25 Best Places to Visit in Taipei for First-Time Visitors
Taipei is a city where old temples stand beside glass skyscrapers, mountain trails begin near MRT stations, and some of the best meals are served from small stalls after sunset.
The best places to visit in Taipei are not limited to its famous landmarks. A memorable Taipei trip might include the city view from Taipei 101, a quiet morning at Longshan Temple, tea in Maokong, an afternoon hot-spring retreat in Beitou and a night of street food at Raohe Night Market.
This page introduces 25 essential Taipei attractions, organized by travel style so you can quickly find the places that match your interests.
Planning your first Taipei trip? Read our complete Taipei travel guide for advice about accommodation, transportation, food and how many days to stay.
Prefer to explore without spending the day checking maps and transport connections? Our custom Taipei private tour lets you choose the landmarks, neighborhoods, food stops and experiences that interest you most, with private transportation and hotel pickup included.
Best Places to Visit in Taipei at a Glance
- Best for first-time visitors: Taipei 101, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Longshan Temple, Dihua Street and Raohe Night Market
- Best for Taipei views: Taipei 101, Elephant Mountain, Maokong and Yangmingshan
- Best for culture and history: National Palace Museum, Longshan Temple, Bopiliao Historical Block and Dadaocheng
- Best for food: Yongkang Street, Raohe Night Market, Ningxia Night Market and Huaxi Street
- Best for families: Taipei Zoo, Maokong Gondola, Huashan 1914 Creative Park and Taipei 101
- Best for nature: Elephant Mountain, Beitou, Yangmingshan and Taipei Botanical Garden
Taipei’s official tourism listings include many of these landmarks among the capital’s principal attractions, including Taipei 101, Longshan Temple, Elephant Mountain, Yangmingshan, Beitou, the National Palace Museum, Ximending and the city’s major night markets.
Iconic Taipei Landmarks
1. Taipei 101
Taipei 101 is the city’s defining landmark and one of the first places many international visitors want to see. The observation levels provide broad views across the city, surrounding hills and the dense urban neighborhoods below.
You do not necessarily have to go to the observation deck to enjoy the area. The surrounding Xinyi District has department stores, restaurants, public spaces, modern architecture and easy access to nearby Elephant Mountain.
Read our complete Taipei 101 visitor guide before deciding when to visit and where to photograph the tower.
Best for: First visits, city views, architecture and evening photography
2. Elephant Mountain
Elephant Mountain is one of the best places in Taipei for a classic skyline view. The trail is famous for its elevated view of Taipei 101, especially near sunset when the city begins to light up.
The climb includes steep sections and many steps, so wear suitable shoes and allow yourself time to rest. Visitors who prefer to avoid the largest crowds can go earlier in the day rather than arriving immediately before sunset.
See our Elephant Mountain hiking tips for viewpoints, photography advice and trail information.
Best for: Hiking, sunset views and Taipei 101 photography
3. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is one of Taipei’s most recognizable public spaces. The large complex includes the memorial building, Liberty Square, landscaped gardens, the National Theater and the National Concert Hall.
Even travelers who do not spend much time inside the exhibition areas can enjoy the architecture, open plaza and changing atmosphere throughout the day. The theater and concert hall buildings are themselves major Taipei landmarks distinguished by traditional palace-style design.
Read more about Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.
Best for: Architecture, history and first-time sightseeing
4. Longshan Temple
Longshan Temple is one of the most atmospheric cultural places to visit in Taipei. Visitors come to observe Taiwanese religious traditions, admire the building’s decorative details and experience a place that remains part of everyday community life.
The surrounding Wanhua district is equally important. From the temple, you can continue to Bopiliao Historical Block, Herb Lane, Huaxi Street and several traditional markets.
Our guide to Longshan Temple and Old Taipei explains what else to see in the neighborhood.
