12 Best Things to Do in Taipei Taiwan for 2026: Night Market Feasts, Temple Treks & Hot Spring Soaks

The oil spits, the grill hisses, someone yells “hao chi!” and a wave of garlic, oyster, and grilled beef hits me in the face. I am wedged in a Shilin Night Market alley, one hand wrapped around an XXL fried chicken steak, the other clutching brown-sugar bubble tea while scooters buzz past the end of the lane. This is the heartbeat of best things to do in Taipei Taiwan 2026 for me: neon chaos, cheap eats, and soft steam rising from food stalls into the humid night.

As a Taipei night‑market hunter who has eaten well over 300 xiaolongbao while researching for IneedMyVacation.com, I have turned this city into my real‑life tasting menu. I have watched Taipei 101 light up from the observatory, walked through incense smoke at Longshan Temple, and soaked in Beitou’s milky hot springs on a cold February day until my fingers wrinkled like dried plums.

In 2026, Taipei lines up perfectly with big travel trends. Asian city breaks are hot, street‑food tourism keeps growing, and wellness travelers want hot‑spring escapes that still sit close to a big, exciting city. Taipei nails all three. You can slurp noodles in Shilin, hike Elephant Mountain for skyline views, bow your head in Longshan, then be in a Beitou hot‑spring tub before dinner.

In this guide I share my personal top 12, plus an interactive Google Map with all the spots pinned, a quick comparison table, and a short FAQ with schema so search tools can actually understand what you need. I will also share my best food hacks, from bubble‑tea tricks to MRT shortcuts. If you are already dreaming of where to stay, I suggest checking current Taipei hotel deals on Trip.com and then using this guide on IneedMyVacation.com to decide which neighborhood is your home base.

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Why Taipei Is Asia’s Must-Visit City in 2026

Shilin Night Market in full swing, with steam, neon, and hungry crowds. Image created with AI.

When friends ask where to start in Asia, I send them to Taipei. It is busy but kind, fast but rarely stressful. The metro is clean and simple, signs are in English, and even many street stalls have photo menus so first‑timers do not freeze when it is time to order.

Travel trends for 2026 put a huge spotlight on food‑driven city breaks, soft adventure, and hot‑spring wellness. Taipei feels built for that mix. You can brunch in a hip cafe, ride a gondola into tea hills in the afternoon, then dive into the Taipei night markets 2026 scene at night. Articles like this long‑time local guide to city highlights from TaiwanObsessed, 20 Things to Do in Taipei that I’m Obsessed With, echo what I see on the ground every season.

Taipei 101 still pulls most first‑time visitors, and it deserves that pull. It is an eco‑minded skyscraper with high‑speed elevators that make your ears pop, and the observatory views stretch from the river to hills like Elephant Mountain. Just outside the city core, Yangmingshan National Park adds volcanic steam, flower fields, and cooler air that feels far away but sits close enough for a half‑day escape.

Early 2026 will be extra lively. Lunar New Year falls in February, with Dihua Street packed as locals stock up snacks and gifts, then the Lantern Festival lights the city in late February and early March. Flower shows, like the spring tulip displays in Shilin, keep the city bright even when the air is cool and damp.

The secret sauce is price. Compared to Tokyo or Seoul, Taipei is kind to your wallet. Metro rides are cheap, night‑market dinners can cost less than a coffee in Europe, and even big‑name sights are reasonable. If you are ready to join the crowd, start by comparing flights to TPE on Expedia.com and lock in your dates before peak holiday prices rise.

Interactive Map of Taipei’s Top 12 Spots

For this guide I built a live Google Map that pins all 12 of my favorite places in Taipei. Each pin shows the name, a short note, and directions so you can move from dumplings to mountains without thinking too hard.

The map covers Shilin, Taipei 101, Longshan Temple, Elephant Mountain, Beitou hot springs, Chiang Kai‑shek Memorial Hall, Raohe Street Night Market, Maokong Gondola, National Palace Museum, Ximending, Yangmingshan, and Dihua Street. Save the map to your phone, then compare hotel locations on Trip.com so you can stay close to the areas that match your style and grab some of the best‑value Taipei hotel deals.

