Taipei is filled with points of interest and issues to do this are particularly thrilling to see and expertise for first-time guests. Inside Taipei Metropolis itself, you’ll discover a vital variety of historic and cultural spots, whereas New Taipei Metropolis can present you a few of Taiwan’s pure wonders.
On this article, we’ll share over 20 FREE points of interest that you may get pleasure from in Taipei and New Taipei Metropolis.
WAIT, WAIT, WAIT! In case your are touring quickly and nonetheless on the starting stage, you can too go to our The Poor Traveler Masterlist. Right here, we compiled journey necessities, together with immigration necessities and all our really helpful motels and excursions. Simply go to this web page: TPT Masterlist. We now have a compilation for locations world wide.
1. Houtong Cat Village
If you happen to’re a cat lover, the Houtong Cat Village is a must-visit! Situated only a 15- to 20-minute drive from Jiufen, this former coal-mining city has reworked right into a cat haven. In 2008, a neighborhood photographer captured the heartwarming sight of residents caring for deserted cats. Since then, the village has attracted cat fanatics from everywhere in the globe.
Except for the lovable cats, you’ll discover statues and cat-themed memento outlets. The village itself is superbly scenic, nestled between a stream and a railway. And in case you’re feeling hungry, there are many snack stalls to get pleasure from some native treats.
Location: Houtong Cat Village, Ruifang District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Find out how to Get to Houtong Cat Village: If coming from Jiufen, take the practice to from Ruifang Station to Houtong Station. From Taipei Important Station, take a practice going to Ruifang Station. Then, switch to Pingxi Line to Houtong Station. One other manner is to take a direct native practice from Taipei Important Station to Houtong Station.
2. Dihua Avenue
That is mentioned to be Taipei’s oldest road, courting again to the 1850s! This wasn’t our first time right here, we’d been right here simply a few years in the past. However that is our first time exploring it in fashion! And by fashion, I imply carrying conventional attires, which you should use for FREE. Simply head to the Dadaocheng Customer Middle, you then simply want to provide a deposit price NTD 1000, which is refundable so long as you come the clothes with out injury.
You may select from any of their vast choice of attires, and also you additionally get an adjunct, which is usually a bag, a pipe, or a hat. And whereas in your interval drama period, discover the historic road, which is flanked by shophouses promoting conventional drugs, tea, herbs, material, and extra. It has at all times been like this for hundreds of years! However at the moment, you’ll additionally discover extra trendy cafes and milk tea stalls.
One of many largest buildings right here homes the Yongle Market. Inbuilt 1896, this kaleidoscope of textiles spans a number of flooring crammed with silks, satins, lace, and tailor companies. The road-level moist market is the place you’ll discover freshest produce, natural teas, and snacks, too.
On the eighth flooring of the identical constructing, you’ll discover Dadaocheng Theater, a department of the Taipei Cultural Middle. It is a nice venue for performances, and even to today, you may catch conventional puppet performs right here. There’s additionally a mini-museum showcasing the numerous sorts of puppets and the historical past of puppetry in Taipei.
Then, simply down the road is the small however extraordinarily fashionable Xia Hai Metropolis God Temple. Accomplished in 1859 in honor of the the Metropolis God, Chenghuang, who ensures native peace and prosperity. In a while, a statue of his spouse was added. At present, many guests, particularly vacationers come right here to hope for a contented love life.
So whether or not you’re looking delicate material rolls, in search of divine romantic luck, or slipping into classic threads for a retro shoot, Dihua Avenue is the place for you — with layers of tradition, colour, and charisma.
Location: Dihua Avenue, Datong District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Closest MRT Stations: Beimen or Daqiaotou Station
Conventional Apparel Use: Rental Payment, NONE/FREE; Deposit, NTD 1000 (refundable)
3. Dadaocheng Wharf
Relying on which a part of Dihua Avenue you’re coming from, stroll for 5-10 minutes westward and also you’ll ultimately discover Dadaocheng Wharf Plaza. From its origins as a bustling commerce pier on the Tamsui River to its Twenty first-century renaissance as a riverside hangout, it mixes historical past with trendy enjoyable.
