If you are visiting Taipei for the first time, there is one place you simply cannot miss: Taipei 101 Observatory.
Once the tallest building in the world, Taipei 101 remains the most iconic landmark in Taiwan. Standing at 508 meters tall, this bamboo-shaped skyscraper dominates the skyline of Taipei City and offers one of the best panoramic views in East Asia.
But visiting the Taipei 101 Observatory is more than just taking an elevator to the top. Inside, you will find one of the fastest elevators in the world, a massive earthquake-proof damper ball, and incredible views stretching across Taipei Basin.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about visiting the Taipei 101 Observatory, including tickets, the best time to visit, and what you’ll actually see when you get to the top.
What Is Taipei 101?
Before visiting the Taipei 101 Observatory, it helps to understand why this building is so famous.
Completed in 2004, Taipei 101 held the title of the tallest building in the world until Dubai’s Burj Khalifa was finished in 2010. Even today, it remains one of the tallest skyscrapers on Earth.
The building was designed to resemble a stalk of bamboo, a symbol of growth and prosperity in Chinese culture. Its stacked design also helps the structure withstand the strong typhoons and earthquakes that Taiwan experiences.
Taipei 101 contains:
- offices
- a luxury shopping mall
- restaurants
- and the famous Taipei 101 Observatory
For most travelers, the highlight is definitely the observation deck on the 89th floor.
Taipei 101 Observatory: What You Can See
The Taipei 101 Observatory provides a 360-degree view of Taipei City.
From the observation deck, you can see:
- the entire Taipei skyline
- Elephant Mountain
- Yangmingshan National Park
- the Keelung River
- and on clear days, mountains far beyond the city
The observatory is completely indoors with large floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing visitors to enjoy the view regardless of weather conditions.
One of the best moments to visit the Taipei 101 Observatory is around sunset. As the sun sets behind the mountains, the entire city slowly lights up. Watching Taipei transform from day to night from the top of the building is a memorable experience.
At night, the city becomes a sea of lights stretching in every direction.
The Taipei 101 Elevator Experience
Another reason people visit the Taipei 101 Observatory is the elevator.
Taipei 101 once had the fastest elevator in the world, traveling at an incredible speed of 1,010 meters per minute.
It only takes about 37 seconds to reach the observatory floor.
Despite the incredible speed, the elevator ride feels surprisingly smooth. The cabin is specially designed with air pressure control so visitors don’t feel discomfort as they rise hundreds of meters above the ground.
Watching the floor numbers quickly climb on the display is part of the fun.
Taipei 101 Ticket Price
Visitors must purchase tickets to access the Taipei 101 Observatory.
Current ticket prices are approximately:
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | 600 TWD |
| Student | 540 TWD |
| Child | 300 TWD |
Tickets can be purchased:
- at the Taipei 101 ticket counter
- online through travel platforms
- sometimes bundled with tour packages
Buying tickets online can save time, especially during peak tourist seasons.
The Giant Damper Ball
One of the most unique features inside the Taipei 101 Observatory is the massive golden damper ball.
This giant sphere weighs about 660 tons and hangs between the 87th and 92nd floors of the building.
Its purpose is to stabilize Taipei 101 during strong winds and earthquakes.
When typhoons hit Taiwan, the damper ball swings slightly to counterbalance the movement of the skyscraper. Without it, the building would sway far more dramatically.
Visitors can see this incredible engineering feature up close, and it has become one of the most photographed parts of the Taipei 101 Observatory.
Taipei 101 Fun Facts Most Visitors Don’t Know
Even though Taipei 101 is one of the most famous landmarks in Taiwan, there are many fascinating facts about the building that most visitors don’t realize when they first see it.
These interesting details make visiting the Taipei 101 Observatory even more impressive.
Taipei 101 Was Once the Tallest Building in the World
When Taipei 101 opened in 2004, it officially became the tallest building in the world, standing at 508 meters (1,667 feet).
