Popular Observation Decks in Taipei

Taipei 101 Observatory is the most classic choice, offering a 360-degree indoor view of the city's night scenery, with its vibrant lights stretching as far as the eye can see. For those who enjoy combining nature with hiking, Elephant Mountain trail is an excellent option, providing an outdoor vantage point to capture the iconic Taipei 101 and the city skyline together. Additionally, the Ferris wheel at Miramar Entertainment Park offers a different high-altitude experience, allowing you to enjoy the night views of Neihu and the distant cityscape as you ascend slowly, creating a romantic atmosphere. Each of these locations provides a unique perspective to appreciate Taipei's enchanting nightscape from different angles.

From Taipei's observation decks, you can usually see many city landmarks and natural landscapes. The most prominent is Taipei 101 itself (unless you are on it), whose towering height serves as the best backdrop. You might also spot the clusters of high-rise department stores in the bustling Xinyi District, the winding Keelung River, the distant Yangmingshan mountain range, the red tiled roofs of the Grand Hotel, and even planes taking off and landing at Songshan Airport. During the day, you can admire the urban layout and verdant mountains, while at night, the city transforms into a dazzling panorama of lights, showcasing Taipei's diverse charm.

Taipei 101 Observatory offers an indoor, comfortable, and 360-degree panoramic experience. From hundreds of meters up, you can overlook the unobstructed city views, feeling the awe of being among the clouds. Elephant Mountain, on the other hand, is a natural viewpoint that requires hiking to reach. Its main characteristic is its ability to frame Taipei 101 as the focal point, along with the surrounding cityscape, creating a classic photographic composition. The two offer vastly different experiences: one is the ultimate urban vista from a modern skyscraper, while the other is a unique perspective that blends natural surroundings with city landmarks.

The best time to visit a Taipei observation deck depends on the view you wish to capture. To witness the magical transition from sunset to night, it's recommended to arrive about an hour before sunset. This allows you to enjoy the daytime city views, the brilliant colors of the setting sun, and the sparkling night lights as the city awakens, offering a multi-sensory visual feast. If you prefer a clear overview of the city and distant mountains, daytime visits are ideal. Avoiding crowds on weekends and public holidays generally leads to a more comfortable viewing experience.

Advance booking for Taipei 101 Observatory is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, weekends, or popular times (like sunset), to avoid on-site queues and ensure smooth entry. You can book through the official Taipei 101 Observatory website or authorized online ticketing platforms. For instance, platforms like KKday offer booking services with Chinese customer support and flexible cancellation policies, which can help with itinerary planning and alleviate language barriers, making your visit more seamless and worry-free.

Apart from the iconic Taipei 101, other high-rise buildings and facilities in Taipei offer opportunities to admire the city views. For example, rooftop terraces at some department stores feature cafes or restaurants where you can enjoy high-altitude vistas while dining. Additionally, many well-known hotels have high-floor bars or restaurants celebrated for their excellent city views, offering a combination of fine dining and stunning scenery. While not a building observatory, the Ferris wheel at Miramar Entertainment Park also provides a different dynamic viewing pleasure, allowing you to overlook Neihu and the urban landscape from a high vantage point.

Getting to Taipei 101 Observatory is very convenient, with public transportation being the primary method. You can take the Taipei Metro Tamsui-Xinyi Line (Red Line) to 'Taipei 101/World Trade Center' station and exit via Exit 4 to reach the Taipei 101 mall; the observatory entrance is on the 5th floor. Numerous city bus routes also pass by the Taipei 101 area, allowing you to choose a suitable route based on your starting point. Whether you take the MRT or a bus, you can easily reach this famous landmark.

When photographing from Taipei's observation decks, capturing the sunset or night view is a classic choice. It's recommended to shoot during the blue hour (the brief period after sunset when the sky still retains some glow) for a beautiful contrast between city lights and the twilight sky. If you're at an indoor observatory, try to place your lens as close to the glass as possible and use dark clothing to minimize reflections for clearer images. For outdoor spots like Elephant Mountain, a wide-angle lens is recommended to capture the entirety of Taipei 101 and the cityscape. Additionally, utilizing the binoculars or special art installations available at some observation points can create unique visual effects.

The Xinyi District, where Taipei 101 Observatory is located, is the commercial and culinary heart of Taipei, offering a wide variety of dining choices. Within and around the Taipei 101 building, you'll find numerous high-end restaurants, international food chains, and exotic cuisines. Adjacent department stores (such as Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, Breeze Nan Shan, ATT 4 FUN, etc.) house various themed restaurants, food courts, and cafes, catering to all tastes and budgets from casual snacks to fine dining. Within walking distance, you'll also discover charming cafes and street food stalls.

Whether you need to book in advance to visit Taipei observation decks depends on the specific location you plan to visit. For the most popular observation decks with ticket limitations, such as Taipei 101 Observatory, advance booking is strongly recommended, especially during weekends, public holidays, or special festive periods, to ensure smooth entry and save valuable waiting time. However, for some free outdoor viewpoints, like the Elephant Mountain trail, no reservation is needed, and you can visit anytime to enjoy the scenery.