Things to Do in Taipei
48 curated spots from Taipei itineraries
Activities & Attractions
29 curated experiences
Longshan Temple
Visit the temple’s main halls, watch worshippers, and take in the carved roofs, lanterns, and incense-filled atmosphere.
1h · Free
Bopiliao Historic Block
A preserved street of Qing- and Japanese-era buildings with small exhibits on local history and culture.
1h · Free
Bopiliao Historical Block
Walk the restored historic lanes, courtyards, and low-key exhibits for a quieter counterpoint to the busier temple area.
1h · Free
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Walk the grand plaza, photograph the arches, and watch the hourly changing of the guard inside the memorial hall.[2]
1h 30m · Free
Huashan 1914 Creative Park
A former factory turned creative hub with design shops, cafes, rotating exhibitions, and open courtyards where you can relax.[4]
2h · Free (shops/exhibits extra)
Taipei Zoo
Large, green hillside zoo accessible by MRT, featuring pandas and extensive outdoor enclosures with shaded walking paths.[3][4][8]
2h 30m · $3-5 per person
Dadaocheng & Dadaocheng Wharf Evening Walk
Stroll Dihua Street’s preserved shophouses and then walk to the riverside wharf for sunset views and a relaxed waterfront promenade.[4]
1h · Free
Dadaocheng Old Street
Stroll the restored old street for tea shops, dried goods, heritage storefronts, and easy browsing.
1h 30m · Free
Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) Trail
Short but stair-heavy hike from Xiangshan MRT with classic postcard views of Taipei 101 and the skyline.[3][4]
1h 30m · Free
Elephant Mountain Hiking Trail (Xiangshan)
Take the MRT to Xiangshan Station and hike the short but steep stair trail to multiple viewpoints overlooking Taipei 101 and the skyline.[1][2]
1h 30m · Free
Elephant Mountain Trail
Hike a short section of the trail for Taipei 101 and skyline views, especially at golden hour or sunset.
2h · Free
Huaxi Street Night Market
Browse the market for classic snacks, street food, and a lively evening atmosphere.
1h 30m · Free to enter; food extra
Maokong Gondola
Scenic cable car from Taipei Zoo up into Maokong’s tea hills, with some cabins featuring glass floors and several viewpoint stops.[3][4]
2h · $5-10 per person (round-trip)
Maokong Gondola & Maokong Trails
Ride the gondola from Taipei Zoo up to Maokong’s tea-growing hills; enjoy views, short walking paths, and nearby hiking trails.[9]
2h 30m · $5-10 (round-trip gondola)
Maokong Tea Plantation Walk & Viewpoints
From Maokong Station, take short walks along the ridge to tea shops and small viewpoints over the city and hills.[3][4]
1h 30m · Free (tea extra)
National Palace Museum
World-class museum with one of the largest collections of Chinese imperial artifacts, including bronzes, jade, and calligraphy.[3][4]
2h 30m · $12-15 per person
Raohe Street Night Market (Optional Late-Night)
If you still have energy, MRT over to Raohe for pepper buns baked in tandoor-style ovens and a riverside temple-lit entrance.[3][4]
2h · $10-15 per person (food)
Shilin Night Market
Taipei’s largest and most famous night market for street food, carnival games, and shopping streets.[3][4][8]
2h 30m · $10-20 per person
Shilin Official Residence Park
Stroll the landscaped gardens and grounds of Chiang Kai-shek’s former residence, now a public park with walking paths and flowers.
1h 30m · Free or low fee for some areas
Songshan Ciyou Temple & Riverside Park (near Raohe)
Visit the ornate Ciyou Temple by Raohe’s gate, then walk to the nearby riverside park for night views of the bridge and city lights.[2]
1h · Free
Taipei 101 Observatory
Ride one of the world’s fastest elevators to panoramic city views and learn about the building’s massive tuned mass damper.[3][4]
1h 30m · $20-25 per person
Taipei Main Station Underground Mall
Shop for practical items, souvenirs, and affordable finds in one of Taipei’s easiest retail zones.
1h 15m · Free to browse
Tamsui Riverside Promenade
Take the MRT north to Tamsui and stroll the riverside path, snack on local specialties, and enjoy sunset sea and mountain views.[1]
3h · Free, food extra
The Warehouse
Book a relaxed wine tasting or by-the-glass session in a polished setting, then linger for conversation and a slower pace.