The building held this title for six years until the Burj Khalifa in Dubai surpassed it in 2010.
Despite no longer holding the world record, Taipei 101 is still one of the tallest skyscrapers ever built and remains the tallest building in Taiwan.
The Building Is Designed Like Bamboo
Taipei 101’s architecture is inspired by bamboo, which is considered a symbol of strength and growth in Chinese culture.
If you look closely at the tower, you’ll notice that it is divided into eight segments, each representing prosperity and good fortune in traditional Chinese beliefs.
The bamboo-inspired design is not just symbolic — it also helps the building maintain structural strength during earthquakes and typhoons.
Taipei 101 Can Survive Strong Earthquakes
Taiwan sits in a region with frequent seismic activity, so Taipei 101 had to be built with special engineering to withstand earthquakes.
The building’s foundation extends deep into the ground, and the structure includes flexible components that allow it to move slightly during earthquakes without breaking.
The famous 660-ton damper ball inside Taipei 101 helps stabilize the tower when strong winds or earthquakes occur.
The Elevators Are Among the Fastest in the World
One of the most exciting parts of visiting the Taipei 101 Observatory is the elevator ride.
The high-speed elevators travel at approximately 1,010 meters per minute, reaching the observation deck in about 37 seconds.
For many visitors, this short but thrilling ride is one of the highlights of the experience.
Taipei 101 Lights Change Every Night
At night, Taipei 101 lights up with colorful LED displays.
Each day of the week is represented by a different color, symbolizing positive energy and harmony. This lighting system helps make Taipei 101 one of the most recognizable nighttime landmarks in Asia.
Taipei 101 vs Burj Khalifa: How Do They Compare?
Taipei 101 was once the tallest building in the world, but today that title belongs to Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
Even though Burj Khalifa is significantly taller, Taipei 101 still holds its own as one of the most famous skyscrapers ever built.
Here is a quick comparison:
| Feature | Taipei 101 | Burj Khalifa |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 508 m | 828 m |
| Floors | 101 floors | 163 floors |
| Opened | 2004 | 2010 |
| Location | Taipei, Taiwan | Dubai, UAE |
| Famous Feature | Giant damper ball | World’s tallest building |
While Burj Khalifa may be taller, Taipei 101 remains unique because of its earthquake-resistant engineering and bamboo-inspired architecture.
Another difference is the location.
Taipei 101 sits in the center of a vibrant city filled with night markets, temples, and mountains, while Burj Khalifa stands in a modern desert metropolis.
For travelers exploring East Asia, the Taipei 101 Observatory offers a completely different cultural experience.
Best Time to Visit Taipei 101 Observatory
Timing your visit can make a big difference.
The best times to visit the Taipei 101 Observatory are:
Late Afternoon (Sunset)
Sunset offers the best combination of daytime views and night skyline. You can watch the sun disappear behind Taipei’s mountains and see the city gradually light up. See our Taipei night tour.
Clear Winter Days
Taipei’s winter months often have clearer skies, making it easier to see distant mountains.
Weekday Evenings
Weekends and holidays can get crowded. Visiting on a weekday evening usually means shorter lines and a more relaxed experience.
Taipei 101 at Night
Taipei 101 is just as impressive from the outside as it is from the top.
Every evening, the skyscraper lights up with colorful LED displays. The building’s lights change colors throughout the week, each color representing different meanings such as growth, hope, or energy.
For photographers, nighttime is the perfect time to capture the tower glowing above the Taipei skyline.
Best Photo Spots of Taipei 101
While the Taipei 101 Observatory offers incredible views, many visitors also want great photos of the tower itself.
Here are some of the best spots in Taipei to photograph Taipei 101:
Elephant Mountain
Elephant Mountain is the most famous viewpoint in Taipei. A short hike leads to a platform where you can see Taipei 101 rising above the city.
Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
This open plaza offers one of the most classic views of Taipei 101 framed by traditional architecture.
