Taipei City, the capital of Taiwan, is known for its rich historical culture which is still visible in this generation through temples, museums, and memorial halls. The good thing about Taipei is it has a very convenient transportation, so you can easily go to these tourist destinations through MRTs and public buses. Here are 5 of the most visited historical and tourist spots within Taipei City.
1. National Palace Museum (國立故宮博物院)
The museum was originally founded in the walls of Beijing Forbidden City in 1925, and was relocated in Taiwan way back in 1949 together with the Republic of China’s relocation. This world-class museum houses more than a hundred thousand of ancient artifacts and artworks from Chinese imperial collection from 1,000 years ago in the early Song dynasty.
Entrance fee to the museum is 250NT$ per pax for adult and 150NT$ for student which is open from 8:30 to 18:30PM daily. You can also rent an English headphone guide for 200NT$.
HOW TO GET THERE: From Shilin (士林) MRT Station, walk outside the station and take Bus R30 (紅30), minibus 18 or 19, or bus 255, 304 or 815 which will take around 15 minutes. Fare is 15NTD, you can pay it through your EasyCard or by Cash.
ADDRESS: No.221, Sec. 2, Zhishan Rd., Shilin District, Taipei City
2. National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine (國民革命忠烈祠)
The Shrine was built in 1969 to commemorate the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the love to the country. It has 390,000 spirit tablets of those soldiers who fought during the war against the communists in mainland China.
Most tourists visit the Shrine to witness the changing of guards that happens every beginning of the hour from 09:00AM to 17:00PM. You’re free to take photos and videos during the routine, just make sure to stay away from the path. This usually takes around 15 minutes.
After the routine, you can explore inside the Shrine to check-out some unique and fascinating Chinese architecture.
HOW TO GET THERE: From Jiantan (劍潭) MRT Station (Exit 1), go to the bus stop and take bus 267, 556, 902, or 紅3區. The travel will also take around 15 minutes for 15NTD that can be payable through EasyCard or by Cash.
ADDRESS: No.139,Bei-an Road,Zhongshan District,Taipei City,Taiwan (R.O.C.)
3. Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall (中正紀念堂)
This Memorial Hall was opened in 1980 and was originally built in memory of the late president of the Republic of China, Chiang Kai Shek. CKS was designed in reference to some significant events and culture. Its roof is color blue and octagonal in shape that symbolizes the number eight (8) and is associated to abundance and good fortune. The two sets of 89 steps staircase leading to the main hall represent the late president’s age of death. At the ground level of the main hall, you can find the Exhibition Hall of historical relics of the late Chiang Kai Shek.
Now, the Memorial Hall was considered as one of the most prominent landmarks in Taiwan and locals sometimes organize some various cultural activities such as concerts, and exhibits. Changing of guards in the Memorial Hall also happens every hour from 09:00AM to 17:00PM.
HOW TO GET THERE: Take the Red MRT line or Green MRT line going to Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall Station.
ADDRESS: No.21, Zhongshan S.Rd., Zhongzheng Dist.,Taipei City 10048, Taiwan (R.O.C)
4. Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall (國父紀念館)
This 115,500sqm memorial hall was built as a tribute to the founder of modern China, Dr. Sun Yat Sen. The hall which was completed in 1972 would not only serve as a place of remembrance for the late founder, but also encompassed the functions of cultural and artistic education, leisurely recreation and academic research that can accommodate up to 2,600 audiences. Also, it has a library inside which contains more than a million books for public use.
Outside the hall, there is a great space for recreation where you can usually see people flying kites that adds up to the beauty of the whole place.
HOW TO GET THERE: Take the Blue MRT line going to Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall Station.
ADDRESS: No. 505, Section 4, Ren’ai Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City, 110
5. Taipei 101 (台北101)
Considered as the world’s tallest skyscrapper in 2004 until the completion of Burj Khalifa, Dubai in 2010. Also, the elevator in Taipei 101 used to be the fastest in the world, traveling at 60.6 km/h and transporting passengers from the 5th to 89th floor in 37 seconds.
