Explore the City
Taipei offers a vibrant and lively atmosphere with a bustling and exciting cityscape. From exploring historical temples, taking a stroll through its lively night markets, or even enjoying the view from Elephant Mountain, there is something for everyone to experience in this fantastic city.
In this section, we will explore the locations and attractions that make Taipei a must-visit destination:
Visit the National Palace Museum
The National Palace Museum, located in the northern suburb of Taipei and founded in 1925, is one of the world’s four major museums. It is a must for those looking to experience Chinese culture and history. Within its walls lie over 700,000 artifacts ranging from the Neolithic to the end of the 19th century. The Calligraphy and Painting Collection, Chinese Porcelain Exhibit, and Metalwork Collection are fascinating, allowing visitors to journey through mainland Chinese artistry as it evolved.
The museum was built to replicate Qing Dynasty Imperial Palaces, with symmetric ivy-draped buildings surrounding a courtyard filled with gardens and incredible statues of mythological figures. Inside are several galleries showcasing historically significant pieces, including “Jadeite Cabbage” (a jade plant bordered by insects) that was part of Emperor Qianlong’s collection and “Changyu Zhanghui’s Thirteen Statues of Auspicious Beasts.” The knowledge contained within allows one to gain an intimate understanding of an ancient civilization.
Exploring this palace provides an opportunity for art lovers and curious travelers alike to glimpse into a distant past rich in culture through more than 700,000 awe-inspiring pieces – making visiting the National Palace Museum essential for any visitor traveling to Taipei.
Explore the Night Markets
One of the best ways to experience the nightlife in Taipei is to explore the colorful night markets throughout the city. The dynamic atmosphere and variety of food and activities make these bustling street markets an excellent attraction for locals or visitors. So whether you’re looking for a unique shopping experience, want to try freshly cooked local Taiwanese snacks, or need a break from sightseeing, these vibrant night markets are sure to provide an enjoyable evening adventure.
Taipei’s most popular night market is Shilin Night Market on Yangmingshan Road. It’s the largest night market in Taiwan, with more than 500 stalls selling wares. Visitors can find clothes, shoes, accessories, and more at bargain prices. There are also plenty of restaurants ranging from local street food vendors to sit-down establishments serving authentic Taiwanese dishes.
If you’re looking for something a little more offbeat, head to Raohe Street Night Market, which has been around since 1771! This unique market mixes traditional elements with modern oddities, such as fashion boutiques selling trendy apparel and souvenir stores packed with handmade gifts. Raohe Street is also one of the best spots to taste authentic Taiwanese cuisine, as many restaurants offer delicious meals with generous portions at reasonable prices.
For those looking for an even more localized experience, Huaxi Street Tourist Night Market is worth checking out. Known as Snake Alley due to its earlier dealings in snake meat sales (which it no longer continues), it has now been transformed into one of Taipei City’s significant attractions filled with traditional Taiwanese stalls selling exotic snacks and snacks such as grilled squid and stinky tofu alongside shops that offer everything from tea tasting experiences to souvenirs that feature imagery related to the infamous snake alley legend.
Taiwan’s night markets provide a fantastic glimpse into its culture that can’t be found anywhere else; explore them this vacation!
Take a Stroll Around the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is an iconic landmark of Taipei, Taiwan. It is located near the National Palace Museum and displays a white marble and blue tile monument dedicated to the late President Chiang Kai-shek. Initially built in 1980 and since expanded in 1997 to mark his centenary year, it has become a popular tourist attraction for visitors interested in learning about Chiang’s life and legacy.
Spanning more than 375,000 square meters, the memorial hall is surrounded by large open spaces featuring artwork created by prominent Taiwanese artists. Other highlights include:
- the changing of the guard ceremony (which happens every hour on alternating sides of the main gate)
- a fountain display with classical melodies being played when water is being released
- plus historical artifacts on display at various galleries within its compound.
Take your time to explore this cultural icon while admiring beautiful works of art scattered around its vast grounds.
Enjoy Nature
Taipei is an exciting city with its modern elements but also surrounded by lush greenery. Nature lovers will find plenty of places to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, such as Taipei Zoo, Beitou Park, and Yangmingshan National Park.
Taipei has numerous trails and parks, so look below to start planning your outdoor adventure in this vibrant city!
Visit the Yangmingshan National Park
Yangmingshan National Park is located in Northern Taipei and is one of the most popular national parks in Taiwan for locals and tourists alike. The park covers over 11,000 hectares (27,000 acres) and allows visitors to explore nature trails, a diverse range of flora and fauna, numerous hot springs, and many other exciting attractions.
