Smart Self-Managed Tours

City guide · Taiwan

Taipei

A photograph of Taipei
Photograph · Heeheemalu · CC BY-SA 4.0

Taipei is organised around a highly connected MRT grid rather than one single old centre. Ximending and the historic west side sit near Taipei Main Station, civic and commercial districts extend east toward Taipei 101, and the northern museum and hot-spring areas follow separate rail corridors. Riverside parks and mountain trailheads form another outer layer.

Practical information

Language spoken
Mandarin Chinese; Taiwanese Hokkien and other languages are widely used
National practical orientation; regional and minority languages may also be used
Dialling code
+886
International calling code; local area and mobile prefixes still apply
Currency
New Taiwan dollar (TWD)
Use the official local currency; card acceptance varies by place
Emergency number
110 police · 119 fire and ambulance
Use only for an emergency; tourist assistance may use a separate number
Plug type
Type A and B · 110 V
Check that chargers support the recorded voltage before using an adapter
Tap water
Not recorded
No verified nationwide visitor drinking-water statement was recorded

Turn this list into a plan

Set your days, your pace and the hours you actually want to be out. The planner works around closing days and travel time, and leaves room to eat.

Plan Taipei

Planning a visit

Suggested stay
Not recorded
Getting around
Walking, MRT and city bus
  1. January: good time to visit
  2. February: good time to visit
  3. March: good time to visit
  4. April: good time to visit
  5. May: viable with meaningful trade-offs
  6. June: viable with meaningful trade-offs
  7. July: viable with meaningful trade-offs
  8. August: viable with meaningful trade-offs — current month
  9. September: viable with meaningful trade-offs
  10. October: viable with meaningful trade-offs
  11. November: best time to visit
  12. December: good time to visit
  • Best time
  • Good time
  • Viable with trade-offs
  • Difficult conditions

Sources

Top things to see

Ranked by importance — sitelinks, pageviews and heritage status, not editor preference.

  1. National Palace Museum National Palace Museum
    02 1 hr 30 min

    National Palace Museum

    The National Palace Museum is the Taipei museum that presents the former imperial collection through Exhibition Hall I, its main public building in Shilin.

    • Must see
    • Museum
  2. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
    03 1 hr 30 min

    Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

    The National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is a prominent monument and public gathering space in central Taipei.

    • Must see
    • Museum
  3. Bangka Lungshan Temple Bangka Lungshan Temple
    04 30 min

    Bangka Lungshan Temple

    Lungshan Temple, known locally as 艋舺龍山寺, is a historic Buddhist temple in Taipei's Wanhua District. Founded in 1738 by settlers from Fujian, it stands as one of Taiwan's oldest and most significant religious sites.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
  4. Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain) Trail Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain) Trail
    05 1 hr 30 min

    Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain) Trail

    Xiangshan, known in English as Elephant Mountain, is a hiking trail and scenic viewpoint in Taipei's Xinyi District. The trail rises from the urban edge near Taipei 101, offering panoramic views of the city skyline and the iconic tower itself.

    • Must see
    • Viewpoint
  5. 饒河街觀光夜市 饒河街觀光夜市
    06 45 min

    饒河街觀光夜市

    Raohe Street Tourist Night Market is a designated night market in Taipei, Taiwan. Its local name is 饒河街觀光夜市. The market occupies Raohe Street in the Songshan District.

    • Must see
    • Market
  6. Yangmingshan National Park Yangmingshan National Park
    07 1 hour

    Yangmingshan National Park

    Yangmingshan National Park is a protected volcanic mountain area on the northern edge of Taipei Basin. Established in 1985, it encompasses dormant volcanoes, hot springs, fumaroles, and subtropical forest.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
  7. Ximending Ximending
    08 1 hr 30 min

    Ximending

    Ximending is a historic commercial district in Taipei's Wanhua District, centered on pedestrian zones northwest of the old city gate.

    • Must see
    • Market
  8. Taipei Zoo Taipei Zoo
    09 1 hr 30 min

    Taipei Zoo

    Taipei Zoo is the municipal zoo of Taipei City, Taiwan, known locally as 臺北市立動物園. It operates under city government administration as a public institution.

    • Must see
    • Family attraction
  9. Beitou Hot Spring Museum Beitou Hot Spring Museum
    10 1 hr 30 min

    Beitou Hot Spring Museum

    Beitou Hot Spring Museum occupies a historic bathhouse building in Taipei's renowned Beitou hot spring district. The structure represents Japanese colonial-era architecture adapted for public bathing culture.

