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 subtle sway as a 660-ton tuned mass damper cushions wind and quake forces, the massive sphere visible through the glass adding a surprising industrial drama. Riding the elevators is a giddy thrill; they climb at about 60 km/h and reach the observation level in roughly 37 seconds, leaving the city rushing away beneath the windows.
Highlights: Behind a wall of glass on the 88th floor, a 660-ton tuned mass damper, a polished 5.5-meter steel sphere suspended by 41 cables, rocks like a slow metronome during typhoons and earthquakes, and you can hear the faint creak and see the room drift. Step into the glass elevator and you surge from the 5th to the 89th floor in about 37 seconds at 60.6 km/h, your ears pop and the skyline melts 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
Search all hotels in TaipeiPowered by agoda
Have you heard of free walking tours?
After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.
Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.
Local guide, 2-3 hours
Major sights, hidden gems, local stories
100% tip-based
Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best
You tip what feels right
At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right
I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Taipei, Taiwan, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.
More attractions in Taipei
All attractions in Taipei →
Most popular itineraries!
Browse trip plans created by other travelers
3-Day Relaxed Discovery and Foodie Journey in Taipei
A balanced itinerary blending popular landmarks, nature, local food experiences and cultural insights, paced comfortably for relaxed sightseeing and budget-conscious travelers.
3-Day Relaxed Family Adventure in Taipei with Nature and Culture
A comfortable 3-day spring trip to Taipei balancing family-friendly attractions, nature outings, local food explorations, and cultural insights with a relaxed pace.
5-Day Taipei Adventure for Nature & Culture Enthusiasts
Explore Taipei's vibrant mix of nature, hidden gems, local eats, and rich culture with hikes, secret spots, food tours, and captivating history.