What to Do in Taiwan: Taipei & Nearby Must-See Spots 2026
What to do in Taiwan is a question best answered slowly. Beyond the energy of Taipei, the island reveals itself in quiet tea plantations, shared meals, and moments that invite you to pause.
From standing beneath Taipei 101 to enjoying a traditional hot pot or wandering into the hills just outside the city, some of the most meaningful experiences lie both within and beyond Taipei.
But before you decide where to go next, pause for a moment – how do you feel today? Are you craving something comforting, something inspiring, or something that brings you closer to nature?
In this guide on what to do in Taiwan, you’ll find a collection of experiences in Taipei and nearby, each connected to a feeling. Let your mood lead the way, and discover Taiwan at your own pace.
Scroll down to explore the best things to do in Taiwan in 2026, and choose the experience that feels right for you.
1. Taste Traditional Taiwanese Hot Pot
When you long for warmth, comfort, and a sense of being gently held
If you’re wondering what to do in Taiwan when you’re craving something comforting, start with a traditional hot pot in a place where locals truly eat.
This is the kind of hot pot where everyone has their own individual pot – your own space to choose, cook, and enjoy at your own pace. The small, unassuming restaurant is run by a kind-hearted Taiwanese man and his wonderful wife from Hong Kong, whose warmth makes every guest feel genuinely welcome.
The food is exceptional. Rich, flavourful broths, fresh ingredients, and a wide selection of meats alongside generous vegetarian options – it was, without a doubt, the best hot pot we have eaten so far. The prices are local and affordable, and it’s just a short walk from the station.
In a fast-moving city, this is where you slow down – one pot, one moment, entirely your own.
2. Visit Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
When your mind feels full, and you’re ready to slow down and quietly reflect
When you’re in a more reflective mood, a visit to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall offers space to slow down and take it all in.
Set within the vast Liberty Square, this iconic landmark is more than just a photo stop. As you walk through the grand gates and across the open plaza, there’s a quiet sense of scale and stillness that invites you to pause. Climb the steps, watch the changing of the guards, or simply sit and observe the rhythm of the space.
It’s one of those places where history, architecture, and atmosphere come together – yet what stays with you is often the feeling rather than the facts. In the middle of Taipei’s energy, this is a moment to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with the journey.
3. See Taipei 101 & Taipei Skyline Views – What to do in Taiwan
When you feel drawn to contrast – the movement of the city and the stillness within you
If you’re exploring what to do in Taiwan and feel drawn to the iconic side of Taipei, visiting Taipei 101 is something many travellers choose.
Standing beneath it, the scale is striking. It makes you pause. You look up a little longer than expected. Around it, the city feels lively and modern, moving at a different rhythm than the older parts of Taipei.
We thought about going up to the observation deck. But as clouds slowly wrapped around the tower, we changed our minds. Sometimes the view from above isn’t what stays with you. It felt better to experience it from the ground, just as it was in that moment.
Taipei 101 is not only about the view. It’s about being there. Noticing the contrast between the city’s pace and the stillness you can still find within it.
4. Visit Lungshan Temple – What to do in Taiwan
When you seek grounding, presence, and a moment of quiet connection
If you’re exploring what to do in Taiwan and feel drawn to something more spiritual, visiting Lungshan Temple offers a moment of calm within the city.
From the outside, it’s beautifully intricate – but it’s inside where the experience truly unfolds. The soft glow of lanterns, the scent of incense, and the quiet rhythm of prayer create an atmosphere that feels both grounding and deeply personal.
You don’t need to understand every ritual to feel something here. Simply standing still, observing, and being present is enough. It’s a reminder that even in the busiest parts of Taipei, there are spaces where time slows down.
📍 Location: Taipei, Taiwan – located here in Wanhua District and easily accessible by MRT.
5. Explore a Traditional Taiwanese Night Market
When you want to feel the everyday rhythm of local life
If you’re wondering what to do in Taiwan beyond the well-known spots, visiting a traditional night market recommended by locals offers a more authentic glimpse into everyday life.
This was a real finding for us. When we asked locals what their favourite thing to do in Taipei was, the answer came quickly: go to a night market. But not just any – this one was mentioned specifically, chosen not for popularity, but because it’s where they actually go.
Away from the crowded, tourist-heavy markets, the atmosphere feels more real – where people gather after work, where conversations flow easily, and where food is made with familiarity rather than presentation.
As you walk through the narrow lanes, you’ll find simple stalls serving freshly prepared dishes, the scent of grilled food in the air, and a rhythm that feels both lively and unhurried. It’s not about ticking off famous foods, but about following your senses and discovering what draws you in.
We’ll soon be sharing a dedicated guide on what to eat in Taiwan – including some of our favourite night market finds – so you can explore these flavours more deeply.
