Updated: 2026-07-02 | For real-time information, always refer to official announcements.

On your first visit to Taipei, Taipei 101 will almost certainly make it onto your itinerary. This article explains it all at once—how to buy observatory tickets, how to get there by MRT, the smoothest time to go up, and what else there is to do nearby—so you won't be flustered when you arrive.

Taipei 101 is a landmark that almost everyone visiting Taipei for the first time works into their itinerary. It's not just the former tallest building in the world, but also the heart of the Xinyi District—head up for the night view, come down to shop the district, and climb Elephant Mountain right next door; you can easily fill an entire day. The observatory itself occupies the upper floors, and a standard ticket takes you through three levels:89Fis the indoor main observatory, at a height of about 382 meters, with 360-degree floor-to-ceiling glass. On a clear day the entire Taipei Basin is laid out before you, and this is where most people take their photos;88Fyou can see the famous "Tuned Mass Damper"—this huge golden ball is key to Taipei 101's wind and earthquake resistance. There's an on-site guide explaining it, and many people find this the most interesting stop;91Fis the outdoor observatory, where you can feel the wind at high altitude directly. Whether it's open depends on the weather, and it may close during typhoons or strong winds. There are also more advanced, reservation-required high-altitude experience packages (such as activities that take you up to the highest outdoor floor); availability and prices vary widely, so if you're interested, it's best to check the official page directly to confirm.

Tickets, Prices, and the Best Times to Visit

The observatory is open to general visitors for ticket purchase. Ticket types are divided into full-price and concession tickets, and there's also a skip-the-line fast-pass option. The following are approximate ranges;please refer to Taipei 101's official announcements for actual prices, concession eligibility, and whether the 91F is included:

There are two ways to buy tickets: one is to buy at the ticket counter on-site, and the other is to book in advance on an online platform, then show your redemption code on-site to exchange for a ticket. Note that the ticketing and entrance locations have been adjusted recently (they used to be on the 5th floor, but the official notice states they've been moved to the 1st floor of the office tower, among other arrangements), so before you set out, it's best to check the latest official announcement to confirm the meeting point, so you don't end up unable to find the entrance. Business hours are generally 10:00–21:00, with the last admission at around 20:15 (actual times are subject to official announcements, and may be adjusted on typhoon or private-event days). As for the best time to go up, it depends on what you want to photograph: if you want a clear daytime city view, a clear, sunny morning offers the best visibility; if you want to see both the day view and night view, going up 30–60 minutes before sunset lets you watch the city lights come on—a golden window recommended by many, but also the most crowded; if you really want to avoid the crowds, weekdays outside of holidays, either the first group after opening or close to the last admission time, are usually less busy.

To save time waiting in line, booking online is usually the better deal and lets you pick a good time slot. You can buy in advance through a ticketing platform:

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How to Get There by MRT, and What Else Is Nearby

The most direct way is to take the Taipei MetroTamsui–Xinyi Line (Red Line)toto "Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station", then from Exit 4It's about a 2–5 minute walk from the station exit to Taipei 101, with signs along the way, and if you have luggage or a stroller you can find the accessible elevator exit. If you take the Bannan Line (Blue Line) to "Taipei City Hall Station," it's about a 10–15 minute walk over from Exit 2, passing through the Xinyi shopping district, so you can browse the shops along the way. The entire MRT network accepts the EasyCard for tap-in and tap-out, so having one card in hand is the most convenient—no need to buy a single-journey ticket each time.

If you've just landed and don't have a local data connection yet, it's a good idea to sort out a connectivity plan first, as it makes checking maps, hailing rides, and finding restaurants much smoother. To learn how to choose one, see theeSIM & Internetcategory; for metro and transport details, refer toTransport Guide.

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After you're done at the observatory, don't rush off—Taipei 101 itself and its surroundings form a complete walking loop. From the basement to the lower floors, Taipei 101 is a shopping mall, and nearby there are department store clusters like Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Xinyi Place, Breeze, and Uni-President Dream Mall. Dining, shopping, and movies are all within walking distance, making it a good way to wind down your itinerary in the evening. To photograph the full Taipei 101 from the outside, Elephant Mountain is almost the top choice—the trailhead is about one MRT stop from Taipei 101, and it takes about 20–30 minutes to climb to the giant viewing boulder, a popular spot for shooting sunsets and night views. Remember to bring water and wear comfortable walking shoes. Right beside Taipei 101, Si-si Nan Cun (Sisi South Village) is an old military dependents' village converted into a cultural and creative enclave; the red-brick old houses set against the skyscraper backdrop make a great contrast scene, and there are often small markets on weekends. To string all of these into a single-day itinerary, you can refer toTaiwan Itinerary Planningfor suggested routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book the Taipei 101 Observatory in advance?

Not necessarily; you can also buy tickets on-site, but expect long queues on weekends, New Year's Eve, or during peak travel season. To save time, we recommend booking online in advance and choosing a time slot, then simply exchanging for your ticket when you arrive. Whether a specific entry time slot is required is subject to the official ticketing rules.

Is it still worth going up when it's raining or foggy?

When visibility is poor, the distant views suffer, and the outdoor level may also close due to weather. If your itinerary is flexible, it's best to pick a clear, sunny day; if it's foggy that day, you can instead browse the indoor shopping district and the 88F Tuned Mass Damper first—it's still well worth the ticket price.

Do foreign visitors buy tickets the same way as locals?

Foreign visitors can purchase standard full-price tickets. Some discount categories (such as local seniors or students) require meeting certain conditions and presenting ID. For detailed eligibility and whether there are dedicated plans for foreign visitors, please refer to the official ticketing page.