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Things To Do In Taipei
Taipei is the capital of Taiwan and one of the most beautiful cities in the world. This city is home to a lot of beautiful places, that make it an ideal tourist destination. If you are considering a visit to Taipei, this article is designed for you. From restaurants to museums, here is a list of things that you must do in Taipei, Taiwan. Hope you have fun exploring this gorgeous city.
1.Must-See Attractions In Taipei, Taiwan
The city of Taipei has a lot of places that are worth a visit. However, one cannot visit all of them in a single holiday. So, here is a list of places that you must prioritize when looking for places to visit in Taipei, Taiwan.
1. Taipei 101
Designed by C.Y. Lee and C.P. Wang, Taipei 101 is one of the most famous skyscrapers in the world. With a height of 1,667 feet, this is the tallest building in Taipei. Till the year 2010, Taipei 101 was the tallest building in the entire world.
The view from the top of the tower is absolutely breathtaking and one of the things that you must experience on your visit to Taipei. The tower also has an observatory center, which will blow away your mind. This is a must-visit place but if you have fear of heights, you might want to skip it.
2.Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
The Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall built in the year 1976. It was constructed to commemorate the former president of China, Generalissimo Chiang Kai-Shek. The memorial hall is also known as Liberty Square and serves as a famous tourist destination.
The memorial hall is an architectural masterpiece and hence a sight to behold. Inside the memorial hall, you’d find a museum and a library. The library consists of many books that are dedicated to the life of the president.
3.National Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall
The National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall is one of the most important tourist landmarks in the city of Taipei. The memorial was built in the honor of Taiwan’s first president, Dr. Sun Yat-sen. The memorial is filled with artifacts from the personal and professional life of Dr. Sun Yat-sen.
The memorial hall is of national importance because Dr. Sun Yat-sen is a very prominent figure and is celebrated as “the Father of the Nation.” Apart from being a space that commemorates the life of a legendary place, the place is also used as an educational center. If you are interested in learning about the life of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, then you must visit this place.
4.Dihua Street
Located in the Datong District, Dihua Street is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Taipei, Taiwan. This street is about 800 meters long and is one of the oldest streets in Taipei.
Here you would find many shops that sell Chinese herbs and medicines. Not to mention, the place also has a number of artsy places that will simply blow away your mind. The neighborhood is very aesthetic and you would have a nice time exploring the place. When you visit this place, make sure that you carry some souvenirs for your family.
5.Huashan 1914 Creative Park
Located in Zhongzheng District, the Huashan 1914 Creative Park is one of the best places to visit in Taipei. During the Japanese rule, the park served as a winery. Later it was turned into a place that produced tobacco. Now the park has been converted into a home for a lot of cafes and restaurants. It is also used as a space for hosting exhibitions from time to time.
6.Da’an Forest Park
If your idea of a vacation involves spending some time in the lap of nature, this is the right place for you. The Da’an Forest Park is built over an area of twenty-six hectares and is famous for its greenery.
Tourists and localities frequent this spot and use it as a space for engaging in outdoor activities. One of the major attractions of the park is its serene pond. The park also has other facilities like an amphitheater, children’s playground, jogging path, and also a skating rink.
7.Eslite Bookstore
Do you love books and cannot get enough of them? Welcome to the Eslite Bookstore in Taipei that is every booklover’s go-to place. The bookstore has a 24-hour branch in Dunnan, where you can spend your time engaged in reading, no matter the hour.
There is no time restriction, and you can simply choose a book and read it till you desire. The staff at the bookstore is friendly and will help you navigate the book of your choice.
8.Jianguo Weekend Flower Market
Who doesn’t like the sight of freshly bloomed flowers? If you are in Taipei and looking for things to do on the weekends, head straight to the Jianguo Weekend Flower Market. Here you would find yourself surrounded by dozens of flowers, each better than the other. If you love orchids, this place will certainly mesmerize you. This could be an ideal place to visit with your lover and rekindle your love.
9. Hike On The Elephant Mountain Trail
The Elephant Mountain Trail, also known as the Xiangshan Hiking Trail, is one of the best things to do in Taipei. If you are looking to indulge in some outdoor activities, then this is certainly for you.
The hike will take you about twenty minutes, so even if you are new to hiking, it wouldn’t pose a problem. However, make sure that you wear comfortable shoes and keep your water bottle with you. The view from the top of the Elephant Mountain is exquisite and definitely worth the exertion.
2.Museums To Visit In Taipei, Taiwan
If you love museums then Taipei will not dissapoint you. This city is home to a number of museums, each of which are worth a visit. Read on, to know more:
1.National Taiwan Museum
The National Taiwan Museum was established in the year 1908 and is the oldest museum in the city. Located in the Zhongzheng District, the museum came into formulation during the Japanese rule of Taiwan. The museum is dedicated to exhibiting the history of Taiwan. It does so, by taking into aspects a series of lenses like zoology, and botany. Here you would find many rare artifacts that belong to Taiwan’s rich history. The museum is also home to the indigenous plants and animals of Taiwan. Apart from the permanent collection, the museum also organized theme-based exhibitions from time to time. The outdoor exhibits of the museum consist of old cannons and bronze sculptures of buffaloes.
