Choose from 52 Fun Things to Do in Taipei
ShowingFilter 41-52 of 52 listings.
Zhongshan Hall
Zhongshan Hall is a historical building with a blend of modern and classical architecture located in Taipei’s Ximending neighborhood. This four-story building was built in 1936 for the coronation of Emperor Hirohito and originally served as the Taipei City public hall. It was also where the Japanese surrender ceremony was held at the end of World War II.
These days, Zhongshan Hall is mainly used for performances, but visitors are able to go inside and explore. One of the hall’s most famous features is the sculpture, Water Buffalo – the last work created by Huang Tu-Shui, a celebrated Taiwanese sculptor. The piece depicts a southern scene featuring buffalos and cattle-herding children. At two meters high and more than five meters wide, this huge work of art was presented to Zhongshan Hall by the sculptor’s wife following his death, and is now located in front of Guangfu Auditorium for visitors to enjoy.
A popular way to visit the many sights in this part of Taipei is on a private, full-day walking tour. To fully experience all that Taipei has to offer, treat yourself to a full-day private custom tour of the city, where you can pick and choose which sights you’d like to see.
Practical Info
Zhongshan Hall is located on Yanping South Road in the city’s Ximending neighborhood. The hall is not open for tours if there are performances in Zhongzheng Auditorium or Guangfu Auditorium so it’s advised to call ahead to make an appointment a week in advance of your visit.
Did You Know? The filings on the bricks of Zhongshan Hall were designed to scatter and reflect sunlight, making the building difficult for potential enemies to see.
Address: 98 Yanping South Road, Taipei, Taiwan
Hours: Monday to Friday 9am-5pm; Saturday and Sunday 2pm-4pm
Admission: Varies by performance
From $ 114
Beitou Hot Spring Museum
Originally built as a bathhouse by the Japanese Colonial Government in 1913, today's Beitou Hot Spring Museum was the largest bathhouse in East Asia at the time, and the first public bathhouse in Taiwan. Abandoned after World War II, it was renovated and reopened in 1998 as a museum documenting Beitou's hot spring history and culture.
The Basics
A mix of Victorian and Japanese architectural styles, the museum occupies more than 25,000 square feet (2,323 square meters) over two floors. The second floor features different exhibition areas, including exhibits on the history of the Beitou area, the reconstruction of the museum, and the importance of Beitou on Taiwanese cinema. The first floor features the original large and small baths as well as a rare piece of Hokutolite mineral weighing 1,763 pounds (800 kilograms). Don't miss the elegant stained glass windows along the building's arcade and the beautiful views from the second-floor balcony.
Many people combine a visit to the museum with a soak in a nearby hot spring. Tours combining a trip to Beitou with other top Taipei attractions such as Taipei 101, Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, or the National Palace Museum are also popular.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Admission to the museum is free.
- Visitors must remove their shoes at the entrance and change into provided indoor slippers or purchase cloth slippers.
- Photos for personal use only are allowed, but tripods are not permitted.
- The corridors are very narrow and not recommended for wheelchairs or strollers.
How to Get There
The Beitou Hot Spring Museum is located in the Beitou district, about 30 minutes north of central Taipei. Take the MRT's Red Line to Beitou Station, transfer to the Pink Line, and get off at Xinbeitou Station. The museum is located just behind Beitou Park. You can also take city bus 216, 218, 266, or S22 to the Beitou Park stop.
When to Get There
The museum is open 9am to 5pm Tuesday through Sunday, and is closed on public holidays (unless the holiday falls on a weekend, in which case the museum is open).
Nearby Museums
There are several noteworthy sights near the Beitou Hot Spring Museum. Plum Garden, formerly the summer home of famed calligrapher Yu You-ren, is a museum dedicated to his works and the history of local architecture. Farther up the hill is the Taiwan Folk Arts Museum, which features exhibits on early Taiwanese life and culture as well as Taiwanese and Japanese folk art. If you're interested in aboriginal culture, check out the Ketagalan Cultural Center, which also features a museum dedicated to the various indigenous tribes of Taiwan, including the Ketagalan. All three museums offer free admission.
Address: No. 2 Zhongshan Road, Taipei, Taiwan
From $ 100
Yingge
Situated in Taipei County, the town of Yingge is well-known for its production (and celebration) of all things ceramic. It's true that pottery and ceramic fans will be in their element here, with several hundred pottery shops, an annual festival, and even a ceramics museum.
