Taipei 101, an iconic skyscraper in Taipei, Taiwan, is a must-visit landmark that blends architectural brilliance, cultural significance, and modern entertainment. Standing at 508 meters with 101 floors, it was the world’s tallest building from 2004 until 2010. Known for its unique bamboo-inspired design and vibrant atmosphere, Taipei 101 offers stunning views, upscale shopping, dining, and cultural experiences. This guide will help you plan a memorable visit to this architectural marvel.
A Travel Guide to Taipei 101
Why Visit Taipei 101?
Taipei 101 is more than just a skyscraper—it’s a symbol of Taiwan’s innovation and cultural pride. Its Observatory on the 89th and 91st floors provides breathtaking 360-degree views of Taipei’s skyline, while its tuned mass damper, a 660-ton steel sphere, showcases engineering ingenuity. The building also houses a world-class shopping mall, gourmet restaurants, and seasonal events like the famous New Year’s Eve fireworks. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Taipei 101 offers something for everyone.
How to Get There
Taipei 101 is located in the bustling Xinyi District, Taipei’s financial and commercial hub. It’s easily accessible via public transport or private options:
By MRT (Metro): Take the Tamsui-Xinyi Line (Red Line) to Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station. Exit 4 leads directly to the building. Travel time from central Taipei (e.g., Taipei Main Station) is about 10–15 minutes, with a fare of NT$20–30 (approx. US$0.60–1).
By Bus: Several bus routes stop near Taipei 101, including 1, 202, 207, or 537. Get off at Taipei 101 or Xinyi Administrative Center. Fares are NT$15–30, but buses may be slower due to traffic.
By Taxi or Ride-Hailing: A taxi from central Taipei (e.g., Zhongshan District) takes 10–20 minutes and costs NT$120–200 (US$4–6), depending on traffic. Ride-hailing apps like Uber are widely available and similarly priced.
By Car: Taipei 101 has an underground parking garage. Rates are NT$60/hour (US$2). Access via Xinyi Road or Songzhi Road. Note: Parking can be crowded during weekends or holidays.
Tip: The MRT is the most convenient and eco-friendly option, with direct access to the building’s lower levels.
Best Time to Visit
Year-Round Appeal: Taipei 101 is open daily, and its indoor attractions are unaffected by weather. However, clear days offer the best views from the Observatory.
Seasons: Spring (March–May): Mild weather (20–25°C) and blooming flowers make this ideal for outdoor viewing. Summer (June–August): Hot and humid (30–35°C), but the air-conditioned interior is a relief. Visit early to avoid crowds. Autumn (September–November): Cool and dry, perfect for enjoying the outdoor deck on the 91st floor. Winter (December–February): Cooler (15–20°C) with occasional rain. The New Year’s Eve fireworks (December 31) draw massive crowds, so book Observatory tickets early.
Timing: Visit the Observatory in the late afternoon (4–6 PM) to see the city in daylight, during sunset, and illuminated at night. Avoid peak hours (10 AM–2 PM) on weekends.
Tickets and Opening Hours
Observatory (89th, 91st, and 88th floors): Hours: 9:00 AM–10:00 PM (last entry at 9:15 PM), daily.
Tickets: Adults: NT$600 (US$18); Children (under 12): NT$540 (US$16); Free for children under 115 cm. Fast-track tickets (skip-the-line): NT$1,200 (US$36), ideal during peak seasons. Purchase: Buy tickets at the 5th-floor ticket counter or online via the Taipei 101 website or apps like Klook for discounts.
Mall and Dining: Free entry, open 11:00 AM–10:00 PM (shops); restaurants may stay open later. Special Events: New Year’s Eve fireworks viewing from the Observatory requires special tickets (NT$3,000+, US$90+), often sold out months in advance.
What to See and Do
Taipei 101 offers a mix of attractions across its floors:
Observatory (Floors 88–91): 89th Floor (Indoor): Floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of Taipei, including landmarks like the Taipei Grand Hotel, Songshan Airport, and distant mountains. Interactive displays and audio guides (available in English) enhance the experience. 91st Floor (Outdoor): A partially open-air deck (weather permitting) provides a thrilling perspective. Safety barriers ensure it’s family-friendly. 88th Floor: Home to the tuned mass damper, a massive steel sphere that stabilizes the building against earthquakes and typhoons. It’s both an engineering marvel and a photo hotspot.
