Top 13 Fun Things to Do in Taipei 2026 (A Must-See List!)
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Looking for fun things to do in Taipei, Taiwan? Here’s our list of the 13 must-see attractions and activities you shouldn’t miss on your visit!
We’ve had our eye on Taiwan for a while, especially with Taiwanese food becoming more popular worldwide. During a recent trip to Asia, we couldn’t resist adding Taipei and a few other Taiwanese cities to our itinerary. And the capital of Taiwan did not disappoint!
With 2.7 million people, Taipei (and Taiwan as a whole) is often overlooked by travellers. But there are many reasons to visit: it’s safe, you’ll find delicious and affordable food everywhere, the locals are friendly and polite, it’s English-friendly, and the city has stunning natural beauty.
To help you make the most of your time in Taipei, we’ve put together a list of 13 fun things to do. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveller, these activities will help you experience the very best of this underrated gem!
Don't miss these!
Our top picks for your Taipei trip
Taipei has so much to see and eat, and some of the best experiences book out fast. Here are the ones we did and would book again!
Top Taipei experiences
- Street food & hidden eats night market tour (we loved this so much we kept going back to most of the places our guide showed us)
- Taipei 101 observatory ticket (a MUST-DO in the city; the three floors of views plus the famous mass damper)
- Day trip to Yehliu, Shifen, and Jiufen (four incredible stops in one day, including sky lanterns in Shifen)
Where to stay in Taipei
- MGH Mitsui Garden Hotel (our #1 hotel pick; gorgeous views and a brilliant location right next to the MRT)
- Parkview Taipei (spacious rooms, great dining nearby, and a robot butler that delivers water to your door!)
Must-see attractions & activities in Taipei City
Whether you're visiting Taipei for the first time or you've been before, our list of the 13 top tourist attractions and activities highlights the best things to do and see.
1. Hike to the top of Elephant Mountain
Elephant Mountain was one of our absolute favourite things to do in Taipei!
The hike is short, only 1.5 km (0.9 miles), but it’s steep and challenging, especially on a hot day. You’ll climb over 300 steps, so be prepared to sweat!
Did you know? Elephant Mountain is officially called Xiangshan, which means “Elephant Hill” in Chinese because it looks like an elephant's trunk.
The peak is 183 metres (600 feet) high and gives you one of the best views of the city. You’ll get to see Taipei’s skyline and the surrounding hills and mountains.
It’s no wonder this is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
If you love photography, this is a MUST for snapping stunning photos of Taipei!
Our top tip: Even though Elephant Mountain is open 24/7, the best time to visit is at sunrise when it’s less crowded. If you're not an early riser, the next best option is late afternoon, just before sunset. The views are incredible as the city lights up with the setting sun.
2. Admire the panoramic views from Taipei 101
The iconic Taipei 101 is the tallest building in Taiwan and a key part of the city’s skyline. For a time, it held the title of the world’s tallest building until the Burj Khalifa in Dubai took over.
We went up to the observation deck on the 89th floor, where you get incredible views of the city.
But our highlight was seeing the massive 660-tonne steel ball there.
This mass damper reduces movement by up to 40% during earthquakes and storms, which is essential in Taiwan as it frequently gets earthquakes (luckily, we didn’t experience one during our visit).
Did you know? The damper is so beloved in Taipei that they created a mascot: Damper Baby! This character has the damper’s body and a big head with tiny arms and legs. You’ll find it in gift shops all over the city.
Our Top Tips for Visiting Taipei 101
- With the standard Taipei 101 ticket, you can explore three floors: the main indoor observatory on the 89th floor, the mass damper on the 88th floor, and an outdoor observatory on the 91st floor (which is closed when it’s rainy).
- You can pay extra to visit the 101st floor, but we didn’t feel it was worth the additional cost.
- Choose a clear day for your visit. Clouds, rain, or fog can spoil the view.
- Arrive before noon to avoid the big tour groups.
- After your visit, grab lunch at the food court on the ground floor (there’s so much choice!).
👉 The observation deck was one of our favourite moments in Taipei. Here's the ticket we booked.
3. Learn about Taiwan’s history at the National Palace Museum
If you’re into history like we are, the National Palace Museum in Taipei is an absolute gem. It holds nearly 700,000 Chinese imperial artefacts that cover over 5,000 years of history.
The museum contains incredible artwork, calligraphy, ceramics, and rare historical documents. We spent over three hours here exploring all of the items.
One of the museum’s most famous pieces is the Jadeite Cabbage (see picture below👇), a jade carving that’s centuries old. Another fun piece there is a meat-shaped stone… it looks exactly like a piece of pork.
