Taipei is a true feast for the senses, perfectly combining the old with the new. This trendsetting tropical city is full of wonder.
Most of the major attractions are based in and around Taiwan. All of them are busy year round, especially with the influx of mainland tourists from China, so expect some queues, however this is all part of the experience. From the bustle of the night markets to the peace and tranquility of the memorial hall, Taipei’s cultural and historical attractions are some of the most famous in the world.
Save time queuing and book the Taipei Day Tour in Advance and get your bearings of the city with your very own guided tour.
Here is our list of the 6 must-see attractions in Taipei. Don’t be afraid to venture beyond the city to explore all that the island has to offer!
Taipei 101
No trip to Taipei would be complete without a visit to one of the world’s tallest buildings.
At 509 meters high, this was the world’s tallest building from 2004 to 2010, when the Burj Khalifa in Dubai surpassed it. The tower is reminiscent of a pagoda or a stalk of bamboo and designed to withstand typhoons and earthquakes common in Taiwan. Floors one through five are a shopping center and both the indoor (89th floor) and outdoor (91st floor) observation decks offer a 360-degree panoramic view.
The tower offers breathtaking views of the entire city of Taipei and has some innovative features including some of the fastest elevators in the world, a special series of dampeners to deal with high winds and is one of the most energy efficient buildings of its kind.
We recommend you try and make your trip in the late evening, when you can see the city in its true glory. Taipei’s nigh skyline is breathtaking. Combine it with a visit to one of the traditional Mongolian BBQs for a delicious end to your evening.
Book the night tour of Taipei
National Palace Museum
This extraordinary collection of historic art treasures, fascinating for its depth and breadth, has miraculously escaped destruction over hundreds of years. Some pieces date back to the tenth century. The most famous exhibit is the Jade Cabbage, one of the country’s national treasures.
Book a half day tour of the city and see the National Museum.
Long Shan Temple
The night tour of Taipei includes a trip to the ancient Longshan Temple.
Many festivals and celebrations are held in Lungshan, often called “meeting place of the gods” for the wealth of deities worshipped here. Lungshan means “Dragon Mountain.” It is often crowded with worshipers. The Longshan Temple is one of Taiwan’s finest examples of temple architecture.
Book the night tour of Taipei and take in the temple on route.
Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall
Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, in downtown Taipei, paying homage to the late President Chiang Kai-Shek.
The memorial is impressive, in terms of an overall structure and in terms of the Chiang Kai Shek statue. The changing of the guard (every hour on the hour) should not be missed. Get there early so you can have a close up view. See the Great Ruler’s replica office, his state cars and more. Definitely worth a visit.
Book now to Take in the Memorial Hall on a half day tour of Taipei.
Chiufen Village (Jiufen)
Take a day trip from Taipei and head to Jiufen Village for an experience you will never forget.
Our most recommended tour! Explore the Northeast Coast of Taipei and stroll through the Chiufen Village also known as Jiufen on this four-hour tour from Taipei. Drive to the east coast of Taipei to visit the Northeast Coast National Scenic Area, a popular swimming spot for the locals. Offering fascinating rock formations, lighthouses, fishing villages, pastoral farmlands and temples.
Then visit the quaint little village of Chiufen (Jiufen), once the gold mining center of Taiwan. The gold is gone, but Chiufen (Jiufen) built of closely-packed houses clinging to steep mountainsides, continue to offer enchanting scenery, unique teahouses and fascinating glimpses into the lifestyles of the past. The village is full of stores where you can purchase virtually anything.
Nightmarket
No trip to Taipei would be complete without a visit to one of its famous Night markets.
Huaxi (Huasi) Street Night Market is located nearby Longshan Temple. The night market, together with night markets on Guangzhou Street, Wuzhou Street and Xichang Street, has formed a large unique market. Various items are sold here and it is one of the favored sites of tourists.
You will find all sorts of strange and wonderful foodstuffs here… But for those of you looking for something more tradition, try some of the shaved ice here, its some of the best we have tasted in Taipei.
Take in Huaxi Street Night Market on the Night Tour of Taipei. Book Now.
For a complete list of tours, dinner cruises and more available in Taipei, check out our Tours section and plan and book your tours in advance.