    • Must see
    • Museum
  10. Thermal Valley Thermal Valley
    11 45 min

    Thermal Valley

    Thermal Valley, known locally as 地熱谷, is a geothermal landscape in Taipei's Beitou District. It forms part of the Beitou hot spring area, one of Taiwan's most concentrated geothermal zones.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
  11. Dihua Street Dihua Street
    12 1 hr 30 min

    Dihua Street

    Dihua Street is a historic commercial street in Taipei, Taiwan, dating to the Qing dynasty era.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
  12. Shilin Night Market Shilin Night Market
    13 45 min

    Shilin Night Market

    Shilin Night Market is a renowned night market in Taipei, Taiwan, known internationally as a signature Taiwanese visitor experience. The local name is 士林夜市. It appears in Taipei's official city attraction inventory as a documented destination.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
  13. Ningxia Road Night Market Ningxia Road Night Market
    14 45 min

    Ningxia Road Night Market

    Ningxia Night Market is a traditional Taiwanese night market located in Taipei's Datong District. The local name is 寧夏夜市. It appears in the official Taipei city attraction inventory as a retained visitor destination.

    • Must see
    • Market
  14. Huashan 1914 Creative Park Huashan 1914 Creative Park
    15 45 min

    Huashan 1914 Creative Park

    Huashan 1914 Creative Park is a cultural and creative industries complex in Taipei, Taiwan. The site occupies former industrial premises originally established as a winery during the Japanese colonial period.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
  15. Songshan Cultural and Creative Park Songshan Cultural and Creative Park
    16 45 min

    Songshan Cultural and Creative Park

    Songshan Cultural and Creative Park is a repurposed industrial site in Taipei, Taiwan. The local name is 松山文創園區. It functions as a cultural and creative hub within the city, hosting exhibitions, design events, and creative industry activities.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
  16. Taipei Fine Arts Museum Taipei Fine Arts Museum
    17 1 hr 30 min

    Taipei Fine Arts Museum

    Taipei Fine Arts Museum is a major public art institution operated by the Taipei City Government. Located in the Zhongshan District, it serves as a principal venue for contemporary and modern art exhibitions in Taiwan.

    • Must see
    • Museum
  17. National Taiwan Museum National Taiwan Museum
    18 1 hr 30 min

    National Taiwan Museum

    The National Taiwan Museum, known locally as 國立臺灣博物館, stands as Taiwan's oldest museum institution. Located in Taipei, it serves as a meaningful visitor destination documented in the official city attraction inventory.

    • Must see
    • Museum
  18. MoCA Taipei MoCA Taipei
    19 1 hr 30 min

    MoCA Taipei

    The Museum of Contemporary Art Taipei is a cultural institution dedicated to modern and contemporary art exhibitions. Housed in a historic building that once served as a school, the museum occupies a distinctive architectural presence in Taipei's urban landscape.

    • Must see
    • Museum
  19. Presidential Office Building Presidential Office Building
    20 45 min

    Presidential Office Building

    The Presidential Office Building in Taipei, known locally as 總統府, stands as a significant landmark in Taiwan's capital. This historic structure serves as the seat of the central government and represents an important era of architectural development.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
  20. Maokong Gondola Maokong Gondola
    21 2 hours

    Maokong Gondola

    The Maokong Gondola is an aerial lift system in Wenshan District, Taipei, connecting the Taipei Zoo area to Maokong, a hilltop district historically known for tea cultivation.

    • Must see
    • Activity
  21. Daan Forest Park Daan Forest Park
    22 1 hour

    Daan Forest Park

    Daan Forest Park is a major urban park in Taipei's Daan District, known locally as 大安森林公園. The park serves as significant green space within the dense metropolitan environment.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
  22. 228 Peace Memorial Park 228 Peace Memorial Park
    23 1 hour

    228 Peace Memorial Park

    228 Peace Memorial Park is a public memorial park in central Taipei, Taiwan. The site carries profound historical significance as a space dedicated to remembrance and reflection on the events of February 28, 1947.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
  23. National Revolutionary Martyrs' Shrine National Revolutionary Martyrs' Shrine
    24 45 min

    National Revolutionary Martyrs' Shrine

    The National Revolutionary Martyrs' Shrine is a solemn memorial complex in Taipei dedicated to those who died in service of the Republic of China. Established in 1969, it honors military personnel and civilians who perished during various conflicts.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
  24. Taipei Botanical Garden Taipei Botanical Garden
    25 1 hour

    Taipei Botanical Garden

    Taipei Botanical Garden is a public botanical garden in Taipei, Taiwan, bearing the local name 臺北植物園. It functions as a green space for plant conservation, research, and public education.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
  25. Liberty Square Liberty Square
    26 45 min

    Liberty Square

    Liberty Square, known locally as 自由廣場, stands as a significant public plaza in central Taipei.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
  26. National Concert Hall National Concert Hall
    27 1 hour

    National Concert Hall

    The National Concert Hall, known locally as 國家音樂廳, stands as a major performing arts venue in Taipei. It forms part of the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall complex, a prominent cultural precinct in the city.

