Ever since I visited Taipei for the first time in 2016, I knew I wanted. to come back and explore the city even more. But due to Covid, it was all pushed back a bit. Now I finally got to visit again and want to share with you 16 things to do in Taipei so that you can also make the most of your visit.
Table of Contents
1. Visit a night market and eat all the food!
When you think of Taipei, it’s hard not to immediately think of Bubble tea and Night markets. And let me tell you, the night markets don’t disappoint. Sure, post-Covid, things are slightly less crowded, but it’s still such a fun and great experience! Plus, you get to try some very tasty Taiwanese treats for affordable prices.
If you find yourself in Taipei (and you totally should), try to visit at least two of these lively night markets. This time around I visited Raohe and Shilin Night Market, and let me just say, it’s a foodie’s paradise.
Stay tuned, because I’ll probably be posting another blog post soon, including all the delicious foods I got to try in Taipei!
Shilin Night Market
Address: No. 101, Jihe Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111
Opening Hours: daily from 4 pm until 12 am
Raohe Night Market
Address: Raohe St, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105
Opening Hours: daily from 5 pm until 11 pm
Gonnguan Night Market
Address: Ln 90, Section 4, Roosevelt Rd, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
Opening Hours: daily from 3 pm until 11:45 pm
Linjiang Night Market
Address: Linjiang St, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Opening Hours: daily from 6 pm until 12 am
Shida Night Market
Address: Lane 39, Shida Rd, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Opening Hours: weekdays from 6 pm until 11 pm, weekends from 6 pm until 12 am
Ningxia Night Market
Address: 103, Taiwan, Taipei City, Datong District, Ningxia Rd, 58號2樓
Opening Hours: daily from 5 pm until 1 am
Banqiao Nanya Night Market
Address: No. 87, Nanya E Rd, Banqiao District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 220
Opening Hours: daily from 5 pm until 12 am
2. Enjoy some delicious taiwanese tea
Without a doubt, one of the things I enjoyed the most in Taipei was indulging in all the amazing teas, whether it was at a cozy Taiwanese Tea House or just grabbing a tea to go at the numerous bubble tea spots scattered throughout the city.
I’m pretty sure that during my time in Taipei, I drank more tea than water, but I’m not complaining – it was just sooo good!
Some of the tea houses I really enjoyed are:
Eighty-Eightea Rinbansyo
Address: No. 174, Section 1, Zhonghua Rd, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108
Opening Hours: weekdays from 8:30 am until 6 pm, weekends from 8:30 am until 8 pm
If you’re in the Ximending area, I highly recommend visiting Eighty-Eightea Rinbansyo teahouse. Not only is the staff so sweet and friendly, but you’ll be able to taste some delicious tea in a traditional style tea house and enjoy some Taiwanese sweets alongside it.
Yao Yue Teahouse
Address: No. 6號, Lane 40, Section 3, Zhinan Rd, Wenshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 116
Opening Hours: open 24 hours
Nestled atop Maokong Mountain, a bit away from the hustle and bustle, this tea house is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy some delicious Taiwanese tea. When you place your order, they hand you a piece of paper with instructions on how to brew the tea and provide all the necessary utensils. It’s a fantastic experience, and the best part is, if you don’t use all of the tea leaves they give you, you can take them home – no wastage here!
3. Take the Gondola up Maokong Mountain
Address Cable Car: No. 8, Section 2, Xinguang Rd, Wenshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 116
Opening Hours: Tuesday through Sunday from 9 am until 9 pm, closed on Mondays
Admission Gondola: One Way – one stop: NT $70, two stops NT $100, three stops NT$120
If you’re a tea lover like me, you will really enjoy Maokong Mountain. But even if not, the Gondola ride up the mountain makes for some amazing views of Taipei. I do recommend trying to take the Gondola when the weather is nice so you will have a perfect view over the city.
The first time I visited Taipei it was raining a lot and so the ride up the mountain was quite foggy and I actually couldn’t see a thing. However, this time around the view was a lot better and I very much enjoyed it.
When you queue for the gondola you can choose between queueing for the regular gondola or for the one with the glass bottom.
Once you get to the top of the mountain, you will find numerous small tea houses selling the local tea. And if you really enjoy tea, I do recommend also trying the Oolong ice cream. It’s super delicious!
