Nine Fantastic Routes with the Sightseeing Passport – Explore Taipei in Depth

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

A blend of old and new, creativity and tradition, natural greenery and modern cityscapes—Taipei embraces all these diverse elements. That’s Taipei for you. Since its establishment as a city 130 years ago, Taipei has been the political, economic, and cultural hub of Taiwan. A century later, although the old city walls are gone and the city has expanded far beyond its original boundaries, the old culture and traditions continue to be respected and preserved, forming a rich cultural foundation. Historic buildings and sites have also been revitalized with new creativity, becoming new icons that define the city’s style.

With a TAIPEI PASS in hand and by following 9 classic Taipei routes, you’ll uncover sides of Taipei you may not have known before. Start with must-visit attractions, then gradually discover the city’s many faces. You could begin your day with a traditional breakfast from the temple area in Dadaocheng, letting your taste buds kick off your exploration of Taipei’s development. Or you could hop on a YouBike or take a boat ride along the green riverside bike paths or blue waterways that run through the heart of Taipei, enjoying the city’s laid-back scenery. Alternatively, wander the trails of Yangmingshan National Park to take in nature, then unwind in the evening with a relaxing soak in a hot spring. Take the Maokong Gondola up to Maokong for a sweeping city view, sip a good cup of tea, and chat with friends late into the night at a mountain teahouse. There are also plenty of art and cultural exhibitions scattered across venues in the city’s alleys and streets, making Taipei’s art and culture as accessible as the air you breathe. If you have more time, use the convenient transport system to explore greater Taipei, including Keelung and New Taipei City. Whether it’s historical and cultural sites, breathtaking mountains and sea views, or limitless gourmet experiences, it will definitely be worth every penny and leave you wanting to come back again and again.

Route 1 – Classic Attractions in Greater Taipei, Breathtaking Northern Taiwan
Classic Taipei – from urban architecture and cultural heritage to historical collections, connecting the city’s rich legacy.
【Attractions】
National Palace Museum → Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall → Presidential Office Building → Taipei Explorer Dome → Taipei 101 → National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall → Songshan Cultural and Creative Park

Route 2 – Old Streets and Historic Sites, Taipei’s Past
Stroll through Taipei’s alleys and historic landmarks to experience the city’s blend of old and new.
【Attractions】
Taipei Confucius Temple & Bao’an Temple → Beimen (North Gate), Beimen Post Office, Futo Street Western-style Building → Ximending & Ximen Red House → Zhenlan Temple (Larn Yee Buddhist Temple) → Longshan Temple in Wanhua → Bopiliao Historical Block → Huashan 1914 Creative Park