First-time in Taipei: Your essential guide to Taiwan’s most exciting city

A vibrant city of temples, towers, and tantalizing street eats, Taipei blends ancient rhythms with urban energy. Here, incense drifts through temple courtyards as futuristic lights reflect off glass towers, and every night market hums with the sound of sizzling woks and laughter.

So, you're planning your first trip to Taipei? Get ready for a city that buzzes with energy, dazzles with unforgettable sights, and will completely win over your taste buds. Scooters zip through narrow alleys lined with food stalls, neon lights shimmer off temple roofs, and mountain trails rise just beyond the skyline. The city’s rhythm is a seamless mix of tradition and innovation, where steaming bowls of noodles share the stage with futuristic towers and vibrant art museums.

For first-time visitors, this guide brings together the experiences that define Taipei—its unforgettable sights, local flavours, and cultural treasures—so your trip unfolds as a series of discoveries rather than a checklist.

Taipei 101: A skyline icon

Few landmarks embody Taipei’s identity like Taipei 101. Once the tallest building in the world, this bamboo-inspired skyscraper captures the spirit of a city reaching ever upward while staying grounded in culture. Inside, you’ll find luxury shopping, refined dining, and a breathtaking observation deck with views stretching to the sea.

Observation deck views

From the 89th-floor deck, Taipei stretches out in all directions—mountains, rivers, and a glittering urban grid. The high-speed elevator whisks you up in 37 seconds, while glass walls offer photographers their dream panorama. Visit around sunset for the most magical light.

• Fast elevator: 37 seconds to the top
• Glass viewing walls: Ideal for photos and sightseeing
• Interactive panels: Learn about the landmarks below

• Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon to see the city transition from day to night. The sunset and city lights are magical.

• Don't Miss: The massive, golden Wind Damper Ball, an engineering marvel that stabilizes the tower against earthquakes and typhoons. It's visible from the indoor observatory.

Shopping and dining

Taipei 101’s lower floors house a glittering mall that brings together international brands and local boutiques. Between fashion finds and souvenirs, pause for a tea break or indulge in one of Taipei’s best dumpling spots, Din Tai Fung.

• Local flavours: Bubble tea, dumplings, noodles
• Global cuisine: Italian, Japanese, and French dining
• Sweet breaks: Cafés and dessert shops throughout

Whether you come for the view or the flavours, Taipei 101 is an unmissable stop on your first visit.

Taipei’s night markets: The heartbeat after dark

When the sun sets, Taipei’s energy shifts from business towers to buzzing alleys filled with sizzling woks and bright lights. Night markets are where locals and travellers meet over shared bites and laughter. They offer a dizzying array of snacks, games, and souvenirs. For a true taste of local life, you can't skip them.

Shilin Night Market: The largest & most famous

Taipei’s largest night market is a feast for the senses. The air fills with the aroma of grilled seafood and sweet milk tea, while neon signs compete for attention.

Must-try eats:

• Fried chicken steak — crispy, oversized, and addictive
• Bubble tea — Taiwan’s signature sweet refreshment
• Oyster omelette — a classic street dish
• Stinky tofu — a bold, local favourite
• Grilled squid — smoky and tender

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Raohe Street Night Market: A cozy & authentic alternative

Smaller and more traditional, Raohe Street glows under red lanterns and temple lights. Here, the rhythm is slower, and every vendor greets you with a smile.

Top bites:

• Pepper buns — crisp pastry filled with spiced pork
• Herbal pork rib soup — rich and comforting
• Grilled corn — brushed with savoury sauce
• Fish ball soup — light yet flavourful
• Taiwanese sausage — sweet and smoky

Each market tells its own story—Shilin bursts with excitement, while Raohe feels like home.

Discovering Taipei’s temples

Taipei’s temples are more than places of worship; they’re windows into the city’s soul. Incense curls through the air, candles flicker, and every carving whispers a piece of history.

Longshan Temple

Built in 1738, Longshan Temple stands as a symbol of faith and resilience. It's one of the city's oldest and most revered temples, dedicated to Buddhist, Taoist, and folk deities. Locals continue to visit here daily to pray to Guanyin, the goddess of mercy.

• Atmosphere: Experience the serene, smoky ambiance as locals pray and make offerings. The intricate woodcarvings and dragon pillars are breathtaking.

• Visitor tip: Admission's free, and the venue is open from early morning until late evening, making it an ideal spot for quiet reflection.

Highlights:

• Main Hall with the revered Guanyin statue
• Ornate dragon pillars and vivid murals
• Prayer area for lighting incense and making wishes
• Festivals that fill the courtyard with song and colour

Confucius Temple

A peaceful contrast to the city’s bustle, the Confucius Temple celebrates wisdom, respect, and harmony. Built in 1930, it’s an elegant showcase of Chinese architecture and serenity. Its elegant red walls and sweeping blue-tiled roofs are a classic example of Minnan-style architecture.

• Highlights: The tranquil courtyards and lack of incense smoke create a uniquely peaceful environment. Look for the musical instruments used in ceremonial rites.

• Special event: If you're visiting in September, be sure to attend the spectacular ceremony held in honour of Confucius's birthday.

