Taipei is packed with attractions and things to do that are especially exciting to see and experience for first-time visitors. Within Taipei City itself, you’ll find a significant number of historic and cultural spots, while New Taipei City can show you some of Taiwan’s natural wonders.
In this article, we’ll share over 20 FREE attractions that you can enjoy in Taipei and New Taipei City.
WAIT, WAIT, WAIT! If your are traveling soon and still on the planning stage, you can also visit our The Poor Traveler Masterlist. Here, we compiled travel essentials, including immigration requirements and all our recommended hotels and tours. Just visit this page: TPT Masterlist. We have a compilation for destinations around the world.
1. Houtong Cat Village
If you’re a cat lover, the Houtong Cat Village is a must-visit! Located just a 15- to 20-minute drive from Jiufen, this former coal-mining town has transformed into a cat haven. In 2008, a local photographer captured the heartwarming sight of residents caring for abandoned cats. Since then, the village has attracted cat enthusiasts from all over the globe.
Aside from the adorable cats, you’ll find statues and cat-themed souvenir shops. The village itself is beautifully scenic, nestled between a stream and a railway. And if you’re feeling hungry, there are plenty of snack stalls to enjoy some local treats.
Location: Houtong Cat Village, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
How to Get to Houtong Cat Village: If coming from Jiufen, take the train to from Ruifang Station to Houtong Station. From Taipei Main Station, take a train going to Ruifang Station. Then, transfer to Pingxi Line to Houtong Station. Another way is to take a direct local train from Taipei Main Station to Houtong Station.
2. Dihua Street
This is said to be Taipei’s oldest street, dating back to the 1850s! This wasn’t our first time here, we’d been here just a couple of years ago. But this is our first time exploring it in style! And by style, I mean wearing traditional attires, which you can use for FREE. Just head to the Dadaocheng Visitor Center, then you just need to give a deposit worth NTD 1000, which is refundable as long as you return the garments without damage.
You can choose from any of their wide selection of attires, and you also get an accessory, which can be a bag, a pipe, or a hat. And while in your period drama era, explore the historic street, which is flanked by shophouses selling traditional medicine, tea, herbs, fabric, and more. It has always been like this for centuries! But today, you’ll also find more modern cafes and milk tea stalls.
One of the largest buildings here houses the Yongle Market. Built in 1896, this kaleidoscope of textiles spans multiple floors filled with silks, satins, lace, and tailor services. The street-level wet market is where you’ll find freshest produce, herbal teas, and snacks, too.
On the 8th floor of the same building, you’ll find Dadaocheng Theater, a branch of the Taipei Cultural Center. This is a great venue for performances, and even to this day, you can catch traditional puppet plays here. There’s also a mini-museum showcasing the various types of puppets and the history of puppetry in Taipei.
Then, just down the street is the small but extremely popular Xia Hai City God Temple. Completed in 1859 in honor of the the City God, Chenghuang, who ensures local peace and prosperity. Later on, a statue of his wife was added. Today, many visitors, especially tourists come here to pray for a happy love life.
So whether you’re hunting delicate fabric rolls, seeking divine romantic luck, or slipping into vintage threads for a retro shoot, Dihua Street is the place for you — with layers of culture, color, and charisma.
Location: Dihua Street, Datong District, Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Closest MRT Stations: Beimen or Daqiaotou Station
Traditional Attire Use: Rental Fee, NONE/FREE; Deposit, NTD 1000 (refundable)
3. Dadaocheng Wharf
Depending on which part of Dihua Street you’re coming from, walk for 5-10 minutes westward and you’ll eventually find Dadaocheng Wharf Plaza. From its origins as a bustling trade pier on the Tamsui River to its 21st-century renaissance as a riverside hangout, it mixes history with modern fun.
The murals on its super lengthy wall are top-notch, depicting various scenes of Taipei. It’s best to visit in late afternoon and evening, when the wharf really comes to life, especially at the Pier-5 Container Food Park, where you’ll find dozens of stalls pumping out craft beer, boba, burgers, seafood, Thai, Korean, and Italian. Grab a table seat (some atop containers!), let the river breeze flow, and snap those casual food shots as city lights glimmer across the water.
