10 Best Things to Do in Taipei, Taiwan (2026 Travel Guide)

Taipei is a fantastic city to explore, with bustling night markets, incredible street food, modern skyscrapers, and traditional temples all within easy reach. Whether you’re visiting Taipei 101, sampling local dishes at Raohe Night Market, or exploring the city’s unique neighborhoods, there’s plenty to keep you busy without breaking the bank. In this guide, I’ll cover the best things to do in Taipei, where to eat, where to stay, and practical travel tips to help you plan an unforgettable trip to Taiwan’s capital.

Taiwan Visa Requirements

Before booking your trip to Taipei, check whether you need a visa to visit Taiwan. Many travelers can enter visa-free, but the length of stay depends on their passport. For example, US and UK citizens with eligible passports can generally stay for up to 90 days, while citizens of Malaysia and Singapore can stay for up to 30 days. Thai passport holders are currently eligible for visa-free stays of up to 14 days under a program extended through July 31, 2027.

For the latest requirements, visit the Taiwan Bureau of Consular Affairs⁠.

How To Get Around In Taipei

Getting around Taipei is easy, thanks to its efficient MRT system, extensive bus network, and affordable taxis. The MRT is usually the easiest way to reach the city’s main attractions, while walking is a great way to explore neighborhoods, night markets, and local restaurants.

Taipei MRT: The metro is clean, easy to navigate, and well connected to popular sights such as Taipei 101, Ximending, and Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Stations and signs use English as well as Chinese, making it straightforward for international visitors.

EasyCard: If you’re planning to use public transportation regularly, pick up an EasyCard. You can add money as needed and use it on the MRT, buses, and other participating services. It’s also accepted at many convenience stores. You can buy and top up cards at metro stations and participating convenience stores.

Airport transfers: If you’re arriving at Taoyuan International Airport, the Airport MRT is a convenient way to reach Taipei, including Taipei Main Station. From there, you can connect to the city’s metro system or take a taxi to your hotel. If you’re flying into Taipei Songshan Airport, you can use the MRT or a taxi, depending on where you’re staying.

Taxis and ride-hailing: Taxis are useful when you’re traveling with luggage, heading somewhere not close to an MRT station, or returning late at night. For most sightseeing trips, though, public transportation is usually the more economical option.

Where To Stay In Taipei

Where to Stay in Taipei

Choosing the right neighborhood can make your Taipei trip much easier, especially if you want to spend less time traveling across the city and more time exploring. Taipei has everything from budget-friendly hotels near busy shopping streets to stylish boutique stays, modern luxury hotels, and hot spring resorts. Here are some of the best areas to consider, depending on your travel style and budget.

1. Ximending — Best for First-Time Visitors

Ximending is one of Taipei’s liveliest neighborhoods, with pedestrian shopping streets, street food, trendy shops, and plenty of restaurants. It’s a convenient base if you want to be close to the action, particularly in the evenings. There are also plenty of budget and midrange accommodation options, making it worth considering for first-time visitors. Recommended hotel is: Wonderwall or Orange Hotel – Ximen

2. Da’an — Best for a Local Neighborhood Feel

Da’an has a more relaxed atmosphere, with leafy streets, cafés, independent shops, and easy access to Da’an Forest Park. It’s a good choice if you prefer exploring local restaurants and quieter streets rather than staying in the middle of a busy tourist district. Recommended hotel is Dandy Hotel

3. Zhongshan — Best All-Round Base

Zhongshan is a great option for travelers who want a central location without staying in the busiest part of Taipei. You’ll find cafés, restaurants, shops, and convenient MRT connections. It’s worth considering if you want a comfortable midrange hotel and an easy starting point for exploring the city. Recommended hotel is Hotel Sunroute Taipei

4. Xinyi — Best for Taipei 101 and Luxury Hotels

If you want modern hotels, upscale shopping, and easy access to Taipei 101, Xinyi is the area to look at. It’s especially convenient for sightseeing around the city’s famous skyline, although accommodation can be more expensive than in other neighborhoods. Recommended hotel is: Members Hotel

