What to Do in Taipei: A Cultural Treasure Hidden in Plain Sight
Taipei is a city that defies expectations. A capital cloaked in subtropical lushness, where Japanese-era mansions sit beside neon-lit night markets and Taoist temples rise among ultra-modern towers, Taipei rewards the curious and cultured with layers of quiet sophistication. For the discerning traveller, discovering what to do in Taipei is less about chasing must-sees and more about surrendering to a rhythm of contrasts - ancient rites and avant-garde design, calligraphy and cuisine, teahouses and high-speed trains.
From imperial heritage to a hyper-modern skyline, this is a city that lives comfortably in both past and future. If you’re wondering what to do in Taipei on your next cultural getaway, start here.
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Top Experiences in Taipei
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The National Palace Museum of Taipei Tickets
The National Palace Museum, Taipei is one of the most renowned museums in the world, dedicated to collecting and showcasing China's historical, artistic, and cultural heritage. Established in 1925 in Beijing, the museum relocated many of its priceless artefacts to Taiwan in 1949 following the political changes brought about by the Chinese Civil War. Today, it stands as one of Taiwan's most significant cultural institutions.Some of the key features include extensive collections as the museum houses over 700,000 precious Chinese artefacts, spanning ceramics, jade, paintings, bronzeware, sculpture, and more. The artefacts in the museum represent the cultural essence of various Chinese dynasties, providing rich historical material from prehistory to the Qing Dynasty. Among its iconic exhibits are the Jadeite Cabbage and the Mao Gong Ding (Mao's Ritual Vessel), both of which have become symbols of the museum. The museum provides a profound understanding of China's ancient politics, economy, religion, and daily life.
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Classic Taipei Landmarks Day Tour
Planning on your first trip to Taipei but don’t know where to start? Book this classic Taipei day tour to explore the city’s iconic historic landmarks and the modern tourist spots. On this tour, you will visit the world‐renowned National Palace Museum that houses the largest collection of ancient Chinese artifacts in the world, where the exquisite art pieces will blow your mind; Chiang Kai‐shek Memorial Hall, a prominent monument that symbolizes a significant period of Taiwan's history; Lungshan Temple that represents the local religious beliefs and practices; and the famous skyscraper, Taipei 101, that showcases the modern technology and globalization of the city. Of course, there are more to discover that you will just need come to find out. This guided tour unveils the past, present and future of Taipei City. With the help of your tour guide, you will learn more about each attraction that you visit during the tour, and discover the city from a different perspective.
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Taipei: Morning City Tour + National Palace Museum Entry
As well as boasting the world's highest Starbucks and the world's fastest elevator, Taipei is a city bursting at the seams with ancient Chinese culture and traditions. Join forces with a guide and a group for a four‐hour in‐depth exploration of this bustling metropolitan. You'll see monuments, landscaped gardens, imperial art, and more Instagram‐worthy locations than you can shake a selfie‐stick at.
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Taipei 101 Observatory
Despite having its 'world's tallest building' crown stolen by Dubai's Burj Khalifa and subsequently falling down the rankings, Taipei 101 is still one of the main players in the sport of very tall things. With unobscured, panoramic views of Taiwan's capital, accessed by one of the fastest elevators in the world, there's no better way to view _The City of Azaleas_ than from its 89th floor Observatory.
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Taipei: Classic Landmarks Guided Tour
Secure a spot on this exciting Taipei day tour and let the city's legendary landmarks and contemporary attractions fascinate you. The trip sweeps you off to the globally acclaimed National Palace Museum, home to the world's most extensive collection of ancient Chinese artifacts. Here, the incredible works of art are sure to impress you. The excursion then leads you to the renowned Chiang Kai‐shek Memorial Hall, a monumental symbol of Taiwan's rich historical culture. Feel local spirituality at the Lungshan Temple and admire the towering Taipei 101, an architectural testament to the city's technological advancement and global integration. In addition, other hidden gems await your discovery on this expedition. This all‐encompassing tour offers a riveting exploration of Taipei City's past, present, and future.
