Top Things to Do in Taipei: Best Activities & Must-Sees

Taipei is one of those Eastern cities that will surprise you. And that’s because it blends temples hidden among quiet alleyways, modern avenues that never seem to sleep, and an atmosphere that, well, draws you in without making a fuss.

Here we’ll tell you what to see and do in Taipei. The aim is to help you find the places to visit in Taipei, from the most vibrant neighbourhoods to the most traditional spots.

At Trip.com, we make it easy to plan your trip without missing the essentials. Here you’ll find the best things to do in Taipei, how to get around its districts, which areas are best to stay in and, by the way, how long to spend in Taipei to make the most of it without rushing around. Shall we go and discover it?

Let's get started!

✈️ What to Do in Taipei Based on Your Stay

Planning a trip to Taipei is easier than it looks, but it’s a good idea to be clear about how long you’ll stay because, you’ll see, the city changes a lot depending on the pace you set. It’s not the same having just one day to hit the highlights as having almost a week to lose yourself among temples, markets and neighbourhoods brimming with charm.

To give you a quick idea, we show you at a glance what to do in Taipei in 1 day, in 2 days, in 3 days, or even what to do in Taipei in 4 days and 5 days, depending on your travel plans.

If you’ve got a few extra days, you can keep exploring lesser-known neighbourhoods, hidden temples, and a good handful of easy day trips from Taipei, which are always a brilliant way to round off your trip without rushing.

🏙️ Must-Visit Districts in Taipei

One of the most fun things about Taipei is that every neighbourhood has its own vibe. You can go from futuristic avenues to quiet alleyways in a matter of minutes, and that blend of modernity, pop culture and tradition is, in the end, what leaves the city etched in your memory.

Here are five areas that sum up the essence of the capital beautifully:

Xinyi: The modern, after-dark heart of Taipei

Taipei’s Xinyi District is the place where the city reaches for the sky. Here, Taipei 101 dominates. It’s not only a spectacular skyscraper, but also a good starting point to get your bearings.

Going up to the observation deck is one of the best experiences at Taipei 101, especially if you catch a clear sunset.

The area is packed with shopping centres, lively terraces and bars where you can enjoy a drink with views. Plus, it’s one of the best neighbourhoods for those who want to get around quickly and have everything within easy reach.

Ximending: The most vibrant and youthful district

Taipei’s Ximending district is pure energy. Here, everything revolves around pop culture: fashion boutiques, small galleries, neon lights everywhere, and a youthful vibe that wraps you up before you even realise it.

The square in front of the Red House is a well-known spot in Taipei’s LGBTQ+ district, and it’s usually buzzing with life at virtually any hour.

If you’re into wandering the streets with no set plan, sampling street food and soaking up the city’s most creative side, this is the place for you.

Da’an: Gastronomy, cafés and a modern vibe

Da’an District in Taipei is a delightful blend of parks, cafés and restaurants that look like they’ve been lifted straight from the pages of travel magazines.

The Yongkang Street area is a magnet for those who love trying local dishes without ending up in touristy spots, and also for anyone seeking charming cafés to switch off for a while. Overall, it’s a quiet neighbourhood, but with enough buzz to keep things interesting.

If you're wondering what to do in Da’an District, Taipei, just let yourself drift along its streets and pop into wherever your curiosity takes you.

Zhongshan: The hipster and chic district

The Zhongshan District in Taipei is one of those places that quietly wins you over. It’s a well-kept area, full of independent shops, art studios, beautifully designed cafés and bars with that understated charm that makes you want to linger.

The charm here lies in discovering places bit by bit, because you almost always find something interesting around every corner.

If you’re not sure what to do in Zhongshan, Taipei, a café-and-shop-hopping route could be the perfect plan for a leisurely afternoon.

Beitou: Hot springs, culture and relaxation

Taipei’s Beitou district is the perfect escape for a complete change of scene. Here, the hot springs take centre stage, with traditional spas where you can while away a blissful few hours, and museums that tell the story of these geothermal springs.

If you’ve got a bit of time, Thermal Valley is one of those places that impress with steam rising from the water and the smell of sulphur which, curiously, is part of its charm.