2.Museum Of Contemporary Arts
The Museum of Contemporary Arts was built in the year 1921, during the Japanese rule, and is the only museum in Tapei which is dedicated to celebrating contemporary arts. Apart from showcasing contemporary art, the museum is known for the host of international shows that it organizes from time to time. If you are in the city and looking for things to do, you must spend some time exploring this museum. The museum organizes a number of events, so you are bound to find something new every time you visit them.
3.Taipei Astronomical Museum
Located in Shilin District is a museum that is famous all over Taiwan- The Taipei Astronomical Museum. The museum has been in operation since the year 1996 and is famous for its exhibit areas. Some of them are The Earth, The Galaxies, The Solar System, and Telescope and Observatory Area. This place is ideal for people who are interested in Science and are looking for opportunities to learn more. Here at the museum, you shall have the opportunity to understand the mysteries of nature in a better manner.
4.Miniatures Museum Of Taipei
Get the taste of the entire world under one roof at the Miniatures Museum of Taiwan. As the name suggests, the museum is dedicated to collecting and preserving miniatures. It is a very unique museum and the only miniature museum in the entire continent of Asia. Here you will able to explore the miniature of castles and entire towns. This is a one-of-a-kind museum and we highly recommend it.
5.Taipei Fine Art Museum
Located in Zhongshan District in Taipei, this is one of the most famous museums and a must-visit place. The museum has been in operation since 1983 and attracts a large crowd of visitors all over the year. The architecture of the museum is just as interesting as its exhibits. The building of the museum is supposed to be a local interpretation of the Japanese Metabolist Movement. The museum is dedicated to celebrating Taiwanese modern and contemporary art. The museum frequently organizes a number of interactive exhibitions, which are a delight to attend.
6.National 228 Memorial Museum
If you are interested to know the history of Taiwan and the struggle of its people, there is no better place to visit than the National 228 Memorial Museum. This museum is dedicated to remembering the ambush between citizens of Taiwan and the Chinese government. The 228 incident occurred during the unification of China and Taiwan, which resulted in a lot of bloodshed. The museum thus tried to remember its martyr figures.
7.National Palace Museum
Take a walk into China’s rich history with a visit to the National Palace Museum. Here you will find almost seven lack pieces of ancient Chinese artifacts that explore its rich culture. The artifacts here range from the Neolithic age to the modern age. The museum frequently organizes theme-based exhibits for its visitors. If you are interested in the history of China, this is just the place for you.
3. Temples To Visit In Taipei, Taiwan
The city of Taipei is famous for its scenic temples. Here you will find temples that are not just dedicated to gods but philosophers. To understand the history of Taipei in an intimate manner, you must plan a visit to these temples. Here is a list of temples that you must visit:
1.Confucius Temple
Located in Datong District, the Confucius Temple is dedicated to the famous philosopher Confucius and is a testament to his teachings. The temple has been modeled after another Confucius Temple located in Qufu, Shandong. This temple is a serene location that will provide you with an unprecedented calm. The temple also organizes an event in the honor of Confucius on September 28th every year.
2.Longshan Temple
Known as Bangka Lungshan Temple or Lungshan Temple of Manka, this temple is one of the must-visit places in Taipei. The temple is located in the Wanhua District and was built in the year 1738. This temple is a unique space as it has altars of Chinese deities Mazu and Guan Yu along with Buddhist elements. This temple has faced the brunt of natural disasters a number of times but has been rebuilt over and over. It is a testament to the strong-willed Taiwanese people and we recommend you to visit it.
3.Dalongdong Baoan Temple
Famously known as Taipei Baoan Temple, this temple is dedicated to Taiwanese folk religion. The temple is located in the Datong district and one of the most important tourist sites in Taipei. This temple, like most of the other temples in Taipei, is breathtaking and hence of the places that you must consider visiting in Taipei. Owing to its cultural heritage, this temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
4. Things To Do At Night In Taipei, Taiwan
If you are a night person and like the idea of meandering after the sun has gone down, Taipei is the place for you. There are a lot of things that you can do in Taipei at night. Instead of visiting pubs, we would suggest you to spend some time under the night sky and visit these night markets. Here, you would be able to taste some of the most tastiest food that you would find in Taipei. And trust us, you will keep back coming for more.
1.Shulin Night Market
If you are like to shop and are also looking for things to do at night, head straight to the Shulin Night Market. Famous for being the biggest night market in Taiwan, the Shulin Night Market is one of the most fun places in the city. The place covers an area of 12 acres and has over 400 vendors. From clothes to electric items, this place has it all. The market is also famous for its street food so make sure that you do not forget to eat to your fullest. However, the market can get pretty crowded sometimes, so if you do not like crowds, you might want to avoid this place.
