Looking to do Taipei on a budget? From historic streets to hiking, the changing of the guard to souvenir ink stamp collecting, there are many free things to do in Taipei.
Featuring several free Taipei museums and tranquil temples, we also share several unique free Taipei attractions like Airplane Alley, Beitouโs Thermal Valley and the famous Red House in Ximending.
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Exploring Taipei doesnโt have to be expensive – and unlike other โfree Taipeiโ articles, we can guarantee these are all free (you wouldnโt believe how many websites get it wrong and include paid for attractions like the National Palace Museum).
From cat villages to cultural parks, here is our guide to the best free things to do in Taipei.
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Free Taipei things to do
1. Taipei Airplane Alley
โTake offโ with the family to Taipeiโs Airport Alley to get VERY close to airplanes landing at Songshan Airport.
Free to visit and one of more unique attractions in Taipei, Airport Alley attracts plane spotters, curious families and locals to witness the spectacle of planes landing just metres away โ and wow, is it loud! You can also feel the thrusts of air as large aircraft take off.
From how to track when planes are landing to how to get to Songshan Airport in Taipei (plus a viewing deck at Songshan Airport itself), read our guide to visiting Airplane Alley in Taipei >
2. Dihua Street
The historic district of Dihua Street and Dadaocheng in Taipei is perhaps most famous for its amazing architecture, traditional Chinese medicine shops and Lunar New Year celebrations โ however, in recent years, the area has welcomed an influx of coffee shops, fashion stores and craft beer bars.
A marvelous mix of new and traditional Taipei, the main Dihua Street and its opulent mansion houses were once Taipeiโs most prosperous area, built up in the 1850s – it has real charm and character and is one of the most interesting Taipei neighborhoods to visit.
Featuring historic markets and temple food courts, there are many free things to see in Dihua Street, plus it is one of the best places to buy gifts in Taipei with a wide range of Taiwan souvenirs.
You might like our Dihua street and Dadaocheng area guide >
3. 2/28 Peace Memorial Park
One of the nicest urban parks in downtown Taipei and a short walk from Taipei Main Station, 2/28 Peace Memorial Park is a green oasis with pavilions, ponds and a memorial museum.
Dedicated to the victims of the uprising in 1947, this is a solemn spot with many memorial plaques and sculptures dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives.
It is a quiet spot to walk around, sit on a bench with some takeaway food or just watch the world go by. If you are feeling flexible / brave (delete as appropriate), there is also a free cobbled Reiki path you can walk on in your bare feet (we lasted all of 20 seconds โ ouch!)
4. Hike Elephant Mountain
Honestly, this has to be one of our top 5 free things to do in Taipei!
Elephant Mountain (also known as โXiangshanโ in Mandarin) is one of the best free things to do in Taipei, with several incredible viewpoints, with the trail starting walking distance of Xiangshan MRT Metro station.
Although steep, these several short Elephant Mountain viewpoints all offer stunning views of Taipei and its cityscape, including Taipei 101 and the Xinyi District.
Weโd class ourselves as average fitness and it took us exactly 15 minutes from the start of the Xiangshan Hiking Trail to the first proper viewpoint without any stops.
If you can, try to combine your Elephant Mountain hike with sunset โ see our sunset and night-time photos and our Xiagshan hiking guide here >
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5. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall / Changing of the Guard
Easily one of the most popular things to do in Taipei, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is free to visit with a museum on the lower levels.
The building is a national Taiwan monument and built in the memory of former President Chiang Kai-shek – the grounds are extensive and also one of the best places to spot cherry blossoms in Taipei in the spring months.
Please note that in 2025, the famous changing of the guard ceremony inside Chiang Kai-shek Memorial has now stopped and is now performed hourly outside the memorial hall from 9am to 5pm, read our Taipei changing of the guards guide >
6. Free Taipei Walking Tours*
*โFreeโ but donations are likely expected and appreciated, typically ranging from $NT400 โ $600 TWD ($13 โ $20 USD) per person, as suggested by the tour company.
There are several free Taipei walking tours offered by TourMeAway including:
- Taipei Old Town including Ximen and Red House – Taiwan Introduction Free Walking Tour (runs every day)
- Taipei’s Origin and Longshan Temple / Bopiliao Historical area – Taiwan Cultural Free Walking Tour (every Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday and Friday)
- Vintage Taipei including Dihua Street and Dadaocheng Wharf – Best of Taiwan and Sunset Free Walking Tour (every Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday)
Incidentally, TourMeAway also does several paid food tours which weโve done like night market street food tours or morning Taiwanese breakfast tours. Check them out here – use our โTAIWANDERERSโ discount code for TourMeAway to get 15% off any paid tours.
