Guide to Taipei 101

As a defining feature of the Taipei skyline and once the world's tallest building, Taipei 101 is an absolute must-visit landmark in Taiwan. Soaring 509 meters into the clouds, this iconic bamboo-inspired skyscraper blends traditional Asian aesthetics with modern engineering. Whether you are eager to ride one of the world's fastest elevators, take in breathtaking 360-degree views from the observatory, or indulge in Michelin-starred dining at Din Tai Fung, Taipei 101 offers an unforgettable experience. In this complete guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your trip, including ticket deals, opening hours, dining tips, and how to skip the queues.

About Taipei 101

What is Taipei 101?

• An Iconic Landmark: Located in Taipei, Taiwan, this legendary skyscraper was the world's tallest building from 2004 to 2010.
• Culturally Inspired Design: Formed in the shape of a bamboo stalk to symbolize growth and resilience.
• Top Highlights:
• • Observation Decks (89th & 91st Floors): Offers sweeping 360-degree views across the city.
  • Ultra-Fast Elevators: Reaches the 89th floor from the 5th floor in just 37 seconds.
  • Shopping & Dining: Features a large multi-story complex with luxury shopping and varied food outlets.

Key Specifications

• Construction: 1999 – 2004
• Height: 509.2 meters
• Floors: 101 stories (above ground)

Location & Nearby Spots

• Address: No. 7, Sec. 5, Xinyi Rd., Xinyi District, Taipei City.
• Area Highlights: Set in a major retail and entertainment district near the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Taipei World Trade Center, and Taipei City Hall.

Taipei 101 Ticket Types & Exclusive Offers

You can get discounted tickets for Taipei 101 by booking on Trip.com. Additionally, Trip.com provides deals on Taipei 101 nearby hotels, making it convenient to plan your entire visit to Taipei. For the latest discounts and offers, be sure to check Taipei 101 Latest Price on Trip.com.

Note: Children under 115 cm or 6 years old (inclusive) enter for free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Taipei 101 Opening Hours

Operating hours for Taipei 101 are generally from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily across the main observatory decks and shopping center. Keep in mind that operating schedules can shift on public holidays or during special occasions, so verifying before your visit is recommended.

Operating Hours Breakdown

How to get to Taipei 101

Source from wefuntaiwan

1. By MRT (Metro) | Recommended😆

The MRT system in Taipei is highly efficient and the most common way to reach Taipei 101. Taipei 101 is wheelchair accessible, and the MRT system provides elevator access at all stations. The MRT can get crowded during peak hours (8:00 AM - 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM), so plan accordingly. Here’s how to get there:

• Line to Take: Board the Red Line (Tamsui-Xinyi Line, Line 2), heading towards Xiangshan.
• Stop: Get off at Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station.
• Exit: Use Exit 4 to get directly to Taipei 101. Once you exit, the building is just a few minutes' walk away (5-10 mins), and it's clearly visible as you step outside.

【From Key Locations】

• Taipei Main Station: Take the Red Line from Taipei Main Station (towards Xiangshan), and after about 7 stops (roughly 15 minutes), you’ll reach Taipei 101.
• Ximen Station: From Ximen Station, take the Blue Line (Bannan Line) to Taipei City Hall, then transfer to the Red Line (Xiangshan direction) and get off at Taipei 101/World Trade Center.

💡 Traveler Tip — Get an EasyCard (悠游卡):

An EasyCard is Taiwan's essential contactless smart card (similar to Hong Kong's Octopus card or Japan's Suica). It can be used for the MRT, public buses, YouBike, and payments at convenience stores or supermarkets. You can grab a ticket bundled with an EasyCard directly on Trip.com EasyCard Booking.

2. By Bus

If you prefer traveling by bus, Taipei 101 is well-connected with multiple bus routes. Here’s how:

• Bus Numbers: The following buses stop near Taipei 101: 20, 22, 28, 33, 37, 226, 207, 284, 611, 650.
• Bus Stops: Look for stops named Taipei 101/World Trade Center or Xinyi and Keelung Intersection. Both are within a short walking distance from the building.

3. By Taxi

Taxis in Taipei are widely available and a convenient option, especially if you have luggage or prefer a direct route.

