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    Taipei

    Taiwan

    Taipei

    CityCultureCulinary

    Taiwan's capital in the north of the island blends Qing-era temples, colonial architecture, and the 509-meter-tall skyscraper Taipei 101 with a vibrant night market culture.

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    9. Taipei
    Taiwan's capital in the north of the island blends Qing-era temples, colonial architecture, and the 509-meter-tall skyscraper Taipei 101 with a vibrant night market culture. Taipei is the perfect starting point for any trip: This is where you land, where you'll find exceptionally good and affordable food, and where mountains with hot springs are right on the city's doorstep.In the west, around Wanhua and Dadaocheng, the 1738-founded Longshan Temple and the shops of Dihua Street reflect the city's 19th-century trading past. To the east, shopping districts and skyscrapers define the Xinyi area. The National Palace Museum houses one of the world's largest collections of ancient Chinese art, and to the north, the city borders Yangmingshan National Park, home to extinct volcanoes and hot springs.
    Taipei has about 2.5 million inhabitants, with the greater metropolitan area including New Taipei and Keelung home to approximately seven million people. The city is situated in a basin surrounded by mountains, rising northward towards Yangmingshan National Park. The six-line Metro quickly gets you to most attractions; the EasyCard works on the Metro, buses, and for rental bikes. To start, explore the historic west around Wanhua (with Longshan Temple) and Dadaocheng (Dihua Street). Da'an, with its Yongkang Street and eateries, and Xinyi, boasting Taipei 101, shopping centers, and most cocktail bars, are also great options. In the north, you can reach the hot springs of Beitou by Metro.

    Sights in Taipei

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Taipei 101
    Attraction

    1Taipei 101

    The 509-meter-tall skyscraper was the world's tallest building upon its opening in 2004 and is designed to withstand typhoons and earthquakes. From the observation deck on the 89th floor, you can overlook the entire city, and on New Year's Eve, the tower serves as a platform for a grand fireworks display.
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    National Palace Museum
    Museum

    2National Palace Museum

    The museum in the north of the city holds one of the largest collections of ancient Chinese art and artifacts. Its holdings originate from the same institution as the Palace Museum in Beijing and were divided in the 1940s during the civil war.
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    National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
    Historic Landmark

    3National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

    The Memorial Hall for the former President stands at the east end of Freedom Square, flanked by the National Theatre and the National Concert Hall. In 1990, the square witnessed student protests that ushered in multi-party democracy.
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    Elephant Hill
    Attraction

    4Elephant Hill

    A short, steep staircase in Xinyi District leads up the hill, offering the most iconic view of Taipei 101 and the skyline. The ascent is particularly popular at sunset.
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    Raohe Night Market
    Market

    5Raohe Night Market

    Taipei's Songshan District hosts a traditional night market, a long alley of food stalls. Bring cash; come early evening as stalls open.
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    Beitou Thermal Spring Museum
    Museum

    6Beitou Thermal Spring Museum

    The brick and timber-framed building opened in 1913 as Taiwan's first public bathhouse, and was then East Asia's largest. Today it showcases the bathing hall, tatami rooms, and the history of the hot spring district, just a few minutes' walk from Xinbeitou Metro Station.
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    City walks in Taipei

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    From Longshan Temple to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

    A walk through old Taipei, roughly 2km, 2-3 hours including sightseeing. It begins in Wanhua District, the city's oldest part, ending at Liberty Square. Start in the morning, when prayers are said in the temple.

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    Videos & Travel Reports

    Taiwan for food lovers (DW Documentary, englisch)

    Englischsprachige Dokumentation der Deutschen Welle über Taiwans Esskultur.

    DW Documentary on Taiwan's food culture.

    Videoreiseführer von Travel Sing Fly zu Taipehs Sehenswürdigkeiten,…

    Restaurants in Taipei

    1

    Din Tai Fung Xinyi

    The original branch of the globally renowned chain on Xinyi Road: founded in 1958 as a cooking oil shop, since 1972 a restaurant for Xiaolongbao with wafer-thin dough and 18 folds. Expect waiting times during peak hours.
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    2

    Yongkang Beef Noodles

    One of the most famous addresses for beef noodle soup in Taipei, just a few steps from Yongkang Street and Din Tai Fung. A good place to try the unofficial national dish.
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    3

    Jin Feng Braised Pork Rice

    This simple eatery, a short walk from the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, is a classic spot for Lu Rou Fan, braised pork mince on rice. Quick and affordable, it's perfect for a sightseeing break.
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    4

    Lao Shan Dong Homemade Noodles

    The Guide Michelin-recommended noodle shop serves beef noodle soup with homemade noodles. It's near Ximending, ideal for a quick lunch.
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    5

    Kao Chi

    Founded in 1949, this eatery serves Shanghai cuisine, including Xiaolongbao and pan-fried dumplings (Sheng Jian Bao). The branch on Xinsheng South Road is just minutes from Dongmen Metro Station, and queues are usually shorter than at Din Tai Fung.
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    Eating and Drinking in Taipei

    Taipei is a paradise for street food and simple eateries; the Michelin Guide lists many affordable addresses here. Evenings, everyone gathers at the night markets.

    Xiaolongbao

    The soup dumplings came to Taipei with immigrants from the mainland. Din Tai Fung's original branch on Xinyi Road and Kao Chi are the best-known addresses.

    Beef and Noodle Soup

    You'll find the unofficial national dish around Yongkang Street and in many Guide Michelin-recommended noodle restaurants.

