If you have been looking for a destination that somehow blends centuries-old temples, futuristic skyscrapers, world-class street food, and misty mountain hikes all in one city, then Taipei, Taiwan is calling your name. This compact but endlessly layered capital is one of Asia’s most underrated travel gems, and once you visit, you will completely understand why so many travelers keep coming back.
As someone who loves exploring cities that have both soul and style, Taipei truly delivers. The streets are clean, the people are incredibly warm, and the food scene alone is worth the flight. Whether you are planning your first trip or looking to dig deeper beyond the usual highlights, this guide covers the top tourist spots in Taipei that you absolutely cannot miss. Pack your comfortable shoes and your appetite because this city is best explored one neighborhood at a time.
1. Taipei 101
Taipei 101 is the city’s most iconic landmark, and it is easy to see why. Standing at 508 meters tall, this bamboo-inspired skyscraper was once the tallest building in the world (from 2004 to 2010) and remains one of the most recognizable structures in all of Asia. Ride the world-class high-speed elevator up to the 89th-floor indoor observatory for a full 360-degree panoramic view of the Taipei basin, or head out to the 91st-floor outdoor deck if the weather is clear. Inside, the building also houses a massive shopping mall with both luxury brands and local dining options. If you visit during New Year’s Eve, the fireworks launched from Taipei 101 are broadcast internationally and are absolutely spectacular.
2. National Palace Museum
The National Palace Museum is home to one of the largest and most important collections of Chinese imperial art and artifacts in the world, with over 700,000 pieces spanning thousands of years of history. Highlights include the famous Jadeite Cabbage, the Meat-shaped Stone, and an extraordinary collection of ancient bronzes, calligraphy, and ceramics. You could easily spend a full day here and still feel like you have only scratched the surface. The museum also regularly rotates its exhibits since only a fraction of the collection can be displayed at any given time. Plan your visit for a weekday morning to avoid the biggest crowds.
3. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Set within a sprawling 25-hectare park, the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is one of the most visited cultural landmarks in Taipei and a centerpiece of Taiwan’s modern history. The grand white building with its iconic blue octagonal roof is surrounded by manicured gardens, a large reflecting pond, and two impressive performance venues — the National Theater and the National Concert Hall. Visitors can explore the history gallery inside the memorial to learn about former ROC President Chiang Kai-shek’s life and Taiwan’s political journey. A guard-changing ceremony takes place outside the hall hourly from 9am to 5pm and is a must-watch. The grounds are also one of Taipei’s most beautiful spots for cherry blossom viewing in spring.
4. Longshan Temple
Built in 1738, Longshan Temple in the Wanhua District is one of the oldest and most revered temples in Taipei and a true spiritual heart of the city. The architecture is breathtaking, with intricate carvings, golden dragons, and swirling incense smoke that fills the air at all hours. Dedicated to the Buddhist goddess Guanyin alongside a host of Taoist deities, the temple draws both devoted worshippers and curious visitors alike. Come here in the early morning or evening to witness the chanting ceremonies — they are incredibly atmospheric and moving. Longshan Temple is consistently ranked as one of the top three attractions for international visitors to Taiwan, alongside the National Palace Museum and CKS Memorial Hall.
5. Shilin Night Market
Shilin Night Market is the biggest and most famous night market in Taipei, and it is an absolute must for any first-time visitor. The market comes alive every evening with hundreds of stalls selling everything from stinky tofu and oyster vermicelli to bubble tea, grilled corn, and giant fried chicken cutlets. There is also a lively section packed with games, accessories, and souvenir shops.
6. Yangmingshan National Park
Just a short bus or taxi ride north of Taipei city proper, Yangmingshan National Park offers one of the most accessible nature escapes you will find anywhere near a major capital city. The park is famous for its volcanic landscape, which includes steaming sulfur vents, fumaroles, and hot spring areas that are open to the public. In spring, the hillsides burst into bloom with cherry blossoms, azaleas, and calla lilies that draw huge crowds of local and international visitors. The park’s highest point, Qixing Mountain, offers rewarding hikes with sweeping views over Taipei and, on clear days, even out to the ocean. Whether you come for a quick morning hike or a full day of exploration, Yangmingshan is a wonderful breath of fresh air from the city below.
7. Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan)
For the best view of Taipei 101 from above — and the most Instagrammable shot in the city — Elephant Mountain, or Xiangshan, is your destination. It is a steep but manageable hike of about 20 minutes from the base to the summit, with stone steps carved into the hillside leading you to a series of rocky outcroppings with unobstructed views of the skyline. Sunset is the most popular time to visit, when the golden light bathes Taipei 101 and the surrounding city in a warm glow.