Best for: Living culture, traditional architecture and Old Taipei
5. National Palace Museum
The National Palace Museum is one of Taipei’s essential indoor attractions. Its collection covers a vast range of Chinese art and material culture, including paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, jade, bronze objects and historical artifacts.
The museum is large, so visitors with limited time should choose several galleries or famous objects rather than trying to see everything. Taiwan’s Tourism Administration describes the collection as spanning almost 5,000 years of Chinese history.
Use our guide to the must-see treasures at the National Palace Museum to plan your visit.
Best for: Art, history, rainy days and repeat visitors
Historic Neighborhoods and Local Streets
6. Bopiliao Historical Block
Bopiliao preserves a small but photogenic collection of traditional buildings and streets in Wanhua. Its brick arcades, restored shopfronts and exhibition spaces offer a visual contrast to modern Taipei.
Bopiliao is not a full-day destination. It works best as part of a walking route connecting Longshan Temple, local food streets, traditional shops and Huaxi Street Night Market.
Best for: Architecture, street photography and short cultural walks
7. Ximending
Ximending is Taipei’s bright, energetic entertainment district. The pedestrian area is filled with fashion stores, restaurants, cinemas, street performers, beauty shops, souvenir stores and snack stalls.
It is particularly lively after dark, but the neighborhood also has older cultural landmarks such as the Red House. Visitors who only see the neon signs may miss how Ximending combines Taipei’s youth culture with the history of the surrounding Wanhua district.
Explore our full Ximending Taipei guide.
Best for: Shopping, nightlife, street food and younger travelers
8. Dihua Street
Dihua Street is one of the best places to visit in Taipei for traditional shops, tea, dried foods, fabric, herbal products and restored historic buildings.
The surrounding Dadaocheng neighborhood was once closely connected to Taipei’s commercial and tea-trading history. Today, old shophouses stand beside cafés, studios, boutiques and cultural spaces.
Rather than walking only along the main street, explore the smaller lanes and upper floors of restored buildings. Read our guide to Dihua Street before your visit.
Best for: Tea, history, souvenirs and traditional streets
9. Dadaocheng Wharf
Dadaocheng Wharf provides a slower side of Taipei beside the Tamsui River. The riverside paths are popular for cycling, walking and watching the sky change near sunset.
The wharf is easy to combine with Dihua Street. Explore the historic district in the afternoon, then continue toward the river for a more relaxed end to the day.
Taipei’s official tourism information also lists Dadaocheng Wharf among the city’s popular and accessible visitor attractions.
Best for: Sunset, cycling and relaxed evenings
10. Yongkang Street
Yongkang Street is a compact food and shopping neighborhood near central Taipei. It is known for restaurants, tea shops, cafés, desserts, small boutiques and easy access to Da’an Forest Park.
This is a good area for travelers who want to try Taiwanese food without navigating a large night market. You can stop for beef noodles, dumplings, shaved ice, tea or a café break while exploring the surrounding lanes.
Best for: Food, cafés and casual neighborhood walks
11. Zhongshan and Chifeng Street
Zhongshan has become one of Taipei’s most enjoyable areas for independent shopping and café hopping. The streets around Zhongshan MRT Station and Chifeng Street contain converted old buildings, clothing stores, design shops, restaurants and small creative businesses.
The atmosphere is more relaxed than Ximending and less formal than Xinyi. It is particularly suitable for repeat visitors who have already seen Taipei’s major landmarks.
Read our Chifeng Street Taipei guide for more shops, food and neighborhood ideas.
Best for: Cafés, design shops, fashion and repeat visitors
Art, Architecture and Creative Taipei
12. Huashan 1914 Creative Park
Huashan 1914 Creative Park transformed a former industrial site into one of Taipei’s best-known creative spaces. Its historic buildings now host exhibitions, shops, restaurants, performances and temporary cultural events.
The outdoor grounds are pleasant for walking even when you are not attending an exhibition. Its central location also makes Huashan easy to add between other Taipei attractions.
