30 Instagrammable Places in Taipei (With Google Maps)

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Taipei is a city that has exceeded my expectations in many ways. One aspect of Taipei that greatly inspires me to return is its appearance. The city is filled with picturesque locations and Instagram-worthy spots. From streets to shrines, bridges to parks, breathtaking vantage points to historical landmarks, Taipei’s photogenic nature is sure to captivate you.

The 30 places mentioned in this post represent just a fraction of the spots in Taipei where you can find excellent opportunities for photography. While there are more locations, these 30 offer the best scenes and serve as the best subjects for your photos. If you visit at the perfect time of the day, you will surely leave each place with dozens of new photos in your camera.

To make your photography tour of Taipei easier, I have created a map where you can find these locations. This way, you can efficiently plan your trip to the city and visit these picture-perfect destinations. Let’s go!

If you need assistance in exploring Taiwan, you can begin your search for guides and tours here. I recommend joining a customizable tour accompanied by a local for an insightful photography tour of Taipei. If you’re looking for accommodation for your trip, this site offers the best hotel deals. Alright! Enjoy reading!

1. Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport T1

If you’re landing in Taiwan at Taoyuan International Airport T1 during daylight hours, be sure to have your camera at the ready. As soon as you step off the plane, you’ll be greeted by some truly stunning architecture. One of the standout features is the reflective flooring. It creates a captivating extra-dimensional effect that’s sure to catch your eye.

2. Taipei 101

Another place you would not want to miss for its architecture is Taipei 101.

What sets Taipei 101 apart is its architecture, a pure embodiment of Chinese culture. The design of Taipei 101 draws inspiration from the structure of Chinese pagodas and the shape of bamboo flowers. If you look closely, you’ll notice that the building has eight delineated sections, a number symbolizing success in Chinese culture.

I think you’ll like the skyscraper’s design symmetry. You can walk on its base and photograph it like one side mirrors another like shown above. Tip: If you’re aiming to create epic photos of Taipei 101, consider moving a bit further away, perhaps to Agora Garden. From there, you can capture fantastic shots of Taipei 101 juxtaposed with “twisted” buildings.

3. Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall

Picture-perfect historical landmarks like Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall await photographers in Taiwan. The Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, with its blue and white colors, brings to mind the sky and clouds. It seems as if the building is a creation inspired by the heavens.

Get up close to capture its fine details. Inside, you’ll find interesting Chinese characters. They translate to “The purpose of life is to improve the general life of humanity” and “The meaning of life is to create and sustain subsequent lives in the universe.”

Consider paying a visit to the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall at night. As the sun sets, the white body of the structure is bathed in a warm yellow light. The edges of the surrounding walls are lit up in white. This unique nighttime view of the memorial hall is definitely worth capturing in your photos.

4. Liberty Square Arch

Opposite the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, we can find the Liberty Square Arch, which is another stunning landmark in Taipei. It is absolutely photogenic with all the details on and above its five arches. I also find it worthy of photography for its perfect location, which allows you to see the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall in the middle of the largest arch.

For a stunning photo of the Liberty Square Arch, use the water reflection trick as shown in the photo above. The reflection greatly improves the symmetry of the area, making the photos more amazing.

5. Elephant Mountain

Elephant Mountain is one of the best places in Taipei to capture a panorama of the city. From here, you’ll see an unobstructed view of Taipei 101. Along the hiking trails of Elephant Mountain, you will find three viewing decks, giving you perspectives of the city from different elevations.

The trail might be tiring due to its continuous incline, but the sight after reaching each viewing station is priceless. Along the path, you’ll find boulders where you can stand and take photographs. This is a popular shot for most Instagrammers.

If you plan to visit Elephant Mountain, I suggest that you bring two cameras – one phone and one mirrorless/DSLR. This way, you can take photos and record timelapse videos simultaneously. The best time to visit is during sunset. You can film how Taipei lights up the horizon as the day turns into night.

6. Maokong Gondola

Another way to enjoy an overlooking view of Taipei is through a gondola ride to Maokong. The Maokong Gondola is a 4.3-kilometer ropeway that connects Taipei Zoo and Maokong.

A ride on this gondola offers a scenic view of the cityscape, which gradually transitions into the lush green and thick forests of central Taiwan. To me, it is another excellent spot for photographing the Taipei cityscape.

If possible, try to negotiate with the station crews. Ask if you can ride a gondola with clear windows for unobstructed shots from the top. This is also an excellent opportunity to create time-lapse videos, especially if you’re making travel vlogs.

One sight you should not miss during your gondola ride is the overlooking view of Chih Nan Temple. As you can see in the photo, it’s a sight to photograph!

7. Thermal Valley (Beitou)

In the Beitou District, at the foothills of Yangmingshan National Park, you can find the picturesque steaming emerald sulfur hot springs. This area is located north of Taipei’s city center.

