There are many shopping malls in Taipei where you can buy the latest fashions, watch films, or try various dishes. Of course, going to the mall requires money… but if you’re short on budget, don’t worry because there are many things to do here for FREE!
From cultural landmarks and temples, to beautiful parks and bustling night markets — we’ve gathered a list of places that you can explore in Taiwan’s capital… even if you’re on a tight budget!
How to Explore Taipei on a Budget
Travel and recreation doesn’t have to be expensive. During weekends or on your free time, bring your friends to these local attractions, which you can enjoy without breaking the bank!
Visit the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall.
A trip to Taipei would not be complete without going to the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, which commemorates the former President of the Republic of China. Set in a 25-hectare park at Zhongzheng Disrict, the landmark welcomes thousands of visitors everyday!
Entry is free to this magnificent structure, which also features the National Concert Hall and the National Theatre on either side. Inside the grounds, there are landscaped gardens, serene ponds, pavilions, and walkways where visitors can stroll… and take photos!
Take a photo by the Presidential Office Building.
Speaking of Photos, another historical landmark in Taipei is the Presidential Office Building, a baroque-style structure located in Zhongzheng District. It was designed by architect Uheiji Nagano and built in 1919, when the country was under Japanese rule.
Back then, the building housed the ruling Japanese Governor General. Since 1949, however, it has served as the official workplace of the President of Taiwan.
Marvel at the artworks in Ximending.
If you have ever been to Tokyo’s Shibuya or Harajuku Districts, you’ll find that these are similar to Ximending, Taipei’s famous shopping and entertainment district. Here, you’ll find plenty of shops selling the latest apparel, accessories, and electronic gadgets.
Aside from shopping, locals and foreigners come to Ximending for dining and entertainment. Cafes and restaurants abound, along with eye-catching street art, vibrant murals, and colorful artworks.
Learn about Taiwanese culture at Longshan Temple.
If you want to know more about Taiwanese culture, be sure to visit Longshan Temple in Wanhua District. Devoted to Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, this temple is one of the oldest and biggest temples in the country. Visitors can enter for free to admire the traditional architecture, which includes beautiful halls and courtyards. They can also watch or even participate in the local rituals performed by people at the temple.
Wander around Da’an Forest Park.
The great thing about Taipei is that there are plenty of “green spaces” where people can relax or simply take a break from their hectic schedules. One of these places is Da’an Forest Park, the biggest public park in the city, spanning 26 hectares. Anyone can come and wander along the park’s trails, and pause every now and then to gaze at the flowers, trees, and peaceful ponds.
Smell the flowers at Jianguo Holiday Flower Market.
Just beside Da’an Forest Park is the Jianguo Holiday Flower Market. Every weekend and during holidays, the market comes to life, filled with sellers and plant lovers who want to buy flowers, seeds, or garden accessories. Of course, if you’re on a budget — you don’t have to buy anything — but you can certainly enjoy looking at the wide variety of orchids, bonsai, cacti, and other plants.
Learn history at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall.
Located at Xinyi District, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall was built to commemorate the founder of the Republic of China. Completed in 1972, the building houses exhibits and artifacts that feature the life and legacy of Dr. Sun Yat-sen.
Take a picture by the Taipei 101 building.
Also located at Xinyi District is the tallest building in the country: Taipei 101. The 101-storey skyscraper houses shops, restaurants, and offices. Inside, there are observatories where you can take panoramic views of the city. There’s an entrance free for these observatories, though. Still, you can always take a picture of Taipei 101 from the outside, before exploring local markets near the area!
Go hiking on Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan).
Speaking of panoramic views, if you’re up for it — go hiking on Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan). Don’t let the term “mountain” scare you, because it’s actually a hill and the hike is easy! Once you reach the top, you’ll be captivated by breathtaking views of the city skyline, including the towering Taipei 101. To capture the best photos, consider going before sunset for a colorful sky backdrop!
Have fun and relax at Taipei Expo Park.
In 2010, the Taipei International Flora Exhibition was held. Today, the site has been converted into Taipei Expo Park, a multi-use recreational facility that features gorgeous gardens, walking and biking trails, a garden maze, museums, and venues for hosting exhibits and other events.
See the changing of guards at the Martyr’s Shrine.
In 1969, the National Martyr’s Shrine was built in memory of 390,000 soldiers who died during the War of Resistance against Japan, and also during the civil war between Chinese Republican and communist forces.
Located in Zhongshan District, the shrine’s architecture was inspired by the Hall of Supreme Harmony at the Forbidden City in Beijing. Every hour, there’s a changing of honor guards in front of the main gate — a ceremony that many visitors come to see.
Discover the Tucheng Tung Blossom Park.
April to May is “tung blossom season” in Taiwan. During this period, tung trees go in full bloom, their pretty white blossoms spreading all around, like falling snow. The best place to enjoy this wondrous sight is at Tucheng Tung Blossom Park in New Taipei City. The park includes several trails, including viewing platforms, a firefly restoration area, and the Chengtian Temple Trail.
Admire ceramic pieces at Yingge District.
Also located in New Taipei City is Yingge, a district known for its ceramics industry. Notably, this place has been producing high quality ceramic pieces for over 200 years! Be sure to visit the Yingge Ceramics Museum to learn more about the district’s heritage, and check out the gorgeous porcelain sold by local vendors.
Stroll along Tamsui Old Street.
Tamsui is a seaside village in northern Taiwan; back in the 19th century, it was a thriving shipping and trading port. Due to the British, Dutch, and Spanish influences, the place features European architecture and delicious local cuisine. In particular, Tamsui Old Street is a popular place for strolling and taking memorable photos.
Explore the city’s exciting Night Markets.
And last, but not the least, there’s the night markets, located all over Taipei — and the whole country, for that matter. Obviously, the food, drinks, and items are not free, but there are many affordable options. Besides, you can always visit these markets to “immerse” yourself in the culture, enjoy the sights and sounds, and mingle with the locals. Some of the most popular night markets in Taipei include Raohe Street Night Market and Shilin Night Market.
As you can see, there are many places to see and things to do in Taipei that require little to no cost at all! You don’t have to spend a fortune to visit the city’s numerous cultural attractions, shopping districts, public gardens, hiking trails, and historic sites.
Meanwhile, for Filipinos in Taipei who need to take care of important documents and other concerns, check out this article about the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO), the representative office of the Philippines in Taiwan.