5. Beitou — Best for Hot Springs

Located in northern Taipei, Beitou is known for its natural hot springs, green surroundings, and relaxing resort atmosphere. Consider spending a night or two here if you want a break from the city, although it isn’t the most convenient base for every major attraction.
Recommended hotel is: Grand Boss Hotel

6. Shilin — Best for Night Markets and Families

Shilin is best known for its famous night market and offers access to attractions in northern Taipei. It’s worth considering if evening food markets are high on your list or you want to explore the city’s northern neighborhoods.
Recommended hotel is: Boutech Jiantan Hotel

7. Songshan — Best for Night Markets

Songshan is a practical option if you want to visit Raohe Street Night Market and explore a less tourist-focused side of Taipei. It also offers convenient transport connections and access to other parts of the city.
Recommended hotel is: Tango Inn Taipei JiHe

8. Wanhua — Best for History and Traditional Taipei

Wanhua is one of Taipei’s historic districts and home to Longshan Temple and Bopiliao Historic Block. It’s a good choice if you’re interested in temples, traditional streets, and the city’s older neighborhoods. Accommodation varies by location, so check the immediate surroundings before booking. Recommended hotel is: Caesar Metro Hotel

My tip: For a first visit, I’d start by comparing Ximending and Zhongshan. Both offer convenient access to public transportation, but they have different atmospheres. Ximending is livelier, while Zhongshan offers a more relaxed mix of cafés, restaurants, and shops. Wherever you stay, choosing a hotel within a short walk of an MRT station can make sightseeing much easier.

Top 10 Things To Do In Taipei

1. Elephant Mountain: If you want one of the best views of Taipei’s skyline, put Elephant Mountain on your list. The hiking trail is famous for its views of Taipei 101 and the surrounding city, especially around sunset. Be prepared for a steep climb with plenty of stairs, and wear comfortable shoes. I’d aim to arrive before sunset to give yourself time to hike up and find a good viewing spot.
2. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is one of Taipei’s best-known landmarks, featuring an impressive white-and-blue memorial building, landscaped gardens, and a large public square. It’s worth visiting for the architecture and to learn more about Taiwan’s complex political history. You can also explore the surrounding grounds, which offer a welcome break from the city’s busy streets.
3. National Palace Museum: The National Palace Museum is a great stop if you’re interested in Chinese art, history, and traditional craftsmanship. Its collection includes centuries-old paintings, ceramics, calligraphy, and other historical treasures. You could easily spend several hours here, so it’s worth allowing enough time rather than trying to squeeze it into a packed sightseeing day.
4. Ximending: Ximending is one of Taipei’s liveliest shopping and entertainment districts. Its pedestrian streets are packed with shops, cafés, restaurants, street performers, and plenty of places to grab a snack. It’s especially enjoyable in the late afternoon and evening, when the neighborhood comes alive with shoppers and food stalls.
5. Raohe Street Night Market: Raohe Street Night Market is one of my top picks for experiencing Taipei’s night-market culture. The narrow street is lined with vendors selling Taiwanese snacks, drinks, and other local favorites. It’s a great place to try pepper buns, grilled food, and traditional desserts while soaking up the atmosphere.
6. Shilin Night Market: Shilin Night Market is another popular stop for food, shopping, and classic Taiwanese night-market fun. Alongside its food vendors, you’ll find shops selling clothing, accessories, souvenirs, and games that can appeal to families and groups of friends. It’s a different experience from Raohe, so visiting both can make sense if you have enough time.
7. Maokong Gondola: For a change of pace from the city center, take the Maokong Gondola up into the hills overlooking Taipei. The ride offers views of the surrounding landscape, and the Maokong area is known for its tea culture, teahouses, and scenic surroundings. It’s a nice option if you want to combine sightseeing with a slower afternoon away from the busiest parts of the city.
8. Tamsui Old Street: Tamsui makes a worthwhile half-day trip from central Taipei. The waterfront area is known for its old street, snack vendors, shops, and sunset views along the river. It’s a good place to slow down, sample local specialties, and explore beyond Taipei’s main shopping and business districts.
9. Four Beasts Scenic Area: If you enjoy hiking, the Four Beasts Scenic Area offers another way to experience Taipei’s greener side. Its network of trails and viewpoints winds through wooded hills above the city, with opportunities to enjoy nature and see the skyline from different angles. Elephant Mountain is one of the best-known trails in this area, but there are other routes to explore if you have more time.
10. Taipei 101: Taipei 101 is one of the city’s defining landmarks and a natural addition to any first-time visitor’s itinerary. You can admire the tower from the surrounding Xinyi district, explore the shopping mall, or visit the observatory for panoramic views across Taipei. The surrounding area is also a good place to find restaurants, cafés, and modern shopping centers.

