101 taipei walking tour

COMPLETE GUIDE TO VISITING TAIPEI 101, IN TAIPEI

Is Taipei 101 Worth a Visit? How Much Does It Cost and How to Buy Ticket? When Is the Best Time to Visit?

Pretty much every time we go to Taipei , we like to go up the Taipei 101! We’ve been to many Towers Observatory over the years, being in Dubai , Seoul , Hong Kong and Chicago. However, none of them impressed us more than Taipei 101!

The view at the top is simply incredible (especially at Sunset – the best time to visit Taipei 101).

Since its opening, the Taipei 101 tower has been a true symbol for the entire country. It mixes modernity and traditional elements.

At 509.2 meters high, it was the tallest tower in the world until 2010. Since then, the title has gone to the Burj Khalifa Tower in Dubai.

Key Highlights on Taipei 101

– State-of-the-art Architecture: Its innovative architecture has left its mark throughout the world. Ultra-fast elevators, weight system to resist typhoons and earthquakes and sustainable construction… in short, it is a landmark monument for modern architecture. – The best time to visit Taipei 101 is during Sunset – Be prepared to queue , as it’s one of the best things to do in Taipei – The view is breathtaking , which makes it absolutely worth the visit!

Still not convinced? Check out this video:

Facts and Figures about Taipei 101

Before we bring you to the visit of Taipei 101, we wanted to share with you some incredible figures and facts about this tower.

• Height : Taipei 101 stands at 508 meters (1,667 feet) tall.
• Floors : The building has 101 floors above ground and 5 underground levels.
• Construction Completion : It was completed in 2004.
• Architectural Style : The design incorporates traditional Chinese architectural elements and modern techniques. It resembles a pagoda and a stalk of bamboo, symbolizing growth and resilience.
• World Records : When it opened, Taipei 101 held the title of the world’s tallest building until the completion of Burj Khalifa in Dubai in 2010.
• Observatory : The indoor observatory is on the 89th floor, while the outdoor observatory is on the 91st floor (yup for thrill seekers, you can visit the tower from the outside!! More on that later), offering panoramic views of Taipei.

• Structural Features : It’s equipped with a massive tuned mass damper, a 660-tonne steel pendulum that stabilizes the building against movements caused by strong winds and earthquakes (you can visit the damper inside the tower – absolutely amazing!)
• Sustainability : Taipei 101 was awarded LEED Platinum certification in 2011, making it one of the world’s largest green buildings at the time.
• New Year’s Eve Fireworks : The building is famous for its spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display, attracting visitors globally. We went there to celebrate the New Year 2024, and it’s definitely once in a lifetime experience! Probably the most impressive fireworks we’ve seen to date.
• Economic Significance : It houses offices, a multi-level shopping complex, restaurants, and clubs, and is a symbol of Taiwan’s economic prosperity.

You probably can’t wait to visit Taipei 101 now. So follow our guide!

How To Visit Taipei 101?

Visiting Taipei 101, an iconic skyscraper in Taipei, Taiwan , can be an exciting and memorable experience. Here’s a guide on how to visit it:

Getting to Taipei 101:

• By MRT (Metro) : The most convenient way is to take the Taipei Metro. Get off at Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station on the Red Line (Xinyi Line). The station is directly connected to the building.
• By Bus : Various bus routes serve Taipei 101. Check Google Maps to get the best bus route. We actually used the bus most of the time in Taipei!
• By Taxi : Taxis in Taipei are plentiful and can take you directly to Taipei 101.

To travel around in Taipei, you can purchase the Easy Card. You can buy the card online:

Buying the Tickets for Taipei 101

• Purchase tickets at the ticket counter on the 5th floor of the Taipei 101 shopping mall .
• Consider buying tickets online in advance to avoid long queues, especially during peak tourist seasons or holidays. We didn’t do it, and had to wait for quite a while… We almost missed the sunset!
• You can buy the normal ticket to visit the 89th floor (which most people do), but for an extra unforgettable experience consider purchasing ticket for the 91st floor outdoor walk! Thrills guaranteed.
• You will need to select a specific time when buying your ticket! This is because there are limited spaces per each 30min! So buy your ticket wisely if you want to catch the sunset…

This is how the outdoor experience looks like:

The Sky-High Walks at Taipei 101 offer a truly unique perspective on the city below. With the help of expert guides, you can venture onto the outdoor observation decks and take in the stunning scenery from a whole new vantage point.

The walkways are constructed with state-of-the-art materials and engineering techniques, ensuring both safety and a thrilling adventure.

Best Time to Visit Taipei 101

• Early Morning : For fewer crowds.
• Evening : To catch the sunset and see the city lights. In our opinion rather go in the evening than morning (even if that means queueing up a bit more. You can actually buy the fast-track ticket).
• Weekdays are typically less crowded than weekends.
• Opening hours: 10 am until 9 pm (last ticket can be purchased at 8 am)

What to Expect Inside Taipei 101

• Observation Decks : The main attraction is the Indoor Observatory on the 89th floor and the Outdoor Observatory on the 91st floor, offering breathtaking views of Taipei.
• Tuned Mass Damper : Don’t miss the giant damper ball that stabilizes the building, a unique engineering marvel. You can visit it on the 89th & 88th floors.

• Shopping and Dining : The lower floors house a luxury shopping mall and a variety of dining options, from casual to fine dining.
• Art and Exhibitions : Check for any art exhibitions or cultural events happening during your visit in Taipei 101 official website .

Accessibility

• Taipei 101 is wheelchair accessible, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests.

Our Insider Tips

• Weather Consideration : Visibility from the observatory can be affected by weather. On a clear day, the views are spectacular. If it’s really cloudy, don’t waste your time visiting Taipei 101… It won’t be worth it.
• Stay Duration : Allocate at least 2 hours for a relaxed visit, including time for viewing and exploring the mall.
• Souvenirs : The gift shop on the observatory floor offers unique souvenirs.