Rainbow Bridge
Located near Songshan, Rainbow Bridge provides a beautiful nighttime view of Taipei 101 reflected in the river.
Xinyi District
Walking around the Taipei 101 shopping district itself offers many interesting angles of the building.
Hidden Things Inside Taipei 101 Most Tourists Miss
Most visitors go directly to the Taipei 101 Observatory, enjoy the view, and then leave. However, the building actually contains several hidden experiences that many tourists never discover.
The Taipei 101 Damper Ball Exhibition
The giant golden damper ball is not just an engineering device — it has become a popular attraction.
Visitors can walk around the damper ball and see how it is suspended by thick steel cables. Interactive displays explain how the damper helps stabilize the skyscraper during strong winds.
This is one of the only skyscrapers in the world where visitors can see the stabilizing system up close.
Taipei 101 Mall
At the base of the tower is Taipei 101 Mall, one of the most luxurious shopping centers in Taiwan.
Inside the mall you will find:
- international fashion brands
- Taiwanese designer stores
- gourmet restaurants
- famous dessert shops
Even travelers who are not interested in shopping often enjoy exploring the mall because of its modern architecture and wide variety of food options.
Taipei 101’s Hidden Food Scene
Taipei 101 is also home to several famous restaurants.
One of the most well-known is Din Tai Fung, the Michelin-starred restaurant famous for its soup dumplings (xiao long bao).
Many visitors combine a trip to the Taipei 101 Observatory with a meal at Din Tai Fung, creating a perfect Taipei experience that combines amazing views with world-famous Taiwanese food.
Seasonal Events at Taipei 101
Taipei 101 is also the center of several major events throughout the year.
The most famous event is the Taipei 101 New Year’s Eve fireworks show, which attracts visitors from around the world.
For a few minutes at midnight, the tower becomes a massive fireworks display, lighting up the entire Taipei skyline.
This celebration is widely considered one of the most spectacular New Year’s events in Asia.
How to Visit Taipei 101
Getting to Taipei 101 is very easy thanks to Taipei’s MRT system.
Take the Red Line (Tamsui–Xinyi Line) and get off at Taipei 101 / World Trade Center Station.
From there, it is only a short walk to the building.
Typical visiting time for the Taipei 101 Observatory is about 1 to 1.5 hours, including the elevator ride, exploring the observation deck, and taking photos.
Many travelers combine Taipei 101 with nearby attractions such as:
- Elephant Mountain
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
- Xinyi shopping district
Is Taipei 101 Worth Visiting?
Absolutely.
Even though Taipei now has many modern buildings, nothing compares to the experience of standing inside the Taipei 101 Observatory and looking out across the entire city.
From the engineering marvel of the damper ball to the breathtaking skyline views, Taipei 101 remains one of the most unforgettable experiences in Taiwan.
For first-time visitors, it is truly a must-see attraction.
Explore Taipei 101 with a Local Guide
For many travelers visiting Taiwan for the first time, Taipei 101 is just the beginning of exploring Taipei City.
While the tower itself is an unforgettable experience, the surrounding area is filled with historic temples, scenic viewpoints, bustling night markets, and cultural landmarks. Because many of these attractions are spread across the city, travelers often find that joining a Taipei private tour is one of the easiest ways to see them all in a single day.
A well-planned tour not only helps you save time navigating Taipei’s transportation system, but it also gives you the chance to learn the stories behind the city’s most famous landmarks.
Combine Taipei 101 with Taipei’s Top Attractions
Most visitors don’t just visit the Taipei 101 Observatory and leave. Instead, they combine it with other iconic attractions around Taipei.
Some of the most popular stops included in a Taipei city tour are:
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
One of the most famous landmarks in Taiwan, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is a massive white monument surrounded by a huge public plaza. Visitors often come here to watch the changing of the guard ceremony, which takes place every hour inside the main hall.
The architecture is inspired by traditional Chinese palaces, making it one of the most photogenic locations in Taipei.
