July 25, 2025
Why Taiwan is an absolute must-visit
Food Heaven
Let’s get this out of the way—Taiwan might just have the best street food scene in the world. Night markets are everywhere, and each one has its own local specialties: beef noodle soup, bubble tea, lu rou fan (braised pork rice), stinky tofu (yes, try it!), and fresh seafood pulled straight from the coast. You’ll eat better here for $5 than anywhere else, guaranteed.
Epic Nature
Taiwan’s landscapes are jaw-dropping. You can wake up in a buzzing city and be hiking in misty mountains by lunch. Think Taroko Gorge, Sun Moon Lake, hot springs in Beitou, and sunrise from a mountaintop in Alishan. It’s an outdoor lover’s dream—with clean trails, dramatic cliffs, and waterfalls around every corner.
Culture & Temples
Taiwanese culture is a colorful blend of Chinese, Japanese, and Indigenous influences—reflected in everything from the temples tucked into urban alleyways to the ornate architecture of Lukang, Tainan, and beyond. People are incredibly welcoming, and it’s easy to go from city vibes to cultural depth in one day.
Super Easy to Travel
Despite all it offers, Taiwan is small and super well-connected. The trains are fast and reliable, the MRT systems in major cities are clean and efficient, and signs are usually in English. Whether you’re solo, with friends, or family—Taiwan is stress-free travel at its finest.
The People
Taiwanese hospitality is legendary. People go out of their way to help, even if they don’t speak your language. It’s not uncommon for strangers to help you find your way, offer food, or just share a smile that makes your whole day better.
Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Taipei
Taipei 101 + Xinyi District
Taipei 101, once the tallest building in the world, is not only an architectural marvel but also a symbol of modern Taiwan. Visitors can ride one of the world’s fastest elevators (60.6 km/h, reaching the 89th-floor observatory in just 37 seconds) to the Taipei 101 Observatory for breathtaking views of the city skyline. Surrounding it, Xinyi District is a stylish, bustling area filled with luxury malls, restaurants, and nightlife.
Why it’s special:
- Offers panoramic skyline views of Taipei
- Houses the impressive Tuned Mass Damper, a massive sphere that stabilizes the building
- Surrounded by luxury shopping malls, fine dining, and high-end nightlife
Great for:
- Architecture enthusiasts, photographers, luxury shoppers, and first-time visitors.
National Palace Museum
The National Palace Museum holds one of the world’s most extensive collections of ancient Chinese artifacts, originally brought over from Beijing during the Chinese Civil War. From calligraphy to jade carvings, the exhibits span thousands of years of Chinese history. With rotating displays and multimedia guides, it offers a rich cultural experience for visitors of all ages.
Why it’s special:
- One of the largest Chinese art collections globally
- Regular rotating exhibitions and multimedia guides provide rich historical context
Great for:
- History buffs, students, culture seekers, and art lovers.
Yangmingshan National Park
Yangmingshan is a lush national park just north of Taipei, known for its volcanic landscape, hot springs, and seasonal blooms. It offers a refreshing escape from the city with its scenic hiking trails, fumaroles, and picturesque flower gardens. The park is especially popular during spring, when cherry blossoms and calla lilies are in full bloom.
Why it’s special:
- Designated Taiwan’s first Urban Quiet Park
- Seasonal floral displays like azaleas, calla lilies, and silver grass
- Features thermal valleys, fumaroles, and rare plant life
Great for:
- Nature lovers, hikers, bird watchers, and wellness travelers.
Ximending
Ximending is Taipei’s youth and pop culture hotspot, often compared to Tokyo’s Harajuku. This vibrant pedestrian area is filled with fashion shops, street performers, themed cafés, and local snacks. It’s a must-visit for those seeking a taste of urban life and modern Taiwanese street culture.
Why it’s special:
- Vibrant, colorful, and creative atmosphere
- Street performances, cosplay events, and quirky themed cafés
- Taipei’s version of Harajuku/Shibuya
Great for:
- Teenagers, trendsetters, nightlife seekers, and fans of pop culture.
