Ever wondered what to do in Taipei, Taiwan?
Boasting scenic views from the Elephant Mountain, and horizons dotted with towers and vintage buildings, Taipei is a fascinating city that combines modern magnetism and vintage charms.
Most travelers will spend 5 to 7 days in Taipei. To maximize your holiday, be sure of the Taipei tourist attractions you want to visit!
Be it a hunt for unique culture, mouthwatering street food, or mesmerizing attractions, this list of the best Taipei places to visit will keep you enthralled for days!
1. Ximending’s Red House (or Red Theater)
Located in the Wan Hua District, the Taipei Red House is an iconic building that has evolved and taken on various functions over the years.
The Red House is shaped like a “Bagua”, denoted by its distinctive Octagonal Display Hall. Originally built in 1908 as a public market, it was designed by a Japanese architect named Kondo Juro.
According to our local guide from Like It Formosa, the Bagua section was conjoined to a Cuficform building which was sadly destroyed by a fire in 2000, along with the South and North sections.
It then underwent renovation and was reopened in 2002 formally to the public as the Red House Theatre.
Today, the Red House Theater is a multi-functional cultural center brimming with handcraft products, serving as a marketplace for designers and artisans.
The first floor is used to host live performances and art exhibitions and the ground floor features a gourmet café serving aromatic coffee and snacks.
Interestingly enough, this building is situated opposite LGBT-friendly bars, a sign of social acceptance and maturity that I’m in awe of.
I strongly recommend visiting the Red House Theater to marvel at its architecture and shop for various pop-art souvenirs!
2. Taipei Rainbow Six and Bustling Night Life at Ximending
No trip to Taipei is complete without taking a picture of this glorified rainbow-colored pedestrian walk.
As the first rainbow crossing within Taiwan, the Taipei Rainbow Six was painted in September 2019, after Taiwan legalized same-sex marriage.
My respect for the country grew tremendously upon learning that Taipei is one of the nine countries that recognize same-sex marriage as a legal union.
To commemorate this, the city’s Gay Pride celebration attracts more than 50,0000 revelers worldwide. In fact, you'll find many same-sex tourist couples exploring the city with a sense of liberation and acceptance, void of being judged.
The Taipei Pride Flag looks bigger than life in photo than in actual form. It’s a signature attraction you must not miss, and you will see it while taking Exit 6 at the Ximen Metro Station in Wanhua District.
At night, Ximending comes to life with acrobatic performances, flame throwers, buskers, and other uniquely talented individuals enthralling the crowd with their skills.
3. Hike Up Elephant Mountain
Standing 184 meters high and stretched across 600 steps, Elephant Mountain can be tackled by almost anyone of any fitness level. Just be sure to have water and light snacks, and stop to rest when needed.
Situated 0.85km from Taipei 101, the Elephant Mountain trailhead is a good alternative to catch an equally mesmerizing view of Taipei City. That’s if you don’t want to scale up the tower.
As one of the main things to do in Taiwan, you may wonder if this is overhyped.
Is hiking the Elephant Mountain worth it?
You bet it is – its panoramic view overlooks Taipei City and the cooling caress of the constant breeze makes you forget about your wobbly legs. Due to its popularity among locals and tourists, it gets pretty crowded over the weekends.
To get to this attraction also known as the Nangang District Hiking Trail, hop on the metro and board the red line to Xiangshan MRT.
4. Enjoy The Spectacular View from Taipei 101
Taipei 101 was the tallest building in the world until it was usurped by Dubai’s Burj Khalifa in Dubai. It’s not just a tall skyscraper adding to the superlatives Taiwan has under its belt.
However, it is a significant monument steeped in heritage that showcases its rich culture.
Designed to resemble a stylized number 8, Taipei 101’s architecture is inspired by the bamboo plant, which is a symbol of resilience and strength in Chinese culture.
This sleek, 101th-floor tower with an observatory deck offers sweeping city views.
What’s amazing about this attraction is its ability to withstand the shocks of earthquakes and the pounding of typhoons that lie in its damper system.
This unique system comprises a giant pendulum that stabilizes the building’s movements during earthquakes or strong winds.
Be sure to be first in line the moment the Taipei 101 observatory deck opens at 10 am so that you don’t have to hustle with a long queue. If you’re looking for the best time to visit the observation deck, it’s an hour before sunset (approximately 5 pm).
This is when you can witness the magical transformation of the city from day to night.
