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Setting your sights on Taiwan but worried about keeping your finances in check? While the country is already budget-friendly, you can save even more by visiting free tourist spots. Ready to explore more for less? Here are the top things to do in Taiwan sans admission fees.
1. Visit Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
No trip to Taiwan is complete without visiting Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, which features a bronze statue of the former President of the Republic of China (Taiwan). You can watch the changing of the guards every hour from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Block off an afternoon as this cultural landmark is situated within Liberty Square, which has other impressive buildings, such as the National Theater and National Concert Hall.
Address: Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, Zhongshan South Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan
2. Experience Lungshan Temple
Newbie visitors to Taiwan often flock to MTR-accessible Lungshan (also spelled as Longshan), which is regarded as the country's most beautifully preserved Buddhist shrine. While dedicated to the Buddha of Compassion Guanyin, it also features shrines for Taoist and Chinese folk religion deities. Visitors can offer prayers or buy one of the many reasonably priced lucky charms.
Address: Lungshan Temple, Guangzhou Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan
3. Check Out the Vibe at Ximending
Visitors to Ximending often liken it to Shibuya, Japan’s vibrant shopping district. Beyond its shopping options, this pedestrian-friendly area is a fantastic spot for people-watching and immersing yourself in Taiwan's lively street culture—all without spending a cent.
Address: Ximending, Zhonghua Road, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan
4. Admire the Red House's Charm
While in Ximending, drop by the historic Red House, one of Taiwan's well-preserved heritage buildings. Constructed in 1908 as a market and later transformed into a theater, its octagonal structure and red-brick exterior blend Western and Japanese design. It was unlike any other building in Taiwan then. Today, Red House's historical charm serves as a backdrop for art exhibits, workshops, and theatrical performances. It also has small stalls offering quirky souvenirs!
Address: The Red House, Chengdu Road, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan
5. Relax in Daan Forest Park
Need a day to unwind? Take your camera or a book to Daan Forest Park, four MRT stops from Taipei 101. If you're traveling with kids, they can enjoy the playground's swings, seesaws, slides, and sandbox. And don't worry if you get hungry. You can walk to Yongkang Street for the original Din Tai Fung restaurant (takeout only), beef noodle shops, and dessert cafes.
Address: Daan Forest Park, Xinsheng S Rd, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan
6. Window Shop at Eslite Spectrum
Wherever you are in Taipei, you'll likely find yourself at an Eslite Spectrum mall. Head to its four-story branch at the trendy Songshan Cultural and Creative Park. Eslite Spectrum Songyan features boutique shops selling fashion, housewares, handmade crafts, and unique novelty items. The Eslite bookstore in this location is open 24 hours!
Address: Eslite Spectrum Songyan, Yanchang Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan
7. Drop by Huashan 1914 Creative Park
Art lovers and creatives will adore Huashan 1914 Creative Park, which used to be a Japanese wine factory and camphor refinery. The park retains much of its original architecture, creating an industrial-chic backdrop for boutique shops, art galleries, pop-up exhibitions, and street performances.
Address: Huashan 1914 Creative Park, Bade Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan
8. Hike Elephant Mountain
Many people hike up Elephant Mountain to enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the Taipei skyline, which includes the iconic Taipei 101. The "trek" to any viewing deck takes only 30 to 40 minutes, making it an easy climb for first-time hikers. Note, though, that Elephant Mountain has steep slopes, so wear shoes with a good grip.
Address: Elephant Mountain, Xinyi Road, Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan
9. Snap a Photo of the Iconic Taipei 101
Going inside Taipei 101 requires purchasing an observation deck ticket. But the iconic skyscraper dominates Taipei's skyline so much that it’s visible from various locations around the city. Besides Elephant Mountain, notable vantage points include the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall, Taipei City Hall Plaza, and 44 South Village.
Address: Taipei 101 Observatory, Xinyi Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City
10. Marvel at the National Palace Museum
The National Palace Museum houses one of the world's most impressive collections of Chinese art and artifacts that span 5,000 years of history. The museum's collection includes ancient paintings, rare books, priceless ceramics, and exquisite jade carvings.
You can enter the National Palace Museum for free on January 1, the Lantern Festival (towards the end of Chinese New Year), May 18 (International Museum Day), September 27 (World Tourism Day), and October 10 (National Day).
Address: National Palace Museum, Zhishan Rd., Shilin District, Taipei City
11. Watch the Sunset at Dadaocheng Pier Plaza
Also known as Dadaocheng Wharf, Dadaocheng Pier Plaza offers beautiful views of the Tamsui River, especially during sunset. While taking in the free riverside scenery, you can have a snack or dinner at the food stalls made from shipping containers. Consider exploring nearby Dihua Street, which features traditional shops selling tea, textiles, and other goods.
Address: Daodaocheng Pier Plaza, Datong District, Taipei City, Taiwan
12. Soak Your Worries Away at the Beitou Geothermal Valley
Beitou Geothermal Valley, often nicknamed "Hell Valley," features an eerie mist and turquoise-colored waters that create a mystical atmosphere. But nothing to fear here except for a hint of a rotten egg scent from the sulfur and the hot spring water temperature, ranging from 80 to 100℃!
Don't attempt to test the water here. Instead, try the free foot soaks at the following locations where the temperatures are just right:
- Sulphur Valley Recreation Area
- Beitou Quan Yuan No. 48 Park
- Fuxing Hot Foot Spa
Address: Beitou Geothermal Valley, Zhongshan Road, Beitou District, Taiwan, Taipei City
13. Swing by the Beitou Hot Spring Museum
The Beitou Hot Spring Museum is just 30 minutes away from central Taipei. Built in 1913, this fusion of Eastern and Western architecture once served as a public bathhouse during the Japanese colonial period. Today, visitors can explore its exhibits on hot spring history, culture, and etiquette.