Maokong Gondola
The Maokong Gondola is a scenic cable car ride that connects the Taipei Zoo area to Maokong, a tea-growing village in the hills. Along the way, riders enjoy sweeping views of Taipei’s skyline and lush mountain landscapes. At the top, visitors can relax in teahouses while sipping locally grown oolong tea.
Why it’s special:
- Glass-bottom cabins offer dramatic views of the forest, city, and tea plantations
- End your trip at traditional teahouses with locally grown oolong tea
Great for:
- Tea lovers, families, couples, and scenic explorers.
Xiangshan Trail (Elephant Mountain)
Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain) Trail is one of Taipei’s most popular short hikes, offering a stunning view of Taipei 101 and the city below. The trail is relatively short but steep, making it a favorite for sunset and nightscape photography. It’s easily accessible by MRT and perfect for visitors looking for a quick nature escape.
Why it’s special:
- Ideal for sunset or nighttime photography
- Easy access via MRT; popular with fitness enthusiasts and Instagrammers
Great for:
- Photographers, hikers, solo travelers, and fitness lovers.
Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
This grand monument honors former President Chiang Kai-Shek and is one of Taipei’s most iconic landmarks. Set within a large plaza surrounded by gardens, pavilions, and traditional architecture, the hall includes exhibits about Chiang’s life and Taiwan’s modern history. Visitors can also witness the ceremonial changing of the guards.
Why it’s special:
- Grandiose white-and-blue architecture with traditional Chinese elements
- Changing of the guard ceremony every hour draws crowds
Great for:
- History seekers, architecture fans, and those interested in Taiwan’s modern development.
Longshan Temple
Built in 1738, Longshan Temple is one of Taipei’s oldest and most respected temples, blending Buddhist, Taoist, and folk religious elements. The temple is a vibrant hub of worship and cultural heritage, with intricate carvings, incense-filled halls, and local devotees. Located in Wanhua, it’s surrounded by traditional markets and historic streets.
Why it’s special:
- Located in Taipei’s oldest neighborhood
- Nearby herbal medicine shops, fortune tellers, and night markets
Great for:
- Spiritual travelers, cultural explorers, and anyone seeking tradition.
Dihua Street + Dadaocheng Wharf
Dihua Street in the Dadaocheng area is a charming historical district with beautifully preserved shop houses and a strong sense of old Taipei. It’s a great place to buy local goods such as traditional Chinese medicine, dried fruits, teas, and handicrafts. Nearby, Dadaocheng Wharf offers river views, cycling paths, and relaxed sunset spots.
Why it’s special:
- Atmosphere of old Taipei, great for wandering and shopping for unique souvenirs
- Ends at Dadaocheng Wharf with Tamsui River sunset views, riverside bars, and events
Great for:
- History lovers, photographers, and those looking for a nostalgic Taipei vibe.
Beitou Hot Springs
Beitou is Taipei’s famous hot spring district, rich with geothermal activity and a blend of nature and culture. Visitors can soak in public or private hot springs, visit the Hot Spring Museum, or explore Thermal Valley with its steaming sulfur springs. It’s an easy and rejuvenating half-day trip from central Taipei.
Why it’s special:
- Natural steam vents and sulfur pools
- Visit the Beitou Hot Spring Museum and nearby Thermal Valley
- Easy MRT access makes it a perfect half-day retreat
Great for:
- Wellness travelers, couples, and those seeking relaxation with a cultural twist.
Top Picks Outside Taipei (Regional Highlights)
Alishan
Alishan is one of Taiwan’s most beloved mountain destinations, known for its cool climate, misty forests, and breathtaking sunrises. The area is home to the famous Alishan Forest Railway, ancient cypress trees, and scenic hiking paths that wind through the highlands. It’s a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Why it’s special:
- Ride the iconic narrow-gauge railway through misty cedar forests
- Witness the legendary sunrise at Zhushan
- Walk peaceful trails lined with giant cypress trees
Great for:
- Nature lovers, photographers, and mountain travelers.