The murals on its tremendous prolonged wall are top-notch, depicting numerous scenes of Taipei. It’s finest to go to in late afternoon and night, when the wharf actually involves life, particularly on the Pier-5 Container Meals Park, the place you’ll discover dozens of stalls pumping out craft beer, boba, burgers, seafood, Thai, Korean, and Italian. Seize a desk seat (some atop containers!), let the river breeze move, and snap these informal meals pictures as metropolis lights glimmer throughout the water.
If in case you have extra funds, you may hop on a sundown‐time river cruise heading upriver towards Tamsui and past. A trip presents a scenic drifting shot of iconic bridges, lush riverside parks, and naturally, Taipei’s skyline, which is magnificent at sundown. You may even spot Taipei 101 from right here! And it’s surprisingly inexpensive too, at solely NTD 300 for an hour-long cruise.
If you happen to’d reasonably not spend, it’s simply as gratifying to take a leisurely stroll right here and let the river breeze wash over you. There’s no entrance payment in case you’re merely sightseeing. However in case you’re up for a motorcycle trip, that’s an choice too. However after all, it comes with a payment.
YouBike stations and bike rental outlets can be found, providing a straightforward technique to discover the 18 km riverside biking route, which ends up in Guandu or again to the town. Bike rental prices NTD 80 per hour. YouBike is less expensive.
Bike Rental: NTD 80/hour
Boat Cruise: NTD 300/hour
Location: Dadaocheng Wharf, Datong District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Closest MRT Stations: Beimen or Daqiaotou StationFind out how to Get to Dadaocheng Wharf:
- From both Beimen or Daqiaotou Station, you will get there on foot in 5 minutes.
- From Dihua Avenue, it’s a 5-10-minute stroll.
4. Guandu
If you happen to carry on biking from Dadaocheng, you’ll ultimately attain Guandu Wharf. It’s very quiet through the day, however from late afternoon till the night, it bursts into life as meals stalls open and locals start to flock across the space.
Simply throughout the road stands Guandu Temple, formally often known as Ling An Temple. It’s a historic gem devoted to Mazu, the goddess of the ocean and protector of sailors and fishermen. One of many oldest in Taiwan, Guandu Temple’s roots may be traced again to 1661. However probably the most attention-grabbing bit? It was carved into the aspect of a mountain.
Judging from the street by the doorway, we truly thought it was fairly small, however after we entered, we have been greeted by a deep, winding cave tunnel, adorned with statues, altars, and stone reliefs, resulting in a small shrine. The expertise offers a extra religious, nearly otherworldly really feel. And when you make it to the opposite aspect, you’ll discover extra constructions, together with a pagoda, a number of halls, and a manicured backyard with unnaturally square-shaped timber. However that’s not the top of it. From right here, you’ll additionally get to get pleasure from an exquisite view of the world.
If you happen to get hungry, simply throughout the road lies the Guandu Meals Park, the place you may seize fast snacks.
Location: Guandu, Beitou District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Closest MRT Station: Guandu Station
5. Ximending
This listing received’t be full with out the OG IG paradise — Ximending. I imply, I can’t consider some other free website that draws extra social media natives than the rainbow six crosswalk proper by the doorway to Ximen Walker. And it’s not obscure why.
Typically in comparison with Harajuku, this buzzing neighborhood is a sensory overload in the easiest way doable. Vibrant indicators glow above pedestrian streets lined with style boutiques, sneaker outlets, milk tea stalls, and infinite snack counters. It’s loud, colourful, and unapologetically busy. Sure, it’s extraordinarily touristy these days—however there’s an excellent purpose folks hold coming again.
What retains the world attention-grabbing is that it nonetheless belongs to the youth. Youngsters collect right here after college, buskers draw crowds with music and dance, and cosplayers often flip the streets right into a spontaneous photoshoot.
