Taipei 101 is one of the most recognisable buildings in Asia, and the observatory experience goes well beyond the view. Spread across multiple floors, the tower packs in record-breaking engineering, immersive cultural exhibitions, world-class dining, and some of the best shopping in Taipei — all in a single visit. Whether you are travelling to Taiwan for the first time or returning for more, the observatory deserves a proper block of time on your itinerary.

This guide covers all 8 things to do inside Taipei 101, from the 89th-floor panoramic deck to the xiao long bao restaurant on the ground floor. Use it to plan your visit and make the most of every floor.

The main observatory sits on the 89th floor and delivers a 360-degree view of Taipei's entire cityscape. On a clear day, you can see mountain ranges framing the city on all sides, with the dense urban grid stretching out below. The perspective shifts dramatically as the light changes — at sunset, the city gradually transforms into a shimmering spread of lights that extends to the horizon. This is the centrepiece of any Taipei 101 visit, and it lives up to its reputation.

The indoor observation deck is fully climate-controlled, making it comfortable regardless of the weather outside. Strategically placed viewing windows are angled for minimal glare and maximum sightlines. Informational displays around the deck provide context about the landmarks visible from each direction. Give yourself at least 30 minutes here before moving on to the other floors.

For those who want fresh air with their view, Skyline 460 is the outdoor observation area located at the very top of the building, accessible from the 89th floor. You take an elevator up to the 100th floor, then climb one additional storey via a fire escape stairway to reach the open-air deck at level 101. The name refers to the height in metres above street level, and the experience of standing outside at that altitude is genuinely exhilarating.

The outdoor deck gives you an unobstructed, glass-free view of Taipei in every direction. Wind speeds at this height can be significant, so a light jacket is worth bringing along. The contrast between the enclosed 89th floor and the exposed outdoor platform is striking — both are worth experiencing on the same visit. Access to Skyline 460 is included with the standard observatory ticket.

Looking to book your observatory tickets ahead of time? Traveloka's activities page lists Taipei 101 tickets alongside hundreds of other experiences across Asia.

The journey to the observatory is itself a highlight. The high-speed elevator travels at a maximum speed of 1,010 metres per minute and covers the distance from the ground floor to the 89th floor in just 37 seconds. This performance earned the elevator a Guinness World Record in 2004, and it remains one of the fastest passenger lifts ever built. Pressurisation technology inside the cabin ensures passengers feel no discomfort during the rapid ascent.

The interior of the elevator is designed to make the speed feel tangible — the ceiling display shows a starfield that accelerates as the lift climbs, giving you a visual sense of just how fast you are moving. The descent is equally smooth, with the same pressurised system preventing ear-popping. For anyone with an interest in engineering or architecture, this is a remarkable piece of technology to experience in person. The ride alone justifies including Taipei 101 on a Taipei itinerary.

Suspended inside the building between the 87th and 92nd floors is the Tuned Mass Damper, a wind-dampening sphere measuring 5.5 metres in diameter and weighing 660 metric tons. The damper is designed to counteract the vibrations caused by strong winds and seismic activity, swaying in the opposite direction to the building's movement to keep the structure stable. It is one of the largest and most visible dampers of its kind in the world.

Visitors can view the damper up close from dedicated viewing platforms, with explanatory panels describing how it works. The sphere is painted a deep gold and is visually impressive on its own terms, quite apart from its engineering function. Seeing it in person makes the physics feel real in a way that diagrams cannot capture. It is a reminder that behind the gleaming facade of Taipei 101 is one of the most sophisticated structural engineering projects ever undertaken.

Located on the 5th floor, the Stunning Taiwan exhibition uses 4D interactive multimedia technology to showcase the landscapes, culture, and natural beauty of Taiwan. The exhibits draw visitors through different regions of the island — from the mountain trails of the central highlands to the coastal scenery of the east. The technology is genuinely immersive, with sensory elements that go beyond standard screens and displays.

The exhibition is a well-designed introduction to Taiwan for first-time visitors who plan to travel beyond Taipei during their trip. It is also worth experiencing for return visitors, as the content is updated to reflect seasonal and cultural themes. The floor is air-conditioned and spacious, making it a good stop before or after the main observatory ascent. Allow at least 20 minutes to move through the full exhibition at a comfortable pace.