1h 15m · $20-40 per person
Ximending Pedestrian Area
Lively shopping and entertainment district with street art, fashion shops, and lots of snack stands and cafes.[4]
1h 30m · Free (shopping extra)
Ximending Walking District
Spend time shopping, browsing streetwear and accessories, and wandering the pedestrian lanes for street scenes and casual photography.
2h · Free
Xinyi District & Taipei 101 Area
Stroll the modern shopping malls and outdoor plazas around Taipei 101; optional visit to the observation deck for city views.[1][2]
2h 30m · $20-30 (shopping/coffee), Taipei 101 observatory extra
Xinyi District Night Stroll
Wander the pedestrian plazas around Taipei 101, ATT 4 FUN, and nearby malls with light installations and street performers.
1h 30m · Free (shopping extra)
Yongkang Street & Park Stroll
Walk along Yongkang Street’s compact stretch of dessert shops, cafes, and small boutiques, then relax at the nearby Yongkang Park.
1h 30m · Free (food extra)Restaurants & Food
19 local favorites
Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle
Order the signature flour-rice noodles for a simple, classic Taipei street-food lunch.
30m · $5-10 per person
Fuhang Soy Milk
Classic Taiwanese breakfast spot; order hot soy milk, crispy shaobing (baked flatbread), and fried dough sticks for a hearty start.
1h · $5-10 per person
Ningxia Night Market
Compact night market known for food stalls; try oyster omelet, braised pork rice, and grilled squid while browsing small shops.[2]
2h · $10-20 per person
Din Tai Fung (Taipei 101 Branch)
Famous xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) restaurant in the Taipei 101 mall; order pork xiaolongbao, shrimp fried rice, and vegetable dishes.[3][4]
1h 15m · $15-25 per person
Fu Hang Dou Jiang
Try traditional soy milk, egg crepe, and baked soy-pastry breakfast items for a classic Taipei start.
45m · $5-12 per person
Huaxi Street Night Market Food Stalls
Use the market for an easy local lunch; try snake soup only if curious, or stick with oyster omelet, pork rice, tofu, and other reliable classics.
1h · $8-20 per person
Maokong Tea House (generic choice)
Choose one of the tea houses near Maokong Station for simple dishes, tea, and a view back toward Taipei.
1h 30m · $12-20 per person
Maokong Teahouse (general area recommendation)
Choose a teahouse near Maokong Gondola’s upper station for tea, simple set meals, and hillside views over Taipei.
1h · $15-25 per person
Raohe Street Night Market
Dive into one of Taipei’s classic night markets; try pepper buns near the entrance, stinky tofu, bubble tea, and browse clothing and accessories.[1][2]
2h 30m · $10-20 per person
Second Floor Cafe
Have a relaxed late breakfast or brunch before exploring nearby heritage streets; order a set breakfast, coffee, or a light Western-Asian fusion plate.
1h · $20-35 per person
Shilin Night Market Food Stalls
Use Shilin Night Market as your dinner: try fried chicken steak, pepper buns, bubble tea, and fruit juices.[3][4][8]
1h 30m · $10-20 per person (overlaps with market spend)
Taipei Fish Market
Choose a seafood-focused dinner and order widely shared local favorites if you want a polished but still approachable meal.
1h 15m · $25-50 per person
Tamsui Old Street Snacks
Graze on fish balls, iron eggs, fried squid, and ice cream along Tamsui Old Street stalls for a casual waterfront dinner.[1]
1h 30m · $10-20 per person
Tonghua (Linjiang) Night Market
Local-favorite night market with grilled meats, stinky tofu, shaved ice, and bubble tea just a short walk from Xinyi shopping streets.
1h 30m · $10-20 per person
Ximending Izakaya or Taiwanese Bistro (generic)
Pick a casual izakaya-style or Taiwanese bistro in Ximending for shared skewers, small plates, and rice dishes.
1h 30m · $15-25 per person
Ximending Soy Milk / Local Breakfast (generic)
Pick a soy-milk or breakfast shop near Ximen MRT for egg crepes, turnip cakes, and fresh soy milk.
45m · $5-8 per person
Yong Kang Beef Noodle
Well-known for rich beef noodle soup; order the braised beef noodle and share side dishes like cold cucumber.
1h · $10-15 per person
Yonghe Soy Milk King (Da’an)
Casual Taiwanese breakfast chain; order hot soy milk, radish cake, and egg crepes to share.
45m · $5-8 per person
Yongkang Beef Noodle
Order the beef noodle soup and a simple side to get one of Taipei’s signature comfort foods.
1h · $10-20 per person