COMPLETE GUIDE TO VISITING TAIPEI 101, IN TAIPEI
Is Taipei 101 Worth a Visit? How Much Does It Cost and How to Buy Ticket? When Is the Best Time to Visit?
Pretty much every time we go to Taipei, we like to go up the Taipei 101! We’ve been to many Towers Observatory over the years, being in Dubai, Seoul, Hong Kong and Chicago. However, none of them impressed us more than Taipei 101!
The view at the top is simply incredible (especially at Sunset – the best time to visit Taipei 101).
Since its opening, the Taipei 101 tower has been a true symbol for the entire country. It mixes modernity and traditional elements.
At 509.2 meters high, it was the tallest tower in the world until 2010. Since then, the title has gone to the Burj Khalifa Tower in Dubai.
Key Highlights on Taipei 101
– State-of-the-art Architecture: Its innovative architecture has left its mark throughout the world. Ultra-fast elevators, weight system to resist typhoons and earthquakes and sustainable construction… in short, it is a landmark monument for modern architecture.
– The best time to visit Taipei 101 is during Sunset
– Be prepared to queue, as it’s one of the best things to do in Taipei
– The view is breathtaking, which makes it absolutely worth the visit!
Still not convinced? Check out this video:
Facts and Figures about Taipei 101
Before we bring you to the visit of Taipei 101, we wanted to share with you some incredible figures and facts about this tower.
- Height: Taipei 101 stands at 508 meters (1,667 feet) tall.
- Floors: The building has 101 floors above ground and 5 underground levels.
- Construction Completion: It was completed in 2004.
- Architectural Style: The design incorporates traditional Chinese architectural elements and modern techniques. It resembles a pagoda and a stalk of bamboo, symbolizing growth and resilience.
- World Records: When it opened, Taipei 101 held the title of the world’s tallest building until the completion of Burj Khalifa in Dubai in 2010.
- Observatory: The indoor observatory is on the 89th floor, while the outdoor observatory is on the 91st floor (yup for thrill seekers, you can visit the tower from the outside!! More on that later), offering panoramic views of Taipei.
- Structural Features: It’s equipped with a massive tuned mass damper, a 660-tonne steel pendulum that stabilizes the building against movements caused by strong winds and earthquakes (you can visit the damper inside the tower – absolutely amazing!)
- Sustainability: Taipei 101 was awarded LEED Platinum certification in 2011, making it one of the world’s largest green buildings at the time.
- New Year’s Eve Fireworks: The building is famous for its spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display, attracting visitors globally. We went there to celebrate the New Year 2024, and it’s definitely once in a lifetime experience! Probably the most impressive fireworks we’ve seen to date.
- Economic Significance: It houses offices, a multi-level shopping complex, restaurants, and clubs, and is a symbol of Taiwan’s economic prosperity.
You probably can’t wait to visit Taipei 101 now. So follow our guide!
How To Visit Taipei 101?
Visiting Taipei 101, an iconic skyscraper in Taipei, Taiwan, can be an exciting and memorable experience. Here’s a guide on how to visit it:
Getting to Taipei 101:
- By MRT (Metro): The most convenient way is to take the Taipei Metro. Get off at Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station on the Red Line (Xinyi Line). The station is directly connected to the building.
- By Bus: Various bus routes serve Taipei 101. Check Google Maps to get the best bus route. We actually used the bus most of the time in Taipei!
- By Taxi: Taxis in Taipei are plentiful and can take you directly to Taipei 101.
To travel around in Taipei, you can purchase the Easy Card. You can buy the card online:
Buying the Tickets for Taipei 101
- Purchase tickets at the ticket counter on the 5th floor of the Taipei 101 shopping mall.
- Consider buying tickets online in advance to avoid long queues, especially during peak tourist seasons or holidays. We didn’t do it, and had to wait for quite a while… We almost missed the sunset!
- You can buy the normal ticket to visit the 89th floor (which most people do), but for an extra unforgettable experience consider purchasing ticket for the 91st floor outdoor walk! Thrills guaranteed.
- You will need to select a specific time when buying your ticket! This is because there are limited spaces per each 30min! So buy your ticket wisely if you want to catch the sunset…
This is how the outdoor experience looks like:
The Sky-High Walks at Taipei 101 offer a truly unique perspective on the city below. With the help of expert guides, you can venture onto the outdoor observation decks and take in the stunning scenery from a whole new vantage point.
The walkways are constructed with state-of-the-art materials and engineering techniques, ensuring both safety and a thrilling adventure.
Best Time to Visit Taipei 101
- Early Morning: For fewer crowds.
- Evening: To catch the sunset and see the city lights. In our opinion rather go in the evening than morning (even if that means queueing up a bit more. You can actually buy the fast-track ticket).
- Weekdays are typically less crowded than weekends.
- Opening hours: 10 am until 9 pm (last ticket can be purchased at 8 am)
What to Expect Inside Taipei 101
- Observation Decks: The main attraction is the Indoor Observatory on the 89th floor and the Outdoor Observatory on the 91st floor, offering breathtaking views of Taipei.
- Tuned Mass Damper: Don’t miss the giant damper ball that stabilizes the building, a unique engineering marvel. You can visit it on the 89th & 88th floors.
- Shopping and Dining: The lower floors house a luxury shopping mall and a variety of dining options, from casual to fine dining.
- Art and Exhibitions: Check for any art exhibitions or cultural events happening during your visit in Taipei 101 official website.
Accessibility
- Taipei 101 is wheelchair accessible, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests.
Our Insider Tips
- Weather Consideration: Visibility from the observatory can be affected by weather. On a clear day, the views are spectacular. If it’s really cloudy, don’t waste your time visiting Taipei 101… It won’t be worth it.
- Stay Duration: Allocate at least 2 hours for a relaxed visit, including time for viewing and exploring the mall.
- Souvenirs: The gift shop on the observatory floor offers unique souvenirs.
Nearby Attractions
Taipei 101 Shopping Mall
After this exhilarating visit, you’ll be ready to indulge in the luxurious offerings at Taipei 101’s shopping.
From high-end fashion brands to sumptuous international cuisine, the Taipei 101 shopping mall is simply amazing!
If you are getting hungry, why not try the famous soup dumplings at Din Tai Fung!
Xinyi District
Explore Xinyi District, which is one of the most exciting areas in Taipei (besides Ximending). Xinyi is filled with shops, countless restaurants, bars, and lots of animation like street performers, especially on weekends. Visiting Xinyi is a must during a trip to Taipei.
Elephant Mountain
For a different view of Taipei 101, hike up Elephant Mountain, especially popular at sunset. This is another must-do activity while in Taipei!
Klook.comBest Hotels with a direct view of Taipei 101
The W Taipei hotel
known for its artistic and chic ambiance, The W offers a luxurious stay in the Xinyi District. It’s centrally located and provides stunning views of Taipei 101 from its rooms.
Grand Hyatt Taipei
This luxurious hotel offers rooms with traditional Chinese elements and stunning views of Taipei 101. Located just 250 meters away from Taipei 101, it offers amenities like a sauna, fitness center, and various dining options.
Le Meridien Taipei
Situated in the business district, this luxurious hotel is close to Taipei 101 and offers extensive shopping opportunities and a range of attractions nearby.
Final Thoughts – Is Taipei 101 Worth a Visit?
We visited the Taipei 101 observatory multiple times during our many visits to Taipei! We loved it every time!
Simply put, it’s a must during a trip to Taipei, especially for first-timers!
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