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Iconic Taiwanese Foods to Try in Taipei

1. Beef Noodle Soup: Beef noodle soup is a classic Taiwanese comfort food, usually made with tender beef, wheat noodles, and a rich broth flavored with soy sauce, spices, and aromatics. Recipes vary from restaurant to restaurant, so it’s worth trying more than one version if you’re a fan of noodle soups.
2. Stinky Tofu: Stinky tofu is one of Taiwan’s most recognizable street foods, known for its strong fermented aroma. It may take some getting used to, but the flavor is often milder than the smell suggests. You’ll find different versions, including deep-fried tofu served with pickled cabbage and a dipping sauce.
3. Dumplings (Xiaolongbao): Xiaolongbao are delicate steamed dumplings filled with pork and hot, savory broth. They’re especially popular at Taiwanese restaurants, including the internationally known Din Tai Fung. Take a small bite first to let the steam escape, then enjoy the filling without burning your mouth.
4. Taiwanese Oyster Omelet: A Taiwanese oyster omelet combines fresh oysters, eggs, leafy vegetables, and a slightly chewy starch-based batter, usually finished with a sweet and savory sauce. It’s a common night-market dish and a good option if you want to try something distinctly Taiwanese.
5. Bubble Tea (Boba Tea): Taiwan is famous for bubble tea, a drink made with tea, milk or fruit flavors, and chewy tapioca pearls. You’ll find countless variations throughout Taipei, from classic milk tea to fruit teas and brown sugar drinks. Sugar levels and ice can often be customized, which is helpful if you prefer a less sweet drink.
6. Pineapple Cake: Pineapple cakes are among Taiwan’s most popular souvenirs. These small pastries typically have a buttery exterior and a sweet pineapple filling, making them easy to pack as gifts or enjoy with tea. Bakeries offer different versions, so compare a few before buying a box to take home.
7. Scallion Pancake: Scallion pancakes are flaky, savory flatbreads made with dough and chopped green onions. They’re commonly pan-fried until crisp on the outside while remaining chewy inside. Some vendors add egg, cheese, or other fillings, making them a convenient snack while exploring Taipei.
8. Tamsui Iron Eggs: Iron eggs are small eggs that are repeatedly braised and dried until they develop a dark color and a firm, chewy texture. They’re particularly associated with Tamsui, a riverside district north of central Taipei. If you’re planning a trip to Tamsui Old Street, look out for these distinctive local snacks.
9. Taiwanese Hot Pot: Hot pot is a popular meal to share with friends or family. You cook ingredients such as thinly sliced meat, seafood, vegetables, tofu, and noodles in a simmering pot of broth at the table. Taipei has everything from affordable hot-pot restaurants to more upscale options, with different broths and dipping sauces to choose from.
10. Dan Bing: Dan bing is a popular Taiwanese breakfast made with a thin crepe-like wrapper and egg, often with scallions or other fillings. It’s commonly served with a savory sauce and is a great choice if you want to try a local breakfast rather than heading straight for a hotel buffet.

Taipei Nightlife: Things to Do After Dark

Taipei is just as enjoyable after dark as it is during the day. Whether you prefer wandering through night markets, enjoying the city skyline, or finding a relaxed bar for a drink, there are plenty of ways to spend an evening in Taiwan’s capital.

