What are the must-see attractions in Taipei?

Iconic attractions include Taipei 101, the National Palace Museum, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, and the night markets like Shilin for food and culture.

How many days should I spend in Taipei?

A 4- to 5-day trip is ideal for covering top sights, experiencing night markets, and taking a day trip to nearby areas like Jiufen or Beitou.

What is the best time to visit Taipei in 2026?

October to April offers cooler weather and fewer typhoons, making it the best time for outdoor sightseeing and festivals.

How can I get around Taipei easily?

The Taipei Metro (MRT) is efficient and covers most attractions; use an EasyCard for seamless travel on trains and buses.

Solomon203 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Destination

Top 10 Things to Do in Taipei in 2026

Taipei in 2026 isn't just a dot on a map; it's a living, breathing experience that constantly reinvents itself. Forget the usual tourist traps and discover a city where ancient traditions rub shoulders with a vibrant, modern pulse. As someone who's spent years navigating these bustling streets and tranquil alleys, I've seen Taipei evolve, offering something truly special for every kind of traveler. This isn't just a list of places; it's a guide to the pivotal experiences that showcase Taipei’s rich history, its innovative spirit, and its undeniable charm. We'll explore destinations through various lenses: how much will it cost, which part of the city is it in, how challenging is it to get there, how crowded will it be, and what's the best season to visit. From soaring skyscrapers to aromatic night markets, serene temples to buzzing creative hubs, I’ve weighed each recommendation based on its unique contribution to the Taipei story. You’ll find activities that offer panoramic city views, deep dives into Taiwanese culture, and unforgettable culinary adventures. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned Taipei explorer, prepare to uncover moments that deliver a genuine 'wow' factor.