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Taipei Self‐Guided Audio Tour
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Taipei with our immersive self‐guided audio tour. From ancient temples to futuristic skyscrapers, uncover the rich tapestry of Taiwan's vibrant capital. Delve into over 300 years of history, from its origins as a small trading port to its emergence as a global tech hub. Experience the unique blend of cultures that have shaped Taipei's identity, from Chinese and Japanese influences to its own distinct Taiwanese character. Discover local myths and legends, from the goddess Mazu to the stories behind Taipei 101's design. Marvel at the city's diverse architecture, from ornate temples to modernist marvels. With insider knowledge and fascinating facts at every turn, this audio guide brings Taipei's past and present to life, offering a deep, multifaceted exploration of this dynamic Asian metropolis.
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Private Night Tour of Taipei
Have only a short amount of time to explore Taipei? This private, nighttime tour provides a perfect introduction to the city and its key attractions. Meet your guide at your Taipei hotel, and climb aboard a comfortable vehicle. You’ll discover the centuries‐old Dalongdong Baoan Temple, will see the famed Chiang Kai‐Shek Memorial Hall, and finish the tour at Elephant Mountain Trail for impeccable views of Taipei 101 lit up at night.
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Taipei Tea and Sightseeing Tour with Bagua Tea Plantation
Enjoy a full‐day tour steeped in Taiwanese history, including tea tasting and sightseeing around Taipei. After hotel pickup by minivan, it's time to head to the mountains for a ride on the Maokong Gondola. Stop by the Tea Museum to Gain a deeper understanding of authentic Taiwanese tea. Enjoy sweeping views at Maokong and your guide can recommend specialty Taiwanese dishes cooked with Taiwanese tea. Next, at Bagua Tea Plantation. You’ll make a photo stop along the way above Thousand Island Lake (Qiandao Lake), nestled in a fertile valley in the upper reaches of the Jade reservoir. On arrival at the largest tea plantation in northern Taiwan and perhaps the country’s most photographed, amid a setting of forested hills. Re‐board your transport vehicle for the drive to your final destination: Shihting Old Street . You’ll participate in a traditional Taiwanese tea ceremony with a tea expert. Enjoy a cup of Taiwanese tea in the cozy atmosphere of an old tea house and learn how to steep the perfect pot of tea. This Tea Culture Tour is the ideal opportunity to unwind and familiarize yourself with Taiwanese tea. At the end of the tour, you’re returned to your Taipei hotel.
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Taipei, Maokong Private Night Tour plus Tea, Dinner and Pickup
On this private, evening tour, you won’t just enjoy lofty views overlooking Taipei—you’ll also try the city’s traditional, tea‐infused cuisine, and will take part in a tutored tea tasting. Meet your guide at your hotel and take a gondola up to the mountainous area of Maokong: once one of Taiwan’s top tea‐producing regions. After your tea‐infused meal, finish with a trip to a local viewing point, which offers panoramic city vistas and an exceptional perspective on the lofty Taipei 101.
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Taipei 101 Top Floor Visit and Din Tai Fung Dinner
Take your Taipei exploring to new heights with an evening of fun around Taipei 101. First, we’ll see Four Four South Village, an old military village turned art museum. Then, we’ll ride to the top of one of the world’s tallest buildings to walk among the clouds, have a drink and enjoy the epic views. To conclude, feast upon the city’s delicious soup dumplings at the famous Din Tai Fung restaurant.
What to Do in Taipei for Cultural Aficionados
Begin your journey in the heart of tradition: Longshan Temple. Built in 1738, the Temple is more than just a religious site - it's a living tableau of incense smoke, chanting devotees, and stunning Southern Chinese architecture. A few minutes’ walk away lies Bopiliao Historical Block, where restored Qing-era merchant houses offer insight into Taipei’s layered identity.
From there, take in the National Palace Museum, home to over 600,000 artefacts from China’s imperial dynasties. This vast trove of jade, bronze, silk, and scrolls ranks as one of the must see Taipei destinations for anyone who prizes artistry and antiquity.
