Taipei 101 impresses by day and stuns by night.
Of all the cities I’ve visited in my travels, Taipei might have surprised me the most. With its vibrant nightlife, fabulous street food, and eclectic art scene, it seamlessly transports its traditions into the modern era. And with a host of laid-back locals and an overall casual vibe, Taiwan’s capital city makes you feel at home even when you’re halfway around the world.
You could easily spend weeks exploring the city’s nooks and crannies but if you’re limited on time, there are a few highlights that you’ll want to hit. From climbing the iconic Taipei 101 to tasting your way through the lively night markets, these are five of the top things to do in Taipei.
1. Visit Taipei 101
One of the top things to do in Taipei? See it from above.
No visit to Taipei would be complete without setting foot inside arguably its most famous landmark. Towering 101 stories above the city streets, Taipei 101 was once the world’s tallest building and still holds the designation as the world’s tallest example of Asian-inspired architecture. Its unique ribbed structure mimics the look of a bamboo stalk but also helps the building withstand the island’s frequent earthquakes.
Inside, you’ll find a drop-dead gorgeous mall that’s certainly worth a second glance, but that’s not why you’re here. Follow the signs for the observatory, buy your ticket, then hop in line for the 30-second elevator ride up to the 88th floor. Pro tip: You can splurge on a skip-the-line ticket that lets you avoid the lengthey queue that can build up for the elevator; highly recommended on nights and weekends.
On the 89th floor, you can enjoy birds-eye views over Taipei, fun photo ops, and even some souviner shopping. If you’re feeling brave, head up the stairs to the 91st floor to enjoy those skyline views with a side of city breezes on an outdoor terrace. The lack of glass makes for better photos, but the small viewing platform is often very crowded.
2. Explore the Night Markets
If there’s one thing you have to do in Taipei, it’s visit the city’s iconic night markets. There’s nothing quite like wandering through a maze of street vendors, taking in the sights, sounds, and scents of Taipei’s buzzing nightlife and grabbing a quick and cheap dinner in the process.
While more famous markets like Raohe Street Night Market and Shilin Night Market are the most popular, our favorites were the more modest Guangzhou and Linjiang Night Markets. These particular markets were slightly smaller than their counterparts, but still buzzing with energy and plenty of food options. And the best part? Smaller crowds.
No matter which market you choose to visit, be sure to try anything that catches your eye or sets your tastebuds watering. My recommendations? Sweet potato balls, black pepper buns, peanut rolled ice cream, wheel cakes, and scallion pancakes.
3. Ride the Maokong Gondola
If you’re looking for a fun way to escape the city buzz in Taipei, hop on the Maokong Gondola. This cable car ride starts right near the Taipei Zoo — just take the MRT Brown Line to Taipei Zoo Station, then it’s a short walk to the gondola entrance. You can swipe in with your EasyCard or grab a ticket on-site (about NT$120 or USD$4 one-way).
The ride is about 20–30 minutes long and glides through lush green hills, with stops at the zoo, Zhinan Temple, and finally Maokong. For a little thrill, go for a “Crystal Cabin”—yep, that’s the one with the glass floor. It costs a tiny bit more and requires waiting in a slightly longer line, but the views are totally worth it.
At the top, Maokong is known for its tea culture, with cozy teahouses overlooking the mountains. It’s peaceful, scenic, and a perfect half-day getaway. Just be sure to check the weather in advance, and note that it’s closed Mondays for maintenance.
4. Discover the Art Scene
Taipei is an effortlessly cool city with an ecclectic art scene to match. If you’re into handmade goodies, creative spaces, and a peek into local culture, don’t miss art hubs like The Red House and Huashan 1914 Creative Park.
Start with The Red House in Ximending. It’s this gorgeous octagonal brick building from 1908 that’s been turned into a hub for indie artists and LGBTQ+ culture. Inside, you’ll find stalls packed with handmade jewelry, quirky postcards, and cute crafts by local designers. Swing by on the weekend when it spills outside into a bustling market. This is the perfect place to grab a unique souvenir.
Then there’s Huashan 1914 Creative Park, a former wine factory turned artsy wonderland. Think warehouse vibes with rotating art exhibits, indie shops, live performances, and some very Instagrammable cafes. It’s got a chill, creative energy and always something unexpected happening.
Both spots are perfect for wandering, discovering local talent, and soaking up Taipei’s artsy soul.
5. See Liberty Square
Liberty Square is one of Taipei’s most iconic spots, and not just for the architecture (though it’s admittedly pretty epic). This massive plaza is home to the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, flanked by the grand National Theater and Concert Hall, all set against a backdrop of manicured gardens and wide-open space. It’s a favorite hangout for locals practicing tai chi, tourists snapping photos, and anyone looking to soak up a bit of history and culture.
You can catch the changing of the guard at the memorial, explore exhibits on Taiwan’s political past, or just chill on the steps and people-watch. The square also hosts festivals, concerts, and public gatherings throughout the year. It’s free, photogenic, and full of stories. In short, it’s definitely worth a stop on your Taipei itinerary.