chinese imperial artefacts and artworks from over 10,000 years of Chinese history – Neolithic age to the late Qing Dynasty. Most of the collection are high quality pieces collected by China’s ancient emperors.
Address: No. 221, Sec. 2, Zhishan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City 11143 l Tel: +8862 2881 2021, +8862 2661 3600 l Opening hours: Main building 8:30am – 6:30pm & Library 9:00am – 5:00pm l Getting there: Alight Shilin Station to take bus R30, alight Dazhi Station to take bus B13 or Jiannan Rd Station to take bus B20 l Fees: General audience NT$250, Group tour NT$230, Students (with valid ID) NT$150, free for children under school age & persons with disabilities l Website: National Palace Museum l Email: National Museum Email
3. Mengjia Longshan Temple
The most famous temple in Taiwan – Mengjia Longshan Temple was built in 1738 by Fujian settlers. It performed more than just a place of worship, the temple was also a gathering place for these Chinese settlers. Located in the old village part of Taipei, Wanhua District, this temple has stood the test of time and lasted through several natural disasters and wars. The local are consistently rebuilding and restoring this historical architecture to preserve this piece of history
Address: No. 211, Guangzhou St., Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10853 l Opening hours: 6:00am – 10:00pm l Getting there: MRT Wanhua Station l Website: The Lungshan Temple
4. Shilin Night Market
Indisputably the most popular night markets, you can shop and feast to your hearts desires at this huge night market. Although there is a large selection of clothes and accessories, tourists usually patronise the market for its famous local street food such as Sausage Wrapped in Glutinous Rice, Stir-fried Squids, Oyster Omelets, Shilin Super Size Sausages, Ribs Stewed in Chinese Herbal Medicine. Shanghai Bun, Qinwaxiadan, Scallion Pancakes, Paopao Ice, Huge Chicken Cutlet, and many more. Experience Taipei and do as the locals do here!
Address: 111, Shilin District, Taipei City l Opening Hours: 5pm to 12 midnight l Getting there: Night market across the street from Jiantan Station (Red Line) Exit 1
5. XiMenDing & Red House Theatre
Ximenting is the mecca for youth culture. Regardless weekdays or weekends, you are sure to find crowds of people filling the labyrinth of endless streets engaged in a wide range of activities from street performances, kitschy themed restaurants to innovative retail outlets. Don’t be fooled by Red House Theatre antiquated exterior, its interior comprises of interesting Taiwanese indie art shops. If you’re really lucky, you might just run into a Taiwanese pop stars holding an album-signing event there on some Sundays!
Address: 10 Chengdu Road Hua District, Taipei City, Taipei, Taiwan 108 l Phone: +886 2 2311 9380 l Opening Hours: 11am to 9pm (Tues – Thurs & Sun) & 11am – 10pm (Fri & Sat). Closed On Mon l Getting there: XiMen Station l Website: Red House Theatre l Facebook: Red House Theatre
6. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall
This hall is dedicated to commemorate the national founding father Dr. Sun Yat-Sen’s unparalleled morality, revolutionary conducts and to promote Dr. Sun Yat-Sen’s doctrine. The majestic, solemn main building, set against the Chung Shan Park has became more than just a crown jewel in Taipei’s eastern district – it has also brought a new facet to the local culture and arts scene.
Address: No. 505, Sec. 4, Ren-ai Road, Taipei 110 l Tel: +8662 2758 8008 l Opening hours: 8:30am – 11:30am, 1:30pm – 4:30pm l Getting there: 3 minutes walk from Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall Station, Exit 4 (MRT)
Website: National Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall
7. Lin Family Mansion & Garden
Located in Banciao, Lin Family Mansion & Garden best represents the architecture style from southern China. The Family used to be one of the most powerful and influential families in Taiwan and contributed greatly to the development of Taiwan economic infrastructure. Covering an area of 20,000 square metres, it is necessary to have a tour guide lead to enter the mansion’s interior.
Address: No. 9, Ximen St., Banqiao District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 220 l Tel: +8862 2965 30613 l Opening hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm (closed on 1st Monday of the month) l Getting there: 8 minutes walk from the Fujhong Station, Exit 3 (MRT), 20 minutes walk from the train Banciao Train Station l Fee: General admission is free. Regular guided tour is available. l Website: Lin Family Mansion and Garden
8. Jiufen
Founded during the Qing Dynasty, this small town was build due to gold rush during the Japanese occupation in 1893 thus explaining Japanese influence on both its architecture and culture. After the war, gold mining activities declined and town exists mainly as a tourist destination filled with Chinese and Japanese style cafés, tea houses, souvenir shops and amazing view of the ocean.
Address: No.89, Qiche Rd., Ruifang Dist., New Taipei City 224, Taiwan l Getting there: Exit Ruifang Station and board the Keelung Transit bus towards Jiufen from bus stop next to Wellcome Supermarket l Fee: Bus fare NT$21 during the week, NT$15 during weekends / holiday
9. Dan Shui & Fort San Domingo
Danshui (Tamsui) is one of the most popular day trip tourist spots in Taipei. The charming riverside town is known for its wide variety of street food, delicate handicrafts and beautiful scenery. Danshui is also a town that is rich in history. Located on its hilltop is Fort San Domingo that’s named after the first fort built by the Spanish in 1628. Local residents then called Dutch disdainfully as ‘Hong Mao’ hence leading to the name Hong Mao Chen (紅毛城) which literally means “red hair fortress” in Chinese.
Address: No. 1, Lane 28, Zhongzheng Road, Tamsui District, New Taipei City 125 l Tel: +8662 2623 1001 ext 26 (information desk) l Opening Hours: 9.30am – 5pm (Mon – Fri) & 9.30am – 6pm (Sat – Sun) l Getting there: Stop at MRT Tamsui Station and take R26 or 836 to Fort San Domingo
10. Yang Ming Shan National Park
Located in the north of Beitou, Yang Ming Shan is the only national park in Taiwan with volcanic geography and hot springs. The gorgeous mountain scenery and soothing weather also made Yangmingshan National Park an excellent summer resort for both local and tourist. The best time to visit is between January to May for its flower blossom festival.
Getting there: Take Bus 260 from Civic Blvd (outside Taipei Main Station), Bus Red 5 from Jiantan MRT Station, Bus 230 from Beitou.
No matter what are your interests, there is bound to be something for you in Taipei City, Taiwan!