Taroko Gorge
Taroko Gorge is a dramatic marble canyon located in eastern Taiwan within Taroko National Park. With steep cliffs, tunnels carved into rock, and crystal-clear rivers, the gorge offers breathtaking views and adventurous trails like Shakadang and Zhuilu Old Trail. It’s a natural wonder that draws hikers and travelers from around the world.
Why it’s special:
- One of Taiwan’s most spectacular natural landscapes
- Hike famous trails like Shakadang, Zhuilu Old Trail, and Baiyang Waterfall
- Experience deep gorges, suspension bridges, and waterfalls
Great for:
- Adventure seekers, hikers, and geology fans.
Sun Moon Lake
Sun Moon Lake is Taiwan’s largest and most iconic lake, surrounded by forested mountains and rich indigenous culture. Visitors can enjoy boat tours, lakeside cycling, and local delicacies while taking in the peaceful scenery. It’s a romantic and relaxing destination for all types of travelers.
Why it’s special:
- Surrounded by mountains, temples, and bike trails
- Take a lake cruise or ride the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway
- Stay in lakeside resorts or visit the Lalu Island
Great for:
- Couples, nature lovers, and cycling enthusiasts.
Yehliu Geopark
Yehliu Geopark is a fascinating coastal site known for its unusual rock formations shaped by wind and sea erosion. The most famous formation is the “Queen’s Head,” but many other shapes spark the imagination. The park is both educational and scenic, offering dramatic coastal views.
Why it’s special:
- Natural sculptures carved by wind and sea erosion
- Educational exhibits on geology and marine life
- Photo ops with rare formations like Fairy’s Shoe, Sea Candles, and Elephant Rock
Great for:
- Families, photographers, and science lovers.
Jiufen Old Street
Jiufen Old Street is a charming hillside town with narrow lanes, red lanterns, and traditional tea houses overlooking the sea. Originally a gold mining town, it’s now famous for its nostalgic atmosphere, street snacks, and breathtaking views. Many say it inspired the setting of the film Spirited Away.
Why it’s special:
- Rumored inspiration for Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
- Try taro balls, fish ball soup, and oolong tea with a view
- Atmospheric in mist or twilight
Great for:
- Foodies, culture lovers, anime fans, and nostalgic travelers.
Shifen Old Street + Shifen Waterfall
Shifen Old Street is a lively railroad town where visitors write wishes on sky lanterns and release them into the sky. Just a short walk away is Shifen Waterfall, often called Taiwan’s “Little Niagara,” known for its wide, cascading beauty. The area is a fun blend of tradition and natural charm.
Why it’s special:
- Write wishes on sky lanterns launched from active railway tracks
- Visit nearby Shifen Waterfall, known as “Taiwan’s Niagara Falls”
- Scenic train ride along the Pingxi Line
Great for:
- Couples, families, and wish-makers.
Gaomei Wetlands
Located in Taichung, Gaomei Wetlands is a picturesque coastal area famous for its sunset views and wooden boardwalks stretching across tidal flats. It’s a peaceful spot where visitors can observe migratory birds and take in the natural beauty of Taiwan’s west coast.
Why it’s special:
- A haven for migratory birds and crabs
- Perfect for slow strolls and sunset photography
- Watch tidal patterns and windmills in action
Great for:
- Bird watchers, photographers, and couples on scenic getaways.
Qingjing Farm
Qingjing Farm is a scenic mountain farm in central Taiwan offering fresh air, rolling hills, and European-style landscapes. Visitors can feed sheep, stroll through gardens, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Its cool climate and peaceful atmosphere make it a popular family destination.
Why it’s special:
- Feels like a slice of Switzerland in Taiwan
- Watch sheep-shearing shows and walk through lush pastures
- Stay in cozy guesthouses and enjoy cool highland air
Great for:
- Families, nature lovers, and rural retreat seekers.
Xiaozishan Trail is a lesser-known hike near Taipei with rugged rock steps, ropes, and sweeping views from the summit. It’s perfect for adventurous hikers looking for a short but steep climb.
Why it’s special:
- Jagged ridge trail with steep rock faces and chains
- Views of Pingxi Valley and Keelung River
- Not for the faint-hearted, but very rewarding
Great for:
- Experienced hikers, thrill seekers, and outdoor adventurers.
