Top 12 Must-Do Things When Visiting Taipei

Check out the entry of the travel writing and photo contest titled 'Discover Freedom' by Bảo Ngân. When in Taiwan, a visit to Taipei is a must, and these 12 sought-after travel spots in Taipei cannot be missed.

Taipei, for me, is a fascinating city that makes me want to come back multiple times. The atmosphere in Taipei is reminiscent of South Korea but with a touch of Japan's antiquity. There are vibrant and bustling areas similar to Hong Kong, yet the overall prices remain very affordable like in Thailand. However, these comparisons are just initial impressions; it's challenging to find the right words to fully describe Taipei's charm. Only upon reflecting on the trip at home did I truly understand the unique aspects of Taipei. To help you quickly grasp the atmosphere of Taipei on your first visit, I have compiled the top 12 things you must do in Taipei. I hope this article will assist you in planning your trip.

Jiufen and Shifen are two incredibly famous destinations, so they probably don't need much introduction. Jiufen is an ancient village that has been commercialized, attracting a considerable number of tourists, and the atmosphere here is lively. You'll explore narrow winding streets just wide enough for two people to pass in opposite directions and the main streets bustling with people.

On either side of the road are stalls packed with a variety of goods. At the beginning of the stretch, there are enticing food stalls with irresistible aromas, while the deeper section is quieter with unique, cute, or vintage shops. Jiufen is also a place where Ghibli fans come because this is the inspirational setting for the famous animated film 'Spirited Away.'

Shifen and Jiufen are often combined for a day trip as they are conveniently located on the same route. You can reach here by bus or train, and for added romance, I chose the train. A unique point at Shifen is the row of lantern shops right next to the railway, making for an interesting but slightly heart-pounding experience. Don't worry too much, though, as the shop owners actively remind everyone when the train is approaching, with bells and warning lights, so it's not too dangerous.

At Shifen, there's a charming scene of releasing sky lanterns, reminiscent of the movie 'Our Times.' Rumor has it that if you write a sincere wish on the lantern and release it into the sky, your wish may come true.

In my experience, it often rains at Shifen and Jiufen. Mostly it's a light drizzle, so it's advisable to bring an umbrella or raincoat when visiting to fully enjoy the sightseeing.

Taipei 101 is the symbol of Taipei, so be sure to get a fantastic photo with this iconic building. The area around Taipei 101 is bustling with many eateries, shopping centers, cinemas, and more, allowing you to explore to your heart's content.

If you're feeling generous and want to admire the entire city of Taipei from above, you can purchase tickets to the observation deck of Taipei 101. Alternatively, you can choose to hike Elephant Mountain, just a 10-minute walk away, if you prefer a bit of exercise and saving money while still enjoying a high view of Taipei, though the view might not be as spectacular.

Sisi Nan Cun is the area right across Taipei 101, just a less than 5-minute walk away, so you can combine visiting both spots. This area used to be the collective housing for the military factory workers, and now it has transformed into an indie-style complex featuring exhibitions, cafes, and even a daycare center. I recommend this area because it looks quite dreamy in photos, perfect for those who appreciate a gentle Japanese-style with a touch of vintage.

No matter how budget-conscious you are, treat yourself to a satisfying meal at Din Tai Fung. You must experience dining at this globally renowned restaurant at least once! Din Tai Fung has 7 branches in Taipei, but for convenience, I dined at the Taipei 101 branch. Being a popular restaurant, there's always a long line outside. The trick is to take a number, pre-select your dishes, then take a stroll to explore the Taipei 101 area, as I mentioned above. Come back after about 2 hours when it's your turn. If you choose to dine at Din Tai Fung, make sure to try their famous Xiaolongbao.

In my opinion, Mr. Tran's bubble tea tops the list. The honey pearl bubble tea is a must-try, and it seems like most customers here go for this option. The pearls here are chewy yet tender, making Mr. Tran's bubble tea unbeatable. I'm not a bubble tea enthusiast, but I'm hooked on the pearls from this place. The generous serving of honey pearl is almost half a cup, so for bubble tea lovers, this is a treat. Located near National Taiwan University (NTU), the queue at the shop is always long, with students patiently waiting for their turn. Despite the crowd, it takes about 5 minutes to get your order.

Being close to the university, this area is a vibrant food hub, attracting a large number of students. From steamed buns and fermented tofu to super trendy cafes, you'll find it all in this area. Dining in this area is very convenient.

Also known as Taipei's Old Palace, the National Palace Museum is a destination for those interested in history in general and Chinese history in particular. This place will not disappoint you with its 4 floors of exhibits and modern personal audio presentation devices. In my opinion, you should spend at least 2-3 hours (for a quick visit) here. The entrance fee is a bit pricey, around 350 NTD, but it's undoubtedly a reasonable investment considering the abundance of historical artifacts here compared to the Forbidden City.

Visit this link to check the museum's opening hours and ticket prices.

Not far from Taipei's Old Palace is Shilin Night Market, so you can easily combine these two spots for an evening outing. The night market is a fascinating place to visit in the evening. Inside, you'll find numerous shops selling souvenirs, cosmetics, cute hair accessories, and of course, a myriad of food stalls. Make sure to try the gigantic crispy fried chicken, a piece big enough for two people to share.

Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall is another must-go spot in Taipei. If you visit at 5:10 pm, you can witness an interesting flag-lowering ceremony. There's also a changing of the guard ceremony every hour from 10 am to 4 pm. Don't forget to explore the Sun Yat-sen Museum inside the area. The museum is spacious, and each exhibit has English descriptions. Those interested in Taiwan's history will surely enjoy visiting this museum.

This place is very close to Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, so you can easily combine these two spots for a convenient visit. The Presidential Office Building is located in Taipei and is open for visitors. Make sure to check the website for the opening hours as they vary each day. Remember to bring your passport and carefully read the requirements on the website, as the security check here is quite strict compared to other tourist spots: english.president.gov.tw/Page/124

Known as the 'Harajuku' of Taipei, Ximending is always bustling with young people and tourists who come here for entertainment and shopping. The night market, shopping centers, and fashion stores are the main attractions in Ximending.

But did you know that Ximending has corners completely opposite to its vibrant atmosphere? Born during the Japanese colonial period, traces of Japanese culture can still be felt in Ximending, especially in the tea houses in this area. Although the tea prices are not cheap (around 400-500k Vietnamese dong per tea set), if you're a tea enthusiast, you won't be disappointed with the service that this price range provides.

Tamsui is the last station on the red MRT line, making it easily accessible. Just a few steps from the MRT station, you'll find the harbor and the old town of Tamsui. The atmosphere here is lively and refreshing. It's easy to find a spot to enjoy the sunset and capture hundreds of Instagram-worthy photos.

After enjoying the sunset, right behind you is the market area, so there are many enticing snack stalls. Highly recommend this place for fans of Jay Chou. Here, you'll also find a junior high school where Jay Chou once studied and the filming location for 'Secrets.' There's even a noodle shop Jay used to frequent, to the extent that now they have a set menu called 'Jay Chou's Noodles' – the very dish he used to eat when he was a student.

The list remains just a list, and guidance is the same. I believe that guidance and sharing experiences only help you in the preparation and planning phase of the trip. The most important aspect of the journey – the experience – will be yours alone. With these 12 things to do, I hope you'll have the ultimate Taipei experience, your version.