Choose from 52 Fun Things to Do in Taipei
ShowingFilter 41-52 of 52 listings.
Yehliu Geopark
Yehliu Geopark, home to the iconic Queen’s Head rock formation, looks more like a landscape from Mars than the northern coast of Taiwan. With its otherworldly natural structures, all of which have alluring names such as the Fairy Shoe and Sea Candles, the park makes for an enriching day trip from Taipei.
The Basics
Yehliu Geopark is most commonly visited as part of a tour of Taiwan’s northern coast from Taipei. The tours, which allow travelers to avoid the stress of arranging transfers and admission tickets, usually make stops at the lantern village of Jiufen, a mining town that inspired the Studio Ghibli movie Spirited Away, and Shifen Waterfall, one of the highest falls in Taiwan. If you’re looking for a more personalized experience, take a private tour of the park to benefit from the insider knowledge of a geologist guide.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wear sturdy walking shoes—some of the park’s terrain is uneven.
- This is a must-see for lovers of nature and outdoors enthusiasts.
- Head to the Queen’s Head formation, located at the far end of the park, first; that way, you’ll avoid the crowds at the most touristy area.
How to Get There
To reach the visitor center at the entrance of the park, take the Kua-Kuang Co. bus at the West Station A in Taipei, which departs every 20 minutes; the journey takes around two hours.
When to Get There
The natural beauty of the park attracts large crowds, particularly around lunchtime, when most organized tours stop there. Try to arrive either first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon, when most visitors have already left.
The Best Rock Formations in Yehliu Geopark
If you’re visiting the geopark alone, ensure you don’t miss out on remarkable rock formations such as the Sea Candles, Fairy Shoe, Ice Cream Rock, Princess Head, and Elephant Rock. Fans of Salvador Dali are sure to draw comparisons with the rocks and some of the artist’s surreal desert scenes.
Address: No.167-1, Kantung Rd., Yehliu Village 20744, Taiwan
From $ 33
Yingge
Situated in Taipei County, the town of Yingge is well-known for its production (and celebration) of all things ceramic. It's true that pottery and ceramic fans will be in their element here, with several hundred pottery shops, an annual festival, and even a ceramics museum.
For the annual Yingge International Ceramics Festival, Jianshanpu Road is undoubtedly the main hub, and is in fact where the ceramics industry in the town all began. Despite being modernized, this road still features an old coal-fired kiln chimney along with a number of other ancient buildings. A pedestrianized section of Jianshanpu Road is known as Ceramics Old Street and is home to numerous ceramics shops, as well as the odd street performance.
To delve deeper into the history of the ceramics industry in Taiwan, head to the Yingge Ceramics Museum. Opened in 2000, the museum takes visitors on a complete journey through the history and development of pottery in Taiwan, as well as giving an insight into the production process.
Practical Info
The town of Yingge is a 30-minute train ride from Taipei Main Station, with trains running every 20 minutes or so. On arriving in Yingge, all the attractions are within a 10-minute walk from the station. The Yingge Ceramics Museum is open from 9:30am to 5pm Tuesday to Friday and 9:30am to 6pm on the weekend. The museum is closed on Mondays and public holidays. Admission is free.
Address: Yingge, Taiwan
From $ 45
Danshui (Tamsui)
During the nineteenth century, the seaside village of Danshui was Northern Taiwan's busiest shipping and commerce port. Today, it's known for its European architecture, delicious seafood and stunning sunsets.
The Danshui area was settled by the Spanish in 1629 and the Dutch in 1641, and one of the most impressive remnants of Danshui's colonial days is the Hongmao Castle, also called Fort San Domingo. The structure briefly served as the British Consulate before being returned to Taiwan in 1980.
After you've visited the castle, spend the rest of your time in Danshui wandering through the waterfront area and Old Street. It is here you'll find a majority of the city's famous seafood restaurants and traditional handicraft shops. Try the fish ball soup, it's a specialty of the town. As the sun sets, head down to Fisherman's Wharf to watch with views of Lover's Bridge, the large pedestrian bridge that spans the harbor.
The Danshui area was settled by the Spanish in 1629 and the Dutch in 1641, and one of the most impressive remnants of Danshui's colonial days is the Hongmao Castle, also called Fort San Domingo. The structure briefly served as the British Consulate before being returned to Taiwan in 1980.
