Why Taipei is the perfect city break
Taiwan's capital packs an astonishing amount into a compact, friendly space: a supertall skyscraper, incense-filled temples founded in the 18th century, volcanic hot springs at the end of a metro line, tea plantations reached by gondola and some of the best street food in Asia. The excellent MRT network ties it all together, so three to four days are enough for a satisfying first visit without ever feeling rushed.
Taipei 101 and the Xinyi district
At 508 metres, Taipei 101 was the tallest building in the world until 2010 and it remains the city's defining landmark. High-speed lifts shoot you up to the observation deck on the 89th floor for a 360-degree panorama of the basin and the surrounding green mountains. Do not skip the tower's most surprising attraction on the way down: a golden, spherical tuned mass damper weighing 660 tonnes, suspended between the upper floors to steady the building during typhoons and earthquakes. The giant pendulum has become a sight in its own right, complete with its own cartoon mascot. Tickets cost around NT$600; come on a clear day or just before sunset. The surrounding Xinyi district is Taipei at its glossiest — department stores, rooftop bars and weekend street performers.
Temples and memorials
Longshan Temple, founded in 1738, is the city's most atmospheric place of worship. Carved dragons coil around stone columns, worshippers queue with offerings of fruit and flowers, and the courtyard fills with incense smoke from early morning until late evening. Entry is free; dusk, when the lanterns come on, is the loveliest time to visit.
The monumental Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall rises above a vast plaza flanked by the National Theater and the National Concert Hall. Time your visit to the ceremonial changing of the guard, held on the hour during opening times — a slow, hypnotically precise ritual that draws a crowd to the main chamber.
Classic views and neighbourhoods
Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan)
The short but steep Xiangshan trail begins a few minutes' walk from its own MRT station and climbs stone steps for about 20-30 minutes to platforms with the classic postcard view of Taipei 101 towering over the city. Arrive roughly an hour before sunset, secure a spot and stay as the lights come on. Bring water in summer — the humidity is serious.
Ximending
Taipei's pedestrian youth quarter is a neon grid of street fashion, sneaker shops, arcades, street performers and snack stalls. Come in the evening to feel the city's pop-culture pulse.
Dadaocheng and Dihua Street
The best-preserved old trading street in Taipei is lined with 19th-century shophouses selling tea, dried fruit, herbs and fabrics, now interwoven with stylish cafes and craft boutiques. This is the place for souvenirs that are actually worth carrying home.
National Palace Museum
The museum holds the largest collection of imperial Chinese art in the world, and even a half-day visit feels rich. Crowds gather around its two superstars: the Jadeite Cabbage, carved from a single piece of green-and-white jade, and the astonishingly realistic meat-shaped stone. Open roughly 09:00-17:00 (closed Mondays); admission about NT$350. Reach it by bus from Shilin MRT station.
Beitou hot springs and the Maokong gondola
Ride the MRT north to Beitou and you step into a volcanic spa district: the steaming, jade-green Thermal Valley, the elegant Hot Spring Museum housed in a Japanese-era public bathhouse, and open-air baths where a soak costs less than a coffee. On the opposite edge of the city, the Maokong gondola (about NT$120 one way) glides over tea plantations to hillside teahouses — order a pot of locally grown tieguanyin and watch the city glitter far below.
Practical tips
- Buy an EasyCard on arrival: it works on the MRT, buses, YouBike and even in convenience stores.
- MRT fares run about NT$20-65 per ride; trains are frequent, spotless and clearly signed in English.
- YouBike shared bicycles are ideal for the riverside paths and Dadaocheng.
- Plan 3-4 days: one for Xinyi and Elephant Mountain, one for temples and the National Palace Museum, one for Beitou or Maokong — plus a night market every evening.