Taipei 101 Guide

About Taipei 101

What is Taipei 101

Taipei 101 is a tall skyscraper in Taipei, Taiwan. It was once the tallest building in the world from 2004 to 2010. The building is shaped like a bamboo stalk, which is a symbol of growth in Chinese culture.

One of the special things about Taipei 101 is the observation decks on the 89th and 91st floors, where you can get a 360-degree view of the city. There's also a high-speed elevator that takes you from the 5th floor to the 89th floor in just 37 seconds. Inside Taipei 101, you'll find a multi-level shopping mall with luxury stores, restaurants, and cafes.

• Construction Period: 1999 - 2004
• Height: 509.2 meters
• Number of Floors: 101 floors above ground

Where is Taipei 101

Taipei 101 is located in the Xinyi District of Taipei, at No. 7, Section 5, Xinyi Road. This area is known for its shopping malls, restaurants, and entertainment options. Nearby attractions include the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, the Taipei World Trade Center, and the Taipei City Hall.

Taipei 101 Tickets for Foreigners

You can get discounted tickets for Taipei 101 by booking on Trip.com. Additionally, Trip.com provides deals on Taipei 101 nearby hotels, making it convenient to plan your entire visit to Taipei. For the latest discounts and offers, be sure to check Taipei 101 Latest Price on Trip.com.

Note: Preschool children under 115cm or 6 years old (inclusive) are free of charge and must be accompanied by a parent who has purchased a ticket.

Taipei 101 Opening Hours

As of 2024, Taipei 101 is open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with the last admission at 8:15 PM. This schedule applies to the general observatory floors and the mall areas. However, during special holidays or events, these hours might vary, so it's always a good idea to check ahead.

How to get to Taipei 101

Source from wefuntaiwan

1. By MRT (Metro) | Recommended😆

The MRT system in Taipei is highly efficient and the most common way to reach Taipei 101. Taipei 101 is wheelchair accessible, and the MRT system provides elevator access at all stations. The MRT can get crowded during peak hours (8:00 AM - 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM), so plan accordingly. Here’s how to get there:

• Line to Take: Board the Red Line (Tamsui-Xinyi Line, Line 2), heading towards Xiangshan.
• Stop: Get off at Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station.
• Exit: Use Exit 4 to get directly to Taipei 101. Once you exit, the building is just a few minutes' walk away (5-10 mins), and it's clearly visible as you step outside.

【From Key Locations】

• Taipei Main Station: Take the Red Line from Taipei Main Station (towards Xiangshan), and after about 7 stops (roughly 15 minutes), you’ll reach Taipei 101.
• Ximen Station: From Ximen Station, take the Blue Line (Bannan Line) to Taipei City Hall, then transfer to the Red Line (Xiangshan direction) and get off at Taipei 101/World Trade Center.

2. By Bus

If you prefer traveling by bus, Taipei 101 is well-connected with multiple bus routes. Here’s how:

• Bus Numbers: The following buses stop near Taipei 101: 20, 22, 28, 33, 37, 226, 207, 284, 611, 650.
• Bus Stops: Look for stops named Taipei 101/World Trade Center or Xinyi and Keelung Intersection. Both are within a short walking distance from the building.

3. By Taxi

Taxis in Taipei are widely available and a convenient option, especially if you have luggage or prefer a direct route.

• How to Request: Simply hail a taxi on the street or use a taxi app. Most drivers speak basic English and recognize Taipei 101 by name.
• Estimated Fare: The cost from central Taipei (e.g., Taipei Main Station) to Taipei 101 is approximately NT$150-250 (~5 USD). The journey typically takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Tip: Ensure the driver uses the meter. Taxis in Taipei are safe and reliable.

4. By Car

For those driving, Taipei 101 offers ample parking space.

• Parking: An underground parking lot is available. The entrance is located on Xinyi Road, with signs clearly marking the way to Taipei 101 Parking.
• Navigation Tip: Input No. 7, Section 5, Xinyi Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City into your GPS. Traffic in the Xinyi District can be heavy, especially during peak hours, so plan accordingly.

5. By YouBike (Public Bicycle System)

YouBike is Taipei's public bike-sharing system, and it’s a great way to explore the city if you enjoy cycling.