But when the crowds begin to really feel overwhelming, a brief stroll leads you to Taipei Cinema Park. In comparison with the packed business blocks, this open house feels refreshingly relaxed. Its graffiti-covered partitions, outside artwork items, and vast concrete areas entice skate boarders, dancers, and creatives preferring a extra low-key vibe.
We love Ximending a lot that we might reasonably keep right here each time we’re in Taipei. It’s among the finest areas to remain within the metropolis. Loads of eating, procuring, and lodging choices. Sure, it harbors a variety of lodging from full-service motels to funds hostels!
Location: Ximending, Wanhua District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Closest MRT Station: Ximen Station
6. Beitou Thermal Valley
Earlier, I discussed Guandu, which may be present in Taipei’s Beitou district. However Beitou is finest identified for an additional attraction — sizzling springs!
Beitou Thermal Valley is likely one of the most well-known sizzling spring spots in Taiwan, positioned in northern Taipei. While you arrive, you’ll be greeted by this small fountain, the place you may really feel the water and provides your palms a shower.
However as you stroll deeper, you’ll ultimately see the steamy sizzling springs that seem like nature’s large cauldron. It’s mainly a steaming geothermal pool the place extraordinarily sizzling sulfuric water bubbles up from underground. The water right here can attain 80–100°C, so it’s far too sizzling to the touch or bathe in. But it surely is likely one of the important pure sources of Beitou’s sizzling spring water. Resorts and bathhouses in Beitou Scorching Springs pipe mineral water from this geothermal system.
It’s visually hanging: milky blue or generally green-ish water and fixed steam, but in addition bombards your nostril with a powerful sulfur scent (like boiled eggs). Stroll round it and soak within the barely mystical ambiance.
And nope, no entrance payment in any respect. However earlier than leaving, you would possibly wish to spend on tea eggs, bought by outlets in entrance of the doorway. Then stroll to your proper, the place you’ll discover our subsequent cease.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Monday, CLOSED
Location: Beitou Thermal Valley, Beitou District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Closest MRT Station: Xinbeitou StationFind out how to Get to Beitou Thermal Valley: From Taipei Important Station, alight at Beitou Station, after which switch to Xinbeitou line. Lastly, get off at Xinbeitou Station, then stroll for about 10 minutes.
7. Beitou Scorching Springs Museum
Step into the previous on the Beitou Scorching Spring Museum, a superbly preserved bathhouse from the Japanese colonial period. Inbuilt 1913, the constructing as soon as served as one of many grandest public bathhouses within the space. At present, it presents a glimpse into the heyday of Beitou’s sizzling spring tradition, full with displays and a large picket bathing corridor the place guests as soon as soaked in mineral-rich waters believed to have therapeutic properties.
The museum itself feels calm and nostalgic. Throughout our go to, nonetheless, the peace was briefly interrupted by busloads of Japanese schoolchildren on a discipline journey, making it a bit livelier than typical. Usually, although, the ambiance is kind of relaxed. Like many conventional bathhouses, you’ll have to take away your sneakers earlier than getting into, retailer them within the lockers, slip on the supplied indoor slippers, and observe the marked path as you discover the displays.
It’s utterly freed from cost, however they do regulate the variety of guests inside at any given time.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Monday, CLOSED
Location: Beitou Scorching Springs Museum, No. 2, Zhongshan Street, Beitou District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Closest MRT Station: Xinbeitou StationFind out how to Get to Beitou Scorching Springs Museum: From Beitou Thermal Valley, you’ll attain the museum on foot in roughly 10 minutes.
8. Qingtiangang Grassland
It might be onerous to imagine, however this rolling sea of grass nonetheless sits inside the metropolis limits of Taipei. It feels half Studio Ghibli fantasy panorama, half Ok-drama filming location, and slightly paying homage to the windswept hills of Batanes. Welcome to Qingtiangang Grassland!
