9 airplane enthusiast-favorite northern plane-spotting spots  — so close you can see the pilot’s face

▲ On Lane 180, Binjiang Street, you can feel the thrill of planes roaring overhead. (Photo / Reporter Li Zhongquan)

Reporter Chen Ruizhong / Taipei Reporting

Many people love watching planes. Observing huge aircraft slowly taxi on the runway, then accelerating and soaring into the sky — this blend of technology, power, and beauty is truly captivating. Recently, the arrival of ANA’s Star Wars livery plane and Emirates’ A380 in Taiwan have also sparked a wave of plane-spotting enthusiasm.

Although planes can be spotted in the sky around airports, there are several popular locations that offer great views, unique angles, and even the chance to enjoy an afternoon tea — savoring the thrill of watching planes with a cup of coffee in hand. ETtoday Ettoday Cloud News has specially compiled a list of popular plane-spotting spots near Taipei Songshan Airport and Taoyuan Airport, giving more people the opportunity to watch planes take off and land up close.

Additionally, since Songshan Airport has only one runway, the direction of takeoffs and landings varies with wind direction, resulting in two possible directions: Runway 10 and Runway 28. When using Runway 10, planes land from west to east and take off along the same path; Runway 28 uses the opposite direction. Therefore, travelers are advised to adjust their preferred plane-spotting spot based on the daily runway direction.

▲ The observation deck on the third floor of Songshan Airport. (Photo / From Songshan Airport official website)

Songshan Airport
1. Songshan Airport Observation Deck
The observation deck located on the third floor of the international terminal at Songshan Airport is a free area open to the public. It offers comfortable seating and a pleasant environment. Aside from watching planes take off and land, visitors can also see sights such as Dazhi Bridge and the Miramar Ferris Wheel. However, there is a glass barrier between the observation deck and the runway, which slightly reduces the sense of realism and may cause reflections in photos.
Location: Behind Pillar 18 of the International Terminal at Songshan Airport

▲ Lane 180, Binjiang Street, is a popular spot among many people for snapping photos of planes. (Photo / Reporter Li Zhongquan)

2. Lane 180, Binjiang Street
Lane 180, Binjiang Street is considered a must-visit hot spot for aviation enthusiasts. Located directly beneath the flight path, it offers a view of planes roaring overhead. Before takeoff, you can even feel the powerful force of the jet blast and catch a glimpse of the pilot in the cockpit. However, the surrounding wall is in a restricted area and there are no shelters, so visitors should watch out for illegal parking and sun exposure.
Address: Lane 180, Binjiang Street, Taipei City

▲ From the rooftop of the Second Fruit and Vegetable Market, you can capture planes flying past the Grand Hotel Taipei.

3. Second Fruit and Vegetable Market, Binjiang
The Second Fruit and Vegetable Wholesale Market, located at the intersection of Binjiang Street and Minzu East Road, has a rooftop parking lot that offers an elevated view overlooking Songshan Airport, making it another popular plane-spotting spot. Whether planes use Runway 10 or 28, you can witness classic scenes of them passing iconic landmarks like the Grand Hotel Taipei and the Ferris Wheel. It’s just a 5–10 minute walk from Lane 180, Binjiang Street, making it ideal to plan both sites together. However, as it’s a parking area, be mindful of moving vehicles.
Address: No. 336, Minzu East Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City

▲ Air Force One Café. (Photo / From the Air Force One Scenic Café Facebook fan page)

4. Air Force One Café
Located on Binjiang Street, the Air Force One Café is just a wall away from the airport runway, making it a great spot for aviation fans to spend an afternoon. From the viewing platform set up by the café, you can also observe airport operations. However, it’s not easily accessible by public transport and the viewing area is small, so during peak hours, you’ll often see plane enthusiasts staking out spots with long lenses and aluminum ladders.
Address: No. 6, Lane 866, Binjiang Street, Songshan District, Taipei City

5. Old Spot Viewing Platform, Jiantan Mountain
For those who are more physically fit and have a long enough lens (600mm or more is recommended), a trip up Jiantan Mountain is worth considering. By following the hiking trail, you can reach the Old Spot Viewing Platform. With its wide field of view and the ability to capture Taipei cityscapes, it’s also a favorite spot for seasoned photographers. However, it’s farther from the planes, and poor weather can affect image quality. That said, the outdoor scenery of Jiantan Mountain makes it a great destination for a short hike combined with plane-spotting.
Location: Higher points along the Jiantan Mountain hiking trail

▲ The Old Spot Viewing Platform on Jiantan South Mountain is perfect for photographing planes flying over Taipei streets. (Photo / Reporter Ji Xiangru)

6. MRT Train Carriages
When the Wenhu Line of the Taipei Metro passes through the Fuxing North Road tunnel, you can briefly catch a glimpse of Songshan Airport’s taxiway. Though the moment is short, it brings a delightful surprise akin to finding an oasis after a long trek. After getting off at Songshan Airport Station, you can also head to the airport’s observation deck to continue your plane-spotting experience.

Taoyuan International Airport
1. Service Road
The service road at Taoyuan Airport offers a close-up and unobstructed view of planes taxiing and taking off, making it a popular weekend spot for aviation enthusiasts. However, the viewing environment is relatively basic, with no shelter—so be sure to bring sun protection and stay hydrated. Also, do not enter restricted areas just to watch planes.
Address: No. 337, Section 5, Taoyuan Road, Daxi District, Taoyuan City

▲Miracle Café Takeoff. (Photo / from Wikimedia Commons)

2. Miracle Café Takeoff
Located near the runway of Taoyuan Airport, Miracle Café Takeoff offers a more comfortable environment than the service road and serves food and drinks. The site was originally a residential house affected by the 1998 Daxi air disaster but has been repurposed into a unique hotspot for aviation fans.
Address: 3rd Floor, No. 746, Section 2, Guojiao Road, Daxi District, Taoyuan City

▲The lounge in Zone D7 of Terminal 2 at Taoyuan Airport, where you can enjoy planes through the windows. (Photo / provided by Taoyuan International Airport)

3. Cafés in Taoyuan Airport
In addition to waiting lounges, Taoyuan Airport also has several cafés suitable for resting and plane watching. These include cafés within the restricted area of the north side of Terminal 1, the massage chair area in Zone D of Terminal 2, and the lounge in Zone D7 of Terminal 2—all offering a relaxing space to enjoy aircraft views before your flight.
Location: Inside Taoyuan Airport