The highest mountain peak in Yangmingshan National Park is Datun Shan at 1120 meters (3670 feet). Hiking trails offer spectacular views across Taipei City from the mountaintop. There are also attractive thermophilic soil hot springs with different temperatures on the mountainside. From March to November, visitors can enjoy walking along wild paths while admiring the various azalea bushes sprouting vivid colors during bloom-time. It’s also possible to find cherry blossoms and seasonal plants such as camellias in this area of rich natural beauty.
Besides refreshing hikes around Yangmingshan National Park, visitors can explore volcanic zones filled with sulfur deposits. The “Jhuzihu Hot Spring Path” offers a unique experience of Taiwanese indigenous culture while strolling around its small lake area surrounded by native vegetation. In addition, visitors can take a thrilling ride down Maokong Gondola, which connects up to Taipei Zoo Station at the foot of Yangmingshan National Park up to Maokong Station – conveniently located on its highest peak mountain ridge!
Check out the Elephant Mountain Hiking Trail
Take a break from the bustling city of Taipei and enjoy the great outdoors by exploring Elephant Mountain. Located on the edge of Taipei city near Xinyi District, Elephant Mountain is a popular hiking trail that takes around one hour to complete. The main peak stands at 377 m and offers breathtaking sights of the Taipei skyline below.
Start your hike on Elephant Mountain Hiking Trail 1, which takes you to Xiangshan Visitor Center. As your climb, be sure to check out other exciting spots such as Real East Cliff, where you can get a fantastic view of all four directions; Buddha’s Palm Cave, with its rock formations that look like a Buddha’s palm; Fanzanshan Walkway that has viewing pavilions for beautiful sceneries; and Yishan Path which is lined with trees and wooden staircases.
On clear days, taking photos from the top of Elephant Mountain gives you an unforgettable view of downtown Taipei’s many skyscrapers and buildings, including its impressive 101 Tower. Make sure to bring comfortable shoes for your trek up this popular hiking destination in Taipei’s beautiful city!
Take a Day Trip to the Beitou Hot Springs
The Beitou Hot Springs in Taipei, Taiwan, is a great way to spend a relaxing day in nature. As the northeasternmost district of the city, the area is known for its hot springs and magnificent scenery. Located near Yangmingshan National Park, Beitou is perfect for a day trip to get away from it all.
At Beitou Hot Springs, visitors will find numerous places to enjoy natural thermal hot springs. Decide between public and private spas to choose your preferred experience. In addition, various bath services are available, such as stone baths, massage treatments, and foot spa activities with the therapeutic waters of Taiwan’s renowned sulfuric hot spring sources.
Be sure not to miss out on exploring one of Taipei’s oldest public parks – Riverside Park – while you’re there! This historic park offers acres of sprawling lawns with mature trees providing plenty of shade and chairs/benches for visitors to relax on while taking in views of the river before visiting nearby attractions, including Yangmingshan National Park or Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf. Don’t forget your swimsuit or a change of clothes if you plan on indulging in waterside activities!
Whether looking for quality time outdoors or something different from downtown Taipei, the Beitou Hot Springs make for an unforgettable getaway!
Sample the Local Cuisine
Taipei, Taiwan, is known for its superb local cuisine and the diverse range of flavors that can be experienced in the city. Taipei has something for everyone, from traditional Taiwanese street food to incredible fine dining experiences.
In this section, we’ll explore the best restaurants and eateries in the city and explore the many delicious flavors of Taipei:
Try the Local Street Food
Taipei is a major city full of flavors, and it’s no wonder that visitors come from all parts of the world to explore its unique culinary delights. However, one of the most exciting ways to experience Taipei is to sample the local street food. Street food can be found throughout the city, especially in night markets and small alleyways, where vendors offer various snacks and dishes.
Examples of popular Taiwanese street food include oyster omelets, xiaolongbao (tiny steamed buns filled with pork), and stinky tofu (silken tofu that has been fermented for a unique flavor). There are also some fusion takes on classic dishes, like sesame chicken stewed with black bean sauce for additional flavor. Other favorites include:
- Bubble tea
- Fried chicken drumsticks or wings
- Sun cakes filled with mung bean paste or red bean paste
Be daring and try something unexpected!
No matter what your taste buds crave, when visiting Taipei, you will find delicious street food around every corner—from the famous Shilin night market to the bustling alleys behind Taipei 101 mall in the Xinyi district. So grab a snack (or two) on your next trip and enjoy!
