The Best Things To Do In Taipei

Taipei is one of the easiest cities in Asia to explore.

It has a little bit of everything: busy night markets, peaceful temples, mountain views, incredible food, and modern city life that still feels manageable even for first-time visitors. One minute you’re walking through a quiet temple courtyard, and the next you’re eating street food or shopping in one of the city’s busiest neighborhoods.

What makes Taipei especially enjoyable is how balanced it feels. It’s energetic without being overwhelming, easy to get around, and full of different experiences without needing a packed itinerary.

Whether you’re visiting for a long weekend or using the city as a base to explore more of Taiwan, there’s plenty to do at your own pace.  

Visit Taipei 101

Taipei 101 is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks and one of the first places many visitors head to after arriving.

For years, it was the tallest building in the world, and even now it still dominates the skyline. The area around it also gives you a glimpse into the more modern side of Taipei, with shopping malls, restaurants, cafés, and busy city streets surrounding the tower.

Go Up to the Observation Deck

The observation deck gives you panoramic views across Taipei and the surrounding mountains.

If possible, try to go around sunset or after dark when the city lights start to come on. On a clear day, you can see surprisingly far across the city, and it’s one of the best ways to get a sense of how large and varied Taipei really is.

Explore the Area Around It

There’s plenty to do nearby once you come back down.

The area around Taipei 101 is full of shopping centers, casual restaurants, cafés, and open public spaces, where people gather throughout the day. Even if you’re not interested in luxury shopping, it’s still worth spending some time here just to experience the atmosphere.

Explore Taipei’s Night Markets

Night markets are one of the biggest highlights of visiting Taipei.

They’re busy, loud, colorful, and packed with food, games, and small local shops. If you enjoy trying different foods while exploring at your own pace, this will probably end up being one of your favorite parts of the trip.

Taipei’s food scene is one reason the city regularly appears on lists of places with incredible street food.

Shilin Night Market

Shilin Night Market is the largest and most famous night market in Taipei.

There’s a huge variety of food here, from fried chicken and grilled seafood to desserts and bubble tea. Beyond the food, you’ll also find arcade games, shopping stalls, and crowds of both tourists and locals.

It can feel chaotic at peak hours, but that’s also part of the experience.

Raohe Street Night Market

Raohe Street Night Market is smaller and easier to navigate, which makes it a good option if you want something a little less overwhelming.

The atmosphere feels slightly more local, and it’s especially well known for its street food. Walking through the market slowly, trying a few different dishes as you go, is one of the best ways to spend an evening in Taipei.

Visit Taipei’s Temples

Taipei can feel busy at times, which is why the city’s temples stand out so much.

They offer a quieter, calmer atmosphere and give you a chance to see another side of the city beyond the shopping streets and night markets.

Longshan Temple

Longshan Temple is one of Taipei’s most famous cultural sites and one of the oldest temples in the city.

The temple is known for its detailed architecture, incense-filled atmosphere, and constant activity from both locals and visitors. Even if you’re not particularly interested in religion or history, it’s still worth visiting simply because of the atmosphere and the contrast it provides compared to the rest of the city.

Temple Etiquette Tips

Temples in Taipei are welcoming to visitors, but it’s still important to be respectful.

Keep your voice low, avoid blocking people who are praying, and be mindful when taking photos. Observing quietly for a few minutes is often the best way to appreciate the atmosphere.

Ride the Maokong Gondola

If you want a break from the city center, the Maokong Gondola is one of the easiest ways to slow things down.

The cable car takes you up into the hills surrounding Taipei, where the atmosphere becomes noticeably quieter and more relaxed.

Scenic Views Over Taipei

As the gondola climbs higher, you’ll get wide views over the city, surrounding mountains, and greenery.

It’s a completely different side of Taipei compared to the crowded shopping districts and busy streets below.

Tea Houses and Local Tea Culture

The Maokong area is known for its traditional tea houses and relaxed atmosphere.

Many visitors spend a few hours here drinking local tea, enjoying the scenery, and slowing down before heading back into the city.