What to do:

• See the main shrine of Confucius
• Walk through quiet courtyards and stone inscriptions
• Sample snacks at the nearby market

Taste Taipei: Street food adventures

Food is the language of Taipei, and every stall has its own dialect. From sizzling woks to chilled desserts, Taipei’s street eats are an edible journey through local life.

Xing Fu Tang is a Taiwanese multinational chain of bubble tea restaurants. Founded by Edison Chen in Taipei in 2018.

Bubble tea

Born in Taiwan and loved worldwide, bubble tea is a must-try. With its chewy tapioca pearls and endless flavour combinations, each sip is a taste of Taipei’s playful spirit.

Popular flavours:

• Classic milk tea — sweet and creamy
• Fruit tea — refreshing blends of mango or passion fruit
• Cheese tea — a quirky mix of salty foam and sweetness

Tip: Order from a local chain like 50 Lan or Tiger Sugar, and adjust the sugar and ice to your taste.

Taiwanese snacks

Taipei’s snack stalls turn sidewalks into open kitchens. Grab small plates and share as you go.

Must-try bites:

• Stinky tofu — crispy outside, soft inside, perfectly spicy
• Oyster omelette — eggs, oysters, and a savoury glaze
• Pineapple cake — a sweet souvenir treat
• Grilled squid — smoky and tender
• Shaved ice — fruit-topped and refreshing

Urban escapes: Parks and viewpoints

Even in its busiest districts, Taipei knows how to take a moment to slow down. Its parks and mountains offer a breath of fresh air and some of the best skyline views in Asia.

Daan Forest Park

Known as the lungs of Taipei, this central green space spans 64 hectares of ponds, pathways, and wildlife. Locals jog, practice tai chi, and picnic beneath the shade of the trees.

Bring a snack and join the city at its most relaxed pace.

Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan)

A short climb rewards you with Taipei’s most famous view—Taipei 101 framed by sunset light. The hike is under 30 minutes but steep; bring water and good shoes.

The skyline at dusk is unforgettable, especially as the city lights start to glow. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. The main viewing platform is about a 20-minute walk up stone steps.

Cultural gems: Art and history

Taipei’s creative spirit is reflected in its museums and galleries, where centuries of history converge with cutting-edge design.

National Palace Museum

Home to more than 700,000 pieces of Chinese art, the National Palace Museum is one of the world’s great cultural treasures.

Don’t miss:

• The Jadeite Cabbage—delicate and symbolic
• Ancient calligraphy and scroll paintings
• Ming and Qing porcelain collections

Taipei Fine Arts Museum

Focusing on modern and contemporary art from Taiwan and around the world, this museum offers a striking contrast to the ancient treasures of the National Palace Museum. Its rotating exhibitions are always thought-provoking. This museum celebrates Taiwan’s evolving art scene. Its airy halls host rotating exhibitions and interactive installations.

Getting around: The MRT experience

Taipei’s MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system makes exploring easy, clean, and affordable. Signs and announcements are bilingual, and stations connect most major attractions.

Main MRT lines

Essential MRT tips

1. Get an EasyCard: This rechargeable tap card is convenient for use on the MRT, buses, and for making purchases at convenience stores. It offers a slight discount on every ride.

2. Understand the lines: The key lines for tourists are the Red Line (connects Tamsui to Taipei 101) and the Blue Line (runs east-west through Taipei Main Station).

3. Follow the rules: No eating or drinking, and always stand on the right side of escalators to let others pass on the left.

4. Avoid rush hours (7–9 AM, 5–7 PM) for comfort.

Stand on the right on escalators, and you’ll fit right in.

Easy day trips from Taipei

If you have time, venture out to discover the stunning diversity surrounding Taipei. The surroundings are as captivating as the city itself. Within an hour, you can trade skyscrapers for misty hills or steaming hot springs.

Jiufen Old Street

The former gold-mining town of Jiufen is now a picturesque mountain retreat, famous for its steep, lantern-lit alleys, cozy teahouses, and sweeping ocean views. Don't miss its iconic sweet taro balls and deeply nostalgic atmosphere.

What to do:

• Try taro balls and peanut ice-cream rolls
• Sip tea overlooking the Pacific
• Shop for handcrafted souvenirs
• Stay after sunset to see the lanterns glow

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Beitou Hot Springs

Just a short MRT ride from the city center, Beitou is a geothermal wonderland. You can visit the steamy Thermal Valley, learn about the area's history at the Hot Spring Museum, and most importantly, soak in the mineral-rich waters at a public bath or private resort hotel.

Highlights:

• Public and private hot-spring baths
• Beitou Hot Spring Museum
• Thermal Valley’s turquoise pools
• Shaded parks for quiet walks

Final tips for your trip

Taipei is a city that surprises at every turn. You can sip tea in a centuries-old temple courtyard, ride a high-speed elevator into the clouds, and end your day sharing dumplings under night-market lights. Its contrasts—ancient and modern, serene and electric—are what make it unforgettable.

Your first trip will likely not be your last. Taipei welcomes travellers with warmth, flavour, and a sense of discovery that lingers long after you’ve left its glowing streets.