Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, is a lively city with simple ways to travel, such as subways, buses, and trains. You can move from one place to another quickly and easily. We provide Top 8 Things to Do in Taipei if you want to explore the city like a local, try hopping on a bike and riding along the nice bike lanes. It’s like an exciting bike journey full of surprises!
MathewBike is located in the Shilin District. It offers bike and equipment rentals, allowing travelers from around the world to start a bike journey without carrying a lot of stuff. Just choose a bike that’s right for you, and you’re set to go on your bike adventure. Let’s start our trip at MathewBike and have fun exploring!
Top 8 Must-See Attractions Things To Do In Taipei
Taipei City is well-planned with many lovely parks. It’s an amazing place for people who love riding bikes. In this special city, you can see both old traditions and new styles at the same time. You can also visit places with history, night markets, parks, and museums. Whether you love the outdoors, history, or street food, biking things to do in Taipei will be a fun journey you’ll remember.
Are you ready? Let’s follow MathewBike and ride around Taipei for an amazing trip!
1. Yangmingshan National Park
Lots of trails hikking things to do in Taipei.
Travelers always fear a disappointing trip. Is there a place in Taipei that’s fun in all seasons, not limited by time or weather? Yes, there is – Yangmingshan!
You’d better to hikking/climbing the trails that will be enjoy and much fun deeper!
In spring, there are cherry blossoms; March and April bring Calla lilies; summer showcases hydrangeas; autumn and winter offer silvergrass. Each season offers a different view.
If you get tired from biking, you can chill out in a hot spring before going again! If you have time, you can go to the Chinese Culture University at night and look over Taipei. Yangmingshan is a famous attraction in Taipei, with unique charm in every season. It offers relaxing hot springs and stunning night views. Whenever you visit, you can have a happy and fulfilling time!
The following are the 3 recommended one-day private tour attractions things to do in Taipei, Yangmingshan by MathewBike:
Balaka Highway
252, Taiwan, New Taipei City, Sanzhi District, Balaka Highway
https://goo.gl/maps/j12SD3nZTT1MVZ1v6
When picking your path to go up to Yangmingshan, there are many popular paths. If you want a simpler path without many steep hills, you can choose the Balaka Highway. This path starts in the Sanzhi District of New Taipei City, connects to “101 甲”, and is about 10 kilometers long. It climbs up a total of 620 meters, with a gradient of 8% uphill and an average of 6% uphill. It’s a relatively easy path.
Lengshuikeng Visitor Center
No. 170, Lane 101, Jingshan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111
https://goo.gl/maps/KCtDz55uuHAgC3Hx5
If you’re an experienced cyclist, you can try the Cold Water Pit on Pingjing Street near Zhishan Road. It’s a challenging route, about 20.2 kilometers long, with a total climb of 910 meters.
The steepest part can go over 20%, and the average slope is more than 10%. It will test your leg power, endurance, and determination. Finishing this ride will give you a satisfying feeling of accomplishment.
Fengguizui
111, Taiwan, Taipei City, Shilin District
https://goo.gl/maps/m3c1y5soG6UCaKmy7
Fengguizui is another challenging section of a bicycle route in northern Taiwan. Starting from the 182 meter high Fenglin Bridge, you’ll climb all the way up to the 597 meter high Fengguizui Scenic Viewpoint. The total distance is about 6.4 kilometers.
Due to its terrain, it’s a route where both the winter northeasterly winds and the summer southwestern winds pass through. With the combination of uphill climbing and wind resistance, it becomes a highly challenging route. It’s not recommended for inexperienced riders.
2. Dadaocheng (Dihua Street)
Quikly understanding history things to do in Taipei.
Near Dadaocheng, there’s a nice bike path by the riverside that’s great for cycling. You can enjoy the scenery as you ride along and easily reach the Dihua Street shopping area by going straight ahead.
Dadaocheng is an old street area with lots of history and culture. In the past, it was a busy place for trade, with boats coming and going from the nearby Tamsui River. People used to buy and sell tea, fabric, groceries, and Chinese medicine here.
Dihua Street still has buildings from the past with interesting designs, and many old shops have names influenced by Japanese style. During the Lunar New Year, Dihua Street becomes a lively market where you can buy all sorts of traditional items like groceries, dried goods, candies, red envelopes, and Spring Festival decorations, experiencing the rich traditions of Chinese culture.
