From soaring skyscrapers to night markets with Michelin-star street food, Taipei is a cosmopolitan metropolis steeped in rapid development and gastronomic adventures. This urban jungle surrounded by mountains also features a vibrant cultural fusion of traditional Chinese customs and Japanese influences.
What I loved most about this Taiwanese capital was its efficient public transport system that made it easy and cheap to move around. As a female traveler, I felt safe strolling the city’s neon-lit streets and ancient temples. Its plethora of convenience stores are food havens where I could satisfy my late-night cravings for onigiri and milk tea at an affordable price.
Attractions such as the historic Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall and the tranquil Taipei Confucius Temple can also be explored by visitors for free. So if you’re traveling on a budget, check out this list of fun things to do in Taipei, Taiwan, that won’t break the bank.
1. Go on a food trip in night markets
Taipei’s bustling night markets are every gastronome’s paradise, oozing with an eclectic mix of mouthwatering street food, fun games, and shopping opportunities. From the classic xiao long bao to the famous stinky tofu, the wide assortment of Taiwanese flavors is just too tempting to resist. Some of the food stalls here even earned the prestigious Michelin recognition.
I tried scallion pancakes and bubble tea at the food-centric Ningxia Night Market, located close to my hostel in Datong District. Shilin Night Market, one of the largest and most touristy night markets in the city, is also a must-visit. After braving a long queue, I sampled a kimchi-flavored sausage and lemon wintermelon tea. Aside from the popular market’s culinary offerings, you’ll also find various arcade games and karaoke bars here.
Another crowd darling is Raohe Street Night Market, situated next to Songshan Ciyou Temple. The Rainbow Riverside Park is also nearby, ideal for taking a breather after snacking and strolling around.
2. Test your luck in claw machine games
There’s no doubt that the claw crane craze dominates the streets of Taiwan. Try your luck in winning different prizes, such as adorable plushies, Tamagotchis, and anime merchandise, in claw machine arcades for only 10 TWD (0.32 USD). In game-crazy Taipei, it isn’t hard to find these glowing glass boxes that provide thrill and inexpensive entertainment to passers-by. Some people even have strategies for maneuvering the joystick and seizing their preferred object.
My friend and I played these amusing games in Taipei City Mall and just about anywhere in the city. Enticed by a variety of snacks, I attempted to snag a bag of Cheetos but lady luck wasn’t on my side. My pal won a cute keychain once and also tried a coin-operated gashapon machine to get a surprise item.
3. Stroll around Ximending
Shopaholics and hipsters will be glad to explore the vibrant Ximending, which is usually compared to Tokyo’s Shibuya or Harajuku and New York’s Times Square. This trendy commercial district is a melting pot of Taiwanese, Korean, and Japanese cultures.
It mirrors the city’s youth subculture and boasts an array of fashion stores, tattoo parlors, and souvenir shops. At night, the neon glow of signs and billboards illuminates its busy roads. I also chanced upon talented street performers with the crowd who gathered in circles and cheered in awe.
What’s more, this shopping and entertainment hub has many eateries and street food. One of the tasty yet budget-friendly comfort foods that I savored here was a bowl of authentic Taiwanese noodles with pork intestines from local favorite Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle for as low as 60 TWD (1.90 USD). Dining in a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant is also a must-try if you crave reasonably priced Japanese dishes.
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4. Check out the themed 7-Elevens
Taiwan has more than 13,000 convenience stores, which are a big hit and draw both locals and tourists with delectable treats, bright lights, and welcome jingles. Aside from offering a wide range of goodies and services, some branches of the popular retail chain 7-Eleven also have themed outlets featuring well-loved cartoon characters and brands. In Ximending, I was delighted to see a cute Hello Kitty-inspired 7-Eleven store with lots of adorable Sanrio merchandise on a shelf.
I also encountered an outlet designed with the characters of Detective Conan, a famous Japanese manga series. For snack lovers like me, the yellow Lay’s-themed branch was worth visiting, perfect for grabbing a stash of flavored potato chips. You can also look for the two 7-Eleven stores with a Snoopy theme in Taipei and the Pokémon-inspired outlet in New Taipei City.
