Taipei is filled with sights and issues to try 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 sights that you could get pleasure from in Taipei and New Taipei Metropolis.
WAIT, WAIT, WAIT! In case your are touring quickly and nonetheless on the strategy planning stage, you can even go to our The Poor Traveler Masterlist. Right here, we compiled journey necessities, together with immigration necessities and all our really useful motels and excursions. Simply go to this web page: TPT Masterlist. We have now a compilation for locations world wide.
1. Houtong Cat Village
Should you’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 remodeled 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 all around the globe.
Other than the cute 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.)
Learn how to Get to Houtong Cat Village: If coming from Jiufen, take the practice to from Ruifang Station to Houtong Station. From Taipei Major Station, take a practice going to Ruifang Station. Then, switch to Pingxi Line to Houtong Station. One other means is to take a direct native practice from Taipei Major Station to Houtong Station.
2. Dihua Road
That is mentioned to be Taipei’s oldest road, relationship 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 sporting conventional attires, which you need to use for FREE. Simply head to the Dadaocheng Customer Middle, then you definitely simply want to present a deposit value NTD 1000, which is refundable so long as you come the clothes with out harm.
You’ll be able to select from any of their large number 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, cloth, and extra. It has all the time been like this for hundreds of years! However immediately, you’ll additionally discover extra fashionable 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 stuffed 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 ground of the identical constructing, you’ll discover Dadaocheng Theater, a department of the Taipei Cultural Middle. This can be a nice venue for performances, and even to at the present time, you possibly can 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. Afterward, a statue of his spouse was added. At present, many guests, particularly vacationers come right here to wish for a cheerful love life.
So whether or not you’re looking delicate cloth rolls, in search of divine romantic luck, or slipping into classic threads for a retro shoot, Dihua Road is the place for you — with layers of tradition, colour, and charisma.
Location: Dihua Road, Datong District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Closest MRT Stations: Beimen or Daqiaotou Station
Conventional Apparel Use: Rental Charge, NONE/FREE; Deposit, NTD 1000 (refundable)
3. Dadaocheng Wharf
Relying on which a part of Dihua Road 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 fashionable enjoyable.
The murals on its tremendous prolonged wall are top-notch, depicting numerous scenes of Taipei. It’s greatest 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 circulation, and snap these informal meals pictures as metropolis lights glimmer throughout the water.
In case you have extra funds, you possibly can hop on a sundown‐time river cruise heading upriver towards Tamsui and past. A journey gives a scenic drifting shot of iconic bridges, lush riverside parks, and naturally, Taipei’s skyline, which is magnificent at sundown. You’ll be able to even spot Taipei 101 from right here! And it’s surprisingly inexpensive too, at solely NTD 300 for an hour-long cruise.
Should you’d slightly not spend, it’s simply as satisfying to take a leisurely stroll right here and let the river breeze wash over you. There’s no entrance charge in case you’re merely sightseeing. However in case you’re up for a motorcycle journey, that’s an choice too. However in fact, it comes with a charge.
YouBike stations and bike rental outlets can be found, providing a straightforward approach to discover the 18 km riverside biking route, which results in Guandu or again to 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 StationLearn how to Get to Dadaocheng Wharf:
- From both Beimen or Daqiaotou Station, you will get there on foot in 5 minutes.
- From Dihua Road, it’s a 5-10-minute stroll.
4. Guandu
Should you 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 called 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 will be traced again to 1661. However essentially the most fascinating bit? It was carved into the aspect of a mountain.
Judging from the highway by the doorway, we truly thought it was fairly small, however after we entered, we had been greeted by a deep, winding cave tunnel, adorned with statues, altars, and stone reliefs, resulting in a small shrine. The expertise provides a extra non secular, nearly otherworldly really feel. And when you make it to the opposite aspect, you’ll discover extra buildings, 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 a beautiful view of the realm.
Should you get hungry, simply throughout the road lies the Guandu Meals Park, the place you possibly can seize fast snacks.