4. Take a stroll and shop at Ximending
Ximending is actually the first pedestrian area constructed in Taipei and has become a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
It’s bustling with people especially on weekends and evenings. When walking through the streets you can check out the many shops selling local souvenirs, Taiwanese snacks and fashion. You can also try some of the many Taiwanese delicacies at the food stalls or small restaurants all through the area.
Wanhua District is also the perfect place to stay at while visiting Taipei as it is close to the green and blue Metro line as well as Taipei Main station from where you’ll have a direct train to Taipei’s International Airport. You can also very easily get to many other places throughout Taipei.
5. Visit the Bopiliao Historical Block and Bangka Longshan Temple
Address Bopiliao Historical Block: Lane 173, Kangding Rd, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108
Opening Hours: Tuesday through Sundays from 9 am until 6 pm, closed on Mondays
Admission Fee: free
The narrow streets of Bopiliao Historcial Block and well-preserved architecture from the Qing Dynasty make it perfect for those interested to learn more about history. Don’t miss the immersive exhibits that showcase Taipei’s evolution from its early days to modern times. While I was there, I visited one of the exhibitions and this lovely older man gave me a private tour and explained the paintings to me in perfect English. It was such a heartwarming and interesting experience.
Address Bangka Longshan Temple: No. 211, Guangzhou St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10853
Opening Hours: daily from 6 am until 9:30 pm
Admission Fee: free
After exploring Bopiliao, head to Bangka Longshan Temple, a stunning example of traditional Taiwanese temple architecture.
Marvel at the intricate carvings, fragrant incense, and serene atmosphere—perfect for a moment of reflection. These two sites offer a perfect blend of Taipei’s past and present, giving you a memorable cultural experience.
6. Buy some traditional Chinese Medicine at Dihua Street
Address: Section 1, Dihua St, Datong District, Taipei City, Taiwan 103
For those interested in traditional Chinese medicine, I recommend to explore the vibrant Dihua Street in the Datong District. This historic street is lined with shops that have been selling herbal remedies, dried goods, and medicinal ingredients for generations. Walking through Dihua Street is like stepping back in time, with its charming old buildings and the rich aromas of various herbs and spices wafting through the air. Knowledgeable shopkeepers are usually on hand to offer advice and help you find exactly what you need, whether it’s ginseng, goji berries, or a custom herbal blend.
7. Learn more about Taiwan at the National Palace Museum
Address: No. 221, Sec 2, Zhi Shan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111
Opening Hours: Tuesday through Sunday from 9 am until 5 pm, closed on Mondays
Admission Fee: Regular Ticket NT $350
You can easily get to the National Palace Museum by taking a bus from Taipei – there are a few different busses going directly to the museum. I recommend checking on Google Maps which one is the best option for you to take.
This museum is absolutely beautiful and should be on your list of things to do in Taipei. You can probably spend 2 hours or more here. There are multiple floors showcasing different centuries of Taiwanese history. You can also find a few souvenir shops to buy something small and memorable to take home with you.
8. Stroll around Huashan 1914 Creative Park
Address: No. 1, Section 1, Bade Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
Opening Hours: open 24 hours
Admission Fee: free
This is such a fun and up and coming place in Taipei. I visited on a weekend and when walking around the area, you’ll find many little shops, people selling their own arts & crafts, and a few exhibitions. While I was there, they had the Stranger Games and Snoopy exhibition with merch that you could only buy there. It’s a really fun place to visit and even if you’re hungry, you’ll be able to find many food options to choose from!
9. Take a break at 228 Peace Memorial Park
Address: Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
Opening Hours: open 24 hours
Admission Fee: free
As this park was almost right next to my hotel, I spend quite a bit of my time walking through the park or sitting on one of the many park benches. It’s a very clean and nice park close to Ximending area and the Liberty Square.
If you’re ever in need of a little break from the more hectic city life (although Taipei is not that hectic), I recommend coming here.
10. Visit the famous Liberty Square
Address: No. 21號, Zhongshan S Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
Opening Hours: open 24 hours
The Liberty Square is probably one of the most famous attractions in Taipei and a must see! And I agree.