INDOOR OBSERVATORY: Located at the 89th floor of the building and 382 meters above the ground, this offers you an unobstructed view of the whole city including a museum that let visitors learn about the design process and construction of the building. There is also a gold-colored wind damper which is 660 tons in weight and 5.5 meter in diameter suspended in the building that offsets the force of the wind and helps the 101 stable through typhoons and earthquakes.
OUTDOOR OBSERVATORY: Located at the 91st floor of the building which is only accessible through stairs from the 89th floor, this outdoor observatory enables the visitor to view the spire at the 508 meter high apex. This is only open to public on favorable weather.
Tickets to the observatory are as follows:
Adults: 600 NT$
Students: 540 NT$
Child (under 115cm): FREE
HOW TO GET THERE: Take the Red MRT line going to Taipei 101 Station.
ADDRESS: No. 45, Shifu Rd., Xinyi District, Taipei City
Before you pack up your things and visit these amazing places, make sure to know some few tips and be aware of the beauty of their culture.
Is this place are free? thanks
Hello Dino, sorry for getting back to you really late. Not all places are free, we included in the article as to what places need an entrance fee. Thanks!
Hi im from Cebu also. Currently enrolled in my masters but im doing some 2-months research work in taiwan. I am based in the national musuem of marine biology and aquarium, because im into marine science. It would also be nice if you can visit and write about the south Taiwan area. Its also very nice here! Checheng, Hengchun and Kenting are just few examples 😄. Would be very happy to read it.
Hi there Enzo. We’re also from Cebu. 🙂 Hope to see you around here in Taipei 😀
I love to read travel blogs! Thank you for sharing!
You are most welcome, Yana! 🙂
So beautiful your pictures are! I have never been to Taipei before. This looks interesting and great for taking photographs too!
Hi Lala! Taipei is great for photographs but just make sure that you’re patient enough to wait for the place to be less crowded 😀
What a beautiful place! I love how cute you two are in your pictures.
It’s indeed a beautiful place, Heather. Thank you for that wonderful words of appreciation 😀
My husband has always wanted to see this city. He love their culture!
Hello Joanna! I promise that you will never regret visiting Taiwan, you should definitely include it in your bucket list 😀
I love all of the building structures, they all have such eye catching designs. Thanks for sharing these images.
Yes, most of the architectures here in Taiwan are well thought of and has some historical meanings 🙂
Sounds like you guys had a fab time in Taipei. Beautiful photos and comprehensive article.
Yes, we’re actually living here in Taiwan for work. But we’re enjoying the most of our years here in this superb country! 🙂
Very beautiful pictures, so adventurous
Thank you, Donia! 🙂
I’ve recently realized I want to visit Taiwan after hearing so many wonderful things, but I really didn’t know where to begin. Thank you so much for sharing! This is super informative!
You’re welcome, Madison! Feel free to browse through our Taiwan blogs, it would surely give you an idea and information of how beautiful Taiwan is! 😀
What a beautiful City. I have never been, but hope to visit some day. Thank You for the information
No problem, Jennifer. Our goal is to give some guide and information to our fellow travelers when visiting Taiwan 🙂
u make me want to visit now!
Visit Taiwan soon and you’ll never regret it! 😀
Wow, this place is now on my bucket list, so many gorgeous spots to visit! Thanks for sharing!
Taiwan should undoubtedly be on your bucket list. This country is somewhat underrated, but when you get here, you’ll never regret it 🙂
All these places look so great, and beautiful! I’m definitely adding these to my ‘must-go-to’ places!!! Thank you for sharing!
You’re most welcome, Cassie! 🙂
Thank you. We have a list of places to visit in Taipei now. Thanks to you! A place on the bucket list and this guide will make it easy to get around!
You’re welcome 🙂 Enjoy your Taiwan trip! you’ll definitely never go wrong with this country 🙂
It looks beautiful there! My husband and I have recently been toying with the idea of a trip to either Vietnam or China… now I feel like Taiwan should be in the mix!
You should definitely visit Taiwan soon, Nicole! This country has so much to offer to all its tourists, and these places are just some of the wonderful places here! 🙂