Nearby Attractions

Taipei 101 shopping mall.

After this exhilarating visit, you’ll be ready to indulge in the luxurious offerings at Taipei 101’s shopping.

From high-end fashion brands to sumptuous international cuisine, the Taipei 101 shopping mall is simply amazing!

If you are getting hungry, why not try the famous soup dumplings at Din Tai Fung !

Xinyi District

Explore Xinyi District, which is one of the most exciting areas in Taipei (besides Ximending ). Xinyi is filled with shops, countless restaurants, bars, and lots of animation like street performers, especially on weekends. Visiting Xinyi is a must during a trip to Taipei.

Elephant Mountain

For a different view of Taipei 101, hike up Elephant Mountain , especially popular at sunset. This is another must-do activity while in Taipei!

Best Hotels with a direct view of Taipei 101

The W Taipei hotel

known for its artistic and chic ambiance, The W offers a luxurious stay in the Xinyi District. It’s centrally located and provides stunning views of Taipei 101 from its rooms.

Grand Hyatt Taipei

This luxurious hotel offers rooms with traditional Chinese elements and stunning views of Taipei 101. Located just 250 meters away from Taipei 101, it offers amenities like a sauna, fitness center, and various dining options.

Le Meridien Taipei

Situated in the business district, this luxurious hotel is close to Taipei 101 and offers extensive shopping opportunities and a range of attractions nearby.

Final Thoughts – Is Taipei 101 Worth a Visit?

We visited the Taipei 101 observatory multiple times during our many visits to Taipei! We loved it every time!

Simply put, it’s a must during a trip to Taipei, especially for first-timers!

Related Posts

• 20 BEST THINGS TO DO IN XIMENDING, TAIPEI
• ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TAIPEI
• DISCOVER THE CHARMS OF DIHUA STREET IN TAIPEI
• DISCOVER THE RONGJIN GORGEOUS TIME IN TAIPEI
• VISITING THE BEAUTIFUL BOPILIAO OLD STREET IN TAPEI
• GUIDE TO HUAXI STREET NIGHT MARKET
• GUIDE TO LONGSHAN TEMPLE IN TAIPEI
• VISITING CHIANG KAI SHEK MEMORIAL
• VISITING 228 MEMORIAL PARK IN TAIPEI
• DISCOVER FUJIN STREET – TAIPEI’S HIPSTER AREA
• SHILIN NIGHT MARKET IN TAIPEI + 10 BEST FOOD STALLS

We are Hammer and Guillaume, a fun couple traveling the world. We will take you to some of the most amazing places on earth. Hammer is a yoga instructor and Guillaume a true water baby, enjoying all kinds of water sports. Follow-us to get the latest update about our travels.

Similar Posts

15 BEST THINGS TO DO IN SHINJUKU [TOKYO GUIDE]

Shinjuku is one of most exciting districts to visit in Tokyo! If you are planning a trip to Tokyo, make sure to visit Shinjuku at night!

20 MOVIES THAT WILL MAKE YOU WANT TO TRAVEL TO ASIA

Dreaming about your next destination? Thinking about Asia? Why not watch any of these great movies about Asia?

A VISIT TO JINGTONG OLD STREET IN TAIWAN

Jingtong Old Street in the Pingxi region of Taiwan is a hub of culture and history, offering a variety of sights. Check it out!

SEOUL AT NIGHT: TOP 15 THINGS TO DO!

Discover the ultimate guide to the best things to do in Seoul at night, from magical views at Namsan Tower and vibrant shopping in Myeongdong

8 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN KOENJI [TOKYO GUIDE]

Wondering what to see in Koenji? Check our full guide to this unique and hipster neighbourhood of Tokyo! Vintage shop, live bands, cafes etc.

10 BEST PARKS IN SEOUL – YOUR FULL GUIDE

Enjoy some of the beautiful parks in Seoul. Here is your full guide fo visiting Seoul’s best park (Seoul Forest, Hangan Parks, Yeouido etc.)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

For the curious and the bold

#walkthefun.

Everyday. Rain or shine.

Taipei's #1 free walking tour since 2014 48k+ guests hosted, top-ranked on tripadvisor.

Taste of Taiwan

Taipei's Nightlife

Private Tour Only

The Ultimate Online Guide to Taipei City

All the information you need, all right here in our tmayan blog.

Discover the Modern and Cozy Cafes in Taipei

5 Speakeasy choices for your night out!

What A Local Orders At Ding Tai Fung

[email protected]

Copyright © TourMeAway INC. All rights reserved.

The Best Free Walking Tours in Taipei, Taiwan

Doing a walking tour is one of the best ways to experience a large city like Taipei , especially when you first arrive. It can help you get oriented, make new friends, and understand the culture and history from a local’s perspective.

Below I’m going to recommend four free Taipei walking tours run by two different organizations, Like it Formosa and TourMeAway . All of them highly informative and well organized, so I suggest you decide based on which one has the time, day, and places you prefer.

Keep in mind that even though these tours are “free”, tipping is recommended . Even though tipping is not expected for almost everything in Taiwan, the guides on free walking tours may be university students, elderly, and/or local volunteers who could really use the money. (Read more here about tipping in Taiwan .)

A recommended tip is TWD 200 to 500 , for each person in your group, depending on how satisfied you are. This is still cheaper than a paid tour. Kids are allowed, but they’ll need to walk far and it can be very hot in the daytime.

I’ll also recommend some paid/private walking tours of Taipei at the end.

Table of Contents

Four Taipei Free Walking Tours

The following four walking tours in Taipei are run by two different organizations, Like It Formosa and TourMeAway. They are in no particular order.

If you need to store some luggage before doing the walking tour, find out how to find and use Taipei’s luggage lockers here .

Like It Formosa: Taipei Free Walking Tour Historic Route

Like it Formosa’s free Taipei Walking Tour covers some of the most important modern and historical attractions in Taipei’s Old City (Wanhua district, also called Mengjia or Bangka), including popular Ximending neighborhood, and the adjacent Zhongshan district.