• YouBike Stations: There are several stations near Taipei 101. The closest one is right outside the Taipei 101/World Trade Center MRT Station (Exit 4).
• How to Use: Rent a bike using the YouBike app or an EasyCard. You can drop the bike off at any YouBike station across the city, making it convenient to explore further.

6. Walking

If you're staying nearby in the Xinyi District or coming from another nearby location, walking is an enjoyable option.

• Nearby Landmarks: If you're near landmarks like the Taipei City Hall, Xinyi Shopping District, or Elephant Mountain, Taipei 101 is within easy walking distance. Follow the pedestrian signs, and you'll reach the building in no time.

Best time to go to Taipei 101

To determine the best time to visit Taipei 101, it’s important to consider both the season and the time of day👀

Best Time of Year

• Best Season: The ideal time to visit Taipei 101 is during the fall months (October to December). The weather is typically mild and dry, with clear skies, offering better visibility from the observation decks. Spring (March to May) is also a good time, as the weather is pleasant, though occasional rain showers are more common.
• Best Month: November is often recommended as the best month to visit, combining the benefits of good weather, fewer tourists compared to the summer peak, and lower humidity.

Best Time of the Week

• Best Days: Visiting Taipei 101 on weekdays (Monday to Friday) is preferable, as the crowds are thinner compared to weekends. This will give you a more relaxed experience, especially on the observation decks and within the shopping areas.

Best Time of the Day

• Best Time: The late afternoon to early evening is considered the best time to visit. Arriving around 4:00 PM allows you to enjoy both daylight and the transition into evening, which is when the city lights start to illuminate. You can also catch the sunset, which is around 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM depending on the season, and then stay to see the cityscape at night. This time offers the most spectacular views and photo opportunities.

Taipei 101 Map

Source from wefuntaiwan

• Lower Floors (B1 to 5F): Primarily retail and dining areas, with the ticketing office and exhibition on the 5th floor.
• Middle Floors (86F to 89F): Dining (86F), observation decks (88F, 89F), and the wind damper gallery.
• Upper Floors (91F and 101F): Observation decks offering both indoor and outdoor views, with the highest accessible area on the 101st floor.

Things to do at Taipei 101

1. See the World’s Largest and "Happiest" Wind Damper

One of the most intriguing attractions within Taipei 101 is its massive wind damper. This 660-ton golden sphere is located between the 88th and 92nd floors and is essential for stabilizing the skyscraper during strong winds or earthquakes. The damper sways to offset the building’s movement, ensuring that occupants feel less of the vibrations.

Fun Fact: The wind damper has become affectionately known as the "Happiest Damper" because of the cute Damper Baby mascots that represent it. These mascots have become so popular that they’re now featured on various merchandise, turning an engineering solution into a beloved character.

2. Experience the Panoramic View from the 91st Floor

The 91st-floor outdoor observation deck offers some of the best views in Taipei. The 91st floor is one of the highest outdoor observation decks in the world. While the indoor deck on the 89th floor provides a comfortable and climate-controlled environment, the 91st floor lets you step outside and feel the breeze as you take in the cityscape and surrounding mountains. On clear days, the views are breathtaking, and it's an excellent spot for photography.

3. Explore the World's Tallest Secret Garden

Recently opened to the public, the 101st floor has been transformed into the "World's Tallest Secret Garden." This floor used to be a restricted area reserved for VIPs and dignitaries, but now visitors can explore a serene garden space with mirrored walls that reflect the sky, creating a surreal and peaceful environment.

4. Ride the World’s Fastest Elevator

One of the most thrilling experiences at Taipei 101 is riding the world’s fastest elevator. This high-speed elevator transports you from the 5th floor to the 89th floor in just 37 seconds. Despite reaching speeds of 60.6 km/h (37.7 mph), the ride is incredibly smooth and quiet, making it both a technological marvel and a fun experience.

5. Dine at Din Tai Fung

No visit to Taipei 101 is complete without a meal at Din Tai Fung, one of Taiwan's most famous restaurants. Located in the Taipei 101 Mall, this Michelin-starred restaurant is renowned for its xiao long bao (soup dumplings). The delicate and flavorful dumplings are a must-try, and the dining experience here is both authentic and memorable. Din Tai Fung started as a cooking oil retail shop in 1958 before transitioning into a restaurant. Today, it's known worldwide, but its roots remain in Taiwan.