Address: Beitou Hot Spring Museum, Zhongshan Road, Beitou District, Taipei City, Taiwan
14. Spend a Day at Yangmingshan National Park
One of the best things to do in Taiwan is walk the trails at Yangmingshan National Park. This place features a volcanic crater that emits dramatic steam clouds (Xiaoyoukeng) and stunning panoramic grasslands (Qingtiangang), which might make you feel like singing "The Sound of Music."
While getting to Yangmingshan National Park is relatively easy, the scenic spots within the park are spread out without a car. Pick two to three places to visit at most.
Address: Yangmingshan National Park, No. 1-20, Zhuzihu Road, Beitou District, Yangmingshan, Taipei City
15. Wander Around Shilin Night Market
Even if you don't buy anything, night markets offer a glimpse of the incredible variety of Taiwanese street food. At Shilin Night Market, the biggest in Taiwan, you can find several Michelin-rated food stalls and affordable snacks like stinky tofu and deep-fried chicken cutlets. It even has a toilet-themed restaurant (yes, you read that right). If you're coming to Yangmingshan National Park, you can swing by Shilin Night Market on your way back to Taipei.
Address: Shilin Night Market, Jihe Road, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan
16. Get Your Camera Out at Raohe Night Market
Unlike the sprawling layout of Shilin, Raohe Night Market lines a single street with food stalls and small shops. But its proximity to Songshan Ciyou Temple, beautifully illuminated at night, creates a stunning entrance for the night market. You can get your Instagram fix here, and call it a night. But try some of Raohe Night Market’s popular foods, such as pepper buns, herbal rib soup, or peanut ice cream rolls.
Address: Raohe Night Market, Raohe Street, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan
17. Go to the National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine
Located near the Keelung River, the National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine primarily commemorates Taiwan’s fallen soldiers. It also honors civilians like firefighters and police officers who died in the line of duty. You can witness the solemn precision of the changing-of-the-guard ceremony every hour.
Address: National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine, Bei'an Rd., Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan
18. Step into History at Dalongdong Baoan Temple
This Taoist temple, one of the most well-preserved in Taiwan, has a rich history dating back to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Dedicated to Baosheng Dadi, the Chinese God of Medicine, Dalongdong Baoan Temple's halls feature amazing woodwork, murals, and Koji ceramics.
Address: Dalongdong Baoan Temple, Hami St, Datong District, Taipei City, Taiwan
19. Encounter Wildlife at Taipei Zoo
Yes, the Taipei Zoo welcomes everyone free of charge. You can explore its numerous outdoor areas, which feature crowd favorites like koalas, pandas, and giraffes. The zoo also boasts indoor sections with exotic creatures and animals native to the region. Both locals and tourists flock to the zoo, so visit on weekdays to avoid the crowds.
Address: Taipei Zoo, Xinguang Road, Wenshan District, Taipei City 116016, Taiwan
20. Soak Up Shifen Waterfalls
As the broadest waterfalls in the country, Shifen Waterfalls has earned the label "Little Niagara of Taiwan." Easily accessible by train from Taipei, the waterfalls offer visitors scenic trails to experience its mighty cascade and surrounding lush greenery. The nearby Shifen Old Street, with its sky lanterns and quaint shops, adds to the appeal.
Address: Shifen Waterfalls, Qiankeng, Pingxi District, New Taipei City, Taiwan
21. Sunbathe on Fulong Beach
Take a quick, refreshing day trip away from the city and head to Fulong Beach. You can also go windsurfing, kayaking, or canoeing. Every year around May, artists from around the world gather at Fulong Beach to create stunning sand sculptures for the Fulong International Sand Sculpture Art Festival.
Address: Fulong Beach, Lunding Road, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan
22. Take in the View at Sun Moon Lake
If you plan to spend a few days in Taichung, include a day trip to Sun Moon Lake, one of Taiwan's most stunning natural attractions. Although the journey takes about two hours by bus from Taichung, you won’t regret it once you see the lake's calm waters and the majestic mountains surrounding it. Enjoy the panoramic scenery by walking along one of the lakeside trails that lead from Shuishe Pier to Chiang Kai-shek Pier.
Address: Sun Moon Lake, Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan
23. Roam the Streets of Lukang Township
Step back in time as you stroll through the historic town of Lukang, once a major cultural, economic, and transportation hub. Discover over 200 temples tucked away in alleyways, including the legendary Nine Turns Lane, designed to confuse pirates. You'll also find handicraft stores and traditional food stands to fulfill your tourist needs. Clear your schedule because you'll need a whole day to explore the entire township.
Address: Lukang Township, Minquan Road, Lukang Township, Changhua County, Taiwan
24. Behold the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum
Located in Kaohsiung in southern Taiwan, the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum is a pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide. After walking through a grand courtyard lined with golden pagodas, you'll reach the world’s tallest sitting Buddha, with a height of 108 meters—the equivalent of a 36-story building.
Address: Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, Tongling Rd, Dashu District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
Travel Worry-Free
Exploring Taiwan doesn’t have to break the bank! With its mix of nature, culture, and history, there are plenty of free things to do in Taiwan, from bustling street markets and quiet temples to stunning scenery and cultural celebrations. So pack your bags and start your budget-friendly adventure today.
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