After the workday in Taipei, elevate your evening — literally. The city offers numerous vantage points, and visitors can reach them by elevator, car, train, foot or gondola to take in sweeping views above the urban landscape.
The most direct option is a visit to the top of Taipei 101. From 2004 to 2009 this 101-story tower stood as the world’s tallest building. Today, high-speed elevators carry guests to the Observation Deck on the 88th through 91st floors in about 37 seconds, offering 360-degree views both indoors and outdoors. An audio guide highlights temples, shopping centers, memorials and other landmarks below. On the way down, stop at Shin Yeh 101 on the 85th floor for Taiwanese classics, or explore the diverse restaurants and boutiques in the multi-level shopping mall at the tower’s base.
City view with Taipei 101 © John6668 | Dreamstime.com
If you prefer to pair exercise with scenery, hike in Yangmingshan National Park for panoramic views and a meal at The Top Restaurant, where cocktails, barbecue and Taiwanese stir-fries complement the vista. Another memorable outing is a gondola ride to the Maokong tea-growing region; the creekside Yao Yue Tea Restaurant serves tea and local dishes on peaceful terraces.
For a more relaxed waterfront experience, stroll along Lover’s Bridge at Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf in Danshui. The area is famed for its sunsets, fresh seafood and occasional party boats. Nearby, the Beitou Hot Spring Resort provides a soothing escape with thermal pools, saunas, steam rooms, Jacuzzis and cold plunges that help melt away stress.
Wanhua District’s The Red House, constructed in 1908 as the city’s first public market, now hosts a lively mix of LGBT-friendly bars, restaurants and cafés. In Da’an District, La Boca and the Park Taipei Lounge are popular spots for cocktails and socializing among the local gay community.
Culinary enthusiasts should not miss the original Din Tai Fung, where specialties include truffle-and-pork or green-squash-and-shrimp xiaolongbao soup dumplings; lines are common but the food is well worth the wait. For faster, more casual dining, explore the hundreds of stalls at the Shilin Night Market, where traditional snacks and street foods represent cuisines from across China and greater Asia.
For night owls who prefer quiet time with a book, the Dunnan branch of Eslite Bookstore remains open 24 hours, welcoming late-night browsers and readers with a broad selection of titles and a calm atmosphere.