Top 10 Attractions, Food and Tips for Filipinos 🇹🇼

Planning your first trip to Taiwan? Get ready for a destination that combines modern cities, beautiful mountains, night markets, temples, hot springs, scenic train rides and some seriously good food.

For Filipino travelers, Taipei is a great starting point because the city is easy to explore by MRT, while popular day trips like Jiufen, Shifen and Yehliu let you experience Taiwan beyond the capital.

Taiwan's Tourism Administration highlights Taipei 101, the National Palace Museum, Jiufen, Yehliu, Yangmingshan, night markets and other northern Taiwan destinations among its major attractions.

For a first trip, I recommend 5–7 days. If you want to explore more of Taiwan, give yourself 8–10 days or more.

🏙️ Top 10 Attractions You Must Visit

1. Taipei 101 ⭐

Of course, this has to be number one!

Taipei 101 is Taiwan's most recognizable landmark and stands 508 metres tall. The 89th-floor observatory offers panoramic views across Taipei, while the building itself is surrounded by shopping malls, restaurants and the vibrant Xinyi district.

Best time: Sunset to evening

Tip: Try to arrive before sunset so you can see Taipei in daylight, sunset and at night.

2. Jiufen Old Street 🏮

Want to experience the magical side of Taiwan?

Head to Jiufen, a mountain town famous for its narrow streets, traditional teahouses, food stalls and lantern-filled atmosphere.

It's particularly beautiful when the streets light up in the evening.

Best for: Photography, food and traditional Taiwan

Must try: Taro balls, peanut ice cream rolls and local snacks.

Tip: Jiufen can get extremely crowded, especially on weekends. Go early or stay until later in the evening.

3. Shifen & Shifen Waterfall 🎈

Combine your Jiufen trip with Shifen.

The area is famous for its railway, old street and the tradition of releasing sky lanterns.

You can also visit Shifen Waterfall, one of northern Taiwan's most famous waterfalls.

Best for: Families, couples and first-time visitors

Tip: Check the weather before going because rain can affect outdoor activities.

4. National Palace Museum 🏺

If you're interested in Chinese and Taiwanese history, don't skip the National Palace Museum.

The museum houses hundreds of thousands of Chinese art objects and cultural treasures, including famous pieces such as the Jadeite Cabbage and Meat-shaped Stone.

Best for: History, culture and families

Tip: Give yourself at least 2–3 hours if you want to explore the major galleries.

5. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall 🏛️

One of Taipei's most recognizable landmarks, the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is surrounded by a large plaza and impressive traditional-style buildings.

It's a great place for architecture and photography.

Best time: Morning or late afternoon

Tip: Combine it with nearby attractions such as Ximending or Longshan Temple.

6. Ximending 🛍️

If you love shopping, street food and city energy, you'll love Ximending.

This pedestrian-friendly district is packed with restaurants, fashion stores, cafés, street performers and entertainment.

It's particularly lively after sunset.

Best time: Evening

Tip: Stay hungry because there are plenty of Taiwanese snacks to try.

7. Longshan Temple 🏮

Visit Longshan Temple to experience a more traditional side of Taipei.

The temple is one of the city's most important religious and cultural landmarks and is located near other attractions in Wanhua.

Best for: Culture, architecture and photography

Tip: Remember that this is an active temple. Be respectful of people praying and participating in religious activities.

8. Raohe Street Night Market 🍢

If you're a foodie, make this a priority.

Raohe Street Night Market is one of Taipei's famous night markets and is packed with Taiwanese street food.

Taiwan's tourism authorities specifically highlight Raohe Street Tourist Night Market among Taipei's popular attractions.

Must try:

• Pepper buns
• Stinky tofu
• Grilled squid
• Fried chicken
• Bubble tea
• Taiwanese sausages

Tip: Come hungry and walk from one end of the market to the other.

9. Yangmingshan National Park 🌸

Want nature without traveling too far from Taipei?

Visit Yangmingshan National Park, known for volcanic landscapes, hiking trails, hot springs and seasonal flowers.

It's one of the best places to escape the city.

Taiwan's Tourism Administration highlights Yangmingshan for its volcanic terrain, ecological experiences, hiking and flower viewing.

Best for: Nature, hiking and photography

Tip: Check seasonal flower conditions before going.

10. Beitou Hot Springs ♨️

After walking around Taipei, relax in Beitou, one of the city's most famous hot-spring areas.

Explore the hot-spring district, visit Beitou Thermal Valley and enjoy a relaxing soak at a suitable hot-spring facility.

Best for: Relaxation and couples

Tip: Don't schedule too many activities afterward. Give yourself time to enjoy the area.

📸 Top 5 Photo Spots

1. Taipei 101
The ultimate Taipei skyline photo.

2. Jiufen Old Street
Lanterns, mountains and traditional architecture.

3. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
One of Taipei's most impressive architectural backdrops.

4. Shifen Waterfall
Beautiful natural scenery.

5. Ximending
Neon lights and Taipei's youthful city atmosphere.

🍜 Food You MUST Try in Taiwan

Taiwan is a foodie's paradise, and honestly, you could plan an entire trip around eating.

🥟 Xiao Long Bao

Taiwan's soup dumplings are a must-try.

For many visitors, Din Tai Fung is the most famous introduction.

🍢 Taiwanese Street Food

Night markets are where you can really experience Taiwan's food culture.

Try:

• Fried chicken
• Pepper buns
• Sausages
• Grilled seafood
• Stinky tofu
• Scallion pancakes

🧋 Bubble Tea

You cannot visit Taiwan without trying bubble tea!

Taiwan is widely regarded as the birthplace of the modern bubble-tea culture.