Another popular place to visit is the Xiahai Chenghuang Temple. This temple is known for the “Love God”, people believe it as Chinese Cupid. Attracts a lot of singles from Taiwan and other countries to pray for a marriage partner.
After finishing this itinerary, you can continue to ride along the Dadaocheng Riverside Bikeway to the next scenic spot to continue your Taipei cycling tour.
Dadaocheng Pier Plaza
Minsheng W Rd, Datong District, Taipei City, Taiwan 103
https://goo.gl/maps/a9wfagYjkyHK3unD8
3. Taipei 101
All the latest boutiques and trends are concentrated things to do in Taipei.
Taipei 101 is a landmark building in Taipei City and is one of the world-renowned skyscrapers. Standing at a height of 508 meters (1667 feet), it’s a huge building with 101 floors.
If you go up to the observatory on the 89th and 91st floors, you can see a fantastic 360-degree view of Taipei City. Inside Taipei 101, there is a big shopping center, offices, and exhibition spaces. Whether you like shopping, sightseeing, or looking for new experiences, Taipei 101 is an amazing place you absolutely cannot miss!
You can ride a bike through the bike lanes in Xinyi District, and along the way, you can also visit places like Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, Si Si Nan Village, and Xiangshan Trail.
No. 45, City Hall Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110
https://goo.gl/maps/ELVvt7cfC65bUrLLA
4. Maokong Gondola
A small village where you can quickly learn about tea culture things to do in Taipei.
One of the popular bike spots in Taipei City is Maokong in Muzha. It’s a good place for cyclists who want a challenging ride. During the day, you can have tea, take the Maokong Gondola for a view of the mountains, and see the whole city of Taipei. At night, the night view is really nice.
There are three main bike routes to Maokong: Laoquan, Zhanghu, and Caonan. Considering traffic, safety at night, and the scenery along the way, the Laoquan route is the best choice. It starts from Lane 45 of Laoquan Street, near National Chengchi University.
The whole route is about 5.8 kilometers long, with a climb of 283 meters and an average slope of over 10%. In spring, you can enjoy the blooming apricot and cherry blossoms. Near the apricot blossom forest, you can see Taipei 101 and the whole city from Mingde Temple. It’s beautiful during the day and night.
Maokong Gondola
Lane 38, Section 3, Zhinan Rd, Wenshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 116
https://goo.gl/maps/PjdNT2QzSHPYfk457
5. Buyenting
A small village with mountains and seas, after challenging the highest highway in Taipei, you can realize the most prosperous period of Taiwan's industry.
The Buyanting Pavilion is located on Highway 102, near Shuangxi and Jiufen. Its name comes from a famous poem by Li Bai. Despite its relatively low altitude of around 500 meters, it offers a wonderful view of Shuangxi, Ruifang, and the surrounding mountains. From the Buyanting Pavilion, the view of Highway 102 resembles that of the famous Wuling Paradise Road, to get the nickname “xiao Wuling.”
Thanks to its beautiful scenery, the Buyanting Pavilion is often used as a filming location for car advertisements. The road features continuous hairpin bends and a maximum gradient of 10%, making it a challenging route for many cycling enthusiasts.
According to the names of the rest stops along the way, this route is also known as the “Shui-Jin-Jiu” route (Shuinandong – Jinguashi – Buyanting Pavilion).
Along the route, you will pass by popular attractions such as the Golden Waterfall, Jinguashi Geological Park, and the Old Street of Jiufen.
This journey offers breathtaking scenery and great photo opportunities at each rest stop, and Jiufen Old Street serves as an excellent Aid station. After enjoying the uphill climb, don’t forget to treat yourself to refreshing taro balls and traditional snacks before continuing your journey.
Buyenting
Ruishuang Rd, Shuangxi District, New Taipei City, 227
https://goo.gl/maps/arhYaXMuCmsdmMPh7
6. Wulai
Experience tribal culture and relax in hot springs must things to do in Taipei.
A lot of things to do in Taipei, Wulai, named after the Atayal(Taiwan’s indigenous people) word “Ulay,” which means “smoky hot water,” is famous for its hot springs. Located in New Taipei City, Wulai offers beautiful scenery with mountains, clear water, waterfall, and an old street, attracting many tourists. It is also home to the Atayal tribe, so don’t forget to visit the Fushan Tribe to experience their culture and nature.
