Taipei 3-Days Ultimate Guide

3 days

What you'll do

This 3-day guide will cover most of Taipei's top attractions that will leave you amazed. If this is your first time in Taiwan then Taipei should be your first choice and this guide would work wonders for you! Don't worry if you've already been to Taipei then visiting these iconic places is well worth it (I'm guilty of this, visited Taipei 101 a whole bunch until I lost count).

Each day includes a restaurant of our recommendation that fits the schedule. Do feel free to explore any other place that you have in mind, this guide is not a must-do but merely a reference for your days in Taipei! If you do follow it then be prepared for a whole lot of exploring and fun :)

All the locations are accessible by public transportation (MRT, Bus, Bicycle, and even walking)

You can do any of the day in no particular order but we make it so that each maximises your time as it follows a path.

Day 1

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

culture

Must Visit Spot!

One of my favorite things to do here is to walk around the park and see the sunset! This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Taipei. It was built to honor Chiang Kai-shek, the former President of Taiwan. The memorial is located in a beautiful park, consisting of a white building with a blue octagonal roof.

On either side of the park, you can explore a library and museum that showcase Chiang's life and Taiwan's history. The main hall in the middle houses a large statue of Chiang Kai-shek and hosts guard mounting ceremonies. The memorial has played a significant role in Taiwan's democratic movement and is now known as Liberty Square. It's worth a visit if you're in Taipei!

Taipei 101

Sightseeing

The Icon of Taiwan!

You must have heard of Taipei 101 before, it was the tallest building in the world until the Burj Khalifa came along. It's over half a kilometer tall and has some crazy fast elevators that can take you from the 5th to the 89th floor in just 37 seconds. A must-visit for anyone visiting Taiwan gotta take those photos!

There are two observatory floors you can get to, the 89th (which is indoor and has windows) and 101RF (360-degree unobstructed view). The latter is much more expensive and I think the 89th floor is enough for most people.
There, you'll be able to see from the highest point of Taipei overseeing the city. (We recommend you go during the evening so you can see both the day and night views)
Plus, on the 88th floor is the site of the Taipei 101 wind-damper, the world's largest 5.5-meter and heaviest 660-ton wind-damper! It's a sight to see.
On the lower floors, you can explore a huge mall with many designer brands like LV, COS, DIOR, and famous restaurants like Din Tai Fung!

Tickets:

89th floor= NTD 600 (USD 18)

101st floor = NTD 3,000 (USD 90)

At the time of writing, prices may vary. Do check their website for more up-to-date information!

Recommend Photo Spots:

(slide 2) On top of Elephant Mountain (象山)
(slide 3) Night view at Takemura Izakaya
(slide 4) Top of Taipei 101 89th floor

Taipei 101 Observatory

Sightseeing

One of a kind view of Taipei

You can go on top of the highest building in Taipei and see the whole city! It offers a 360-degree view of Taipei City, We recommend you visit during the evening to get both the day and night view! The sunset is the best though, so prepare your best clothes and camera, it will be a great experience!

Also, check out the Wind Damping Ball at the 88th floor. its main purpose is to reduce swaying by strong winds to make working in such a tall tower comfortable.

The ticket cost: 600 NTD (18 USD)

You can book it online or buy it directly on the counter at Taipei 101. Avoid peak seasons and weekends as it will be crowded, but it will still be worth it.

Din Tai Fung 101

restaurant

Famous "Xiao Long Bao"

If you're a fan of chinese foods then be sure to visit this restaurant! It is called Din Tai Fung and this is a Taiwanese staple, many locals would recommend this to foreigners because Din Tai Fung is a Taiwanese-owned company. You will get authentic flavors that you won't find anywhere else.

Be aware that the line is very long! One time, we needed to wait for 2 hours just to eat inside. So we recommend you to arrive early and line up to be the first to enter and enjoy their food. It's worth it!

Xinyi District

Sightseeing

Taipei's Most Popular Shopping District

Xinyi District, located in Taipei, Taiwan, is a bustling and vibrant area known for its shopping, entertainment, and modern cityscape. It is home to iconic landmarks such as Taipei 101, the tallest building in Taiwan, as well as the Taipei City Hall and the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. With its high-end department stores, trendy boutiques, and a wide range of restaurants and cafes, Xinyi District is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Whether you're looking to shop till you drop, enjoy a delicious meal, or simply take in the stunning city views, Xinyi District has something for everyone.

Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain)

Hike

Best FREE spot to see Taipei city

It is a popular palace to see a free Taipei city view from the top. By the time you arrive, it should be near sunset time. If you’re coming from Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall, then you can take the Youbike or take the bus to arrive at Xiangshan station. This trail is easily accessible, so don’t expect to be the only one there!

Sometimes, it might get crowded, and you need to wait in line to take turns taking pictures. Viewing sunsets here is a must-do as you will get an amazing view of the sun with Taipei City alongside it.

It's not a hard hike as there are stairs built here for ease of use. I recommend you go during evening so you can see both during the day, sunset, and night time. (Bring some snacks and drinks, you're gonna love the view here)

Raohe Night Market

restaurant