The 12 Best Things to Do in Taipei Taiwan 2026

Here is my field‑tested checklist of the best things to do in Taipei Taiwan 2026, built from years of repeat visits and hungry nights.

1. Shilin Night Market: Late-Night Feast of Fried Chicken, Noodles, and Games

Shilin is Taipei’s classic mega night market, a maze of frying oil, game stalls, and bright signs that feels like a festival every night. I move from XXL fried chicken to pepper buns, oyster omelets, and chewy bubble tea, then wander the basement food court for noodle soups.

Best tips: Go on weekday evenings, keep it budget‑friendly for dinner.
Getting there: Short walk from Jiantan MRT, then follow the crowds.

If you want another voice obsessed with street food, this monster list of things to eat and do from Taiwanderers, 65 Top Taipei Things To Do, backs up how central Shilin is to any visit.

Open Shilin Night Market in Google Maps

2. Taipei 101 Observatory: Skyscraper Views and 2026 City Lights

Golden hour from Taipei 101, with the city spreading out below. Image created with AI.

Riding Taipei 101’s elevator feels like a magic trick, with a smooth whoosh and a soft beep at the top. The glass walls frame Elephant Mountain, the river, and a sea of low‑rise homes wrapped around newer towers. Downstairs, the mall and Din Tai Fung branch are life savers on hot or rainy days.

Best tips: Aim for late afternoon into sunset, book tickets online to skip lines.
Price and access: Mid‑range ticket price, easy ride on the red MRT line.

Open Taipei 101 Observatory in Google Maps

3. Longshan Temple and Old Taipei: Incense Smoke and Fortune Tellers

Longshan Temple in Wanhua glows under lanterns, with coils of incense rising as worshippers bow and offer fruit. I like to stand back and follow the flow, then slip into the nearby fortune‑telling arcades where you can get a simple reading with a few yes or no answers.

Best tips: Wear modest clothes, speak softly, follow how locals move.
Price and access: Free entry, short walk from Longshan Temple MRT.

Open Longshan Temple in Google Maps

4. Elephant Mountain Sunset Hike: Easy Stairs, Epic Skyline

Climbing Elephant Mountain for postcard views of Taipei 101. Image created with AI.

Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) is just a steep staircase through trees, but the payoff is wild. In about 20 to 30 minutes most people reach the classic boulder viewpoint, where Taipei 101 lines up right against the sky as the city lights switch on.

Best tips: Arrive before sunset, pack water and a lightweight rain jacket.
Price and access: Free trail, a few minutes from Xiangshan MRT.

Open Elephant Mountain in Google Maps

5. Beitou Hot Springs: Steaming Pools and Easy Metro Escape

Beitou’s hot-spring valley, where steam curls above turquoise water. Image created with AI.

Beitou feels like a small resort town parked beside the city, with hot water steaming from the ground and wooden paths around green Thermal Valley. I like to visit the small museum, peek at the glowing pool, then pick a public bath or a private tub in a simple hotel.

Best tips: Check swimsuit rules on signs, visit on cool or rainy days.
Price and access: Budget‑friendly public baths or mid‑range private rooms, easy ride on the red MRT line, then transfer to Xinbeitou.

Open Beitou Hot Springs in Google Maps

6. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: Blue Roofs and Guard Change Ceremony

The huge white steps and blue‑tiled roof of Chiang Kai‑shek Memorial Hall feel grand but not stiff, especially when kids race across the plaza. Inside, the hourly changing of the guard is crisp and quiet, with boots clicking on the floor while the crowd barely whispers.

Best tips: Time your visit to catch the guard change, then explore the galleries.
Price and access: Free, right on two MRT lines with a big open plaza.

Open Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Google Maps

7. Raohe Street Night Market: Pepper Buns and Riverfront Strolls

Raohe Street Night Market is tighter and easier to handle than Shilin, a straight path packed with food from the famous pepper‑bun oven to grilled squid and sweet cakes. The Ciyou Temple at the entrance glows in gold and red, and the riverside walk nearby is perfect after a heavy meal.

Best tips: Start at the temple gate, eat your way slowly to the end.
Price and access: Very budget‑friendly, quick walk from Songshan MRT.