These include Longshan Temple (the city’s most famous and important temple), Bopiliao Historical Block (a walking street of old restored buildings), Red House Theater (Japanese era building now the center of Taipei’s LGBTQ+ scene), the Presidential Office Building , and 2/28 Peace Park , which commemorates the 2/28 tragedy .

You’ll finish the tour at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall , which you’ll probably want to further explore on your own.

This tour is run by passionate and highly knowledgeable local guides . It serves as a great intro the city. (First timers should also see my guides to getting from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei or Taoyuan Airport to Ximending ).

It runs every day from 10 AM to 1 PM. Consider to avoid Mondays, when Red House Theater and Bopiliao are closed.

You’ll need to wait till the end for lunch, but don’t worry, there’s a mid-tour stop for traditional Taiwanese ice cream . The ice cream shop where they stop has been going since 1945, and this kind of ice cream is vegan (see my Taiwan vegan guide ).

If you’re starving at the end of the tour, I recommend going for soup dumplings ( xiaolongbao ) here or here beside CKS Memorial Hall. These are good alternatives to the always packed Din Tai Fung, Taiwan’s most famous restaurant.

You’re allowed to just show up , but they like it you reserve a spot on Klook or on the tour site , so they can know how many are joining.

If you book the tour on Klook, use my Klook referral link to register for your account first. This will give you a free credit on the checkout page when you book any other activities, tickets, etc. in Taiwan.

Like It Formosa: Free Walking Tour Golden Age Route

Like it Formosa has another free Taipei walking tour. The Golden Age Route starts at Beimen , which was the northern gate of Taipei’s Old City. It is the only one of Taipei’s Old City gates that retains its original look.

From there, the tour goes further north to Dihua Street in Dadaocheng area . This is often called “Taipei’s Oldest Street”. This street thrived when Dadaocheng Port opened up beside it on the river. Today it is known for its Chinese herbs and medicine shops, tea shops, and traditional fabric market.

On the tour, you’ll also visit the small but very important Xia Hai City God Temple . This temple has one of the city’s noisiest parades on the god’s birthday (usually around June). There’s an elaborate sequence of rituals for doing prayers at this temple – the guides will show you how.

Join this tour if you’ve already done the main sights in the Old City and you want to get a little more off the beaten track in Taipei – with experienced locals showing you the way.

The free walking tour runs every Tues/Thur/Sat/Sun from 3:00 to 5:30 PM. Book your spot here or on the official site to let them know you’re coming.

Like it Formosa also has a number of paid tours in Taipei and other cities in Taiwan.

TourMeAway: Old Town Taipei Tour

TourMeAway has been running another of the most popular Taipei walking tours for almost a decade. Over 20,000 visitors have joined this the Old Town Taipei Tour . It’s similar but not exactly the same as Like It Formosa’s Taipei Free Walking Tour and takes place in the morning instead of afternoon .

On this tour, the (usually young) guides introduce the 228 tragedy, Japanese history in Taiwan, and other aspects of Taiwan’s modern history and culture. The guides aren’t always Taiwanese, but they’re always very knowledgeable. The tour is a great introduction to Taiwan if you’ve just arrived .

Included on the tour are: 228 Peace Memorial Park , Presidential Office , Chengzhong Market , Zhongshan Hall , and Red House Theater in trendy Ximending. Red House is closed on Mondays, but you can still admire the building, and there’s still lots to see around it.

The free guided tour runs on Mon/Wed/Sat (May to September) and Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat (Oct to Apr). It starts at NTU Hospital MRT (one station south of Taipei Main Station) at 3:30 in summer and 2:00 the rest of the year. The tour takes 2.5 to 3 hours.

Make sure to sign up if you want to secure a spot.

TourMeAway: Longshan Temple Tour

Besides the free Old Town Taipei Tour, TourMeAway also runs second very popular free Taipei tour, the Longshan Temple Tour (see my own recommended walking route and how to pray at Longshan Temple if you want to visit on your own!)

Longshan Temple is Taipei’s most famous and important temple. On this tour, you can find out how to do local temple rituals like throwing moon stones , get your fortune read , and learn the history of this sacred place.

The tour provides a window into local temple customs, so you can have a better idea of what you are observing when you visit Taiwanese temples.

The tour also includes a foray into the neighborhood around the temple, where you’ll visit Mengxia Park (where local elders place Chinese chess), Herb Alley (an alley beside the temple where all kinds of Chinese herbs are sold), and Bopiliao Historical Block nearby.

This tour is currently held on Tues/Thu/Sun at 5 PM, with a meeting point at Longshan Temple MRT station. Make sure to sign up before you join.

TourMeAway also has a popular (paid) night market tour called Hunger Game every Thursday evening and a (paid) Pub Crawl every weekend – perfect for making some friends.

They also have other paid tours by request and some free virtual tours of popular Taipei sights here on their site .

Taipei Private (Paid) Walking Tours

Doing a paid private tour in Taipei comes with a few advantages. The group will be smaller, or it might just be you and guidethe tour . This will give you more opportunity to ask questions and get to know the guide(s).

Depending on the tour, the timing may also be more flexible and the itinerary could be customized. Also keep in mind that most people tip the guides on the “free” tours I covered above, so paying for one of these tours isn’t much different. It will cost a little more, though.