    • Must see
    • Art and culture venue
  27. National Theater National Theater
    28 1 hour

    National Theater

    National Theater is a major performing arts venue in Taipei, located within the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall complex. The local name is 國家戲劇院. It serves as a principal stage for traditional and contemporary theater, dance, and opera productions in Taiwan.

    • Must see
    • Art and culture venue
  28. Chi Nan Temple Chi Nan Temple
    29 30 min

    Chi Nan Temple

    Zhinan Temple, known locally as 指南宮, stands as a significant religious site in Taipei's Wenshan District. Perched on the slopes of Zhinan Mountain, this Taoist temple complex serves as an important center of worship and pilgrimage.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
  29. Taipei Children's Amusement Park Taipei Children's Amusement Park
    30 2 hours

    Taipei Children's Amusement Park

    Taipei Children's Amusement Park is a municipal amusement facility operated by Taipei City Government. The local name is 臺北市立兒童新樂園. It appears in the official Taipei city attraction inventory as a documented visitor destination.

    • Must see
    • Entertainment venue
  30. Ketagalan Culture Center Ketagalan Culture Center
    31 1 hr 30 min

    Ketagalan Culture Center

    Ketagalan Culture Center, known locally as 凱達格蘭文化館, is a cultural facility in Taipei dedicated to preserving and presenting the heritage of the Ketagalan people, one of Taiwan's recognized indigenous groups.

    • Must see
    • Museum
  31. Guandu Nature Park Guandu Nature Park
    32 1 hour

    Guandu Nature Park

    Guandu Nature Park is a protected wetland area in northern Taipei, known locally as 關渡自然公園. The park occupies a significant ecological zone where the Tamsui River meets the sea, creating a habitat of international importance for migratory birds.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
  32. Guandu Temple Guandu Temple
    33 30 min

    Guandu Temple

    Guandu Temple, known locally as 關渡宮, stands as one of Taipei's significant religious landmarks. The temple holds established recognition within Taipei's official city attraction inventory, confirming its status as a meaningful destination for visitors exploring the capital's cultural heritage.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
  33. 芝山文化生態綠園 芝山文化生態綠園
    34 1 hour

    芝山文化生態綠園

    Zhishan Cultural and Ecological Garden is a Taipei city attraction listed in the official municipal visitor inventory. The site combines cultural heritage elements with ecological preservation, situated in the Zhishan area.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
  34. Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines
    35 1 hr 30 min

    Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines

    The Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines is a museum in Taipei dedicated to the cultures of Taiwan's indigenous peoples. Its local name is 順益台灣原住民博物館.

    • Must see
    • Museum
  35. Lin An Tai Historical House and Museum Lin An Tai Historical House and Museum
    36 1 hr 30 min

    Lin An Tai Historical House and Museum

    Lin An Tai Historical House and Museum is a preserved traditional Taiwanese residence relocated and reconstructed in Taipei. The building exemplifies classical Fujian-style architecture common among wealthy merchant families during the Qing dynasty period.

    • Must see
    • Museum
  36. Taipei Story House Taipei Story House
    37 45 min

    Taipei Story House

    Taipei Story House is a historic building in Taipei, Taiwan, known locally as 台北故事館. The structure represents an example of Western-style architecture from the Japanese colonial period.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
  37. Dalongdong Baoan Temple Dalongdong Baoan Temple
    38 30 min

    Dalongdong Baoan Temple

    Dalongdong Baoan Temple, known locally as 大龍峒保安宮, is a historic temple in Taipei recognized in the official city attraction inventory. The temple represents a significant cultural and religious site within the Dalongdong district.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
  38. Hsing Tian Kong Hsing Tian Kong
    39 30 min

    Hsing Tian Kong

    Xingtian Temple, known locally as 行天宮, is a prominent religious site in Taipei. It serves as a significant place of worship dedicated to Guan Yu, the deity of war and righteousness in Chinese folk religion.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
  39. Ciyou Temple Ciyou Temple
    40 30 min

    Ciyou Temple

    Songshan Ciyou Temple, known locally as 松山慈祐宮, is a significant religious site in Taipei's Songshan district. The temple holds established standing in the city's official attraction inventory, confirming its relevance to visitors exploring Taipei.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
  40. Taipei Grand Mosque Taipei Grand Mosque
    41 30 min

    Taipei Grand Mosque

    Taipei Grand Mosque is Taipei's principal Islamic house of worship and a significant cultural landmark in Taiwan's capital. Established to serve the Muslim community, it represents one of the most important Islamic institutions in the country.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
  41. 公館夜市 公館夜市
    42 45 min

    公館夜市

    Gongguan Night Market is a visitor destination in Taipei, Taiwan, documented in the official city attraction inventory. The market operates in the Gongguan area, near National Taiwan University.