After you've visited the castle, spend the rest of your time in Danshui wandering through the waterfront area and Old Street. It is here you'll find a majority of the city's famous seafood restaurants and traditional handicraft shops. Try the fish ball soup, it's a specialty of the town. As the sun sets, head down to Fisherman's Wharf to watch with views of Lover's Bridge, the large pedestrian bridge that spans the harbor.
Address: Taiwan
From $ 1,199
Yehliu Coast
On the coast just north of Keelung sits one of Taiwan’s most fascinating geological parks, the Yehliu Coast. Over thousands of years, wind and rain eroded away parts of the softer top layer of rock to reveal interesting patters. Some areas look like honeycombs, others like potholes, a shoe and even a queen’s head. The exposed sandstone landscape is littered with fossils, old relics of a past era. The mushroom rocks and candle-shaped rocks are among the more alien-looking formations.
Since the Yehliu Coast is less than an hour drive from Taipei, it makes a convenient day trip, especially when combined with a visit to the seaport of Keelung and Yehliu’s Baoan Temple. It’s also an extremely popular option on Taiwan tours, so if you want to escape the crowds after you’ve snapped your pictures, take a stroll down to the end of the rocky peninsula to enjoy the views in relative isolation.
Since the Yehliu Coast is less than an hour drive from Taipei, it makes a convenient day trip, especially when combined with a visit to the seaport of Keelung and Yehliu’s Baoan Temple. It’s also an extremely popular option on Taiwan tours, so if you want to escape the crowds after you’ve snapped your pictures, take a stroll down to the end of the rocky peninsula to enjoy the views in relative isolation.
Address: Taiwan
From $ 41
Yongkang Street
Yongkang Street, with seemingly endless rows of independent cafés and no-frills eateries, represents the best of Taipei’s food scene. This area offers a mix of Japanese, Korean, and Taiwanese joints, so it’s best to arrive at Yongkang hungry and ready to sample staples from Chinese fluffy pancakes to shaved mango ice.
The Basics
Yongkang Street is often featured in Taipei sightseeing tours, which usually explore Taiwan’s capital by bike or on foot. Evening tours, when Taipei is beautifully illuminated, let you experience Yongkang Street when it’s bustling with locals and tourists, who come to sample the street’s famous beef noodle soup. To explore at your own pace, choose a hop-on hop-off bus that will allow you to eat your way around without the time constraints of a tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Yongkang Street is a must for food lovers and first-time visitors.
- If you want to avoid the crowds, visit Yongkang Street during the day when it’s far less busy.
- If there’s a long line for a food stall, join it.
- Wander to the end of the street for great views of Taipei 101.
How to Get There
You can access Yongkang Street via one of two MRT stations: Take either the red or orange line to Dongmen, or ride the green line to Guting and walk for around 10 minutes. If you want to avoid getting lost, a guided tour that includes transportation is the most convenient option.
When to Get There
If you visit Yongkang Street during the day, you’ll benefit from smaller crowds but you won’t get to sample the full spectrum of the area’s street food, as most restaurants are only open in the evening. Visiting at night means you also get to see Taipei 101 lit up.
Try Before You Buy on Yongkang
Aside from being a culinary mecca in the heart of Taipei, Yongkang Street attracts visitors with plenty of free samples. Vendors offer visitors a chance to sample baked goods and lesser-known delicacies without having to buy an entire meal, making it the perfect place to be adventurous.
Address: YongKang St, Da-an District, Taipei City 106, Taiwan
From $ 19
Yilan
Yilan can be reached in less than an hour from Taipei, thanks to Asia’s second longest highway tunnel – the mighty Hsuehshan Tunnel. Yilan is located in a unique setting, looking out towards the sea along Taiwan's northeast coast on one side and surrounded by rugged mountains on all others. Known for its natural beauty and sweeping views, there’s plenty here to attract visitors, who either visit on day trips from Taipei or choose to stop and linger for a while staying in the area’s many hotels and rustic guest houses.
Located in the center of the Lanyang Plain, hot and cold springs and plenty of scenic nature trails make up the rural landscape around Yilan. Streams and rivers provide a constant source of replenishment for the nutrients in the soil here, making it a rich and fertile landscape. Meanwhile, the ocean provides some scenic coastal walks, along with an array of recreational activities, including the popular whale and dolphin watching trips.
