The Taipei 101 tower is the tallest building in Taiwan and the 11th tallest in the world. It is called Taipei 101 because it has 101 floors. Its design is inspired by bamboo, a symbol of strength and resilience in Chinese culture.
Today, Taipei 101 serves three main purposes: first, as an office building with many financial institutions; second, for shopping and dining, with luxury brands and high-floor restaurants being popular for family gatherings or celebrations; and third, for sightseeing. From the observation deck, you could see all of Taipei, and the night view is especially beautiful. Therefore, visiting Taipei 101 has been on the list for many travelers going to Taiwan.
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- Best Observatory Deck
- Best Time to Visit
- Best Photo Spots
- A Suggested City Highlights Tour Including Taipei 101
Which Observatory Deck Is Best for Sightseeing?
There are four observatory floors in total. 88F and 89F are indoors, while 91F and 101F are outdoors.
Taipei cityscape and blue sky from observatory deckAmong them, my personal favorite and top recommendation is 89F.
- The 360° floor-to-ceiling windows offer a panoramic view of Taipei City. If you want to take photos without glass reflections, a simple trick is to press your phone or camera tightly against the glass.
- A specially designed floor. On sunny days, it reflects the sky, making it feel like the sky is right beneath your feet.
- The indoor observation facility makes sightseeing less affected by the rain.
- Friendly to people using wheelchairs. The elevator could take you directly to 89F within just 37 seconds.
Although 88F also has floor-to-ceiling windows, the floor is standard. The elevator doesn't go directly there — you need to take the stairs from 89F.It features a massive tuned mass damper, which helps Taipei 101 stand firm against strong winds and storms. Visiting this area with kids makes for a fun and educational family experience.
Taipei 101 Tuned mass damper on 88FIf the weather is clear, the outdoor 91F is also a great choice. It could be quite windy, so this floor is only open in good weather. At 91F, you would enjoy an open-air view. Selfie sticks are not allowed on this floor.
Looking up from 91F to 101FSome guests ask if we recommend 101F. This floor features Skyline460, which offers an open-air high-altitude walkway that is very exciting. Only 20 people could join each day. If you're an extreme sports fan looking for a thrill, you could book this event here.
101F also has an indoor viewing area but it's just a small garden-themed photo spot.
| Ticket options | Floors | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Basic option | 89F | NT$600/US$18.40 |
| Fast-track pass (less waiting time) | 88F+89F+91F | NT$1,200/US$36.70 |
| 101F indoor package | 89F+101F | NT$980/US$30 |
| Skyline460 | 101F outdoor | NT$3,000/US$91.80 |
| *Easter egg | 88F viewing area | A cup of coffee NT$240/US$7.30 |
Note: Tickets could be purchased via the Taipei 101 website in advance to avoid the long queue at the ticketing window.
How to avoid the crowds?
- Avoid the afternoon rush hour (4–6pm).
- Visit on weekdays: Long lines are common on holidays and weekends and during the afternoon rush hour (4–6pm). It usually takes 1½–2 hours to buy tickets and wait for the high-speed elevator.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Taipei 101?
We know that sunny days offer the best experience for bird's-eye views, long-distance sightseeing, and taking great photos. The sunniest months are autumn (October–November) and early spring (February–March).
During the day, there are also some recommended hours.
- Morning (10–11am) for fewer crowds
- Dusk (5–6pm) for sunset and the city's transforming view
Taipei city night view from observatory deckIf you visit Taipei on New Year's Eve, you would see spectacular fireworks being released from every level of Taipei 101. The show lasts about 6 minutes and starts at exactly midnight. And every night at 7pm, 8pm, and 9pm, there is a light show on the exterior wall lasting about 10 minutes.
Great spots to watch include the open area by Taipei City Hall and Xiangshan Trail. However, these areas are very crowded on New Year's Eve and traffic is restricted. You must arrive 5–6 hours earlier to get a good spot.
The easiest option? Book a hotel with a good view. Let us help you book one! (Reserve it 3 to 6 months in advance.)
New Year's Eve Firework Show at Taipei 101Where to Take the Best Photos of Taipei 101
To capture stunning panoramic shots of Taipei from the observation decks of Taipei 101, you could visit the tower itself. However, for impressive photos of Taipei 101 and selfies with the tower, the best spots are nearby:
- Takemura Izakaya: A bar popular on Instagram, where you could photograph Taipei 101 standing in the middle of an alleyway.
- The crossroads next to Wuxing National Elementary School: There, you could take photos of Taipei 101 with city streets in the background.
- Square in front of Taipei City Hall: There, you could take photos of the rainbow landmark and Taipei 101.
- Xiangshan Park: The top of Xiangshan Trail offers a panoramic view of Taipei 101.
The view of Taipei city and Taipei 101 from Xiangshan ParkA Suggested City Highlights Tour Including Taipei 101
Most of our clients spend one day exploring the city highlights in Taipei. Ready for a fun day in Taipei? Our tour itinerary below would take you from old stories to cool new places. We've found this is the best way to enjoy it all without rushing.
Start your day at 9am with a peaceful walk around the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Park. Explore the stunning architecture of the memorial hall and immerse yourself in the history.
National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial HallBy 10:30am, after a short 20-minute drive, you would find yourself at the iconic Taipei 101. Take your time wandering through the shopping center, then enjoy a delicious lunch. Once you're satisfied, head up to the observation deck for an unforgettable view of Taipei City.
At 1:00pm, it's just a quick 10-minute drive to Xiangshan Park. Spend the afternoon hiking along Xiangshan Trail, surrounded by nature. When you reach the top, don't forget to snap a photo with Taipei 101 as your backdrop.
By 3pm, head over to the National Palace Museum, about a 30-minute drive away. There, you would delve into the richness of traditional Chinese culture and marvel at the impressive collection of historical treasures.
Finally, at 5:30pm, make your way to Ximending, another 30-minute drive. Immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife and treat yourself to some mouthwatering street food at the night market.
Discover Taiwan with Travel China
Ready to discover Taiwan on your next vacation? You would explore a vibrant culture and amazing views, taste delicious food, and visit exciting places. With Travel China, you could enjoy flexible tours made just for you, with your own travel advisor. Let's create your perfect adventure together!