🍚 Braised Pork Rice

A simple but delicious Taiwanese comfort food.

🍜 Beef Noodle Soup

One of Taiwan's most famous comfort foods.

🥞 Scallion Pancake

Crispy on the outside, chewy inside and perfect as a snack.

🍍 Pineapple Cake

A classic Taiwanese souvenir.

Bring some home for your family and friends!

🍽️ Restaurants & Cafés to Consider

For a classic Taiwanese dining experience, try Din Tai Fung.

For coffee and a more relaxed café experience, you can consider Fika Fika Cafe in Zhongshan.

If you're exploring Ximending, Fong Da Coffee is a long-running coffee stop worth considering.

For a more upscale experience around Taipei 101, The Ukai Taipei offers Japanese dining with a city view.

And if you want a café close to Taipei 101, CAFE ACME mini｜Taipei 101 is another convenient option.

My tip: Don't eat only at restaurants. Taiwan's night markets and small local shops are a huge part of the food experience.

💡 Taiwan Tips and Tricks for Filipinos

1. Get an EasyCard

An EasyCard makes getting around Taipei much easier.

You can use it on public transportation and at many participating stores.

2. Use the MRT

Taipei's MRT is one of the easiest ways for tourists to explore the city.

It's fast, convenient and connects many major attractions.

3. Download Google Maps

Google Maps works well in Taiwan and is extremely useful for finding attractions, restaurants and public transportation routes.

4. Bring some cash

Taiwan is increasingly cashless, but cash remains important for night markets, smaller restaurants and local vendors.

5. Plan your day trips carefully

Don't try to visit:

Jiufen → Shifen → Yehliu → Yangmingshan

all in one day.

You'll spend more time traveling than enjoying the attractions.

6. Use Taipei as your base

For a first trip, staying in Taipei is convenient because you can take day trips to several destinations.

7. Bring comfortable shoes

You will walk a lot, particularly in night markets, old streets and MRT stations.

8. Carry an umbrella

Taiwan can experience sudden rain, particularly in northern Taiwan.

An umbrella can save your day.

9. Check the weather before mountain trips

Jiufen, Yangmingshan and other mountain areas can have completely different weather from central Taipei.

10. Learn a few Mandarin phrases

You don't need to speak Mandarin fluently, but a few phrases can help:

Nǐ hǎo – Hello
Xièxie – Thank you
Duōshǎo qián? – How much?
Wǒ bù yào – I don't want it
Hǎo chī – Delicious!

🇵🇭 Sample 5-Day Taiwan Itinerary

Day 1 – Classic Taipei

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall → Longshan Temple → Ximending → night market

Day 2 – Taipei 101 + Modern Taipei

Taipei 101 → Xinyi → shopping → Raohe Night Market

Day 3 – Jiufen + Shifen

Shifen Waterfall → Shifen Old Street → Jiufen Old Street → sunset

Day 4 – Culture + Relaxation

National Palace Museum → Beitou Hot Springs

Day 5 – Nature

Yangmingshan National Park

Or, if you're more interested in city sightseeing:

Dihua Street → Dadaocheng → cafés → shopping

Taiwan's tourism authorities also highlight Dihua Street, Dadaocheng, Beitou, Ximending, Longshan Temple and Maokong among Taipei's notable attractions.

🏔️ Want to Explore Beyond Taipei?

If you have 7–10 days, don't limit yourself to Taipei.

Option 1 – Taipei + Nature

Taipei → Jiufen → Shifen → Yangmingshan → Beitou

Option 2 – Taipei + Taichung

Taipei → Taichung → Sun Moon Lake

Option 3 – Taipei + Kaohsiung

Taipei → Tainan → Kaohsiung

Option 4 – Scenic Taiwan

Taipei → Hualien → Taroko area → Taitung

Check current road and park conditions before planning eastern Taiwan trips, as access can change after natural events.

💰 Is Taiwan Expensive for Filipinos?

Taiwan can be very budget-friendly.

You can save money by:

• Staying near an MRT station
• Eating at night markets
• Using public transportation
• Choosing local restaurants
• Booking hotels early
• Buying snacks from convenience stores
• Using an EasyCard
• Mixing paid attractions with free sightseeing

One of the best things about Taiwan is that you don't need to spend a lot to have a great day.

You can visit temples, explore old streets, walk around neighbourhoods and enjoy night markets without paying expensive entrance fees.

❤️ Is Taiwan Worth Visiting for Filipinos?

Absolutely!

Taiwan gives you an amazing combination of:

🇹🇼 Chinese culture
🏙️ Modern cities
🏯 Historic temples
🏔️ Mountains
♨️ Hot springs
🍜 Incredible food
🧋 Bubble tea
🛍️ Shopping
🌃 Night markets
🏮 Beautiful old towns

And it's particularly good for Filipino travelers who want a destination that's easy to navigate and packed with things to do.

🇹🇼 My biggest Taiwan tip:

Don't spend your entire trip inside Taipei.

Taipei is a great base, but the real adventure starts when you take the train or bus out of the city.

For a first trip, my recommended combination is:

Taipei 101 → Ximending → Longshan Temple → Night Markets → Jiufen → Shifen → Beitou → Yangmingshan

That gives you a great mix of modern Taiwan, traditional culture, food, nature and scenic day trips.

And whatever you do...

Don't leave Taiwan without eating at a night market and drinking bubble tea! 🧋🇹🇼❤️

Attraction hours, transportation schedules, weather conditions and access to outdoor destinations can change. Check official Taiwan tourism and attraction websites before your trip, particularly for mountain areas, hot springs and day-trip destinations.