Taipei Tour Guide
Jenny Wan Kim Lim
Hi, I'm Jenny! I love showing people around Taiwan and Malaysia. I grew up in Penang and spend a lot of time in Tainan too. For the past few years, I've been a licensed tour guide for these 2 countries , sharing my passion for exploring. Being a guide isn't just a job to me, it's what I love doing. I enjoy finding hidden spots, introducing you to tasty local food, and making sure you have amazi... Read more
Tours by Jenny wan kim
5. Take a bus to Zhongshe Flower Market in Taichung
Need a respite from the bustling metropolis? Tourists who want a change of scenery can go on a day trip to Zhongshe Flower Market. From Taipei Bus Station, we rode the Fengyuan Bus 6606 to go to this attraction. This enchanting floral haven in Taichung boasts European-style gardens and endless fields of colorful flowers.
The sea of lavenders, sunflowers, and sages creates a scene that’s straight out of a fairytale, making the place ideal for wedding photoshoots. Note that the blooms may change depending on the season. If you want to see the lovely tulips in full bloom, you can visit from January to March.
Aside from the vibrant flowers, we also found dreamy backdrops, such as the white piano, windmill, and life-size picture frame. Since we went there in September, we only paid 120 TWD (3.79 USD) per ticket. Those who dine in the barbecue-on-the-spot restaurant can enter the flower fields zone for free.
6. Visit the temples
Taipei Confucius Temple, a Minnan-style temple that pays homage to the influential Chinese philosopher, is not to be missed when sightseeing in the city. The simplicity of the place is befitting to the teachings of Confucianism, and visitors get the chance to be educated about the Six Arts taught by the great sage. I loved the tranquility that embraces the courtyard surrounding Dacheng Hall and other buildings.
The intricately designed Bao’an Temple is also within the Dalongdong Cultural and Historical District. Its elaborate adornment made of dragon pillars, beautiful woodwork, and stunning wall murals captivated my attention. This cultural gem is in honor of Emperor Baosheng, revered as the god of medicine.
Another place of worship that we visited was Xia-Hai City God Temple, home to the City God and his wife (a Chinese Cupid). It attracts devotees seeking the help of Yue Lao, the god of marriage and love in Chinese mythology.
The best part? Admission to these temples is free.
7. Marvel at The Red House
One of the iconic sites to visit in Taipei is The Red House, a historic building that served as the first public market in Taiwan. Designed by Japanese architect Kondo Juro, this Western-style structure that dates back to 1908 is characterized by its red bricks and unique octagonal shape. It also functioned as an opera house as well as a performance and movie theater after World War II.
At present, this tourist attraction adjacent to the Ximending pedestrian area is frequented by people who love arts and crafts. We went inside to take a look at the delightful gifts and locally made products being sold. We also found some moon blocks or divination tools used in Taiwanese temples.
8. Meet lovable animals at Taipei Zoo
One of the largest zoos in Asia, the 165-hectare (407.72-acre) Taipei Zoo features over 400 animal species. We only paid 60 TWD (1.90 USD) for the regular tickets, and upon entering the premises, a group of pink flamingos caught our eyes.
Special zones for African, Australian, and desert animals are in the outdoor areas. Animals indigenous to Taiwan can be found in the Formosan animal area, while the children’s zoo is home to domestic animals. You’ll also see a temperate zone animal area and tropical rainforest. The bird world showcases a themed aviary with pheasants and storks.
The indoor display includes the penguin house, insectarium, and pangolin dome. There’s also a building that exhibits amphibians and reptiles. Due to time constraints, we were only able to visit the koala house and the Xinguang special exhibit house. Nonetheless, it was an amazing experience to meet the adorable koalas from Australia and the climbing giant pandas.
9. Enjoy a picturesque ride at Maokong Gondola
Go on a scenic gondola ride with spectacular views of the city, including the iconic Taipei 101 and the surrounding mountainous terrain. Passengers can pay by EasyCard to avail of a 20 TWD (0.63 USD) discount on weekdays. We opted to hop on one of the crystal cabins with reinforced glass floors for a better panorama of the landscape.
The journey via Taipei’s first high-altitude gondola starts from Taipei Zoo Station to the breathtaking Maokong region. There’s also a stop at Zhinan Temple Station, where we were welcomed by the sculpture of an auspicious dragon in front of Yingxian Pavilion. Because of the heavy rain, we were not able to explore the Zhinan Temple complex—a medley of Taoist, Confucian, and Chinese Buddhist elements.