• How to Request: Simply hail a taxi on the street or use a taxi app. Most drivers speak basic English and recognize Taipei 101 by name.
• Estimated Fare: The cost from central Taipei (e.g., Taipei Main Station) to Taipei 101 is approximately NT$150-250 (~7.5 AUD). The journey typically takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Tip: Ensure the driver uses the meter. Taxis in Taipei are safe and reliable.

4. By Car

For those driving, Taipei 101 offers ample parking space.

• Parking: An underground parking lot is available. The entrance is located on Xinyi Road, with signs clearly marking the way to Taipei 101 Parking.
• Navigation Tip: Input No. 7, Section 5, Xinyi Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City into your GPS. Traffic in the Xinyi District can be heavy, especially during peak hours, so plan accordingly.

5. By YouBike (Public Bicycle System)

YouBike is Taipei's public bike-sharing system, and it’s a great way to explore the city if you enjoy cycling.

• YouBike Stations: There are several stations near Taipei 101. The closest one is right outside the Taipei 101/World Trade Center MRT Station (Exit 4).
• How to Use: Rent a bike using the YouBike app or an EasyCard. You can drop the bike off at any YouBike station across the city, making it convenient to explore further.

6. Walking

If you're staying nearby in the Xinyi District or coming from another nearby location, walking is an enjoyable option.

• Nearby Landmarks: If you're near landmarks like the Taipei City Hall, Xinyi Shopping District, or Elephant Mountain, Taipei 101 is within easy walking distance. Follow the pedestrian signs, and you'll reach the building in no time.

Taipei 101 Map

Source from wefuntaiwan

• Lower Floors (B1 to 5F): Primarily retail and dining areas, with the ticketing office and exhibition on the 5th floor.
• Middle Floors (86F to 89F): Dining (86F), observation decks (88F, 89F), and the wind damper gallery.
• Upper Floors (91F and 101F): Observation decks offering both indoor and outdoor views, with the highest accessible area on the 101st floor.

Things to do at Taipei 101

B1 to 5th Floors: Taipei 101 Mall & Dining

A world-class retail mall home to luxury brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Cartier.

• B1 Level: Houses a massive gourmet food court, Taiwanese souvenir counters (including Bluebird Travel and SunnyHills), and the famous Din Tai Fung.
• 5th Floor: The Ticketing Center and high-speed elevator boarding entrance. It also features the "Stunning Taiwan" exhibition, showcasing Taiwan’s natural beauty through high-definition digital displays.

✨ Special Limited Exhibition (April 2 – August 31)

Monday Bruce ("星期一的布鲁斯") @ 89F Observatory Visiting between April and August? Don't miss the high-altitude collaboration with the popular original Taiwanese illustrator IP "Monday Bruce"! The 89F indoor observatory has been transformed into a "Cute & Quirky Taiwan" high-altitude office space, where the relatable, overworked Monday Bruce rabbit accompanies visitors at 382 meters in the clouds for adorable photo ops.

88th Floor: The World’s Largest Wind Damper Gallery

Get an up-close look at Taipei 101's engineering marvel — a 660-ton steel sphere (Tuned Mass Damper) suspended between the 87th and 92nd floors. Designed to counteract earthquake tremors and typhoon winds, it is the only tuned mass damper in the world exposed for public viewing.

• Fun Fact: The damper has its own adorable official mascots called "Damper Babies", available as popular souvenir plushies and stationery!

89th Floor: Indoor 360° Observation Deck & Infinite Sky

Located at 328 meters, this floor provides sweeping 360-degree views of Taipei.

• Highlights: Includes specialized neon lighting photo zones ("Rainbow Neon Area"), anti-reflective photography windows, high-powered binoculars, and the world's highest postbox where you can mail postcards home!
• Infinite Sky Mirror: Experience a unique kaleidoscope visual phenomenon created by optical floor and ceiling mirror reflections (Tip: Female visitors wearing skirts should take note of the mirrored floor reflections!).

91st Floor: Outdoor Observation Deck (Under Renovation)

Notice: The 91st-floor outdoor viewing deck is currently undergoing facility renovations and upgrades. It is scheduled to officially reopen to the public in 2027.

