
Taipei offers many things to see and do. One of the most visited attractions is the National Palace Museum, housing traditional Chinese palace-style treasures as well as providing breathtaking views from Taipei 101.
History buffs should visit Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall or attend a Taiwanese folk religion temple that hosts rituals and performances on special occasions such as Buddha’s Birthday or Ghost Festival. Bengaluru to Taipei fights are offered by Cathay Pacific right now.
Bopiliao Old Street
Bopiliao Old Street, situated in Wanhua District, is one of the city’s oldest streets. Comprised of traditional shops and houses dating back to Qing dynasty era, its architecture blends southern Fujian styles and Western influences; buildings typically consist of one or two storey structures featuring intricately carved patterns on their facades and window lattices; this historic street now hosts restaurants, cafes, museums, art exhibitions as well as art installations.
Bopiliao Old Street is also home to the Heritage and Culture Education Center, an interactive grade school equipped with learning tools. The center features theme displays to give visitors a glimpse into early city history; making this popular tourist destination and an excellent opportunity for visitors to experience Taipei’s rich cultural and heritage.
Longshan Temple served as the main commercial hub of Bangka (Wanhua) District during the Qing dynasty, drawing traders from throughout China for business transactions. Today, this street still maintains its early elegance with its arched brick arcades and intricately-carved window lattices; old-style shop-houses with stores on one side and living quarters on another still stand.
Sun Book Binding Company was one of Taiwan’s earliest binding firms and its historic facade has been preserved to serve as a museum to document its long history.
Bopiliao Old Street can be reached easily with the MRT, by disembarking at Longshan Temple Station on the blue line and walking along Guangzhou Street to Guangzhou Street station. Bus routes also serve the heritage district which opens daily from 09:0017:00.
Jiufen
Jiufen, a remote hillside village near Hong Kong, has become famous due to its striking similarities with Spirited Away by Hayao Miyazaki. While not directly influencing his movie, this fairytale-esque village still provides an immersive experience, featuring narrow alleyways lined with food stalls, tea shops and souvenir stores reminiscent of Hayao Miyazaki’s iconic film.
Explore Jiufen’s narrow alleyways and shop its various shops selling souvenirs, tea, pottery and pottery pieces. Keep an eye out at night; this area tends to get very busy then. To avoid crowds visit earlier in the day or after 10pm when streets are lit with red lanterns.
Shengping Theater (9:30a.m. to 5:30p.m.; free admission) offers another ideal afternoon activity in Jiufen. Constructed in 1934 from Taiwanese cypress wood, the theater features old movie posters as well as an intact concession stand with local films being shown every hour – making this a fantastic chance to catch local movies!
People interested in modern art should visit the Museum of Fine Arts. This impressive complex houses works from both local and international artists dating from 1920 until present day, featuring pieces dating from both collections.
Bus 1062 from MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing Station will get you to Jiufen Museum; be sure not to miss your ride home; bus costs approximately NT$90 and takes an hour or so.
Longshan Temple
From certain vantage points in Taipei’s skyline, intricately-carved dragon tails can be seen among skyscrapers and modern shopping centers. These vibrant reminders serve as a colorful testament to Longshan Temple – established by Chinese immigrants in 1738 as Taipei’s spiritual heart.
Today the temple stands as one of Taiwan’s primary places of worship and an iconic representation of classic Taiwanese architecture. Locals frequently visit to pay their respects and get prayers answered at this holy site – many donning religious garb and making offerings such as fruit, baked goods or incense at its altars.
Once inside Longshan Temple (Long Men), visitors will be met by two stunning water installations: cascading water down an artificial waterfall and a coy fish-filled pond – two beautiful sights which transport you out of downtown Singapore instantly.
Once inside, you’ll discover a grand sanctuary of ornate buildings and intricately carved sculptures to honor Taoist and Buddhist deities. Take time exploring its walkways while marveling at details such as its octagonal windows or upward curving swallowtail roof tips which are distinctive of Taiwanese temple design.
Be sure to visit the altar of Yue Lao, an ancient god revered as a matchmaker. Single people come here in hopes of asking God for help finding true love; many even bring string as offerings from worshipers for use when praying at this temple.
Shilin Night Market
Shilin Night Market in Taipei is an absolute must for visitors and locals alike, as its bustling carnival of street-side snacking attracts crowds of both travellers and young locals. The market consists of two primary areas; one surrounds Yangming Theatre all the way down Danan Rd to Chicheng Temple on Danan Rd while a central food court attracts even greater numbers of people.
This arts village stands out as being more genuine than most on this list, featuring art displays in and around many of the houses and being home to some bars and restaurants for drinks and snacks. While it does have an unfavorable reputation as an attraction for love hotels, it remains an intriguing destination that’s worth discovering and visiting.
Visitors to Taiwan will get an impressive sense of its history at this beautiful museum. There are various exhibits here, from ancient treasures and weaponry to traditional cultural items – visitors can save money by booking their tickets in advance online.
At first glance, it is easy to see why this breathtaking temple is one of Taipei’s top attractions. With intricate details that astonish, the intricate details make a visit even more breathtaking and offer visitors a spiritual experience. Additionally, visiting during special festivals such as Buddha’s Birthday or Ghost Festival makes your experience that much sweeter!
National Palace Museum
National Palace Museum stands out from many museums by being exceptionally welcoming and comfortable, providing visitors with an incredible assortment of Chinese art that is truly captivating. Situated at Taipei Expo Park, this is an unmissable attraction for art enthusiasts as well as solo travellers wanting to immerse themselves in visual creativity.
Taipei offers many things for visitors to enjoy, including climbing Taipei 101, taking in breathtaking views on Elephant Mountain, visiting Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall and learning about history at 228 Memorial Site and Dr Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall; plus there’s the modern and well-kept Taipei Zoo which ranks among Asia’s finest zoos!
Jiufen is another wonderful place to visit for its old streets, delicious street food offerings and diverse shops that sell everything from tea, herbal remedies and antiques to trinkets and novelty items. Known as the ‘Secret Silk Road’ due to the many traders from this area having originated here.
The Xingtian Temple, a Taoist temple dedicated to Guan Gong – Taoism’s god of war – should not be missed due to its unique dragon elements on fixtures. Locals visit this popular spot for fortune block readings for advice and assistance.
Taipei’s National Museum of Natural History is another must-visit attraction, offering hands-on exhibits to engage and educate children of all ages. Additionally, this museum boasts an incredible collection of rare plants and animals which makes it a great spot for nature enthusiasts to visit all year round. Furthermore, numerous educational activities for different age groups make this museum worth your while!