If Taiwan isn’t already on your travel bucket list, it should be! Taiwan’s biggest city Taipei is one of Asia’s best destinations for those looking to try delicious street food, see beautiful architecture, and even get out into nature. No matter what type of traveler you are, Taipei has the activity for you!
If that description alone isn’t enough to convince you, let’s take a look at 17 photos to inspire you to visit Taipei.
Taipei 101
Starting our list is the iconic Taipei 101 building. Taipei 101 used to be the tallest building in the world until the Burj Khalifa in Dubai was built in 2010. Nonetheless, Taipei 101 is still very impressive and worth a visit.
Visitors can go to the observatory at the top of the Taipei 101 building for a stunning view of the city. As the elevators to the top are some of the fastest in the world, you don’t need to worry about spending too much time here. It is a great way to see the sunset, so try to head up in the late afternoon to grab a good spot!
Next up is Liberty Square. Liberty Square houses another well-known structure in Taipei, the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. The memorial was created in memory of Chiang Kao-shek, the former president of the Republic of China.
Today, Liberty Square is largely a tourist attraction but is also used for huge gatherings in Taiwan, such as the Taipei Lantern Festival.
Visitors can easily spend a few hours in Liberty Square to take in the impressive architecture.
If you want to take a break from city life, heading to the Beitou hot spring is a great idea. The hot spring is easily accessible from Taipei by car or public transport, making it a perfect day trip. You can even combine a visit to Tamsui fisherman’s wharf while you’re out there.
Like Beitou, Tamsui is located north of Taipei, and it is the last stop on Taipei’s MRT route’s red line. It is a seaside district where many tourists visit for delicious seafood. There are great attractions to visit in Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf, such as Lover’s bridge shown in the picture above.
Another great day trip out of the city is to Yehliu Geopark on the northeast coast of Taiwan. The geopark is easily accessible by public transport from Taipei, but many tourists choose to visit with a tour group.
Yehliu Geopark is a great way to experience nature’s serenity after being in the city for a few days. The geopark is known for its unique rock formations that are unlike any other landscape in Taipei. There is also a bustling market and beautiful temples in the area that you can visit to get the most out of your day trip.
Many tourists combine visiting the Yehliu Geopark with visiting Jiufen and Shifen. Jiufen and Shifen are quaint towns east of Taipei that can be accessed by public transport. Both towns are very unique and worth a visit.
In Shifen, tourists can visit a stunning waterfall, walk along a train track that is still in use today, visit the many food stalls, and let go of hand-painted lanterns. In Jiufen, the streets are filled with red lanterns as far as the eye can see. Tourists can walk along the street to visit little shops, restaurants, or food stalls.
Visiting Yehliu, Jiufen, and Shifen in one day is doable. Just make sure to get a good night’s rest the night before!
Once you’ve had your fill of nature, heading back into the city will be a treat. Checking out all the night markets Taipei has to offer is a great way to spend an evening. Shilin Night Market, Rahoe Night Market, and Ningxia Night Market are all great choices! Many even have Michelin-rated stalls. Oyster omelets, stinky tofu, fish balls, pork buns, and pineapple cake are all popular dishes to try at a night market, so make sure you go hungry!
The night markets don’t open until around 4:00 in the afternoon, so you’ll need somewhere to go during the day! The Ximending district in Taipei is a great choice. This neighborhood is often referred to as the “Harajuku of Taipei” as it has taken a lot of influence from Japanese culture.
Ximending is a great daytime activity because it is filled with trendy shops, restaurants, cafes, and boutiques. It is a great area for walking around as it is the largest pedestrian area in all of Taiwan. Spend your day shopping for unique souvenirs or even just presents for yourself, then pig out at any of the nearby night markets!
No matter where you go in Taipei, you will find something inspiring around every corner. The city has beautiful architecture, both old and new, that every traveler can appreciate. The city may come alive at night, but it is amazing in the day as well. Take your time exploring side streets, temples, parks, or night markets to make sure you don’t miss anything.
If you found these pictures inspiring enough to visit Taipei yourself, you are likely wondering where you should stay. Checking Airbnb Taipei is a great place to start. You can find the perfect place by narrowing down your search based on location, type of place, price, amenities, and more.
Staying around the Ximending district that we mentioned earlier is a great way to be in the center of the city’s hustle and bustle. If you are looking for something more upscale and quiet, staying around the Taipei 101 building that we mentioned earlier as well is a great idea.
Taipei is a safe city overall, so you will have a great time no matter where you stay. So, what are you waiting for? Book your ticket to Taipei today to see these pictures in real life instead of your computer screen!