Open Raohe Street Night Market in Google Maps

8. Maokong Gondola and Tea Hills: Sky Cabins and Mountain Oolong

From Taipei Zoo MRT, the Maokong Gondola floats you up into breezy tea hills, with some cabins offering glass floors that thrill kids and anyone who is not scared of heights. At the top, I sit in tea houses with city views, sipping local oolong and snacking on tea‑flavored eggs or tofu.

Best tips: Go on clear days, stay into early evening for city lights.
Price and access: Budget gondola ticket, paid with EasyCard, on the outskirts but still on the MRT.

Open Maokong Gondola in Google Maps

9. National Palace Museum: Ancient Jade and Story-Filled Galleries

The National Palace Museum holds one of the richest collections of Chinese art in the world, from carved jade to calligraphy and bronzes. It can feel huge on a first visit, so I like to follow the “star items” route and then pick one extra floor to wander.

Best tips: Arrive close to opening, consider a short guided tour or audio guide.
Price and access: Mid‑range ticket, short bus or taxi ride from Shilin area.

If you want to compare with others’ favorite pieces, the long Taiwan overview at 60+ Unmissable Things to Do in Taiwan includes many repeat visits to the museum.

Open National Palace Museum in Google Maps

10. Ximending: Youth Culture, Street Performers, and Late-Night Snacks

Ximending is Taipei’s youth magnet, with K‑pop tunes bouncing between big screens, fashion shops, and street‑performance corners. I snack on spicy fried chicken pieces, ice cream, and gua bao while people‑watching and checking out themed cafes and quirky arcades.

Best tips: Go after dark for street shows and full neon, stay for snacks.
Price and access: Flexible budget, good mid‑range hotel zone, right on several MRT exits.

Open Ximending in Google Maps

11. Yangmingshan National Park: Volcanic Trails and Flower Seasons

Yangmingshan is Taipei’s wild side, a national park of steaming vents, cool air, and rolling green hills. In late winter and early spring 2026, cherry blossoms, calla lilies, and festival fields draw big local crowds, so I go early in the day with a charged phone and light rain layer.

Best tips: Watch mountain weather, pack a portable power bank for photos.
Price and access: Budget‑friendly buses from the city, with small entry fees in some areas.

Open Yangmingshan National Park in Google Maps

12. Dihua Street: Old Shops, Tea Tins, and Dried Goods for Souvenirs

Dihua Street feels like a live history lesson, with old shophouses full of tea, herbs, and dried snacks. Before Lunar New Year 2026, it turns into a packed pre‑holiday market where locals buy sweets, nuts, and gifts, which makes it perfect for souvenir hunting.

Best tips: Buy vacuum‑packed dried fruit, tea, and cute tins to take home.
Price and access: Budget to mid‑range shopping, easy to reach by bus or a longer walk from Beimen MRT.

Open Dihua Street in Google Maps

Quick Comparison Table: Match Taipei’s Top 12 to Your Travel Style

To help you plan fast, this guide also includes a mobile‑friendly table that lines up all 12 spots in one place. Columns show the attraction name, neighborhood, main vibe (food, culture, nature, shopping, or a mix), best time to visit, typical time needed, and a simple “Map” cell that matches each pin on the interactive Google Map.

On a phone, you can scroll the table sideways, so it still feels clean. If you are a short‑trip traveler, you can scan it to build a two‑day loop. If you are staying a week, it helps you space out temples, hikes, and food nights without burning out. Once your wish list feels right, it is smart to look at flights to Taipei on Expedia and book early for peak times like Lunar New Year or major flower festivals.

To avoid missing your dates, compare flight prices to TPE on Expedia.com and lock in the times that fit your plan.

Taipei Insider Tips and Food Hacks for 2026

Taipei looks busy, but daily life here runs on small tricks. I always load an EasyCard as soon as I land so I can tap on the MRT, buses, and even at some shops without hunting for coins. At night markets, I follow the longest lines, then check how fast they move. Fast line plus older auntie in charge usually means great food.

