Things to do in Taipei City

Things to do in Taipei 

Whether you’re strolling down the bustling night markets in Taipei, trying iconic street food delicacies like stinky tofu, soy milk pudding, and bubble tea, exploring hiking trails at Yangmingshan National Park, or spending the day at the famous National Palace Museum, Taipei offers something for every type of traveller. With a captivating blend of modernity and tradition — from day trips to the Spirited Away-esque town of Jiufen to lively shopping districts like Ximending — Taipei is a city that never sleeps. And it’s easy to see why travellers keep coming back year after year. 

Unique Taipei things you can’t do anywhere else

There are so many truly unique Taipei experiences to enjoy. From riding the world’s fastest elevator to visiting the National Palace Museum filled with thousands of ancient Chinese imperial artefacts (that you won’t even find in China), below are unique Taipei things to do that deserve a spot on your travel itinerary. 

• Ride the world’s fastest elevator: Taipei 101’s elevator whisks you to the 89th floor in just 37 seconds. Blink and you’ll miss the sweeping views of the city below. 
• Release a sky lantern in Pingxi: Take part in this well-celebrated local tradition. Write your hopes and dreams on a paper lantern, light it up, and send it into the sky from an active railway track in the old mining town of Pingxi. 
• Visit the National Palace Museum: 
• Eat in a toilet-themed restaurant: Yes, you read that right. No one does themed cafes quite like Taipei. Only in Taipei can you order curry served in a miniature toilet bowl at Modern Toilet Restaurant — a weird and wonderful dining experience you have to try at least once.
• Visit a famous night market: Shilin, Roahe, and Ningxia are all popular night markets in Taipei. However, it’s so much more than delicious street food; they’re huge — filled with a carnival-like atmosphere, with ample shopping opportunities to find unique souvenirs, too. 

Best Taipei attractions to see

• Taipei 101: Once the tallest building in the world, Taipei 101 is iconic. You can ride the world’s fastest elevator to the observatory for breathtaking panoramic views on the city’s skyline. 
• National Palace Museum: With over 700,000 imperial Chinese artefacts, the National Palace Museum isn’t just something for the history buffs. It holds one of the world’s most significant collection of ancient Chinese art. 
• Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan): For nature lovers, a short sunset hike up Elephant Mountain offers one of the best views of Taipei. Photography lovers also park up here for some magical shots.
• Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: Honouring Taiwan’s former leader, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall features a grand plaza, a large blue-and-white building, serene gardens, and the hourly changing of guards ceremony. 
• Longshan Temple: Take a peek into Taiwan’s religious culture at one of Taipei’s oldest temples, Longshan Temple. A peaceful and spiritual space filled with tranquil surroundings, ornate carvings, and local worshippers. 
• Taipei Zoo: Animal lovers, you won’t want to miss this one. Get up close and personal with giant pandas and exotic animals in Asia’s largest zoo.
• Ximending District: A buzzing shopping and entertainment area packed with viral street food stalls, fashion boutiques, and a vibrant nightlife. Trust us, it’s a must-visit for any Taipei trip. 
• Beitou Hot Springs: After long days of exploring, blocking out a few hours at the Beitou Hot Springs offers a nice change from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

Best Taipei day trips and tours

• Jiufen Old Street: Jiufen is a charming old mining town known for its lantern-lit alleys, traditional tea houses, and nostalgic vibes that inspired the classic Studio Ghibli film, Spirited Away. It’s about 1.5 hours from Taipei via train, making it a popular day trip destination. 
• Shifen Waterfall: Taiwan’s broadest waterfall, coupled with that railway town charm. A popular spot for those who want to partake in the sky lantern tradition. Plus, due to its close proximity, many visit Shifen Waterfall within the same trip to Juifen Old Street.
• Yangmingshan National Park: Just 40-60 minutes away by train, the Yangmingshan National Park is a haven of hot springs, volcanic landscapes, and serene hiking trails. Nature lovers? You won’t want to pass this one. You can also book a round-trip charter service from Taipei for a door-to-door service.
• Taichung: For day trips that are a bit further away, take advantage of Taipei’s impressive high-speed rail system. In just 1 hour, you’ll get to the lively city of Taichung — where bubble tea was born. Expect trendy street art, delicious sun cakes, and a calmer and serene vibe compared to Taipei. 
• Kaohsiung: Hop onto a high-speed rail and arrive at Kaohsiung in approximately 90 minutes. Leave Taipei early in the morning and head to this laid-back, coastal, and artsy city. 
• Beitou Hot Springs: Just 30 minutes on the train from Taipei, this is one of the most relaxing day trips you can take. Soak in geothermal hot springs and watch as all your daily worries melt away. 

Budgeting for things to do in Taipei

Food and public transport in Taipei are incredibly affordable. You can have delicious eats from night markets for under AU$10. Public transport like trains is also affordable, generally costing less than AU$3 for a one-way ride. In other words, Taipei offers excellent value for tourists thanks to its affordable street eats and convenient public transport system. If you’re keen to splurge a little, the Taipei 101 observatory tickets are worth it. Plus, a luxury hot spring in Beitou is the perfect treat-yourself moment, and a great way to end your Taipei trip on a high.

Free things to do in Taipei

Want to explore Taipei without spending a cent? Well, you can. Here are our things to do in Taipei for free:

• Hike Elephant Mountain: Our tip? Hike up during sunset for unbeatable views of Taipei’s city skyline. No entrance fee required. 
• Explore Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: Wander through the plaza and watch the hourly change of guards — all for free. 
• Visit Daan Forest Park: A large urban green space with well-maintained walking paths, a lake, and birdwatching areas. Pack and picnic and soak it all in. 
• Stroll through the National Taiwan University campus: Filled with historic buildings and picturesque lakes, a quiet stroll through the National Taiwan University campus is well worth adding to your itinerary.