Must-see attractions in Taipei - Taiwan!
- t-moveson
- Nov 3
- 7 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Going home for vacation is both a headache and a joy for me. The joy comes from enjoying many authentic Taiwanese dishes and meeting up with old friends. Although I grew up in the city, not living in such an environment for so long has gradually changed my lifestyle.
Recently, Taiwan's booming technology industry has earned it a strong international reputation, making people curious about what Taiwan is like and wanting to visit. After spending so much time abroad, I suddenly felt like sharing some must-see places in Taipei during this vacation!
Taipei is a city that blends tradition and modernity. In just one day, you can experience the city's rich history, faith, and modern vitality. From ancient temples to modern landmarks, the incense smoke of ancient temples, to the high-rise buildings of fashionable shopping districts, and finally end the day in the hustle and bustle of the night market. This day trip connects Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Taipei 101, Taipei Arena, Longshan Temple, Huaxi Street Night Market, and City God Temple, allowing you to feel the city's history, faith, and modern energy.
Taipei is a city that blends tradition and modernity. In just one day, you can travel from the incense-filled atmosphere of ancient temples to the towering skyscrapers of trendy shopping districts, and finally end the day amidst the lively sounds of night markets.
This day trip itinerary connected **Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Taipei 101, Taipei Arena, Longshan Temple, Huaxi Street Night Market**, and **City God Temple**, allowing you to experience the city's history, faith, and modern vitality.
🏛️ Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall | A Solemn Encounter of History, Architecture, and Urban Symbol
**Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall** is a landmark that almost every foreign tourist visits. The white building symbolizes purity and solemnity, while the blue roof tiles symbolize freedom and peace. The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is one of the most familiar landmarks to foreign visitors, its magnificent white walls and blue tiles symbolizing the spirit of "freedom, democracy, and culture." Climbing the steps offers a panoramic view of Liberty Square, with the National Theater and Concert Hall on either side gleaming in the sunset, creating a majestic atmosphere. The most popular attraction is the changing of the guard ceremony every hour on the hour (9:00–17:00), a truly awe-inspiring sight with its synchronized movements and accompanying music. The memorial hall also features permanent exhibitions and cultural displays, providing a deeper understanding of modern Taiwanese history.
📍 **Transportation**: Exit 5 of Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall MRT Station
🕰️ **Suggested stay**: 1 hour
📸 **Photography suggestion**: Stand at the entrance arch of Liberty Square to capture the memorial hall against the blue sky in the frame for a magnificent view.
🏯 Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall | A Cultural Space Where Greenery and History Intertwine
Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall is not only built to commemorate Dr. Sun Yat-sen, but also a recreational space resembling a city park.
The expansive lawns and emerald lake reflecting Taipei 101 make it one of the most beautiful spots for photographers.
The hall houses exhibitions on Dr. Sun Yat-sen's life and achievements, and occasionally hosts arts and cultural performances, making it a cultural landmark that blends history and modernity.
📍 **Transportation**: Exit 4 of Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall MRT Station
🕰️ **Suggested Stop**: 40 minutes
☕ **Nearby Recommendations**: You can stroll along Guangfu South Road or Yanji Street to find a cafe to relax in; there are many trendy little shops hidden there.
🏙️ Taipei 101 x Xinyi Shopping District | A symbol of skyscraper fashion and urban vitality
In the afternoon, I arrived at the Xinyi Shopping District, where Taipei 101 is located, and was greeted by the most modern side of Taipei.
This area combines department stores, boutiques, restaurants, and night views, allowing you to experience the city's vibrant rhythm whether you're shopping or simply strolling.
For panoramic views of Taipei, you can ascend to the 101 Observatory for a breathtaking view, or make a reservation at the Starbucks on the 35th floor to enjoy a coffee while watching the sea of clouds. At night, the twinkling streetlights offer a perfect opportunity for nighttime photography.
Taipei 101 is a landmark of Taiwan and one of the world's most famous skyscrapers. From the 89th-floor observation deck, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Taipei, and on a clear day, you can even see the Tamsui River estuary. Besides the observation deck, the 101 shopping mall also houses major international luxury brands and high-end restaurants. The Xinyi Shopping District is Taipei's most bustling commercial area—ATT 4 FUN, Breeze Nanshan, and Eslite Bookstore Xinyi are all within easy reach. At night, the entire glass facade and neon lights create a dazzling spectacle in the city.
📍 **Transportation**: Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station, Exit 4
🕰️ **Suggested Stay**: 2–3 hours
🍽️ **Lunch Recommendations**: Din Tai Fung (Xinyi Branch), Shin Yeh Taiwanese Cuisine, Taipei 101 Food Court
⚾ Taipei Dome and Songshan Creative Park: New Urban Landmarks, Urban Highlights Blending Old and New
Located at the intersection of Xinyi and Songshan Districts, the **Taipei Dome** is one of the most popular landmarks in recent years.
Its exterior features a transparent dome design, combining a shopping mall, sports stadium, and cultural and creative exhibition area, symbolizing Taipei's new urban landscape.
The adjacent **Songshan Creative Park** is a must-visit for travelers. The art and exhibition space, converted from a former tobacco factory warehouse, is photogenic at every turn. The Taipei Dome is one of Taipei's most prominent new landmarks in recent years, not only a stadium but also a complex building combining shopping malls, cultural and creative spaces, and recreational areas. The surrounding Songshan Creative Park was originally the "Songshan Tobacco Factory" during the Japanese occupation, now transformed into a cultural and creative exhibition and market center.