• This private LGBT Walking Tour covers important LGBT sights in Ximending, the heart of Taipei’s Pride culture. It also visits 2/28 Peace Park, where Taiwan’s first Pride parade was held. Keep in mind that Taiwan was the first (and still, only) country in Asia to legalize equal marriage rights.
• On the Street Food Walking Tour , you will experience some of Taipei’s street foods, one of the city’s biggest claims of fame. You can choose the area to focus on.
• This Shilin Night Market Food Walking Tour will allow you to NOT get lost in Taipei’s largest and most famous night market (though you can probably do fine if you click the last link and use my guide, map included!). Also see my guide to the best night markets in Taiwan .
• Klook also has paid walking tours of Longshan Temple , Shilin area (in the daytime, before the famous night market starts), and Dadaocheng .
• The Taipei Double Decker Sightseeing Bus will drop you off at popular sights around the city so you can walk and visit them yourself. It has two different lines.
• TourMeAway and Like It Formosa also have paid walking tours on their sites.

Should you tip the guides on a paid tour? Traditionally, tips are not given in Taiwan, even for guides. However, because many foreign guests do tip guides, they’ve become more accustomed to receiving them.

The choice is still up to you. It won’t be a big deal if you don’t, but if you’re really satisfied with the tour guide’s service and you want to, a small tip of 5-10% is appreciated.

10 Taiwan Islands I’m Obsessed With

20+ fun souvenirs from taiwan (and where to buy them), leave a comment.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

A travel & food blog

One Day in Taipei: The Perfect Itinerary Plus Tips!

There’s so much to love about Taiwan’s capital city, Taipei — from the modern streets and efficient metro system to heritage temples, lively night markets, and delicious food. If you’re here on a short vacation or a layover, you can spend one day in Taipei and still have a fantastic time! Here’s a suggested itinerary so you can explore the best parts of the city.

P.S. Don’t forget to read our First-Timer’s Guide to Taiwan .

Walking tour

Lungshan temple, elephant mountain, night market, taipei travel tips, book a taipei day tour, where to stay in taipei city, what to read next:, one day in taipei itinerary.

Here’s the summary of the 1-day itinerary in Taipei. More details can be found below.

Please enable JavaScript

Start the perfect day with a traditional Taiwanese breakfast.

Based on my experience, a lot of restaurants in Taipei open at 9AM or later, but there are breakfast eateries and bakeries where you can grab local breakfast staple.

Some of the Taiwanese breakfast food you should try are congee and egg, bread and soy milk, Taiwanese egg crepe and sticky rice roll, and noodles.

The good breakfast restaurants often have a long line of locals, so look out for those! You may find that a lot of these restaurants have menus written in Mandarin Chinese, but there are pictures to help you choose. I also recommend looking up an eatery in Google Maps before you go so you’ll have an idea on what to order.

Another place you can have breakfast is the 7-11 convenience store. Before you raise your eyebrows, hear me out. The 7-11 stores in Taipei City are different from what you’re probably familiar with. It’s located everywhere and they offer delicious yet budget-friendly rice meals, bread, and coffee. It was one of my go-to places for early and even late-night snacks.

The great thing about Taipei City is that you can explore it by foot.

Start your walking tour in Taipei City at Ximending District (or Ximen for short). Just outside Exit 6 of Ximen Metro Station, you will find a rainbow crossing with TAIPEI painted on it. This is a good place to take souvenir photos. Take note though that it is usually crowded and there are occasional cars passing by this road, so be considerate and look around before you take photos. I was lucky because there weren’t many people around when I came here.

Across the rainbow crossing, you will find the Red House Theater . This was an important art & cultural center during the Japanese era. Today, the theater serves as an artisinal shop that sells items from local artists. In the afternoon, you can see stalls set up outside the theater and at night it transforms into a party area.

From the Red House Theater, walk towards the Presidential Office Building . This is a Renaissance-Baroque building that served as a governor’s mansion during the Japanese period. Today, it’s used as the office for the president of Taiwan. There is really nothing much to do here — just take photos of the outside building and then go.

The next stop is Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall . This is a national monument erected in honor or Chiang Kai Shek, the founder of Republic of China (Taiwan). The hall is located in Liberty Square, with ample grounds and beautiful architecture. At the entrance of the park, you will see the Gate of Integrity. Inside you will find three buildings: National Concert Hall, National Theater, and the Main Hall. The Main Hall is the one at the center. You need to climb up the 89 steps to see the bronze statue of Chiang Kai Shek.

From Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, walk to the MRT and then ride the train to Longshan Temple Station. From there it’s just walking distance to Lungshan Temple.

Lungshan Temple is one of the oldest temples in the Taipei City. It was established in 1738 by settlers from Fujian Province in China. It’s a religious temple that is home to Guanyin, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, as well as other Buddhist and Taoist deities. You can take pictures of the exterior of the temple and walk inside the courtyard to observe people praying. Remember to be respectful and quiet as much as possible.

This temple is probably one of my favorite stops in Taipei City. I haven’t been to a lot of temples in Asia yet and so it was interesting to see the locals pray earnestly. It feels so authentic.

From Longshan Temple Station, ride the train to Taipei 101 Station.

Taipei 101 is an iconic skyscraper in Taipei City. It used to be the tallest building in the world, until its world record was surpassed by Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Here are some things you can do in Taipei 101.

First, have lunch at Din Tai Fung located at the ground floor of Taipei 101. Din Tai Fung is a Michelin-starred restaurant famous for their xiaolongbao (steamed buns). They also have other items in their menu like fried rice and noodles. I liked the food here — the xiaolongbao definitely lived up to expectations. It’s reasonably priced as well.

After lunch, climb up the 89th floor of the building to get to the Taipei 101 Observatory . This offers a 360-view of the surrounding metropolis. There is also a rooftop on the next floor which you can visit.

Book an advanced Taipei 101 Observatory e-Ticket here.

On hazy days, fog covers up the view from above. So if you visit on a rainy or hazy weather, it might not be worth going up the observatory.

It was clear when I visited the Taipei 101 Observatory. It’s nice seeing the surrounding cityscape and knowing that you’re on top of a building. I also went to the rooftop, although it was too foggy to see anything. Just before I left, fog had already started sweeping up the city, so I was incredibly lucky that I was able to get here when the visibility was still good.

