Taipei 101
Taipei, Taiwan · Landmark
About Taipei 101
Taipei 101 is an iconic 508-meter skyscraper designed to resemble a towering stalk of bamboo reaching into the sky. Once celebrated as the world's tallest building, it remains a defining landmark and an engineering marvel built to withstand typhoons and earthquakes. Visitors flock here to enjoy sweeping 360-degree views of the Taipei basin from its high-altitude observation decks.
Don't miss
- Ascend in ultra-high-speed pressurized elevators that whisk you up dozens of floors in less than a minute.
- Get an up-close look at the massive 660-metric-ton tuned mass damper suspended inside the tower.
- Take in breathtaking panoramic views of Taipei and surrounding mountains from the indoor observatory.
- Step outside onto the open-air outdoor observation deck on the 91st floor when weather conditions permit.
Plan your visit
Visit in the late afternoon just before sunset to watch daylight fade into dazzling city nightscapes. Clear, sunny days provide the greatest visibility across the entire Taipei basin.
Access to the observation decks requires a paid ticket, while the lower shopping mall floors are free to explore. It is recommended to book observatory tickets online in advance to skip long lines.
Take the Taipei Metro Red Line (Tamsui-Xinyi Line) directly to Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station. Exit 4 connects straight into the basement level of the Taipei 101 shopping mall.
Tips for visiting
- Check the visibility forecast on the ground floor displays before purchasing your observatory ticket.
- Plan your ascent about an hour before sunset to experience both daytime and illuminated night views.
- Visit the multi-story luxury shopping mall and diverse basement food court after visiting the deck.
- Combine your visit with a short hike up nearby Elephant Mountain for postcard-worthy photos of the tower itself.
- Expect the outdoor observation platform to close temporarily during heavy rain or strong wind.
Taipei 101 FAQ
Is the outdoor observation deck always open?
The outdoor observation deck on the 91st floor opens only when weather conditions allow. On rainy or extremely windy days, access is restricted for visitor safety. However, the 89th-floor indoor observatory remains open regardless of weather.
What is the massive gold sphere inside the building?
The giant sphere is a tuned mass damper, an advanced engineering feature weighing 660 metric tons. It counteracts tower movement caused by high winds and earthquakes by swaying in the opposite direction. It is one of the few dampers in the world visible to the public.
Is Taipei 101 accessible for wheelchair users and strollers?
Yes, Taipei 101 is fully accessible with elevators, ramps, and dedicated facilities throughout the mall and observatory. Strollers and wheelchairs can be navigated easily across the main observation levels. Rental wheelchairs are also available at the information desk.
Are there dining options inside Taipei 101?
Yes, the building features an extensive international food court in the basement alongside high-end restaurants on the upper floors. The famous Taiwanese dumpling chain Din Tai Fung is located on the lower level and is extremely popular. High-altitude cafes are also situated within the observatory.
More things to do in Taipei
National Palace Museum Museum
Explore an extraordinary collection of nearly 700,000 ancient Chinese imperial imperial artifacts and treasures.
Raohe Street Night Market Food
Savor famous black pepper buns, stinky tofu, and herbal ribs along a historic temple-front street.
Elephant Mountain Nature
Climb the steep stone steps of this urban peak to catch the quintessential sunset postcard view of Taipei.
Ximending Neighborhood
Wander through a neon-soaked pedestrian district packed with youth fashion, street performers, and movie theaters.
Beitou Hot Springs Activity
Take the subway north to unwind in therapeutic mineral baths nestled in a lush thermal valley.
Longshan Temple Landmark
Experience centuries of spiritual heritage at this ornate, bustling temple honoring Buddhist and Taoist deities.
Dihua Street Shopping
Stroll Taipei's oldest commercial thoroughfare lined with traditional herbal shops, tea merchants, and chic craft cafes.
AI-written guide, last updated 2026-10-09. Check opening times and ticket prices on the official website before you go. Photos: lccrichard, Hugo_ob on Pixabay.