15 Best Things to Do in Taipei, Taiwan

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The bustling metropolis of Taipei is a great city getaway for those looking for delicious food, a lively art scene, and a clash of modern and cultural traditions. While this list is merely a short introduction to the many things to do and places to go in Taipei, it’s a great jumping-off point for a first visit to Taipei.

Before taking off for the land of amazing street food, you definitely want to prepare a few things. Taiwan is a hot and humid destination -, especially in the summer. But it’s also a little modest so prepare to be sweaty. I meant it when I said that the best of the best things to do in Taipei include eating, especially street food. Come with an open mind to try new things!

Prepare your wallet – Taiwan isn’t cheap – and start planning your Taiwan itinerary because you’re about to have the adventure of a lifetime!

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15 Things to Do in Taipei, Taiwan

1. Go on a food tour to the famous restaurants in Taipei.

If there’s anything Taiwan is famous for, it’s their delicious local foods! From the famous street dishes to the best breakfast in Taipei, No visit is complete without taking the time to chow down on the best Taiwanese food in the city. Some must try dishes and restaurants include:

• Gua bao – Also known as a Taiwanese hamburger or bao bun, gua bao is a Chinese steamed bun stuffed with delicious pork belly and other fillings. Lan Jia Gua Bao (藍家割包) is a famous little restaurant with the reputation of having one of the best gua bao in the city!

• Boba milk – Right across the street from Lan Jia Gua Bao, is a popular boba milk stand serving sweetened milk with Taiwanese tapioca balls that makes for a perfect snack pairing.

• Taiwanese beef noodles – A delicious dish made of tender and juicy beef and noodles in a savory and often spicy broth, this Taiwanese dish is absolutely delicious. For the best, head to Yong-Kang Beef Noodles (永康牛肉麺館). Prepare to wait in line for at least an hour – it’s worth the wait! 

• Bubble tea – A drink now found around the world, bubble tea actually originated in Taiwan and is considered the national drink. Head to the affordable and common chain 50 Lan (50嵐) for a classic. They’re everywhere in the city!

• Pepper pork buns – This was hands down one of my favorite Taiwanese snacks. Peppery pork and scallions stuffed into a wonderful pastry and cooked to perfection. The original stand is located right at the main entrance of the Raohe Night Market. You can’t miss it – it’ll probably be the longest line at the entire market! 

• Taiwanese ice cream burrito – Ok now I have to admit, this was not my favorite dish, but it’s so unique and some people really love it so I had to include it on my list! Three scoops of ice cream are placed on top of a spring-roll type crepe and sprinkled with sweetened peanut shavings and cilantro. They sell them at most markets.

• Taiwanese pineapple cake – No trip to Taiwan is complete without sampling and purchasing the delicious pineapple cakes! While there are stores around the city, most people actually pick up their box at the airport. Take advantage of the free samples while you’re shopping in the gift shops, we had our fill shopping before flying home.

2. Shop in Taipei 101 and venture to the top.

Taipei 101 was once the world’s tallest building and boasts a beautiful design inspired by the shape of bamboo. Stop by to check out the beautiful shopping and dining experience it offers as well as venture to the top observation deck.

3. Explore the bustling night markets.

Not only is it imperative to stop at the many famous restaurants found throughout the city, but also the many night markets serving up even more delicious food. The largest and most touristy night market is Shilin, famous for its many food stand vendors, souvenirs stands and even an ornate temple in the middle of it all. Raohe Night Market is another popular one serving up some of the best local dishes around.

4. Climb to the top of Elephant Mountain.

A must-do hike while in Taipei, Elephant Mountain boasts killer views of the city skyline. Although a short hike, prepare for a 20-minute walk up steep stairs! The sunset is beautiful from the top.

5. Treat yourself to a famous Taiwanese shampoo and head massage.

One of the best things to do on vacation is to treat yourself. Taiwanese salons offer the service of a shampoo and massage for a decent price. These aren’t just any shampoo/massage sessions though – if you go to the right ones, they will style your hair with the shampoo foam in many different shapes and designs! It’s a lot of fun!

6. Take a walk in 2.28 Memorial Park to see the Peace Pagoda.

This park is a nice little break from the city streets. Check out the colorful and beautiful pagoda in the middle of the park and relax on a bench while enjoying the nice weather.

7. Visit the temples in the city.

Enjoy the cultural and traditional side of Taipei by visiting the many temples in the city. One of the most popular is the Mengjia Longshan Temple.

8. See the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and the changing of the guards.

This memorial hall erected to honor the first president of Taiwan, Chiang Kai-shek, boasts beautiful gardens, temples, the main gate and main memorial hall. Visit to enjoy the sights and learn a bit about Taiwan’s interesting history.

9. Explore Ximending for good shopping and a refreshing drink.

A vibrant area in the city, Ximending is a great place to visit for unique restaurants, bars and shopping. Known as the ‘Harajuku’ of Taipei, you don’t want to miss taking the time wandering around this popular pedestrian area.

10. Visit one of the vibrant city parks.

There are many to choose from! Stop by the Fine Arts Park and take a walk through the Instagram famous floral tunnel, or visit the nearby Yuanshan Expo Park where events are often hosted and a Sunday market is held.

11. Take a ride on the Maokong Gondola.

Maokong is a cute little village at the top of Maokong Mountain. People enjoy taking a trip out of the city to enjoy the beautiful sights and nature while drinking local tea. I met so many people who said this was one of the best places in Taipei! While I, unfortunately, didn’t have the time to go, I have a feeling I can live vicariously through you!

12. Take a day trip to a nearby city.

The network of trains in Taipei is phenomenal, making it super easy to venture off to nearby popular places like stunning Jiufen, the Sandiaoling waterfall hike, Yilan, Houtong Cat Village, Pinxhi, and Shifen.

If you have limited time in Taiwan, you could even enjoy the best things to do in Taichung in a day trip. I highly recommend making the journey to at least one of the amazing day trips from Taipei – especially Jiufen to walk through the charming and bustling streets.

13. Take a dip in the Beitou Hot Springs.

Within the city limits lies the ultimate relaxation destination – Beitou Hot Springs. Take the morning to relax and enjoy the natural springs. Read more about it here. 

14. Enjoy the art scene.

There’s something about the atmosphere in Taipei that is different from other Asian countries I’ve visited. It pulses with a vibrance that is a mix of modern and traditional influences and although Taiwan has a deep connection with China, its culture is its own. Enjoy the many street murals, art exhibits, and art museums in the city to get a feel of what I can’t adequately put into words!

Check out Travel Colorfully for the best street murals in Taipei!

15. Explore nearby Yangmingshan National Park.

Home to Taiwan’s tallest dormant volcano, Seven Star Mountain, fabulous hiking trails, hot springs and more, Yangmingshan National Park is one of the great places to go in Taipei for nature lovers. 

There you have it! A few of the many places to go in Taipei. What are your favorite Taipei travel spots? Share below!