After the observatory, you can go down the 35th floor and enjoy coffee at Starbucks . This Starbucks is the highest branch in the world. Prior 1-day reservation is required and there is a smart-casual dress code. If you still have enough time, you can also explore the shopping mall and surrounding areas in the Xinyi District.

After your visit at Taipei 101, you can either walk to the jump-off point to the Elephant Mountain or ride the MRT station to Xiangshan Station.

Elephant Mountain (locally known as Xiangshan) is a popular spot for sunset viewing. You will need to trek for about 20-30 minutes to reach its view deck depending on your pace, where you can see the Taipei 101 building and the rest of the city skyline. The trek is established and is mostly walking stairs, so it’s tiring. Make sure that you’re wearing good shoes and bringing a bottle of water.

At night, head to a night market. There are a handful of night markets in Taipei City. Shilin Night Market is one of the best and it has wide choices of street food and local dishes. It also has budget souvenirs for take home.

Other night markets you might want to consider are Raohe Night Market , the largest night market in Taipei, and Ximending Night Market , a colorful night market in Ximending District with food and shopping stalls.

Food tripping is the perfect way to end this one day itinerary in Taipei City.

Here are some important tips when exploring Taipei City.

• It is easy to explore Taipei because it has an efficient transport system. There are also sufficient signs written in English so you won’t get lost. To commute, it’s best to buy a multi-day pass or Easy Card for use on trains and buses.
• You can explore Taipei City on your own. You can also join free walking tours around Taipei — this is a great way to know more about the spots you’re visiting and also an opportunity to meet fellow travelers!
• It’s easier and cheaper to book tickets to Taipei 101 in advance .
• There are so many places to see and things to do in Taipei City. If you have more days to spend, make sure to visit other landmarks such as the National Palace Museum.

It is easy to do a DIY tour of Taipei, but for those who would like a more convenient option, you can book an affordable Taipei City Day Tour via Klook .

Here are some recommended stays:

Taipei Main Station:

• Budget : Taipei Sunny Hostel | Flip Flop Hostel
• Midrange : Taipei M Hotel | Cosmos Hotel Taipei
• Budget : Cho Hotel 3
• Midrange : Energy Inn | Roaders Hotel | CitizenM Taipei North Gate

Has this itinerary for one day in Taipei been helpful to you? If you have any questions or comments, let me know in the comment section below!

Planning a trip to Taiwan? Here are important guides:

• First-Timers Guide to Taiwan
• 5 Days Itinerary in Taiwan
• One Day in Taipei City
• Best Day Trips from Taipei City
• What to Eat in Taipei City

If you like this post, pin it!

Get discounts on your travels!

Enjoy discounts with KLOOK using our promo code: TARALETSANYWHERE

Katherine Cortes is a long-time backpacker and a freelance writer/editor. She likes beaches, snorkeling trips, and relaxing staycations (preferably with bath tubs!).

One Comment

Thank you for this post. This was a godsend and led to a fabulous layover in Taipei.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Home > Tour > Nature

Description

There are many reasons why people fall deep in love with Taipei. One of them is the fact that this city has the perfect mixture of urban living and natural wonders. Imagine this: while you stroll along the small lanes downtown, you suddenly find yourself surrounded by flourishing trees and chirping birds. Then you climb up a hill and a majestic Taoist temple with a spectacular view of Taipei 101 unfolds in front of you. Sounds like a wonderland, doesn’t it?

You can explore this real life wonderland by joining our exclusive Nature Tour. Let us take you to the locals ' favorite spot for hiking and a panoramic view of Taipei. Be ready to get fascinated by the serenity of mother nature and religion in this bustling city!

Important Notice

1. Registration closes 12 hours before the tour starts.

2. Personal information will be used for travel insurance. 3. Please wear comfortable shoes for a 20-minute hike. 4. Please prepare a bottle of water. (Water fountain available throughout the tour)

Private Bus Pick Up Point

8:00AM Exit 5, MRT Ximen Station

8:10AM Exit 6, MRT Zhongshan Station

8:20AM Exit 3, MRT Nanjing Sanmin Station

*The private bus will drive you back to your selected pick up point before 12:00PM

This tour covers...

Free private bus transportation

Travel insurance

Kaizhang Shengwang Temple

Baishihu Suspension Bridge

Tip-based. Pay what you want!

Sponsored by

Co-hosted by

Best Taipei Tours

Last Updated: 10/27/2023

Published: 08/14/2023

I may make commissions from purchases made through links.  Read here for more information. And as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This is a review of the best tours in Taipei City, Taiwan. Keep on reading to find an ideal tour for you.

I’ve lived around Taipei City for over 5 years and have experienced a fair number of tours. That inspired me to make this guide to help you find worthy tours of blowing your travel fund while in Taiwan.

Tipping is not required or expected in Taiwan . And if you do tip, the tour guides will not feel offended.

The best way to get around is by using the Taipei MRT subway system . For locations in hard-to-reach areas, hail an Uber or taxi or ride the city bus.

Best Tours to try in Taipei, Taiwan

• Iconic Food Tour : Top pick
• Private Custom Taipei Airport Tour : Best for layovers
• Family Walking Tour : Best non-self-guided walking tour
• 4-Hour Morning City Cycling Tour : Best bike tour
• Beitou and Yangmingshan One-Day Tour : Best one-day tour
• Private Tour with Locals : Best private tour
• Din Tai Fung Dinner & Raohe Street Night Market Guided Tour : Best night market tour
• Private Food Tour : Best food tour
• Private Day Tour from Taipei : Best for seeing Taipei 101

Best Tours for Tourists in Taipei

The following sections will cover essential information about each tour, such as whom each is best for, whether it’s worth the price, noteworthy locations, and other facts you should know beforehand.

These tours are inside Taipei City , not New Taipei . For instance, I won’t cover tours for the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival. You’ll need to view a separate guide for that.

1. Iconic Food Tour: Best Overall

The Iconic Food Tour is best for foodies or anyone interested in Taiwanese food culture who wants a local to show them all the good stuff.