This plaza is a blend of cultural depth and historical significance, making it a fascinating spot to explore. You can find the iconic Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, as well as the National Concert Hall and National Theater there which create a stunning backdrop for your photos. While visiting, take your time strolling through the beautiful gardens, where you might catch a traditional performance or simply enjoy some peaceful people-watching (I know we all love to do that).
11. Explore the area of Dalongdong Baoan Temple & the Nearby Confucius Temple
Address: No. 61, Hami St, Datong District, Taipei City, Taiwan 103
Opening Hours: daily from 6:30 am until 9 pm
Admission Fee: free
Exploring the area around Dalongdong Baoan Temple and the nearby Confucius Temple gives you a look into Taipei’s cultural and historical heritage. Start at the Dalongdong Baoan Temple, in beautiful Taiwanese architecture with intricate carvings and colorful decorations.
Just a short walk away, you can find the Taipei Confucius Temple, a tranquil haven dedicated to the revered Chinese philosopher. Here, you can wander through the beautifully maintained courtyards and learn about Confucian teachings through informative exhibits.
12. Get a massage and relax
After a long day of exploring Taipei and its surroundings, I recommend visiting one of the many massage places for a relaxing massage. I actually got two massages while I was in Taipei and it was definitely needed after walking so much all day and carrying stuff around. Massages are not super expensive, so I would just try to find something that’s close to where you are staying and check the Google reviews.
13. Visit the Taipei Rose Garden & Lin An Tai Historical House
Address Taipei Rose Garden: No. 105, Section 3, Xinsheng N Rd, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10491
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Admission: free
Address Lin An Tai Historical House: No. 5號, Binjiang St, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10491
Opening Hours: Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 am until 5 pm
Admission: free
Start your day at the Taipei Rose Garden in Xinsheng Park. It’s best to come here in the morning to capture stunning photos of over a hundred varieties of roses in full bloom. Don’t forget a hat and sunscreen for sunny days though since there is not a lot of shade. Afterward, take a short walk to the Lin An Tai Historical House, a beautifully preserved traditional Chinese residence.
I recommend to spend at least half an hour exploring its intricate carvings, serene courtyards, and historical exhibits.
14. Step into Japanese culture and visit Rongjin Gorgeous Time
Address: No. 167號, Jinhua St, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Opening Hours: daily from 11 am until 8 pm
When you’re in Taipei, make sure to check out Rongjin Gorgeous Time for a taste of its unique Japanese vibe. Stroll through the small streets filled with Japanese-style buildings and cute little shops. You can find some pretty cool stuff that blends Taiwanese and Japanese styles, from food to crafts. It’s a great spot to pick up some one-of-a-kind souvenirs or grab a bite of authentic Japanese food.
This place actually also has a very interesting historic background. During the Japanese colonial period in Taiwan (1895-1945), Rongjin was developed as a residential area primarily for Japanese officials and their families. The architecture and layout of the area reflect the influence of Japanese urban planning and design from that era.
After World War II and the end of Japanese rule, Rongjin continued to develop as a residential and commercial area within Taipei.
15. Shop along the streets by Zhongsan Station
The area by Zhongsan Station was actually one of my favorites. There are many small local shops and cute cafes and restaurants. It’s an especially fun place at night when it gets dark and Taiwanese people meet here to hang out. On weekends, you might even stumble across some small handmade markets. It’s definitely worth checking out and in my opinion, a lot more fun than all the malls that basically all have the same stores.
16. Visit Taipei 101 Observatory
Address: No. 7, Section 5, Xinyi Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110
Opening Hours: 10 am until 9 pm
Admission Fee: NT $600 (adult)
When I came to Taipei the first time in 2016, I wanted to visit the Taipei 101 observatory but due to foggy weather conditions, the staff recommended me to not visit that day as I would not be able to see anything. Ever since then I never went again but I will definitely visit during my next trip to Taipei (because I will definitely come again).
And even though, it’s last on my list, it’s definitely one of the must-see spots with incredible city views that stretch for miles. You will get to see how they built one of the tallest buildings ever, and there’s even a cute Damper Baby mascot! Sunset is the prime time to go for some unforgettable cityscape photos.
It’s been a great few days that I got to spent in Taipei and I cannot wait to go back.
If you wanna read more about my travels in Taipei and get more information on what to do and see, then check out my other blog posts.
Leave a comment below if you have any questions or have anything you would add to the list!