When I cannot read the menu, I point, smile, and say the name of the main dish in English or Mandarin. Many vendors know basic English, and if they do not, they still understand fingers, numbers, and a friendly face. I also check guides from other Taipei‑obsessed travelers, like this detailed list of favorite spots on Top 13 Fun Things to Do in Taipei, to cross‑check what is new.

Gear helps the city feel smooth. I like carrying a small Taipei food guide in case my phone battery drops, a reusable bubble tea kit for less plastic, and a compact travel chopsticks set for street snacks. I also keep a packable lightweight rain jacket and a reliable portable power bank near the top of my day bag. Taipei weather flips fast, and I hate losing sunset photos to a dead phone.

If you are watching your budget, my deeper budget Taipei tips for 2026 cover cheap neighborhoods, night‑market strategies, and when to splurge. When you are ready to package everything in one shot, Taipei flight‑plus‑hotel bundles on Trip.com can be an easy way to keep your 2026 plans in a single booking.

Best Time to Visit Taipei in 2026

Winter in Taipei is cool and damp, which pairs perfectly with hot springs and rich food. In February 2026, Lunar New Year fills temples and family tables, while Dihua Street turns into a pre‑holiday shopping rush. Lantern Festival events run into early March, so evenings glow with light displays and performances. For more seasonal ideas, I like cross‑checking with pieces like the Michelin Guide’s Summer in Taipei: 10 Things To See and Do.

Spring is softer, with flowers in full show around February and March. You can balance Yangmingshan hikes, city temples, and night markets without melting in the heat. A one‑week spring trip might look like this: two nights in Ximending, one day out in Yangmingshan, one half day in Beitou, and nights split between Shilin and Raohe markets.

Summer is hot, wet, and full of life, with long nights and more festivals but also some typhoon risk. Fall is my favorite, with clearer skies and kinder temperatures for Elephant Mountain, Maokong, and city walks.

For a fall one‑week visit, I like three city days for Taipei 101, Longshan, Ximending, and Dihua, then four slower days with Yangmingshan, Beitou, and Maokong spread between. To see which month fits your budget, compare flight prices to TPE on Expedia.com and book early for festivals and long weekends.

Taipei 2026 FAQ

How many days should I spend in Taipei in 2026?
If it is your first time, I suggest at least four full days. That gives you time for Taipei 101, a couple of night markets, Longshan Temple, and one or two side trips like Beitou or Maokong. With a week, you can add Yangmingshan, the National Palace Museum, and slower neighborhood walks.

Are night markets safe in Taipei at night?
I find Taipei’s markets very safe, even late, and families visit with kids all the time. Pickpocketing is rare but I still keep my wallet zipped and my phone in a front pocket when the lanes get tight. The main “danger” is eating too much fried chicken and stinky tofu in one go.

How much cash do I need, and can I use cards?
Big shops, hotels, and many restaurants take cards or mobile payments, but smaller food stalls still prefer cash. I usually carry the equivalent of 30 to 60 US dollars in Taiwan dollars for a day of street food and small buys. ATMs in convenience stores are easy to find if I need more.

Can I drink the tap water in Taipei?
Locals often boil tap water at home, and many visitors prefer bottled water. I usually drink filtered water, either from hotel dispensers or refill stations in some cafes and museums. Carry a refillable bottle and top it up when you see a safe source.

What should I wear for hot springs in Beitou and beyond?
Rules change between pools. Some public baths require swimsuits and a swim cap, others are gender‑separated with no clothing. Signs at the entrance explain the rules, and staff are used to helping visitors. Bring a small towel and wear easy‑to‑dry clothes for the trip back.

Conclusion

By the time I finish a week in Taipei, my clothes smell like grilled squid, incense, and hot‑spring minerals, and that mix sums up the city in the best way. These 12 spots cover the core of best things to do in Taipei Taiwan 2026, from Shilin’s frying pans to Longshan’s soft chanting, from Elephant Mountain’s skyline to Beitou’s steaming pools.

You can squeeze a few of them into a fast weekend or stretch them across a full week, lining up temples, hikes, and food nights in whatever order fits your mood. When you are ready, let Trip.com show you current Taipei hotel deals and lock in a base for your own round of night‑market feasts, temple treks, and hot‑spring soaks in 2026.