Taipei 101 is the 508-metre skyscraper that defines the Taipei skyline. Designed by C.Y. Lee & Partners and opened at the end of 2004, it was the world’s tallest building until Dubai’s Burj Khalifa overtook it in 2010. Its stacked, bamboo-like segments of eight floors each are a nod to growth and good fortune.
Today the tower combines offices, a large luxury shopping mall and the observatory on the 88th and 89th floors, with an optional visit to the 101st floor and the guided Skyline 460 outdoor walk.
Plan your visit to Taipei 101
- Entry: from TWD 600 (adults)
- Open daily 10:00–21:00
- Time needed: 1–2 hours
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History of Taipei 101
Construction started in 1999 and the tower was officially opened on 31 December 2004. Because Taipei sits in an earthquake and typhoon zone, the building uses huge mega-columns and a 660-tonne tuned mass damper, a steel sphere suspended near the top that sways to counteract movement. You can see it from the observatory level.
In 2011 Taipei 101 received LEED Platinum certification for energy efficiency. Since 2004 its New Year’s Eve fireworks, launched from the tower itself, have become one of Taiwan’s best-known celebrations.
Attractions at Taipei 101
- 89F observatory: 360-degree indoor views over Taipei, with audio guides and telescopes.
- Tuned mass damper: the giant golden damper, visible from the observatory levels.
- 101F: an optional add-on to the top floor of the tower.
- Skyline 460: a small-group guided walk on the outdoor platform at 460 metres (minimum height 145 cm, scheduled sessions only).
- Taipei 101 Mall: five floors of shops, with a food court and restaurants on B1.
Things to Do at Taipei 101
- Ride the high-speed lift: it reaches the 89th floor in under 40 seconds.
- Time your visit for sunset: arrive in late afternoon to see the city in daylight and after dark.
- Shop and eat: browse the mall and try soup dumplings at Din Tai Fung on B1.
- Combine with a hike: climb nearby Elephant Mountain for the classic view of the tower itself.
Taipei 101 – Entry Eligibility and Open Timings
- Hours: observatory open daily 10:00–21:00 (last entry earlier; check taipei-101.com.tw before you go).
- Tickets: TWD 600 adults, TWD 540 concession; children under 115 cm free with an adult. 101F add-on TWD 380; priority pass TWD 1,200; Skyline 460 TWD 3,000.
- Skyline 460: minimum height 145 cm; no high heels or skirts.
Tickets and tours for Taipei 101
- Observatory ticket (89F, with 101F, fast-track and Skyline 460 options): on Klook
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How Long to Spend at Taipei 101
Allow 1–1.5 hours for the observatory and 1–2 more hours if you plan to shop or eat in the mall.
How to Get There
- MRT: take the Red (Tamsui–Xinyi) Line to Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station; Exit 4 leads straight into the building.
- Bus: many city buses stop on Xinyi Road and Songzhi Road nearby.
- Taxi: about 15–20 minutes from Taipei Main Station, depending on traffic.
The observatory ticket office is on the 5th floor of the mall.
Arriving at Taoyuan International Airport? Book a fixed-price airport transfer straight to your hotel in Taipei.
Eateries Nearby Taipei 101
- Din Tai Fung: the famous xiaolongbao chain has a branch on B1 of Taipei 101 Mall (expect a queue).
- Taipei 101 food court: quick, affordable Taiwanese and Asian dishes on B1.
- Xinyi department stores: the nearby Shin Kong Mitsukoshi and Breeze malls have food halls and restaurants.
Other Attractions Nearby Taipei 101
- Elephant Mountain: a short, steep trail with the best view of Taipei 101.
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall: one MRT stop away, with gardens and a changing of the guard.
- Songshan Cultural and Creative Park: a former tobacco factory turned design hub.
- Raohe Street Night Market: a popular night market by Songshan Station.
Before your trip
- Find hotels in Taipei: Xinyi, Da’an and the Taipei Main Station area are convenient bases on the MRT.
- Get a Taiwan eSIM on Klook before you land (unlimited data, Chunghwa Telecom network).
Taipei 101 is Taipei’s signature landmark: a 508-metre tower with a fast lift, a famous tuned mass damper and sweeping views from the 89th-floor observatory. Book ahead for the 101F add-on or the Skyline 460 outdoor walk, and go near sunset for day and night views.
Pair your visit with the hike up Elephant Mountain for the classic photo of the tower, or head across the city to the National Palace Museum.
