First Time in Taipei? 10 Unforgettable Must-Visit Attractions You Can’t Miss!

Jiufen, Taipei 101, Yangmingshan, Shifen Old Street, Night Markets, Tamsui, Huashan & Songshan Creative Parks, Shilin, Ximending, and Yehliu – we’re breaking down each must-visit spot!

Hey there, travel bugs! Ready for an epic adventure? Taipei is calling your name! This vibrant city offers so much, and getting around is a breeze. Seriously, their public transport is top-notch. You can hop on the HSR, trains, MRT, or buses. They connect everything! Whether you’re hitting up Taipei 101, exploring Ximending, or venturing to Jiufen and Yehliu, you’ll get there easily. It’s truly a dream for solo travelers. So, what are the absolute must-see spots? Let’s dive into my top 10 Taipei must-visit attractions for first-timers!

Yangmingshan Calla Lily Festival

【Best Flower Seasons】

＊ Cherry Blossom Season: February – March

＊ Zhuzihu Calla Lily Season: March – April

＊ Hydrangea Season: Mid-May

＊ Maple Viewing Season: October – January of the following year

▶︎ Address: No. 1-20, Zhuzihu Road, Beitou District, Taipei City (Coordinates: 25.155795, 121.548128)

▶︎ Getting There:

1. Take Bus S8 from MRT Shipai Station (Red Line). Or, take Bus S5 from MRT Jiantan Station (Red Line).

2. During flower seasons, buses get super crowded. Consider booking a half-day tour instead!

(Dates for each season vary annually, so check ahead!)

Jiufen Old Street

Next up, Jiufen! This charming mountain town is seriously captivating. Its unique old-style buildings on the slopes are famous. They even starred in the movie “A City of Sadness.” Plus, Jiufen’s tea houses look a lot like scenes from Hayao Miyazaki’s “Spirited Away.” Therefore, tons of Japanese tourists flock here every year. It’s truly magical!

▶︎ Address: Jishan Street, Ruifang District, New Taipei City (Coordinates: 25.109877, 121.845214)

▶︎ Getting There:

1. From MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing Station (Blue/Brown Line), take Exit 2. Then, catch bus 1062. This is a direct route.

2. Alternatively, hire a private car. This offers more flexibility.

Shifen Sky Lanterns

Shifen Old Street isn’t famous for its old buildings. Instead, it’s known for something super unique. Trains actually rumble right through the street! Releasing sky lanterns here is a must-do activity. You can write your wishes on a lantern. Then, watch it float up into the sky. It’s truly an unforgettable experience!

▶︎ Address: Shifen Old Street, Pingxi District, New Taipei City (Coordinates: 25.042640, 121.776654)

▶︎ Getting There: Take the Taiwan Railways (West Line or Yilan Line). Transfer to the Pingxi Branch Line at Badu or Ruifang Station. Get off at Shifen Station.

Songshan Cultural and Creative Park

Calling all arts and culture vultures! You absolutely cannot miss Songshan and Huashan Creative Parks. These spots are brimming with artistic vibes. They regularly host amazing exhibitions. Plus, you’ll find tons of Insta-worthy architecture and art installations. Songshan’s Eslite store offers cool creative goods. They even have hands-on craft workshops! Meanwhile, Huashan Cultural Park has a huge lawn. It’s perfect for picnics with friends or your bestie. Enjoy a chill afternoon there.

Songshan Cultural and Creative Park (Songshan C.C.P.)

▶︎ Address: No. 133, Guangfu S. Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City (Coordinates: 25.043691, 121.560653)

▶︎ Getting There: Take the MRT to Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall Station (Blue Line). Then, walk about 10 minutes from Exit 5.

▶︎ Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Indoor areas) 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Outdoor areas)

Taipei 101

As Taipei’s most important landmark, you absolutely need to snap a photo here! Taipei 101 houses a shopping mall from B1 to the 4th floor. You’ll even find the famous Din Tai Fung dumpling restaurant inside. Also, take the super-fast, pressure-controlled elevator to the 89th-floor observatory. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the entire city!

▶︎ Address: No. 45, City Hall Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City (Coordinates: 25.033971, 121.564478)

▶︎ Getting There:

1. Take the MRT to Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station (Red Line).

2. Hop on the Taipei City Double-Decker Sightseeing Bus. Get off at Songlian Songzhi Road Intersection.

3. Consider taking the special shuttle bus between National Palace Museum and Taipei 101.

▶Operating Hours:

Observatory: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Last ticket sales & entry at 9:15 PM)

Shopping Mall: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM (Sun-Thu) 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Fri, Sat & before national holidays)

▶Ticket Options:

1. Buy tickets on-site. However, lines can be super long.

2. Book online in advance. This saves time and often offers better deals!

Night Market Food Adventures

Talking about Taiwanese culture? You can’t forget the night markets! These bustling food stalls get livelier as the night goes on. They truly showcase the creativity and charm of Taiwanese cuisine. Just thinking about it makes me crave grilled squid and salted chicken! Yum!