For those wondering what to do in Beitou, Taipei, the answer is usually the same... Relax and enjoy the neighbourhood’s unhurried pace, which is always welcome after so much city life.

⭐ Top 5 Activities and Landmarks in Taipei

Taipei is the kind of city where a century-old temple rubs shoulders with a skyscraper and nothing jars. You’ve got culture in spades, night markets that smell of freshly cooked food, mountains a stone’s throw from the MRT, and museums that hold half of Asia’s history.

So, if you’re not sure where to start, here are five ideas that beautifully capture the soul of Taipei and fit into almost any itinerary.

National Palace Museum

The National Palace Museum is one of those places where you could spend hours without realising it. Jade, porcelain, bronzes, calligraphy… everything is meticulously cared for and lovingly displayed. It’s perfect if you fancy a truly cultural day out or you’re looking for things to do in Taipei beyond the usual.

The collection is so vast that there’s always a different gallery on rotation, which is brilliant if you’ve been before or you love living museums.

• General admission: approx. £4.
• Ideal time: 2 hours to see it without rushing.
• Perfect for: cloudy days, cultural getaways and curious travellers.

One of its most famous pieces is a jade carving in the shape of a cabbage with hidden insects.

Taipei 101

Taipei 101 is an absolute must, no two ways about it. You ride one of the fastest lifts in the world and, when the doors open, the whole of Taipei is at your feet. The views are breathtaking, especially at sunset, when the city starts to light up.

If you’re looking for romantic things to do in Taipei, this lookout is a sure bet. And if you fancy something more down-to-earth, the mall downstairs has some excellent restaurants for a bite afterwards.

• Admission: approx. £14 per adult.
• Opening hours: 10:00 to 21:00; ideally, go an hour before sunset.
• Inside, you can see the enormous golden damper that keeps the building stable in the event of a typhoon or earthquake.

Did you know... Taipei 101 has 101 floors—hence the name. It may seem obvious, but it’s a fun fact you might find interesting.

Yehliu Geopark

If you fancy a complete change of scene, Yehliu Geopark makes for a brilliant day out. It’s about an hour from the city and features rock formations that look as if they’ve been hand-carved: the famous “Queen’s Head”, mushroom-shaped rocks, caves and ocean views.

It’s one of those places that gives you back that breath of fresh air after several days in the city, and it’s also really easy to get to, whether by bus or on an organised tour. Without a doubt, one of the best things to do near Taipei.

• Admission: approx. £3.
• Recommended: go early for the light and to avoid large groups.

Longshan Temple

In Taipei’s Wanhua District, Longshan Temple awaits you—one of the places most cherished by locals. Its blend of Buddhism, Taoism and folk worship creates a captivating atmosphere, especially when worshippers gather in prayer and the temple fills with chanting and the scent of incense.

If you’re caught on a rainy day and don’t know what to do in Taipei when the heavens open, this temple will save the day: it’s gorgeous, sheltered, and lets you discover a truly authentic part of the city.

Best time: early morning or at dusk.

This temple has survived earthquakes and bombings, yet it remains a key spiritual centre.

Taipei Zoo

For anyone travelling with kids, with friends, or simply after something relaxed, Taipei Zoo makes a lovely day out. It’s enormous, well maintained, and has covered areas that come in handy if it rains. The pandas are usually the favourites, of course, but there are also tropical animals, leafy trails and a small cable car nearby to round off your visit.

It’s one of those ideal spots if you’re looking for things to do in Taipei on a Monday (when many museums are closed) or family-friendly things to do in Taipei without spending much.

• Admission: approx. £3 (very cheap for what you get).
• Who to go with: families, laid-back couples, groups looking for a relaxed day.

The Taipei Zoo opened in 1914 and today is one of the largest in Asia.

🍜 Taipei, Taiwan’s Culinary and Cultural Capital

If there’s one thing that defines Taipei, it’s the way it eats.

The whole city feels like one big open-air market… You know, steamed-food stalls, makeshift grills, traditional sweets and dishes that change with every street corner. On top of that, there’s a vibrant Asian cultural scene, with creative cafés, small galleries and neighbourhoods that exude art at every turn.

In a way, Taipei is a delicious blend of tradition, modernity and constant curiosity.

