Top 10 Things To Do and See in Taiwan

Every proper introduction to Taiwan has to begin in its bustling night market. Get your feet wet by stepping into Shilin Night Market. Find plenty of shops and Taiwanese foods to taste, from typical grub like burgers and french fries, to more exotic cuisine like animal intestines and pig’s blood with sticky rice.

Looking for less adventurous Taiwanese dishes? Opt for authentic, delicious dumplings from a highly popular joint in Taiwan like Din Tai Fung. This is among the essential travel experiences you need to have when you are visiting the city for the first time. What else does the city have in store for you? More surprises than you can squeeze into a week-long vacation await. Here are the top 10 things most worthy of your time. Take your pick.

Tea Tasting in Taipei
Join a guided tour to sample a variety of locally-made, premium-grade teas freshly picked from the fields. One of the largest in Taiwan is the Bagua Tea Fields. See how tea leaves are harvested, packed, and poured in a cup for a quite elaborate tea ceremony. Find the blend that tastes great and immerse yourself in tea culture like a local.

Taipei 101 Observatory
For a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the city, nothing can beat the Taipei 101 Observatory. Once the tallest structure in the world, standing about 1,671 feet up to its tip or spire, the building served as Taiwan’s Financial Center and Taipei’s most iconic landmark. It’s hard to miss this structure wherever you are staying in the capital. Now it holds the record as the world’s tallest green building.

Maokong Gondola
If your craving for an aerial view hasn’t been satisfied with a trip to the super tall tower of Taipei, try a moving one. The fare costs less than US$10. It spans 4.03 kilometers, and a maximum of eight passengers can share a cabin. Passengers have a choice of 147 cabins. Visitors may also choose from crystal cabins or Eyes of Maokong Gondola. If you choose the latter, reserve a ticket early because there are only 31 of them.

National Museum of Taiwan History
Ready to delve deep into Taiwanese history? Give yourself enough time to enjoy this museum consisting of 3D collections that you will definitely admire. After closing in 2003, the museum went through a massive overhaul that lasted for more than four years. It reopened in 2007 with modern facilities to better assist tourists. Have you always wondered what emperors include in their private collections? You will find a majority of them here.

Taipei Botanical Garden
Most tourists who visit Taipei assume this modern metropolis has only blocks of steel and glass to boast. On the contrary, Taiwanese officials have maintained urban havens for residents and travelers to enjoys green and serene sanctuaries within the city. Stroll through the gardens, and listen as birds keep the noise of the city out. This is a favorite spot for locals, especially during the summer when they crave a respite from the humid weather and want some fresh air to clear their minds.

Yangmingshan (Taipei City, Beitou District) and Beitou Hot Springs
For a country about the size of Maryland and Delaware combined (35,980 sq km), it’s surprising how Taiwan keeps nine national parks in pristine condition. One of the most popular of these parks is Yangmingshan. Located in Taipei, within the Beitou District, the park offers plenty of intriguing spaces for great outdoor activities. It is formed like volcanic terrain, surprising visitors with hot springs perfect for a relaxing soak. Being the closest park to the city, residents often come to this side of town to enjoy a bath in one of the Beitou Hot Springs.

Sun Moon Lake, Taichung, Taiwan
Venture to the heart of Taiwan: Sun Moon Lake. Considered as the largest body of water in Taiwan, this charming lake is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. The best way to appreciate the grandeur of this natural gem? Cycling. The best time to visit? Spring. The cherry blossoms are in bloom and are mirrored magnificently by the lake.

Shifen Waterfall
This scenic waterfall is located near the city, so expect the attraction to be a bit crowded. Come early to capture its picture-perfect splendor. The falls are the broadest in Taiwan at 40 meters. For some heart-pumping adventure, try climbing the Pingxi Station. Remember to bring your camera.

Yehliu Geopark
Among the natural treasures of Taiwan, Yehliu Geopark is its most precious gem. Formed by wind or sea erosion, these mushroom-like geological wonders are a magnet for tourists. Rain or shine, visitors and residents come here to experience an otherworldly sight.

Taroko National Park
In the mood for a stunning nature trip or a mildly challenging hike? Trace the Taroko Gorge, a spectacular 18-km marbled canyon that is considered one of the seven wonders of the world. The park is actually named after this gorgeous gorge. If you seek to commune with half of Taiwan’s biodiversity members - endemic animal and plant species - this is the spot to start your exploration.

Besides its growing economy, Taiwan offers tantalizing sights, attractions, and travel experiences that can surprise even savvy travelers. Now that you’ve got the best things to do in Taiwan covered, it’s time to book your flight to Taipei. There’s no better time to fly to Taiwan because it’s a year-round destination.