Taipei: The Top Spots to See in and Around

Destination: Taipei, TaiwanCreated by: Moo_The_TrotterLast updated: 12th October 2026
Spend a few days moving between Taipei's temples, food streets and creative spaces, with Dihua Street and the night markets among the highlights. The neighbourhood pairings leave room for museum visits and park breaks. Choose a separate outing to Maokong, Beitou or the northern towns when you want time beyond the centre.
CultureTaiwanTaipeiTripFoodComprehensive
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Iconic Taipei Landmarks

Iconic Taipei Landmarks
Image of Taipei 101

Taipei 101

Skyscraper, Landmark
$$$
Visit the observatory for views across Taipei, or photograph the tower from outside.
Image of Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Monument, Landmark
Allow 60–90 minutes from the MRT for the square, gardens and exhibitions. The guard activity is an outdoor patrol and drill, cancelled in rain; check its schedule. Any linked car tour is separate from admission.
Image of National Palace Museum

National Palace Museum

Museum, History
$$
Allow a half-day at the Taipei branch via Shilin MRT and bus or taxi. Choose a few galleries and check opening, tickets and current displays: the Jadeite Cabbage and Meat-shaped Stone can move between branches.
Image of Longshan Temple

Longshan Temple

Temple, History
Look at the traditional architecture while observing local worship.
Image of Elephant Mountain

Elephant Mountain

Hiking, Viewpoint
Start from Xiangshan MRT and signed paths, allowing 1–2 hours for the stairs and return. Carry water and a light after dark; wet steps are slippery and sunset viewpoints crowd. A car tour does not remove the climb.
Image of Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

Memorial, Park
An optional outdoor stop near the MRT, paired with Songshan Creative Park. The main hall is closed for renovation; do not plan indoor exhibits or guard ceremonies without a confirmed reopening. Respect construction barriers.

Bustling Markets & Culinary Hotspots

Bustling Markets & Culinary Hotspots

Shilin Night Market

Night Market
$
Come in the evening for street food such as fried chicken and oyster omelettes.

Raohe Street Night Market

Night Market
$
Start near Ciyou Temple and try snacks such as pepper buns and stinky tofu.

Yongkang Street

Food Street, Shopping
$$
Choose this street for an afternoon meal, coffee or a browse around the boutiques.

Din Tai Fung (Xinyi Branch)

Restaurant
$$$
The original shop at 194 Xinyi Road is a takeaway stop. For seating, check the separate Xinsheng branch at No. 277 or the official locator, and confirm queues. This branch's history does not confer a Michelin star.
Image of Ningxia Night Market

Ningxia Night Market

Night Market
$
Choose this smaller market for traditional snacks and desserts if Shilin feels too sprawling.

Addiction Aquatic Development

Market, Restaurant
$$$
Choose a sushi, sashimi or grilled-seafood section to eat in, or buy seafood to take away.
Image of Taiwanese dumpling and noodle cooking class

Taiwanese dumpling and noodle cooking class

Experience · Taipei
For a hands-on alternative to another market meal, learn to make xiao long bao, beef noodle soup, cucumber salad and bubble tea at Cookinn Taiwan. The three-hour morning class includes lunch and is taught in English by default. Choose this for one morning, then leave the night markets for an evening of smaller tastes.

Culture, Art & History

Culture, Art & History

Dihua Street

Historic Street, Shopping
$$
Browse dried goods, fabrics and traditional medicine shops among the historic buildings. The street is especially busy before Lunar New Year.
Image of Huashan 1914 Creative Park

Huashan 1914 Creative Park

Art Center, Park
Browse exhibitions, independent shops and cafés in the former winery.

Songshan Cultural and Creative Park

Art Center, Park
Explore design shops and exhibitions in the former tobacco factory, then the garden and nearby Eslite bookstore.
Image of Taipei Confucius Temple

Taipei Confucius Temple

Temple, History
Look at the Fujian-style architecture in this temple dedicated to Confucius.
Image of Dalongdong Baoan Temple

Dalongdong Baoan Temple

Temple, Architecture
Look closely at the carvings, paintings and roof decorations.
Image of Ximending

Ximending

Shopping, Entertainment
$$
Browse the pedestrian streets for fashion, food and street performances.

Nature Escapes & Unique Experiences

Nature Escapes & Unique Experiences
Image of Daan Forest Park

Daan Forest Park

Park, Recreation
Allow 45–60 minutes from Daan Park MRT, paired with Yongkang Street. A gentler outdoor alternative to Elephant Mountain; carry water in heat and give pond birds space.

Maokong Gondola

Gondola, Scenic View
$$
Board at the gondola's Taipei Zoo Station near the MRT; this pin is not the boarding point. Allow a half-day, checking service and last return. The linked one-day gondola pass requires QR-code exchange; a full zoo visit is separate.
Image of Beitou Hot Spring Museum

Beitou Hot Spring Museum

Museum, Hot Spring
Visit the former bathhouse for hot-spring history, then choose a separate nearby hot-spring bath.
Image of Taipei Zoo

Taipei Zoo

Zoo, Family Fun
$$
Allow a full day for the zoo; arrive by MRT.
Image of National Taiwan University

National Taiwan University

University, Park
Walk among the campus ponds, greenery and historic red-brick buildings.
Image of Guandu Nature Park

Guandu Nature Park

Nature Reserve, Bird Watching
$
Bring binoculars for wetland birds, including seasonal migrants.

Day Trips from Taipei

Day Trips from Taipei
Image of Jiufen Old Street

Jiufen Old Street

Historic Town, Scenic View
$$
Allow most of a day via Ruifang and bus or taxi, or a direct Taipei bus. Expect stairs, rain and crowds; check the last return before staying for lanterns. The linked three-stop tour follows a faster itinerary.
Image of Shifen Waterfall

Shifen Waterfall

Waterfall, Nature
Allow walking time from Shifen station and check waterfall hours, paths and current branch-line or replacement-bus service. Use designated viewpoints; heavy rain affects access. Leave time for the return; the linked multi-stop tour is faster-paced.
Image of Yehliu Geopark

Yehliu Geopark

Geopark, Natural Landmark
$
Visit early for the Queen's Head and other rock formations before crowds and midday heat.

Tamsui Old Street

Historic Street
$$
Walk the riverside, try A-gei or fish crisps, and consider Fort San Domingo. Stay for river sunset views if your schedule allows.

Yangmingshan National Park

National Park, Hiking
Allow a separate day and choose an open route from the official map; this park pin is not a trailhead. Plan bus connections, match the walk to weather and fitness, carry water and suitable shoes, and respect geothermal barriers.

Pingxi Old Street

Old Street, Cultural Experience
$
Check branch trains or replacement transport and return connections; a short visit can take a full day. Choose Pingxi or Shifen unless timings allow both. Use public paths and stay off operating tracks; lantern release is optional.