Things To Do In Taipei, Taiwan

When I hear about Taipei, one of the first things that come to my mind is electronics. However, there is more to Taipei than electrical components. In recent years, it has become one of the famous tourist destinations in Asia and the world. With around 2.6 million people, it is the largest city of Taiwan and capital of Republic of China. Places to see in Taipei are plenty, which attracts around 6 million tourists each year from around the world. Streets are considered safe, even at night, which is another plus for visitors to this city. Travelers can enjoy both authentic Taipei lifestyle and modernized western lifestyle here. With so many things to do in Taipei, no doubt it is becoming another top Asian vacation destination.

Things To Do In Taipei

Taipei 101 Tower

Taipei 101 Tower | (cc) Photo By Peellden

When you come to the city, one of the top things to do in Taipei is to see the Taipei 101 Tower. Similar to Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Taipei Tower 101 is phenomenon for technology, art, innovation, people, environment and Taiwan identity. This is a building that represents the concept of striving beyond perfection. Completed in 2004, Taipei 101 Tower stands 1,667 feet tall above the streets of Xinyi District. This tower has an amazing view from the top where you can capture some great photographs. This tower has the world’s fastest elevators (doubledecker) too. They can get as fast as 63 km/h. The structure is capable of withstanding the largest of earthquakes. Taipei 101 Tower has made its name with a 6-story shopping mall and a state of the art cooling system. So if you’re looking for things to do in Taipei, make sure you mark down this one.

Taipei Zoo

Taipei Zoo Entrance | (cc) Photo By Latinboy

If you are looking for things to do in Taipei with family, Taipei Zoo is one of the perfect choices. You can spend a day tracing back over 90 years at the zoo. As this is one of the Taipei tourist attractions for the whole family, you can spend time in a relaxed atmosphere. The zoo is well equipped to provide great animal care and wildlife conservation. Facilities like the Education Center, Penguin House, Koala House, Amphibian and Reptile House and the Insectarium will keep your kids entertained. There is also an outdoor nature observation area, a wetland park and a special exhibit house to keep you intrigued for hours.

Chinese Culture & Movie Center

Chinese Culture and Movie Center | (cc) Photo By Peter Bronski

Chinese Culture & Movie Center was a former movie studio where movies and TV dramas were filmed. This is a place that is considered to be one of the most beautiful areas in the old streets of Taiwan. The center is well preserved with culture and architecture from the movie decade. The buildings are unique with beautiful ornaments. Some have little restaurants offering traditional foods and drinks. Shops here sell everything from ceramics, art, clothing to beauty products. There are quite a few nearby things to do in Taipei once you leave Chinese Culture & Movie Center. These include museums, galleries and temples.

Mengjia Longshan Temple

Dragon on Mengjia Longshan Temple | (cc) Photo By Bernard Gagnon

Visiting the Mengjia Longshan Temple is one of the top things to do in Taipei. This will enable you to see and experience the beautiful culture of Taiwan. This temple is one of the most importance places of worship in Taiwan. Built in 1738, it has been withstanding earthquakes and fires for centuries. Once you get here, you can hear the religious chants, see the lighting candles and smell the burning incense sticks. Inside you will find some precious artifacts and statues like the he Buddhist Goddess of Mercy and the statue of Avalokiteshvara. The surrounding area of the temple is filled with Buddhists article shops, fortune tellers and traditional Chinese medicine shops.

National Palace Museum

National Palace Museum | (cc) Photo By Peellden

The National Palace Museum is an antique museum, and one of the favorite Taipei attractions. Located in the outskirts of Taipei City, the splendid architecture of this building incorporates elements of traditional Chinese royal design with the medieval ages. The building has four floors. First three floors are filled with a collection of more than 696,000 pieces of ancient artifacts and artwork. The fourth floor is a lounge where visitors can rest. Don’t miss out on the Chih-shan Garden. It is one of the popular sections of the Museum that showcases many of the elements of traditional Chinese gardening art. Inside the garden you will see little bridges, flowing water, winding paths and green trees. This combination creates an atmosphere of simplicity and serenity.

While there are many more places to see in Taipei, these are the top of the list. Do you have any recommended things to do in Taipei?

Find best hotel deals in Taipei