For the annual Yingge International Ceramics Festival, Jianshanpu Road is undoubtedly the main hub, and is in fact where the ceramics industry in the town all began. Despite being modernized, this road still features an old coal-fired kiln chimney along with a number of other ancient buildings. A pedestrianized section of Jianshanpu Road is known as Ceramics Old Street and is home to numerous ceramics shops, as well as the odd street performance.
To delve deeper into the history of the ceramics industry in Taiwan, head to the Yingge Ceramics Museum. Opened in 2000, the museum takes visitors on a complete journey through the history and development of pottery in Taiwan, as well as giving an insight into the production process.
Practical Info
The town of Yingge is a 30-minute train ride from Taipei Main Station, with trains running every 20 minutes or so. On arriving in Yingge, all the attractions are within a 10-minute walk from the station. The Yingge Ceramics Museum is open from 9:30am to 5pm Tuesday to Friday and 9:30am to 6pm on the weekend. The museum is closed on Mondays and public holidays. Admission is free.
Address: Yingge, Taiwan
From $ 45
Songshan Cultural and Creative Park
Since 2011 artists, creators and visionaries have gathered at Songshan Cultural and Creative Park—an old renovated tobacco factory—to showcase work, engage in arts education and inspire industry insiders.
Travelers can wander the grounds, which include five old warehouses, a design museum and lab, a restaurant, garden and ecological pond. Public maps point visitors in the direction of popular shops, like the Liuligongfang glass store, as well as exhibit halls showcasing contemporary art, handmade designs and other local goods often available for purchase.
Practical Info
Indoor park areas are open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily. The outdoor park areas are open from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily. It is accessible via the metro using the Blue line to Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall (Exit 5) or Taipei City Hall (Exit 1) stations. Entrance is free but exhibits and performances may cost extra.
Address: No.133, Guangfu South Road, Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan
Hours: Indoor Park: Open 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily.
Outdoor Park: Open 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily.
From $ 50
Shilin Night Market
Food vendors, mom and pop restaurants, video arcades and karaoke bars are just part of the draw Shilin Night Market. This tiny Taipei district comes alive at night when the doors of some 539 food court stalls, and small shops selling items that range from electronics to dress shoes open for business. Bold scents waft through the air and bright lights fill otherwise darkened streets, making this the perfect place to explore what local city nightlife is all about.
Visitors in search of typical fare will find literally hundreds of options at Shilin Night Market. Cold bubble tea, strong and sweet coffee, fried buns, intestines and stinky tofu are just some of the delights awaiting adventurous eaters. Travelers should come hungry and ready to explore, since navigating the network of stalls can take an entire evening.
Practical Info
The market is close to the Keelung River. Travelers can access Shilin Night Market using the Taipei Metro Line 2 at Jiantan Station. Buses to the Jiantan Station, Ming Chuan University and Xiao Bei Street are also available. Most stalls open at 4 p.m. and close around 1 a.m. or 2 a.m. The busiest time is between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Address: Shilin, Taipei, Taiwan, Taiwan
From $ 100
Shifen Waterfall
Shifen Waterfall is located in the Pingxi District of Taipei and is one of the most famous falls in Taiwan. At just 20 meters it’s not remarkably tall, but it is the widest waterfall in the country – it spans some 40 meters across – and is both incredibly powerful and majestically captivating. Torrents of water plunge into a deep pool, raising a shroud of mist that creates a dazzling rainbow effect on sunny days. The waterfall’s rocks slope in the opposite direction to the flow of the water in a cascade style similar to that of Niagara Falls, earning it the nickname, “Taiwan's Little Niagara.”
It is a scenic walk from Shifen railway station to the waterfall, with many choosing to extend the hike by alighting the train from Taipei at Sandiaoling and taking three or four hours to complete the Sandiaoling Waterfall Trail.
Practical Info
To reach Shifen Waterfall, take the train to Ruifeng from Taipei Main Station and then transfer to the Pingxi Line, alighting at Shifen. There’s a small entrance fee to see the waterfall and it’s advised to check that it’s open before setting off as there have been reports of recent closures.
Address: New Taipei City, Taiwan
Hours: Check that the waterfall is open before visiting
Admission: Small entrance fee
From $ 52
Danshui (Tamsui)
During the nineteenth century, the seaside village of Danshui was Northern Taiwan's busiest shipping and commerce port. Today, it's known for its European architecture, delicious seafood and stunning sunsets.