Spend Time in Ximending

Ximending is one of Taipei’s liveliest neighborhoods and a good place to experience the city’s younger, more energetic side.

It’s especially popular in the evenings when the streets fill with shoppers, performers, and people meeting friends after work.

Shopping and Street Culture

Ximending is known for fashion, entertainment, street food, and nightlife.

There’s always something happening here, whether it’s live music, street performers, or people simply gathering around the busy pedestrian streets.

Best Time To Visit

The area really comes alive after sunset.

Even if you don’t plan on shopping, it’s still worth visiting in the evening to experience the atmosphere and energy of the neighborhood.

Try Taipei’s Food Scene

Taipei is one of the best food cities in Asia.

While the night markets get most of the attention, there’s much more to the city’s food scene than just street food. You’ll find everything from traditional noodle shops to modern cafés and casual local restaurants throughout the city.

It also helps that Taipei is an extremely walkable city, making it easy to explore different neighborhoods and stop for food along the way.

Must-Try Foods

A few dishes stand out as must-tries for first-time visitors.

Beef noodle soup is one of Taiwan’s most famous comfort foods, while xiao long bao remains a favorite for many travelers. Bubble tea also originated in Taiwan, so trying it here feels essential.

Easy Places To Start

If you’re not sure where to begin, night markets are usually the easiest starting point.

Food courts, casual restaurants, and busy local cafés are also great options because they allow you to try traditional foods without feeling intimidated.

Take a Day Trip From Taipei

One of the best things about Taipei is how easy it is to explore beyond the city itself.

If you have extra time, there are several great day trips nearby that offer a completely different atmosphere.

Jiufen

Jiufen is one of the most popular day trips from Taipei, and it’s easy to understand why.

The town is known for its narrow streets, hanging lanterns, tea houses, and mountain views overlooking the coastline. It feels very different from central Taipei and has a much slower, more atmospheric feel.

Yangmingshan National Park

Yangmingshan National Park offers a more natural escape from the city.

You’ll find hiking trails, hot springs, mountain scenery, and open green spaces that feel surprisingly close considering how near the park is to central Taipei.

Staying Healthy While Traveling in Taipei

Taipei is generally very easy and safe to travel around, but it’s still important to pace yourself, especially if you’re spending long days walking around the city.

Common Travel Issues

Many travelers deal with heat, humidity, tiredness from walking, or mild stomach issues from trying lots of new foods in a short period of time.

The city is very walkable, so it’s easy to underestimate how much time you’ll spend on your feet each day.

What To Do If You Need Help

Pharmacies and clinics are easy to find throughout Taipei, especially in central areas.

If you need medical help, Air Doctor can help travelers connect with English-speaking doctors for video consultations, clinic visits, or hotel visits without the stress of trying to navigate the healthcare system alone.

When Is the Best Time To Visit Taipei?

The time of year you visit can shape your experience quite a bit.

Spring and Fall

Spring and fall are generally considered the best times to visit Taipei.

The weather is more comfortable, humidity is lower, and it’s easier to spend long days sightseeing without feeling exhausted.

Summer and Rainy Season

Summers in Taipei can be hot, humid, and rainy.

Afternoon rain showers are common, especially during typhoon season, so it’s worth carrying water and a light rain jacket while exploring the city.

In Short

Taipei is one of the easiest cities in Asia to enjoy as a traveler. It offers a good balance of food, culture, nightlife, nature, and modern city life without feeling too overwhelming.

Whether you’re exploring night markets, riding the Maokong Gondola, visiting temples, or taking day trips outside the city, there’s plenty to experience at a relaxed pace.

About The Air Doctor App

With the Air Doctor app in your pocket, you can access medical care and receive expert medical guidance anywhere you travel.

Air Doctor offers a wide range of benefits, including:

• A global network of multi-lingual doctors and specialists
• Choice of clinic, at-home (hotel), and video consultations
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• Most common medical specialties, including GPs, gynecologists, and ophthalmologists 

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