Location: Guandu, Beitou District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Closest MRT Station: Guandu Station
5. Ximending
This listing gained’t be full with out the OG IG paradise — Ximending. I imply, I can’t consider another free web site that pulls extra social media natives than the rainbow six crosswalk proper by the doorway to Ximen Walker. And it’s not obscure why.
Usually in comparison with Harajuku, this buzzing neighborhood is a sensory overload in one of the simplest ways attainable. Vibrant indicators glow above pedestrian streets lined with trend boutiques, sneaker outlets, milk tea stalls, and countless snack counters. It’s loud, colourful, and unapologetically busy. Sure, it’s extraordinarily touristy these days—however there’s purpose individuals maintain coming again.
What retains the realm fascinating is that it nonetheless belongs to the youth. Youngsters collect right here after faculty, buskers draw crowds with music and dance, and cosplayers sometimes 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 industrial blocks, this open area feels refreshingly relaxed. Its graffiti-covered partitions, out of doors artwork items, and large concrete areas entice skate boarders, dancers, and creatives preferring a extra low-key vibe.
We love Ximending a lot that we might slightly keep right here each time we’re in Taipei. It’s the most effective areas to remain within the metropolis. Loads of eating, purchasing, 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 will be present in Taipei’s Beitou district. However Beitou is greatest recognized for one more attraction — scorching springs!
Beitou Thermal Valley is likely one of the most well-known scorching spring spots in Taiwan, situated in northern Taipei. If you arrive, you’ll be greeted by this small fountain, the place you possibly can really feel the water and provides your palms a shower.
However as you stroll deeper, you’ll ultimately see the steamy scorching springs that appear to be nature’s large cauldron. It’s principally a steaming geothermal pool the place extraordinarily scorching sulfuric water bubbles up from underground. The water right here can attain 80–100°C, so it’s far too scorching to the touch or bathe in. However it is likely one of the major pure sources of Beitou’s scorching spring water. Resorts and bathhouses in Beitou Sizzling Springs pipe mineral water from this geothermal system.
It’s visually putting: milky blue or typically green-ish water and fixed steam, but in addition bombards your nostril with a robust sulfur odor (like boiled eggs). Stroll round it and soak within the barely mystical environment.
And nope, no entrance charge in any respect. However earlier than leaving, you may wish to spend on tea eggs, offered 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 StationLearn how to Get to Beitou Thermal Valley: From Taipei Major 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 Sizzling Springs Museum
Step into the previous on the Beitou Sizzling 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 gives a glimpse into the heyday of Beitou’s scorching spring tradition, full with reveals and an enormous 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 area journey, making it a bit livelier than ordinary. Usually, although, the environment is sort of relaxed. Like many conventional bathhouses, you’ll have to take away your footwear earlier than coming into, retailer them within the lockers, slip on the offered indoor slippers, and comply with the marked path as you discover the reveals.
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 Sizzling Springs Museum, No. 2, Zhongshan Street, Beitou District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Closest MRT Station: Xinbeitou StationLearn how to Get to Beitou Sizzling Springs Museum: From Beitou Thermal Valley, you’ll attain the museum on foot in roughly 10 minutes.
8. Qingtiangang Grassland
It might be laborious to consider, 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 a bit harking back to the windswept hills of Batanes. Welcome to Qingtiangang Grassland!
Sitting roughly 800 meters above sea degree inside Yangmingshan Nationwide Park, it was truly shaped by historical 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 sometimes one wanders shut sufficient to unintentionally photobomb a vacationer selfie.
Locals say the grassland seems to be most cinematic when mist rolls over the hills, giving the place a dreamy, nearly otherworldly really feel. After we visited, nonetheless, the skies had been completely clear. No fog, no drama—simply vibrant sunshine and sweeping views of the encircling 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 images.
Simply don’t count on 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.)
Learn 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 realm near the Yangmingshan Flower Clock, a large 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 in all Yangmingshan’s quieter trails.