Longshan Temple
Located in the historic Wanhua district, Longshan Temple is one of the oldest temples in Taipei. The temple is famous for its detailed carvings, incense-filled atmosphere, and constant flow of worshippers praying for health, love, and good fortune.
For many travelers, visiting Longshan Temple offers a glimpse into Taiwan’s spiritual traditions.
Elephant Mountain
If you want the best view of Taipei 101, Elephant Mountain is the place to go.
This short hiking trail is located only a few minutes away from Taipei 101 and leads to a viewpoint overlooking the entire Taipei skyline. Many photographers come here to capture sunset photos of Taipei 101 rising above the city.
Although the hike is relatively short, the stairs can be steep, which is why many travelers prefer visiting with a local guide who knows the best viewpoints and timing.
Discover the Modern Side of Taipei
Taipei 101 sits in the heart of Xinyi District, the most modern area of the city.
This neighborhood is known for:
- luxury shopping malls
- international restaurants
- stylish cafes. You might be interested in Chifeng Street Cafe.
- rooftop bars
Travelers often spend time exploring the area after visiting the Taipei 101 Observatory. In the evening, the district becomes lively as locals and visitors gather for dinner and nightlife.
Joining a Taipei evening tour is a great way to experience the city after dark, especially when Taipei 101 lights up with colorful LED displays.
Experience Taipei’s Famous Night Markets
Another highlight of exploring Taipei is its legendary night markets.
After visiting Taipei 101, many tours continue to one of Taipei’s famous night markets, where travelers can taste some of Taiwan’s most popular street foods.
Some must-try Taiwanese snacks include:
- stinky tofu
- oyster omelet
- fried chicken cutlet
- bubble tea
The most popular night markets near Taipei 101 include Raohe Street Night Market and Tonghua Night Market, both offering a lively atmosphere and hundreds of food stalls.
For food lovers, joining a Taipei street food tour is one of the best ways to experience Taiwan’s unique culinary culture.
Why Many Travelers Choose a Taipei Private Tour
Taipei has an excellent MRT system, but planning a full day of sightseeing can still take time and research.
Many travelers choose a Taipei private tour because it offers several advantages:
Convenience
A private guide and driver can take you directly between attractions without worrying about transportation routes or transfers.
Local Insights
Taipei’s landmarks each have fascinating stories behind them. A knowledgeable guide can explain the history and culture that many visitors would otherwise miss.
Flexible Itinerary
Private tours allow travelers to customize their schedule. Some visitors prefer spending more time at Taipei 101 and shopping in Zhongshan Taipei, while others want to focus on temples, cultural sites, or scenic viewpoints.
Explore Taipei with Justaiwantour
If you prefer a more personalized travel experience, joining a private Taipei tour with Justaiwantour is a great option.
As a local Taiwan travel specialist, Justaiwantour offers customized tours designed to help visitors experience the best of Taipei in a comfortable and relaxed way.
Our experienced guides can help you explore:
- Taipei 101 Observatory
- Elephant Mountain viewpoints
- historic temples
- vibrant night markets
- hidden local food spots
Whether you are visiting Taipei for a few hours or spending several days in the city, a private tour allows you to discover Taiwan’s capital at your own pace.
Many visitors combine Taipei 101 with other popular day trips such as Jiufen Old Street, Shifen Waterfall, or Yehliu Geopark, creating a memorable Taiwan travel experience.
FAQ About Taipei 101 Observatory
What floor is the Taipei 101 Observatory?
The main observation deck is located on the 89th floor of Taipei 101.
How long does visiting Taipei 101 take?
Most visitors spend about one hour at the Taipei 101 Observatory.
Is Taipei 101 Observatory worth it?
Yes. The panoramic views and unique engineering features make it one of the best attractions in Taipei.
Can you see Taipei 101 from Elephant Mountain?
Yes. Elephant Mountain offers the most famous view of Taipei 101 and is one of the best photo spots in the city.