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Taipei by Day: The Must-Visit Places



Taipei is a city where 18th-century temples sit in the shadow of 21st-century skyscrapers. Here are the most popular touristic spots inside the city for your daytime adventures.


🏙️ The Icons:


Taipei 101


Taipei 101 held the title of the tallest building in the world from 2004 to 2010 and remains a global icon for thrill-seekers. You might recognise this tower from the free solo climber Alex Honnold, who famously climbed the exterior of Taipei 101.


  • The Giant Wind Damper: Find the massive gold steel ball suspended in the center weights 728 tons, it is what keeps the building steady during typhoons and earthquakes. It is the world's largest tuned mass damper.


  • The High-Speed Observatory: Take one of the world's fastest elevators (60 km/hr) to the 89th-floor observation deck. You'll get a 360-degree view of the entire Taipei basin.


  • Must-Try Dining & Coffee:

    • Din Tai Fung: Even though there are branches worldwide, eating it at the 101 flagship is a rite of passage. This is every foreigner's favourite, no one would say no to Din Tai Fung.

    • Simple Kaffa: Founded by Berg Wu, a World Barista Champion, it offers high-quality coffee with a panoramic view of the city from the 88th floor. It could be an alternative of the observatory.


  • For Thrill-Seekers: Book a Skyline 460 experience to walk on the actual outdoor roof of the 101st floor. It’s windy, exhilarating, and offers the highest unobstructed view in Asia.



Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall


One of the most recognisable historical landmark in Taipei, commemorating the former President of the Republic of China (Taiwan).


  • Changing of the Guard: Happens every hour on the dot (9 AM – 5 PM).


  • Liberty Square: It’s the historic site of Taiwan's pro-democracy movements, making it a deeply symbolic place for locals.


  • The Twin Palaces: Flanking the square are the National Theatre and Concert Hall. Check out the hidden tea houses inside for a sophisticated break from the sun.


⛩️ The Spirit:



Longshan Temple (龍山寺)


Built in 1738, this temple is a masterpiece of ornate wood and stone carvings. It’s dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, but you’ll find over 100 other deities here. Watch as locals "toss the blocks" (crescent-shaped red woods) to ask the gods for advice, it’s a fascinating ritual to observe.



Xiahai City God Temple (霞海城隍廟)

This is a "trendy" temple, you’ll see crowds of young locals praying to the Matchmaker. He is basically the "Chinese Cupid," and famous for being very efficient!


  • The Ritual: When you pray, you are encouraged to be specific! Tell the god exactly what kind of partner you are looking for (personality, appearance etc).


  • A Personal Story: This place actually holds a special place in my heart. My relationship with Tom essentially started here! I prayed for love, and shortly after, I met Tom (exactly the type of person I asked for). Whether you believe in fate or just want to try a local tradition, it’s a must-visit.



Dalongdong Bao-an Temple (大龍峒 保安宮)


This temple won the Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for Culture Heritage Conservation, it feels like a living art gallery. Unlike the busier Longshan, Bao-an is peaceful. And It’s dedicated to the God of Medicine, and the atmosphere is deeply serene.


📜 The Culture:


National Palace Museum (故宮)


It’s a collection of over 700,000 ancient Chinese artefacts that were whisked away from Beijing’s Forbidden City to save them during the war. It is so massive that they rotate the items every few months.


The Stars: See the legendary Jadeite Cabbage and the Meat-Shaped Stone. They look so real you’ll want to order lunch immediately after.



Da Dao Cheng (大稻埕)


This is the oldest district in Taipei, once the center of the tea and silk trade.


The Vibe: Walking down Dihua Street feels like stepping back 100 years. The red-brick shophouses are filled with the scent of dried herbs and high-mountain tea. Today, it’s a "hipster" paradise where traditional tea shops sit next to modern speakeasies and craft boutiques. You can also find global brands like Adidas and Jo Malone but with an ancient Taiwanese touch.


The "Matchmaker" temple is here too!


🧖‍♂️ The Escape: Nature & Wellness



Beitou Hot Springs

Beitou (北投) is a volcanic valley where the air smells of sulfur and steam rises from the ground.


  • The Sights: Visit the Thermal Valley (Hell Valley) to see the naturally boiling green-sulphur water.


  • The Soak: You can visit the historic Beitou Hot Spring Museum (a former Japanese bathhouse) or soak in the public outdoor baths for just a few dollars. For a splurge, book a private "soup room" in a luxury hotel (highly recommend!) to relax in the milky-white sulphur waters.



Elephant Mountain (象山)

If you want the "postcard" view of Taipei, you have to climb the stairs.


  • The Hike: It’s a steep, 20-minute climb up stone steps. It will make you sweat, but once you reach the "Six Boulders" lookout, you’ll have an unobstructed view of Taipei 101 nestled between the green mountains.


  • Pro Tip: Aim for golden hour! Don't worry, there are plenty of climbers out in the evenings, so safety is never a concern.

 
 
 

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