If you have more budget, you can hop on a sunset‐time river cruise heading upriver toward Tamsui and beyond. A ride offers a scenic drifting shot of iconic bridges, lush riverside parks, and of course, Taipei’s skyline, which is magnificent at sunset. You can even spot Taipei 101 from here! And it’s surprisingly affordable too, at only NTD 300 for an hour-long cruise.
If you’d rather not spend, it’s just as enjoyable to take a leisurely walk here and let the river breeze wash over you. There’s no entrance fee if you’re simply sightseeing. But if you’re up for a bike ride, that’s an option too. But of course, it comes with a fee.
YouBike stations and bike rental shops are available, offering an easy way to explore the 18 km riverside cycling route, which leads to Guandu or back to the city. Bike rental costs NTD 80 per hour. YouBike is much cheaper.
Bike Rental: NTD 80/hour
Boat Cruise: NTD 300/hour
Location: Dadaocheng Wharf, Datong District, Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Closest MRT Stations: Beimen or Daqiaotou StationHow to Get to Dadaocheng Wharf:
- From either Beimen or Daqiaotou Station, you can get there on foot in five minutes.
- From Dihua Street, it’s a 5-10-minute walk.
4. Guandu
If you keep on biking from Dadaocheng, you’ll eventually reach Guandu Wharf. It’s very quiet during the day, but from late afternoon until the evening, it bursts into life as food stalls open and locals begin to flock around the area.
Just across the street stands Guandu Temple, officially known as Ling An Temple. It is a historic gem dedicated to Mazu, the goddess of the sea and protector of sailors and fishermen. One of the oldest in Taiwan, Guandu Temple’s roots can be traced back to 1661. But the most interesting bit? It was carved into the side of a mountain.
Judging from the road by the entrance, we actually thought it was pretty small, but when we entered, we were greeted by a deep, winding cave tunnel, adorned with statues, altars, and stone reliefs, leading to a small shrine. The experience gives a more spiritual, almost otherworldly feel. And once you make it to the other side, you’ll find more structures, including a pagoda, several halls, and a manicured garden with unnaturally square-shaped trees. But that’s not the end of it. From here, you’ll also get to enjoy a wonderful view of the area.
If you get hungry, just across the street lies the Guandu Food Park, where you can grab quick snacks.
Location: Guandu, Beitou District, Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Closest MRT Station: Guandu Station
5. Ximending
This list won’t be complete without the OG IG paradise — Ximending. I mean, I can’t think of any other free site that attracts more social media natives than the rainbow six crosswalk right by the entrance to Ximen Walker. And it’s not difficult to understand why.
Often compared to Harajuku, this buzzing neighborhood is a sensory overload in the best way possible. Bright signs glow above pedestrian streets lined with fashion boutiques, sneaker shops, milk tea stalls, and endless snack counters. It’s loud, colorful, and unapologetically busy. Yes, it’s extremely touristy nowadays—but there’s a good reason people keep coming back.
What keeps the area interesting is that it still belongs to the youth. Teenagers gather here after school, buskers draw crowds with music and dance, and cosplayers occasionally turn the streets into a spontaneous photoshoot.
But if the crowds start to feel overwhelming, a short stroll leads you to Taipei Cinema Park. Compared to the packed commercial blocks, this open space feels refreshingly relaxed. Its graffiti-covered walls, outdoor art pieces, and wide concrete spaces attract skateboarders, dancers, and creatives who prefer a more low-key vibe.
We love Ximending so much that we would rather stay here whenever we are in Taipei. It’s one of the best areas to stay in the city. Plenty of dining, shopping, and lodging options. Yes, it harbors a wide range of accommodations from full-service hotels to budget hostels!
Location: Ximending, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Closest MRT Station: Ximen Station
6. Beitou Thermal Valley
Earlier, I mentioned Guandu, which can be found in Taipei’s Beitou district. But Beitou is best known for another attraction — hot springs!
Beitou Thermal Valley is one of the most famous hot spring spots in Taiwan, located in northern Taipei. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by this small fountain, where you can feel the water and give your hands a bath.
But as you walk deeper, you’ll eventually see the steamy hot springs that look like nature’s giant cauldron. It’s basically a steaming geothermal pool where extremely hot sulfuric water bubbles up from underground. The water here can reach 80–100°C, so it’s far too hot to touch or bathe in. But it is one of the main natural sources of Beitou’s hot spring water. Resorts and bathhouses in Beitou Hot Springs pipe mineral water from this geothermal system.