The steam rising from the lake creates a beautiful effect that photographers and Instagrammers find irresistible. But when you visit, don’t just take photos; immerse yourself in the hot springs! There are numerous spas around where you can bathe safely in the steaming water.

8. Ximending

Ximending is a street photographer’s dream. The glimmering colorful lights, picture-worthy shops, and Instagrammable meals and snacks on every street make it a visual feast. This area is also an excellent spot to discover and capture the vibrant life in Taipei. Its liveliness and modernity are on full display here.

If you want to see the best of Ximending, I recommend visiting in the evening. The place truly comes alive and is nothing short of fantastic.

Lear more about Ximending

Ximending, a neighborhood and shopping district in the Wanhua District of Taipei, Taiwan, was our final stop before we left the city. To be honest, this was the place where I enjoyed Taipei the most.

The performances, gimmicks, food, and shops in Ximending were all sources of fun for me. This area is home to the largest pedestrian zone in all of Taiwan, which is why many people refer to it as the “Shibuya of Taipei.”

Ximending is also the center of Taiwan’s fashion and subculture. As such, you can see a clear Japanese influence here. This influence becomes even more apparent as you explore the area.

9. Dihua Street

When you stroll down Dihua Street, you’ll come across preserved buildings that take you back in time. Their architecture dates back to the 17th century, during the rule of Dutch Formosa. The red brick arcades and the colorful lanterns that light up the night make the place irresistible for photography.

But your visit to Dihua Street won’t just be about taking photos. You’ll also find a variety of Chinese goods and foods that you might want to try. It’s a great way to have a well-rounded visit and truly experience the local culture.

10. Bopiliao Street

Bopiliao Street offers another snapshot of Taipei’s rich history. What sets this street apart is the diverse architectural styles you can see and capture with your camera. These styles reflect a mix of cultures, including Southern Fujianese, Japanese, Chinese, and Modern Western influences.

However, like Dihua Street, there’s more to Bopiliao Street than just architecture. You might also enjoy exploring the local art galleries and wall art. They’re great sources of creative inspiration and add another layer to your experience.

11. Grand Hotel Taipei

The Grand Hotel Taipei is one of the most stunning commercial buildings in the city. Its unique architecture and striking red paint make it a real eye-catcher, especially on sunny days when the sky is clear and blue.

If you have a camera with a powerful zoom, you can try to capture the vibrant Tou-Kung under its pointed roof. Tou-Kung are sets of brackets placed on top of pillars. They play a crucial role in supporting the beams and eaves of the building, both internally and externally. They also serve as a buffer against any forces that might impact the building’s structure.

If your budget allows, consider staying in one of the hotel’s top-tier rooms. From there, you can take photos of yourself against the beautiful backdrop of the red balcony railings and the Taipei skyline.

12. Presidential Palace

The Presidential Palace is another famous attraction in Taipei, located near Freedom Square. This Baroque-style structure was built by the Japanese during their occupation of Taiwan.

With its elegant architecture, it’s hard to resist taking photos in front of this iconic building when you’re in Taipei.

If you plan to take photos here, consider doing so during the golden hour. This is when the sun hits the building at a low angle, creating shadows and illuminating details of the structure that aren’t as visible during midday.

13. Taipei National Theater and Concert Hall

When you swing by the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall in Freedom Square, make sure to also explore the Taipei National Theater and Concert Hall.

In this area, you’ll discover a charming bridge adjacent to a building that exudes an ancient vibe. Together, they create a scene that’s just begging to be shared on Instagram. The water nearby offers a reflection that adds an extra layer of beauty to your photos. For a standout shot, consider bringing a friend to snap a photo of you posing on the bridge.

As shown in the photo above, the ideal time to visit is during sunset. This is when the daylight is fading, and the lights under the bridge begin to glow.

14. Gate of Old Taipei City

If you’re on the hunt for a spot to capture a stunning long exposure shot, the historic gates of Taipei are just the ticket. One particular location you might want to check out is the East Gate of Taipei.

Situated on a roundabout, this gate sees a steady stream of cars passing by. When night falls, the lights of these vehicles can be used to create mesmerizing light trails in front of the gate. With the right technique, you can create an amazing effect!

Also, along Ketagalan Boulevard, you’ll find a unique vantage point where you can frame the East Gate with the iconic Taipei 101 in the background.

15. Beimen Castle

The North Gate of Taipei, also known as Beimen Castle, is another great spot for photos in Taipei. From certain angles, it might not seem impressive. However, when you stand directly in front of the North Gate, the photo opportunity becomes clear.

There’s a special time of year when Beimen Castle lights up and you won’t want to miss capturing it. This happens during the Lantern Festival in Taipei. The festival takes place on the 15th day of the first month of the lunisolar year. At this time, the entire structure is lit up. This creates an amazing sight that’s ideal for video capture.

16. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall

If you’re a fan of capturing photos with reflective water effects, the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall in Taipei should be on your list of places to visit. The fountain in its front yard provides a fantastic opportunity for some creative photography.

Interestingly, the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall is ideally located at just the right distance from Taipei 101. This makes it an excellent spot to photograph Taipei 101 with minimal obstruction. As a result, you can frame both the hall and Taipei 101 in a single shot, creating a unique and captivating image.

In addition to its photographic appeal, the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall also offers cultural experiences. If you’re interested, you might want to time your visit to coincide with the formal changing of the guards in the hall.

17. Fort San Domingo

If you’re after photos that capture the colonial era of Taiwan, Fort San Domingo in the Tamsui District in northern Taipei is the place to go. This area is full of spots that can make anyone feel as if they’ve stepped back in time.

What’s remarkable is the strong European influence throughout the area. This is thanks to the Dutch, English, and even Spanish settlers who lived here years ago.

On a bright, sunny day, it’s hard to resist taking photos of the main castle of the fort. Set against green fields and featuring old cannons, it makes for a striking image.

18. Zhongshan Park

Zhongshan Park is a popular spot among photographers and Instagrammers. It offers an unobstructed view of the Taipei business district skyline and Taipei 101.

The park’s pond adds another layer of beauty to your photos. It allows you to capture the stunning Taiwanese skyline with a water reflection that enhances the shot. The view and the photos taken here become even more striking at night. The glittering buildings create amazing reflections on the pond.

19. Dahu Park

Dahu Park is another picturesque location in Taipei, situated in the city’s Neihu District. This expansive lakefront park, spanning 13 hectares, is adorned with monuments and public art, and crisscrossed by walking trails.

It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll, but definitely it’s also a fantastic place for photography, especially when you come across the Moon Bridge. Known as Jindai Bridge, this structure is designed in a traditional Chinese style and radiates a beautiful glow at night.

From certain angles, you can capture the Moon Bridge forming a circular shape with its reflection in the water. This creates a captivating image that’s a joy to photograph.

20. 2/28 Peace Memorial Park

In downtown Taipei, there’s a park with Japanese-style gardens. This park is known as the February 28 Peace Memorial Park. It was created to honor the victims of an uprising that happened in Taipei, two years after World War II.

In this park, you’ll find ponds, bridges shaped like arches, an amphitheater, and many paths surrounded by lush trees. All these spots are great for taking photos. For me, the most beautiful sights are the pagodas in the pond. They seem to be made just for pictures. Look at the pagoda in the photo above as an example. I love its leading lines, symmetry, and color!

There’s also a dancing fountain in the park. It’s a great place to try out long exposure shots.

21. National Revolutionary Martyr Shrine

There’s a shrine in Taipei that looks like the Hall of Supreme Harmony in China’s Forbidden City. This shrine is known as the National Revolutionary Martyr Shrine. And it’s a great place to take photos!

Just like the buildings in Freedom Square, the National Revolutionary Martyr Shrine showcases beautiful Chinese architecture. The red pillars, intricately detailed beams, and captivating Tou Kungs of the shrine are so appealing. You won’t be able to resist taking pictures when you see them.

Imagine the scene: you, standing on the stairs in front of the National Revolutionary Martyr Shrine. Doesn’t it seem like a perfect Instagram shot?

22. Longshan Temple

Chinese temples are known for their vibrant and intricate designs, reflecting the Chinese people’s deep spiritual devotion. One such temple in Taipei is the Longshan Temple. Built in the 18th century, it was dedicated to Taoist and Buddhist deities.

At Longshan Temple, the design, architecture, and decorations both inside and outside the premises testify to this character. The details will inspire you to take photos as you explore the place. Even before you enter, when you first see the main hall, the grand curved roof with carved dragons on top will undoubtedly catch your eye.

The temple’s detail is so extensive that exploring and photographing a part of it could take longer than anticipated. Notice the dragons in the pond and the dragons winding around the temple pillars. You’ll also be captivated by the golden decorations on the temple’s beams and the depictions of the gods on the temple’s walls.

23. Chih Nan Temple

If you’re planning to visit Maokong via the ropeway, make sure to stop by Chih Nan Temple first. The Maokong Gondola has a station from where you can easily walk to this remarkable temple.

Chih Nan Temple is a large Taoist temple located on a mountainside. It was built in the 1800s. This temple houses amazing religious artifacts and impressive statues. These sights will surely inspire you to take out your camera and start capturing images.

Chih Nan Temple has an imposing stairway that gives you an epic view of the Taipei skyline when you reach the final steps to the top. It is just one perfect view that your cameras should not miss shooting. As you explore the area, you will see a water-spewing dragon guarding a pagoda. They will be the start of your marvelous exploration of the temple.