In these quieter corners of Taipei, the night market becomes more than a place to eat – it becomes a way to connect with the city as it truly is.
📍 Location: Ningxia Night Market, Datong District, Taipei, Taiwan – a local favourite just a short walk from Shuanglian MRT Station.
6. Experience a Traditional Taiwanese Foot Massage
When your body feels heavy, and you’re ready to soften and slow down
If you’re exploring what to do in Taiwan and feel the need to slow down, a traditional Taiwanese foot massage offers a quiet return to yourself.
Often found in simple, unpretentious spaces across Taipei, these places focus on what matters most: care, skill, and tradition. You sit back, your feet resting in warm water, as experienced hands work through pressure points with precision that feels both intense and deeply relieving.
We found a small place near our hotel called 988, and it quickly became part of our daily rhythm. It was so good that we returned every evening, without even thinking of trying anywhere else. Each time, both of us were treated by a different therapist, and every single one was incredibly skilled.
Taiwanese foot massage focuses on precise pressure points and reflexology, often feeling deeper and more targeted. Unlike Thai massage, it’s usually done while seated and doesn’t involve full-body stretching.
In a journey filled with movement, this is your moment to pause – not just in your mind, but in your body. To reset, breathe, and continue more slowly.
📍 Location: Taipei, Taiwan – try a local favourite like 988 for an authentic experience.
Beyond Taipei
Taipei offers so much, but some of the most memorable things to do in Taiwan lie just beyond the city. As you leave the fast pace behind, the landscape begins to change – buildings give way to mountains, streets to winding paths, and the rhythm of travel softens.
This is where Taiwan reveals another side of itself. One that invites you to slow down, breathe deeper, and experience something more connected to nature and tradition.
7. Visit a Traditional Tea Plantation – Yulan Tea Garden (玉蘭茶園)
When you want to reconnect with stillness and nature
If you’re wondering what to do in Taiwan beyond the city, visiting a traditional tea plantation offers a completely different rhythm.
At Yulan Tea Garden, the air feels fresher, the views stretch further, and everything slows down. Rolling green hills, often wrapped in soft mist, create a landscape that invites you to pause.
This isn’t about ticking off a sight, but about being present – walking through the tea fields, sitting with a warm cup, and letting the moment unfold.
We came here by train and then a local ride service, which felt easy at first. But when it was time to return, no drivers were available. After an hour of waiting, we started walking down the mountain road and tried hitchhiking for the first time. After a few attempts, a kind Taiwanese couple stopped and gave us a lift. Without them, we might have been walking for hours, with no transport and the evening slowly approaching.
Moments like this stay with you – not just for the uncertainty, but for the kindness you meet along the way.
🚗 Travel tip: Plan your return in advance, as transport options are limited.
📍 Location: Yulan Tea Garden, Yilan County, Taiwan – a scenic mountain plantation best reached by car or organised trip.
8. Try Yih Shun Shiuan Beef Tongue Cake – What to do in Taiwan
When you feel curious to taste something local and unexpected
If you’re exploring what to do in Taiwan and want to try something truly local, this small snack is worth seeking out.
Despite the name, Beef Tongue Cake doesn’t contain meat. It’s a thin, crispy pastry, slightly sweet, with a delicate texture that almost melts as you eat it.
We discovered it thanks to the lovely taiwanese couple who gave us a lift back from the tea plantation. Simple from the outside, but full of flavour. It’s the kind of place locals know. Not something you plan, but something you remember.
There’s something special about trying a snack like this. No big expectations. Just curiosity, and a small moment that stays with you.
A Moment to Take With You
Taiwan doesn’t ask you to see more. It asks you to feel more.
Somewhere along the way, your pace begins to soften. Quietly, almost without you noticing. The noise fades. The moments deepen.
In the warmth of a shared meal.
The stillness of a temple.
The calm of the hills.
You begin to slow down.
And in that slowing, you begin to notice.
What stays are not the places, but how they made you feel.
A sense of being held.
Of not needing to rush.
Maybe that’s what Taiwan offers most.
Not more to see, but more space to be.
And perhaps, by the end, you’ll find yourself seeking what you didn’t know you needed –
a little more stillness,
a little more grounding,
like standing quietly beneath something that has been growing, patiently, all along.
Continue Your Journey – Beyond Taiwan
If you’re exploring what to do in Taiwan, you might also feel drawn to other places across Asia -each offering a different rhythm, a different way to experience travel.
Discover what to do in Tokyo, from vibrant city life to quiet cultural moments.
Slow down on the islands of Okinawa, where nature and simplicity take the lead.
Or explore Shanghai, where tradition and modern life exist side by side.
Let each place guide you in its own way and continue your journey beyond Taiwan.