It’s visually striking: milky blue or sometimes green-ish water and constant steam, but also bombards your nose with a strong sulfur smell (like boiled eggs). Walk around it and soak in the slightly mystical atmosphere.
And nope, no entrance fee at all. But before leaving, you might want to spend on tea eggs, sold by shops in front of the entrance. Then walk to your right, where you’ll find our next stop.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Monday, CLOSED
Location: Beitou Thermal Valley, Beitou District, Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Closest MRT Station: Xinbeitou StationHow to Get to Beitou Thermal Valley: From Taipei Main Station, alight at Beitou Station, and then transfer to Xinbeitou line. Finally, get off at Xinbeitou Station, then walk for about 10 minutes.
7. Beitou Hot Springs Museum
Step into the past at the Beitou Hot Spring Museum, a beautifully preserved bathhouse from the Japanese colonial era. Built in 1913, the building once served as one of the grandest public bathhouses in the area. Today, it offers a glimpse into the heyday of Beitou’s hot spring culture, complete with exhibits and a massive wooden bathing hall where visitors once soaked in mineral-rich waters believed to have healing properties.
The museum itself feels calm and nostalgic. During our visit, however, the peace was briefly interrupted by busloads of Japanese schoolchildren on a field trip, making it a bit livelier than usual. Normally, though, the atmosphere is quite relaxed. Like many traditional bathhouses, you’ll need to remove your shoes before entering, store them in the lockers, slip on the provided indoor slippers, and follow the marked path as you explore the exhibits.
It is completely free of charge, but they do regulate the number of visitors inside at any given time.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Monday, CLOSED
Location: Beitou Hot Springs Museum, No. 2, Zhongshan Road, Beitou District, Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Closest MRT Station: Xinbeitou StationHow to Get to Beitou Hot Springs Museum: From Beitou Thermal Valley, you’ll reach the museum on foot in approximately 10 minutes.
8. Qingtiangang Grassland
It may be hard to believe, but this rolling sea of grass still sits within the city limits of Taipei. It feels part Studio Ghibli fantasy landscape, part K-drama filming location, and a little reminiscent of the windswept hills of Batanes. Welcome to Qingtiangang Grassland!
Sitting roughly 800 meters above sea level inside Yangmingshan National Park, it was actually formed by ancient volcanic lava flows. Today, though, it’s a peaceful green escape where visitors stroll along trails, locals spread picnic blankets, and cows casually graze across the hills. Yes, there are lots of cows here. Most of the time, they mind their own business, but occasionally one wanders close enough to unintentionally photobomb a tourist selfie.
Locals say the grassland looks most cinematic when mist rolls over the hills, giving the place a dreamy, almost otherworldly feel. When we visited, however, the skies were perfectly clear. No fog, no drama—just bright sunshine and sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, with the dense skyline of Taipei faintly visible in the distance. A well-maintained walking path winds across the grassland, making it easy for casual walkers, reluctant hikers, and people who packed cute outfits instead of proper trekking gear for those slightly-leaning-on-the-fence photos.
Just don’t expect solitude on weekends, when the place fills up quickly. For a calmer visit, aim for a weekday morning like we did. We went on a Wednesday, and it was wonderfully chill.
Location: Qingtiangang Grassland, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
How to Get to Qingtiangang Grassland
- From Taipei City Center: Take the MRT or bus to Jiantan Station. From the station, catch Bus S15 to Qingtiangang. Then, walk to the park.
Travel Time: 1-1.5 hours- From Yangmingshan Bus Terminal: Board Bus 108, then hop off at the Qingtiangang stop.
Travel Time: around 35 minutes
9. Datun Falls
This spot is also within Yangmingshan National Park. Most tourists only get to reach the area close to the Yangmingshan Flower Clock, a giant floral timepiece near the park’s western entrance. But just a short walk away, you’ll find Datun Falls, a multi-tiered waterfall hidden along one of Yangmingshan’s quieter trails.
Getting there requires an easy 10-minute walk. Along the way, you’ll pass a viewing platform that offers a fantastic lookout over the landscape. The distant skyline of Taipei looks especially impressive from here. Shortly after, the path leads through a mossy, tunnel-like walkway that feels almost magical, like stepping into another world.