Getting there requires a straightforward 10-minute stroll. Alongside the way in which, you’ll cross a viewing platform that provides a incredible lookout over the panorama. The distant skyline of Taipei seems to be particularly spectacular from right here. Shortly after, the trail leads by means of 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 excellent for close-up images. To be sincere, we had been a bit underwhelmed by the cascade itself, however we had been advised it was as a result of we visited in the summertime, so the water circulation 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 an incredible vantage level if you would like images with the waterfall within the background.
Better of all, the path could be very accessible. You’ll be able to 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.)
Learn how to Get to Datun Falls: Make your approach 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 situated in New Taipei Metropolis’s Pingxi District. This spectacular curtain-style waterfall stretches round 40 meters large and drops roughly 20 meters right into a misty basin under. Due to its horseshoe form, it’s ceaselessly in comparison with Niagara Falls, though on a smaller scale. When the water circulation is robust (particularly after rain), the falls produce a dramatic spray that typically types rainbows on sunny days.
Reaching the waterfall is a part of the expertise. A pleasing strolling path leads guests by means of lush greenery, previous smaller cascades, suspension bridges, and numerous meals stalls providing snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. What obtained my consideration had been these ginormous custard apples (atis)! They price much more than those discovered within the Philippines, however they’re additionally loads greater!
Sure, it’s straightforward to be distracted, however ultimately, you’ll cross 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 will be admired from a number of decks, making it straightforward to seize images from completely different views.
It’s utterly attainable to achieve this by public transportation. However simply be ready for fairly a little bit of strolling. The closest cease is Shifen Station, but it surely’s nonetheless a couple of 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 desire visiting this as a part of a much bigger Shifen tour.
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Shifen Excursions normally 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 Road.
Location: Shifen Falls, Pingxi District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Learn how to Get to Shifen Waterfalls: From Taipei Major 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 Road
Set alongside an lively railway monitor, Shifen Previous Road is likely one of the hottest stops alongside the Pingxi Line. Situated in Pingxi District, the slender road is lined with small outlets, snack stalls, and memento stands squeezed tightly alongside the tracks. Now and again, a practice slowly rolls by means of 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, shopping 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 consider the custom started when villagers used lanterns to sign security through the coal mining days, and over time, it advanced into a logo of hope and success.
At present, vacationers write their needs — love, well being, profession, journey desires — on the lantern earlier than lighting it and watching it drift above. There is no such thing as a entrance charge. You’ll be able to wander round free of charge. However if you wish to launch a lantern, you’ll must pay for the precise merchandise.
Location: Shifen Previous Road, Pingxi District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Learn how to Get to Shifen Previous Road: From Taipei Major Station, take a practice going to Ruifang Station. Then, switch to Pingxi Line to Shifen Station. The railway tracks run alongside the Shifen Previous Road.
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 recognized for its slender alleyways, teahouses, and lantern-lit staircases.
The guts of the city is Jiufen Previous Road, a maze of meals stalls and memento outlets the place you possibly can pattern native favorites like taro balls, peanut ice cream rolls, and natural teas. Past the bustling previous road, quiet viewpoints confide in sweeping views of the mountains and the Pacific Ocean under, making Jiufen wildly cinematic, particularly within the late afternoon when purple lanterns begin to glow.
Widespread Sights: Jiufen Previous Road, Shengping Theater, Gold Mine Museum, Mount Keelung Path, and numerous scenic viewpoints
Location: Jiufen Previous Road, Ruifang District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)Learn how to Get to Jiufen: From Taipei Major 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 neglect you’re in the course 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 value 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.
Should you 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 Charge: 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 filled with surprises, head to Taipei Expo Park, a full of life mix of artwork, tradition, and meals. The positioning initially hosted the 2010 Taipei Worldwide Flora Expo, however immediately it’s a year-round hub for festivals, pop-up markets, and occasions.
One of many park’s highlights is Maji Sq., a meals court docket simply subsequent door. Right here, meals stalls, artisanal outlets, and out of doors cafés come collectively to create a bustling, market-like vibe. You’ll be able to pattern all the pieces from Taiwanese road eats to Indian, Italian, and Korean dishes, store for quirky souvenirs, and catch dwell music performances.
