11 Things to Do in Taipei for First-Time Visitors
From the buzz of the night markets to the peaceful temples tucked between skyscrapers, it’s a place full of contrasts that amazed us. It can be overwhelming for first-time visitors, so we’ve handpicked our favorite activities to help you experience the best of the city.
HOW MANY DAYS |
3 - 7 days
BEST TIME TO VISIT | Oct - Apr
WHERE TO STAY | Comma Boutique Hotel
TOP THINGS TO SEE | Taipei 101, Ximending, Bao’an Temple
HOW TO GET AROUND | public transport or taxi
Taipei is a must-visit on any Taiwan trip, offering a perfect mix of modern convenience and rich cultural heritage. The city is easy to explore, thanks to its efficient MRT system, and you’ll find no shortage of things to do, from wandering bustling night markets to exploring tranquil temples nestled between skyscrapers. Beyond the urban vibe, Taipei is surrounded by natural wonders—think hot springs, hiking trails, and even beaches—all just a short trip away. Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, or nature lover, Taipei has something to offer every traveler.
✈︎ Wondering how to make the most of your Taiwan trip? Our Taiwan Travel Essentials has you covered with detailed guides, packing tips, and more.
HOW MANY DAYS FOR TAIPEI?
You’ll need at least three days to see the main highlights of Taipei if you're moving at a fast pace. This will give you enough time to visit popular spots like Taipei 101, the National Palace Museum, and the night markets. However, if you'd like to explore more leisurely and include some day trips to places like Jiufen or Yangmingshan, consider extending your stay. We managed everything we wanted to see in a week without feeling burned-out at then end of it.
WHERE TO STAY IN TAIPEI?
Taipei is a large city with diverse neighborhoods, each offering its own pros and cons. To make the most of your stay, it’s smart to book accommodation near an MRT station—the metro is fast, reliable, and connects you easily to all the main sights. Compared to other parts of Taiwan, lodging in Taipei can be more expensive, and budget options sometimes come without windows or with very limited space.
For first-timers and those who want to be at the center of it all, Taipei Main Station is a solid choice thanks to its unbeatable transport connections. If you're into trendy shops and nightlife, Ximending’s lively vibe is perfect—especially for younger travelers.
For something a little more upscale, stay near Taipei 101, where you’ll find high-end hotels and business hubs. Prefer culture and charm? Dadaocheng offers a slower pace with heritage buildings and old streets.
BOOK | Reserve your room through booking.com here
HOW TO GET TO TAIPEI?
You’ll probably arrive in Taipei via Taoyuan International Airport. The easiest and most budget-friendly way to reach the city is by the Taoyuan Airport MRT, which takes around 35–50 minutes to reach Taipei Main Station. For a more direct and comfortable option—especially if you have a lot of luggage—you can also book a private transfer here. Once in the city, Taipei Main Station acts as a major transport hub. From here, you can easily catch the High-Speed Rail (HSR), regular trains, or long-distance buses to explore the rest of Taiwan, whether you're heading to the Sun-Moon-Lake, Lukang, Kaohsiung, or the southern beaches.
BOOK | Grab your HSR ticket with this 2-for-1 deal on Klook – perfect for two travelers!
WHEN TO VISIT TAIPEI?
The best time to visit Taipei is from October to April, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. Autumn (20–28°C) and spring (18–26°C) bring mild temperatures and lower humidity, making it ideal for exploring the city on foot. Winter (December to February) is also a good time to visit—though cooler, with temperatures between 13–20°C, it's still mild compared to many other places and perfect for enjoying hot pot and hot springs. Summer tends to be hot, humid, and rainy, with the chance of typhoons.
HOW TO GET AROUND TAIPEI?
Taipei is easy to navigate thanks to its excellent public transportation. The MRT is fast, clean, and covers most major sights, while buses fill in the gaps. Grab an EasyCard to tap in and out of both systems with ease.
Taxis are widely available and affordable, which you can order easily with Uber to add an extra layer of safety and accessibility.
Sightseeing can be chaotic, but staying online, makes everything easier. An eSIM allowed us to stay online, always having access to maps, reviews, and nearby attractions, making our trip stress-free.
READ | Everything you need to know before you go to Taiwan
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Go Shopping in Ximending
Ximending, in western Taipei, is a lively pedestrian-only district blending night market vibes with indoor shophouses. It's perfect for strolling, shopping, and savoring local flavors. One of the highlights of Ximending is the historic Red House, one of the area’s oldest buildings, now a hub for local arts, crafts and perfect to buy special souvenirs. This area is essential for Taipei’s LGBTQ+ community, so don’t miss snapping a selfie on the giant Taipei Pride flag nearby—it’s a must! And for a touch of fun, check out the adorable Hello Kitty-themed 7-Eleven in the district.
