Taipei is the capital of Taiwan, a dense and walkable city of night markets, hot springs, temples, and mountain trails set in a basin ringed by green hills. Its skyline is anchored by Taipei 101, while the National Palace Museum holds one of the world's great collections of Chinese imperial art. Taipei pairs an efficient metro, a famously food-obsessed street culture, and easy access to hot springs and tea-growing hills within the city limits.
Best photo spots
Iconic and lesser-known locations worth shooting.
Elephant Mountain Viewpoint (Taipei 101)
Elephant Mountain Viewpoint (Taipei 101) in Xinyi District is a well-used location for skyline photography.
Best time: Sunset to blue hour
Tip: Arrive early to secure a vantage point · Check the weather forecast before going
Taipei 101 from Xinyi Plaza
Taipei 101 from Xinyi Plaza in Xinyi District is a well-used location for architecture photography.
Best time: Blue hour
Tip: Arrive early to secure a vantage point · Check the weather forecast before going
Dadaocheng Wharf Sunset
Dadaocheng Wharf Sunset in Datong District is a well-used location for riverside sunset photography.
Best time: Sunset
Tip: Arrive early to secure a vantage point · Check the weather forecast before going
Longshan Temple
Longshan Temple in Wanhua District is a well-used location for temple photography.
Best time: Early morning or rainy evenings
Tip: Arrive early to secure a vantage point · Check the weather forecast before going
Ximending Neon Streets
Ximending Neon Streets in Wanhua District is a well-used location for street and night photography.
Best time: Night
Tip: Arrive early to secure a vantage point · Check the weather forecast before going
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Zhongzheng District is a well-used location for architecture photography.
Best time: Morning
Tip: Arrive early to secure a vantage point · Check the weather forecast before going
Beitou Hot Spring Valley
Beitou Hot Spring Valley in Beitou District is a well-used location for steam and landscape photography.
Best time: Early morning
Tip: Arrive early to secure a vantage point · Check the weather forecast before going
Yangmingshan Flower Clock and Cherry Blossoms
Yangmingshan Flower Clock and Cherry Blossoms in Yangmingshan is a well-used location for floral photography.
Best time: Morning
Tip: Arrive early to secure a vantage point · Check the weather forecast before going
Qixing Mountain Silvergrass
Qixing Mountain Silvergrass in Yangmingshan is a well-used location for landscape photography.
Best time: Sunrise
Tip: Arrive early to secure a vantage point · Check the weather forecast before going
Maokong Tea Plantations
Maokong Tea Plantations in Wenshan District is a well-used location for landscape photography.
Best time: Morning mist
Tip: Arrive early to secure a vantage point · Check the weather forecast before going
Bitan Suspension Bridge
Bitan Suspension Bridge in Xindian District is a well-used location for riverside photography.
Best time: Golden hour
Tip: Arrive early to secure a vantage point · Check the weather forecast before going
Rainbow Bridge Riverside Park
Rainbow Bridge Riverside Park in Zhongshan District is a well-used location for riverside photography.
Best time: Blue hour
Tip: Arrive early to secure a vantage point · Check the weather forecast before going
Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf
Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf in Tamsui District is a well-used location for sunset and bridge photography.
Best time: Sunset
Tip: Arrive early to secure a vantage point · Check the weather forecast before going
Jiufen Old Street
Jiufen Old Street in Ruifang District is a well-used location for street and lanterns photography.
Best time: Blue hour
Tip: Arrive early to secure a vantage point · Check the weather forecast before going
By subject
Match your shooting interest to Taipei's strengths.
Sunrise photography
Qixing Mountain, Qingtiangang
Sunset photography
Dadaocheng Wharf, Tamsui
Architecture photography
Taipei 101, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Street photography
Ximending, Jiufen
Nature photography
Yangmingshan, Maokong
Night photography
Elephant Mountain, Rainbow Bridge
Best times to shoot
Light, weather, and seasonal considerations.
- Sunrise
- 5:00-6:30 AM summer
- Sunset
- 6:00-7:00 PM summer, about 5:15 PM winter
- Blue Hour
- 20-40 minutes after sunset
Photography tips
Make your shots stand out.
Shoot during golden hour (1 hour after sunrise, 1 hour before sunset) for warm, directional light.
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in religious or cultural contexts.
Carry spare batteries and storage — opportunities for great shots appear unexpectedly.