What to do in Taipei this 2023, when you're on a tight budget?
Taiwan is one of the most budget-friendly destinations in East Asia. Traveling to Taiwan should not be expensive. There are many FREE things to do, tourist spots, and attractions that you can visit without paying any entrance or admission fee. You can definitely explore many sites and do many things in Taipei without emptying your wallet. And here are some of them.
10 FREE Things to Do in TAIPEI, TAIWAN this 2023!
1. Visit Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall
The Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall is a huge complex erected in memory of Chiang Kai-shek, the former President of the Republic of China. Located in Zhongzheng District, it is a national monument, landmark and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Taipei. It is open daily from 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM. Admission is FREE.
HOW TO GET THERE: Take the MRT to Chiang Kai-shek (CKS) Memorial Hall station (Red Line 2 or Green Line 3).
Liberty Square Gate at Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall
2. Witness the Changing of the Guards
You can witness the changing of the guards in front of the huge statue of Chiang Kai Shek inside the main chamber of the CKS Memorial Hall every hour from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, everyday. During Wednesdays, it's from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Admission is FREE.
HOW TO GET THERE: Take the MRT to Chiang Kai-shek (CKS) Memorial Hall station (Red Line 2 or Green Line 3).
Witnessing the changing of the guards is a must-see! It happens every hour.
I suggest that you plan your visit, so you will not miss it.
3. Explore Shilin Official Residence
Located along Zhongshan North Road, the Shilin Official Residence is a designated historical site that is open to the public. It is the former residence of Chiang Kai-shek and his wife Soong Mei-ling. Here, you can enjoy beautiful gardens with many blossoming flowers and many IG-worthy spots that you could take your selfies. Except for the official residence (or the house), you can enter the complex for free. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 AM to 12:00 NN and from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM.
NEAREST MRT STATION: Shilin Station (Red Line)
Beautiful Gardens at Shilin Official Residence.
4. Visit the Martyrs' Shrine
The Martyrs' Shrine is a shrine dedicated to the war dead of the Republic of China. The changing of the honor guards is also a must-see when visiting the Martyrs' Shrine. It is open daily from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM, admission is FREE.
HOW TO GET THERE: Take the MRT to Jiantan Station (Red Line 2) and take Bus 267, 556, or 902.
Martyrs' Shrine
5. Visit a Temple
For me, religious buildings are must-sees when visiting a new city. There are many temples in Taipei. From Taoist to Buddhist to Confucian, visiting Taiwan's temples is a must-experience for everyone. You can visit any of them for free.
Visiting a temple in Taipei.
6. Witness the daily devotion of the locals at Longshan Temple
Considered as one of largest and oldest temples in Taiwan, witness the daily devotion of the locals at Mengjia Longshan Temple. First erected in 1738 by settlers coming from Fujian, this temple is dedicated to GuanYin; the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. Today, it remains as one of the most visited temples in Taiwan by both worshipers and tourists alike. It is open daily from 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM, no entrance fee.
NEAREST MRT STATION: Longshan Temple Station (Blue Line 5)
Longshan Temple
7. Visit the National Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
Built in 1972 to honor the founding father of the Republic of China; Dr. Sun Yat-Sen. This huge open space complex is composed of Chinese gardens, an exhibition center, a performance hall, museum and a library housing a collection of over 30,000 literary works. It is open from 9:00 AM to 05:00 PM. No entrance fee.
NEAREST MRT STATION: Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall or S.Y.S. Memorial Hall Station (Blue Bannan Line)
8. Take a selfie with the Taipei 101
Towering at 1,672 feet high, Taipei 101 held the record for the world’s tallest building from 2004 until Burj Khalifa of Dubai edged it in 2010. It is one of Taiwan's most popular tourist attractions and most photographed landmarks. A trip to Taiwan is not complete without visiting Taipei 101.
TRAVEL TIP: If you want to go up to the observatory of Taipei 101, you can purchase discounted Taipei 101 tickets via Klook.com. Free admission for children under the height of 115 cm. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
HOW TO GET THERE: Take the MRT to Taipei 101 station (Red Line 2).