7. Go Taipei manhole cover spotting
The streets of Taipei are adorned with colorful Taiwanese manhole covers โ from cherry blossom manholes in Shilin to classic Taipei 101 manhole cover designs, there are 24 different Taipei Taiwan manhole cover designs spread across a dozen Taipei city districts.
For the last five years, Taipeiโs Hydraulic Engineering Office (HEO) has been installing creative and colorful manhole covers around the city, working with local artists to create beautiful painted manhole covers.
So how to locate these Taipei manhole covers? There is this handy manhole map which you can use to find them all including the beautiful bird manholes in and around Shilin plus some fantastic fish manhole cover designs near Daโan Park and Yongkang Street.
Read about more colourful Taipei manholes we spotted here >
8. National Railway Museum*
*You can work around many exhibits and buildings for free, but there is a small NT$100 charge for foreigners to go into the train shed.
Hands down one of the unique free Taipei activities weโve done, the National Railway Museum ๅๅฎถ้ต้ๅ็ฉ้คจ (on the former Taipei Railway Workshop grounds) is a sprawling site in Xinyi dedicated to the history of Taiwan Railway.
Although a railway museum may not sound that much fun for everyone, they have done a really good job here with lots of interactive exhibits – plus for a small fee, you can even take a ride aboard an old train and explore historic carriages.
Located in Xinyi / Songshan with excellent views of Taipei 101, you can explore the old station buildings and former bathhouse. We loved the collection of old / vintage Taiwan Railway Administration leaflets and TV spots โ a veritable vintage feast!
9. Themed 7-Elevens in Taipei
The world is never short of 7-Eleven convenience stores but did you know there are over 100 themed 7-Elevens all over Taiwan, most of which are in Taipei?
Kids and cartoon fans will love the cute themed 7-Eleven stores including the Hello Kitty, Sumikko Gurashi, Ultraman or Taiwanโs most famous blue cat; Bugcat Capoo.
If you are more of a dog person, go (Pea)-nuts about the Snoopy 7-Eleven stores (one even has a super cool Snoopy themed seating area complete with a school bus and huge plushies).
Check out our guide to over 20 themed Taiwan 7-Elevens in Taipei here >
10. Walk around Ximending entertainment district
Taipeiโs best known neighbourhood and popular with tourists, Ximending is a must-visit when in Taipei.
From street performers to a small night market, late night shopping to tattoo street, Ximending is always fun to visit with plenty of bars hidden amongst the side alleys.
Watch the dancers, singers and performers in the heart of Ximending every night (free to watch but donations are appreciated) or just grab a seat in one of the upstairs restaurants and people-watch.
Some call it a tourist trap but it is never boring, plus a great place for late night bites and neon nights.
You might like our guide to Ximending at night or Ximending on a rainy day.
11. Longshan Temple
Longshan Temple (also known as Bangka Lungshan) is Taipeiโs most famous temple, renowned for its (en)chanting ceremonies.
Whilst not always serene (it attracts huge crowds of tourists and worshippers), it is certainly one of the most beautiful temples in the city.
With the original Longshan temple site dating back to the Qing Dynasty in the late 1730s, the shrine has been rebuilt several times over the years, most recently after the aftermath of WWII bombing in 1945.
If you plan to visit Longshan Temple in Taipei, be sure to try and coincide your visit with one of the three chanting ceremonies held daily โ it is one of the most memorable and inspiring things to do in Taipei.
Find out more about Longshan Temple >
12. Collecting free Taipei Souvenir Ink Stamps
Pretty much every attraction in Taipei (and across Taiwan) has their own free stamp and ink set which are popular with all ages and a common conversation in our Taiwan Travel Tips (TTT) Facebook group.
Grab a leaflet (or take your own book) and ink up the stamp, before pressing it down in your book โ some attractions also offer free gifts if you find the full set of stamps.
The other great thing about collecting Taiwan ink stamps is that they are very light to carry so make a cool souvenir to take home that doesnโt take up too much luggage space โ you can even get your own personalised stamp made!