Sitting roughly 800 meters above sea stage inside Yangmingshan Nationwide Park, it was truly shaped by historic volcanic lava flows. At present, although, it’s a peaceable inexperienced escape the place guests stroll alongside trails, locals unfold picnic blankets, and cows casually graze throughout the hills. Sure, there are many cows right here. More often than not, they thoughts their very own enterprise, however often one wanders shut sufficient to unintentionally photobomb a vacationer selfie.
Locals say the grassland appears most cinematic when mist rolls over the hills, giving the place a dreamy, nearly otherworldly really feel. After we visited, nonetheless, the skies have been completely clear. No fog, no drama—simply vibrant sunshine and sweeping views of the encompassing mountains, with the dense skyline of Taipei faintly seen within the distance. A well-maintained strolling path winds throughout the grassland, making it straightforward for informal walkers, reluctant hikers, and individuals who packed cute outfits as an alternative of correct trekking gear for these slightly-leaning-on-the-fence photographs.
Simply don’t anticipate solitude on weekends, when the place fills up rapidly. For a calmer go to, intention for a weekday morning like we did. We went on a Wednesday, and it was splendidly chill.
Location: Qingtiangang Grassland, Shilin District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Find out how to Get to Qingtiangang Grassland
- From Taipei Metropolis Middle: Take the MRT or bus to Jiantan Station. From the station, catch Bus S15 to Qingtiangang. Then, stroll to the park.
Journey Time: 1-1.5 hours- From Yangmingshan Bus Terminal: Board Bus 108, then hop off on the Qingtiangang cease.
Journey Time: round 35 minutes
9. Datun Falls
This spot can also be inside Yangmingshan Nationwide Park. Most vacationers solely get to achieve the world near the Yangmingshan Flower Clock, an enormous floral timepiece close to the park’s western entrance. However only a brief stroll away, you’ll discover Datun Falls, a multi-tiered waterfall hidden alongside one among Yangmingshan’s quieter trails.
Getting there requires a straightforward 10-minute stroll. Alongside the way in which, you’ll move a viewing platform that provides a implausible lookout over the panorama. The distant skyline of Taipei appears particularly spectacular from right here. Shortly after, the trail leads by a mossy, tunnel-like walkway that feels nearly magical, like getting into one other world.
Datun Falls isn’t only one dramatic drop however a collection of cascades flowing over giant boulders. The higher tier plunges practically three tales down, whereas the decrease sections create smaller, extra intimate waterfalls good for close-up photographs. To be sincere, we have been a bit underwhelmed by the cascade itself, however we have been advised it was as a result of we visited in the summertime, so the water move wasn’t at its most dramatic. Locals say the falls look strongest through the wet season. However there are extremely photogenic spots, particularly the elegant arched bridge that crosses the stream. The bridge additionally makes a terrific vantage level in order for you photographs with the waterfall within the background.
Better of all, the path may be very accessible. You may take bus routes 128, 129, S8, S9, or the 260 collection to the Yangmingshan Park space, then merely stroll to the falls.
Location: Datun Falls, Yangmingshan Nationwide Park, Beitou District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Find out how to Get to Datun Falls: Make your technique to Yangmingshan Bus Terminal, then catch Bus S8 or S9 to Yangmingshan Park space (Hushan Street Sec 2). Journey on foot for 10 minutes to Datun Falls. You’ll discover loads of indicators alongside the way in which.
10. Shifen Falls
Only a brief journey from Taipei, Shifen Falls is positioned in New Taipei Metropolis’s Pingxi District. This spectacular curtain-style waterfall stretches round 40 meters vast and drops roughly 20 meters right into a misty basin under. Due to its horseshoe form, it’s regularly in comparison with Niagara Falls, though on a smaller scale. When the water move is powerful (particularly after rain), the falls produce a dramatic spray that generally types rainbows on sunny days.
Reaching the waterfall is a part of the expertise. A nice strolling path leads guests by lush greenery, previous smaller cascades, suspension bridges, and numerous meals stalls providing snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. What obtained my consideration have been these ginormous custard apples (atis)! They value much more than those discovered within the Philippines, however they’re additionally quite a bit greater!
