Taipei blew my mind from the moment I stepped out of the metro. Standing at the top of Taipei 101 at sunset, watching the city lights flicker on while storm clouds rolled over the mountains, I realized this city has a magic all its own. The mix of nature and neon, ancient temples and modern life, creates something totally unique.
From the steamy wonderland of Beitou’s hot springs (where I spent an entire day soaking in mineral pools surrounded by misty mountains) to the glowing paper lanterns of Shifen, these are the most beautiful places in Taipei that capture its incredible spirit. Trust me, this city serves up way more than just amazing night markets and bubble tea. Let me show you the spots that made me fall head over heels for Taiwan’s capital.
Top Sights to See in Taipei
Looking for the coolest things to do in Taipei? Relax at the rejuvenating Beitou Hot Spring, visit the iconic Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, and take a peaceful stroll through Daan Forest Park. Explore the historic Hobe Fort and dive into the city’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in sightseeing, relaxation, or local heritage, here are the top attractions to visit in Taipei.
1. Beitou Hot Spring
The best thing about Beitou isn’t just that it’s basically free therapy for your body – it’s that you can reach this steamy paradise in 30 minutes from downtown Taipei by MRT. I’ve soaked in those emerald-green sulfur springs more times than I can count, and honestly, it never gets old watching that otherworldly mist rise from Thermal Valley.
The whole area feels like stepping into a Japanese onsen village, which makes sense since the colonial-era architecture is gorgeous. Beitou Hot Spring Museum tells the fascinating story of how this became Taiwan’s first hot spring destination back in 1894. You can’t miss the preserved Japanese bathhouse from 1913 – it’s basically Instagram gold.
Here’s the deal: public hot springs at Beitou Park cost around NT$60 (unfortunately closed for renovation until February 2026), but private resort experiences run about NT$1,400-1,600 for 90 minutes. The water comes straight from volcanic sources and actually contains radium, which sounds scary but locals swear by its healing properties. Best times are early morning or evening when the steam creates this magical, lantern-lit atmosphere that honestly beats any spa I’ve been to anywhere.
2. Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall is one of those places that’s way more interesting than you’d expect from a giant white building with a controversial political figure inside. The changing of the guard ceremony got moved outside to Democracy Boulevard in 2024 – no more standing beneath that massive bronze statue, which honestly makes the whole experience less weird.
I actually enjoy watching the precision of the guards every hour from 9am to 5pm. Those 89 steps up to the main hall represent the former president’s age at death, and the blue octagonal roof picks up traditional Chinese symbolism about good fortune. The surrounding Liberty Square is massive – 250,000 square meters where you can people-watch locals doing tai chi.
The National Theater and National Concert Hall flanking the memorial host world-class performances if you’re into that scene. Free admission makes this a no-brainer stop, plus the underground museum actually does a decent job explaining Taiwan’s complicated modern history. Pro tip: the gift shop has some of the best Taiwan souvenirs in the city, and you can easily combine this with nearby Nanmen Market for amazing traditional snacks.
3. Daan Forest Park
If Taipei’s urban intensity starts getting to you, Daan Forest Park is your escape valve – think Central Park but with way more humidity and elderly folks doing synchronized exercise routines. This 26-hectare green space legitimately functions as the city’s lungs, and I’ve spent countless mornings here watching the city wake up.
The ecological pond with its turtles and koi creates this surprisingly peaceful vibe right in the middle of Da’an District. You’ll see everything from families having picnics to office workers eating lunch under the bamboo groves. The amphitheater hosts free concerts that actually don’t suck, especially during spring and fall when the weather cooperates.
What makes this place special isn’t just the greenery – it’s how locals have completely adopted it as their communal backyard. Kids use the playgrounds, teenagers hang out by the fountain, and there’s even a public library inside the park. The seasonal flower displays are genuinely beautiful, especially when cherry blossoms bloom in early spring. It’s free, accessible by MRT, and you can easily spend two hours here without realizing it.
4. Hobe Fort
Most tourists skip Hobe Fort, which is honestly their loss because this clifftop fortress tells the wild story of Taiwan being passed between Spanish, Dutch, Qing, and British control. The red brick fortifications overlook where the Tamsui River meets the Taiwan Strait, and the views are legitimately spectacular.
I love how you can actually see the different colonial influences in the architecture and defensive designs. The cannons still point out toward the water, ready for ships that’ll never come. What’s cool is wandering through the gun emplacements and imagining the strategic importance this spot held for centuries of different rulers.
