Taipei has been my favorite discovery of 2024. I loved its dynamic nightlife, the delicious food I tasted, and the stark contrast between modern and traditional architecture. I can’t wait to go back, and I keep recommending it to my friends and family ! So if, like me, it’s your first time visiting, here are 9 places you absolutely need to visit in Taipei !
- Chiang Kai-shek Memorial
- Taipei 101 Observatory
- Huashan 1914 Creative Park
- Elephant Peak and Xiangshan
- Dihua street
- Ri Xing Type Foundry
- Ximending & Tianhou Temple
- Taipei Fine Arts Museum
- Lin An Tai Historical House and Museum
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial – 國立中正紀念堂
When I first visited this place, I was very surprised—I had only seen a picture beforehand and didn’t expect it to be this big ! The memorial stands in the middle of a vast square, surrounded by a grand main gate and two other buildings.
What struck me the most was its immaculate white color—it stands out completely from everything else ! Inside, you’ll find a statue of Chiang Kai-shek (the first president of the Republic of China), guarded by two military officers. Every hour, you can watch the changing of the guard ceremony, which is quite impressive !
The memorial also houses a museum downstairs that retraces Taiwan’s history. I found it very interesting, as it offers a glimpse into the island’s complex past. On the ground floor, you can also explore other exhibits and browse souvenir shops !
Taipei 101 Observatory
Emblem of Taipei, Taipei 101 stands on the very east side of the city and is a very famous spot to visit in Taipei. Like many towers, you can go to the top to admire the city below. However, as Taipei’s weather can be a bit tricky, I recommend checking it before heading up. It is often covered in clouds, which can make visibility very poor. You can ask the staff before booking your tickets about the view—if it’s really bad, they will usually warn you directly!
At the top, what I really enjoyed was how easy it is to distinguish certain buildings, like Tao Zhu Yin Yuan—an impressive double-helix structure—whereas from taller towers, it can be harder to see details!
As you walk around, the observatory features some great Instagram spots where you can take nice pictures. You can also enjoy drinks while admiring the view, though they are quite expensive!
Huashan 1914 Creative Park – 華山1914文化創意產業園區
Created through the restoration of old wine factories, Huashan 1914 Creative Park is a charming and cozy spot for an evening chill. The factories’ façades are covered in ivy, blending beautifully into the lush green park surrounding them !
The park provides a creative space for artists, with small shops and unique exhibitions. For instance, I visited an exhibition focused on Rilakkuma, which was a lot of fun—plus, of course, a goodies shop at the end to bring back souvenirs.
Around the buildings, you’ll often find live concerts and shows to entertain visitors. Some structures stand out with their red brick design, creating a completely different atmosphere. So take a stroll, soak it all in, and enjoy the place !
Elephant Peak and Xiangshan – 象山峯
Elephant Peak is the perfect spot to visit for the best view of Taipei ! Located on one side of Xiangshan Mountain, you can reach it by climbing a very long flight of stairs. The climb is tough, but the view from the top completely deserves the effort! At night, Taipei 101 is fully lit up, standing out beautifully against the dark sky—it’s truly breathtaking.
Tip: The night we went, my friend and I decided to grab a “picnic” from Seven Eleven to enjoy dinner peacefully at the top of Elephant Peak after the climb. Eating while taking in the view made the experience even more special !
Dihua Street -迪化街 年貨大街
Dihua Street is divided into two sections: the “old street” and a more modern part. The oldest section dates back to the 17th century, making it one of the oldest streets in Taipei! The modern side was built in the 19th century and is now one of the busiest grocery shopping spots in the city—especially during Chinese New Year! The entire street is lined with small shops selling a variety of goods, with a focus on fresh products and spices on the modern side. It’s a wonderful place to stroll around and discover local foods !
Ri Xing Type Foundry – 日星鑄字行
Tucked away in a small street, Ri Xing Type Foundry is the last remaining traditional Chinese character foundry in Taiwan. It has been around since 1969—and it still stands to this day! Now serving as both a business and a small museum, it teaches visitors about the fascinating history of traditional Chinese character printing.
At the entrance, you’ll find a QR code to scan, allowing you to explore the shop’s history as you walk around. The shop is filled with shelves displaying thousands of Chinese characters in different sizes. You can also see some traditional tools that were used for printing before digital technology took over.
If you’d like to take home a unique souvenir, you can purchase your own stamps directly from the shop! The staff are happy to help you find the right ones.
Tip: Have your name (or whatever you want to engrave) written in Mandarin on your phone beforehand to make the process smoother!
Ximending & Tianhou Temple – 西門町
The shopping hub of Taipei, Ximending, is the place to go if you want to buy clothes, cosmetics, or stationery. At night, the whole neighborhood is packed with students shopping, having dinner, or watching street performances!
Ximending is also the only place where you’ll find Xing Fu Tang, so don’t hesitate to grab a bubble tea on the way!
Tianhou Temple is a stark contrast to the busy surrounding streets of Ximending. It offers a peaceful and quiet space to pray and admire the many lanterns. At night, the entire temple lights up, creating a stunning view.
Taipei Fine Arts Museum – 臺北市立美術館
In Taipei, I didn’t visit as many “traditional” museums as I usually do, but the Taipei Fine Arts Museum was one of them—and quite an interesting one! Its concrete architecture really stands out against the surrounding parks. The exhibit I visited focused on the history and evolution of Taiwan’s architecture. As I’m very curious about architecture, I found it incredibly interesting ! Also, through various windows in the museum, you can catch great views of the surroundings, including the impressive Grand Hotel.
The museum’s exhibits change frequently, so it’s a good idea to check what’s on before visiting, especially since the museum is located at one end of the city.
🤍 : If you like small and cute cafés, make sure to stop by Acmé Café, located right outside the museum. This minimalist café offers a cozy and relaxing atmosphere—perfect for unwinding after your visit. You can enjoy both warm and cold drinks, along with some delicious pastries!
Lin An Tai Historical House and Museum – 林安泰古厝
I found this museum somewhat by accident after visiting the nearby rose garden, and it was a pleasant surprise. Despite being quiet and uncrowded, the Historical House was absolutely worth the visit. The mansion is one of the oldest houses in Taipei, with the first section built between 1783 and 1785. It belonged to a wealthy family originally from Fujian province in mainland China, who made their fortune through business on the island. The mansion consists of several buildings, a pond, and a park, making the visit feel peaceful and charming compared to other busy tourist spots.
Tip: If you enjoy collecting stamps like I do, there are several stamps you can combine to create a full imprint of the place—it’s really fun to do!
Now that you know wall the places you need to visit in Taipei, let me give you some recommendations on which foods to try out !