Sandiaoling is famous for its abandoned railway tunnels and lush forest trails leading to several waterfalls. The area offers a mix of history and nature in a peaceful countryside setting.
Why it’s special:
- Access three major waterfalls: Hegu, Motian, Pipa
- Lush, shaded trail with relics of Taiwan’s railway past
- Peaceful and less crowded than other hikes
Great for:
- Explorers, photographers, and off-the-beaten-path hikers.
Located in New Taipei, Yingge is Taiwan’s pottery town, lined with shops selling everything from traditional teapots to modern ceramic art. There’s also a ceramics museum and opportunities for hands-on DIY.
Why it’s special:
- Hands-on pottery workshops
- Visit the Yingge Ceramics Museum to see ancient to modern styles
- Ideal spot for unique, handmade souvenirs
Great for:
- Art lovers, shoppers, and creative travelers.
Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf is a romantic waterfront area known for its sunset views, seafood, and the iconic Lovers’ Bridge. It’s a relaxing day-trip spot at the mouth of the Tamsui River.
Why it’s special:
- Watch the sunset from the bridge
- Take a ferry ride or dine on fresh seafood by the pier
- Popular for evening walks and riverside vibes
Great for:
- Couples, sunset chasers, and seaside diners.
Wulai Waterfall is a tall, beautiful cascade surrounded by lush mountains and accessible via a scenic train ride. The nearby Wulai Village offers indigenous culture, hot springs, and traditional foods.
Why it’s special:
- Ride a mini train to the base of the falls
- Soak in natural hot springs by the river
- Learn about Atayal culture and food
Great for:
- Cultural explorers, spa lovers, and day-trippers.
Lesser-Known Gems in Taipei
Bopiliao is a restored street in Wanhua District that showcases Qing Dynasty and Japanese-era architecture. It’s a window into old Taipei, with galleries and exhibits about local history.
Why it’s special:
- Step back into old Taipei
- Often hosts art exhibitions and historical displays
- Close to Longshan Temple
Great for:
- History buffs, cultural walkers, and photo enthusiasts.
Once a sake factory, Huashan 1914 Creative Park is now a lively cultural space filled with art exhibitions, indie shops, cafés, and weekend markets. It’s a hub for Taiwan’s creative scene and urban lifestyle.
Why it’s special:
- Combines industrial ruins with contemporary art
- Hosts weekend markets, music festivals, and pop-ups
- Great cafés and photo spots
Great for:
- Design lovers, creative minds, and weekend explorers.
Songshan Cultural and Creative Park
This former tobacco factory has been transformed into a modern art and design center showcasing exhibitions, design shops, and creative workshops. It’s a great place to experience Taipei’s blend of history and innovation.
Why it’s special:
- Design exhibitions, bookstores, and artisan pop-ups
- Home to the Taiwan Design Museum
- Blends creativity with industrial heritage
Great for:
- Artists, designers, and modern culture fans.
Taipei Botanical Garden is a peaceful green space with over 1,500 plant species, lotus ponds, and historical buildings. It’s perfect for a relaxing walk or quiet moment in the city.
Why it’s special:
- Peaceful escape from city noise
- Educational and well-maintained for plant lovers
- Great for walks and nature study
Great for:
- Botany fans, students, and slow travelers.
Often called “Taipei’s Central Park,” Daan Forest Park offers large open lawns, ponds, jogging paths, and a children’s playground. It’s a favorite spot for locals to enjoy nature and unwind.
Why it’s special:
- A favorite among locals for jogging, bird watching, and weekend picnics
- Has a large ecological pond and children’s play areas
- Near Yongkang Street food zone
Great for:
- Families, locals, and nature seekers in the city.
This memorial honors Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, the founding father of the Republic of China, with exhibits and cultural performances. The hall is also surrounded by gardens with a stunning view of Taipei 101.
Why it’s special:
- Offers changing of the guard ceremony and exhibitions
- Popular for Tai Chi practice and dance rehearsals
- Great view of Taipei 101 from the lawn
Great for:
- History lovers, students, and casual strollers.