Discover more in our Huashan 1914 Creative Park guide. Taipei’s tourism authority identifies Huashan as one of the city’s principal cultural and creative hubs.
Best for: Art, design, rainy days and cultural events
13. Songshan Cultural and Creative Park
Songshan Cultural and Creative Park occupies another former industrial complex, this time close to Taipei 101 and the Xinyi shopping district.
Its warehouses and landscaped grounds frequently contain design exhibitions, markets, cultural events and creative businesses. It is also next to the Taipei Dome and Eslite Spectrum Songyan, making the area convenient for shopping, dining and indoor activities.
Best for: Design, exhibitions and modern Taipei culture
14. Taipei Fine Arts Museum
Taipei Fine Arts Museum is a strong choice for visitors interested in modern and contemporary art. The museum’s location near Taipei Expo Park also makes it easy to combine with nearby cultural and historical attractions.
Exhibitions change throughout the year, so check the current program before your visit rather than planning around one permanent display.
Best for: Contemporary art, architecture and rainy afternoons
15. Treasure Hill Artist Village
It’s a hillside community of narrow paths, small buildings, artist studios and exhibition spaces near the Xindian River.
It feels very different from Taipei’s large museums and creative parks. The appeal lies in wandering through its compact lanes, observing temporary artworks and discovering unexpected city views.
Be considerate while visiting because parts of the settlement remain a living residential community.
Best for: Alternative art, photography and slower exploration
16. The Grand Hotel Taipei
The Grand Hotel is one of Taipei’s most distinctive architectural landmarks. Its palace-inspired exterior, red columns and elevated position make it recognizable even from a distance.
You can admire the lobby, enjoy a meal or include the hotel as a photo stop while traveling between central Taipei and northern districts such as Shilin.
It is also included in Justaiwantour’s private Taipei holiday package.
Best for: Architecture, photography and classic Taipei scenery
Nature, Hot Springs and Family Attractions
17. Beitou Hot Spring District
Beitou offers hot springs, Japanese-era architecture, green spaces and small cultural attractions without leaving Taipei City.
Popular stops include Beitou Hot Spring Museum, Thermal Valley, Beitou Library and the surrounding park. Visitors can then book a private hot-spring room or stay longer at one of the district’s hotels.
Read our Beitou visitor guide or combine the district with Yangmingshan on a Taipei hot spring and night-view tour.
Best for: Relaxation, couples, rainy weather and slower travel
18. Yangmingshan National Park
Yangmingshan gives Taipei an unusual advantage: volcanic landscapes, mountain trails, grasslands and seasonal flowers are located within easy reach of the city.
Different areas provide very different experiences. Xiaoyoukeng is known for visible geothermal activity, Qingtiangang for open grassland and walking paths, and Zhuzihu for seasonal flower farms.
Because the park is spread across a large mountain area, private transportation can save considerable transfer time. See our Yangmingshan and Beitou destination guide or explore a private Yangmingshan hiking and café tour.
Best for: Hiking, nature, photography and seasonal flowers
19. Maokong Gondola and Tea Houses
Maokong combines a scenic gondola ride with mountain tea culture. The journey begins near Taipei Zoo and rises above green hills toward a neighborhood of tea houses, walking paths and viewing areas.
The experience is particularly enjoyable for travelers who want a half-day escape without leaving Taipei. Weather can affect gondola operations, so it is wise to keep some flexibility in your schedule.
For a fuller cultural experience, consider our Maokong Gondola and handmade noodle tour.
Best for: Tea, mountain scenery, couples and families
20. Taipei Zoo
Taipei Zoo is one of the city’s most practical family attractions. Its large grounds are divided into several animal and habitat areas, so families should choose priority sections rather than trying to cover the entire zoo quickly.
The zoo is next to the lower Maokong Gondola station, allowing visitors to combine both attractions in one day.
