Enjoy an alternative romance: Admire the majestic planes at Taipei Songshan Airport’s observation deck

Reported by Cai Mengxiu / Taipei

You don’t have to crowd into Yangmingshan for a romantic atmosphere—bring your partner to Songshan Airport to enjoy a world of just the two of you. Sip on coffee and watch planes take off and land from the observation deck, make a wish together, and experience a unique kind of romance.

In the past, Lane 180, Binjiang Street was a popular spot for plane watching and dating. Even office workers feeling down at work would come here to breathe some fresh air and unwind—it was a shared memory for many. But now, there's no need to go through such trouble to watch planes; visitors can head to the newly built observation deck at Songshan Airport.

According to staff on-site, the rooftop observation deck at Songshan Airport is the biggest highlight since the completion of the airport’s three-phase renovation project in late 2011. It is also the only observation deck in Taiwan specially designed for both plane watching and leisure. Located on the 3rd floor between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, the deck is about 100 meters from the runway, offering a 180-degree view of planes taking off and landing, as well as distant views of the Grand Hotel Taipei and the Miramar Ferris Wheel.

▲ A Hello Kitty-themed EVA Air aircraft seen from the observation deck. (Photo / Cai Mengxiu)

After getting off at Songshan Airport Station on the MRT, clear signage guides visitors all the way to the observation deck. Upon reaching the airport terminal, you can take an elevator directly up to the 3rd-floor observation deck. As soon as you exit the elevator, you’ll see a honeycomb-shaped display case featuring various commercial airliners, all top-tier models, including the A380.

Stepping into the observation deck, the first thing you see is a marble-paved sky garden with a vast view and green landscaping, making it a great spot for photos. On the left is a shaded outdoor seating area where visitors or couples can enjoy a cup of coffee and relax, savoring their own little world.

▲ The sky garden and observation deck cover approximately 500 ping (1,650 m²) and can accommodate around 600 people at maximum. (Photo / Cai Mengxiu)

Take a step forward to the observation deck itself, where soundproof floor-to-ceiling windows and wooden flooring create an artistic ambiance. This public area also features four Twig series art sculpture seats imported from Spain. Their semi-transparent material design not only looks stylish but also glows with the surrounding art lighting at night, adding even more romance to the observation deck—perfect for dates or leisurely strolls.

Through the large glass windows, visitors can closely observe ground crew operations and feel the thrill of planes taking off and landing. Both international and domestic flights are visible. Many parents bring their children here to satisfy their curiosity about airplanes, and the excitement is evident on the kids’ smiling faces—making it a truly meaningful family activity.

▲ Parents often bring their children here to satisfy their airplane curiosity. Shown here is a child’s excited reaction as a plane takes off. (Photo / Cai Mengxiu)

Aside from watching planes, don’t forget to take commemorative photos before you leave. At the entrance of the 3rd-floor observation deck, there’s a photo booth with a camera where visitors can snap memories. Just select your preferred observation deck scene mode on the screen, take your photo, and enter your email to have the picture sent to your inbox. The first floor also sells a variety of aircraft models. If your camera isn’t powerful enough to capture the planes from afar, you can get up close and “shoot the birds” at the model shop for some fun.

▲ There are six background options; after taking your photo, enter your email and the picture will be sent to your inbox. (Photo / Cai Mengxiu)

▲ When you choose the nighttime observation deck scene, the photo sent to your email will look like this.. (Photo / Cai Mengxiu)

Overall, the new terminal building houses many chain stores with prices on par with those outside, shedding the previous reputation of being overpriced. Its affordable offerings make visitors more willing to spend. Additionally, you’ll find beautiful colorful tourism murals along the way, and even inside the MRT, there are various art installations worth appreciating.

[Songshan Airport Observation Deck]

MRT: Take the Brown Line (Neihu Line) to Songshan Airport Station

Bus: Take the Dunhua Trunk Line, Brown 1, Brown 16, Red 29, Red 31, Red 32, or Red 50 to Songshan Airport Station

Driving: Exit from Zhongshan Expressway’s Yuanshan Interchange → National Freeway No. 1 Elevated Highway → Jianguo North Road toward Minquan East Road and Dunhua North Road → Songshan Airport

Opening Hours: 09:00–21:00

Location of Songshan Airport Observation Deck:

Address: No. 9, Ln. 340, Dunhua N. Rd., Songshan Dist., Taipei City

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