Of Yilan’s many highlights, the Qilan Sacred Trees Garden is perhaps its most fascinating. Home to around a hundred indigenous trees that are said to be over a millennium old, it’s a unique attraction and a haven of tranquillity, particularly for those who have just arrived from the bustling metropolis of Taipei.
Practical Info
Yilan is served by regular and direct rail and bus services from Taipei Main Station.
Address: Yilan, Taiwan
From $ 233
Shilin Night Market
Food vendors, mom and pop restaurants, video arcades and karaoke bars are just part of the draw Shilin Night Market. This tiny Taipei district comes alive at night when the doors of some 539 food court stalls, and small shops selling items that range from electronics to dress shoes open for business. Bold scents waft through the air and bright lights fill otherwise darkened streets, making this the perfect place to explore what local city nightlife is all about.
Visitors in search of typical fare will find literally hundreds of options at Shilin Night Market. Cold bubble tea, strong and sweet coffee, fried buns, intestines and stinky tofu are just some of the delights awaiting adventurous eaters. Travelers should come hungry and ready to explore, since navigating the network of stalls can take an entire evening.
Practical Info
The market is close to the Keelung River. Travelers can access Shilin Night Market using the Taipei Metro Line 2 at Jiantan Station. Buses to the Jiantan Station, Ming Chuan University and Xiao Bei Street are also available. Most stalls open at 4 p.m. and close around 1 a.m. or 2 a.m. The busiest time is between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Address: Shilin, Taipei, Taiwan, Taiwan
From $ 100
Beitou Hot Spring Museum
Originally built as a bathhouse by the Japanese Colonial Government in 1913, today's Beitou Hot Spring Museum was the largest bathhouse in East Asia at the time, and the first public bathhouse in Taiwan. Abandoned after World War II, it was renovated and reopened in 1998 as a museum documenting Beitou's hot spring history and culture.
The Basics
A mix of Victorian and Japanese architectural styles, the museum occupies more than 25,000 square feet (2,323 square meters) over two floors. The second floor features different exhibition areas, including exhibits on the history of the Beitou area, the reconstruction of the museum, and the importance of Beitou on Taiwanese cinema. The first floor features the original large and small baths as well as a rare piece of Hokutolite mineral weighing 1,763 pounds (800 kilograms). Don't miss the elegant stained glass windows along the building's arcade and the beautiful views from the second-floor balcony.
Many people combine a visit to the museum with a soak in a nearby hot spring. Tours combining a trip to Beitou with other top Taipei attractions such as Taipei 101, Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, or the National Palace Museum are also popular.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Admission to the museum is free.
- Visitors must remove their shoes at the entrance and change into provided indoor slippers or purchase cloth slippers.
- Photos for personal use only are allowed, but tripods are not permitted.
- The corridors are very narrow and not recommended for wheelchairs or strollers.
How to Get There
The Beitou Hot Spring Museum is located in the Beitou district, about 30 minutes north of central Taipei. Take the MRT's Red Line to Beitou Station, transfer to the Pink Line, and get off at Xinbeitou Station. The museum is located just behind Beitou Park. You can also take city bus 216, 218, 266, or S22 to the Beitou Park stop.
When to Get There
The museum is open 9am to 5pm Tuesday through Sunday, and is closed on public holidays (unless the holiday falls on a weekend, in which case the museum is open).
Nearby Museums
There are several noteworthy sights near the Beitou Hot Spring Museum. Plum Garden, formerly the summer home of famed calligrapher Yu You-ren, is a museum dedicated to his works and the history of local architecture. Farther up the hill is the Taiwan Folk Arts Museum, which features exhibits on early Taiwanese life and culture as well as Taiwanese and Japanese folk art. If you're interested in aboriginal culture, check out the Ketagalan Cultural Center, which also features a museum dedicated to the various indigenous tribes of Taiwan, including the Ketagalan. All three museums offer free admission.
Address: No. 2 Zhongshan Road, Taipei, Taiwan
From $ 100
Zhongshan Hall
Zhongshan Hall is a historical building with a blend of modern and classical architecture located in Taipei’s Ximending neighborhood. This four-story building was built in 1936 for the coronation of Emperor Hirohito and originally served as the Taipei City public hall. It was also where the Japanese surrender ceremony was held at the end of World War II.