Best for: Families, children and educational travel
21. Taipei Botanical Garden
Taipei Botanical Garden provides a quiet green space close to several historic parts of the city. Its paths, ponds and plant collections offer a welcome pause between temples, museums and busy shopping districts.
It works especially well for travelers who prefer uncrowded places or need a slower stop during a full sightseeing day.
Best for: Plants, quiet walks and slower-paced travel
Best Night Markets in Taipei
22. Raohe Street Night Market
Raohe is one of Taipei’s most convenient night markets for first-time visitors. It follows a relatively straightforward route, making it easier to explore than markets spread across several streets.
The entrance beside Ciyou Temple is especially photogenic, while the market is known for pepper buns, grilled food, desserts and classic Taiwanese snacks.
See our guide to the best food at Raohe Street Night Market.
Best for: First-time visitors, street food and evening photography
23. Ningxia Night Market
Ningxia is a smaller, food-centered night market near Dadaocheng. It is a good choice for travelers who care more about eating than shopping or carnival-style entertainment.
Its location makes it easy to pair with an afternoon on Dihua Street and an evening walk through the surrounding Datong district.
Best for: Traditional snacks and serious food lovers
24. Shilin Night Market
Shilin is Taipei’s largest and most widely known night-market area. The district combines food stalls, restaurants, clothing, games, souvenir shops and surrounding shopping streets.
Because it is large and can become busy, visitors should not feel they need to see every lane. Choose a few foods and enjoy the energy rather than treating it as a checklist.
Read our Shilin Night Market guide.
Best for: Shopping, variety and lively evening entertainment
25. Huaxi Street Night Market
Huaxi Street is part of Taipei’s historic Wanhua night-market district. Its covered arcade and proximity to Longshan Temple, Guangzhou Street and Wuzhou Street create a different atmosphere from the newer night markets.
The area is especially suitable for travelers interested in Old Taipei, traditional dishes and evening street photography.
Explore it as part of our Ximending to Huaxi Street night-market tour.
Taipei’s official tourism site lists Raohe, Ningxia, Shilin and Huaxi among the city’s principal night markets.
Which Taipei Attractions Should You Choose?
You will not need to visit all 25 places during one trip. Choose attractions that fit your interests rather than trying to complete a long sightseeing checklist.
For Your First Taipei Visit
Start with:
- Taipei 101
- Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
- Longshan Temple
- Dihua Street
- Raohe Night Market
These places provide a balanced introduction to Taipei’s modern skyline, history, religion, old commercial neighborhoods and street-food culture.
For Food Lovers
Prioritize:
- Yongkang Street
- Dihua Street
- Raohe Night Market
- Ningxia Night Market
- Huaxi Street
Food-focused travelers may also enjoy booking a flexible Taipei tour so a local guide can recommend stops based on dietary preferences and the time of day.
For Families with Children
Consider:
- Taipei Zoo
- Maokong Gondola
- Taipei 101
- Huashan 1914 Creative Park
- Dadaocheng Wharf
These places allow families to combine sightseeing with open spaces, shorter activities and opportunities to rest.
For Nature and Scenic Views
Choose:
- Elephant Mountain
- Yangmingshan National Park
- Beitou
- Maokong
- Taipei Botanical Garden
For Rainy Days
Choose indoor or partly covered attractions such as:
- National Palace Museum
- Taipei 101
- Huashan 1914 Creative Park
- Songshan Cultural and Creative Park
- Beitou Hot Spring
For additional ideas, read our guide to things to do in Taipei on a rainy day
Explore Taipei with a Private Tour
Taipei’s MRT is convenient, but not every attraction fits naturally into one public-transport route. A private tour is particularly helpful when you want to combine distant neighborhoods, mountain areas, hot springs or several attractions within limited time.
Justaiwantour can customize a Taipei route around your interests, hotel location, preferred pace, mobility requirements and food preferences.
