Yan Zhou
Quick Navigation
I've taken hundreds of first‑timers up Taipei 101. And every single time, someone shows up with the wrong ticket, stands in the wrong line, or leaves disappointed because they couldn't see a thing through the fog.
Let me save you that trouble. Here's exactly how to visit Taipei 101 — no fluff, just the stuff I wish every traveler knew before stepping into the elevator.
Tickets & Prices (What Actually Works)
Skip the main counter downstairs. That queue can eat 40 minutes of your life. Instead, book online or use the self‑service kiosks near the entrance. I always tell my guests: pre‑book on Klook — it's cheaper and you get a dedicated lane. Here's the real breakdown:
| Ticket Type | On‑Site Price (NTD) | Online Price (NTD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult (Observation Deck 89) | 600 | 540 (Klook) | Includes 88th floor |
| Child (6‑12) / Senior (65+) | 450 | 410 | Need ID for seniors |
| Express Combo (89+91 Outdoor) | 900 | 780 | Worth it on clear days |
| Taipei 101 + Zoo Combo | — | 850 | Good deal if you do both |
Pro tip: Don't buy the combo with the mall vouchers unless you actually plan to shop. Those vouchers have restrictions that often expire the same day.
Best Time to Visit Taipei 101
Here's the non‑consensus truth: avoid sunset entirely. I know every blogger says “go for sunset.” But between 4:30pm and 6pm, the observation deck is packed shoulder‑to‑shoulder. You'll fight for a window spot, and the golden hour light bounces off the glass, creating terrible reflections in your photos.
Instead, go at 10:00am on a weekday right when it opens. The light is crisp, the crowds are thin, and you can walk around freely. Or if you want night views, come at 8:00pm — most tour groups have left, and the city lights are stunning.
How to Get to Taipei 101
Take the MRT Red Line (R) to Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station, Exit 4. You'll walk right into the mall basement. Follow the signs to “Observation Deck” — takes about 5 minutes.
Driving? Parking is expensive (NTD 40/hour at the mall). Better to Uber or taxi. From Taipei Main Station, it's about NTD 200–250 and takes 20 minutes without traffic. If you're staying near Xinyi District, just walk — it's a nice 10‑minute stroll through the shopping area.
What to See & Do Inside
The elevator ride to the 89th floor takes 37 seconds — and your ears will pop. Once you're up, don't just stand at the main windows. Walk all the way around; the north side offers a killer view of the mountains, while the south side looks over the city grid. The 88th floor has a coral display and a tiny souvenir shop that's less crowded than the one on 89.
If you got the combo ticket, head up to the 91st floor outdoor observatory. It's open only when weather permits, and it's windy up there — hold onto your hat and phone. I've seen phones fly off. The view is unobstructed, so it's the best spot for photos.
Honestly, you don't need more than 1.5 hours inside. The mall downstairs (Taipei 101 Mall) has luxury brands and a food court — but the food court is overpriced. I'd rather eat at the nearby Xinyi Market for real local food.
Money‑Saving Tips
- Buy the Klook pass: Even if you book just one hour before, you save NTD 60 per adult.
- Use the Taipei Fun Pass: If you're visiting multiple attractions (e.g., Maokong Gondola, National Palace Museum), this pass covers Taipei 101 entry and saves you up to 20%.
- Skip the Audio Guide: The NTD 150 audio guide is boring. Instead, download the free “Taipei 101” app — it has the same content and a map.
- No need to buy the photo package: The staff will take your picture against a green screen and try to sell it for NTD 500. The result looks fake. Just use your own phone.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Going on a rainy day. The humidity inside fogs up the windows. Even if the rain stops, the glass stays foggy for hours. Check the 24‑hour forecast.
2. Carrying large bags. There's no free locker for big suitcases. You'll have to haul them with you. Leave luggage at the hotel or use a locker at Taipei Main Station for NTD 50.
3. Trying to use your international credit card at the ticket counter. The on‑site machines often reject foreign cards. Bring cash or buy online with PayPal. Many tourists have to run to the ATM — save yourself the stress.
4. Ignoring the exit route. When you're done, you take a separate elevator down to the 5th floor, not the mall ground floor. It's confusing. Follow the “Exit” signs, and you'll end up near the food court.
FAQ
Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team.
Honestly, I was a bit let down. I bought the 'skip-the-line' ticket, but the 'fast lane' still had a 20-minute wait because too many people had the same idea. Once inside, the observation deck was packed—I could barely get a spot near the glass. The view is nice, but you can get similar skyline shots from Elephant Mountain for free. For the price, I expected a more polished experience. Probably won’t go again.
Decent experience overall. The fast pass saved us about 30 minutes of waiting, which was nice. The view is impressive, especially on a clear day. However, I felt the entrance fee is a bit steep for what you get—it’s basically just one floor of windows and a small souvenir shop. The staff were polite but not super friendly. Worth doing once, but I wouldn’t rush to repeat it.
I went just before sunset and stayed until the city lit up. The express elevator ride itself is an experience (37 seconds!). The view from the outdoor deck on the 91st floor is unmatched—you can feel a gentle breeze while watching the sky change colors. I used a discount code from a travel blog to get 15% off, so it felt really budget-friendly. This was the highlight of my whole trip!
We bought the 'Fast Pass + Observatory' combo online and saved about 20% compared to the onsite price. The skip-the-line really works—we bypassed a massive snake of people and were on the elevator in under 5 minutes. The 360-degree panorama is stunning, and the indoor viewing area is well air-conditioned. My only tiny regret? I wish I’d brought a better camera. But overall, an absolute must-do in Taipei.
I followed the advice to book an early morning slot via Klook and it was a game-changer. No queues at all at 8:30 AM, straight to the elevator. The view from the 89th floor is breathtaking—you can see the mountains and the city grid perfectly. The observation deck is spacious and clean. Definitely worth every penny, especially if you go before the crowds. Highly recommend!