The Danshui area was settled by the Spanish in 1629 and the Dutch in 1641, and one of the most impressive remnants of Danshui's colonial days is the Hongmao Castle, also called Fort San Domingo. The structure briefly served as the British Consulate before being returned to Taiwan in 1980.
After you've visited the castle, spend the rest of your time in Danshui wandering through the waterfront area and Old Street. It is here you'll find a majority of the city's famous seafood restaurants and traditional handicraft shops. Try the fish ball soup, it's a specialty of the town. As the sun sets, head down to Fisherman's Wharf to watch with views of Lover's Bridge, the large pedestrian bridge that spans the harbor.
The Danshui area was settled by the Spanish in 1629 and the Dutch in 1641, and one of the most impressive remnants of Danshui's colonial days is the Hongmao Castle, also called Fort San Domingo. The structure briefly served as the British Consulate before being returned to Taiwan in 1980.
After you've visited the castle, spend the rest of your time in Danshui wandering through the waterfront area and Old Street. It is here you'll find a majority of the city's famous seafood restaurants and traditional handicraft shops. Try the fish ball soup, it's a specialty of the town. As the sun sets, head down to Fisherman's Wharf to watch with views of Lover's Bridge, the large pedestrian bridge that spans the harbor.
Address: Taiwan
From $ 1,199
Yongkang Street
Yongkang Street, with seemingly endless rows of independent cafés and no-frills eateries, represents the best of Taipei’s food scene. This area offers a mix of Japanese, Korean, and Taiwanese joints, so it’s best to arrive at Yongkang hungry and ready to sample staples from Chinese fluffy pancakes to shaved mango ice.
The Basics
Yongkang Street is often featured in Taipei sightseeing tours, which usually explore Taiwan’s capital by bike or on foot. Evening tours, when Taipei is beautifully illuminated, let you experience Yongkang Street when it’s bustling with locals and tourists, who come to sample the street’s famous beef noodle soup. To explore at your own pace, choose a hop-on hop-off bus that will allow you to eat your way around without the time constraints of a tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Yongkang Street is a must for food lovers and first-time visitors.
- If you want to avoid the crowds, visit Yongkang Street during the day when it’s far less busy.
- If there’s a long line for a food stall, join it.
- Wander to the end of the street for great views of Taipei 101.
How to Get There
You can access Yongkang Street via one of two MRT stations: Take either the red or orange line to Dongmen, or ride the green line to Guting and walk for around 10 minutes. If you want to avoid getting lost, a guided tour that includes transportation is the most convenient option.
When to Get There
If you visit Yongkang Street during the day, you’ll benefit from smaller crowds but you won’t get to sample the full spectrum of the area’s street food, as most restaurants are only open in the evening. Visiting at night means you also get to see Taipei 101 lit up.
Try Before You Buy on Yongkang
Aside from being a culinary mecca in the heart of Taipei, Yongkang Street attracts visitors with plenty of free samples. Vendors offer visitors a chance to sample baked goods and lesser-known delicacies without having to buy an entire meal, making it the perfect place to be adventurous.
Address: YongKang St, Da-an District, Taipei City 106, Taiwan
From $ 19
Keelung Harbor
Keelung Harbor is located at the northern tip of Taiwan, between Fugui Cape and Cape Bitou. Surrounded by mountains on almost all sides, with just a narrow waterway extending from within, this port is a scenic spot that serves both military and commercial vessels. It's also a popular attraction for those visiting Taipei, with impressive harbor views unfolding from the moment one steps off the train at Keelung Station.
The history of the harbor dates back to its opening in 1886. In the Japanese colonial period, the Governor-General of Taiwan began plans for its expansion, and by the mid-1900s it was the largest port in Taiwan. Today, Keelung Harbor is a major importing hub for Taipei and is also a large fishing port, with the Keelung Bisha Harbor attracting many tourists to the area. Here, over twenty seafood restaurants offer an array of fresh seafood dishes at extremely affordable prices. Fresh fish can also be purchased in the fish market at one end and then taken to the seafood restaurants at the other to be prepared and cooked by the experienced chefs there.
Practical Info
Keelung Harbor is located in the Zhongzheng District in Keelung, just over 20 kilometers from Taipei. Take the train from Taipei Main Station and alight at Keelung Station.
Address: Keelung, Taiwan
From $ 41
Treasure Hill
Treasure Hill, one of Taipei’s oldest historical settlements, underwent a major transformation in 2010, transforming it into a living artists’ village, complete with performance spaces, galleries and shops squeezed together along the narrow alleys and stairways of the hillside community.
