Taiwan packs an incredible variety of experiences into a small island. Things to do in Taiwan span from towering skyscrapers in Taipei to serene mountain lakes and old mining towns draped in red lanterns. This East Asian gem welcomes travelers with friendly locals, efficient transport, and some of the best street food anywhere.
If you have a week or just a few days, Taiwan keeps surprising you at every turn. In this guide, we have covered the must see places in Taiwan along with practical details like timings, entry fees, and tips to help you plan your visit.
1. Taipei 101
This 508-meter skyscraper once held the title of world’s tallest building. Taipei 101 remains Taiwan’s most recognizable landmark and a must for any visitor. The observatory on the 89th floor gives you unobstructed views of the entire city.
The high-speed elevator shoots you up in just 37 seconds. Inside, you can see the massive 660-ton wind damper that keeps the building stable during typhoons and earthquakes. Visit during late afternoon to catch both daylight and sunset views. This spot ranks among the top things to do in Taiwan for good reason.
- Google Rating: NA
- Location: No. 7, Section 5, Xinyi Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110
- Timings: Daily 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Price: General tickets for adults NT$600/ INR 1,718, for children NT$540/ INR 1,546; set aside 1 to 2 hours for your visit
2. National Palace Museum
Home to nearly 700,000 Chinese artifacts, this museum holds one of the world’s largest collections of imperial treasures. The famous Jadeite Cabbage and Meat-shaped Stone draw visitors from around the globe. Each piece tells a story spanning thousands of years.
The collection is so vast that only a fraction gets displayed at any time. Audio guides come in multiple languages. Plan your route before arriving, since covering everything in one day is impossible.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5 stars
- Location: No. 221, Sec 2, Zhi Shan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111
- Timings: Daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed on Mondays)
- Price: Regular ticket for adults NT$350/ INR 1,002 and for group tickets NT$320/ INR 916, free for children under 17 and senior citizens aged 65 and above; set aside 3 to 4 hours for a proper visit
3. Jiufen Old Street
Narrow alleyways, glowing red lanterns, and mountain views make Jiufen magical. This former gold mining town has gained fame for its resemblance to scenes from the animated film Spirited Away. Tea houses perch on hillsides with sweeping ocean views below.
The winding streets overflow with food stalls selling taro balls, peanut ice cream rolls, and fish balls. Crowds peak in the afternoon, so arrive early or stay past sunset when the lanterns light up. This atmospheric village delivers some of the most fun things to do in Taiwan.
- Google Rating: 4.3/5 stars
- Location: Jishan St, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 224
- Timings: Daily 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Price: Free to explore; set aside at least a day to properly explore the area
4. Sun Moon Lake
Taiwan’s largest natural lake sits cradled in green mountains in Nantou County. The water takes a shape said to look like a sun on one side and a moon on the other. Cycling paths, boat rides, and lakeside temples make this a relaxing escape from city life.
The Sun Moon Lake Ropeway connects the lake to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village. Temples like Wenwu and Xuanguang offer peaceful views and a glimpse into local beliefs. This destination remains one of the things to do in Taiwan for tourists who want natural beauty.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5 stars
- Location: Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan 555
- Timings: Open year-round, boat services 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (timings may vary)
- Price: Boat ticket varies; spend at least 1 day in this lake
5. Shifen Old Street
Train tracks run right through the middle of this charming old street. Shifen gained fame for its sky lantern tradition, where visitors write wishes and release glowing lanterns into the sky. The experience feels both personal and festive.
Nearby Shifen Waterfall drops 20 meters and earns comparisons to a miniature Niagara. The Pingxi railway line connects several villages in this area, each with its own character. Writing your hopes on a lantern here counts among the most memorable things to do in Taiwan today.
- Google Rating: 4.3/5
- Location: No. 81號, Shifen St, Pingxi District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 226
- Timings: Open daily, most shops 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (timings may vary)
- Price: Free entry; set aside at least a day to explore the market
6. Beitou Hot Springs
Taipei’s hot spring district sits just a short MRT ride from the city center. Japanese colonizers developed this area over a century ago, and the influence remains visible in the architecture. Sulfur-rich waters promise relaxation after a day of sightseeing.
Thermal Valley showcases the steaming, bright green pools at their hottest. The Beitou Hot Springs Museum occupies a beautiful Japanese-era bathhouse building. Various hotels and public baths offer soaking options at different price points.
- Google Rating: 4.5/5
- Location: No. 2, Zhongshan Rd, Beitou District, Taipei City, Taiwan 112
- Timings: Daily 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
- Price: Ticket prices vary based on preference; spend at least half a day here
7. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
This massive white monument honors the former leader of the Republic of China. The changing of the guard ceremony draws crowds every hour. Liberty Square and the surrounding gardens provide space for morning tai chi and evening strolls.
The National Theater and National Concert Hall flank the memorial on either side. Inside the main hall, exhibits cover modern Taiwanese history. Free entry makes this an easy stop when exploring central Taipei.