The surrounding Tamsui District adds serious charm with its historic streets and waterfront promenade. Hit up Fisherman’s Wharf afterward for fresh seafood and sunset views. The famous “golden river” sunset here is no joke – when the light hits the water and historic fortifications around 6pm, you’ll understand why people make the 40-minute journey from central Taipei. Entry is cheap, and you can easily combine this with the Lovers Bridge for a full afternoon exploring Taiwan’s colonial past.
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5. Longshan Temple
Longshan Temple hits different than any other temple I’ve experienced in Asia. Built in 1738 by Fujian immigrants, this place has survived earthquakes, bombing raids, and fires while maintaining its role as Wanhua District’s spiritual heart. The intricate wood and stone carvings depicting dragons and mythological scenes are absolutely mind-blowing.
Evening prayer sessions create this intense, smoky atmosphere with hundreds of worshippers chanting while multicolored ceramic figurines watch from the swallowtail roofs. I’ve never seen anything quite like it – the spiritual energy here feels legit ancient and alive. Fortune tellers set up around the courtyard if you’re into that, and the whole surrounding area buzzes with traditional life.
The temple’s survived because locals have rebuilt it every time disaster struck, keeping the architectural traditions intact. During major festivals, the ceremonies get absolutely wild with elaborate processions that have remained unchanged for centuries. It’s free to visit, and you can spend hours just watching the constant flow of devotees making offerings. The nearby Huaxi Street Night Market lets you dive deeper into old Taipei culture after experiencing this incredible spiritual space.
6. Lovers Bridge
Lovers Bridge serves up the most Instagrammable sunset spot in northern Taipei, and honestly, it actually lives up to the hype. This gleaming white pedestrian bridge curves elegantly across Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf like a sailing ship’s mast, with Guanyin Mountain creating the perfect backdrop.
During the day, the 196-meter span offers breathtaking harbor views, but the real magic happens after dark. The LED light show creates changing rainbow patterns that transform the bridge into this romantic wonderland – cheesy but genuinely beautiful. I’ve timed visits to catch both sunset and the evening lights, and it’s absolutely worth planning your day around.
The surrounding area enhances the whole experience with seafood restaurants and weekend markets. You can easily spend an entire evening here: dinner at a waterfront restaurant, sunset photos on the bridge, then the light show as your finale. The Tamsui area has this laid-back coastal vibe that feels completely different from central Taipei. Getting here takes about 45 minutes by MRT, but the combination of natural beauty and modern engineering creates something special that you can’t find anywhere else in Taiwan.
- Read next: Foodie Guide to Taipei’s Hidden Gems
7. Maokong Gondola
The Maokong Gondola might be the most underrated experience in Taipei – this 4.3km cable car journey literally lifts you from urban explorer to tea connoisseur in 20 minutes. I always opt for the crystal cabin with glass floors because the views of tea plantations below and Taipei 101 in the distance are absolutely worth the slightly longer wait.
At the summit, hillside tea houses serve locally grown oolong and Tieguanyin while mountain breezes provide natural air conditioning. The Camphor Tree Trail winds through actual working tea plantations, and in January and February, yellow lupins create this magical flower carpet between the tea rows. What surprised me most was how authentic the whole experience feels despite being so accessible.
The gondola connects directly to Taipei Zoo MRT station, making logistics super simple. Operating hours are typically 9am-9pm, with extended hours on weekends. Prices are reasonable (around NT$120 one-way), and you can use your EasyCard. Pro tip: sunset timing creates the perfect combination of golden hour photography and twinkling city lights below. The traditional tea ceremony experience up there genuinely taught me to appreciate Taiwan’s incredible tea culture in ways I never expected.
8. Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan)
Elephant Mountain delivers the money shot of Taipei 101 that everyone’s chasing, but it actually earns every sweaty step of that 20-minute climb. The 600 stone steps aren’t consistent in height, which makes this more challenging than it looks – but honestly, that’s part of what makes reaching the Six Giant Rocks viewpoint so satisfying.
The Photographer’s Platform gives you decent city views, but the real magic happens at the boulder formations where you can climb up for unobstructed shots of Taipei 101 dominating the skyline. I’ve hiked this trail at least a dozen times, and sunset timing still gives me chills when the golden light hits those skyscrapers. Night photography here is incredible if you bring a flashlight for the descent.
What makes this hike special beyond the views is how accessible it is – Xiangshan MRT Station puts you 10 minutes walking from the trailhead. The trail stays open 24/7 and costs nothing, which explains why you’ll find photographers here at 4am chasing sunrise shots. Bring water because there’s only one fountain near the top, and definitely allow 90 minutes round-trip if you want time for photos. The subtropical forest setting makes you forget you’re in the middle of one of Asia’s biggest cities.