101st Floor: Secret Garden & Skyline 460

• World’s Tallest Secret Garden: Once an exclusive retreat reserved for global VIPs and dignitaries, the 101st floor is now transformed into a serene indoor floral garden encircled by 360-degree mirrored walls that reflect the clouds and sky.
• Skyline 460: The ultimate thrill-seeker experience! Strap into a safety harness and step out onto the highest open-air observatory deck in Asia at 460 meters (1,509 feet) above sea level.

What to eat at Taipei 101

Discover where to eat at Taipei 101 with our ultimate food lover’s guide! From iconic Michelin-starred soup dumplings and high-altitude fine dining to local street food bites and classic Taiwanese souvenirs, here are the top culinary stops inside the tower.

Top Dining Spots at Taipei 101

Featured Dining Highlights & Souvenirs

1. Din Tai Fung (鼎泰丰) — B1 Floor

World-famous for its precision-crafted "Golden 18-Fold" Xiao Long Bao, Din Tai Fung is a culinary stop no visitor to Taipei should miss. Each delicate dumpling features thin skin, rich broth, and tender filling.

🍜 2026 Trip.com Din Tai Fung Exclusive Package: You can now pre-book an exclusive Din Tai Fung Meal Package on Trip.com. It allows flexible walk-in redemptions without having to pre-select a strict reservation time!

2. Bluebird Travel (青鸟旅行) — B1 Souvenir Counter

A viral Taiwanese souvenir brand famous for pioneering "stuffed egg rolls" (灌馅蛋卷) — combining traditional crispy layers with generous savory or sweet fillings like pork floss, melted chocolate, peanut butter, and sesame.

🎁 Trip.com Perk: Book your 89F Observatory ticket on Trip.com to receive a free Bluebird Travel gift box!

Best time to go to Taipei 101

Planning your trip to Taipei 101? Timing is everything when it comes to capturing stunning views and avoiding peak crowds. Here is a breakdown of the optimal seasons, days, and hours to make the most of your visit.

🗓️ Best Time of Year

• Optimal Season (October to December): Autumn brings mild temperatures, lower humidity, and remarkably clear skies—giving you the clearest views across the Taipei Basin from the observation decks. Spring (March to May) is another pleasant option, though you may encounter sporadic rainfall.
• Top Month (November): November stands out as the single best month to visit, striking the perfect balance between comfortable weather, dry days, and fewer tourist crowds than during the summer peak.

📅 Best Days to Visit

• Weekdays (Monday – Friday): Visiting during the workweek helps you bypass the heavy weekend foot traffic, making for a much smoother experience at the ticket counters, express elevators, and viewing platforms.

⏰ Best Time of Day

• Golden Hour into Night (4:00 PM – 6:30 PM): Head up to the observatory in the late afternoon around 4:00 PM. This lets you experience panoramic daylight vistas, catch a stunning sunset (typically between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM depending on the season), and stay to watch the glowing night skyline light up.

Other Attractions in Taipei

Things to do in Taipei #1: Taipei Palace Museum

The Taipei Palace Museum, also known as the National Palace Museum, is home to one of the largest collections of Chinese art and artifacts in the world. The museum's vast collection includes ancient bronzes, ceramics, jade, paintings, and calligraphy. With over 700,000 pieces in its collection, the museum offers a deep dive into Chinese history and culture.

Things to do in Taipei #2: Shilin Night Market

Shilin Night Market is the largest and most famous night market in Taipei. It's a bustling hub of street food, shopping, and entertainment. Visitors can sample a variety of local Taiwanese snacks like stinky tofu, oyster omelettes, and bubble tea. The market also offers a wide range of goods, from clothing to electronics, making it a perfect spot for an evening out in Taipei.

Things to do in Taipei #3: Taipei Zoo

Taipei Zoo is the largest zoo in Taiwan and is home to a wide variety of animals from around the world, including the famous giant pandas. The zoo is divided into different sections such as the Asian Tropical Rainforest, African Animal Area, and Bird World, each showcasing animals in naturalistic habitats. It's a family-friendly destination and a great place to learn about wildlife conservation.

Things to do in Taipei #4: Maokong Station

Maokong is a popular spot in Taipei for tea culture and scenic views. The area is known for its traditional tea houses and the Maokong Gondola, which offers a scenic cable car ride over the lush mountains. Once at the top, visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk along the tea plantation trails, visit temples, or relax with a cup of locally grown tea while taking in panoramic views of the city.

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