- Google Rating: 4.5/5
- Location: 100, Taiwan, Taipei City, Zhongzheng District
- Timings: Daily 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Price: Free entry; set aside 1 to 2 hours for your visit
8. Yehliu Geopark
Wind and sea have sculpted the rocks here into bizarre formations over thousands of years. The Queen’s Head rock formation has become an icon of Taiwan tourism. Mushroom rocks, candle rocks, and sea-carved arches line the coastal promontory.
Located on the northern coast, Yehliu makes an easy day trip from Taipei. The visitor center explains the geological processes behind these natural sculptures. Early morning visits avoid the biggest tour groups.
- Google Rating: 4.4/5
- Location: 20744, Taiwan, New Taipei City, Wanli District, 港東路167-1號
- Timings: Daily 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Price: General ticket prices for adults NT$120/ INR 343, for students, children (aged 6 – 12), and senior citizens (aged 65 and above) NT$60/ INR 171; set aside 2 to 3 hours for your visit
9. Maokong Gondola
This cable car system connects Taipei Zoo to the tea-growing hills of Maokong. Crystal-floor cabins offer views straight down through the treetops. The 4-kilometer ride takes about 30 minutes and reveals Taipei from a completely different angle.
Tea plantations and traditional teahouses await at the top. Maokong produces some of Taiwan’s finest oolong tea. Sunset visits reward you with city lights twinkling below as darkness falls.
- Google Rating: 4.5/5
- Location: 116, Taiwan, 台北市文山區新光路二段30之2號
- Timings: Tuesday to Friday 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM, closed on Monday
- Price: Ticket prices start from NT$180/ INR 515; set aside 2 to 3 hours for exploration
10. Raohe Street Night Market
Night markets define Taiwanese food culture, and Raohe Street offers one of the best experiences. The ornate entrance gate signals the start of a food adventure. Pepper pork buns at the entrance have become legendary among visitors.
Stalls sell everything from stinky tofu to bubble tea to grilled squid. Games and clothing shops mix with the food vendors. The market runs alongside Ciyou Temple, whose lights add to the atmosphere.
- Google Rating: 4.3/5
- Location: Raohe St, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105
- Timings: Daily 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Price: Free entry; spend at least a day exploring the market properly
FAQs
What are the best things to do in Taiwan for first-time visitors?
Taipei serves as an ideal starting point, with Taipei 101 and the historic Longshan Temple both within easy reach of the city center. A day trip to Jiufen Old Street rewards you with lantern-lit alleyways and peaceful mountain tea houses overlooking the coast. Evening visits to local night markets introduce you to Taiwanese street food culture, completing the best things to do in Taiwan for tourists seeking a well-rounded first experience.
What shouldn’t you miss in Taiwan?
The National Palace Museum houses imperial treasures that cannot be found anywhere else in the world, so it is a must-visit. For nature lovers, Sun Moon Lake is an ideal place for its natural beauty and tranquility. Also, during your trip, a night market visit reveals the heart of Taiwanese food culture, and together these represent must see places in Taiwan covering history, nature, and cuisine.
What are the best things to do in Taiwan during the day?
Morning temple visits allow you to observe local worship practices and appreciate the architecture in peaceful surroundings. Hiking Elephant Mountain before midday heat arrives rewards you with panoramic views of Taipei 101 and the surrounding cityscape. Afternoons suit museum visits, offering fun things to do in Taiwan that balance activity with cultural enrichment.
What are the best things to do in Taiwan at night?
Night markets across the island come alive after sunset with food stalls, games, and a welcoming atmosphere worth experiencing. Taipei 101 offers evening observatory visits with stunning views of the illuminated city below. Jiufen Old Street glows with hundreds of red lanterns once darkness falls, while hot spring towns provide relaxing soaks after a full day of sightseeing.
What are the most kid-friendly activities in Taiwan?
Taipei Zoo offers extensive grounds and diverse animal exhibits that keep young visitors engaged throughout the day. The Maokong Gondola provides excitement with its crystal-floor cabins revealing treetops far below. Night markets feature carnival games alongside food options that appeal to all ages.
What are the best cultural things to do in Taiwan?
For the best cultural things, temple visits introduce you to the distinctive blend of Buddhist, Taoist, and folk traditions that shape spiritual life here. The National Palace Museum is another important cultural attraction that guides you through millennia of Chinese imperial history with artifacts of extraordinary significance.
What are the top food experiences in Taiwan?
If you want the top food experience, Xiaolongbao soup dumplings at Din Tai Fung have earned international recognition. During the night market, you can sample dozens of local dishes in a single evening, such as oyster omelets and grilled delicacies. Bubble tea originated here, so it is amust try along with Taipei’s celebrated beef noodle soup.
What are the best shopping areas in Taiwan?
Ximending in Taipei draws younger shoppers with its fashion boutiques, street art, and entertainment venues concentrated in pedestrian-friendly streets. Dihua Street preserves traditional commerce with shops selling dried goods, fabrics, and herbal medicines passed down through generations.
What’s the best time of year to visit Taiwan for sightseeing?
If you are looking for the best time to visit Taiwan, spring from March through May is ideal because of the comfortable temperatures and cherry blossoms along mountain roads. You can also visit during autumn, between September and November, which offers clear skies and pleasant weather ideal for outdoor activities. Things to do in Taiwan remain accessible throughout the year, though spring and autumn provide the most favorable conditions.
