20 Best Things to Do in Taipei

Publié le 20 sept. 2026 · 11 min de lecture · 20 choses à faire

Taipei is a dynamic capital where centuries-old traditions sit comfortably alongside cutting-edge urban design and world-class street food. Whether your previous journeys have taken you to Silk Road crossroad nations like Armenia and Azerbaijan or this is your first time exploring East Asia, Taipei offers an exceptionally welcoming and easy-to-navigate urban experience. This curated guide highlights twenty essential attractions, neighbourhoods, and cultural pursuits to help you construct your ideal itinerary.

1. 1. Taipei 101 Observatory

   Once the world's tallest building, Taipei 101 remains the defining landmark of the city skyline. High-speed lifts transport visitors up to the indoor and outdoor observation decks for panoramic views across the entire Taipei Basin. Inside, you can also view the massive tuned mass damper, an engineering marvel designed to stabilise the tower against typhoons and earthquakes.

   Pourquoi y aller: It offers the ultimate high-altitude perspective of Taipei's vast urban layout.

   Conseil: Book tickets online in advance to skip the main queue, and aim for an hour before sunset to see the city in both daylight and evening lights.

   LuxeShopping

2. 2. Raohe Street Night Market

   One of Taipei's oldest and most atmospheric street markets, Raohe stretches along a single illuminated pedestrian strip anchored by the grand Ciyou Temple. Smoke and rich aromas fill the air as vendors prepare classic street dishes alongside games and clothing stalls. It offers a lively, straightforward market experience that is easy to navigate from end to end.

   Pourquoi y aller: It is ideal for first-time visitors seeking an authentic, packed night market atmosphere.

   Conseil: Enter from the temple side and grab a famous black pepper pork bun right at the entrance before the queue grows too long.

   GastronomieVie nocturnePetit budget

3. 3. National Palace Museum

   This world-class institution houses one of the largest collections of ancient Chinese imperial artefacts in existence. Spanning nearly 8,000 years of history, the permanent collection includes intricate jade carvings, rare calligraphy, bronzes, and delicate ceramics. The exhibits rotate regularly, ensuring there is always something remarkable to view across its multi-level galleries.

   Pourquoi y aller: It is an unmissable stop for history enthusiasts and art lovers.

   Conseil: Visit in the afternoon when large tour groups begin to disperse, and allow at least three hours to explore comfortably.

   Histoire

4. 4. Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain) Trail

   Xiangshan is a steep hill located just east of the Xinyi District, famous for offering classic postcard views of Taipei 101 framing the city skyline. A well-maintained stone staircase leads hikers up through lush vegetation to several viewing platforms. The climb is short but energetic, rewarding effort with some of the best vistas in Taiwan.

   Pourquoi y aller: It provides the classic panoramic photo of Taipei 101 against the cityscape.

   Conseil: Wear shoes with good grip, bring plenty of water, and start your climb in the late afternoon to avoid peak daytime heat.

   NatureActivités en extérieurPetit budget

5. 5. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

   This impressive national monument stands within Liberty Square, framed by traditional Chinese gardens, ponds, and grand national theatre buildings. The main blue-tiled octagonal hall houses a large bronze statue of the former president, guarded by military personnel. Visitors gather on the hour inside the main hall to witness the formal changing of the guard ceremony.

   Pourquoi y aller: It offers a solemn look into 20th-century Taiwanese political history and impressive civic architecture.

   Conseil: Time your arrival roughly fifteen minutes before the hour to secure a clear view of the guard change inside the main hall.

   HistoirePetit budget

6. 6. Longshan Temple

   Founded in the 18th century, Longshan is one of Taipei's oldest and most revered places of worship. The temple complex is a vibrant hub of daily life where locals gather to pray, burn incense, and consult deities representing Buddhist, Taoist, and folk traditions. The intricate roof carvings, stone pillars, and courtyard waterfalls demonstrate traditional Taiwanese temple craft.

   Pourquoi y aller: It offers an authentic immersion into Taipei's living religious traditions.

   Conseil: Be respectful of worshippers, stay quietly to the sides of prayer areas, and visit around dusk when lanterns light up the complex.