Planning your Taiwan trip? Flights from Singapore to Taipei (TPE) are available on Traveloka, with fares starting from around S$116.72.

Taipei 101 has invested in dedicated photography spots throughout the observatory floors, each positioned to frame the view in the most visually striking way. These are not just informal vantage points — they are deliberately designed with backdrops and lighting that make for clean, shareable photos. Signage throughout the observatory guides visitors to the best spots at different floors and lighting conditions.

The gift shop carries a curated range of Taipei 101 souvenirs including postcards, keychains, and miniature replicas of the building. The replica models come in several sizes and are well-made, making them a worthwhile keepsake rather than generic tourist merchandise. If you are looking for something to bring back for friends or family, the gift shop is worth a browse before heading back down. It is located near the main observatory exit on the 89th floor.

The retail floors of Taipei 101 cover an enormous range of shopping categories, from ultra-luxury international brands to independent local labels and weekend markets. The lower floors are home to prestigious designer fashion houses and high-end jewellery boutiques, while the mid-level floors transition into international lifestyle brands and local Taiwanese retailers. The variety means there is something relevant for shoppers at every budget.

The mall also hosts rotating seasonal events throughout the year, including Christmas markets, Lunar New Year installations, and themed weekend bazaars. These events tend to draw crowds and create a lively atmosphere beyond the standard retail experience. If you are visiting during a public holiday or festive period, check what is happening at the mall before your visit. The underground floors connect to public transport, making it easy to arrive and depart without stepping outdoors.

The dining options inside Taipei 101 span from Michelin-starred fine dining to casual street food, all within the same building. The range is broad enough to suit any meal occasion, from a quick bite before the observatory to a full sit-down dinner after shopping.

Located on the ground floor, Din Tai Fung is the restaurant most visitors put at the top of their Taipei 101 dining list. The restaurant is celebrated for its xiao long bao (soup dumplings), which have earned Michelin star recognition. Each dumpling is hand-folded to a precise standard, with a paper-thin skin that holds a rich, hot broth inside. Queues are common, so arriving early or during off-peak hours will give you a shorter wait.

Fujin Tree Taiwanese Champagne offers a more relaxed dining atmosphere, blending traditional Taiwanese cuisine with French champagne pairings. The menu draws on local ingredients and classic Taiwanese flavour profiles, presented in a contemporary style. It is a good choice for a long, leisurely meal after a morning at the observatory. The interior design is warm and inviting, with a neighbourhood feel that sets it apart from the grander dining rooms elsewhere in the building.

For coffee, Simple Kaffa Sola on the 88th floor is the standout option. The cafe serves artisanal coffee prepared by a team with an internationally recognised reputation in specialty coffee. Sitting at the window with a well-made cup of coffee and a view across the entire city below is one of the more memorable moments Taipei 101 has to offer. The menu is focused and tight, with a small selection of baked goods alongside the coffee.

The food court on the 5th floor serves a broad selection of traditional Taiwanese snacks and full dishes at accessible prices. This is the best option for a quick, affordable meal that still delivers genuine local flavour. Popular items include rice dishes, noodles, and a range of Taiwanese snack staples. It doubles as a practical lunch stop if you are spending a full day across the tower's various attractions.

Searching for a comfortable place to stay near Taipei 101? Hotels in the area range from well-priced business hotels to luxury properties, with rooms from around S$57 per night on Traveloka.

Traveloka is Southeast Asia's leading travel platform, trusted by over 100 million users across the region. For a Taipei 101 trip from Singapore, you can book flights to Taipei, compare hotels near the tower, and secure your Taipei 101 observatory tickets all in one place. The app also covers activities across Taiwan — from hot spring experiences to night market tours — so your full itinerary is organised before you land.

For getting around once you arrive, Traveloka offers airport transfer bookings from Taoyuan International Airport into central Taipei, and car rental options for day trips beyond the city. A Taiwan 5G eSIM is also available through the app from S$1, so you have connectivity sorted from the moment you land. Check the latest Traveloka promotions before you book — flight and hotel deals are updated regularly, and bundling your bookings is an easy way to keep the total cost down.

Download the Traveloka app on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store to compare prices, manage your bookings, and access your e-tickets directly from your phone. Observatory e-tickets purchased through Traveloka include a barcode that lets you skip the entrance queue, saving you time on the day of your visit.