This post looks at five great places to visit in Taipei. Hopefully it will provide you with some quick-fire inspiration for making the most of your trip to the Taiwanese capital.
by Michael Geer
You can also check out Michael’s tips for Seoul and Busan.
Why you should Visit Taipei
I’ve never been surprised by a city like I was surprised by Taipei. Taipei is hardly the largest, newest, or most beautiful city in Asia. Yet this city, more than any other, has stolen my heart. Taipei is a bustling metropolis packed with people, culture, and incredible food! Not only is Taipei a world class city, but it’s remarkably inexpensive! In only a few days, I began to feel right at home wandering the wide, clean streets of Taipei. Not only would I recommend seeing Taipei, but I’ve got five things I insist you find!
5 Amazing Places to Visit in Taipei – What to Do
1. Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
This massive memorial museum sits within the same central park that houses the National Theatre and Concert Hall. These buildings are impressive and the grounds are gorgeously manicured. You can explore the history of Taiwan and the Republic of China in the Memorial Hall, or simply enjoy the scenery if history doesn’t interest you. The park is a wonderful place to bask in the shade on sunny day and watch locals practice Tai Chi. If you make friends, you might even get to join them!
2. Taipei 101
This giant tower was once the tallest building in the world. Despite being dwarfed by other architectural marvels, Taipei 101 is still worth a visit. If high end shopping is something you enjoy, you’ll have a heyday inside the mall attached to the tower’s basement. The tourist desk at the top of the mall offers tickets to ride up to the tower’s observation deck.
I can’t speak for the view, given the $15 entrance fee was too steep for my budget. However, the restaurants here are wonderful. I’d highly recommend having some Xiao Long Bao (pork soup dumplings) at the illustrious Din Tai Fung restaurant. For a star restaurant Din Tai Fung is remarkably affordable, and worth the wait, even during lunch rush. Trust me!
3. Ximending
Ximending is a popular district attached to Ximen MRT station. This area is very popular with young people in Taipei and the streets are packed every night with restaurant goers, shoppers, and foreigners exploring. No matter your predilections, Ximending is a pleasure to explore. Ximending is also home to Taipei’s cinema street, where you can catch a film in one of it’s many theatres. There are many, many affordable hostels and hotels here too. I’d highly recommend staying in Ximending. It’s a happening place in the centre of Taipei, with lots to see in do!
4. Shilin Night Market
Taiwan is known for it’s night markets, Taipei has many of them. The largest night market in Taipei City is the Shilin Night Market. This night market is both above and below ground. The city created this underground space in the interest of containing the market’s unprecedented expansion.
You can shop for cheap wares above ground, or head down to dine at one of the many food vendors. They have all kinds of great food for the equivalent of 1 or 2 US dollars. Try everything from fried soft shell crabs, to beef noodle soup, or oyster omelettes. I recommend taking a few friends and sharing anything and everything that catches your eye!
5. Longshan Temple
This is Taipei’s most popular temple and is still heavily used. If you’ve ever wanted to see how people worship at a traditional Chinese temple, this is the place to go! The ornate architecture is fascinating and overflowing with statues, paintings, carvings, and symbols.
Many people gather here to pray, burn incense, make offerings, or have fortunes interpreted. Tourists are welcome to mingle and explore the temple, even when it’s in use. I found Longshan Temple to be a fascinatingly enigmatic experience.
About the Author
Michael is an English teacher for a Korean public school in Busan. He has lived in Korea for two years and explored much of it during that time. When not travelling, he occupies himself with writing, photography, and occasionally teaching.
Read more from Michael on Octavrian Press
This article on places to visit in Taipei was first published in February 2015.