Visit a Traditional Tea House
Tea houses are a quintessential part of Taiwan’s culture, making them one of the top things to do in Taipei. While tea is ubiquitous across the country, a visit to a traditional tea house will give you an insight into the ceremony and ritual surrounding it. From oolong teas to milk teas, Taiwan has an abundance of unique concoctions that can be relished in these establishments.
Typically located in old alleyways and alleys, traditional Taiwanese tea houses can be found all over Taipei and provide tourists with an opportunity to experience the warm hospitality and historic atmosphere of Taiwanese culture. Teahouses serve more than just tea as snacks, such as sunchokes, scallion pancakes, wheat dumplings, and egg tarts for customers to enjoy alongside their beverages. Aside from grabbing some classic Taiwanese treats and sipping hot tea, visitors can take part in traditional games like mahjong or go karaoke with the locals during their time there.
For those looking for an authentic taste of Taiwanese cultural history, visiting a local teahouse is an unmissable experience when visiting Taipei.
Sample the Local Snacks and Desserts
Taipei is full of delicious and mouth-watering snacks and desserts. While walking around Taipei, you will be drawn in by the scent of local street food lingering in the air. Night markets offer an excellent opportunity to sample these treats without committing to a full meal.
Try traditional Taiwanese desserts such as taro balls, black sugar balls, ginger milk curd, mochi balls with assorted fillings, and fried dough sticks with condensed milk. Then, wash them down with unusual local drinks like bubble tea, winter melon tea, or fluorescent light jelly!
For local snacks, look for bread-wrapped chicken sausages filled with cream cheese (gao da bing) or deep-fried mushrooms topped with spicy pepper mix (jian bing). Or grab a slice of charcoal cheese tart for your snack time fix – their crispy puff pastry crust, along with soft cheesy fillings, are irresistible!
Taiwanese also have a wide selection of friendly restaurants that serve dishes made from fresh local ingredients. A visit to one of these eateries is an ideal way to savor authentic Taiwanese flavors in a comfortable setting. From flavorful soups to savory stews, there’s something to tantalize everyone’s taste buds!
Shopping
Shopping in Taipei is fantastic. You can find it all in the city, from street markets to luxury designer outlets and souvenirs. Shopping in Taipei is an experience in itself. Whether you are looking for something unique, cheap, and cheerful or a designer item at a fantastic price, you can find it all in the capital of Taiwan.
Let’s explore some of the best shopping spots in Taipei:
Visit the Ximending Shopping District
The Ximending Shopping District is one of Taipei’s most popular tourist destinations. It is located on the west side of the city. This vibrant district offers a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and many passionate street performers.
The official Ximending Shopping Street dated back to the late Qing Dynasty and was further developed in 1947. Whether shopping for souvenirs or enjoying a traditional Taiwanese meal, visitors will surely experience traditional Taiwanese culture with modernized elements. In addition, visitors can participate in unique experiences such as shopping in Japanese kawaii fashion, riding bicycles around the district, or visiting movie theatres and arcades.
Various stores line up along two main roads: Wuchang Street, which specializes in clothing, accessories, and lifestyle goods, and Hanzhong Street, which features beauty products and home decor items. Other streets off these two main roads specialize in stationery goods and electronics. After shopping for hours, visitors can enjoy delicious local food such as oyster omelets and bubble tea at night markets or restaurants nearby. Situated close to other attractions like Ximen MRT station for quick access to other exploration sites around Taipei City!
Check out the Taipei 101 Mall
The Taipei 101 Mall is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for an unforgettable shopping experience in the city. Located in Xinyi District, the Taipei 101 Mall is part of the iconic Taipei 101 building, and it’s conveniently located close to Taipei City Hall MRT station.
There are a variety of shops surrounding the area, boasting an eclectic selection of brands and products from around the world. With over 200 boutiques and designer stores inside, you will never be short on choices. You can find designer apparel from leading fashion houses, trendy streetwear labels, and unique niche brands to suit any style — expect high-quality items that won’t burn through your pocket! There’s also a massive range of cosmetics, skincare products, and accessories to browse through. If that wasn’t enough, there are relaxation zones with massage chairs and outdoor terraces too!
Whether you’re looking for casual threads or a designer wardrobe overhaul, you won’t be disappointed at the variety of options available at Taipei 101 Mall!
Explore the Raohe Night Market
Raohe Night Market is one of the oldest and most famous in Taipei, located in the heart of Songshan District. This bustling market has something to offer everyone, from delicious street food to trendy gadgets and vibrant fashion items. It is an excellent place for visitors to explore the cultural heritage of Taiwan and mingle with locals.