Datun Falls isn’t just one dramatic drop but a series of cascades flowing over large boulders. The upper tier plunges nearly three stories down, while the lower sections create smaller, more intimate waterfalls perfect for close-up photos. To be honest, we were a bit underwhelmed by the cascade itself, but we were told it was because we visited in the summer, so the water flow wasn’t at its most dramatic. Locals say the falls look most powerful during the rainy season. But there are incredibly photogenic spots, especially the elegant arched bridge that crosses the stream. The bridge also makes a great vantage point if you want photos with the waterfall in the background.
Best of all, the trail is very accessible. You can take bus routes 128, 129, S8, S9, or the 260 series to the Yangmingshan Park area, then simply walk to the falls.
Location: Datun Falls, Yangmingshan National Park, Beitou District, Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
How to Get to Datun Falls: Make your way to Yangmingshan Bus Terminal, then catch Bus S8 or S9 to Yangmingshan Park area (Hushan Road Sec 2). Travel on foot for 10 minutes to Datun Falls. You’ll find plenty of signs along the way.
10. Shifen Falls
Just a short trip from Taipei, Shifen Falls is located in New Taipei City’s Pingxi District. This impressive curtain-style waterfall stretches around 40 meters wide and drops roughly 20 meters into a misty basin below. Because of its horseshoe shape, it’s frequently compared to Niagara Falls, although on a smaller scale. When the water flow is strong (especially after rain), the falls produce a dramatic spray that sometimes forms rainbows on sunny days.
Reaching the waterfall is part of the experience. A pleasant walking path leads visitors through lush greenery, past smaller cascades, suspension bridges, and countless food stalls offering snacks, beverages, and souvenirs. What got my attention were these ginormous custard apples (atis)! They cost a lot more than the ones found in the Philippines, but they’re also a lot bigger!
Yes, it is easy to be distracted, but eventually, you’ll pass by several viewing platforms before reaching the main waterfall. Unlike many waterfalls, where you only get one angle, Shifen Falls can be admired from multiple decks, making it easy to capture photos from different perspectives.
It is completely possible to reach this by public transportation. But just be prepared for quite a bit of walking. The nearest stop is Shifen Station, but it’s still about a 25-minute walk just to reach the start of the trail. And that’s only the trailhead. From there, you’ll need to walk another 15–20 minutes to reach the first viewing deck. This is why most prefer visiting this as part of a bigger Shifen tour.
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Shifen Tours usually also include a stop in Yehliu Geopark and Jiufen, which we will discuss later. Another staple in these tours is the Shifen Old Street.
Location: Shifen Falls, Pingxi District, New Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
How to Get to Shifen Waterfalls: From Taipei Main Station, take a train going to Ruifang Station. Then, transfer to Pingxi Line to Shifen Station. From there, you’ll reach the waterfalls in about 25 minutes on foot.
11. Shifen Old Street
Set along an active railway track, Shifen Old Street is one of the most popular stops along the Pingxi Line. Located in Pingxi District, the narrow street is lined with small shops, snack stalls, and souvenir stands squeezed tightly along the tracks. Every so often, a train slowly rolls through the street, and everyone steps aside until it passes, before the crowds spill back onto the tracks again. It’s a bit crazy but also charming.
When no train is passing, visitors wander freely on the rails, browsing for street food or writing wishes on sky lanterns before sending them floating into the sky. Releasing a lantern is the main ritual here. Locals believe the tradition began when villagers used lanterns to signal safety during the coal mining days, and over time, it evolved into a symbol of hope and good fortune.
Today, travelers write their wishes — love, health, career, travel dreams — on the lantern before lighting it and watching it drift above. There is no entrance fee. You can wander around for free. But if you want to release a lantern, you’ll have to pay for the actual item.
Location: Shifen Old Street, Pingxi District, New Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
How to Get to Shifen Old Street: From Taipei Main Station, take a train going to Ruifang Station. Then, transfer to Pingxi Line to Shifen Station. The railway tracks run along the Shifen Old Street.
12. Jiufen
Perched on the misty hills overlooking the coast, Jiufen is one of the most atmospheric destinations near Taipei. Once a booming gold mining town during the Japanese colonial era, Jiufen has since reinvented itself as a charming hillside village known for its narrow alleyways, teahouses, and lantern-lit staircases.
