Last updated: 19 Oct 2025
Taipei is home to me. I only visit once a year now, so every walk, snack, and temple bell hits a little deeper. This trip was extra special, it’s my partner’s first time visiting Taiwan. So we did a mix of big Taipei tourist spots and the little corners I love. It’s not a marathon checklist; it’s a week of easy days you can copy, swap, or stretch.
If you’re shortlisting places to visit in Taipei, here’s the week I’d repeat for a first-timer, big Taipei tourist sights plus my favourites!
Watch the vlog: I filmed the whole thing so you can see the pace, the crowds, and how the light changes through the day.
Day 1 — Dadaocheng & Dihua Street (大稻埕・迪化街)
If “old Taipei” had a postcard, it would be here. wooden shopfronts, tea tins, herbal scents. I always start with a slow wander: pop into a tea shop, peek at fabric stores, snag a small snack, then sit somewhere shady and people-watch.
Xiahai City God Temple (台北霞海城隍廟)
A tiny temple with big feelings. People come to pray for love, among other things. If you’re curious, the staff will show you how to make an offering. It’s sweet, sincere, and very Taipei.
Day 2 — Elephant Mountain & Xinyi
Breakfast first (always). I like a crispy scallion pancake before tackling the steps—there are a lot. The Xiangshan trail 象山步道 is short but steep; give yourself time to stop at the viewpoints and breathe. The Taipei 101 skyline from up here? Still gives me goosebumps.
If you want the paid viewpoint, the Taipei 101 Observatory is the classic; pre-book Taipei 101 tickets for sunsets and skip the queue. Otherwise, free city bridges and rooftops also scratch the itch in Xinyi District.
If you’re choosing between viewpoints later, weigh Taipei 101 Observatory (paid, weather-dependent) vs free rooftops/bridges for budget and queues.
**Taipei 101 ticket here
Day 3 — Houtong Cat Village → Jiufen (day trip)
Houtong used to be a mining town; now the cats run the show. Expect quiet lanes, mountain views, and a café or two that you’ll “accidentally” linger in. I like 217 Café (217 咖啡) by the tracks; they have a house cat on patrol, and warm and heartwarming notes left by the customers from around the world.
Houtong Cat Village 猴硐貓村
Jiufen 九份
FroJiufen sits above the coast in New Taipei’s Ruifang District—a classic day trip from Taipei for tea views and lantern lanes. A misty hillside village above the sea, once a gold-mining town during the Japanese era. Today it’s all lantern lanes, tea houses, and views that feel like a movie. If you can, time it for late afternoon into sunset; the lanterns warm up and everything feels dreamlike.
A-Mei Teahouse 阿妹茶樓
The photogenic, multi-storey tea house with red lanterns you’ve seen on Instagram. Fans often link its look to Spirited Away (unofficial but fun), and the balcony views over Jiufen are gorgeous.
A-Gan-Yi Taro Ball 阿柑姨芋圓
Classic chewy taro/sweet-potato balls served warm or iced, with probably the best sea-and-mountain view in town. Grab a bowl and sit on the terrace for the panorama
Day 4 — Liberty Square → Bopiliao → Longshan → Ximending
Start with a taro omelette 蛋餅 (my forever favourite), then walk off breakfast at Liberty Square (自由廣場).
Liberty Square (自由廣場)
A grand civic plaza in Zhongzheng District framed by the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and the National Theatre/Concert Hall. It was renamed “Liberty Square” in 2007 to reflect Taiwan’s democratic journey; the memorial itself opened in 1980. Changing of the guard is a crowd-pleaser, but the site also invites reflection on the White Terror years. On weekends, you’ll see dance crews and skaters; it gives the space a lighter feel.
Bopiliao Historic Block (剝皮寮)
My calm pocket: red-brick lanes, little exhibits, time slowing down.
A preserved lane of Qing dynasty and Japanese-era red-brick shophouses near Longshan. Once a trading street, it’s now a small heritage area with exhibits and classrooms, great for quiet, “old Taipei” photos.
Longshan Temple (龍山寺)
Where I go to reset—incense, chanting, carved beams.