Our last stop was Maokong, which is well-known for its tea farms and teahouses. Here, we tried a mix of bao chung and tie kuan yin tea ice cream before heading back.
10. Book a fun day tour via Klook
One of my fondest memories in Taiwan was joining the northeast coast day tour that my friend and I booked via Klook as a side trip from Taipei. We rode the tour bus at Taipei Main Station and went to Yehliu Geopark, a geological utopia famed for its otherworldly rock formations carved by forces of nature such as erosion and weathering. The unique stone forms even have charming names such as “Queen’s Head,” “Fairy’s Shoe,” and “Cute Princess.”
Our next stop was the seaside mountain town of Jiufen, a fantasyland for fans of the Japanese animated film Spirited Away. We passed by various food stalls, red lanterns, and traditional teahouses that reminded us of the enchanted village in the popular Ghibli movie. There’s also something magical about walking the narrow alleyways of Jiufen Old Street in my vintage cheongsam.
After getting lost in Jiufen’s mesmerizing streets, we headed to Shifen Old Street. Here, we decorated and wrote down our wishes in sky lanterns before sending them to the heavens for good luck. The last stop of our day trip was dedicated to making Taiwanese pastries at Shu Shin Bou Wagashi Museum, and we took home the pineapple cakes we prepared. All these activities, including the transport and guided tour, cost 990 TWD (31.16 USD).
11. Explore the vibrant nightlife scene
Women in the mood to hit the dance floor can take advantage of the ladies’ night in many clubs every Wednesday. Don’t forget to bring your passport as a valid ID, especially if you’re a foreigner. My female friend and I went to Wave Club Taipei in Xinyi District before 11pm on a Wednesday and got in for free after presenting our passports. We also enjoyed complimentary drinks the entire night.
Only those over 18 years old can enter this premier luxury club, known for its electronic dance music. Slippers are not allowed for boys, and they must wear long pants.
When we felt like chilling with a bottle of beer, we went to Umbra Bar in Datong District. The owner is friendly, and the bar has an amazing atmosphere with unique collectible items on display. The best part? We played with adorable cats inside.
12. Immerse yourself in history at Liberty Square and Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
For a dose of history and relaxation, we went to a famous public plaza called Liberty Square, a site for mass gatherings. A cultural landmark that shouldn’t be missed in the area is Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. This national historic monument was constructed to honor authoritarian leader Chiang Kai-shek, long-time president of the Republic of China. Boasting a 25-hectare (61.78-acre) plaza, it serves as a significant witness to Taiwan’s democratic development.
The renowned attraction comprises the National Theater, National Concert Hall, and Memorial Hall building. The Liberty Square Archway is also a sight to behold, and you’ll find gardens and pavilions in the park. At present, CKS Memorial Hall hosts a plethora of cultural performances and art exhibitions.
We explored the place at our leisure along with groups of tourists admiring the impressive architecture of the memorial hall and its surrounding buildings. After strolling, I spent some alone time at Scenery Books and Cafe, a hidden gem in the National Theater. It features a cozy ambiance and a library of books you can read while sipping a cup of coffee.
13. Catch the sunset from Dadaocheng Wharf
On our last full day in Taipei, we decided to explore the old-world charm of Datong District and cap the evening with a wonderful sunset view from Dadaocheng Wharf. During its glory days, the wharf served as an important entrepot for trade along the Tamsui River. Nowadays, the historic area of Dadaocheng has become a scenic spot for riverside cycling and a jump-off point for boat tours.
At sundown, we chilled out at Dadaocheng Wharf Container Market in Yanping Riverside Park to enjoy some pre-dinner snacks. This popular hangout place on a pier features several stalls and waterfront cafes offering delicious food and drinks.
Explore Taipei in a cost-effective way
Budget travelers won’t have to shell out big bucks when traveling around Taiwan’s lively capital. My favorite thing about Taipei is its affordable and convenient public transport services offering connectivity to various routes in and out of the city. From food tripping on the streets to sightseeing in must-visit attractions, amazing experiences await tourists here. For your next trip to Taipei, check out the bucket list mentioned above.
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10 Best Night Markets In Taipei, TaiwanSudarsana
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