The heart of the town is Jiufen Old Street, a maze of food stalls and souvenir shops where you can sample local favorites like taro balls, peanut ice cream rolls, and herbal teas. Beyond the bustling old street, quiet viewpoints open up to sweeping views of the mountains and the Pacific Ocean below, making Jiufen wildly cinematic, especially in the late afternoon when red lanterns start to glow.
Popular Attractions: Jiufen Old Street, Shengping Theater, Gold Mine Museum, Mount Keelung Trail, and various scenic viewpoints
Location: Jiufen Old Street, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)How to Get to Jiufen: From Taipei Main Station, take a train going to Ruifang Station. Along Mingdeng Road is a bus station (Local Residents Plaza) with routes heading toward Jiufen. Take bus Route 827 or 788. Going back to Taipei city, take bus Route 1062.
13. Taipei Botanical Garden
It’s surprisingly easy to forget you’re in the middle of Taipei once you step into the Taipei Botanical Garden. This peaceful eight-hectare oasis is lush, green, and utterly calming, with well-marked paths and wooden boardwalks guiding you through 17 themed zones organized by plant type.
Established as a nursery in 1896 and officially becoming Taiwan’s first botanical garden in 1921, it now hosts over 2,000 plant species. There’s even a dedicated Buddhism Garden, but the real highlight for most visitors is the lotus ponds, perfectly situated next to the National Museum of History.
At the opposite end of the garden stands the Guest House for the Imperial Envoy, a historical landmark. While it’s temporarily closed, the beautifully painted gates are still worth admiring. Whether you’re here for a botanical escape, a touch of history, or just some peace and quiet in the city, the garden delivers on all fronts.
If you get thirsty, a couple of nearby coffee spots have you covered: Peloso Coffee Roasters, with its library-like vibe, and the minimalist FF.Coffeeholic. Perfect for a relaxing pit stop after a stroll among the greenery. We’ll make a separate WHERE TO EAT IN TAIPEI article to discuss these cafes (and other food spots) in detail.
Opening Hours: Daily, 5:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Entrance Fee: FREE
Location: Taipei Botanical Garden, No. 53號, Nanhai Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Closest MRT Station: Xiaonanmen Station
14. Taipei Expo Park & Linji Huguo Temple
For something colorful, quirky, and full of surprises, head to Taipei Expo Park, a lively blend of art, culture, and food. The site originally hosted the 2010 Taipei International Flora Expo, but today it’s a year-round hub for festivals, pop-up markets, and events.
One of the park’s highlights is Maji Square, a food court just next door. Here, food stalls, artisanal shops, and outdoor cafés come together to create a bustling, market-like vibe. You can sample everything from Taiwanese street eats to Indian, Italian, and Korean dishes, shop for quirky souvenirs, and catch live music performances.
Our visit was actually unplanned — we were supposed to hit an outdoor market, but the rain forced us to improvise, and Maji Square’s covered area made it the perfect Plan B. And wow, we were glad we did! Locals like our companion Nelly say it’s even more magical in the evenings, when lights turn on and the whole place buzzes with energy.
On the quieter outskirts of the park, you’ll find Linji Huguo Temple, a lesser-known cultural gem. Less crowded than Longshan Temple, it impresses with elegant traditional architecture and its focus on the Linji school of Zen Buddhism, emphasizing inner peace and wisdom — a perfect spot to glimpse Taipei’s spiritual side.
Location: Taipei Expo Park, No. 1號, Yumen Street, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Closest MRT Station: Yuanshan Station or Zhongshan Elementary School Station
15. Lungshan Temple
Since we’re on the topic of temples…Right in the heart of Wanhua District, Lungshan Temple is one of Taipei’s most iconic attractions. It’s completely free to visit. Built in 1738, this historic temple has survived earthquakes, fires, and wars, yet its intricate carvings, colorful murals, and ornate wooden beams remain a breathtaking example of traditional Taiwanese architecture.
Even if you’re not here to pray, wandering through the temple gives you a glimpse of local life. You can watch devotees perform rituals and quietly meditate. Add in the bustling courtyard and nearby historic streets, and you get a rich cultural experience in the heart of Taipei for free. Early mornings or sunset visits make the temple even more magical, with soft light illuminating the lanterns and carvings — a perfect, wallet-friendly stop on any Taipei itinerary.
One thing I noticed is that there are no incense sticks here. Apparently, it was banned by the management to improve the air quality in the area. Instead, worshippers may place other offerings on the table.