Our Top Tips for Visiting the National Palace Museum
- The museum is outside Taipei’s city centre, and the Taipei Metro doesn’t go directly there. We took an Uber one way and a bus the other, but we’d recommend using Uber for its speed and convenience.
- The museum isn't always crowded, but on rainy days and weekends the ticket queue can be slow. We'd recommend buying your National Palace Museum ticket in advance to skip the machines and walk straight in.
- Expect many large tour groups from China, South Korea, and Japan, so you may have to queue to see the exhibits. Simply switch rooms and come back later.
4. See the changing of the guard at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
We weren't expecting the CKS Memorial Hall to be this big… it's MASSIVE! When we visited there were barely any other people around, which made the whole place feel even bigger.
The hall was completed in 1980 to honour Chiang Kai-shek, the Nationalist leader who played a central role in the Chinese Civil War against Mao Zedong's Communist Party.
Opinions about him in Taiwan vary widely. Some see him as a defender against communism, while others point to his authoritarian rule.
The changing of the guard ceremony runs on the hour from 9am to 5pm. It was cool to watch, but honestly not something we'd go out of our way to see again.
If you do want to catch it, stand on the far-right side near the elevator entrance and arrive five to ten minutes early for the best view.
We almost skipped the museum beneath the hall and we're really glad we didn't. It gave us a much better understanding of why this place even exists, and of Chiang Kai-shek's complicated legacy. It's an easy 20-30 minutes and well worth your time.
The grounds and memorial hall are free to visit.
Our top tip: If you want to go deeper on the history, we recommend this half-day city tour that covers the CKS Memorial Hall, the National Palace Museum, and Lungshan Temple in one morning. The local guide can put Taiwan's history (and especially Chiang Kai-shek's story) into real context.
5. Appreciate the beauty of Lungshan Temple
Lungshan Temple is our FAVOURITE temple in Taipei, and it's totally free to visit. If you only have time to visit one, make it this one!
The highlight for us were the dragon carvings on the roof. They're so colourful and detailed and are easily some of the most beautiful we've seen across all the temples in Asia… and we've visited a lot of them.
First built in 1738, it's one of the oldest temples in Taipei, though it's been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times over the centuries.
It's dedicated to Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, but also houses Mazu, the sea goddess, and Xuantian Shangdi, the Emperor of the Dark Heaven.
When we visited, it was mostly locals actively praying. Just be respectful with your camera. Don't use flash, and don't take close-up shots of people praying.
Save money on Taipei's top sights
The Taipei Fun Pass can be good value if you're planning to visit a few paid attractions. It covers Taipei 101's observatory, the National Palace Museum, and Yehliu Geopark, plus over 30 other sights… all on one pass.
It also includes unlimited MRT and bus rides, so you won't need a separate EasyCard during your visit.
6. Sample Taiwan’s street food at a night market
Taipei's night markets are one of the best things about the city. Locals gather to eat, shop, and socialise, and the energy is unlike anything else.
You'll find everything from stinky tofu and bubble tea to beef noodles, and some markets go even further with snake soup and frog legs.
With around 15-20 markets in Taipei, the toughest part is deciding which one to visit. Here are our three favourites:
We're huge foodies, and wherever we travel we try to do a food tour. In Taipei, we did this Taipei hidden eats & night market street food tour through Shida Night Market, the Taipei University district, and Yongkang Street, and we LOVED it!
We tried over 10 dishes, and the lu rou fan (braised pork rice) was probably our highlight. The bubble tea on Yongkang Street was also ridiculously good (you can never go wrong with bubble tea anyway😜). We left completely stuffed.
What we loved even more was the context. Our guide explained the history and culture behind every dish, and we walked through different neighbourhoods learning what each one is known for.
That background knowledge completely changed how we explored Taipei for the rest of the trip. We actually ended up returning to several of the places our guide took us to.
👉 If you're a foodie, don't leave Taipei without the food tour we did and loved.
7. Explore the trendy Huashan 1914 Creative Park
Creative parks are a popular concept across Taiwan. They’re repurposed historic sites that have been transformed into cultural and artistic spaces.
One of the most unique examples is Huashan 1914 Creative Park, which began as a wine and sake distillery in 1914 before being abandoned for years.
Today, it’s a popular destination for art exhibitions, cafés, and independent stores. We loved this mix of industrial and modern elements.
The park also hosts live music, film screenings, and even music festivals. If you’re interested in Taiwan’s creative side, Huashan 1914 is one of the best places to experience it firsthand.