📍 **Transportation**: Approximately 8 minutes walk from Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall MRT Station
🕰️ **Suggested Stop**: 45 minutes
🎨 **Highlights**: Eslite Bookstore Songyan Store, Limited-Time Creative Market, Japanese Handmade Desserts
🐉 Longshan Temple | The Core of Faith and Folk Culture, a Fusion of Incense and History
As evening falls, step into **Longshan Temple in Wanhua District**, one of Taipei's oldest and most devout temples.
Built during the Qing Dynasty, the temple boasts intricately carved beams and painted rafters, its golden splendor evident in every stone pillar.
Regardless of faith, one can feel the tranquility of time and the warmth of human connection. Built during the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty, Longshan Temple is one of Taipei's oldest temples and a representative of the fusion of faiths—Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism coexist.
The temple's carvings are exquisitely detailed, and its incense is ever-burning. As night falls, the temple, illuminated by lights, exudes a solemn grandeur.
Whether locals come to pray for peace or tourists experience traditional Taiwanese faith, they can feel the rich human touch and cultural atmosphere.
📍 **Transportation**: Exit 1 of Longshan Temple MRT Station
🕰️ **Suggested Stop**: 40 minutes
💡 **Recommended Experiences**: You can draw lots, light lamps, and experience the daily beliefs of the local residents.
🌃 Huaxi Street Night Market | The Flavors of Old Taipei, the Human Touch in the Night
Located outside Longshan Temple, **Huaxi Street Night Market** is one of Taipei's most nostalgic night markets. Adjacent to the temple, it was once famous for its snake soup and still retains a strong old-town atmosphere. As one of Taipei's earliest tourist night markets, it blends tradition and history. Under the arched roofs, long-established stalls sell various classic snacks such as herbal pork rib soup, squid soup, oyster omelets, and pepper cakes.
Along the street, you can find famous old shops selling herbal pork rib soup, squid soup, herbal tea, and duck meat dumplings. The bustling atmosphere and twinkling lights make it the most authentic place to experience Taipei's nightlife.
📍 **Transportation**: Adjacent to Longshan Temple
🕰️ **Suggested Stay**: 1–1.5 hours
🍢 **Recommended Snacks**: Mengjia Yuanzai Soup, Pepper Cake, Herbal Tea, Rice Noodles
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🏮 City God Temple | A Peaceful Prayer Before the End
After your stroll through the night market, don't forget to visit the nearby **Mengjia City God Temple**. A popular place of worship for locals seeking peace and success, the temple is dedicated to the City God and is a vital center of local faith. Although small, the temple is bustling with worshippers who come to pray for good fortune and protection from misfortune.
📍 **Transportation**: Approximately 5 minutes walk from Longshan Temple
🕰️ **Suggested Stop**: 20 minutes
🌅 Dadaocheng Wharf | Retro Riverside Romance of Old Taipei
Located on the banks of the Tamsui River, Dadaocheng Wharf retains the nostalgic charm of old Taipei. Once a bustling port, it's now a great place to enjoy the sunset, drink beer, and listen to music. It's most beautiful at dusk, when the golden sunset casts a warm glow on the river, creating a relaxed and romantic atmosphere.
Transportation: Approximately 15 minutes walk from Beimen MRT Station or Daqiaotou MRT Station
Suggested stay: Approximately 1 hour
Tip: You can enjoy drinks and watch the sunset at the container market.
🌌 Shilin Night Market | Taipei's Most Lively Nightlife Destination
Shilin Night Market is one of the most famous night markets in Taiwan. It offers a wide variety of snacks, from giant fried chicken cutlets and oyster omelets to fried stinky tofu and bubble tea. It's not just a place to eat; it's a place to experience the most vibrant and authentic Taipei nightlife.
Transportation: Approximately 5 minutes walk from Exit 1 of Jiantan MRT Station
Suggested stay: Approximately 1.5 hours
Trip Summary and Traveler Tips
This **Taipei City Day Trip** took you from religious culture to modern fashion, from the ancient Longshan Temple to the dazzling Xinyi District.
You can not only witness the city's transformation but also experience the everyday life of Taipei residents characterized by "passion, faith, and creativity."
🚶♀️ **Total Duration**: Approximately 10–12 hours
🗓️ **Best Time to Visit**: Autumn and winter, with pleasant temperatures and gentle sunshine.
🎒 **Tips**: Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a light jacket, and make sure your phone is fully charged (you'll be taking tons of photos!)
Best time to visit:
Morning: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Afternoon: Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Taipei 101, Taipei Arena
Evening: Sunset at Dadaocheng Wharf
Night: Longshan Temple, Night Market Tour, Shilin Night Market wrap-up.
From faith to culture, from the old city riverside to modern skyscrapers, this Taipei one-day tour allows you to experience the city's multi-layered rhythm and charm. Whether it's your first time visiting Taipei or you want to rediscover its local atmosphere, it's worth spending a day exploring.
For other articles about Taipei, please see here:
🌟 Taipei Food and Nightlife Complete Guide | From Unique Restaurants with Views to Lively Nightclubs >>>
🌟 A Day Trip to Northern Taiwan | Discover Hidden Gems of Mountains and Seas in One Go >>>
🌟 Want to know more about Taipei attractions or get help planning your trip? Please visit >>> https://www.hellocities.online/en/travelplanner
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