Opening Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Location: Lungshan Temple, No. 211, Guangzhou Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Closest MRT Station: Longshan Temple Station
16. Bishanyan Temple
Another stunning, ornate temple in Taipei is Bishanyan Temple, which easily stands out thanks to its setting. Tucked into the hills of Neihu District, this isn’t just a place of worship but also a lookout with seriously captivating views.
Perched on a hillside, it offers sweeping vistas of Taipei, said to be especially magical at sunset. We visited on a foggy, rainy morning, so the sun didn’t make an appearance, but it was easy to imagine how spectacular the cityscape must look on a clear day.
The temple itself is a feast for the eyes, with intricate carvings, dragons, and colorful details that make you feel like you’ve stepped into an ancient legend. Unlike many city temples, Bishanyan has a serene, almost meditative atmosphere. Even when other visitors are around, the place feels peaceful and sacred.
Nearby, you’ll find some fun extras: the Baishihu Suspension Bridge (temporarily closed during our visit) for a gentle thrill, and the heart-shaped pond, perfect for quirky selfies or couple photos.
Opening Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Location: Bishanyan Temple, No. 24號, Bishan Road, Neihu District, Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Closest MRT Station: Neihu StationHow to Get to Bishanyan Temple: Coming from the city center, take the MRT and alight at Neihu Station. From there, take Bus S2 to Bishanyan Stop (near the suspension bridge).
17. Xinzhongshan Linear Park & Chifeng Street
On the surface, Xinzhongshan Linear Park dazzles with sculptural benches, floating walkways, and seasonal blooms. But underneath the park lies a hidden world: the Zhongshan Underground Book Street, a treasure trove of mostly Chinese books, with some English selections sprinkled in for lucky visitors.
Just across the way is the Eslite Underground Music Store, a paradise for music lovers hunting for vinyls, CDs, and DVDs—from contemporary stars like Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, and Chappell Roan to legends like Michael Jackson, David Bowie, and yes, even Milli Vanilli.
A few steps off the path is Chifeng Street, once Taipei’s auto parts alley, now reinvented as a hipster haven of vintage boutiques and indie cafés. Highlights include PAR Store, recommended by locals for its garments, accessories, and music records, and Mitty, specializing in pre-loved vintage clothing.
The neighborhood also hides Tiao Tong, Taipei’s “Little Tokyo,” lined with ramen bars, izakayas, Japanese restaurants, and kawaii culture shops like Gacha Hunter (扭蛋獵人), where walls of capsule vending machines and blind-box collectibles await.
Getting here is easy — the area is sandwiched between Zhongshan Station and Shuanglian Station. Zhongshan Station is closest if your main stops are Tiao Tong or the Underground Book Street, while either works for Xinzhongshan Linear Park and Chifeng Street.
Location: Xinzhongshan Linear Park, No. 7號, Lane 48, Section 2, Zhongshan N Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.) | Chifeng Street, Datong District, Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Closest MRT Station: Zhongshan Station or Shuanglian Station
18. Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
Right in the heart of Taipei, the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, and visiting is completely free. The massive white structure, crowned with a striking blue-tiled roof, sits in the center of Liberty Square, surrounded by gardens, fountains, and wide open plazas. It’s a grand place to learn more about Taiwanese history, snap photos, or simply stroll around and admire the monumental architecture.
Inside the memorial, you’ll find exhibits about Chiang Kai-shek’s life and Taiwan’s modern history, along with the famous changing of the guard ceremony — a slow, precise ritual that draws crowds daily.
With no entrance fee, this spot is a perfect free activity for anyone exploring Taipei on a budget. Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for smaller crowds and softer light for photos.
Opening Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, No.21, Zhongshan S. Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C)
Closest MRT Station: Chiang Kai-shek (CKS) Memorial Hall Station
19. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall
Another free and equally impressive cultural spot is the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. This soaring hall sits amid open plazas, manicured gardens, and reflective pools. Inside, you can explore exhibits about Sun Yat-sen’s life and revolutionary work.
Like Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, there’s no entrance fee, making it an ideal, budget-friendly stop.
However, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall building itself is temporarily closed for major renovations and upgrades, so you cannot currently explore the interior or exhibits as you normally would. The renovation project began in February 2024 and is expected to continue through the end of 2026, with the main hall and surrounding facilities being upgraded.