Custom Taipei Private Tour
Our flexible 8-hour custom Taipei private tour can include landmarks, cultural districts, shopping streets, local food, museums or night markets.
Choose this option when you want to create your own route instead of following a fixed itinerary.
Classic Taipei Highlights Tour
Our private Taipei holiday package is designed for travelers who want to see several of the capital’s best-known landmarks in one day.
Nature and Hot Spring Tours
Travelers looking for a quieter side of Taipei can consider:
- Yangmingshan hiking and café tour
- Beitou hot spring and Yangmingshan night-view tour
- Maokong Gondola and Shiding handmade noodle tour
Taipei Night-Market Tour
Our Ximending to Huaxi Street night-market tour combines food, local neighborhoods and Old Taipei after dark.
Justaiwantour’s custom city product currently offers an 8-hour private format with hotel pickup and a route adjusted around guests’ interests and pace.
Places to Visit Near Taipei
After exploring the city, Taipei also makes a convenient starting point for northern Taiwan excursions.
Popular choices include Jiufen, Shifen, Yehliu Geopark, Keelung, Wulai and Tamsui. These are not all located within Taipei City, so they should be planned as separate half-day or full-day excursions.
Read our guide to the best day trips from Taipei or explore a private Jiufen and Pingxi day tour
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best places to visit in Taipei for a first-time visitor?
Taipei 101, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Longshan Temple, Dihua Street, the National Palace Museum and Raohe Night Market provide a good introduction to the city.
These attractions combine modern architecture, history, religious culture, traditional neighborhoods, art and food.
How many Taipei attractions can I visit in one day?
Most travelers can comfortably visit 4 to 6 attractions in one day, depending on travel distance and how long they spend at each stop.
Trying to combine central Taipei, the National Palace Museum, Beitou and Yangmingshan in one day will usually feel rushed.
What are the best free places to visit in Taipei?
Popular free attractions include Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall’s outdoor grounds, Longshan Temple, Dihua Street, Ximending, Huashan’s outdoor spaces, and Elephant Mountain.
Some exhibitions, observation decks, museums and special activities require admission.
Which Taipei night market is best?
Raohe is a strong choice for first-time visitors because its layout is relatively easy to follow. Ningxia is excellent for food-focused travelers, while Shilin offers the largest mix of food, shopping and entertainment.
Huaxi Street is best for visitors exploring Old Taipei and the Longshan Temple area.
Are Beitou and Yangmingshan inside Taipei?
Yes. Both Beitou and much of Yangmingshan are within Taipei City, although they feel very different from central urban districts.
They can be combined into a full-day nature and hot-spring route.
Is Taipei suitable for families and elderly travelers?
Yes. Taipei has many accessible attractions, modern public transportation, indoor museums, parks and private-tour options.
Families and elderly visitors may prefer a slower route with fewer stops, more indoor breaks and private transportation when visiting mountain areas.
How many days should I spend in Taipei?
3 days is enough for the principal city attractions and one nearby excursion. 4 or 5 days allows a more relaxed visit with time for Beitou, Yangmingshan, Maokong or additional neighborhoods.
For detailed planning, read our Taipei travel guide or follow our 3-day Taipei itinerary
Discover the Best of Taipei Your Way
The best places to visit in Taipei reveal a city with many personalities. Taipei can be modern around Taipei 101, deeply traditional in Wanhua, creative around Huashan, peaceful in Beitou and wild on the slopes of Yangmingshan.
There is no single perfect Taipei route. Some visitors want temples and museums, while others come for street food, shopping, tea, mountain views or hot springs.
Tell Justaiwantour what interests you, how much time you have and the pace you prefer. We can design a custom private Taipei tour that connects the places you genuinely want to experience without turning the day into a rushed sightseeing checklist.
Taipei Attractions
Top 7 Taipei Itineraries
We specialize in custom Taiwan travel packages made just for you. From culture to nature, we’ll guide you through top Taiwan things to do, tailored to your interests.