   HistoirePetit budget

7. 7. Beitou Hot Springs

   Located at the northern edge of the city at the base of Yangmingshan, Beitou is a historic geothermal resort area easily reached by metro. Visitors can wander past steaming natural thermal valleys, explore Japanese-era wooden architecture, and visit public or private bathhouses. The air retains a characteristic hint of sulphur from the mineral-rich waters flowing down the valley.

   Pourquoi y aller: It provides an easy, relaxing thermal spa escape without leaving the metropolitan area.

   Conseil: Bring your own towel and swimsuit if planning to use the public outdoor baths, or book a private room at a local spring hotel for more comfort.

   NatureLuxe

8. 8. Ximending Shopping District

   Often called the Harajuku of Taipei, Ximending is a pedestrianised hub of youth culture, pop fashion, street art, and entertainment. The neighbourhood comes alive in the late afternoon with street performers, bubble tea shops, boutique clothing stores, and indie cinemas. It is also home to the historic Red House, a centre for local creative markets and nightlife.

   Pourquoi y aller: It is the best destination for youth culture, shopping, and evening people-watching.

   Conseil: Visit from late afternoon into the evening when the pedestrian streets fill with food carts and live performers.

   ShoppingVie nocturnePetit budget

9. 9. Maokong Gondola and Tea Plantations

   The Maokong Gondola carries passengers on a scenic cable car ride above mountain ridge-lines on the southern edge of Taipei. The terminus at Maokong is a quiet hill village famed for its traditional teahouses and terraced green tea farms overlooking the valley. Visitors can sip locally grown Tieguanyin oolong tea while enjoying views extending all the way back to the city center.

   Pourquoi y aller: It is perfect for combining mountain views with a relaxed traditional Taiwanese tea tasting.

   Conseil: Queue for a 'Eyes of Tea Dragon' glass-bottom cable car cabin for unobstructed views during the ascent.

   NatureGastronomieActivités en extérieur

10. 10. Shilin Night Market

    Shilin is Taipei's largest and most famous night market, spanning a vast grid of streets and a dedicated underground food court. The market offers an endless selection of snacks, alongside arcades, clothing, and souvenir stalls. While busy and energetic, its sheer scale means you can discover nearly every iconic Taiwanese food staple in one area.

    Pourquoi y aller: It suits travellers wanting to experience the massive scale of Taipei's biggest market.

    Conseil: Head downstairs to the underground food hall if you prefer seating while sampling hot dishes away from street crowds.

    GastronomieVie nocturnePetit budget

11. 11. Huashan 1914 Creative Park

    Housed inside a restored early 20th-century sake winery, Huashan 1914 is now one of Taipei's primary arts and cultural venues. The industrial brick warehouses hold independent design shops, pop-up exhibitions, art cinema screens, and relaxed cafes. Lawn spaces outside host weekend artisanal markets and outdoor events.

    Pourquoi y aller: It is a brilliant destination for design lovers and casual afternoon walks.

    Conseil: Check local listings for pop-up exhibitions before visiting, as warehouses host rotating international and local art shows.

    HistoireShoppingPetit budget

12. 12. Daan Forest Park

    Spanning 26 hectares in the heart of the city, Daan Forest Park serves as Taipei's primary green lung. The park features winding shaded paths, a large central pond populated by turtles and waterfowl, outdoor pavilions, and spacious grassy lawns. It provides a peaceful sanctuary where residents practice tai chi, jog, and relax away from traffic noise.

    Pourquoi y aller: It offers an easy, relaxing retreat for families and outdoor walks right in central Taipei.

    Conseil: Rent a public YouBike at one of the park gates to easily explore the paved perimeter paths.

    NaturePour toute la famillePetit budget

13. 13. Dihua Street and Dadaocheng

    Dadaocheng is Taipei's oldest commercial district, centred along the beautifully preserved 19th-century storefronts of Dihua Street. Traditional shops selling dried medicinal herbs, mushrooms, tea, and fabrics sit alongside modern coffee roasters, craft beer bars, and artisan workshops. Walking here feels like stepping back into the city's merchant past.

    Pourquoi y aller: It is the finest place in the city to experience historic architecture paired with traditional trade culture.

    Conseil: Visit on a weekday morning to browse tea houses and heritage shops comfortably without weekend shopping crowds.