🍢 Night markets and street food

Night markets are almost a religious experience in Taipei. As dusk falls, the streets fill with steaming stalls and the atmosphere transforms.

Shilin Night Market is the most famous of them all, and with good reason. Here you can try a bit of everything… From the legendary Taiwanese bubble tea to an XL-sized fried chicken cutlet you’ll almost need two hands to hold.

Raohe Night Market, by contrast, has a more traditional feel; its illuminated entrance and the vendors preparing pepper buns in clay ovens are worth the visit in themselves.

If you’re looking for things to do at night in Taipei, there’s no simpler and more entertaining plan than hopping from stall to stall.

And if you fancy something different, these markets are also perfect for anyone looking for unusual things to do in Taipei, because you’ll always come across a new dish you didn’t even know how to pronounce.

And hey, the fun is in letting yourself be surprised.

☕ Creative cafés and independent culture

Truth be told, Taipei also has a more laid-back, modern side that charms anyone who enjoys exploring without rushing. Neighbourhoods like Zhongshan, Da’an and Ximending are full of creative cafés where coffee is treated almost like a ritual.

For those looking for alternative things to do in Taipei, spending an afternoon hopping between cafés is always a delight.

It lets you see the city from within, mingle with the locals and, along the way, sample Taiwanese treats that rarely make it into the guidebooks.

If you fancy organising your culinary and cultural itineraries better, you can always explore food and cultural experiences on Trip.com, which comes in very handy so you don’t miss out on anything tempting.

🌤️ Best Time to Visit Taipei

Taipei enjoys a subtropical climate that changes quite a bit from month to month. For example, humid, intense summers, mild winters, and really pleasant springs and autumns.

So, if you’re wondering when the best time to visit Taipei is, it’s usually when the heat eases off and the rain lets up, although the city has something going on all year round.

And, by the way, Taipei is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a safe, cultural and quite affordable destination, so don’t worry too much about whether it’s expensive to visit Taipei: it depends more on what you do than on the city itself.

🚆 Day Trips from Taipei

The great thing about Taipei is that, as well as being a vibrant city, it’s surrounded by nature, coastal towns and traditional spots that you can reach in no time.

Step just a little beyond the city and you’ll find mountains blanketed in green, ancient alleyways, seascapes, and even hot spring areas where you can switch off from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Here are three perfect getaways if you fancy seeing a bit more without having to juggle your time.

🏮 Jiufen & Shifen: Tradition and Scenery

This combination is a classic among the things to do near Taipei, and with good reason. Jiufen is a labyrinth of alleyways lit by red lanterns, charming teahouses and sea views that look straight out of a painting.

Shifen, on the other hand, is all about the scenery: waterfalls, short hikes and the famous railway line where people release sky lanterns into the sky.

• Time from Taipei: around 60–90 minutes depending on the mode of transport.
• How to get there: take a train to Ruifang, then hop on a bus or take a taxi to either village.
• The must-sees: Jiufen Old Street, Shifen Waterfall and the local suspension bridge.

🌅 Tamsui: Coastal, historic and laid-back

The Tamsui district in Taipei is perfect if you’re after a simple day by the water — sunset included. It has a lovely waterfront promenade, markets brimming with fresh fish, and historic spots that show what the area was like centuries ago. If you’re wondering what to do in Tamsui, Taipei, it’s all about strolling, enjoying something delicious, and staying to watch the sky change colour.

• Time from Taipei: around 40 minutes.
• Getting there: take the red MRT line to Tamsui Station—couldn’t be easier.
• Don’t miss: Fort San Domingo, the pier at Lover’s Bridge, and the area’s giant ice creams.

🌿 Yangmingshan: Nature, trails and hot springs

Yangmingshan is a breath of fresh air. Mountains, gentle trails, volcanic landscapes and natural hot springs that, on cooler days, are just the ticket. For those looking for things to do outside Taipei, it’s a perfect escape without straying too far. The national park is full of viewpoints and places to pause and enjoy the surroundings at your leisure.

• Travel time from Taipei: between 30 and 50 minutes.
• How to get there: direct bus from several city centre stations, including Jiantan.
• Unmissable: Xiaoyoukeng (with natural fumaroles), the Flower Clock, and the hot springs near Lengshuikeng.

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