My Top Pick: Ningxia Night Market

▶︎ Address: Ningxia Road, Datong District, Taipei City (Coordinates: 25.057010, 121.515581)

▶︎ Getting There: Take the MRT to Zhongshan Station (Red Line). Walk about 10 minutes from Exit 1. Or, go to Shuanglian Station (Red Line). Walk about 8 minutes from Exit 1.

▶︎ Operating Hours: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM

▶︎ Must-Try Foods: Liu Yu Zi Taro Balls with Egg Yolk, Grandma’s Traditional Rice Balls, Zhan Ji Chicken Feet & Wings

Tips:

Ningxia Night Market is one of the few places where you can use Alipay. How convenient is that?

Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf

Tamsui is perfect for a full-day adventure! It boasts historical sites like Fort San Domingo and the Little White House. These give you a glimpse into the past. Plus, Tamsui Old Street is a fantastic spot to feast on local delicacies. As evening approaches, head to Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf. There, you can catch a stunning sunset. Enjoy live street performances. It’s pure bliss! Also, don’t miss the famous Lover’s Bridge. Legend says couples must walk across it and back. Otherwise, they might break up!

Shilin: National Palace Museum

The Shilin area is packed with famous Taipei attractions. You’ll find the National Palace Museum and Shilin Official Residence here. Also, the Children’s Amusement Park has become super popular recently. Of course, the internationally renowned Shilin Night Market is nearby. No wonder Shilin is a new favorite for tourists!

Top Spot: National Palace Museum

The National Palace Museum is one of the world’s best museums. It houses a vast collection of imperial artifacts and art. Think of treasures like the Jadeite Cabbage and Meat-shaped Stone. These are incredibly famous! Beyond the main exhibits, check out Zhishan Garden on the left. It’s inspired by Wang Xizhi’s Eight Great Sights. This is a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll after your museum visit. Soak in that scholarly atmosphere!

▶︎ Address: No. 221, Sec. 2, Zhishan Rd., Shilin District, Taipei City

▶︎ Getting There:

1. Take the MRT to Shilin Station (Red Line). Then, transfer to Taipei City Bus R30. Get off at the National Palace Museum stop.

2. Use the Taipei City Double-Decker Sightseeing Bus. It stops directly at the National Palace Museum.

3. You can also take the special shuttle bus between National Palace Museum and Taipei 101.

▶︎ Operating Hours: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM (Fridays & Saturdays open until 9:00 PM)

▶︎ Ticket Price: NT$250 (General Admission)

▶︎ Ticket Options:

1. Buy tickets on-site.

2. Purchase tickets online in advance. This saves time and ensures entry!

Ximending Red House

Ximending is Taipei’s ultimate shopping hotspot! Fashionistas, rejoice! You can go on a major shopping spree here. Find trendy clothes and all your beauty essentials. Ximending is also Taipei’s famous movie street. You’ll see many theaters lined up. Moreover, the Ximen Red House is a haven for creative souls. They even host weekend markets. It’s a great place to browse unique artisanal goods!

▶︎ Address: No. 158, Sec. 1, Zhonghua Rd., Wanhua District, Taipei City (Coordinates: 25.042212, 121.508049)

▶︎ Getting There: Take the MRT to Ximen Station (Blue/Green Line). You’ll arrive right there.

Yehliu Geopark

Yehliu Geopark is a photographer’s dream! Wind erosion created these incredible rock formations. Come here to feel the ocean breeze. Marvel at Mother Nature’s artistry. You’ll discover diverse sea-eroded landscapes. Look for the “Fairy’s Shoe,” potholes, and candlestick rocks. Of course, the most famous “Queen’s Head” is absolutely unmissable. It’s a true natural wonder!

▶︎ Address: No. 167-1, Gangdong Rd., Yehliu, Wanli District, New Taipei City (Coordinates: 25.206403, 121.690485)

▶︎ Getting There:

1. From MRT Tamsui Station, take Tamsui Bus 862 towards Keelung. Get off at the Yehliu stop.

2. From Banqiao Train Station bus stop, take Keelung Bus 953 towards Jinshan. Get off at Yehliu Geopark stop.

3. Join a day tour or hire a private car. This lets you explore other North Coast gems too!

▶︎ Operating Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Free guided tours: 10:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 2:00 PM, 2:30 PM)

▶︎ Ticket Price: NT$80 (Full Price)