Taipei is a photographer's dream, with a skyline anchored by Taipei 101, ornate temples, grand memorial halls, glowing night markets, and green mountains just minutes from downtown. Whether you love cityscapes, street photography, or architecture, here are the best photo spots in Taipei, with tips on when to go and how to get the shot.
1. Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan)
For the classic view of Taipei 101 rising above the city, climb Elephant Mountain. The steep stone staircase takes about 20 to 30 minutes from the trailhead near Xiangshan MRT Station, and several viewing platforms and large boulders frame the skyline.
Photo tip: Arrive about an hour before sunset to claim a spot, then stay for blue hour, when the city lights come on. Sunrise is quieter. A small tripod helps for night shots.
2. Liberty Square and Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
The white memorial hall with its blue roof, the grand Liberty Square archway, and the National Theater and Concert Hall make a striking symmetrical composition.
Photo tip: Shoot the archway and the hall in the soft light of early morning, when the square is nearly empty. The changing of the guard takes place inside the hall every hour during opening times.
3. Taipei Bridge Scooter Waterfall
One of Taipei's most unusual sights happens on weekday mornings, when thousands of scooters stream down the ramp from Taipei Bridge toward the city like a waterfall.
Photo tip: Go between about 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. on a weekday and shoot from the elevated platform near Daqiaotou MRT Station or the bridge walkway. A slow shutter speed turns the headlights into streams of light.
4. Raohe Street Night Market and Ciyou Temple
At the entrance of Raohe Street Night Market, the ornate, brightly lit Ciyou Temple makes a dramatic backdrop to the crowds, food stalls, and lanterns.
Photo tip: Visit just after dark, when the sky still has some color. Shoot the steaming pepper bun stalls and use a wide-angle lens for the temple gate.
5. Longshan Temple
Founded in the 18th century, Longshan Temple in Wanhua is full of intricate carvings, dragons, incense smoke, and worshippers.
Photo tip: Evening light and lanterns create a beautiful atmosphere. Be respectful: avoid using flash, don't photograph people praying up close, and keep out of the way of worshippers.
6. Dihua Street and Dadaocheng
Taipei's oldest street is lined with restored shophouses from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, selling dried goods, tea, and fabrics alongside cafés and design shops. Nearby, Dadaocheng Wharf is a great place for sunset over the Tamsui River.
Photo tip: Look for details such as carved facades, arcades, and shop signs, and visit before Lunar New Year to see the bustling festive market.
7. Xinyi District and Taipei 101
Up close, the Xinyi District offers modern architecture, elevated skybridges, and the base of Taipei 101.
Photo tip: Use a wide-angle lens from the pedestrian skybridges for leading lines toward the tower. The observation deck on the 89th floor gives views over the whole city.
8. Huashan 1914 Creative Park
This former winery is now an arts hub, with brick warehouses, murals, and changing exhibitions, perfect for urban and portrait photography.
9. Beitou Thermal Valley
In the hot spring district of Beitou, steam rises from a jade-green thermal lake surrounded by forest. The nearby Beitou Public Library, a green wooden building, is a favorite with architecture photographers.
Photo tip: Cooler mornings produce more visible steam. Check opening days before you go.
10. Day Trip: Jiufen
About an hour from Taipei, the hillside town of Jiufen is famous for its red lanterns, teahouses, narrow stairways, and views over the sea.
Photo tip: The lanterns glow most beautifully at dusk, but crowds peak at weekends. Visit on a weekday and stay for the evening.
Photography Tips for Taipei
- Pack a small umbrella or rain cover for your camera, as showers are common.
- Bring a compact tripod for night and blue-hour shots, but avoid using it in crowded markets.
- Drones are restricted in much of the city. Check local rules before flying.
- Ask permission before taking close-up portraits of people.
- Use the MRT to move quickly between spots, and check sunset times in a weather app.
Stay Connected While You Shoot
With an egoViet Taiwan eSIM, you can check maps and sunset times, back up your photos, and share them as you go. See our list of the best Taiwan travel apps, and if you visit in October, don't miss Taipei Pride.
FAQs: Best Photo Spots in Taipei
Where is the best view of Taipei 101?
Elephant Mountain offers the most famous view of Taipei 101 and the skyline, especially at sunset and blue hour.
When is the best time to photograph the Taipei scooter waterfall?
Go on a weekday morning between about 7:30 and 8:30 a.m., during rush hour.
How long does it take to hike Elephant Mountain?
Most people reach the main viewpoints in about 20 to 30 minutes from the trailhead near Xiangshan MRT Station.
Can I take photos inside Taipei's temples?
Usually yes, but be respectful: avoid flash, don't photograph worshippers up close, and keep out of their way.