The settlement dates back to the 1940s when its illegally built structures served as an antiaircraft base for the military. The entire neighborhood was closed off in 2007 to allow for its restoration and preservation, and when the government reopened Treasure Hill in 2010, 22 of the original families moved back in to participate in the Treasure Hill Artists Village Program.
The settlement dates back to the 1940s when its illegally built structures served as an antiaircraft base for the military. The entire neighborhood was closed off in 2007 to allow for its restoration and preservation, and when the government reopened Treasure Hill in 2010, 22 of the original families moved back in to participate in the Treasure Hill Artists Village Program.
Practical Info
The Artists-in-Resident program provides 14 studios for three to six
month residencies for local and international artists, with the aim of
fostering community participation in the arts. Visitors are free to
wander through the village and pop into the open studios to see both
completed works and works in progress. Treasure Hill also hosts
exhibitions, workshops and other educational programs from time to time.
Transit: MRT Gongguan Station (Green line) to Gongguan Station Exit 1. Turn left to Dingzhou Rd. Sec. 3. Walk to Dingzhou Rd. Sec. 3 Ln. 230 for 5-7 minutes. Treasure Hill, Treasure Hill Artist Village.
Transit: MRT Gongguan Station (Green line) to Gongguan Station Exit 1. Turn left to Dingzhou Rd. Sec. 3. Walk to Dingzhou Rd. Sec. 3 Ln. 230 for 5-7 minutes. Treasure Hill, Treasure Hill Artist Village.
Address: No. 2, Alley 14, Ln. 230 Dingzhou Rd. Sec. 3, Taipei, Taiwan
Hours: Tue-Sun 11:00am - 9:00pm. Exhibitions Close at 6:00pm. Operations hours of each Micro Loft Studio are different.
From $ 28
Hell Valley (Geothermal Valley)
Visitors come from throughout Asia and the world to soak in the healing waters of Taiwan's natural hot springs, many of which are located in the close vicinity of Taipei. One of Taiwan's most famous collections of natural volcanic hot springs are clustered in Beitou District in an area known as Hell Valley, or Geothermal Valley.
Upon entering the valley, you'll understand how it gets its name. An ever-present sulfurous mist permeates the air with billowing clouds of hot steam rising up from hidden cracks in the ground. The hot springs pools here reach up to 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit), rendering it too hot to swim. Locals used to come here to boil eggs in the highly acidic waters.
To experience the supposedly healing waters that generate in Hell Valley, visit the Beitou Hot Springs, a public hot springs that maintains pools at a much more comfortable temperature.
Upon entering the valley, you'll understand how it gets its name. An ever-present sulfurous mist permeates the air with billowing clouds of hot steam rising up from hidden cracks in the ground. The hot springs pools here reach up to 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit), rendering it too hot to swim. Locals used to come here to boil eggs in the highly acidic waters.
To experience the supposedly healing waters that generate in Hell Valley, visit the Beitou Hot Springs, a public hot springs that maintains pools at a much more comfortable temperature.
Address: Taiwan
From $ 100
Tucheng Tung Blossom Trail
Tung trees, characterized by their clusters of white blossoms that emerge in late spring, were once widely cultivated by the Hakka ethnic group throughout Taiwan. The blossom has become a cultural symbol of the Hakka, and each spring, people from around the country come to see the beautiful trees in bloom along the Tucheng Tung Blossom Trail
Near the trail’s halfway point, you’ll find Tung Blossom Park, an open performance space and recreational where you can stop to admire the blossoms. At night, the space lights up as hundreds of fireflies take to the air.
Each year at the end of April through early May, the Tucheng Tung Blossom Trail and Tung Blossom Park serve as sites for the Hakka Tung Blossom Festival. With a full lineup of music, dance performances and cultural exhibitions, the festival is a great time to visit and learn about the culture of the Hakka people when the Tung trees are at their best.
Near the trail’s halfway point, you’ll find Tung Blossom Park, an open performance space and recreational where you can stop to admire the blossoms. At night, the space lights up as hundreds of fireflies take to the air.
Each year at the end of April through early May, the Tucheng Tung Blossom Trail and Tung Blossom Park serve as sites for the Hakka Tung Blossom Festival. With a full lineup of music, dance performances and cultural exhibitions, the festival is a great time to visit and learn about the culture of the Hakka people when the Tung trees are at their best.
Address: Taiwan
From $ 36