Top Things To Do In Taipei

Tailoring each experience to your wishes by locals who love their city

Local guide posing with tourists on a family tour of Taipei
Local guide posing with tourists on a family tour of Taipei

Wondering what to do in Taipei?

A kaleidoscope of cultures, with traditional Chinese, Japanese, Southeast Asian, and western influences, Taiwan’s capital city is as diverse as its endless list of things to do. Taipei at first glance appears to be a modern metropolis, but the true spirit of the city bubbles below the surface of its futuristic facade. In fact, Taipei can at times feel like an open-air museum with its multitude of Taoist temples dotted amongst towering skyscrapers, museums filled with treasures dating back 5000 years, and old merchant villas transformed into museums or shops. Between the old and new halves of this dynamic city, the things to do in Taipei are anything but ordinary.

Local guide showing a couple of tourists the city highlights of Taipei

Tangible history

At 300 years old, Taipei is one of the youngest cities in Asia. Even so, the city’s history is remarkable – in its lifetime, Taipei has been a Chinese tea-trading post, a Japanese colony, and a KMT base. Exploring the things to do in Taipei will likely lead you to a wealth of landmarks that illustrate the city’s storied past. From centuries-old Taoist temples to Japanese-era mansions to old merchant villas, the historic sights are embedded in the fabric of the modern city – it’s impossible to separate the two. Today, the things to do in Taipei reflect a city filled with centuries of stories.

Tourists enjoying the view of the city skyline and Taipei 101 from Elephant Mountain in Taipei

The great outdoors

Break away from the frenetic city center and you might be surprised to discover pristine wilderness on Taipei’s doorstep. The city’s gorgeous natural surroundings offer a wealth of incredible things to do in Taipei, with cliff-hugging hiking trails through densely forested mountains leading to all sorts of natural wonders. The most memorable things to do in Taipei aren’t limited to inside the city limits, and lovers of the outdoors are spoiled for choice. You could go surfing at a nearby beach, mountain biking through a forested trail, climbing up cliffs, or even hiking among tea plantations.

Local vendor selling fresh fruit at a typical street stall in Taipei

Midnight snacking

When the sun sets, the list of things to do in Taipei gets even longer. The city’s nightlife is buzzing with cool clubs and crowded bars, but you’ll likely find most locals spending their evenings elsewhere. Above all else, dusk signals the start of the city’s iconic night market scene, and crowds descend on the colorful, chaotic, crisscrossing lanes of late-night food markets spilling out onto the streets. If the aromas of local specialties wafting from hundreds of street food stalls are too difficult to ignore, spend your night like the locals do – midnight snacking as a social event.

Latest reviews from our guests

    Vila provided excellent insights into life in Taipei. She was amazing! The historical and cultural experiences were the highlight of our visit to Taiwan. She even helped us navigate Uber in Chinese and placed an order for us at a local Taiwanese restaurant. We truly felt like we got a taste of what it would be like to be a local. My wife sends a special shout-out for taking us to some fabric stores. Thanks Vila!

    5 January 2026

    Marshall S

    Touring Taipei with Alice was an absolutely wonderful experience. From the very beginning, it felt like the perfect match—Alice grew up in Taipei, and her deep local knowledge brought the city to life for us. She offered a variety of tour options and thoughtfully tailored the day to suit our family’s interests, making everyone feel included. Alice took the time to connect with each member of our family, showing genuine warmth and curiosity, which made the experience feel personal and relaxed. We truly had the best day: visiting the iconic Taipei 101, eating our way through the city, hiking in the afternoon, and ending the day with more incredible food and shopping. Throughout the day, Alice generously shared her knowledge, stories, and love for Taipei, making the city feel vibrant, welcoming, and unforgettable.

    5 January 2026

    Kate G

    Green was a phenomenal tour guide. He was knowledgeable and provided a unified overview of Taiwan with each stop. He didn't just take me around the city but more importantly taught me how to use the trains to get around and oriented me to the city as a whole so that I could feel confident and prepared to enjoy the rest of my trip in Taipei. It was easy and fun to spend the day chatting with him. A very friendly, local experience. Thank you Green!

    29 December 2025

    Lucy L

    Green was responsive from the start and continually attuned to our family’s needs. I had specific requests about tour venues and start times, and he emailed with every change. On the day of, he even sent a selfie so we could spot him easily. When a situation with our teenager delayed us, he was gracious and reassuring. After we arrived (short one teenager), he shared his own experience, put us at ease, and adjusted the itinerary to fit our priorities. His history and cultural context at the National Palace Museum and Longshan Temple hit the perfect balance—deep enough for my history-buff husband, engaging enough for both teens. Shilin Night Market was the best: top hits, great food, efficient pacing, and we still made it back for massages. What a great day!

    26 December 2025

    Shu-Min C C

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