Taipei 101 Observatory (台北101觀景台)

It’s hard to argue against the highest building in Taiwan for a birds-eye sunset over Taipei. The 360-degree view is certainly a can’t miss sight for anyone, tourist or local.

The view at sunset is really special – you’ve got Xinyi Road heading west, the Tamsui River in the distance, Taipei 101 to the right, and in the middle of the scene you’ll see Da’an Forest Park to the left and Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall to the mid-right.

The standard ticket takes you to the indoor 89th floor viewing area, and from there you can walk up to the 91st floor outdoor area. For more money, you can also go up to the 101st floor “Skyline 460” outdoor area. (For more, see the Taipei 101 website)

While the view from here on nice days is absolutely breathtaking, things to consider: by nature, this place is filled with tourists. You might have to compete for a good spot with others also wanting that same vantage point. Additionally, on the main observatory deck there are windows that you have to take a picture through; there can be blurry/dirty spots, and they easily reflect objects, people, and light behind.

The outside view on the 91st floor is also limited due to it being surrounded by gate-like objects protruding up and out.

With all that said, you’ve definitely got to visit at least once on a nice clear day.

Getting to Taipei 101 is easy. If you’re lost, just look for the biggest building in the horizon…

The Red Line MRT stops at 101, and from there you can go first to the 5th floor ticket office, then take a rapid elevator to the 89th floor.