    HistoireShoppingGastronomie

14. 14. Yangmingshan National Park

    Located just north of the city, Yangmingshan is a volcanic mountain range featuring hiking trails, sulphur vents, grassy meadows, and seasonal flower blooms. Key spots like Xiaoyoukeng offer views of active fumaroles venting steam, while Qingtiangang Grassland provides open pasture walks. It offers a dramatic natural landscape contrasting with the urban density below.

    Pourquoi y aller: It earns a visit from nature lovers and keen hikers seeking fresh mountain air and scenic trails.

    Conseil: Take a public shuttle bus from Jiantan MRT station directly up the mountain to save time and avoid parking hassles.

    NatureActivités en extérieur

15. 15. Yongkang Street Neighbourhood

    Yongkang Street is a celebrated culinary enclave famous as the original birthplace of world-renowned soup dumpling restaurants and shaved ice desserts. The tree-lined side streets are packed with cozy cafes, tea rooms, noodle shops, and quiet residential lanes. It is a compact, highly walkable area focused entirely on relaxed dining and casual shopping.

    Pourquoi y aller: It is essential for food lovers wishing to sample famous Taiwanese dishes in a laid-back setting.

    Conseil: Arrive early for lunch to put your name down at popular noodle and dumpling spots, then explore the surrounding boutiques while waiting.

    GastronomieShopping

16. 16. Lin An Tai Historical House and Museum

    This traditional Fujianese-style courtyard residence is one of the oldest preserved residential buildings in Taipei. Relocated to a park setting near the Keelung River, it showcases elegant carved woodwork, crescent-shaped ponds, and ornamental rock gardens. The quiet pavilions offer a clear window into early merchant life during the Qing Dynasty.

    Pourquoi y aller: It is ideal for travellers interested in classical Chinese courtyard architecture and landscape design.

    Conseil: Combine your visit with a walk through the adjacent Taipei Expo Park, which sits just a short stroll away.

    HistoirePetit budget

17. 17. Ningxia Night Market

    Smaller and more compact than Shilin or Raohe, Ningxia is preferred by many locals for its high concentration of traditional food stalls. A single straight avenue is lined with long-standing vendors serving classic dishes like fried taro balls, sesame oil chicken, and pork rice. The focused layout makes it easy to sample multiple dishes efficiently.

    Pourquoi y aller: It is tailored for food enthusiasts who want high-quality street eats without navigating massive retail crowds.

    Conseil: Arrive right around opening in the early evening to avoid standing in long lines for the most famous stalls.

    GastronomieVie nocturnePetit budget

18. 18. Taipei Fine Arts Museum

    Taiwan's first purpose-built modern art museum features striking modernist architecture inspired by traditional wooden bracket structures. The museum hosts exhibitions of modern and contemporary Taiwanese artists alongside international collection loans. Its airy, light-filled galleries present visual art, photography, sculpture, and multi-media installations.

    Pourquoi y aller: It offers an engaging cultural stop for fans of modern visual art and architecture.

    Conseil: Admission fees are very modest, making this an excellent rainy-day indoor activity in northern Taipei.

    HistoirePetit budget

19. 19. Songshan Cultural and Creative Park

    Set inside a former tobacco factory built in the 1930s, this park blends industrial Japanese-era architecture with green public courtyards. The repurposed warehouses hold art galleries, design stores, design lab spaces, and a modern bookshop. A central lotus pond offers a serene spot to sit outdoors surrounded by historic brick walls.

    Pourquoi y aller: It suits anyone looking to discover contemporary Taiwanese design within a historic setting.

    Conseil: Walk through the serene central courtyard garden to appreciate how original industrial features have been integrated into green spaces.

    HistoireShopping

20. 20. Bitan Scenic Area

    Located at the southern terminus of the MRT line in Xindian, Bitan is a natural river valley famous for its distinctive suspension bridge and green waters. Visitors can rent pedal boats to navigate the calm waters framed by steep cliffs, or walk along the landscaped riverbank park. It provides a peaceful suburban outing with plenty of outdoor waterside dining options.

    Pourquoi y aller: It is a great destination for families and couples seeking a gentle outdoor afternoon near the water.

    Conseil: Rent a pedal boat in the late afternoon when the shadows cover the water and temperatures cool down.

    NatureActivités en extérieurPour toute la famille

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