Taipei can be surprisingly affordable to explore, especially if you're willing to mix paid attractions with a few free ones. Some of my favourite places in the city didn't require an entrance fee at all, and many of them ended up being highlights of the trip.
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| the famous rainbow crossing in Ximending |
If you're looking to keep costs down without sacrificing the experience, here are ten free attractions worth adding to your Taipei itinerary.
10 Free Places to Visit in Taipei
1. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
One of Taipei's most recognisable landmarks, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is known for its large white building, blue roof, and expansive public square. Even if you're not particularly interested in history, it's worth visiting for the architecture and open spaces alone.
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| Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall |
You can also watch the changing of the guard ceremony, which takes place regularly throughout the day. You can also watch the changing of the guard ceremony, which takes place regularly throughout the day. Inside the memorial hall, there's a free exhibition that covers Chiang Kai-shek's life and Taiwan's history, making it worth spending a bit of time indoors as well rather than just admiring the building from the outside.
2. Ximending Youth District
Ximending is one of the busiest and most energetic parts of Taipei. It's packed with shops, street performers, food stalls, and entertainment venues, making it a great place to simply wander around.
Even if you're not planning to shop, there's always something happening, especially in the evenings. Beyond the main pedestrian streets, you'll find smaller alleys filled with local brands, themed cafés, and street art, making it easy to spend a few hours exploring the area.
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| Ximending |
3. Taipei City Hall Plaza and Taipei 101 Area
You don't need to pay to enjoy the atmosphere around Taipei 101. The surrounding plazas, walkways, and public spaces are worth exploring on their own, especially in the evening when the buildings light up.
If you don't want to pay for the observatory, the area is still worth visiting. There are often seasonal displays, public art installations, and plenty of open spaces where you can admire Taipei 101 without spending anything.
4. Longshan Temple
Longshan Temple is one of Taipei's most famous temples and remains an active place of worship. The intricate carvings, lanterns, and traditional architecture make it worth visiting even if you're not religious. Since admission is free, it's one of the easiest cultural attractions to add to your itinerary.
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| Longshan Temple |
5. Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan)
If you're willing to climb a lot of stairs, Elephant Mountain offers some of the best views of Taipei and Taipei 101. The hike is relatively short but can be challenging because of the steep ascent.
Early on, you'll reach a fork where you can choose between an easier route with smaller steps or a steeper route with larger steps. If you continue beyond the main viewing deck, you'll eventually reach the Six Giant Rocks, another popular viewpoint overlooking the city.
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| view from Elephant Mountain |
6. Dihua Street
Dihua Street is one of Taipei's oldest commercial streets and offers a mix of historic architecture, traditional shops, and modern cafés. Walking through the area feels very different from the newer parts of the city.
Alongside the traditional stores selling dried goods, herbs, and local products, you'll also find independent cafés, gift shops, and boutiques occupying some of the restored buildings. You can easily lose track of time wandering in and out of shops, even if you weren't planning on buying anything.
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| Dihua Street |
7. Dadaocheng Wharf
Located along the Tamsui River, Dadaocheng Wharf is a pleasant place for a walk, particularly later in the day. The riverside setting provides a nice contrast to the busier parts of Taipei. It's also close to Dihua Street, making it easy to combine both for a half or full day trip.
8. Songshan Cultural and Creative Park
This former tobacco factory has been transformed into a creative space filled with exhibitions, design shops, cafés, and public spaces. While some special exhibitions require tickets, the grounds themselves are free to explore. It's a nice place to slow down for a few hours and see a different side of Taipei.
9. National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall Grounds
The memorial hall and surrounding park provide another large open space within the city. The grounds are popular with locals exercising, walking, or simply relaxing outdoors. It also offers one of the classic views of Taipei 101 in the distance.
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| National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall |
10. Huashan 1914 Creative Park
Huashan 1914 Creative Park is one of Taipei's most popular creative spaces, housed in a former winery that has been transformed into a hub for art, design, and culture. The historic industrial buildings have been preserved, giving the area a different feel from the rest of the city.
While some exhibitions require paid tickets, the grounds themselves are free to explore. You'll find public art installations, creative shops, cafés, bookstores, and open spaces where people gather to relax, making it an easy place to spend a couple of hours without a strict plan.
One of the things I enjoyed most about Taipei was how many interesting places you can visit without spending much money. From historic landmarks and temples to creative parks and scenic viewpoints, there are plenty of ways to experience the city beyond shopping and food.
Whether you're traveling on a budget or simply looking to maximize your trip, these free spots are a good reminder that some of Taipei's best experiences don't come with an entrance fee.
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