*COVID19 edit*: This post is for bookmarking purposes only for now. We advise you to Stay Hope to help Flatten the Curve as we try to navigate these difficult times.
Taipei is a friendly and vibrant city in Taiwan that never runs out of fascinating attractions and amazing food scenes for both locals and international travelers to enjoy. With its rich culture and sophisticated charm, Taipei has become one of the most loved cities in East Asia. And without a doubt one of the coolest places to take amazing photos.
Here is a list of awesome places to take photos around the city as well as the best time to visit, costs, and the exact address of each site.
Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall
The Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall is the most prominent landmark in Taiwan. It was erected in honor of the former president of the Republic of China. Aside from being a historical site, this huge complex is also an architectural beauty to behold. It also has a park with well-manicured gardens as well as cherry blossom trees making it another great Spring photo destination. 
Best time for pictures: Anytime
Cost: Free
Location: No. 21, Zhongshan South Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan
Taipei 101
Towering above the city at more than half a kilometer, Taipei 101 is impossible to miss. Once holding the title of World’s Tallest Building”, this skyscraper on a tiny island country instantly rose to fame. It was built to resemble a giant bamboo stalk making it a unique unmissable photo attraction.
Best time for pictures: Day time
Cost: Free
Location: No. 7, Section 5, Xinyi Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan
National Dr. Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall
Established as a tribute to the founder of modern China, the National Dr. Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall is one of Taipei’s most recognizable structures. Though designed in a palace style, its architecture perfectly blends modernity with tradition. It features a wide expanse of well-manicured lawns and a tall flagpole waving the Taiwanese flag.
Best time for pictures: Day time
Cost: Free
Location: No. 505, Section 4, Ren’ai Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan
Ximending
A hotspot for youth culture, Ximending is one of the hippest places to visit in Taipei. It is home to several trendy shops, entertainment, and restaurants where people can hang around and buy interesting stuff. That being said, it’s a perfect place for taking photographs of people and street scenes.
Best time for pictures: Night time
Cost: Free
Location: No. 9, Lane 50, Hanzhong Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan
Modern Toilet Restaurant
Dining at the Modern Toilet Restaurant is another unique thing to do in Taipei. With its interesting toilet theme, it’s easy to have fun taking photos. Every nook and cranny definitely deserves your camera’s attention. It’s a great setting for a fun-filled photo opportunity only if you don’t imagine too much.
Best time for pictures: Anytime
Cost: 200-400 NTD
Location: 2f, No. 7, Lane 50, Xining South Road, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan
Ningxia Night Market
One of the oldest night markets in Taipei, Ningxia Night Market is more than just about eating as many Taiwanese snacks as possible. It’s also a great spot for food photography due to its exciting food scene and lively atmosphere. It’s not as popular as other night markets so you can expect a more orderly night market experience.
Best time for pictures: Night time
Cost: Free
Location: Ningxia Road, Datong District, Taipei City, Taiwan
Photo-worth spots on the outskirts of Taipei City
Yehliu Geopark
Yehliu Geopark is one of the most famous natural attractions in Northern Taiwan. Surely, the oddly shaped rock formations are enough to catch every photographer’s attention. It is home to several unique geological formations including the iconic Queen’s Head, Fairy Shoe, and the Sea Candles among others. These rock formations were given imaginative names based on their shape and appearance.
Best time for pictures: Day time
Cost: 80 NTD
Location: 207, Wanli District, New Taipei City, Taiwan
Shifen Old Street
Shifen Old Street is an old railroad town where people can release sky lanterns carrying their wishes. A lantern-filled sky is certainly another interesting scene to behold from this little gem in the Pingxi area. Local food and clusters of souvenir shops add to its charm, making it a fantastic place for photography.
Best time for pictures: Day time
Cost: Free. Sky Lantern = 100-150 NTD each
Location: 226, Pingxi District, New Taipei City, Taiwan
Shifen Waterfall
Another scenic natural attraction is Shifen Waterfall located just minutes from the Shifen Old Street. Regarded as the little Niagara of Taiwan, this 40-meter tall curtain type waterfall attracts visitors all year round. It’s best to visit just before the onset of summer season so that the waterfall still has more water achieving the curtain look.
Best time for pictures: Day time
Cost: Free
Location: 226, Pingxi District, New Taipei City, Taiwan
Jiufen Old Street
Jiufen is a small village in a mountain area in Ruifang District. This charming old town is filled with restaurants, tea houses, small food stalls, and souvenir shops. The lit up red lanterns at night create a magical ambiance that makes for another unique photo spot. The idyllic mountain and ocean views definitely add to its allure.
Best time for pictures: Night time
Cost: Free
Location: 224, Jishan Street, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan
Other Notable Photography Locations in Taipei
- Maokong Gondola: A glass-bottomed cable car ride with scenic views of mountains, city, and tea plantations along the way.
- Yangmingshan National Park: Home to numerous parks, hiking trails, vibrant flower fields, plants, and wildlife.
- Taipei Zoo: A large zoo with beautiful landscaping, very nice animal enclosures, and all sorts of wildlife.
- Shilin and Shida Night Markets: More popular night markets with wider options for street food.
- Elephant Hill: A short hike to the top will give you breathtaking views of the city and the view of Taipei 101 in the distance.