    • Must see
    • Market
  42. Linjiang Street Night Market Linjiang Street Night Market
    43 45 min

    Linjiang Street Night Market

    Linjiang Street Night Market is a visitor destination in Taipei, known locally as 臨江街觀光夜市. The market appears in the official city attraction inventory maintained by Taipei's tourism authorities, confirming its status as a recognized point of interest for travellers.

    • Must see
    • Market
  43. 南機場夜市 南機場夜市
    44 45 min

    南機場夜市

    Nanjichang Night Market is a local night market in Taipei, known by its local name 南機場夜市. It appears in the official Taipei city attraction inventory as a meaningful visitor destination.

    • Must see
    • Market
  44. 廣州街觀光夜市 廣州街觀光夜市
    45 45 min

    廣州街觀光夜市

    Guangzhou Street Night Market is a Taipei night market operating along Guangzhou Street in the Wanhua District. Known locally as 廣州街觀光夜市, it forms part of Taipei's extensive night market culture that draws both residents and visitors.

    • Must see
    • Market
  45. Taipei Fish Market Taipei Fish Market
    46 45 min

    Taipei Fish Market

    Taipei Fish Market, locally named 台北魚市, is a working fish market facility in Taipei. It functions as a wholesale and retail marketplace handling seafood distribution for the metropolitan area.

    • Must see
    • Market
  46. 永康街 永康街
    47 45 min

    永康街

    Yongkang Street is a renowned commercial and dining destination in Taipei's Da'an District, officially recognized in the city's attraction inventory. The street has developed significant visitor appeal through its concentration of local eateries, specialty shops, and neighborhood atmosphere.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
  47. Xinzhongshan Linear Park Xinzhongshan Linear Park
    48 1 hour

    Xinzhongshan Linear Park

    Zhongshan Linear Park, known locally as 心中山線形公園, is a linear urban park in Taipei. The park follows a narrow corridor through the Zhongshan district, creating green space within a dense commercial and residential area.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
  48. The Red House The Red House
    49 1 hour

    The Red House

    The Red House, known locally as 西門紅樓, stands as a historic building in Taipei's Ximending district. Constructed during Japanese colonial rule, it served originally as a public market.

    • Must see
    • Art and culture venue
  49. Bopiliao Bopiliao
    50 45 min

    Bopiliao

    Bopiliao Historic Block is a preserved heritage area in Taipei, known locally as 剝皮寮歷史街區. The district showcases Qing dynasty and Japanese colonial-era architecture, offering visitors a tangible connection to Taipei's urban development.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument

Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, Wikidata ·

How the city is laid out

Group Longshan Temple, Bopiliao and Ximending on the west side, then use Taipei Main Station as the interchange for other zones. Plan Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall separately from the eastern Taipei 101 and Xinyi cluster. Beitou, National Palace Museum, Maokong and Yangmingshan each require a deliberate transit leg beyond the central grid.

Checked 2026-08-26

Getting around

Taipei Travel identifies the MRT as the city’s most convenient public transport, with frequent services and connections to buses. Walk within each neighbourhood cluster and use rail between them. QR single-journey tickets and other accepted fare media are available, but check current operator guidance before travel. Buses or final walking sections are needed for several hillside attractions.

Checked 2026-08-26

Common questions

How many days should I spend in Taipei?

A fixed stay length is not recorded. Build the visit around the west side, civic centre and Xinyi, then add Beitou, Maokong and Yangmingshan only when the available time supports a separate journey.

What is the best way to organise sightseeing in Taipei?

Group places by district instead of crossing the city repeatedly. Start with the west side, civic centre and Xinyi; treat Beitou, Maokong and Yangmingshan as separate routes with their own travel allowance.

How do I get around Taipei?

Use Walking, MRT and city bus. Walk within compact clusters and consult the linked official transport information before making longer transfers or relying on a particular route.

Can I explore Taipei mainly on foot?

Only within individual neighbourhood clusters. The main visitor areas are separated by distances, waterways, major roads or regional approaches, so longer links normally need public transport or a licensed vehicle.

Which Taipei sights need separate transport planning?

Plan Beitou, Maokong and Yangmingshan separately from the west side, civic centre and Xinyi. Check the current route, return connection and any access requirements on the official source before departure.