Raohe Street runs through the entire area. Along its 600-meter length, one can find stalls as far as the eye can see selling traditional apparel, crafts, souvenirs, snacks, and more. The market cuts across several individual parts, including:
- Yuan Street specializes in Chinese antique items
- Snake Alley with performing snakes
- Zhengxing Street is stocked full of souvenirs
- Shi Da Road is adjoined by various dessert bars
- Youth Road is filled with secondhand goods
- Fashionable clothes shops around Linjiang Street Intersection turning it into a shopping playground
It’s no surprise that Raohe Market has become an attraction for visitors who visit Taipei’s night markets. If you want to experience authentic Taiwanese culture, this should be at the top of your list!
Cultural Experiences
Taipei, Taiwan, is a vibrant and exciting city with various cultural experiences. Taipei is truly a cultural destination, from its bustling night markets to its ancient temples.
In this heading, we will look at some of the cultural experiences you can enjoy in Taipei. From traditional performances to centuries-old attractions, Taipei is a cultural paradise.
Visit the Confucius Temple
The Confucius Temple in Qufu, China, is one of the most critical sites in Chinese history. Located in the ancient city of Qufu, the temple is dedicated to honoring the life and teachings of Confucius, one of the most influential philosophers in Chinese history. Founded during the Han Dynasty and rebuilt during each successive dynasty over 2,500 years ago, this temple has been visited by numerous emperors, scholars, and religious leaders throughout its long history.
The main attractions at this site are three halls – Dacheng Hall (the Hall of Great Achievement), Chongshengci (the Ancestral Temple), and Biyong (the Pond Pavilion). The layout and style of these buildings were celebrated throughout Imperial China as being financially efficient while providing great aesthetic beauty. Within these halls are paintings depicting Confucianism’s four virtues, along with intricate carvings illustrating Confucius’ life story from birth to death.
Visitors to this temple can also explore several other structures on-site such as Yongshou Pavilion, Yanshan (Smoke Mountain) Monument, two burial mounds for Confucius’ descendants, and countless other items ranging from stone pillars to grand statues depicting Confucius himself or figures from his teachings. The colorful history behind this historical site makes it a must-visit for any cultural enthusiast or interested traveler.
Check out the Longshan Temple
Longshan Temple is one of the oldest religious sites in Taiwan and a famous landmark in Taipei. Located in the Wanhua District, Longshan Temple was built in 1738 by workers who migrated to Taiwan from Fujian Province, China. It serves as an important place for religious worship and cultural activities. Every year, local people and tourists from around the world visit Longshan Temple to pay homage to and witness the beauty of its architecture and rich cultural history.
Longshan Temple consists of several halls dedicated to different principles, such as Guanyin (Bodhisattva of mercy), Confucius, Shennong (divine farmer), and Tianhou (Goddess Mazu). The temple is renowned for its rich culture, artistry, and exquisite decorations that feature symbols such as bats which are believed to bring luck. The temple grounds are further graced by lush gardens filled with jasmine flowers and shrines dedicated to God Lauk-na Ma-tsu, representing prosperity and wealth.
In addition to its religious significance, Longshan Temple forms an integral part of Taipei’s cultural experience. For example, people can observe traditional Chinese festivals such as the Chinese New Year or Duanwu Festival (Dragon Boat Festival). Furthermore, visitors can also explore traditional art forms, such as Chinese painting exhibitions, or attend various cultural activities associated with this iconic destination.
Take a Tour of the National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine
The National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine, also known as the Hall of Sacrifices, is a memorial dedicated to the thousands of lives lost in China’s wars of liberation. Located at 226 Zhongshan South Road in Taipei, this solemn site honors those who bravely laid down their lives during more than a century of struggle between Chinese people and colonial rulers.
Inside the shrine are five giant halls facing south dedicated to martyrs from different periods stretching back over two centuries.
When visiting this holy site, you will be greeted by the statue of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek and a large pool filled with pink carp. You can follow services performed by the shrine’s resident officials or take part in one of its daily tours to better understand Taiwan’s history and culture. The shrine also hosts festivals throughout the year, including Chiang Kai-shek’s birthday celebrations and traditional Day festivals honoring local gods. During these festivals, it is common to see colorful lion dance performances and traditional martial arts dances such as ‘Shaolinquan.’
Whether you are there to learn more about Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage or appreciate its beauty, taking a tour of this historic shrine is an unforgettable experience!