Are you thinking about visiting Taiwan, but are cost conscious? This developed and comparatively wealthy country isn't an expensive place to travel in compared to Japan, Korea, Beijing, and even Shanghai according to world rankings. On a visit to Taiwan, here are the top places around the country that you can enjoy for free!
See Taipei Views from Elephant Hill Park
Just a 20 minute walk away from Taipei 101, you can find a small natural park with a hill and walking paths. Elephant Hill (象山) is 183 meters (600 feet) high, and it is an easy climb up stairs for about 15 minutes. The rewards are paths around the hill and into nearby hills, and views of the city include the Taipei 101 nearby.
Explore Ximending Night Market
One of the highlights of Taiwan are its night markets that come to life when the sun sets. Ximending is a taste and cultural experience with the opportunity to find good souvenirs. Attractions in this Japanese-built area include Matsu Temple and Red House Theater.
Visit the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial
The Chiang Kai Shek Memorial and its plazais actually one of Taipei's favorite tourist attractions, on a par with Hanoi's Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Sun Yat Sen Mausoleum in Nanjing. It is as big and imposing. However, unlike the two mausoleums, he isn't buried there.
Discover Street Snacks at Shilin Night Market
Shilin Night Market is the biggest night market in Taipei, and it is known mainly for the variety of food. There is a big covered cooked food market, many restaurants, and many street vendors offering snacks. See how many of Taiwan's favorite foods, beverages and desserts you can eat.
Take a Tour of Taipei, on the House
If you are stopping over at Taipei International Airport and from the right countries, you are eligible for a free half-day guided tour from the airport.
The morning tour goes to a ceramics museum, Sanxia and Zushi Temple. The afternoon tour covers some of the best tourist landmarks in Taipei: Taipei 101, Lungshan Temple, and the Presidential Office Building, the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, and the Martyrs' Shrine.
Relax in Beitou Geothermal Valley
In Beitou Park the sulfuric water of the valley is a wonder to see and smell. Though you are on the outskirts of a bustling metropolis, you can enjoy watching the water bubble and the steamy mists float up. For a little expense you can bathe in a hot spring bath. Beitou Hot Spring Museum is free.
Hike the Hillsides of Yangmingshan
If you like national parks, hot springs/geysers, mountains, scenic places and natural paths another free option is having a leisurely hike up the rolling hillsides of Yangmingshan. There are hot springs like Beitou, volcanic sulfur vents, and many nature trails to explore.
Enjoy the Beautiful Scenery of Taroko Gorge
It isn't in Taipei, but Taroko Gorge is one of Taiwan's most popular national parks. It is distinguished by a long narrow gorge. It is an excellent place to hike with beautiful scenery. Entry is free, but you need a permit for entering the wilderness areas.
It isn't that expensive to go there: An express train to Xincheng Station in Hualien County takes 2?–3? hours and costs about 400 NTD or 14 USD. To get from Hualien to the park there is a shuttle bus with a one day pass for only 250 NTD.
If you are interested in touring Taiwan or any of these 8 places and want to book reservations for hotels or tickets, contact us for help.
We also have Taiwan tours. They are reasonably priced and can be customized to your requirements.
