63 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei has to be one of the best cities in Asia for street photography. This gallery of Taipei photography – including my favourite city, night market, and day trip shots – will inspire you to start planning your own trip to Taiwan!

What can I say? There’s something about Taipei.

I don’t know if it was the late-winter light or the fact that when we visited, Taipei was dressed to the nines in preparation for Lunar New Year. Or maybe it was just the change of scenery from Hanoi, where we had been living for the past six months, and all the energy and curiosity that comes with visiting a new city for the first time. Whatever it was, Taiwan quickly became one of my favourite places in the world to photograph.

I’m just now getting around to writing my guide to Taipei, where I’ll introduce you to some of my favourite shops, restaurants and walking streets in the city (be warned—I have almost as many recommendations as photos!). Until then, here is collection of my favourite Taipei photography to inspire you to visit Taiwan’s largest city. At the end of the post, you’ll find a list of my top 10 Taipei photography spots.

Taipei photography: Taipei City

From Taipei 101—once the tallest building on Earth—right down to the tiny houses covered with penny tiles, Taipei’s inner city is a visual feast. Street photographers will fall in love with Taipei’s bustling streets, strange architecture, temples and street art.

Taipei photography: Food & night markets

Did someone say food capital of Asia? My favourite photos from the Ningxia, Keelung, Shilin, Raohe and Xiamen night markets.

Taipei photography: Day trips from the city

Adventures around Taiwan’s northern coastline and lush interior. My top photos from Jiufen, Beitou, Wanli, Tamsui, Yehliu and Keelung City.

My top 10 Taipei photography spots:

1. Elephant Mountain

📍 Taipei’s most popular lookout is the perfect place for views of Taipei 101. It gets busy (especially around sunset), so arrive early to find a good spot.

2. Dihua Street

📍 An historic neighbourhood in Taipei with beautiful brick archways and preserved shop fronts. Arrive early (before 8am) for the best light.

3. Night food markets

Of course! There are some great food and action photo opportunities at Ningxia, Keelung, Shilin, Raohe and Xiamen night markets. Vendors are usually so busy they won’t even notice you’re photographing them.

4. Jiufen

📍 The most popular day trip from Taipei, Jiufen has a very photogenic, lantern-lined Old Street, atmospheric tunnels, and incredible views of the coastline.

5. National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine

📍 My favourite landmark in Taipei has an incredibly ornate roof, perfectly symmetrical facade, and a tranquil courtyard inside. Most people come to see the changing of the guard, but if you stay after the bus loads of tourists have gone, you’ll have the place all to yourself.

6. Ximending

📍 Taipei’s shopping district and biggest pedestrian zone is plastered with neon lights and advertisements. It’s particularly fun to photograph at night. The Xiamen Nigh Market is also located here.

7. Yongkang Street

📍 Located in Taipei’s hip Da’an District, this is one of the best streets in Taipei for shopping and eating. There are some great people-watching and photography opportunities, too.

8. Wanli Beach

📍 Wanli Beach is home to Taipei’s famous ‘UFO Village’, where you’ll find a set of abandoned Futuro houses. If you love urban exploration, a half-day trip to Wanli is a must.

9. Zhongzheng District

📍 Taipei’s central downtown area has a lot of office blocks and government buildings. This is a great place to find interesting architecture and street scenes to photograph.

10. Keelung

An alternative day trip destination, Keelung is home to a wonderful seafood market, an abandoned mansion house, and the coolest, most colourful temple we saw in Taiwan!

Have you been to Taipei? Where is your favourite photo spot in the city? Which of my top 10 Taipei photography spots would you most like to explore?

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