5. Dine in at Din Tai Fung
Ranked as the no. 1 restaurant by US-based food website, The Daily Meal, Din Tai Fung traces its origins back to Taiwan where it started as a humble cooking oil retail shop in 1958.
Fast forward decades later, the franchise maintains consistency across all its restaurants in several aspects. Their uniforms and the see-through sections where chefs are meticulous folding the dumplings, are in tune with their other restaurants globally. Their courteous service of constantly checking on food served is well practiced across all their branches too.
We could not resist ordering the Truffle Xiao Long Bau, which is unique to Din Tai Fung Taiwan's menu and not found in Malaysia. For comparison sake, we also ordered their classic egg fried rice and fried rice with shrimp.
Their Xiao Long Bau lives up to its fanfare! This juicy parcel of meat bursts into a soupy explosion filled with flavor and aromatic, tender pork. Their fried rice displayed the same hallmark of consistency with fragrant wok hei and good separation of rice.
As for their vegetarian pau, the flavors of Taiwan tasted more subdued and less flavorful compared to the ones in Malaysia. It’s a known fact that Malaysian cuisine errs towards the continuum of more salt and more MSG (Yikes!). Yet it was satiating enough to soothe my cravings.
The kids were thrilled to be led to our table by a robotic usherette, and this piece of automation served the establishment well as it was packed all the time.
Located at Basement 1 of Taipei 101, you will find the restaurant the moment you exit the Taipei 101 station.
6. Visit the bus art installation Jimmy’s Moon Bus
Just 10-minute’ walk from Taipei 101 is an interesting bus installation called Jimmy’s Moon Bus.
Inspired by a local fable illustrated by Jimmy Liao, Jimmy’s Moon Bus greets guests with a human-sized bear behind the wheels. As you climb up the bus, the interior opens up to a kaleidoscope of cosmic colors and sights, with a clever use of mirrors to create an illusion of depth on the ground.
This underrated tourist attraction in Taipei is picture-perfect from every angle. It also makes an ideal place to rest from all the walking while allowing you to capture Instagrammable shots from within.
7. Rediscover Tradition at Longshan Temple
The Longshan Temple is just not another temple that dots Taiwan’s rich cultural landscape. But one with a steep historical lineage that reflects how important tradition and culture are intertwined in the local’s everyday lives.
Through our informative guides from Like It Formosa, we learned that Taiwanese come here to seek divine guidance from the gods. Prayers can be as diverse as asking to be blessed with a child, acing an important exam, or major life decisions like buying a house to finding a spouse!
Heralded as one of the three great temples in Taipei, along with Dalongdong Baoan Temple and Manka Qingshui Temple, Longshan Temple was built in honor of Guanyin, the goddess of compassion.
Originally constructed in 1738, the Longshan Temple’s structure was destroyed partially or fully due to earthquakes and fires.
On 31 May 1945, tragedy hit again when Longshan Temple was bombed by the Americans during World War II because the Japanese were suspected of hiding arms there.
Thankfully, the resilient residents of Taipei consistently rebuilt and renovated it.
Today, this national heritage is a stunning beauty to marvel at with its intricate carvings and meandering pathways with different gods strategically placed at corners.
It’s a busy sight to take in, but truly an eye opener on how important worshipping and spiritual beliefs guide the Taiwanese in their daily life.
8. Bopiliao Historical Block
Off the beaten tourist track is Bopiliao Historical Block, a somewhat underrated place to visit in Taipei but one you should visit, with a guide.
Through the walking tour service with Like It Formosa, we learned about the Bopiliao Historic Block. Starting off as a place for Chinese settlement, the Bopiliao Historic District consists of well-preserved streets and traditional shop homes from the Qing period.
During the late Qing Dynasty period which was the height of its glamorous days, Bopiliao was one of the busiest and prosperous commercial areas in Taipei. Many merchants were based at Bopiliao as it was one of the major places for coal trade.
When the Japanese ruled, Bopiliao was refurbished and relegated to a back alley to pave the way for the construction of new roads.
This new connectivity caused Bopiliao to lose its relevance. With falling footfall, its fading popularity meant the place could no longer thrive and businesses failed.
In the early 2000s, the Taipei City government restored its historic architecture and established the Heritage and Culture Education Center. Thus breathing new life and preserving its heritage, allowing its tale to be told until today.
9. Presidential Office
Facing Ketagalan Boulevard, the Taipei Presidential Office is accessible via the Taipei 101 metro main station.
