CityBuddy
Taipei 101
Best time to visit
Late afternoon into early evening offers both daylight views and city lights; pick a clear day in winter for the best visibility.
Budget tips
Observatory tickets are usually about NT$600 for adults, with discounts for children, students, and seniors; Taipei Fun Pass and online combo tickets sometimes reduce the price, and the mall and outdoor plaza are free to visit.
Recommended for
Photography enthusiasts, Architecture and engineering fans, Couples, First-time Taipei visitors
Plan your visit
1-2 hours
About
Quick facts: From the observation deck you can feel a slight sway as a 660-ton tuned mass damper cushions the forces of wind and earthquake. The massive sphere is visible through the glass, adding an unexpected industrial drama. Riding the elevators is an exhilarating experience; they climb at about 60 km/h and reach the observation level in roughly 37 seconds, with the city rushing away beneath the windows.
Highlights: Behind a glass wall on the 88th floor, a 660-ton tuned mass damper, a polished 5.5-meter steel sphere suspended by 41 cables, moves like a slow metronome during typhoons and earthquakes. You can hear faint creaks and see the room shift. Step into the glass elevator and you will travel from the 5th to the 89th floor in about 37 seconds at 60.6 km/h. Your ears pop and the skyline blurs into a streak of lights.
Insider tips
- Reserve a timed-ticket online to skip the ticket line and pick a sunset slot for the best light.
- Stand by the glass at the 89th-floor viewing area or step out to the outdoor terrace for less glare and better photos.
- Bring a light jacket, high floors can be windy and cooler than street level.
- Visit on a weekday morning or after 9pm to avoid crowds, or skip the observatory and take the free Elephant Mountain hike for similar skyline shots.
Where to Stay in Taipei
Selected by City Buddy based on guest reviews and proximity to top attractions
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