These days, Zhongshan Hall is mainly used for performances, but visitors are able to go inside and explore. One of the hall’s most famous features is the sculpture, Water Buffalo – the last work created by Huang Tu-Shui, a celebrated Taiwanese sculptor. The piece depicts a southern scene featuring buffalos and cattle-herding children. At two meters high and more than five meters wide, this huge work of art was presented to Zhongshan Hall by the sculptor’s wife following his death, and is now located in front of Guangfu Auditorium for visitors to enjoy.
A popular way to visit the many sights in this part of Taipei is on a private, full-day walking tour. To fully experience all that Taipei has to offer, treat yourself to a full-day private custom tour of the city, where you can pick and choose which sights you’d like to see.
Practical Info
Zhongshan Hall is located on Yanping South Road in the city’s Ximending neighborhood. The hall is not open for tours if there are performances in Zhongzheng Auditorium or Guangfu Auditorium so it’s advised to call ahead to make an appointment a week in advance of your visit.
Did You Know? The filings on the bricks of Zhongshan Hall were designed to scatter and reflect sunlight, making the building difficult for potential enemies to see.
Address: 98 Yanping South Road, Taipei, Taiwan
Hours: Monday to Friday 9am-5pm; Saturday and Sunday 2pm-4pm
Admission: Varies by performance
From $ 114
Yangmingshan National Park
Yangmingshan National Park is busy Taipei’s safety valve. When stressed city dwellers feel like they’re going to erupt they come to this protected volcanic landscape for an instant fix of relaxation. It is particularly popular in spring when its gentle green hillsides are garlanded with azaleas, rhododendrons and (briefly) cherry blossoms.
All year round you can enjoy bird-watching or hiking numerous trails through the area’s famous grasslands. Like Wulai, this area is known for its hot springs, with the added twist of sulfur which turns the lake of Lengshuikeng an eerie milky pale blue.
Practical Info
Yangmingshan National Park is in the far north of Taiwan within easy reach of Taipei. Take the bus from Taipei Main Railway Station or from Jiantan MRT Station. Accommodation options within the park are relatively limited, and camping is only allowed at the Jingshan camping area.
Address: Taiwan
Admission: Free
From $ 19
Hell Valley (Geothermal Valley)
Visitors come from throughout Asia and the world to soak in the healing waters of Taiwan's natural hot springs, many of which are located in the close vicinity of Taipei. One of Taiwan's most famous collections of natural volcanic hot springs are clustered in Beitou District in an area known as Hell Valley, or Geothermal Valley.
Upon entering the valley, you'll understand how it gets its name. An ever-present sulfurous mist permeates the air with billowing clouds of hot steam rising up from hidden cracks in the ground. The hot springs pools here reach up to 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit), rendering it too hot to swim. Locals used to come here to boil eggs in the highly acidic waters.
To experience the supposedly healing waters that generate in Hell Valley, visit the Beitou Hot Springs, a public hot springs that maintains pools at a much more comfortable temperature.
Upon entering the valley, you'll understand how it gets its name. An ever-present sulfurous mist permeates the air with billowing clouds of hot steam rising up from hidden cracks in the ground. The hot springs pools here reach up to 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit), rendering it too hot to swim. Locals used to come here to boil eggs in the highly acidic waters.
To experience the supposedly healing waters that generate in Hell Valley, visit the Beitou Hot Springs, a public hot springs that maintains pools at a much more comfortable temperature.
Address: Taiwan
From $ 100
Keelung Harbor
Keelung Harbor is located at the northern tip of Taiwan, between Fugui Cape and Cape Bitou. Surrounded by mountains on almost all sides, with just a narrow waterway extending from within, this port is a scenic spot that serves both military and commercial vessels. It's also a popular attraction for those visiting Taipei, with impressive harbor views unfolding from the moment one steps off the train at Keelung Station.
The history of the harbor dates back to its opening in 1886. In the Japanese colonial period, the Governor-General of Taiwan began plans for its expansion, and by the mid-1900s it was the largest port in Taiwan. Today, Keelung Harbor is a major importing hub for Taipei and is also a large fishing port, with the Keelung Bisha Harbor attracting many tourists to the area. Here, over twenty seafood restaurants offer an array of fresh seafood dishes at extremely affordable prices. Fresh fish can also be purchased in the fish market at one end and then taken to the seafood restaurants at the other to be prepared and cooked by the experienced chefs there.
Practical Info
Keelung Harbor is located in the Zhongzheng District in Keelung, just over 20 kilometers from Taipei. Take the train from Taipei Main Station and alight at Keelung Station.
Address: Keelung, Taiwan
From $ 41