Founded in 1738 by settlers from Fujian, rebuilt several times after earthquakes and wartime damage. It’s one of Taipei’s most beloved temples—intricate carvings, incense, and chanting that instantly slows you down
Ximending (西門町)
This is peak city energy. Taipei Ximending is a pedestrian-first Ximending walking district packed with fashion shops, arcades, street food and neon—easy to wander and even easier to snack through. Start at Red House Taipei (西門紅樓), the red-brick octagonal landmark by the main square. By day, it’s craft markets and design stores; at night, the creative/LGBTQ+ scene hums around it.
We lucked out and visited during the Taipei Lantern Festival. Taipei’s been doing lantern installations and celebrations around the Lunar New Year for many years, and the whole area glows.
It was great fun to drift under the lights, then queue (briefly!) for those dangerously good crispy milk donuts (脆皮鮮奶甜甜圈). Come after dark if you can; Ximending really switches on at night.
Day 5 — Maokong Tea Hills (貓空)
When you’ve ticked the big things to see in Taipei, Maokong slows the pace—tea, hills, and hazy city views
Maokong is also where I relax and hang out with friends: tea, simple dishes, and that soft city view. We sat at Redwood Tea House (紅木屋), wooden decks, gentle music, and a glimpse of Taipie 101 when the haze lifted. Order a basic tea set and a couple of homestyle plates; stretch lunch into a long chat.
(check Maokong Gondola maintenance days & weather suspensions)
Day 6 — National Palace Museum → Yongkang / Rongjin
One of the top Taipei attractions and an easy must on any list of places to visit in Taipei. National Palace Museum (國立故宮博物院).I like to keep it focused: bronzes, calligraphy, and if you’re lucky, the Jadeite Cabbage or Meat-Shaped Stone when they’re on display. 2–3 hours is comfy; pre-book timed tickets if you’re visiting on a weekend.
After that, decompress nearby in Yongkang with a dessert stop, then wander to Rongjin Gorgeous Time (榕錦時光), restored Japanese-era wooden houses, a sense of hush, and little design shops. It’s a gentle reset after a museum morning.
Day 7 — Yangmingshan National Park (陽明山國家公園)
Taipei’s backyard. I grew up coming here with family, mountain climbing, picnics, fog rolling in, and spring flowers. Cherry blossoms are usually late Jan to March, but the park is lovely year-round: fumeroles, hot spring villages, and easy loops if you don’t want a full hike. Layers are your friend; the weather flips quickly up here.
For blooms and clearer air, late winter to spring and autumn are my favourites—often the best months to visit Taiwan weather-wise
Vegetarian eats I loved (easy picks)
Taipei is genuinely vegetarian-friendly with many amazing vegetarian restaurants, great news if you’re planning things to do in Taipei around food (on top of our famous night markets)
Below are three restaurants I recommend (Trust me, you won’t regret it)
炒炒新亞洲蔬食 CHAO — Casual, bright flavours; order a couple of sharing plates and rice.
上善豆家 DeliSoys — Comforting soy-forward mains and soups; soothing after a long walking day.
養心茶樓 Yang Shin Vegetarian Dim Sum— Weekend brunch dim-sum heaven; book ahead and bring a friend so you can try everything.
I’ll keep adding to this list, drop your favourites in the comments and I’ll go try them next trip.
FAQs
Is the Taipei Fun Pass worth it?
The Taipei Fun Pass bundles transit + attractions. If you’re hitting 2–3 paid sights a day and riding MRT/buses a lot, it can be a good value. If your days are slower (tea houses, markets, free temples), an EasyCard + paying per attraction is usually cheaper.
What’s the best Taipei city tour?
I’m biased toward DIY—Taipei’s MRT makes a self-guided Taipei city tour super easy, and you’ll see more at your own pace. If you prefer guided, look for a historic-core walk (Dadaocheng/Old Town) or a night-market food tour; both pack lots into a few hours.
I will recommend WALK in TAIWAN (English guide tour available)
Do I need cash?
Mostly card-friendly, but some small stalls and night-market snacks only take cash.
How do I buy Taipei 101 tickets?
Book Taipei 101 tickets online for sunset slots (fewer queues), or go early on weekdays. On cloudy days, swap for Elephant Mountain.
How long do I need for the National Palace Museum?
2–3 hours if you focus; longer if you love decorative arts. (check exhibitions & timed tickets)
What’s the easiest day trip combo?
Houtong + Jiufen: cats first, lantern views after. Check
When’s cherry blossom season?
Usually late Jan–Mar, but it shifts, always check the forecast!
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