Read more about collecting ink stamps in Taiwan in our guide plus free Taipei stamp locations >
13. Daan Forest Park
A green oasis in a very busy city, Daan Forest Park in Taipei is a sprawling open space popular with families and walkers.
Given its inner city location, youโd be surprised by the sheer number of wildlife and birds that live in Daan Forest Park.
Sprawling over 60 acres, it has an outdoor auditorium, numerous fitness facilities and running tracks plus lots of flora and fauna including an eco-pond. Daan Park is also one of the best free things to do in Taipei with kids.
From its annual free Azalea Festival to its musical auditorium, read our guide to Daan Forest Park >
14. The Red House
One of the best free things to do in Ximending, the Red House is a beautiful red brick building that has served many purposes over the years since it opened in 1908.
Ximendingโs Red House now hosts cultural performances, a theatre, plus a fantastic two storey independent retail emporium, chock full of unique and one-off designs by local artists.
Whilst shopping heaven in the daytime, Red House reinvents itself at night with an array of LBGTQ+ bars opening in the courtyard.
From crafts to clothing, bars to brownies, here is our ultimate guide to Red House Taipei >
15. Beitou Thermal Valley
Explore Beitouโs Thermal Valley, a free to visit natural wonder that bubbles with steam and smells very sulfuric. There are boardwalks all around the springs and it is amazing to see the bubbling water in what locals refer to as Hell Valley.
Located in the valley between Zhongshan Road and Wenquan Road, Beitou Thermal Valley is incredible to see and our photos donโt do it justice.
It is one of the most popular spots in Beitou and a short walk from Beitou Hot Springs Museum so if you donโt like crowds, maybe take the bus to the free Sulfur Valley instead.
As one of the main sources of all of Beitouโs hot springs, it is also known as โJade Spring Valleyโ due to its turquoise ‘jade-likeโ spring waters that shine green in the sun. Please note the Thermal Valley is closed on Mondays.
16. Huashan 1914 Creative Park
Taiwanโs best creative park (and most bustling), Huashan 1914 Creative Park in Taipei is free to walk around and packed full of permanent and pop-up shops and cartoon character exhibitions, street performers plus cafes and restaurants.
It is easy to spend half a day here with the family going to pop-ups then grabbing a bite to eat – or simply take your own picnic and enjoy it in the park here.
A former wine factory, Huashan 1914 Creative Park in Taipeiโs Zhongzheng district, is also rather distinctive, with red brick buildings and warehouses all transformed into thriving business, a reminder of the previous industrial use.
With a huge play area and outdoor space at the rear, it is one of the best free things to do in Taipei with kids. As far as we are aware, Huashan 1914 Creative Park has the highest number of temporary exhibitions and pop up shops in Taipei.
Check out our full guide to Huashan 1914 Creative Park in Taipei here >
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17. Jimmyโs Moon Bus
From Taipei to the moon! A fun free thing to do in Xinyi (especially with kids), Jimmyโs Moon Bus is an art installation in the shadow of Taipei 101 on Xinyi Road.
It has been created and designed based on local author Jimmy Liaoโs childrenโs book โWhen the Moon Forgotโ.
Unlike a lot of โart installationsโ, you can actually jump aboard Jimmyโs Moon Bus and pose with characters and artwork from the book.
Outside the bus, there is also a water feature with many moons plus the bus lights up at night. Jimmyโs Moon Bus is โout of this worldโ (ahem) and free to visit.
18. Taipei Day Trips (free but Metro or bus fare needed)
We have a whole article all about our favourite Taipei day trips – we would recommend the following places as free day-trips from the city accessible via paid public transport
- Beitou hot spring area (accessible via MRT)
- Wulai (accessible by bus)
- Maokong (accessible by bus or cable car)
- Jiufen (accessible by train and bus)
- Jiaoxi (accessible by train)
- Tamsui and Bali (accessible by MRT or bus)
19. Postal Museum Taipei Beimen Branch
Not only the best place to post Taiwan souvenirs home as it has so many counters and English speaking staff on the ground floor, this Ximen post office also has a free museum on the upper level.
At the time of writing, the Postal Museum Taipei Beimen has a super cute Bugcat Capoo exhibition where you can Chunghwa Post x Bugcat Capoo collaboration merchandise like plushies, stickers and stamps โ plus there is a free ink souvenir stamp trail.
There is also the opportunity to make your postcard or print your photos in a stamp format, which you can send to friends.
20. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial House and Park
A free thing to do near Taipei Main Station, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial House ้ธไปๅ ฌๅ is a small wooden Japanese style house built around 1900 which was once a restaurant and later became a memorial house dedicated to Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, who once stayed overnight here.
In the garden outside, there are small ponds with arch bridges and massive koi carp, making a nice photo spot and a respite from the nearby hustle and bustle of the city.
21. National Center of Photography and Image (NCPI)
Get snap happy as it is free admission to the National Center of Photography and Image, located right next to Taipei Main station and located in the old Osaka Merchant Ship Co. headquarters.
Open since 2021, Taiwanโs NCPI houses a collection of nationally important photos and prints, and behind the scenes, restores and preserves old images. It houses a permanent gallery as well as temporary exhibitions. Please note the National Center of Photography and Image is closed on Mondays.
22. Taipeiโs Free Observation Deck
No garbage – there is really is a free Taipei observation deck atop the Beitou Refuse Incineration Plant ๅๆ็ๅๅป ่งๆฏๅฐ.
Offering panoramic Taipei views including cityscapes featuring Yangming, Guanyin and Datun mountain ranges, this is an awesome attraction with real โaltitudeโ (well, 380 foot high to be exact – it is also accessible via a glass-paneled elevator (very Willy Wonka)!
Close to Shipai Station, there is also a revolving restaurant onsite, said to be the worldโs first restaurant on a waste incinerator chimney (quite a niche claim to be honest)!
23. Free outdoor playground at A8 Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Xinyi Place
There are lots of shopping malls in Taipei and taking kids shopping isnโt always the most fun experience.
However one of the most fun shopping centers in Taipei is Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Xinyi Place, split into four massive malls.
Better yet, it has a free outdoor playground and kidโs park on the rooftop of A8 Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Xinyi Place. Handily, it is right next door to the Studio Ghibli store and a huge cat-bus that you can pose with and get in for free.
Given Xinyi is so built up, the outdoor rooftop and fountain at A8 Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Xinyi Place is a good way to tire out the kids before or after some retail therapy.
You might like – Do Taipei 101 on the cheap by buying a coffee at Simple Kaffa Sola, Taiwanโs highest coffee shop
24. Beitou Hot Spring Museum
We think this is one of the best free museums in Taipei – โdive inโ and learn about the rich thermal history of Beitou at the Hot Spring Museum (closed on a Monday).
Upon arrival, take your shoes off and staff will give you a fetching pair of slippers to wear whilst wandering around. Opened in 1913 and once the largest bathhouse in East Asia, the Beitou Hot Spring Museum has two levels.
The ground floor shows the former public bath (still with water in it) with a history of the building whilst the upper area has exhibitions, gift shop, a traditional spa resting area (very popular) with a woven matt floor plus a balcony to look out over Beitou Park.
Some of the technology here feels a bit dated (like cameras that make it appear you are in a hot tub virtually) but it is genuinely interesting to understand more about the history of Beitou and the importance of its hot springs over the decades.
25. Dalongdongโs Historical District (free temples)
A slightly quieter Taipei neighborhood away from the crowds and with close proximity to Tamsui and Bali by Metro, Dalongdong was once the center of the Qing Dynasty and many of the old buildings remain to this day which you can visit for free.
Our free Dalongdong highlights include:
- Taipei Confucius temple โ built in 1875 and located along Dalong Street, this large temple is where students pray for good luck in their exams
- Dalongdong Baoan Temple โ dedicated to the Emperor Baosheng with preserved murals and dragon pillars. It also looks beautiful lit up at night
- Lin An Tai Historical House & Museum โ a traditional Hokkien style home with intricate carvings, pretty pavilions and peaceful gardens with ponds
26. 44 South Military Village
A historic village juxtaposed against the modem metropolis that is Taipeiโs Xinyi District, the 44 South Military Village is like taking a step back in time โ almost a world away from the nearby gleaming skyscrapers and CBD cityscape.
Akin to a central city cultural hub, 44 South Military Village is home to a theatre, gift shops and numerous cafes and coffee shops plus also hosts the occasional weekend market.
It is one of the best free places to view Taipei 101 from afar, with the tall tower easily viewed from the historic courtyards and alleyways here โ and better yet, it is free to visit with pleasant parks and gardens all around.
Here is our guide to 44 South Military Village or the best Taipei 101 viewing spots
27. Songshan Cultural and Creative Park
This former tobacco factory has been transformed into a huge complex full of cool craft shops, gorgeous gift shops plus regular pop-up exhibitions.