Of course, it’s worth the price. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have included it in this list. However, if you have internet access and don’t mind doing some research, you could save money and have your own food tour.

Research what to eat at night markets , typical Taiwanese meals, etc. I cover all this information throughout various guides I’ve written.

What kind of foods will you try during this tour?

The tour guide will take you to a wet market in Xinyi district and introduce you to foods like Taiwanese burgers, stinky tofu, bubble tea (boba tea), and Taiwan shaved ice. I’m not going to explain what all these are in this post.

Throughout the tour, you’ll try 10-11 different foods and 1–2 drinks.

The tour guide will also take you through Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall , a popular tourist attraction in Taipei dedicated to a prominent figure in Taiwanese history, Sun Yat-Sen. And you’ll have a chance to do a photo op at Taipei 101.

One of the world’s tallest buildings.

Yongchun MRT Station is on the Blue Line of the Taipei Metro.

This tour isn’t ideal for layovers. The next one is.

2. Private Custom Taipei Airport Tour: Best Taipei Layover Tour

The Private Custom Taipei Airport Tour is best for anyone having a layover in Taipei City for over 8 hours.

And it’s worth the money if you want to quickly rush through the city’s major tourist attractions.

The driver will pick you up at the Tourist Service Center counter of the arrival hall of your terminal station. Since Taoyuan Airport has 2 terminal stations, it’ll be one of those. Ensure you check your ticket before booking this tour.

Upon following the driver, you’ll get in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with passenger insurance. 

Upon getting in the car, here are all the places the driver will take you:

• Dalongdong Bao An Temple : 30 minutes
• Dihua Street : 40 minutes
• Taipei Confucius Temple : 30 minutes
• Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall : 45 minutes
• Taipei 101 : Drive-by only

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s fine for infants and folks with strollers.

It’s a great way to explore all the traditional areas in Taipei City within a short period and one of the best ways to utilize a layover period. Before entering Taiwan during a layover, ensure you know what type of visa you’d enter with.

Do you have longer than a day in Taiwan with your family? Consider the next tour.

3. Family Walking Tour: Best Taipei Walking Tour

The Family Walking Tour is a great way to blow a couple of hours with your family in the heart of Taipei City.

It’s worth the money if you don’t want to do a self-guided tour. Otherwise, I recommend just walking around Taipei with your family.

The tour will teach you about Taipei’s history while teaching you about the various cultural and architectural sites within the city.

Otherwise, there’s not much else to the tour.

The Shin Kong Life Tower is outside the Taipei Main Station—Taipei MRT Blue/Red Lines.

If you’re not traveling with a family, consider this next tour.

4. 4-Hour Morning City Cycling Tour: Best Taipei Bike Tour

The 4-Hour Morning City Cycling Tour is best for anyone who has the stamina to ride a bike for several hours and wants to explore Taipei in a more “intense” way.

It’s worth the money, so long as the weather’s good.

You’ll find yourself riding bikes on a 9-mile (15 km) well-maintained and flat path. Meaning that most cyclists shouldn’t have an issue with this.

For some reason, the listing says it’s unsuitable for folks under 4’ 9”. Kids shouldn’t do this.

They’ll give you a helmet if you want. And a rain poncho if the weather isn’t ideal.

They begin the tour with a traditional Taiwanese breakfast and coffee or tea. Afterward, you’ll explore temples, wet markets, and other exciting architecture that reflects Taipei’s rich history.

You should spend the day a different way. Let’s check out the next tour.

5. Beitou & Yangmingshan One-Day Tour: Best Taipei One-Day Tour

The Beitou and Yangmingshan One-Day Tour is best for anyone who doesn’t mind getting some exercise to see some of Taipei’s most beautiful sites.

Making it 100% worth the money.

The tour begins at the Beitou Thermal Valley, a great place to take pictures and to feel like you’re emerging from a thick cloud of fog. Despite being called “Hell Valley,” it’s quite relaxing.

Afterward, the tour will go toward the Flower Clock in Yangmingshan National Park . Show up from February to March, and you’ll see cherry blossoms in this area. Otherwise, you’ll find various flowers on display.

Then you’ll see the lake formed at Qigu and Qixing Mountains.

The tour will end at Shilin Night Market , one of Taipei’s most popular night markets. It’s a great place to try Taiwanese sausages and cold noodles (vegetarian option).

You may want a more private tour. Let’s explore the next pick.

6. Private Tour w/ Locals: Best Taipei Private Tour

The Taipei Private Tour with Locals is best for anyone who wants to quickly explore the city’s hidden gems.

It’s worth the money if you don’t want to spend time researching “hidden gems” in Taipei. It’s also worth it because you’ll learn about Taiwanese culture from a local’s perspective.

And not from some stranger on the internet.

What are these hidden gems? You’ll find out along the way.

Otherwise, you’ll visit places like Dalongdong Bao An Temple, Maji Square, and a Chiang Kai-Shek Statue. You’ll also have an opportunity for a single local drink and food tasting.

You may not find this to have enough food. Let’s check out another tour.

7. Din Tai Fung Dinner & Raohe Street Night Market Guided Tour: Best Taipei Night Market Tour

The Din Tai Fung Dinner & Raohe Street Night Market Guided Tour is best for anyone who wants to try some of Taiwan’s best dishes and learn more about the city from a local’s perspective.

It’s worth the money, as Din Tai Fung has some of the best food I’ve tried.

Yes, I’m a bit biased. But it’s a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant. Meaning that many food critics deemed it worthy of being labeled as the best restaurant in its food category [ 1 ]. You’ll have Xiao Long Bao at Din Tai Fung.

Think of them as a type of dumpling.

You’ll also have an opportunity to try other Michelin Star restaurants at Raohe Night Market. Their black pepper buns and mochi rank the highest in Taipei.

