Activities in Taipei

Taipei is easy to pace: one museum or temple in the morning, a long lunch, a neighbourhood in the afternoon and a night market after dark. Most places are close to the MRT, so plan by line rather than booking lots of tours. Keep one full day for Jiufen or the coast, and another indoor plan in case of rain.

City highlights

National Palace Museum. Huge collections of Chinese art, with only a part on show at any time. Go at opening, allow at least three hours, and consider an audio guide. Guides listed adult tickets starting from about NT$350 in November 2026, and it's usually closed on Mondays.

Taipei 101. Observatory tickets from resellers started from about NT$520 in November 2026. Go on a clear day and check the forecast first, since cloud can block the view completely. Sunset slots are popular, so book ahead.

Elephant Mountain. A short, steep stair climb with the classic view of the tower, about 20 to 30 minutes from Xiangshan MRT station. It's free, and bring water and a torch if you'll walk down after sunset.

Longshan Temple and Dadaocheng. Watch worship at Longshan, then head to Dihua Street for old shophouses, tea and dried goods. Finish at the Dadaocheng riverside for sunset.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. A vast square with a guard-changing ceremony that runs on the hour during the day. Check whether it's running before you visit, as arrangements have changed in recent years.

Night markets and food

Raohe. One straight street, easy for first-timers, known for pepper buns near the temple gate at the entrance.

Ningxia. Small and food-focused, close to Dadaocheng. It's popular with locals, and queues move quickly.

Shilin. The largest and most touristy, with games and shops as well as food. Go on a weekday if you can.

Food tours and tea. A guided walk helps if you don't read Chinese. Maokong is good for tea in the hills, reached by a gondola that one guide lists at about NT$180 per ride. It can close for maintenance or bad weather, so check first.

Nature and hot springs

Beitou. Soak at a public bath or a hotel day-use spa, and see the Thermal Valley and the Hot Spring Museum nearby, which are often closed on Mondays. Check swimwear rules, as they differ by bath.

Yangmingshan. A volcanic national park with flowers in spring and steaming vents at Xiaoyoukeng. Buses run from the city, and weekends can be crowded.

Day trips

Jiufen. Lantern-lit lanes and teahouses, best on a weekday. Rain is common here, so bring a jacket and good shoes for the wet steps.

Shifen and Pingxi. Sky lanterns and a waterfall along an old railway line. Lantern-release is popular, but consider the litter and pick responsible operators.

Yehliu. Strange rock formations on the north coast, and it pairs easily with Jiufen and Shifen on a one-day tour. Avoid the hottest part of the day, as there's little shade.

A realistic three-day plan

Day 1. Longshan Temple, Dadaocheng and Dihua Street, then Ningxia Night Market.

Day 2. National Palace Museum in the morning, Da'an for lunch, Elephant Mountain at sunset and Raohe for dinner.

Day 3. A day trip to Jiufen, Shifen and Yehliu. Or choose Beitou and Yangmingshan for a slower day.

Practical advice

Getting around. Get an EasyCard for the MRT and buses. Don't eat or drink in MRT stations or on trains, as fines apply.

Weather. Keep an umbrella with you, and check typhoon warnings in summer and early autumn, since boats, buses and attractions can close at short notice.

Cash. Carry some cash for night markets and small shops, as cards aren't always accepted.