Free to explore and next to Taipei Dome in Xinyi, it was recently named as one of the top 5 tourist attractions in Taipei with over 10 million visitors in 2024.
Songshan Cultural Park has lots of exquisite craft and jewelry stores so if you are looking for a Taipei shopping experience with lots of unique souvenirs, this is it!
Songshan Cultural park also houses the Taiwan Design Museum (paid entry) and also has a small lake and seating area which is pleasant in the summer months.
Many of the old tobacco old buildings have been transformed into industrial chic cafes like the Cama Coffee Roastery so you can reward yourself after all that exploring.
Read more in our guide to Songshan Cultural Park >
28. Houtong Cat Village*
*Free to visit – you will need a train ticket from Taipei Main Station to Houtong Cat Village costing around NT$50 one way with an EasyCard.
Houtong Cat Village is an easy day trip from Taipei and a โpaw-someโ free adventure. If youโre โfelineโ like a kid-friendly journey along the Pingxi Line in Taiwan and a stop-off in a cute mountainside village, Houtong Cat Village is for mewโฆsorryโฆyou.
Home to dozens of cats and kitties, Houtong Cat Village is a riverside town in the Ruifang valley that has direct trains from Taipei Main Station (and also easily accessible from Jiufen). Even the train station has resident cats and cat-shaped foot-bridge.
There are lots of cat-themed shops or take your children to the Hide & Seek cafe for cat-themed treats plus meet their huge kitty-cat who is super friendly.
Check out our Houtong Cat Village guide including how to get the train from Taipei >
29. Jianguo Jade Market and Holiday Flower Market (weekends only)
A โgemโ of a Taipei weekend market, Jianguo Jade Market and Holiday Flower Market (ๅปบๅ็ๅธ) takes place every Saturday and Sunday in Taipeiโs Daโan District.
Located beneath an overpass below one of Taipeiโs busiest roads, Jianguo Jade Market and flower market is full of colour, from beautiful flowers to gorgeous jewelry like green jade necklaces.
Even if you arenโt in the market for buying jewelry, it is a top Taipei weekend market to visit as it is an all weather affair (it is covered) and always bustling with locals, many of whom are accompanied by their beloved dogs in prams!
From opening hours to different stall types, here is our guide to Jianguo Jade Market and Holiday Flower Market in Taipei >
30. Songshan Ciyou Temple
Located next to Raohe Night Market, be sure to check out the free Songshan Temple before eating all those tasty Taiwan street foods – it is one of the most beautiful temples in all of Taipei.
At night, it is lit up like a beacon and you are free to explore โ there are often evening ceremonies and chanting. It is an incredible place to walk around and there are several stalls selling religious blessings and random fortunes.
During Lunar New Year, Songshan Temple is strewn with colorful lanterns and it is one of the main places of worship in Taipei.
Be sure to go to the rear of the temple and climb up the stairs hidden at the back to see the various main hall rooms and get views looking down over Songshan Temple.
31. Treasure Hill Artist Village
A short walk from Gongguan MRT Station, Treasure Hill Artist Village is an interesting place to visit (free to walk around too). It is an old settlement with many abandoned houses and areas that have been turned into artists studios (and many residents still live there).
From robot workshops to neon light installations, Treasure Hill Artist Village is a โtreasure troveโ of street art, fun installations and a few outdoor sculptures. Even the squash courts near the river are adorned with vibrant murals.
The whole area feels a little run down and abandoned and is all a bit curious (albeit quirkily creative).
The best bit is just wandering around the village without a plan, discovering artworks in out-houses or on tree-covered terraces โ just remember some people still live here so try to be respectful of their privacy and homes.
Our final free Taipei activity
32. See Taipeiโs famous wonky postboxes
Special delivery – meet the most famous wonky post boxes in Taiwan, โLittle Redโ & โLittle Greenโ! In 2015, typhoon Soudelour devastated Taiwan, including bending these postboxes in downtown Taipei.
After the storms, these two tough mailboxes featured on the local news and locals began to take pictures and selfies with them.
The imperfect postboxes became a symbol of resilience so the Taiwanese mail service left them as is, wonky stands and all โ you can still post letters in them today and everything posted in these two boxes gets a special postal stamp.
More weird and wonderful things to do and see in Taipei (many are free) >
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