After venturing into Raohe Night Market , you’ll explore the Songshan Ciyou Temple. It’s a great place for religious and history buffs to learn about the building’s architecture and spiritual practices.

Here’s what the tour looks like in-depth:

• These tickets cost NT$600 each.
• Din Tai Fung @ Taipei 101 : 45 minutes
• Raohe Night Market : 50 minutes
• Rainbow Bridge : 20 minutes
• Songshan Ciyou Temple

Need more food? Okay… Here’s another food tour.

8. Private Food Tour: Best Taipei Food Tour

The Taipei City Private Food Tour works best for anyone who wants to try various popular Taiwanese dishes and staple foods . This tour’s also an excellent option for vegetarians.

It’s worth the money to explore Taiwan’s food culture in-depth.

You’ll get 10 food and drink tastings, with vegetarian options available. Aside from food, you’ll explore areas like the remains of the Taipei Prison Wall, Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, and Mazu Temple.

Making it also a great tour for history and religious buffs.

Do you want to specifically visit Taipei 101? Let’s check out the last pick.

9. Private Day Tour From Taipei: Best for Visiting Tourist Attractions

The Private Day Tour from Taipei is best for anyone who wants a private tour to explore some of Taipei’s most popular attractions.

It’s worth the money if you want to escape the heat and explore Taipei in an air conditioned car.

You’ll explore Taiwan’s most popular temple, Longshan Temple in addition to these areas:

• National Palace Museum, Taipei : Place where you’ll find the most Chinese artifacts on Earth.
• Chiang Kai-Shek Residence, Shilin : Place where Chiang Kai-Shek used to live.
• National Revolutionary Martyrs Shrine : Shrine dedicated to fallen Republic of China (ROC) soldiers
• Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall : Area dedicated to Sun Yat-Sen.
• Taipei 101 : One of the world’s tallest buildings.
• Longshan Temple : Largest & most popular temple.
• Huaxi Street Night Market : Otherwise known as Snake Alley.

It won’t give you a tour of everything inside Taipei 101, for example, the 101st floor or the 89th floor Observatory. But it’s a great way to see the lower floors and the interesting architecture inside.

Booking Tours: KKday vs. KLOOK vs. GetYourGuide

KKday is a Taiwan-based business that provides lower prices on some tours than KLOOK or GetYourGuide.

Hong Kong-based KLOOK offers the Taipei Attraction pass, which gives you a small discount on entering tourist attractions like the Taipei 101 Observatory, Leofoo Village Theme Park, and more.

You must group these attractions in bundles of 2, 3, 4, or 5 activities. However, the Taipei Fun Pass offers a similar discount—often better. And it’ll include an EasyCard and unlimited access to the Taipei MRT (on some passes).

Compare the Taipei Attractions Pass to the various Fun Passes and see where you’ll have the most savings. 

GetYourGuide is based in Germany and offers a couple of variations of the Fun Pass on their site, which makes it easier to order and pick up than trying to deal with when in Taiwan.

KLOOK and KKday offer more deals on single attractions . KKday tends to offer more single tourist attractions than KLOOK. Then GetYourGuide offers better tours.

All 3 websites have loyalty programs that allow you to accumulate points and get discounts. I can’t specify whether there’s a winner in this category. Because whatever option’s best depends on whether you’d utilize the reward tiers each service offers each loyalty tier.

FAQs for Taipei Tours

Keep reading to find frequently asked questions about tours in Taipei.

How many Days in Taipei is Enough?

5 days in Taipei would allow you to explore all the major tourist attractions in-depth . And would allow you to hike in areas such as Elephant Mountain and Yangmingshan. Get away with 3 days if you only want to visit places like the Memorial Halls, Taipei 101, and shop a bit.

More Taipei Sights to See

• Beitou Museum – Visitors Guide 08/10/2023
• Best Taipei Tours 08/14/2023
• Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (Liberty Square) – Visitors Guide 07/15/2023
• Chiang Kai-Shek Residence – Visitors Guide 08/03/2023
• Daan Forest Park – Visitors Guide 07/21/2023
• Dihua Old Street – Visitors Guide 07/28/2023
• Gongguan Night Market – Visitors Guide 03/16/2022

Even More Guides

Indoor Things to do in Taipei

Things to do in Taipei with Kids

Taipei Nightlife: Best Bars, Nightclubs, & Attractions

Beitou Museum – Visitors Guide

National Taiwan Science Education Center – Visitors Guide

Taipei Astronomical Museum – Visitors Guide

Taipei Fine Arts Museum – Visitors Guide

Taipei Children’s Amusement Park – Visitors Guide

Theodore began first experienced the wonders of traveling when visiting Vietnam. Afterward, he went crazy and ventured to at least… More about Theo

Book a Flight to Taipei

For Nomads & Expat

Find a bank to use overseas

Deal with mail abroad

Building an Emergency Fund

Trip Planning

Best eSIM providers

Packing List

Destinations

Follow Us On:

© Eager Nomad. All rights reserved 2024

Privacy Policy | Terms of Use

More results...

Free Walking Tour Taipei

Join an adventure exploring taipei’s history, culture, lifestyle, culinary arts, and also nightlife - all with tourmeaway’s walking tours and pub crawl, free  taipei walking tour.

Here at TourMeAway, we have dedicated ourselves to providing high-quality English-language walking tours for international travelers visiting Taipei. We have 6 major city tours covering a wide range of topics, from history, to culture, to lifestyle, to culinary arts, and also nightlife - all in one of the most exciting cities in Asia! So step out and come hang!

We offer three free walking tours in Taipei. Old Town Taipei Tour will take you through the old town of Taipei, including 228 Peace Memorial Park, The Presidential Office, Our Inner City Market, Zhongshan Hall, Ximending, and The Red House. By visiting the popular sites and hidden corners of this city with our guides, you are guaranteed to have an interesting, informative and unforgettable tour!