The Wulai Old Street and waterfall are halfway up the mountain, making it a popular challenge for cyclists. Cyclists often gather at Xindian MRT station and ride along the Nanshi River, passing through the Wulai Old Street and admiring the 80-meter-high waterfall before reaching the tribe. The entire route is approximately 32 kilometers long, with a total ascent of 1,000 meters and an average slope of 4%, suitable for adults, children, and beginner cyclists.
In Wulai, there are activities for every season. In spring, you can enjoy cherry blossoms. Summer offers camping, fishing, barbecuing, and water activities. Autumn is a great time to see maple leaves, and in winter, you can relax in the Wulai hot springs. No matter when you visit Wulai, it will provide a unique experience and create beautiful memories.
Wulai Falls
No. 16, Pubu Rd, Wulai District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 233
https://goo.gl/maps/rStQPztqXCTrXizQ8
7. Ximending
A famous and popular pedestrian shopping things to do in Taipei.
Ximending in Taiwan is a place everyone should see. It’s a lively and stylish area that many tourists and young people love. With lots of shops, food, and fun things to do in Taipei, it’s one of the favorite spots in Taiwan.
In Ximending, you can find many clothing stores, small shops, and big brand stores. It’s a great place for young people to shop with all the latest styles. From famous to local brands, it has everything there.
There are also special shops, like vintage shops, handmade craft stores, and places to buy gifts. Plus, Ximending is a place where many cultures come together. You can see street performers, sit in nice coffee shops, and visit art places that show the creativity and energy of young people.
It’s not only about shopping. Ximending is a place where many different cultures come together. You can see street performers showing their art, drink coffee in nice cafes, and visit places where art is displayed. It’s a place where you can feel the energy and creativity of youth.
And don’t forget about the food! Ximending has lots of street food you must try. There are many food stalls and restaurants that serve famous Taiwanese dishes like chicken cutlets, rice noodle, and candied haws.
No matter if you like traditional Taiwanese snacks or food from around the world, Ximending can make your taste buds dance!
Getting to Ximending is easy. You can take the train or the bus, and there are many routes that can bring you there. If you don’t want to take public transport, you can ride a bike! It’s a fun way to go around Taipei’s streets and feel how lively and busy the city is.
Ximending
No. 9, Lane 50, Hanzhong Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108
https://goo.gl/maps/rfjU2i36aifxiCJf9aiw
8. Shilin Night Market
The largest night market in Taiwan, gathering all the delicious food things to do in Taipei, just a 15-minute walk from MathewBike
Shilin Night Market is one of the biggest night markets in Taipei City. It’s famous for all kinds of traditional snacks like Taiwanese sausage with sticky rice, fried buns, and scallion pancakes.
These are traditional snacks you can’t miss.Shilin Night Market is in Taipei City and is easy to get to, especially if you ride a bike. Many roads in Taipei City have bike lanes, offering a safe environment for cycling.
You can enjoy the fun of riding and appreciate the scenery of Taipei City, then easily arrive at Shilin Night Market for a feast!
In Shilin Night Market, you can try all sorts of Taiwanese snacks, feel the lively street atmosphere, and also buy a variety of goods and souvenirs. Whether you’re a local or a visitor from another country, you definitely need to come here!
Especially after a whole day of cycling, arranging Shilin Night Market as the last stop can perfectly end your journey.
Shilin Night Market
No. 101, Jihe Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111
https://goo.gl/maps/DnFmuddxLJKorxo9A
After reading Top 8 Things to Do in Taipei, riding a bike in Taipei is really friendly and comfortable. The riverside bike path in Taipei City links many famous sights. You can pedal and enjoy the riverside scenery, then easily and comfortably reach your destination.
If you’re tired from riding, the distance between subway stations isn’t far. It’s also no problem if you want to take your bike on the subway. This makes it easy for you to move around Taipei.
Of course, Taipei has more sights than just the ones mentioned. Everyone likes different kinds of things to do in Taipei, so let MathewBike, a local and professional bicycle service, help you customize your Taiwan bicycle tour! Go on a bicycle trip in your own style.
MathewBike provides bike and equipment rental services. We have touring bikes, road bikes, tandem bikes, and electric bikes. You can always find a bike that suits you. We also provide luggage storage services, so you don’t have to carry heavy stuff. Just bring a happy mood and you can start your bicycle journey.
