5 Best Places to Visit in Taipei
It took a while, but I finally have time to talk about the best places to visit in Taipei. If you visit Taiwan as a tourist, you will most likely start your trip in the capital. Thus, I want to share some of the best locations to see in Taipei, at least IMHO. I will talk about historical places in Taipei, must-visit tourist attractions, and places for shopping and souvenirs.
If you are looking for general information about traveling in Taiwan or the most beautiful places in Taiwan, check my
other articles.
And I promise, I will write more about Taipei in the future. After all, it is a great place to visit.
What Are the Best Places to Visit in Taipei?
I spend a fair share of time in Taipei, mostly for work, but I also love just exploring the city. But, I have to confess I am not the best when it comes to Taipei’s tourist spots – for example, I have still never been up Taipei 101! However, after almost three years of living in Taiwan as a permanent resident, I think I have enough knowledge to give you some solid recommendations. So, here’s my bucket list of must-visit places in Taipei.
First Stop: Visit the Taipei Fruit and Vegetable Market
The first place you should visit is the Taipei Fruit and Vegetable Market, which is close to Songshan Airport. It is not a typical tourist attraction, but it is a fantastic spot to experience Taiwan’s incredible food culture and enjoy fresh seafood. I first visited this market in one of my earliest videos, and I still return fairly often. Mostly for the food. But also because it is so close to the airport.
I consider this a must-visit place in Taipei because it is authentic and offers something for everyone. You have affordable street food vendors as well as high-end restaurants. You can go shopping or simply have a look around and see what Taiwan’s cuisine has to offer.
However, this is not the best place in Taipei for souvenirs and is not a typical Taipei tourist attraction. This is an authentic market mostly visited by Taiwanese people. It is a top spot for affordable seafood, but not a classic tourist market.
Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) in Xinyi is a cool place to visit in Taipei
I think Elephant Mountain is an absolute classic among Taipei’s tourist spots. It was actually the very first place I visited when I came to Taiwan as a backpacker many years ago. The small mountain is easy to reach, not too challenging to hike, and offers an incredible view of Taipei.
You can take the metro to Xiangshan Station, which literally means “Elephant Mountain,” and walk from there. It only takes a few minutes to reach the top, as the mountain is just 183 meters high. Still, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes and bringing a drink. And, of course, make sure to go on a clear day: looking at Taipei through rainy clouds is not the best experience.
You do get a good view at Taipei 101. Some people even say this is the best place to see the Taipei 101 fireworks. But I do not agree. It is a Taipei tourist attraction, and it is for sure one of the best things to do in Taipei. However, not sure if I want to go here late at night. There are better Taipei tourist spots to see.
BTW: This is also the place where I shot my intro for my videos, you know, the one with Ferdinand triplets.
Historical places in Taipei: Dadaocheng & Dihua Street in Datong
Among all the tourist sites in Taipei, Dadaocheng (aka Twatutia) is probably my favorite. It is located in Datong, Taipei’s smallest and oldest district, and was an important trading port in the 19th century. Over the years, Taipei has changed, and today, this area has become a major historical attraction and shopping district.
I did not make a dedicated video about this place, but I visit it often. During Chinese New Year, I went to the Dihua Old Street, which is an amazing place to see in Taipei for anyone traveling in Taiwan. While it is worth visiting any time of the year, Dadaocheng hosts different events throughout the seasons, so even if you do not have the chance to visit the New Year market, be ready for a busy street.
The area around Dihua Street in Datong is full of tourist attractions. It is one of my favorite historical areas in Taipei. One of the best things to do is simply stroll along the old street. Once a year, you can also enjoy a free fireworks display at Dadaocheng.
Things to do in Taipei, Taiwan: Hiking in Yangmingshan
The final place to visit in Taipei City is a real mountain that also has hot springs – Yangmingshan. Standing at over 1,000 meters, it is still partly within Taipei City, though some areas extend into New Taipei. Regardless, Yangmingshan National Park is absolutely worth visiting.
You can go for a long hike or simply take a bus up to the peak and enjoy a short walk. The area offers great natural scenery and breathtaking views of Taipei and the sea. At least, that was my experience.
After your hike, you can relax in the hot springs of Beitou or head to a night market to end your day. Yangmingshan is a great place to go hiking because, even though you are in the middle of a massive city like Taipei, you can still escape into nature within minutes.
Visit Taipei to Start Your Taiwan Adventure
These are my five recommendations for places to visit in Taipei. However, I believe your trip should not stop here. Taipei is just the beginning of an incredible journey through this amazing country. Yangmingshan in Taipei is a great place t
I have a full documentary about Kinmen Island, have written a blog about the best places to visit in southern Taiwan, and have filmed many videos about Taiwan’s top destinations. So if you are planning to explore beyond Taipei, make sure to check them out!
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