Location: TW2026144 viewsMar 12, 2026 Updated Sep 7, 2026

Place

Top 10 lists about this destination

Be the first

Current Rankings

0
#1
Taipei 101 Observatory
Taipei 101's observatory on the 89th floor delivers an unmatched 360-degree view from 382 meters high, making it the definitive urban vantage point in Taipei. Standard tickets for floors 88, 89, and 91 cost USD 17.20, granting access to the massive 660-tonne tuned mass damper.
Visit →
Details →
0
#2
Shilin Night Market
Shilin Night Market is the undisputed king of Taipei's night markets, drawing crowds with its sheer scale and variety. Sample iconic street foods like crispy fried chicken cutlets for NT$90, oyster omelets for NT$70–100, or bubble tea for NT$25–60. It remains the definitive night market experience.
Visit →
Details →
0
#3
National Palace Museum
Discover one of the world's most significant collections of Chinese imperial art at the National Palace Museum. As of June 2026, the museum houses nearly 700,000 artifacts, encompassing 8,000 years of Chinese history from the Neolithic age to the present. This extensive collection, largely transported from Beijing's Forbidden City, features an impressive array of bronzes, ceramics, paintings, calligraphy, and jade. In 2024, the Northern Branch alone attracted over 1.55 million visitors. Entry tickets typically cost around NT$350. Exhibits rotate every three to six months, ensuring a fresh experience with each visit.
Visit →
Details →
0
#4
Elephant Mountain Hike
The Elephant Mountain Hike provides the definitive skyline view of Taipei 101, distinct from being inside the tower itself (#1). This moderate 20–30 minute climb ascends nearly 200 meters via stone steps, accessible from Xiangshan MRT Station. Visit early morning or late afternoon to capture the city in optimal light while avoiding midday heat and crowds. As a free activity, it offers a refreshing contrast to the hustle of the National Palace Museum (#3) and a rewarding vista without any admission cost.
Visit →
Details →
0
#5
Longshan Temple
Step into the spiritual heart of Taipei at Longshan Temple, a magnificent 280-year-old temple established in 1738. This active place of worship uniquely blends Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian faiths, setting it apart from many temples dedicated to a single deity. Its ornate carvings, intricate roof designs, and rare bronze dragon pillars in the front hall exemplify traditional Taiwanese temple architecture. Despite extensive rebuilding in 1957 following war damage, its historical importance as a gathering place for early Han immigrants from Fujian province remains profound.
Visit →
Details →
0
#6
Beitou Hot Springs
Escape the urban intensity of downtown Taipei with a visit to Beitou Hot Springs, a volcanic thermal oasis just a 30-minute MRT ride away. In contrast to the metropolitan views from Taipei 101, Beitou provides a tranquil, natural environment. The area offers a range of public and private hot spring options, with public bath prices starting around NT$60. Its development into a renowned hot spring destination by the Japanese is still evident in the architecture and the Beitou Hot Spring Museum. Take the MRT to Xinbeitou Station to easily access attractions such as the Beitou Thermal Valley, known for its steamy, sulfuric lake, and the Beitou Public Hot Spring. The cooler months from October to April are ideal for enjoying the therapeutic waters, offering a serene counterpoint to Taipei's bustling city life.
Visit →
Details →
0
#7
Dadaocheng Heritage Walk
Journey back in time with a leisurely stroll through Dadaocheng, one of Taipei's most historically preserved neighborhoods, centered around Dihua Street. This area flourished as a primary trading hub during the Qing Dynasty and Japanese colonial period, specializing in tea, fabrics, and traditional Chinese medicines. Many buildings along Dihua Street are over a century old, with some dating back to the 1850s, and have been thoughtfully preserved or reimagined as trendy cafes and craft shops. The street truly comes alive in the weeks leading up to Lunar New Year, transforming into a bustling market for seasonal goods.
Visit →
Details →
0
#8
Raohe Night Market
Experience a more intimate night market atmosphere at Raohe Night Market, a single-lane strip celebrated for its exceptional culinary offerings. A must-try is the Fuzhou Black Pepper Buns, a Michelin-recommended stall famous for its crispy, charcoal-baked buns filled with peppery minced pork. Another popular local favorite is the medicinal herb pork rib soup, known for its aromatic broth. You’ll also find various other local specialties like fried pork ribs, grilled squid, and Taiwanese ice cream rolls. Located conveniently near the Songshan MRT station, Raohe provides a more manageable, yet equally delicious, night market adventure, with many stalls open well into the evening.
Visit →
Details →
0
#9
Maokong Gondola & Tea
Ascend above the city on the Maokong Gondola for a tranquil escape and a deep dive into Taipei's tea culture. Maokong is renowned for its oolong tea plantations and traditional teahouses, where you can savor freshly brewed local varieties. Many teahouses also offer a selection of Taiwanese snacks and meals, perfect for a relaxed afternoon. Opting for a crystal cabin with a glass bottom enhances the experience, offering a unique perspective of the landscape below. Expect to spend a few hours here, enjoying the serene ambiance and scenic beauty that feels a world away from the bustling city center.
Visit →
Details →
0
#10
Huashan 1914 Creative Park
Discover a vibrant hub of art and culture at Huashan 1914 Creative Park, a beautifully repurposed industrial complex. Originally established in 1914 as a sake and camphor factory during Japanese rule, the site was revitalized in the early 2000s and officially reopened in 2005 as a dynamic cultural space. The park's well-preserved industrial architecture provides a unique backdrop for modern creativity. Entrance to the park grounds is free, though individual exhibitions or events may have separate fees. It's an excellent spot to witness Taiwan's burgeoning creative scene, with many shops and galleries operating from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Visit →
Details →

Current Rankings

Share this list

144 views

Get ranking updates

Get the weekly travel rundown

The most-voted lists across every category — curated weekly. Join the early readers.

The most-voted lists across every category
Exclusive early-access to new categories
Reader picks vs editorial picks compared

No spam. One email per week. Unsubscribe anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Taipei in 2026

### When is the best time of year to visit Taipei? Taipei is pleasant year-round, but autumn (October–November) typically offers the most comfortable temperatures and the clearest views from Taipei 101 and Elephant Mountain.

### How many days do you need for these top 10 Taipei attractions? Most travelers can comfortably cover the highlights on this list in 3–4 full days, grouping night markets (Shilin, Raohe) in the evenings and reserving daytime for museums, temples and hikes.

### Are Taipei's night markets safe for tourists? Yes. Shilin Night Market and Raohe Night Market are well-patronized, well-lit and tourist-friendly, with clearly priced stalls and cashless payment options at most vendors.

### Do I need to book Taipei 101 Observatory tickets in advance? Booking online in advance is recommended during weekends and peak travel seasons to avoid the on-site queue.

### Is the Maokong Gondola worth it? The Maokong Gondola offers skyline views and direct access to traditional tea houses in the hills south of the city — it pairs naturally with a half-day escape from central Taipei.