8. Xinbeitou Hot Springs
Tucked into the hills just north of the city, Xinbeitou (Beitou) is Taipei’s beloved hot spring district, and it feels worlds away from the urban buzz. The area has been a popular bathing destination since the Japanese colonial era, and today it offers everything from public hot spring parks (free!) to luxurious private spa hotels. The waters here are naturally high in sodium bicarbonate and are said to have therapeutic properties. Stroll along the scenic Beitou Hot Spring Brook, visit the quirky Beitou Hot Spring Museum housed in a 1913 Japanese bathhouse building, and then reward yourself with a long soak. It is an especially magical visit in winter when the mist rises from the warm pools into the cool mountain air.
9. Jiufen Old Street
About an hour from central Taipei by car or Uber, Jiufen Old Street is one of the most atmospheric day trips you can take from the city. This hillside village, perched above the northeastern coast of Taiwan, is a maze of narrow stone-paved alleyways, traditional teahouses, lantern-lit staircases, and panoramic ocean views. It is widely believed to have inspired some of the visual elements in the Studio Ghibli film “Spirited Away,” which only adds to its enchanting quality. You will find plenty of local snacks to munch on as you wander — taro balls, fish balls, and peanut ice cream rolls are the local specialties.
10. Ximending
Ximending is Taipei’s answer to Harajuku — a pedestrian-only shopping and entertainment district that pulses with youthful energy every single night of the week. You will find street performers, live singers, indie boutiques, tattoo studios, theaters, and a seemingly endless parade of people-watching opportunities. The area is a hub for youth culture, fashion, and pop art, and it also has strong historical roots as one of Taipei’s oldest commercial districts. The food scene here is excellent too, with everything from Japanese ramen to Taiwanese beef noodles hiding in the alleyways. It is best visited in the evening when the neon signs light up and the whole district comes alive.
11. National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
Dedicated to the founding father of modern China and Taiwan, the National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall is a grand and graceful landmark in the heart of the Xinyi District. The building’s sweeping yellow roof and traditional Chinese architectural style make it a striking sight surrounded by wide plazas and parks. Inside, a massive bronze statue of Dr. Sun Yat-sen presides over the main hall, and the complex regularly hosts cultural exhibitions, performances, and art shows. The surrounding park is a favorite with locals for morning tai chi, jogging, and casual strolls, making it a lovely place to observe everyday Taipei life. Entry is free, and it is conveniently located within walking distance of Taipei 101.
12. Songshan Cultural and Creative Park
Originally a Japanese-era tobacco factory built in the 1930s, the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park has been beautifully reimagined as one of Taipei’s most dynamic creative hubs. The lush grounds and preserved red-brick factory buildings now house the Taiwan Design Museum, artisan shops, boutique fashion brands, independent galleries, and stylish industrial-chic cafes. It was recently named one of the top five tourist attractions in Taipei, attracting over 10 million visitors in 2024 alone. The park is especially worth visiting if you love design, craft, and unique Taiwanese souvenirs that go beyond the typical tourist shop fare. There is also a small lake surrounded by greenery that offers a peaceful midday break.
13. Raohe Street Night Market
While Shilin Night Market gets most of the tourist attention, Raohe Street Night Market is beloved by locals and considered by many to be the more authentic and manageable alternative. Stretching about 600 meters through the Songshan District, this covered market is packed with stalls serving iconic Taiwanese street food, including pepper pork buns baked fresh in a clay oven right at the market entrance. The atmosphere is festive and buzzing without being completely overwhelming, making it a great option for those who want the full night market experience with a slightly lower crowd density. At the far end of the market sits the beautiful Ciyou Temple, which adds a spiritual and historical layer to your visit.
14. Maokong Gondola and Tea Plantations
For a scenic ride above the city paired with some of the finest oolong tea in Taiwan, hop aboard the Maokong Gondola in the southern hills of Taipei. The gondola whisks you up over lush forested hillsides and reveals stunning views of the city and Taipei 101 along the way. At the top, the Maokong area is dotted with traditional tea houses where you can sit for hours sipping locally grown Tieguanyin tea and nibbling on tea-infused snacks. The whole area sits at over 300 meters elevation, so the climate is cooler and more relaxed than the city below.