Sure, it’s straightforward to be distracted, however ultimately, you’ll move by a number of viewing platforms earlier than reaching the primary waterfall. In contrast to many waterfalls, the place you solely get one angle, Shifen Falls may be admired from a number of decks, making it straightforward to seize photographs from completely different views.
It’s utterly doable to achieve this by public transportation. However simply be ready for fairly a little bit of strolling. The closest cease is Shifen Station, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a few 25-minute stroll simply to achieve the beginning of the path. And that’s solely the trailhead. From there, you’ll have to stroll one other 15–20 minutes to achieve the primary viewing deck. For this reason most want visiting this as a part of a much bigger Shifen tour.
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Shifen Excursions often additionally embody a cease in Yehliu Geopark and Jiufen, which we’ll talk about later. One other staple in these excursions is the Shifen Previous Avenue.
Location: Shifen Falls, Pingxi District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Find out how to Get to Shifen Waterfalls: From Taipei Important Station, take a practice going to Ruifang Station. Then, switch to Pingxi Line to Shifen Station. From there, you’ll attain the waterfalls in about 25 minutes on foot.
11. Shifen Previous Avenue
Set alongside an lively railway observe, Shifen Previous Avenue is likely one of the hottest stops alongside the Pingxi Line. Situated in Pingxi District, the slim road is lined with small outlets, snack stalls, and memento stands squeezed tightly alongside the tracks. Sometimes, a practice slowly rolls by the road, and everybody steps apart till it passes, earlier than the crowds spill again onto the tracks once more. It’s a bit loopy but in addition charming.
When no practice is passing, guests wander freely on the rails, searching for road meals or writing needs on sky lanterns earlier than sending them floating into the sky. Releasing a lantern is the primary ritual right here. Locals imagine the custom started when villagers used lanterns to sign security through the coal mining days, and over time, it advanced into an emblem of hope and success.
At present, vacationers write their needs — love, well being, profession, journey goals — on the lantern earlier than lighting it and watching it drift above. There isn’t any entrance payment. You may wander round at no cost. However if you wish to launch a lantern, you’ll must pay for the precise merchandise.
Location: Shifen Previous Avenue, Pingxi District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Find out how to Get to Shifen Previous Avenue: From Taipei Important Station, take a practice going to Ruifang Station. Then, switch to Pingxi Line to Shifen Station. The railway tracks run alongside the Shifen Previous Avenue.
12. Jiufen
Perched on the misty hills overlooking the coast, Jiufen is likely one of the most atmospheric locations close to Taipei. As soon as a booming gold mining city through the Japanese colonial period, Jiufen has since reinvented itself as an enthralling hillside village identified for its slim alleyways, teahouses, and lantern-lit staircases.
The guts of the city is Jiufen Previous Avenue, a maze of meals stalls and memento outlets the place you may pattern native favorites like taro balls, peanut ice cream rolls, and natural teas. Past the bustling previous road, quiet viewpoints speak in confidence to sweeping views of the mountains and the Pacific Ocean under, making Jiufen wildly cinematic, particularly within the late afternoon when crimson lanterns begin to glow.
Well-liked Sights: Jiufen Previous Avenue, Shengping Theater, Gold Mine Museum, Mount Keelung Path, and numerous scenic viewpoints
Location: Jiufen Previous Avenue, Ruifang District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)Find out how to Get to Jiufen: From Taipei Important Station, take a practice going to Ruifang Station. Alongside Mingdeng Street is a bus station (Native Residents Plaza) with routes heading towards Jiufen. Take bus Route 827 or 788. Going again to Taipei metropolis, take bus Route 1062.
13. Taipei Botanical Backyard
It’s surprisingly straightforward to overlook you’re in the midst of Taipei when you step into the Taipei Botanical Backyard. This peaceable eight-hectare oasis is lush, inexperienced, and completely calming, with well-marked paths and picket boardwalks guiding you thru 17 themed zones organized by plant kind.