Explore Taipei’s Night Markets: As night blankets the city, Taipei’s famed landmarks take on a captivating new persona. Taipei 101 illuminates the skyline with its dazzling lights, while Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall evokes a sense of history under the stars. These Taipei attractions offer a unique opportunity for night owls to witness Taipei’s architectural marvels in a whole new light.

See Taipei 101 at Night: The illuminated Taipei 101 skyline is worth seeing after sunset, especially around the Xinyi shopping district. You can walk around the surrounding streets, browse the shopping malls, or find a restaurant with city views. It’s an easy addition to an evening itinerary without needing to book a separate tour.

Enjoy Taipei’s Bar and Cocktail Scene: If you’d rather skip the crowds, Taipei has a wide range of cocktail bars, craft beer spots, and relaxed neighborhood bars. Areas around Zhongshan and Xinyi are worth exploring, depending on the atmosphere you’re looking for. Check recent reviews and opening hours before heading out, especially if you have a particular bar in mind.

Take an Evening Walk Along the Waterfront: For a quieter evening, consider a walk along one of Taipei’s riverside paths. These offer a break from the busy shopping streets and night markets, with open views and space to unwind. Tamsui is another option if you’re planning a longer outing, particularly around sunset.

3 Day Taipei Itinerary

3-Day Taipei Itinerary:

Day 1: Explore Taipei’s Main Attractions

• Morning: Start your trip at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Walk around the expansive grounds, admire the architecture, and explore the surrounding Liberty Square.
• Afternoon: Head to Ximending for lunch, shopping, and a look at one of Taipei’s liveliest neighborhoods. It’s a good place to sample local snacks and explore the smaller streets at your own pace.
• Evening: Finish the day at Raohe Street Night Market. Try a few Taiwanese street-food favorites, browse the stalls, and enjoy the atmosphere. If you’re still up for exploring afterward, head toward the nearby riverside area for a walk.

Day 2: Culture, Taipei 101, and Skyline Views

• Morning: Spend the morning exploring the National Palace Museum’s extensive collection of Chinese art and historical treasures. Check the current exhibitions and opening hours before your visit.
• Afternoon: Head to the Xinyi district for lunch, shopping, and a closer look at Taipei 101. Visit the observatory if you’d like panoramic city views, or simply explore the surrounding streets and shopping centers.
• Evening: If the weather cooperates, hike Elephant Mountain for views of Taipei 101 and the city skyline. Allow enough time for the stairs and the return journey, and bring water. If hiking isn’t your thing, enjoy dinner in Xinyi instead.

Day 3: Choose Your Taipei Adventure

• Option A: Maokong and Taipei’s Tea Culture
  Take the Maokong Gondola into the hills, enjoy the scenery, and visit a local teahouse. This is a good option if you’d like a slower day away from the busiest shopping areas. Check the gondola’s operating schedule and weather conditions before setting out.
• Option B: Tamsui Waterfront
  Spend the day exploring Tamsui Old Street, sampling local snacks, and walking along the waterfront. Stay for sunset if the weather is clear. This is a good choice if you prefer a relaxed outing rather than a full day of museums and city sightseeing.
• Option C: Jiufen Day Trip
  If you have your heart set on Jiufen, consider making it your main outing for the day. The historic hillside town is known for its narrow lanes, traditional teahouses, and views of the surrounding coast. Allow time for the journey from Taipei, and check transportation options before leaving.

Taipei Free Walking Tour

Klook Free Walking Tour

Free Walking Tour

Final Thoughts: Is Taipei Worth Visiting?

Taipei is a city that makes it easy to mix sightseeing, great food, and local experiences without spending a fortune. From the views around Taipei 101 and the trails of Elephant Mountain to the street food at Raohe Night Market, there’s plenty to enjoy whether you’re visiting for a weekend or spending several days in Taiwan.

If it’s your first trip, I’d set aside at least three days to explore the main attractions, try some Taiwanese food, and experience the city’s different neighborhoods. Use this guide to plan your itinerary, but leave yourself some flexibility to discover places along the way. Sometimes the best travel memories come from an unexpected food stop or a neighborhood you hadn’t planned to visit.