6. Shop at the Taipei 101 Mall

The lower floors of Taipei 101 house a luxury shopping mall filled with international brands, designer boutiques, and electronics stores. Whether you’re looking for high-end fashion, jewelry, or the latest gadgets, the mall offers a wide variety of options.

What to eat at Taipei 101

Check the best places to eat at Taipei 101, the best dining guide for Taipei 101😋

Taipei 101 Attractions

Taipei 101 is a vertical city within a building, offering a variety of attractions across its different floors. Here’s a look at what you can explore on each level:

B1 to 5th Floors: Taipei 101 Mall

• Attractions: This luxury shopping mall features a wide range of high-end brands such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Cartier, as well as more affordable fashion outlets like Zara. It also hosts a variety of restaurants offering both international and local cuisine. B1 is home to a food court, while fine dining options like DingXian 101 Gourmet Restaurant are located on the higher floors.
• Notable Thing: Before accessing the observatory, visitors pass through the mall, making it an ideal spot for shopping and dining.

5th Floor: Ticketing and Stunning Taiwan Exhibition

• Attractions: The journey to the observation decks begins on the 5th floor, where you can purchase tickets. Before heading up, you can enjoy the "Stunning Taiwan" exhibition, which showcases Taiwan’s natural beauty and cultural diversity through HD images and interactive displays.

88th Floor: Wind Damper Gallery

• Attractions: This floor offers a close-up view of Taipei 101's 660-ton tuned mass damper, an engineering marvel that helps stabilize the building during high winds and earthquakes. It’s a unique experience as this is the only tuned mass damper of its kind open for public viewing.
• Fun Fact: The damper is often referred to as the "Happiest Damper" due to its mascot, Damper Baby, which is popular among visitors.

89th Floor: Indoor Observation Deck

• Attractions: This floor features an indoor observatory with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a 360-degree view of Taipei. The observatory includes high-powered telescopes and an optional audio-visual tour guide available in several languages.
• Notable Thing: Visitors can also purchase souvenirs here, such as postcards, and mail them directly from the world’s highest postboxes located on this floor.

91st Floor: Outdoor Observation Deck

• Attractions: Accessible via a stairway from the 89th floor, the 91st floor is an open-air observation deck. It’s the highest floor open to the public, offering unobstructed views of the city.
• Important Note: The deck is closed during bad weather, such as heavy rain or typhoon conditions.

101st Floor: Skyline 460

• Attractions: The highest accessible floor in Taipei 101, offering the "Skyline 460" experience. This outdoor viewing platform provides an unparalleled perspective from 449 meters above ground, making it one of the highest observation decks in the world.
• Notable Thing: This area was once restricted to VIPs but is now open to adventurous visitors looking to experience the very top of the tower.

Other Attractions in Taipei

Things to do in Taipei #1: Taipei Palace Museum

The Taipei Palace Museum, also known as the National Palace Museum, is home to one of the largest collections of Chinese art and artifacts in the world. The museum's vast collection includes ancient bronzes, ceramics, jade, paintings, and calligraphy. With over 700,000 pieces in its collection, the museum offers a deep dive into Chinese history and culture.

Things to do in Taipei #2: Shilin Night Market

Shilin Night Market is the largest and most famous night market in Taipei. It's a bustling hub of street food, shopping, and entertainment. Visitors can sample a variety of local Taiwanese snacks like stinky tofu, oyster omelettes, and bubble tea. The market also offers a wide range of goods, from clothing to electronics, making it a perfect spot for an evening out in Taipei.

Things to do in Taipei #3: Taipei Zoo

Taipei Zoo is the largest zoo in Taiwan and is home to a wide variety of animals from around the world, including the famous giant pandas. The zoo is divided into different sections such as the Asian Tropical Rainforest, African Animal Area, and Bird World, each showcasing animals in naturalistic habitats. It's a family-friendly destination and a great place to learn about wildlife conservation.

Things to do in Taipei #4: Maokong Station

Maokong is a popular spot in Taipei for tea culture and scenic views. The area is known for its traditional tea houses and the Maokong Gondola, which offers a scenic cable car ride over the lush mountains. Once at the top, visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk along the tea plantation trails, visit temples, or relax with a cup of locally grown tea while taking in panoramic views of the city.