Established as a nursery in 1896 and formally turning into Taiwan’s first botanical backyard in 1921, it now hosts over 2,000 plant species. There’s even a devoted Buddhism Backyard, however the true spotlight for many guests is the lotus ponds, completely located subsequent to the Nationwide Museum of Historical past.
On the reverse finish of the backyard stands the Visitor Home for the Imperial Envoy, a historic landmark. Whereas it’s quickly closed, the superbly painted gates are nonetheless price admiring. Whether or not you’re right here for a botanical escape, a contact of historical past, or simply some peace and quiet within the metropolis, the backyard delivers on all fronts.
If you happen to get thirsty, a few close by espresso spots have you ever coated: Peloso Espresso Roasters, with its library-like vibe, and the minimalist FF.Coffeeholic. Good for a calming pit cease after a stroll among the many greenery. We’ll make a separate WHERE TO EAT IN TAIPEI article to debate these cafes (and different meals spots) intimately.
Opening Hours: Every day, 5:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Entrance Payment: FREE
Location: Taipei Botanical Backyard, No. 53號, Nanhai Street, Zhongzheng District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Closest MRT Station: Xiaonanmen Station
14. Taipei Expo Park & Linji Huguo Temple
For one thing colourful, quirky, and stuffed with surprises, head to Taipei Expo Park, a energetic mix of artwork, tradition, and meals. The location initially hosted the 2010 Taipei Worldwide Flora Expo, however at the moment it’s a year-round hub for festivals, pop-up markets, and occasions.
One of many park’s highlights is Maji Sq., a meals courtroom simply subsequent door. Right here, meals stalls, artisanal outlets, and outside cafés come collectively to create a bustling, market-like vibe. You may pattern every thing from Taiwanese road eats to Indian, Italian, and Korean dishes, store for quirky souvenirs, and catch stay music performances.
Our go to was truly unplanned — we have been imagined to hit an out of doors market, however the rain compelled us to improvise, and Maji Sq.’s coated space made it the right Plan B. And wow, we have been glad we did! Locals like our companion Nelly say it’s much more magical within the evenings, when lights activate and the entire place buzzes with vitality.
On the quieter outskirts of the park, you’ll discover Linji Huguo Temple, a lesser-known cultural gem. Much less crowded than Longshan Temple, it impresses with elegant conventional structure and its give attention to the Linji college of Zen Buddhism, emphasizing interior peace and knowledge — an ideal spot to glimpse Taipei’s religious aspect.
Location: Taipei Expo Park, No. 1號, Yumen Avenue, Zhongshan District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Closest MRT Station: Yuanshan Station or Zhongshan Elementary College Station
15. Lungshan Temple
Since we’re on the subject of temples…Proper within the coronary heart of Wanhua District, Lungshan Temple is one among Taipei’s most iconic points of interest. It’s utterly free to go to. Inbuilt 1738, this historic temple has survived earthquakes, fires, and wars, but its intricate carvings, colourful murals, and ornate picket beams stay a panoramic instance of conventional Taiwanese structure.
Even in case you’re not right here to hope, wandering by the temple offers you a glimpse of native life. You may watch devotees carry out rituals and quietly meditate. Add within the bustling courtyard and close by historic streets, and also you get a wealthy cultural expertise within the coronary heart of Taipei at no cost. Early mornings or sundown visits make the temple much more magical, with gentle mild illuminating the lanterns and carvings — an ideal, wallet-friendly cease on any Taipei itinerary.
One factor I observed is that there aren’t any incense sticks right here. Apparently, it was banned by the administration to enhance the air high quality within the space. As an alternative, worshippers could place different choices on the desk.
Opening Hours: Every day, 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Location: Lungshan Temple, No. 211, Guangzhou Avenue, Wanhua District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Closest MRT Station: Longshan Temple Station
16. Bishanyan Temple
One other beautiful, ornate temple in Taipei is Bishanyan Temple, which simply stands out because of its setting. Tucked into the hills of Neihu District, this isn’t only a place of worship but in addition a lookout with severely fascinating views.