If you come inside the temple, two things that will fascinate you are the matrix of red Chinese lanterns and the temple paintings. The hallway with painted images of Chinese tradition and symbols are just a feast for the eye.

24. Tianyuan Temple

Taipei has many temples. You can check Chih Nan Temple from the south, Longshan Temple in the city center, and Tianyuan temple in the north. Among the three, I think Tianyuan Temple stands out as the most Instagrammable when it comes to the actual view of the temple from afar.

Chih Nan Temple is a Taoist temple standing with a glorious white, circular, pagoda-like structure. It is surrounded by cherry blossoms, giving the temple a super lovely view, particularly during spring.

Then, the mountain backdrop of the Chih Nan Temple makes the place feel really Asian. It is just one true gem in northern Taipei. You will be mesmerized by the Tou-Kungs following the circular shape of the temple, especially at night when lights are powered-up, and they glow beautifully.

It is definitely the place where you must not forget your cameras. The entrance to the Chih Nan Temple is a magnificent gate decorated with dragons and warriors on top. It’s going to be impressive even before you enter the compound.

25. New Taipei Bridge

Bridges in Taipei are also worth capturing on camera. Take the New Taipei Bridge, for example, which stretches across the Tamsui River. This cable-stayed bridge stands as tall as a 40-story building, reaching a height of 135.75 meters. This makes it one of the tallest bridges in Taiwan.

If you visit Taipei, this bridge is definitely a landmark worth sharing on social media. For the best shot, head to the Erchong Floodway Sports Park in New Taipei City.

26. Baishihu Suspension Bridge

One of the most underrated places in Taipei is Bishan Temple, Zhongyongshan Trail, and Baishihu Suspension Bridge in Neihu District. It is a place in Taipei where you can have an overlooking view of the city in a whole different set-up (aside from the famous Elephant Mountain). Here, you can see Taipei 101, unlike in Maokong Gondola and Tianyuan Temple.

However, it is the Baishishu Suspension Bridge that stands most unique in this place. It is not only a simple bridge, but it actually symbolizes a dragon across the valley. It is also a narrow, purple-colored bridge that stretches for more than a hundred meters. Yes, it is purple! Most girls will love to shoot Instagram photos here.

27. Guandu Bridge

If you will ever be visiting northern Taipei, one of the things you should see, even for a short time, is Guandu Bridge. It is an iconic arched bridge over the Tamsui River. Locals and some visitors usually come to the area near the Guandu Bridge to cycle and relax.

But you might want to photograph the Guandu Bridge, especially at night. You will love the bridge’s light reflected by the river.

28. Taipei Sunshine Bridge

When exploring New Taipei City, one place you should visit is the Taipei Sunshine Bridge. This bridge is the city’s first scenic river-crossing bridge with a stylish design. It’s built to serve pedestrians and cyclists, and it has been recognized with the 13th National Golden Award for Architecture.

The Taipei Sunshine Bridge is more than just a bridge; it’s a work of art. Its lighting and design were specifically created to enhance the beauty of Xiandian Creek. At night, the bridge transforms into a moving light sculpture show. You’re sure to enjoy photographing the bridge and watching the lights. It’s an experience not to be missed.

29. Crescent Bridge

In my opinion, the most beautiful bridge in Taipei is the Crescent Bridge. It’s a sight to behold from a distance and even up close as you walk across it. The Crescent Bridge holds the title for the longest double-spanning steel arch bridge in Taiwan, making it a fascinating subject for photography.

One of its unique features is the transparent bridge flooring, also known as the Sky Walkway. This feature is particularly appealing for selfies, especially as you stroll along it.

However, the true beauty of the bridge reveals itself as day turns into night. When the Crescent Bridge lights up, it accentuates the elegant curve of the bridge’s arches. The light reflecting off the river enhances the overall scenery, making it incredibly stunning! It’s a sight you won’t want to miss, and a view your camera will be eager to capture.

30. Dazhi Bridge

Finally, as a bonus spot, we have the Dazhi Bridge! This bridge stretches 172 meters across the Keelung River. It has beautiful parks around it and Dazhi bridge is simply the beautiful backdrop for the photos you’ll take there.

A visit to the Dazhi Bridge might be brief, so consider timing your visit with the dragon boat competition at Dajia Riverside Park. This event typically takes place every year in May or June. Imagine capturing an epic shot of the tournament with the Dazhi Bridge serving as a stunning backdrop!

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That’s it! We’ve covered the top 30 photo spots in Taipei. If you have any suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below for future readers. I hope this guide helps you plan your trip or explore Taipei more effectively.

However, let’s remember to respect the places we visit, especially the temples and shrines. Let’s be considerate of other visitors to ensure a pleasant travel experience for everyone.

Finally, let’s take the time to truly value the beautiful sights we encounter, learn from our experiences, and share our knowledge when necessary. Thanks for reading!

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