    Nightmarket

    Shilin, Raohe and Ningxia are among the most famous. At the Ningxia Night Market, a stall has been frying oyster omelets for over 60 years.

    Tea in Maokong

    In the hills by the Maokong Gondola's mountain station are teahouses with city views.

    Temples, Museums, Events

    Taipei's temples blend folk religion, Taoism, and Buddhism: The Longshan Temple in Wanhua, founded in 1738, the Baoan Temple in Dalongdong, and the Qing-era Confucius Temple display Southern Fujian architecture. Small shrines can be found on street corners, in parks, and even in restaurants.The National Palace Museum houses one of the largest collections of ancient Chinese art, while the Shung-Ye Museum directly opposite is dedicated to Taiwan's indigenous peoples. Many buildings, like the Presidential Office and the National Museum in 228 Peace Park, stem from the Japanese era; the park itself commemorates the victims of the 228 Incident of 1947.Taipei 101 hosts a grand fireworks display for New Year's Eve. For the Lantern Festival, concluding Lunar New Year, a city-wide lantern exhibition is held, as thousands of sky lanterns ascend in nearby Pingxi.

    Nightlife

    1

    Bar Mood

    Bartender Nick Wu's elegant cocktail bar in Da'an District opened in September 2017 and in 2025 ranked 72nd on the extended list of Asia's 50 Best Bars.
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    2

    Indulge Experimental Bistro

    Aki Wang's bar in Da'an is known for tea-infused cocktails and ranked 11th on Asia's 50 Best Bars in 2023. Open until 2 AM.
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    3

    Ximen Red House Outdoor Bars

    Open-air bars and pubs line the square behind the octagonal Red House from 1908 in Ximending. The square is the hub of queer nightlife in Taipei and a great place for an evening out, even on a budget.
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    Traveling in Taipei

    From Taoyuan Airport, the Airport Metro goes directly to Taipei Main Station, a hub for Metro, rail, high-speed rail, and long-distance buses. Songshan City Airport is on the brown Metro line.Metro: Six lines, clean, air-conditioned, and with elevators at all stations. Children under six ride for free.EasyCard: Valid for Metro, buses, and YouBike; get it at Metro stations and convenience stores. The card makes bus travel cheaper.Maokong Gondola: This cable car is part of the Metro system and goes from the Zoo up into the tea hills of Maokong.Beitou: A short branch line connects the Red Line to Xinbeitou Station in the hot spring district.Taxis are cheap. For trips to Jiufen, buses depart from Zhongxiao Fuxing Metro Station or take trains to Ruifang.

    Accommodations in Taipei

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    Nearby

    North Taiwan

    North Taiwan

    The North around Taipei is the most densely populated part of Taiwan and the entry point for most travelers. Here you land in Taoyuan, eat your way through the capital's night markets, and drive in an hour to the mountains above the Northeast Coast.The Greater Taipei Area, including New Taipei and Keelung, is home to around seven million people. The metro reaches Yangmingshan National Park with its extinct volcanoes and Beitou's hot springs. In Ruifang District lies the former gold mining town of Jiufen, next door to the Gold Museum in Jinguashi.
    Jiufen

    Jiufen

    Jiufen is a former gold mining town located on a steep hillside above the northeast coast, about an hour from Taipei. Its stair-lined alleyways, traditional teahouses, and red lanterns make it the most popular day trip from the capital, especially in the late afternoon when the lights come on and the view extends over the sea.Following gold discoveries in 1893, the village grew into a mining town, its golden age coinciding with the Japanese colonial era. The present-day old town, centered around Jishan Street, primarily reflects those years. After the decline of mining, the town fell into disrepair and only later experienced a resurgence as a popular tourist destination. In the neighboring town of Jinguashi, the Gold Museum, located on a former mine site, recounts the history of gold extraction.
    Jinguashi

    Jinguashi

    Jinguashi, a short bus ride from Jiufen, was, like its neighbor, a center of gold mining. The Gold Museum recounts the history of gold extraction and the miners' lives; during World War II, it also served as a prisoner-of-war camp. Buses 788, 825, 856, 1062, and 965 travel here.
    Taroko National Park

    Taroko National Park

    Taroko Gorge, north of Hualien, is Taiwan's most famous natural landscape: The Liwu River has carved its way through marble cliffs, with walls rising steeply. The area is home to the Truku people.The earthquake on April 3, 2024, severely impacted the park. Well-known trails like the Shakadang Trail, Swallow Grotto, and Zhuilu Old Trail remain closed. Accessible areas include the Visitor Center at the park entrance with the Dekalun Trail, and parts of Tianxiang. Before any visit, check the latest advisories from the National Park Administration.
    Hualien

    Hualien

    Hualien on the east coast is the gateway to Taroko National Park and the Pacific coast, where the Central Mountain Range drops almost vertically into the sea. The city itself is relaxed and manageable; its appeal lies in its surroundings: pebble beaches, steep cliffs, and the famous Marble Gorge.The earthquake on April 3, 2024, severely impacted Taroko Gorge. Many well-known trails, such as the Shakadang Trail, Swallow Grotto, and Zhuilu Old Trail, remain closed even in 2026. Open areas include the visitor center at the park entrance with the Dekalun Trail and parts of the Tianxiang area. Before any excursion, check the latest information from the National Park Administration. Between the city and the gorge lies Qixingtan pebble beach.