15. Dihua Street and Dadaocheng
Dating back to the mid-1800s, Dihua Street in the Dadaocheng neighborhood is one of the oldest and most historically rich streets in all of Taipei. The street is lined with beautifully preserved Baroque-style shophouses that now house an eclectic mix of Chinese herbal medicine shops, dried goods stores, fabric merchants, tea houses, and hip independent cafes. It is especially magical during the Lunar New Year period when the whole street transforms into a massive festive market. The nearby riverside promenade along the Tamsui River at Pier 5 has also become a popular spot for sunset drinks and food trucks. Walking through Dadaocheng feels like stepping into layers of time, from dynastic-era trade history all the way to the present-day creative renaissance.
16. Da’an Forest Park
Think of Da’an Forest Park as Taipei’s version of Central Park — a 64-acre urban oasis in the heart of the city where locals come to jog, practice tai chi, walk their dogs, and simply breathe. The park is beautifully landscaped with ponds, walking paths, picnic areas, and even a small ecological zone that attracts a surprising variety of birds and wildlife. On weekends, it fills with families, students from the nearby universities, and musicians busking under the trees. It is a wonderful spot to slow down, observe everyday Taipei life, and recharge between sightseeing stops. Entry is free, and it is easily accessible via the Daan Station on the MRT.
17. Taipei Confucius Temple
A city historical site and a masterpiece of traditional Chinese temple architecture, the Taipei Confucius Temple is a serene and culturally significant place that many visitors overlook in favor of the more popular Longshan Temple. Designed by renowned master craftsman Wang Yi-shun, the temple complex features elegant curved rooftops, tranquil courtyards, and intricate wood carvings throughout. A multimedia interactive center inside the grounds features a 4D theater and digital exhibits that bring Confucian philosophy and Chinese education history to life in a surprisingly engaging way. The most extraordinary time to visit is during the annual Confucius Birthday Ceremony in late September, a formal ritual performance that has been designated as an important cultural asset of Taiwan. It is quiet, reflective, and genuinely beautiful.
18. Huashan 1914 Creative Park
Much like Songshan, Huashan 1914 Creative Park was once an industrial site — in this case, a winery from the Japanese colonial era — that has been transformed into a thriving arts and cultural complex. The park blends exposed brick warehouses and old factory structures with modern galleries, performance spaces, indie boutiques, and creative restaurants. It regularly hosts art festivals, live concerts, film screenings, and themed pop-up markets that draw both locals and tourists. The mix of heritage architecture and contemporary creative energy gives Huashan a distinct and very Taipei kind of charm. It is especially lively on weekends and makes for a great afternoon wander, particularly if you enjoy the local arts and design scene.
19. Taipei Zoo (Muzha Zoo)
The Taipei Zoo, also known as Muzha Zoo, is the largest zoo in Asia and a fantastic full-day outing for families and animal lovers of all ages. Spread across a sprawling hillside campus, the zoo houses an impressive collection of animals from around the world, organized by geographic regions including a dedicated African Savanna section, a Koala exhibit (one of the few outside Australia), and a large endemic species area featuring Formosan wildlife native to Taiwan. The giant panda exhibit is consistently the most popular, but the children’s interaction zone and the bird and reptile houses are equally fascinating.
20. Taipei Fine Arts Museum (TFAM)
Taiwan’s first public modern art museum, the Taipei Fine Arts Museum (TFAM) sits alongside the Keelung River in the Yuanshan area and has been a cornerstone of the city’s contemporary art scene since its founding in 1983. The building itself is an architectural statement, designed in a cross-shaped structure inspired by traditional Chinese dougong brackets and flooded with natural light through its glass curtain walls. Inside, the museum rotates a rich calendar of local and international contemporary art exhibitions across its four floors of gallery space. The surrounding Fine Arts Park is pleasant for a stroll before or after your visit. Admission is very affordable, and the museum café offers a lovely spot to reflect on what you have just seen.
Taipei is the kind of city that surprises you at every turn. You think you are just going for the food (and the food alone is worth it, trust me), and then you find yourself completely captivated by a centuries-old temple ceremony, lost in a tea house above the misty hills, or standing breathless at the top of a mountain watching the whole city glow below you. That is the magic of this place.
Whether you have three days or three weeks, the top tourist spots in Taipei outlined in this guide will give you a solid foundation for your trip. But my best advice? Leave some room for wandering. Some of the best moments in Taipei happen when you step off the map, follow the smell of something delicious down a side street, or strike up a conversation with a local who ends up taking you somewhere you never would have found on your own.
Taiwan’s capital city is waiting for you with warm smiles, incredible food, and more to see and do than you could possibly fit into one trip. Start planning, pack light, and prepare to fall in love with Taipei.
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