Find Peace and Beauty in Taipei's Stunning Temples
Curious about Taiwan’s temples? We put together a full guide on how they’re built, how to behave, and which ones we loved most. Check it out here and make your visit more meaningful.
Bao-An Temple
Built in 1879, this temple is dedicated to Confucius and is a place for studying and paying respects to the great philosopher. It’s a peaceful place with traditional architecture and features cultural exhibitions. It is very popular, so you can expect foreign tourists and locals at all times.
OPEN | 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
WHERE | Google Maps
Longshan Temple
Longshan Temple is where the heart of Taipei beats with ancient energy. Established in 1738, it’s a spiritual sanctuary where locals gather to offer prayers, seeking blessings and guidance. The beauty of its design and the calm atmosphere with its aritificial waterfall. It’s a space that invites both worshippers and visitors to take a break from the city life.
TIP | Don’t miss a chanting ceremony, which take place daily from 6:00 to 6:45 a.m., 8:00 to 8:45 a.m., and 3:45 to 5:00 p.m.
OPEN | 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
WHERE | Google Maps
Taipei Confucius Temple
Built in 1879, this temple is dedicated to Confucius and is a place for studying and paying respects to the great philosopher. It’s a peaceful place with traditional architecture and features cultural exhibitions. The garden is beautiful with a small pond, allows you to you can relax for a bit, before continuing with your itinerary.
OPEN | 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
WHERE | Google Maps
Hike Up Elephant Mountain for the Perfect City View
This iconic mountain, named for its elephant-like shape, has a short but rewarding hike. At just 183 meters high, the trail takes most hikers around 15-20 minutes to reach the top, though the steep stairs add a bit of challenge, it is mostly flat. Along the way, you’ll find lush greenery, chirping birds, and plenty of nature to enjoy. The summit offers breathtaking views of Taipei, stunning both day and night. To fully soak in the experience and snap some photos, plan for 1.5 to 2 hours round trip from Xiangshan MRT station.
MRT | Take Exit 3 of Xiangshan station
A Step Back in Time: Wander Through Dihua Street
Dihua Street is a treasure trove of history and culture in Taipei, offering a glimpse into the city’s past while buzzing with modern charm. Dihua Street, the oldest in Taipei, dates back to the 17th century during Dutch colonization. By the 19th century, it became the city’s bustling commercial hub, with many buildings from that era still standing. Strolling along Dihua Street offers a fascinating glimpse into what Taipei’s streets once looked like.
Known for its beautifully preserved Qing Dynasty architecture, Dadaocheng is a vibrant blend of history, culture, and local flavors. Stroll along Dihua Street to browse shops selling traditional Chinese medicine, dried goods, and specialty teas. Don’t miss the lively Yongle Market, the historic A.S. Watson & Co. Building, or a unique love ritual at the Xiahai City God Temple. Grab a bite at the street food stalls in the central market area and take in the peaceful atmosphere of the Dadaocheng Cisheng Temple.
TIP | Visit on the weekends for a street market
DRINK | Mikkeller Taipei for craft beers
Watch the Guards Changing at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is one of Taipei’s most iconic landmarks—and whether or not you’re into history, it’s worth a visit just for the experience. The vast plaza, flanked by grand traditional-style buildings, makes an impression as soon as you arrive. Inside the main hall, you'll find a towering statue of Chiang Kai-shek, but what really draws crowds is the hourly changing of the guard—a precise, almost ceremonial routine that’s fascinating to watch. While the site's legacy is debated due to its connection to Taiwan’s authoritarian past, it remains a powerful space to reflect on how the country has changed and where it’s headed.
WHERE | Google Maps
Explore Taiwan's History at the National Palace Museum
The National Palace Museum in Taipei’s Shilin area is a little out of the way, but it’s definitely worth visiting. It holds thousands of Chinese artifacts full of history and culture. The National Palace Museum is home to an incredible collection of 700,000 artworks—more than you could ever see in one visit! Luckily, everything is nicely organized across three floors, so you can easily find what interests you most. It’s a must-visit for its amazing display of Chinese art and history that’s sure to leave you in awe. One of the most famous pieces is the Jadeite Cabbage, a beautiful jade carving that looks just like a tiny, real cabbage.
OPEN | 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed mondays)
PRICE | NT$350 | €10 | US$ 10
BOOK | Skip the queue and buy your ticket in advance here
WHERE | Google Maps
Enjoy a Scenic Ride on the Maokong Gondola
We recommend you to take the gondola all the way up to Makong Station and exploring the village first, before riding it back down and taking multiple stops along the way. Maokong is a nice spot to visit its tea plantations and tea houses. There are two cabins and therefore two queues: the one on the left is for regular cars while the one on the right is for Crystal Cabins. The price depends on the stops: NT$70 (1 stop), NT$100 (2 stops) and NT$120 (3 stops). The stops are: Zoo, Taipei Zoo South, Zhinan Temple, and Maokong. You can ride with your EasyCard.