2.Ningxia Night Market
If you love to eat street food and cannot get enough of it, the Ningxia Night Market is just the right place for you. This market is not as big as the other night markets of Taipei, but it comes with the promise of amazing food. Here you will have to chance to eat it all, from Oyster Omelette to Mochi Balls. The market is not very big but it is reputed for its food. Some of its shops are even over 50 years old. So if you are looking for some night-time food adventure, the Ningxia Night Market is the right place for you.
3.Snake Alley
Also known as the Huaxi Street Night Market, this market is one of the must-visit places in Taipei, Taiwan. Here you will find many unique restaurants, where you can taste delicacies like Snake blood and meat. The place also owes its name to this fact. So if you like to experiment with your food and would like to do something out of the ordinary, we recommend you to visit Snake Alley.
4.Tonghua Night Market
Also known as the Huaxi Street Night Market, this market is one of the must-visit places in Taipei, Taiwan. Here you will find many unique restaurants, where you can taste delicacies like Snake blood and meat. The place also owes its name to this fact. So if you like to experiment with your food and would like to do something out of the ordinary, we recommend you to visit Snake Alley.
5.Raohe Night Market
The Raohe Night Market is considered to be the second most famous market in Taipei. This market is marked for its vibrant colors that come alive at night and as a sight to behold. If you love to try street food, you must visit this market. The market is not very huge and has a few stalls, so you can explore it in its entirety. When you are at the market, make sure that you try out the famous black pepper buns.
5.Restaurants To Visit In Taipei, Taiwan
A visit to Taipei would only be complete once you have tasted its food. Here is a list of restaurants that you must visit when in Taipei, Taiwan.
1.Ay-Chung Flour Rice Noodles
One of the most famous restaurants in Taipei, this place is a must-visit for all food lovers. The restaurant serves only one dish- Taiwanese style vermicelli. You would find them with tender bits of braised pork intestine, which is too delicious to resist. This place is worth its hype and will be a treat to your tastebuds.
2.Tao-Yuan-Street Beef Noodle Shop
One of the best places to try out Taiwanese food, makes sure that you visit this place when in Taiwan. As the name suggests, this restaurant is known for its beef noodles. We would recommend you to try out both their varieties of beef noodles, braised and clear. Owing to its popularity, the restaurant has a long waiting-line,s o make sure that you have some time to spare.
3.Jin Feng Lu Rou Fan
Jin Feng Lu Rou Fan is one of the best places to taste Taiwanese cuisine. As the name suggests, the restaurant serves Lu Rou fan. The dish is made up of minced pork belly which is cooked in soy sauce and served with rice. The restaurant is loved by locals and tourists alike and we assure you that once you have eaten here, you would want to come back for more.
4.Chun Shui Tang
If there is one thing that you absolutely cannot miss in Taiwan, it is bubble tea. The city of Taiwan is famous all over the world for its bubble tea and once you visit Chun Shui Tang, you’d know why. The restaurant is located in Taichung and was founded in the year 1983. It is now an international teahouse chain owing to its famous bubble tea. Apart from bubble tea, the restaurant also serves gaifan dishes, beef noodle soup, pig’s blood cake, mochi, etc
6. Some Do’s And Don’ts In Taiwan
It is always a good idea to learn the etiquette of a place before you decide to travel to it. This will ensure that you have the best experience and do not get misunderstood.
Some Do’s
1.If you are visiting someone at their house, make sure that you take off your shoes at the entrance. This is considered a sign of respect.
2. If you happen to gift someone something, make sure that you use both your hands. This is considered as a polite gesture.
3.If you like the food that you are eating, make sure you compliment them. You could say “Hen Hao Che”, which means delicious to eat in Mandarin.
4. Leave the dark blue seat in the MRT as it is reserved for people in need.
Some Dont’s
1.Do not eat or drink in the MRT.
2.Taiwanese consider the number 4 as inauspicious so make sure that you do not bring it up in your conversation with the localities.
3.Do not wave at someone with fingers turned up, it is considered rude. Make sure you wave at them with fingers turned down.
4. Do not leave your chopsticks in the bowl along with the leftovers. This is considered to bring a curse.
7. Things To Not Bring When Traveling To Taiwan
Before you embark on your trip to Taiwan, make sure that you are aware of the things that are forbidden by the Customs at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. Here is a list that you must keep in mind.
- 1.Do no carry produce of any kind- be it fresh or dried.
- 2.Do not carry marine products of any kind- be it fresh or dried.
- 3.You must not carry along unauthorized live animals.
8. Things To Carry When Traveling To Taiwan
Visiting a new place is a fun experience but it can also be intimidating if you are unsure of the essentials that you must carry. In order to help you with such a dilemma, here is a list of things that you must carry on your visit to Taiwan.
1.Get travel insurance.
2.Buy guidebooks to never feel lost.
3.Buy phrasebook to help bridge the gap that might occur due to language differences.
4.Get a portable charger so that you may never run out of battery.
5.Carry your most comfortable walking shoes as you might have to do a lot of walking.
Please also read about things to do in Sweetwater.