If you’re tired of touristic spots, we heard you. It’s time to see the other side of Taipei. Join our Taipei Chill Out Tour while you’re in the chillest city in Asia. With the most unique route into real hangouts and neighborhood in the city, we guarantee an adventure into the heart of modern Taipei like no other. So take it easy, keep it cool, and head out on a stroll to hang out with the locals! 

Last but not least, if you’re wondering what’s going on in the mysterious local temple, join us on a journey back into the past! In our Longshan Temple Tour , together we'll travel back in time to 18 century Wanhua district, where Taipei city was founded! Our local guides will walk you through all the amazing stories of this ancient neighborhood. On top of that, we'll show you how to be a real Taiwanese by worshiping at Longshan temple! So join us for an extraordinary day or night out in this city!

Pictures from our walks

What visitors think about Free  Taipei Walking Tour?

Frequently asked questions about the tour

What if i am late for the tour can i still join, i’ve heard taipei is a rainy city. should i bring my umbrella, do you cancel your free walking tours due to bad weather, is there a recommended amount i should pay the guide, how should i be dressed for the temples, get inspired by the free tour community blog, want to know more about our tours.

Walking Tours

Privacy overview.

THE 10 BEST Taipei Walking Tours

Walking tours in taipei.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Private Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Traditional)
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers

• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. [Private Tour] Shilin Night Market Walking Tour With a Private Tour Guide (2-hr)

2. Taipei Private Custom Tours with a Local: Highlights & Hidden Gems

3. Taipei Food Tour

4. Taipei Street Food & Night Market Tour with a Local: Private & Custom

5. Taipei Nightlife: Taipei Pub Crawls (2 Different Routes)

6. Private History and Architecture Walking Tour in Taipei City

7. Traditional Old School Taiwanese Food Tour

8. Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Taipei Private Tour

9. Taipei's Origin & Longshan Temple - Taiwan Cultural Walking Tour

10. 2-Hour Private Dadaocheng Walking Tour

11. Yansan Night Market Food Tour

12. Taipei Memory - 2 Days Tour

13. A Magical Evening in Taipei: Private City Tour

14. The Ultimate Yehliu Geopark Private Day Trip

15. Backstreet Food Tour: Food, Culture, and Fun

16. Private Cruise Tour from Keelung: Trip to Taipei

17. Private Professional Photoshoot in TaiPei

18. WoknRoll Taipei Walking and Historical Food Tour

19. Private tour Authentic Taipei

20. Capture your Taiwan Trip, Taiwan photo shoot

21. Private Walking Tour in Taipei's Vintage Dadaocheng

22. Okavango Delta to Victoria Falls via Elephant Sands and Chobe (7 nights)

23. Taroko Delight: Private Car Tour to Spectacular Natural Wonders

24. Taipei: Book A Local Host For 6 Hours

25. 2-Hour Private Ximending Area Walking Tour

26. 2-hr Raohe Night Market Walking Private Tour with a Tour Guide

27. Taipei : Must-See Attractions Private Walking Tour

28. Taipei: Layover Experience With A Local Host

29. 2-Hour Vegetarian Private Walking Tour - Xingtian Temple

30. Taipei One Day Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private

What travelers are saying.

• The Award-Winning PRIVATE Food Tour of Taipei: The 10 Tastings
• Taipei Old Town - Taiwan Introduction Walking Tour
• Taipei Food Tour: Night Market & Convenience Store(Food Included)
• Taipei Private Custom Tours with a Local: Highlights & Hidden Gems
• Taipei Food Tour
• CookingFunTaiwan 暖心廚房
• CookingFunTaiwan暖心廚房，Cooking Classes，Taiwanese food
• Let's Go Formosa
• Doremi Travel Service
• Opatrip.com Taiwan
• Taipei Eats
• HolaTaipei Travel
• TourMeAway - Free Walking Tour In Taipei
• Like It Formosa

• Destinations
• Tours in Taipei

Taipei Historic Free Walking Tour

Overview of the tour in Taipei

The West end of Taipei was once the center of political and economic activities of the city and where modern development started. This tour takes you through Taiwanese history, looking from the traditional beliefs of the late Qing dynasty, to the cultural shifts under Japanese rule, then to the political landscape after the arrival of the Nationalist government in 1949. The Historic Tour covers all the essential attractions in West Taipei as well as the stories and legends behind them. Walking from the past to the present, you will see how Taipei is shaped by multiple cultures and historic events and get a clear picture of this amazing city.

This activity includes:

• Bopiliao Historical Block
• Lungshan Temple
• The Red House
• Presidential Office Building
• 2/28 Peace Park
• Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
• Longshan Temple
• Ximen Red house
• Presidential Office
• 228 Peace Memorial Park
• Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

Meeting point

Exit 1, MRT Longshan Temple Station

Meeting point: Exit 1 of MRT Longshan Temple Station Our guides are recognized with a green and white paper fan saying "Like It Formosa".

Things to note

1. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a bottle of water or an umbrella if needed. 2. This tour is wheelchair, stroller and kid-friendly. 3. This tour will take place rain or shine. However, if Taipei City Government announces a day off because of natural disasters, the tour will be canceled and you will be notified via email one day in advance. 4. If you are joining this tour with a group of more than five people (5+), or a group arranged by travel agencies, please fill in our private tour request form to customize your needs. The idea of our free walking tours is to show the city to individual travelers and small groups, and is not suitable for last minute big groups. If no advance notice or booking is made, Like It Formosa and our guides reserve the right to refuse your participation in our tours.

Free Cancellation

You are free to cancel a booking anytime. We kindly remind you to cancel bookings you cannot arrive for. Being reported as absent decreases your customer level points and the benefits you can enjoy.

• Join Freetour
• Provider Sign In
• Affiliate Program
• Security & Privacy
• Terms & Legal
• Cookie policy
• Freetour Awards
• Ratings & Reviews powered by

Free walking tour near Taipei

Others cities to visit after taipei, find other guruwalks in taipei, where are you traveling to.