Shopping Mall (B1–5F): One of Asia’s premier shopping destinations, featuring luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Cartier, alongside Taiwanese designers and lifestyle stores. Highlights include the Page One bookstore (for English books) and the Taipei 101 Gift Shop for souvenirs like mini Taipei 101 models.
Dining: Food Court (B1): Affordable options like Taiwanese beef noodle soup, bubble tea, and international fast food (NT$100–200, US$3–6). Restaurants (4F–86F): Upscale dining includes Din Tai Fung (Michelin-starred dim sum), STAY by Yannick Alléno (French cuisine), and Shin Yeh 101 (Taiwanese fine dining). Expect NT$500–2,000 (US$15–60) per person. Sky Lounge (85F): Perfect for cocktails with a view, but reservations are recommended.
Events and Activities: New Year’s Eve Fireworks: Taipei 101’s annual fireworks display is a global spectacle, best viewed from the Observatory or nearby spots like Elephant Mountain. Taipei 101 Run Up: An annual stair-climbing race (2,046 steps to the 91st floor) held in spring, open to participants and spectators. Seasonal Displays: The mall hosts festive decorations during Chinese New Year, Christmas, and other holidays.
Where to Eat
Inside Taipei 101: B1 Food Court: Budget-friendly with Taiwanese, Japanese, and Western options. Try Chun Shui Tang for bubble tea or Liao Ji for street-style snacks. High-End Dining (4F–86F): Diamond Tony’s 101 offers Italian with skyline views, while Taipei 101 Gourmet specializes in fusion cuisine.
Nearby (Xinyi District): ATT 4 FUN (5-minute walk): Trendy eateries like Mala Hot Pot or Kura Sushi. Eslite Bookstore Food Court (10-minute walk): Upscale dining with local and international flavors.
Tip: Make reservations for high-floor restaurants, especially for dinner or special occasions.
Where to Stay
Taipei 101 is in Xinyi District, surrounded by excellent accommodation options:
Luxury: W Taipei (5-minute walk): Ultra-modern with stunning views, starting at NT$7,000 (US$210)/night. Grand Hyatt Taipei (3-minute walk): Connected to Taipei 101, ideal for convenience, from NT$6,000 (US$180)/night.
Mid-Range: Humble House Taipei (5-minute walk): Stylish and eco-friendly, around NT$3,500–5,000 (US$105–150)/night. Pacific Business Hotel (10-minute walk): Comfortable and affordable, NT$2,500 (US$75)/night.
Budget: Inhouse Hotel Taipei (15-minute walk): Boutique vibe, NT$1,500–2,000 (US$45–60)/night. Hostels like Star Hostel Taipei East (10-minute MRT ride) offer dorms for NT$500–800 (US$15–24)/night.
Booking Tip: Book via Agoda or Booking.com for deals, and choose a hotel in Xinyi for proximity.
Tips for a Great Visit
Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the Observatory right at opening (9:00 AM) or after 8:00 PM for shorter lines. Dress Comfortably: The Observatory involves some walking, and the outdoor deck can be windy. Bring a light jacket in winter.
Photography: The 89th-floor windows are great for photos, but tripods are restricted. Night shots of the city are stunning. Currency: Most shops and restaurants accept credit cards, but have some cash (NT$) for small vendors or taxis.
Combine Your Trip: Explore nearby attractions like Xinyi Shopping District, Elephant Mountain (for hiking and city views), or Songshan Cultural Park (15-minute walk).
Final Thoughts
Taipei 101 is a dazzling blend of modern architecture, cultural significance, and urban excitement. From its awe-inspiring Observatory views to its vibrant shopping and dining scene, it captures the essence of Taipei’s dynamic spirit. Plan your visit to catch a sunset from the top, indulge in Taiwanese cuisine, and soak in the energy of Xinyi District. Whether you’re here for a day or a week, Taipei 101 will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Happy travels!
