Choose from 52 Fun Things to Do in Taipei
Xiahai Chenghuang Temple
As one of the busiest temples in Taipei, Xiahai Chenghuang Temple attracts more than just lovesick youth. You’ll see students leaving pink paper offerings on the alter in hopes of divine intervention on their exams and older citizens paying their respects to Chenghuang himself to help tip the balance of their good and evil deeds for a more favorable outcome in the afterlife.
Visiting the temple offers a fascinating look at how religion plays out in Taiwanese day-to-day life. The Xiahai Chenghuang Temple is particularly interesting for its blend of Daoist beliefs and practices with local Taiwanese folk religion.
Leofoo Village Theme Park
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Museum of Contemporary Art
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Longshan Temple
- Longshan Temple is a must-see for those with an interest in history, architecture, and religion.
- This is an active place of worship, so please be respectful.
- The temple is free to enter but donations are accepted.
- Due to very thick crowds and stairs to some areas, the temple is not ideal for wheelchair users.
Xing Tian Gong
Xing Tian Gong wasn’t built until 1967, making it one of the youngest in the city. In the inner courtyard, you’ll often see throngs of worshippers kneeling and bowing in front of various alters; many leave flowers and tea as offerings on the main alter to Guan. The temple is said to bring good luck, and dozens of fortune tellers line the path outside of the temple to offer spiritual advice and guidance to those passing through.
Yehliu Geopark
- Wear sturdy walking shoes—some of the park’s terrain is uneven.
- This is a must-see for lovers of nature and outdoors enthusiasts.
- Head to the Queen’s Head formation, located at the far end of the park, first; that way, you’ll avoid the crowds at the most touristy area.
Huaxi Street Night Market
- Huaxi Street Night Market is a must for foodies.
- The market is covered so it’s a good option when it’s raining.
- Don’t forget to bring cash, as many small vendors don’t accept anything else.
- This area was formerly a red-light district and there are still a number of massage parlors in operation, so it may not be suitable for young children.
Yehliu Coast
Since the Yehliu Coast is less than an hour drive from Taipei, it makes a convenient day trip, especially when combined with a visit to the seaport of Keelung and Yehliu’s Baoan Temple. It’s also an extremely popular option on Taiwan tours, so if you want to escape the crowds after you’ve snapped your pictures, take a stroll down to the end of the rocky peninsula to enjoy the views in relative isolation.
Hualien
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Paoan (Baoan) Temple
Many local Taiwanese visit the fully functioning temple to pray for health and wellness, particularly with pregnant women. Besides Paosheng, you’ll find a shrine to the goddess of birth with her 12 aides inside the temple bell tower. All the wood and stone used to build the temple were brought from China, and the structure exhibits many of the typical characteristics of Chinese temple architecture, like the wooden dragon pillars and colorful wooden carvings.
Paoan tends to be less crowded than Longshan Temple and much more colorful than the Taipei Confucius Temple. If possible, plan your visit during a temple festival to see Paoan Temple at its best and most colorful.
Yangmingshan National Park
Yangmingshan National Park is busy Taipei’s safety valve. When stressed city dwellers feel like they’re going to erupt they come to this protected volcanic landscape for an instant fix of relaxation. It is particularly popular in spring when its gentle green hillsides are garlanded with azaleas, rhododendrons and (briefly) cherry blossoms.
All year round you can enjoy bird-watching or hiking numerous trails through the area’s famous grasslands. Like Wulai, this area is known for its hot springs, with the added twist of sulfur which turns the lake of Lengshuikeng an eerie milky pale blue.
Practical Info
Yangmingshan National Park is in the far north of Taiwan within easy reach of Taipei. Take the bus from Taipei Main Railway Station or from Jiantan MRT Station. Accommodation options within the park are relatively limited, and camping is only allowed at the Jingshan camping area.
Taipei Eye
- Taipei Eye is a must-see for those with an interest in Chinese and Taiwanese opera and culture.
- The performances are suitable for families, including children.
- Don’t forget to bring your camera to take photos with the performers.
- Videotaping during the performance is not permitted.
- Subtitles are available in English, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.
- TaipeiEYE is accessible to wheelchair users.
Wulai
The hot springs of Wulai, south of Taipei, have long been known for their health-giving properties. International travelers and Taiwanese alike come here to relax and soak themselves. You can test Wulai’s bubbly bounty for yourself in one of the numerous hotels here which offer pools and other facilities – most are available for day visitors as well as overnight guests. There are also some free open-air springs.
Wulai is also renowned as a centre of indigenous Taiwanese culture, associated with the Atayal aboriginals – enjoy their unique cuisine in the town's restaurants and then investigate their way of life in the Wulai Atayal Museum. The surrounding countryside, with streams, falls and lush green hillsides is well worth exploring if time allows.
Practical Info
Part of Wulai’s popularity can be explained by its proximity to Taipei. It’s about 2 hours south by road, or you can take the MRT to Xindian station and a bus to Wulai from there.
Yilan
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Taipei 101
- Taipei 101 is a must-visit for all first-time visitors to Taipei, especially architecture enthusiasts.
- Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the observatories’ 360-degree views.
- To avoid waiting in line at peak times, book tickets ahead of time or purchase a priority pass.
- Audio tours in eight languages are available at the observatory.
- Appropriate dress and footwear is required for admission; slippers are not allowed.
- The outdoor observatory is open only when the weather permits.
- Taipei 101 is accessible to wheelchair users.
Taipei Zoo
- Taipei Zoo is a must for animal lovers and families with children.
- Guided and audio tours are available.
- The zoo has a number of amenities, including lockers, souvenir shops, restaurants, and concessions.
- Much of the zoo is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, both of which are available at the Tourist Information Center.
Taipei National Palace Museum
- The National Palace Museum is a must-visit for those interested in Chinese history, culture, and art.
- Audio guides in 13 languages are available for rental.
- Free tours are given in Mandarin four times a day and English twice a day. Book ahead, as there are limits on group size.
- Bags are not permitted in the museum; lockers are available for rent.
- The museum is accessible to wheelchair users.
Ximending District
- Ximending is a must-visit for foodies, shoppers, and people watchers.
- Don’t forget to bring cash to purchase food and goods at smaller stalls and vendors.
- Many street food vendors set up later in the day. Visit after sunset for the best foodie experience.
Taipei Confucius Temple
The temple was originally built during the Qing Dynasty but was subsequently demolished during the Japanese occupation. The temple as it stands today was erected in 1930, though it briefly served as a Shinto shrine during World War II until Taiwan was given back to the Republic of China government in 1945.
Each year on September 28, the temple hosts a festival commemorating Confucius’ birthday with music, chanting, burning of incense and a large feast. If you’re interested in attending the event, buy your tickets early as they always sell out.