Our top tip: Saturdays and Sundays are the best days to catch events and performances. For fewer crowds, go on a weekday or early on a weekend. Most shops there are open from 11am to 9pm daily.
8. Experience the buzz of Ximending’s pedestrian streets
Ximending is famous for its lively mix of shopping, food stalls, and restaurants. If you’ve been to Harajuku in Tokyo or Myeongdong in Seoul, you’ll know what kind of energy to expect.
By evening, it transforms into one of Taipei’s busiest nightlife hubs, packed with bars, karaoke spots, and nightclubs.
The area is a favourite with young people, and you’ll often spot anime and video game fans dressed up as their favourite characters.
We loved that it’s a fully pedestrianised space, making it easy to explore at your own pace.
Our top tip: If you’re after an Instagramable spot, don’t miss Rainbow Road. It’s a colourful street right off Exit 6 of Ximen Station.
9. Taste iconic dumplings at Din Tai Fung
Taiwan is a foodie’s paradise with some of the best food in Asia. And Din Tai Fung is one of its most famous exports, known for handcrafted xiao long bao (soup dumplings).
With over 170 branches in 14 countries, Din Tai Fung’s Shanghainese cuisine has earned a spot in the Michelin Guide and built a huge international following. But it all began in Taiwan.
Did you know? “Xiao long bao” translates to “small steamer bun”, named after the small bamboo baskets, or “xiao long”, used for steaming.
Back in 1958, founders Yang Bing-yi and Lai Pen-mei opened a cooking oil shop in Xinyi. When sales slowed, they pivoted to steamed dumplings in 1972. Their food quickly gained popularity, and Din Tai Fung’s fame spread worldwide.
We love Din Tai Fung’s food and have visited branches around the world, from Australia and the UAE to Singapore and the UK.
Naturally, one of the first things we did in Taipei was visit the original Din Tai Fung location on Xinyi Road.
Although the original branch now only offers takeout, it was a thrill to see its roots. We crossed the street to their new, larger dine-in restaurant for a delicious meal.
When in Taipei, make sure you try their delicious food at one of Din Tai Fung's eight Taipei branches at least once!
10. Wander through Bopiliao Historical Block's old streets
We stumbled across Bopiliao Historical Block while exploring Taipei, and it turned out to be a great spot to explore.
This lesser-known place is one of Taipei’s oldest preserved neighbourhoods that dates back to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The architecture combines styles from the Qing Dynasty, Japanese occupation, and early 20th-century Taiwan.
Did you know? Bopiliao’s traditional streets have made it a popular filming location for period dramas and films, such as Monga and The Assassin.
Don’t miss the educational centre, where you can see exhibits on traditional medicine, daily life, and the city’s growth. It’s a fantastic way to learn about Taipei’s past while enjoying a charming, preserved neighbourhood.
11. Visit Songshan Cultural & Creative Park
Another creative park you should visit in Taipei is Songshan Cultural and Creative Park. It used to be a tobacco factory and is now a bustling hub for art and design.
Songshan has a more upscale, commercial feel than the edgier Huashan 1914. Here, the focus is on established brands and designers.
The architecture of this old factory has been beautifully restored. We really liked walking through the halls of this vast complex, browsing unique stores, and relaxing in cosy cafés. And the inside garden is a must-see!
12. Explore the historic Four Four South Village
Four Four South Village was originally built in the 1940s as a military village for the personnel and families of the 44th Arsenal.
It was nearly demolished in the 1990s, but thankfully, local activists stepped in to save it. Today, it’s preserved as a cultural heritage site.
We expected the area to be larger, but the village is relatively small. Some of the original brick houses and narrow alleys remain, giving you a sense of what life was like back then.
Our top tip: There’s a free museum in the heart of the village. Although most of the signs are in Mandarin, not English, it’s still worth visiting to see the artefacts and photographs.
The village now hosts cafés, craft shops, and creative workshops.
Located in the Xinyi district, where you’ll also find Taipei 101, it’s a great place to visit before or after checking out the observation deck.
13. Take a day trip to Yehliu Geopark, Shifen, and Jiufen
If you're only in Taipei for a short trip but want to see more of Taiwan, a day trip to the island's northeast corner is the perfect option.
We highly recommend visiting Yehliu Geopark, Shifen, and Jiufen for a mix of nature, culture, and local charm. In our opinion, it's one of the best day trips you can take from Taipei.
While you can make the journey by train or bus self-guided, we chose this organised tour with a local guide to make the most of our time.