Originally used as the governor’s mansion during the Japanese colonization, the building faced constant pelting during World War II and was severely damaged due to bombing.
When the R.O.C claimed Taiwan, the building was re-constructed in 1946.
To celebrate former president, Mr. Chiang Kai-shek’s 60th birthday, it was renamed to become “Jieshou” Building.
In 1998, the Presidential Office was open to the public for tours. If you’re lucky, you may be able to catch a glimpse of the president at work while maintaining a safe distance from him.
The 130-meter-wide building faces the east - a common architecture adopted by the Japanese where important structures orientate towards the rising sun.
Do note the short opening hours only from 9 am – 11.30 am. In addition, effective 15 February 2025, the Designated Holiday Tours have been temporarily suspended due to operational reasons.
For the latest updates, check out the official website of the Presidential office here.
Within walking distance from this tourist attraction in Taipei is the 228 Peace Memorial Park, which brings us to the next topic.
10. 228 Peace Memorial Park
The 228 Peace Memorial Park earned its name from a series of historical events, culminating in the death of the innocent.
Established during the Qing Dynasty, 228 Peace Memorial Park is the oldest in Taipei.
When World War II ended, the Kuomintang (KMT) government reigned over Taiwan and witnessed bouts of corruption, resulting in civil resistance.
As a result, on February 27, 1947, people gathered peacefully in front of the nearby police department. However, they were shot by the soldiers. The following day, people gathered at the park to broadcast the movement through radio stations.
It was then the KMT government used military force to restrain and arrest participants. As a reminder of these historic events, the park was renamed from its original name of Taipei Park to 228 Peace Park in 1996.
228 marks 28 Feb, which is the day Taiwanese civilians were massacred by the Kuomintang government. You’ll find exhibits dedicated to the victims of that event too.
228 Peace Memorial Park is a scenic spot with overarching trees, workout equipment, and meandering clean pathways patronized by office workers on lunch breaks. Or locals on brisk strolls and piqued tourists too.
11. Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall
The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is a tourist attraction erected in memory of the former President of the Republic of China, Chiang Kai-shek.
This national monument in Taipei is a reminder of Chang Kai Shek’s era of authoritarianism, the exact opposite of democratic governance practiced today.
A vast concrete area flanked by Japanese flower gardens, cherry blossom trails, National Theater and National Concert Hall flank the wide walkway leading up to Chiang Kai Shek.
Approximately the size of 10 football fields combined, the wide pathway will lead you to a stairway of 89 marble steps. At the top of the stairway perches a gigantic statue of Chiang Kai Shek.
Its octagonal roof has 8 sides, symbolizing good fortune and wealth associated with Chinese culture.
There’s no entrance fee to enter the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall. Heavily guarded by tame pigeons who would circle your legs as if it‘s asking for food, the Chiang Kai Shek metro pays homage to the feathered friends as seen in its signature metro stamp.
12. Songshan Cultural & Creative Park
Built in 1937 and originally functioned as the Songshan Tobacco Factory, the factory ceased operation in 1998 over concerns related to urban planning. Regulatory revamps in the tobacco landscape coupled with a decreasing demand for cigarettes witnessed the end of its era.
On November 15, 2011, the Songshan Tobacco Factory was transformed into Songshan Cultural and Creative Park. Since then, it has been officially open to the public.
Within this labyrinth of connected buildings, you’ll find locals honing their handmade craft, ranging from leather products, fashion, knicks knacks, glass wear, souvenirs, and many more.
Its originality is first class, and the collection of many stalls under one roof makes it convenient for locals and tourists to shop.
Coupled with a scenic park dotted with lush trees and quaint sitting spaces, this 6.6-hectare cultural village is the perfect place to watch the world go by over a cuppa.
Bookworms, head to the Eslite Spectrum Bookstore that’s just 5 minutes away.
13. Eslite Spectrum Bookstore
The Eslite Spectrum Bookstore is not just a bookstore. This 4-story multi-level mall plays home to a unique curation of books, soft toys, music CDs, collectibles, and even clothes. There are pockets of handicrafts showcased, making it another perfect hunting ground for souvenir shopping.
The Eslite Spectrum Bookstore never sleeps, operating 24 hours every day.
Honing a stunning interior design with warm lighting and seating areas where you can immerse yourself in books, this Taiwanese franchise bookstore maintains its signature ambiance. Even at its branch in Malaysia.