TIP | We really like the crystal cabins, so if you are not afraid go for it!
OPEN | 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (closed mondays)
PRICE | NT$70 - $120 | €2 - €4 | US$2 - $4
WHERE | Google Maps
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Soak in the Breathtaking Views from Taipei 101
As the name says, Taipei 101 has 101 floors and is the tallest building in Taiwan. When it was finished in 2004, it was the world's tallest at 508m, until Burj Khalifa took the title five years later. A regular ticket gets you access to the 88th and 89th-floor observatories, where you'll find fun photo props and the tuned mass damper. This tech keeps the building stable during strong winds and earthquakes. You can buy an extra ticket for the 101st floor, but honestly, the 88th and 89th are enough. The 101st is quieter and more exclusive, but it's smaller, and the view is almost the same.
TIP | Book in advance to secure your spot here
OPEN | 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (closed mondays)
PRICE | NT$600 | €18 | US$19
Reflect at the 228 Peace Memorial Park
Beyond its peaceful paths and leafy trees lies a deep and complex history. This was the epicenter of the tragic 228 Incident, a turning point in Taiwan’s modern story. Today, the park invites you to pause, reflect, and learn—whether you’re strolling past sculptures, visiting the memorial museum, or simply sitting by the pond. It's not just a place to unwind in the city center—it’s a powerful reminder of resilience and the importance of remembrance.
WHERE | Google Maps
Taste Taipei’s Best Street Food at a Night Market
We loved Taiwanese street food, it is cheap, delicious, and it is the best introduction into Taiwanese culture and food culture. We recommend you to start with that night market close to you or the attractions that you are visiting during the day. We made a list of our favorite Taiwanese Street Food and desserts. Check it out as a guide to know what to try first.
READ | Our Favorite Taiwanese Main Dishes You Must Try
Raohe Night Market
This market has become the leading night market in Taipei. While it can get quite crowded, it’s just one main street, about 600 meters long from east to west, so it’s easy to navigate without getting lost. It is the best place to try all the classics at once and many other delicious dishes.
WHERE | Google Maps
Linjiang Night Market
We were lucky to have this night market very close to our accommodation, soa we went many nights for dinner and snacks. It is not as crowded as other markets are and the dishes are very authentic. It is the perfect place to try stinky tofu, sweet potato balls, Korean fried chicken (which we never found again in Taiwan and we absolutely loved), Taiwanese burgers (gua bao), fried squid with different sauces and roujiamo.
WHERE | Google Maps
Nanjichang Night Market
Very few foreign tourists make it here, because it is not close to any MRT. Therefore, expect cheaper prices. Al the stalls at Nanjichang are numbered and have their main specialty written in English. It is a good alternative, if you are searching for authenticity and a more tranquil atmosphere.
WHERE | Google Maps
Ningxia Night Market
It is very crowded and very narrow, it is closed to the Main Station and Ximending so it is probably not the best, if you do not like very packed places. We struggled finding this market and we were expecting more variety, but if you are in the area you can try some dishes here.
WHERE | Google Maps
Take Daytrips from Taipei
Day 1: Jiufen, Shifen & Keelung Night Market
A day trip to Jiufen, Shifen, and Keelung Night Market combines charming old cities with nature and great food. Start in Jiufen, wandering through its narrow, winding streets, with the scent of oolong tea in the air and stunning views of the ocean below. Next, head to Shifen, famous for its picturesque railway tracks and the opportunity to release sky lanterns, a symbolic gesture of good luck. Finally, conclude the day at the lively Keelung Night Market, where you can indulge in a variety of delicious street food, from fresh seafood to Taiwanese snacks, all while soaking in the energetic nighttime atmosphere.
READ | The Ultimate Taipei Day Trip: Jiufen, Shifen & Keelung
Day 2: Beitou, Yangminshan & the Hot Springs
A visit to Beitou, Yangmingshan, and the hot springs offers a refreshing escape into nature. Beitou is famous for its natural hot springs, and the Beitou Hot Springs Museum provides insight into the area's history. Nearby, Yangmingshan National Park is known for its lush landscapes, hiking trails, and stunning views, especially during the spring when flowers bloom. Beitou's hot springs are rich in minerals and provide a relaxing experience, with public baths and private resorts available for visitors.
READ | A Day in Beitou and Yangmingshan: Taipei’s Natural Retreat
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