Opening Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Temporarily closed for renovation)
Location: Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, No. 505, Section 4, Ren’ai Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C)
Closest MRT Station: Sun Yat-sen (SYS) Memorial Hall Station
20. National Revolutionary Martyr’s Shrine
The Taipei Martyrs’ Shrine is like a mini-palace honoring Taiwan’s fallen heroes. Built in classic Chinese architectural style, it’s a serene space and a grand tribute to heroic soldiers.
Don’t miss the changing of the guard, held every hour from 9 AM to 4 PM. Unlike the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, this ceremony is extended, letting you watch the guards march the full length of the site—from the entrance to the shrine and back — with military precision.
Opening Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: No. 139號, Beian Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Closest MRT Station: Jiantan StationHow to Get to National Revolutionary Martyr’s Shrine: Take the MRT to Jiantan Station, then get on a bus (Bus 267 or Bus 646) to the Martyr’s Shrine Stop.
21. Elephant Mountain
For one of the most stunning free views in Taipei, head to Elephant Mountain. Part of the Four Beasts Mountain trail system, this hike offers a sweeping panorama of Taipei, including the iconic Taipei 101, all without any entrance fee. The trail is short but steep, taking about 20–30 minutes to reach the main lookout, if you’re not stopping often and for too long.
Many of Taipei’s postcards with Taipei 101 as the centerpiece were probably shot from here. Multiple platforms along the way provide perfect spots to pause, snap photos, or absorb the scenery.
The best time to visit is in the late afternoon so you can catch the view during the day, at sunset, and after nightfall. Keep in mind, it’s an uphill climb, so it’s not recommended for those with mobility issues.
For travelers on a budget, Elephant Mountain combines exercise, epic vistas, and free access, making it a must-do in Taipei.
Trail Head: Elephant Mountain, Lane 150, Xinyi Road, Section 5, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Nearest MRT Station: Xiàngshān Station
22. Jian Tan Shan Hiking Trail
When it comes to hiking for an amazing view of Taipei, Elephant Mountain has always been the go-to spot—but it’s far from the only option! Taipei is surrounded by mountains, and when you have mountains, you have hiking trails and lookouts.
The Jian Tan Shan Trail in Shilin District, mostly frequented by locals, is a hidden gem. Nestled on the forested slopes just behind the Grand Hotel, this trail is quieter than Elephant Mountain, making it ideal for a peaceful hike. Much of the path is paved and stair-stepped, so it’s beginner-friendly.
Our goal was the North Eye Platform, an observation deck offering fantastic views of the other side of Taipei, the side without the Taipei 101 in the frame. Along the way, we got “lost” among multiple viewpoints and even stumbled upon a quiet shrine with equally stunning vistas. We finally reached the North Eye Platform just before sundown.
Apart from a few locals, we had the trail almost to ourselves. Even if it’s completely free to explore, it wasn’t crowded at all.
Location: Jian Tan Shan Hiking Trail, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Closest MRT Station: Jiantan Station
Where to Stay in Taipei
Here’s a list of the hotels and hostels we tried in Taipei.
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- Walker Hotel Ximen, very close to MRT Ximen Station and Ximending main area. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
- Hotel Attic, also in Ximending area. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
- Just Sleep at NTU, close to MRT Gongguan Station and across the Gongguan Night Market. It’s a university area so lots of affordable options. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
- K Hotels Linsen, near convenience stores and attractions in Zhongshan District; 12-minute walk from the nearest MRT Station. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
- Hotel Cham Cham, mid-range hotel in Banquiao district with good food options, close to MRT Banquiao Station. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
Search for more Taipei Hotels!
Protect your finances when traveling!
Getting a travel insurance is optional, but we highly recommend this, especially when traveling abroad. Travel can be unpredictable, and though we hope we’ll never use it, having it gives us peace of mind in case of unexpected delays, cancellations, or emergencies.
For international destinations, consider PGA Sompo’s TravelJOY Plus insurance. You can GET IT HERE. Don’t forget to use WORTHIT for a special affordable rate.
Join The Poor Traveler Support Group
✅ If you have any questions or need travel tips, feel free to post them to the TPT Support Group. The members are very helpful. This Facebook support group has been around for a long time, and many members have found travel buddies through it. You can join too! Just visit The Poor Traveler Support Group. Note that this is different from The Poor Traveler Facebook page.
Updates Log
2026 3 23 – First uploaded
Edited by: Asta Alvarez