9. National Palace Museum
The National Palace Museum houses 700,000 artifacts that span 8,000 years of Chinese history, and honestly, it’s overwhelming in the best possible way. The famous Jadeite Cabbage is traveling to Czech Republic from September-October 2025, but the Meat-shaped Stone and Mao Gong Ding bronze vessel are still there looking absolutely unreal in person.
I always download the museum app for English audio guides because the context makes everything so much richer. The Ru Ware Collection from the Northern Song Dynasty blew my mind – porcelain so fine it was made exclusively for emperors. What’s crazy is that only a fraction of the collection can be displayed at once, so they rotate exhibits constantly, meaning return visits always offer something new.
The museum opens 9am-5pm Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays), and tickets cost around NT$350. Budget at least three hours if you’re actually interested in the artifacts, though you could rush through in one hour. The traditional Chinese gardens outside provide a peaceful break between gallery visits. Getting there requires taking the MRT to Shilin Station then bus R30, but the journey’s totally worth it for one of the world’s greatest cultural treasures.
10. Taipei Zoo
Taipei Zoo might seem like a weird addition to your Taipei itinerary, but this place creates genuinely impressive naturalistic habitats that put most zoos to shame. The giant pandas Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan (their names together mean “reunion”) are obviously the stars, living in this elaborate bamboo paradise that constantly draws crowds.
What impressed me most was the Formosan Animal Area showcasing Taiwan’s native wildlife, including endangered Formosan black bears in environments that actually resemble their natural habitat. The shuttle train connecting different exhibits is a lifesaver during hot weather, and the zoo’s location at the foot of mountains creates this lush, green setting.
Combining your zoo visit with the adjacent Maokong Gondola makes perfect sense – both connect to the same MRT station (Taipei Zoo), and the gondola provides stunning aerial views after you’ve been walking around animal exhibits all day. Entry costs around NT$60, and the dedicated MRT station makes logistics super simple. Families obviously love this place, but even adults without kids appreciate the conservation efforts and the chance to see Taiwan’s unique wildlife up close.
11. Xinbeitou Hot Springs
Xinbeitou offers the same therapeutic hot spring experience as Beitou but with more upscale resort options and Japanese-influenced elegance. The Thermal Valley showcases those otherworldly emerald-green sulfuric waters creating mystical steam clouds that look like something from a fantasy movie – seriously, the photos don’t do it justice.
The Beitou Hot Spring Museum in that gorgeous 1913 Japanese bathhouse tells the story of how this area became Taiwan’s premier spa destination. I love how the whole district maintains this ryokan village atmosphere with traditional accommodations offering private hot spring baths right in your room. The mineral-rich waters supposedly have healing properties, and after soaking for hours, I actually felt the difference.
Beitou Park creates a perfect post-soak stroll with its sulfur-scented streams and mountain views. Getting here takes just 30 minutes by MRT from downtown Taipei – take the red line to Beitou Station, then transfer to the cute pink line for one stop to Xinbeitou. Public bath options start around NT$60, while private resort experiences can run NT$1,500+ but include traditional Japanese service and ambiance. This feels like a completely different world while remaining remarkably accessible.
12. Yangmingshan National Park
Yangmingshan National Park transforms into different worlds depending when you visit – cherry blossoms and azaleas paint the mountainsides pink in February and March, while summer brings lush green volcanic landscapes with active fumaroles and bubbling mud pools. Seven Star Mountain, the park’s centerpiece, rewards hikers with sweeping views extending to Taipei’s skyline and Taiwan’s north coast.
I’ve hiked here dozens of times, and the geothermal activity never stops being fascinating. Lengshuikeng offers outdoor foot baths where you can rest tired feet in natural hot springs after exploring volcanic craters. The park sits just 30 minutes from downtown by bus, but feels like you’ve traveled to a completely different climate zone.
What makes Yangmingshan special is the combination of accessibility and genuine wilderness. You can see active volcanic geology, soak in natural hot springs, and hike mountain peaks all in one day trip. The park’s elevation creates cooler temperatures year-round, making it perfect for escaping Taipei’s summer heat and humidity. Spring flower season (February-April) draws massive crowds, but visiting on weekdays during other seasons gives you these incredible mountain landscapes almost to yourself. Entry is free, and multiple bus routes connect to different trailheads throughout the park.
