1. Visit the National Palace Museum
The National Palace Museum is home to one of the world’s largest collections of Chinese art and artifacts. The museum is located in the Shilin District of Taipei and is open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Admission is free.
Top exhibits include:
- The Jadeite Cabbage
- The Meat-Shaped Stone
- The Maoling Mausoleum Jade Burial Suit
- The Four Beauties by Qiu Ying
2. Hike up Elephant Mountain
Elephant Mountain is a popular hiking destination in Taipei. The mountain is located in the Xinyi District and offers stunning views of the city skyline. The hike is relatively easy and takes about 30 minutes to complete.
Tips for hiking Elephant Mountain:
- Start your hike early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
- Bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Be aware of the traffic on the road leading to the trailhead.
3. Visit the Taipei 101 Observatory
The Taipei 101 Observatory is located on the 89th floor of the Taipei 101 skyscraper. The observatory offers 360-degree views of the city. Admission is NT$600 for adults and NT$300 for children.
Tips for visiting the Taipei 101 Observatory:
- Purchase your tickets online in advance to avoid the lines.
- Arrive early to get a good spot for viewing the sunset.
- Bring a camera to capture the amazing views.
4. Explore the Shilin Night Market
The Shilin Night Market is one of the most popular night markets in Taipei. The market is located in the Shilin District and is open every night from 5:00pm to 12:00am.
Must-try foods:
- Oyster omelet
- Stinky tofu
- Bubble tea
- Mango shaved ice
5. Visit the Ximending Shopping District
The Ximending Shopping District is a popular shopping destination in Taipei. The district is located in the Wanhua District and is home to a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Popular attractions:
- Red House Theater
- Eslite Bookstore
- The SPOT
- Cinema Park
6. Take a day trip to Jiufen
Jiufen is a small town located in the mountains of northern Taiwan. The town is known for its beautiful scenery, its tea houses, and its gold mines.
Things to do in Jiufen:
- Visit the Jiufen Old Street
- Have tea at a tea house
- Visit the Gold Ecological Park
- Hike to Keelung Mountain
7. Visit the Taroko Gorge National Park
The Taroko Gorge National Park is a stunning natural beauty spot located in eastern Taiwan. The park is home to towering cliffs, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
Must-see attractions:
- The Swallow Grotto
- The Eternal Spring Shrine
- The Cingjing Farm
- The Hehuanshan Mountain
- The Wuling Farm
Tips for visiting the Taroko Gorge National Park:
- Rent a car or hire a driver to get to the park.
- Allow plenty of time to explore the park.
- Bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
- Be aware of the weather conditions.