What to Do in Taipei at Night: Where Spirit Meets Sparkle
When the sun dips behind Elephant Mountain, Taipei reveals another side. Begin your evening in Ximending, a youthful district bursting with energy, local designers, and avant-garde street performance. Then move to the more refined Songshan district for cocktails at W Taipei’s WooBar, where skyline views and electronic jazz meet in heady elegance.
For a spiritual-yet-sensory evening, attend a night-time prayer ceremony at Bao’an Temple, where illuminated dragons flicker in the candlelight - it's a sublime addition to your list of unique things to do in Taipei. Cap the night with a late dinner of claypot rice or sesame noodles at a tucked-away eatery in Daan district, a local ritual of indulgent simplicity.
Unique Things to Do in Taipei for the Sophisticated Traveller
If you crave more than guidebook staples, explore Dadaocheng. Once the centre of Taipei’s 19th-century tea trade, it’s now a haven of baroque shopfronts, indie boutiques, and evocative teahouses. Try a ceremonial pour-over of high-mountain oolong at Wang Tea, or join a private incense-making workshop, both deeply-rooted yet undeniably chic experiences.
Art lovers should carve out time for a visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), housed in a red-brick colonial school building that blends history with cutting-edge Taiwanese creativity. For a modernist twist, the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, Taipei’s answer to London’s Design Museum, is definitely one of the top things to do in Taipei for lovers of design, architecture, and innovation.
What to See and Do in Taipei Beyond the Tourist Track
Venture east to the hillside neighbourhood of Maokong by glass-bottomed gondola, and sip locally grown tieguanyin tea while gazing over the cityscape. This tranquil oasis offers a poetic counterpoint to Taipei’s energetic core and deserves a spot on any list of the best things to do in Taipei.
Alternatively, lose yourself in the narrow alleys of Wanhua, where timeworn fortune-telling arcades meet avant-garde bookstores and hidden art spaces. Each street corner seems to whisper a different story - it's a potent answer for anyone looking for things to see and do in Taipei that speak to the soul, not the algorithm.
What to Do in Taipei in One Day: A Curated Cultural Sprint
Pressed for time and wondering what you can do in Taipei in one day? Start your morning with a peaceful stroll through the gardens of Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, followed by a guided tour of its solemn yet monumental interior. From there, take the MRT to the National Palace Museum and spend your midday immersed in dynastic artistry.
After lunch in the elegant, gallery-filled Huashan 1914 Creative Park, head to Daan Forest Park for a sunset walk. As evening falls, explore the mouthwatering maze of Raohe Night Market - sensory symphony and cultural rite all in one.
What to Do in Taipei in Two Days: A Deeper Cultural Dive
In Taipei for 48 hours? Crafting an itinerary of what to do over two days lets you move from imperial to hypermodern with luxurious ease. Day one follows the cultural trail - temples, palaces, and the city's well-preserved historic quarters. On day two, hike up Elephant Mountain at dawn for a sweeping view of Taipei 101 rising through the mist, then reward yourself with brunch in the stylish Eastern District.
Later, join a private calligraphy or seal-carving workshop to create a refined and meaningful souvenir. End your day with an omakase dinner at one of the city’s Michelin-starred Japanese-Taiwanese fusion restaurants, a quiet finale to your urban opera.
Final Thoughts: Why Taipei Is a Must‐Do for Culture‐Led Travel
Taipei may not shout for attention - instead it murmurs, enchants, and ultimately captivates. If you're still wondering what to do in Taipei, the truth is this: the best experiences aren’t always the loudest. They’re in the silent bow of a tea master, the glint of temple gold at midnight, the brushstroke on a thousand-year-old scroll.
Whether you have one day in Taipei or two, or you're plotting a longer, more immersive escape, this city offers a rich, refined counterpoint to Asia’s flashier metropolises. It is a cultural symphony — nuanced, expressive, and deeply unforgettable.