Perched on a hillside, it presents sweeping vistas of Taipei, mentioned to be particularly magical at sundown. We visited on a foggy, wet morning, so the solar didn’t make an look, nevertheless it was straightforward to think about how spectacular the cityscape should look on a transparent day.
The temple itself is a feast for the eyes, with intricate carvings, dragons, and colourful particulars that make you are feeling such as you’ve stepped into an historic legend. In contrast to many metropolis temples, Bishanyan has a serene, nearly meditative ambiance. Even when different guests are round, the place feels peaceable and sacred.
Close by, you’ll discover some enjoyable extras: the Baishihu Suspension Bridge (quickly closed throughout our go to) for a delicate thrill, and the heart-shaped pond, good for quirky selfies or couple photographs.
Opening Hours: Every day, 6:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Location: Bishanyan Temple, No. 24號, Bishan Street, Neihu District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Closest MRT Station: Neihu StationFind out how to Get to Bishanyan Temple: Coming from the town middle, take the MRT and alight at Neihu Station. From there, take Bus S2 to Bishanyan Cease (close to the suspension bridge).
17. Xinzhongshan Linear Park & Chifeng Avenue
On the floor, Xinzhongshan Linear Park dazzles with sculptural benches, floating walkways, and seasonal blooms. However beneath the park lies a hidden world: the Zhongshan Underground Ebook Avenue, a treasure trove of largely Chinese language books, with some English picks sprinkled in for fortunate guests.
Simply throughout the way in which is the Eslite Underground Music Retailer, a paradise for music lovers looking for vinyls, CDs, and DVDs—from modern stars like Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, and Chappell Roan to legends like Michael Jackson, David Bowie, and sure, even Milli Vanilli.
A number of steps off the trail is Chifeng Avenue, as soon as Taipei’s auto elements alley, now reinvented as a hipster haven of classic boutiques and indie cafés. Highlights embody PAR Retailer, really helpful by locals for its clothes, equipment, and music data, and Mitty, specializing in pre-loved classic clothes.
The neighborhood additionally hides Tiao Tong, Taipei’s “Little Tokyo,” lined with ramen bars, izakayas, Japanese eating places, and kawaii tradition outlets like Gacha Hunter (扭蛋獵人), the place partitions of capsule merchandising machines and blind-box collectibles await.
Getting right here is straightforward — the world is sandwiched between Zhongshan Station and Shuanglian Station. Zhongshan Station is closest in case your important stops are Tiao Tong or the Underground Ebook Avenue, whereas both works for Xinzhongshan Linear Park and Chifeng Avenue.
Location: Xinzhongshan Linear Park, No. 7號, Lane 48, Part 2, Zhongshan N Street, Zhongshan District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.) | Chifeng Avenue, Datong District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Closest MRT Station: Zhongshan Station or Shuanglian Station
18. Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Corridor
Proper within the coronary heart of Taipei, the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Corridor is likely one of the metropolis’s most iconic landmarks, and visiting is totally free. The huge white construction, topped with a hanging blue-tiled roof, sits within the middle of Liberty Sq., surrounded by gardens, fountains, and vast open plazas. It’s a grand place to study extra about Taiwanese historical past, snap photographs, or just stroll round and admire the monumental structure.
Contained in the memorial, you’ll discover displays about Chiang Kai-shek’s life and Taiwan’s trendy historical past, together with the well-known altering of the guard ceremony — a gradual, exact ritual that pulls crowds each day.
With no entrance payment, this spot is an ideal free exercise for anybody exploring Taipei on a funds. Early mornings or late afternoons are perfect for smaller crowds and softer mild for photographs.
Opening Hours: Every day, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Corridor, No.21, Zhongshan S. Street, Zhongzheng District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C)
Closest MRT Station: Chiang Kai-shek (CKS) Memorial Corridor Station
19. Solar Yat-Sen Memorial Corridor
One other free and equally spectacular cultural spot is the Solar Yat-sen Memorial Corridor. This hovering corridor sits amid open plazas, manicured gardens, and reflective swimming pools. Inside, you may discover displays about Solar Yat-sen’s life and revolutionary work.
