Taipei is one of Asia's most rewarding cities on a budget, and many of its most celebrated experiences cost nothing to access. From the best skyline viewpoint in the city to centuries-old temples, a volcanic national park, free museum halls, public hot spring foot baths, and the largest night market in Taiwan, here is a full guide to the best free things to do in Taipei.

The trail begins at Xiangshan MRT Station on the Red Line (Exit 2) and reaches the main rocky summit outcrops in 20 to 30 minutes via stone-cut steps. From the top, the full Taipei skyline fans out below with Taipei 101 rising at the centre. The trail is open 24 hours, free to enter at any time, and at its most spectacular at sunset and after dark. One of the most visited and photographed spots in Taiwan.

Taipei is well-connected by air to cities across Asia. Compare flights to Taipei Taoyuan International Airport on Traveloka.

One of the oldest and most important religious sites in Taiwan, originally built in the 18th century. A fully active place of worship, busy with devotees burning incense and consulting oracle blocks throughout the day. Free entry, open daily from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm.

A vast formal precinct in the heart of the city that includes the main memorial hall, a museum, the National Theater, the National Concert Hall, formal gardens, ponds, and ceremonial gates. Entry to all of these is free. The changing of the guard ceremony takes place every hour on the hour. The surrounding grounds are open around the clock.

Shilin Night Market (largest and most famous, alive after 6:00 pm), Raohe Night Market (older, more local), Ningxia Night Market (best for traditional Taiwanese street food), and Tonghua Night Market (quieter, popular with residents). All four are free to enter.

For more structured activities in and around Taipei, Traveloka's activities listings include day trips, cooking classes, cycling tours, and cultural experiences.

Ximending is Taipei's main pedestrian-only entertainment district, free to explore, most vivid in the evening. Dihua Street is the oldest surviving commercial street in Taipei, dating to the Dutch colonial period, lined with beautifully preserved Baroque-style shophouse facades. Free to walk from end to end, about an hour at a relaxed pace.

Taipei's accommodation ranges from design hotels in Xinyi District to well-priced guesthouses near the MRT. Browse hotels in Taipei on Traveloka to compare options across every budget.

Daan Forest Park: 26-hectare public green space, open 24 hours, free. Yangmingshan National Park: volcanic mountain park north of Taipei, free entry, hiking trails, flower fields, fumaroles. Reachable by bus from MRT Jiantan Station. Beitou Hot Spring Free Foot-Soaking Pools (Quanyuan Park): free outdoor public hot spring foot baths near MRT Xinbeitou Station, free to use daily. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in Xinyi District: free entry, rotating art exhibitions also free, changing of the guard every hour.

Traveloka, Southeast Asia's leading travel platform, makes planning a Taipei trip straightforward. Trusted by over 100 million users, Traveloka brings flights, hotels, activities, car rentals, eSIM coverage, and travel insurance together in one app. For day trips beyond the MRT network, a car rental through Traveloka gives you freedom to explore at your own pace. Traveloka's airport transfer service covers pre-booked, fixed-price rides from Taoyuan International Airport to central Taipei. Check Traveloka promotions for current deals on Taipei flights and hotels before confirming your booking. Download the app to get started.