Our go to was truly unplanned — we had been imagined to hit an outside market, however the rain compelled us to improvise, and Maji Sq.’s coated space made it the proper Plan B. And wow, we had 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 power.
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 concentrate on the Linji faculty of Zen Buddhism, emphasizing interior peace and knowledge — an ideal spot to glimpse Taipei’s non secular aspect.
Location: Taipei Expo Park, No. 1號, Yumen Road, 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 in all Taipei’s most iconic sights. 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 wide ranging instance of conventional Taiwanese structure.
Even in case you’re not right here to wish, wandering by means of the temple provides you a glimpse of native life. You’ll be able to 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 free of charge. Early mornings or sundown visits make the temple much more magical, with delicate gentle illuminating the lanterns and carvings — an ideal, wallet-friendly cease on any Taipei itinerary.
One factor I seen is that there are not any incense sticks right here. Apparently, it was banned by the administration to enhance the air high quality within the space. As a substitute, worshippers might place different choices on the desk.
Opening Hours: Every day, 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Location: Lungshan Temple, No. 211, Guangzhou Road, 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 due to its setting. Tucked into the hills of Neihu District, this isn’t only a place of worship but in addition a lookout with critically fascinating views.
Perched on a hillside, it gives 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, but it surely 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 historical legend. In contrast to many metropolis temples, Bishanyan has a serene, nearly meditative environment. 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 mild thrill, and the heart-shaped pond, excellent for quirky selfies or couple images.
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 StationLearn how to Get to Bishanyan Temple: Coming from 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 Road
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 E-book Road, a treasure trove of largely Chinese language books, with some English alternatives 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 up to date 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 Road, 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 useful 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 realm is sandwiched between Zhongshan Station and Shuanglian Station. Zhongshan Station is closest in case your major stops are Tiao Tong or the Underground E-book Road, whereas both works for Xinzhongshan Linear Park and Chifeng Road.
Location: Xinzhongshan Linear Park, No. 7號, Lane 48, Part 2, Zhongshan N Street, Zhongshan District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.) | Chifeng Road, 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 large white construction, topped with a putting blue-tiled roof, sits within the middle of Liberty Sq., surrounded by gardens, fountains, and large open plazas. It’s a grand place to study extra about Taiwanese historical past, snap images, or just stroll round and admire the monumental structure.
Contained in the memorial, you’ll discover reveals about Chiang Kai-shek’s life and Taiwan’s fashionable historical past, together with the well-known altering of the guard ceremony — a sluggish, exact ritual that attracts crowds day by day.
With no entrance charge, 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 gentle for images.
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 possibly can discover reveals about Solar Yat-sen’s life and revolutionary work.
Like Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Corridor, there’s no entrance charge, 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 at present discover the inside or reveals as you usually would. The renovation venture started in February 2024 and is anticipated to proceed by means of the top of 2026, with the primary corridor and surrounding amenities 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 basic Chinese language architectural fashion, it’s a serene area 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 positioning—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 StationLearn 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 vital beautiful free views in Taipei, head to Elephant Mountain. A part of the 4 Beasts Mountain path system, this hike gives a sweeping panorama of Taipei, together with the long-lasting Taipei 101, all with none entrance charge. 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.
Lots of Taipei’s postcards with Taipei 101 because the centerpiece had been in all probability shot from right here. A number of platforms alongside the way in which present excellent spots to pause, snap images, or take up the surroundings.
The most effective time to go to is within the late afternoon so you possibly can catch the view through the day, at sundown, and after dusk. Bear in mind, it’s an uphill climb, so it’s not really useful 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 Mountain climbing Path
In the case of climbing for an incredible view of Taipei, Elephant Mountain has all the time been the go-to spot—but it surely’s removed from the one choice! Taipei is surrounded by mountains, and when you will have mountains, you will have 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 Lodge, this path is quieter than Elephant Mountain, making it splendid 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 statement deck providing incredible 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 couple 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 Mountain 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
