5 Best Places to Explore in Taipei in 2026
If you visit Taiwan as a tourist, you will most likely start your trip in the capitol. Thus, I want to share some of the best places to explore in Taipei, at least IMHO. I admit I should have written this blog a while ago. It is slightly odd that I first wrote about the best day trips outside of Taipei before focusing on the top tourist destinations within the city.
Here, I will talk about must-visit tourist sites in Taipei. Check out my other pages if you are looking for more information about traveling in Taiwan, or read my Taiwan travel guide to prepare your trip. Also, in case you wonder, “How Much Does Traveling in Taiwan Cost?”, I have an answer in a separate blog.
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. I have to confess that 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 and amateur travel vlogger, 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.
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.
A Must-See Taipei Tourist Attraction: Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) in Xinyi
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.
BTW: This is also the place where I shot my intro for my videos, you know, the one with Ferdinand triplets.
Travel to Historic 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.
A Place to Go in Taipei – Hiking in Yangmingshan
The final place to explore 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.
Visit Taipei to Start of 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.
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!