Like Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Corridor, there’s no entrance payment, making it a perfect, budget-friendly cease.
Nevertheless, the Solar Yat-sen Memorial Corridor constructing itself is quickly closed for main renovations and upgrades, so you can not presently discover the inside or displays as you usually would. The renovation challenge started in February 2024 and is predicted to proceed by the top of 2026, with the primary corridor and surrounding services being upgraded.
Opening Hours: Every day, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Briefly closed for renovation)
Location: Solar Yat-sen Memorial Corridor, No. 505, Part 4, Ren’ai Street, Xinyi District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C)
Closest MRT Station: Solar Yat-sen (SYS) Memorial Corridor Station
20. Nationwide Revolutionary Martyr’s Shrine
The Taipei Martyrs’ Shrine is sort of a mini-palace honoring Taiwan’s fallen heroes. Inbuilt traditional Chinese language architectural fashion, it’s a serene house and a grand tribute to heroic troopers.
Don’t miss the altering of the guard, held each hour from 9 AM to 4 PM. In contrast to the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Corridor, this ceremony is prolonged, letting you watch the guards march the total size of the location—from the doorway to the shrine and again — with navy precision.
Opening Hours: Every day, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: No. 139號, Beian Street, Zhongshan District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Closest MRT Station: Jiantan StationFind out how to Get to Nationwide Revolutionary Martyr’s Shrine: Take the MRT to Jiantan Station, then get on a bus (Bus 267 or Bus 646) to the Martyr’s Shrine Cease.
21. Elephant Mountain
For one of the beautiful free views in Taipei, head to Elephant Mountain. A part of the 4 Beasts Mountain path system, this hike presents a sweeping panorama of Taipei, together with the enduring Taipei 101, all with none entrance payment. The path is brief however steep, taking about 20–half-hour to achieve the primary lookout, in case you’re not stopping usually and for too lengthy.
A lot of Taipei’s postcards with Taipei 101 because the centerpiece have been most likely shot from right here. A number of platforms alongside the way in which present good spots to pause, snap photographs, or take up the surroundings.
The perfect time to go to is within the late afternoon so you may catch the view through the day, at sundown, and after dusk. Consider, it’s an uphill climb, so it’s not really helpful for these with mobility points.
For vacationers on a funds, Elephant Mountain combines train, epic vistas, and free entry, making it a must-do in Taipei.
Path Head: Elephant Mountain, Lane 150, Xinyi Street, Part 5, Xinyi District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Nearest MRT Station: Xiàngshān Station
22. Jian Tan Shan Climbing Path
In the case of mountain climbing for a tremendous view of Taipei, Elephant Mountain has at all times been the go-to spot—nevertheless it’s removed from the one choice! Taipei is surrounded by mountains, and when you could have mountains, you could have mountain climbing trails and lookouts.
The Jian Tan Shan Path in Shilin District, largely frequented by locals, is a hidden gem. Nestled on the forested slopes simply behind the Grand Resort, this path is quieter than Elephant Mountain, making it preferrred for a peaceable hike. A lot of the trail is paved and stair-stepped, so it’s beginner-friendly.
Our aim was the North Eye Platform, an remark deck providing implausible views of the opposite aspect of Taipei, the aspect with out the Taipei 101 within the body. Alongside the way in which, we obtained “misplaced” amongst a number of viewpoints and even stumbled upon a quiet shrine with equally beautiful vistas. We lastly reached the North Eye Platform simply earlier than sunset.
Aside from a number of locals, we had the path nearly to ourselves. Even when it’s utterly free to discover, it wasn’t crowded in any respect.
Location: Jian Tan Shan Climbing Path, Shilin District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Closest MRT Station: Jiantan Station
The place to Keep in Taipei
Right here’s a listing of the motels and hostels we tried in Taipei.
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Updates Log
2026 3 23 – First uploaded
Edited by: Asta Alvarez