9. Climb Elephant Mountain
If you want to see the best view of the city and of Taipei 101, I highly suggest that you climb the Elephant Mountain. Climbing it is FREE, and all you need is to climb the stairs that leads to the viewing deck where you could enjoy the stunning view of the city. You can visit it any time of the day, but for me, the best time to visit is during the late afternoon to catch the sunset.
ALSO READ: Taipei 101 & Elephant Mountain (Best Views of Taipei + Travel Tips)
HOW TO GET THERE: Take the MRT red line, alight at Xiangshan Station and take Exit 2. Walk and pass the park, and when you reach the end of the road, turn left going uphill until you see the entrance or start of the Xiangshan Hiking Trail (see photo here) on the left side of the road. The hike takes about 20-30 minutes depending on how fast you climb the stairs.
Elephant Mountain at Night
10. Soak up the atmosphere of Taipei's Night Markets
The night markets are the best places to visit at night when in Taipei! This is not absolutely free, of course. If you want to eat or shop, the night markets are the best places to be at night in Taipei. But if you don't want to spend, you can just roam around, explore, or go window shopping at the many night markets in Taipei. My most recommended are Huaxi Night Market, Shilin Night Market, and Jingmei Night Market.
ALSO READ: Eat, Shop, and Wander at the Best Night Markets in Taipei
TRAVEL TIP: If you want to explore the night markets in Taiwan and get insider tips from the locals, I highly recommend that you book a guided night market tour. Taste the local flavors of Taiwan by trying a variety of authentic Taiwanese dishes as recommended by your local guide. You can book a Taipei at Night Tour or a Jingmae Night Market Tour via Klook.com.
There you have it! My 10 Best FREE Things to do in Taipei! Enjoy, have fun and discover the best of Taipei on a budget!
TRAVEL TIP: You can also join the FREE Taipei Walking Tour Historic Route and visit the many historical sites in Taipei with the guidance of a local travel guide.
 TAIPEI DOUBLE DECKER BUS TOURFor ease and convenience - especially when traveling with kids and senior citizens - I highly recommend that you get into a hop-on hop-off bus when exploring the key attractions and tourist spots in Taipei. Composed of 23 bus stops and 2 routes, the Taipei Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour gives you the convenience of taking the bus that goes to the different interesting sites in Taipei. With this tour, you can choose to hop off at any stop for sightseeing, and hop back on when the next bus on the schedule arrives. [ BOOK HERE FOR AS LOW AS ₱472 PESOS! ] PRIVATE CAR CHARTER FOR TAIPEIAlternatively, you can also charter a private car in exploring Taipei. This way, you can visit the different tourist spots at your time and convenience. Get the ultimate comfort and space in a Nissan Teana or Toyota Camry for up to 3 people, or for 4-7 people in the Volkswagen T5, or up to 20 people in a minibus. Feel safe in the capable hands of qualified and experienced chauffeurs and a vehicle fleet maintained to the highest standards. [ BOOK HERE FOR AS LOW AS ₱3,680 PESOS! ] |
One-day Taipei DIY Itinerary
You can visit and do all of these in one day if you plan your trip well. And because most of these can be accessed by riding Taipei's efficient MRT system, going to one place to another is fast and easy. Just don't forget to buy an Easy Card so you won't need buy a token every time you take the train. Here is my sample DIY Itinerary.
08:00 AM - Longshan Temple
09:00 AM - Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall
10:00 AM - Changing of the Guards at CKS
11:00 AM - Shilin Official Residence
12:00 NN - Lunch
01:00 PM - Martyrs' Shrine
02:30 PM - National Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
03:00 PM - Taipei 101
05;00 PM - Elephant Mountain
08:00 PM - Night Markets
WHERE TO STAY IN TAIPEI?
As the capital city of Taiwan, Taipei offers a wide array of accommodation options that can fir your budget and needs. From cheap and affordable hostels, to mid-range budget hotels, to luxury hotels, one can find a nice place to stay in the heart of the city. Book in advance to avail up to 50% discount on room rates via Agoda!
[ CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LIST OF TOP-RATED HOTELS IN TAIPEI ]
ALSO READ: Taipei, Taiwan Budget Travel Guide with aN 8,000 Pesos DIY Itinerary
BEFORE YOU GO: Don't Miss these Taiwan Travel Essentials
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