Here are the highlights of the day trip:
While you could easily spend half a day to a full day at each location, we packed it all into one full day (and it was totally worth it!).
Interactive map: our favourite places to visit in Taipei
We’ve created an interactive map to help you visualise the locations and distances between the top attractions in Taipei. It features all the must-see spots mentioned in this post:
How to use this map: Click the icon in the top left to see the full list of locations. For a bigger view, open it in a new tab via the top-right icon. You can also save it to your own Google Maps by clicking the star next to the map title.
Other sights & activities worth checking out
In this guide, we’ve highlighted the activities we consider the top things to experience in Taipei.
But if you have extra time during your trip, you might want to check out the items on the list below. These spots didn’t make our top picks but are still worth a visit:
Dalongdong Baoan Temple – This one is an excellent choice if you want to see more temples. It’s the second most beautiful (after Lungshan Temple) and less crowded, though it’s a bit further out.
Little South Gate – A short walk from Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, this reconstructed city gate gives you an idea of Taipei's past.
Dihua Street – Stroll down Taipei’s oldest street, which is lined with traditional shops and historic buildings that offer a glimpse of the old city.
Beitou Hot Springs – If you're in need of relaxation, Beitou's hot springs are a perfect escape. Soak in natural hot springs while surrounded by lush greenery.
Maokong Gondola – Take a ride on this cable car for breathtaking views of Taipei and its tea plantations. It starts from the Taipei Zoo Metro station.
Confucius Temple – Located in the Datong district, this is another beautiful temple in Taipei and ranks among our top three.
National Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall – This grand memorial, dedicated to the founding father of the Republic of China, is set in a lovely park.
228 Peace Memorial Park – A peaceful park in the middle of the city.
Red House – A historic building in Ximending that’s now a cultural hub with art galleries, theatres, and quirky shops.
Best time to visit Taipei
The best time to visit Taipei is typically October. The weather is mild and comfortable, with lower humidity and pleasant temperatures averaging around 26°C (79°F). This is after the summer heat and typhoon season, so it’s ideal for exploring the city and its outdoor attractions.
May is also an excellent time to visit, as the weather is still mild, and you'll experience fewer crowds. It’s also the season for cherry blossoms, especially in parks and temples.
For alternative months, April and November are also excellent choices. These months offer pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists, making them very comfortable for sightseeing.
We recommend avoiding the summer months (June to early September) due to the intense heat and high humidity, which can make it less enjoyable to walk around in the city.
How long to stay in Taipei
We recommend staying at least 3 full days in Taipei. This gives you enough time to visit the must-see spots, like Taipei 101, the National Palace Museum, and Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.
If you can, add an extra day for a trip to nearby areas like Jiufen.
Getting around Taipei
Taipei has many walkable neighbourhoods, but it’s a vast city with attractions spread across different areas.
While you can easily walk around popular districts like Ximending and Daan, you'll likely need to use public transportation to explore the city's other top sights.
Luckily, Taipei has an excellent public transport system. The MRT (Metro) is the fastest way to travel between major attractions, with stops near places like Taipei 101 and Ximending.
The MRT is clean, efficient, and easy to navigate, with signs in both Chinese and English.
For areas not covered by the MRT, buses and taxis are widely available. We also loved using Uber (e.g., to the National Palace Museum), which is very affordable compared to cities in the US or Europe.
Be sure to get an EasyCard when you arrive in Taiwan’s capital city. It’s a prepaid contactless travel card that works on the metro and buses.
Our top tip: You can use Google Maps for walking directions and real-time public transport schedules in Taipei. Just ensure you have internet access. We used a data plan from Airalo eSIM (our go-to provider) to stay connected wherever we went.
Where to stay in Taipei
Here are two Taipei hotels we stayed at and would happily return to:
Need more Taipei hotel ideas?
Check out our dedicated guide to where to stay in Taipei for area tips and even more hotel recs.
Starting to plan for Taipei?
Taipei is a fantastic city to explore, with bustling night markets, delicious food, and iconic landmarks. We spent seven days there during our Taiwan trip, and we’ll definitely be back to see (and eat) even more.
Taipei reminded us of a mix of Hong Kong and Singapore. Like Hong Kong, it has a skyline with impressive skyscrapers like Taipei 101, lively shopping districts like Ximending, and a great food scene. On the other hand, much like Singapore, Taipei offers clean, efficient public transport and an abundance of green spaces.
We hope this post has given you a good idea of what to expect and do in Taipei. If you’re still choosing a place to stay, check out our guide to the best hotels and neighbourhoods in Taipei.
We’re sure you’ll love Taipei as much as we did!
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