There are however very few English books in the Eslite in Taiwan. For Mandarin-reading bookworms, it’s the perfect haven to dove into a variety of reading materials in different genres.
Alternatively, you can get a quick bite and an aromatic brew of coffee at the café on the ground floor.
14. Huashan 1914 Creative Park
Between Songshan and Huashan Creative Park, the latter is more prolific and has a better variety of spectacular architecture.
Bespeckled with a converted warehouse in striking colors and quirky buildings with personality, be amazed by the eclectic mix of shops featuring souvenirs, clothes, and artisanal products. It’s another haven for shopping for high-quality products!
Located in the Zhongzheng district, the Huashan 1914 Creative Park serves as a cultural event platform for performances and for young designers to showcase and sell their unique merchandise.
15. Rainbow Bridge Taipei
The 167-meter Rainbow Bridge arches over the Keelung River. This is an architectural marvel shaped in an S, suspended in the center by 4 steel cables while spotting a deep red shade.
The Rainbow Bridge provides easy access between Neihu and the Raohe Night Market plus the Songshan Railway Station. Thus saving travel time for people in the Songshan and Neihu Districts.
During sunset, the sun’s rays stream across the Keelung waters, making it a sight to behold. Come nightfall, the Rainbow Bridge attracts many photographers for its illumination enhances the city’s nightscape.
To get to the Rainbow Bridge in Taipei, board the metro to the MRT Songshan Station. The bridge is just a short walk away.
16. Visit the National Palace Museum
The National Palace Museum in Shilin is a must-see destination for history buffs and art lovers. Here, you’ll find a rich collection of Chinese imperial artifacts and an extensive collection of Jade exhibits amassed over centuries.
This world-class museum showcases intricate treasures that include preserved paintings, ancient jade carvings, and priceless porcelains.
Set in an enclave of rolling hills, its tranquil exterior opens up to a majestic aura with high ceilings and many monuments, which may seem somewhat overwhelming.
You can opt to go on a guided tour or follow the “thematic route” within the museum. Do allocate 3 hours should you wish to scour through the details of the exhibit.
Getting here is convenient too as the R30 bus drops you across the street where the museum’s entrance is.
17. Huaxi Street Night Market at Longshan Temple MRT
Although it’s not the most famous night market and not the biggest night market in Taipei (hint: Shilin Night market), Huaxi gives you a flavor of what night markets are like in general.
Many food and snack stalls, and pop-up stalls selling merchandise line both sides of a road close to vehicles, safe and except a few motorcyclist who travel cautiously.
Located a short walk from the Longshan Temple MRT, the Huaxi Street Night Market is famous for their deep-fried sweet potato balls that are not laden with oil. There are 2 stalls along the same street. Just opt for the one with the linger queue if in doubt.
The tanghulu (candied strawberries) sold by an old uncle close to a T-junction is worth a shout-out. Fresh fruits crystalized in crunchy sugar coating, the tanghulu bursts into an explosion of sweetness as you bite in.
Their scallion pancake is another worthy contender in the culinary street scene. Cooked with artistic flair by an uncle who speaks English, the aromatic smell of fried scallions surrounds his stall.
A few steps away is a Taiwanese pancake stall that sells chocolate, peanut butter, and matcha closed-pancakes akin to doriyaki’s. His pancake is not overly sweet yet smells fragrant, thanks to the milk.
Don’t be deceived by the pancake's light texture as 3 pieces of this heavenly dough will keep you satiated.
Huaxi still retains some of its sketchy past as a red light district, evident from the massage and karaoke bars frequented by local elderly men. There are also aged-looking gambling machines patronized by the senior locals. These contrasting sights of alluring food and its past make the night market an interesting juxtaposition.
Nevertheless, If you’re looking for alternatives to pork rice, or just bored of eating braised pork meat, then the Huaxi night market is a perfect gourmet hunting ground for delicious street food!
Conclusion
Taipei is a huge destination to cover within 3 days. But with proper planning and by starting your day early (albeit hit the streets by 8.30 am), you may cover half of these destinations listed here.
Being a pedestrian-friendly city, this walking city is made for tourists. The streets are clean, the people are friendly and their helpful nature means asking for directions is just a whisper away.
The best way to move around Taipei is via public transport, and riding the metro is the fastest way to beat traffic jams, a common occurrence during rush hour.
The excitement of going on a holiday starts before the actual journey. So go ahead and have fun planning, and may your journey in Taiwan be an exciting adventure!
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