Qiang Huang
Quick look: what you'll learn
I've been guiding tours in Taipei for over 8 years. And every single time I walk a group toward Taipei 101, the same question comes up: "Is it really worth going up?" The short answer? It depends on when you go and what you expect. Let me break it down so you don't waste NT$600.
The verdict: yes or no?
Yes, but only under two conditions: you go on a clear day, and you avoid the midday horde. I've had guests who went up at 2 PM in July and couldn't see a thing through the haze—total waste. But catch it at sunset on a winter afternoon, and the view will stick with you forever.
Ticket prices & how to skip the line
| Ticket type | Price (NTD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (regular) | 600 | ~$20 USD |
| Student / child (12-17) | 450 | Need valid ID |
| Senior (65+) | 300 | Only for locals |
| Express (skip-the-line) | 900 | Pre-book on Klook |
Where to buy? I always book on Klook or Trip.com—saves about 10% and you don't have to fiddle with the self-service kiosk. The official website works, but you'll need to navigate Chinese. Pro tip: If you're American or European, your credit card might not work on the Taiwanese app. Use Klook—they take PayPal.
Best time to go (crowd & light)
Golden hour: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM (winter) or 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM (summer). You get daylight, sunset, and city lights all in one visit. I tell my groups: arrive at 4, grab a coffee at 89F, watch the sun drop, then stay for the night view. That's the sweet spot.
Avoid: Weekends and Taiwanese holidays (especially Lunar New Year, October 10th). The queue for the elevator can hit 40 minutes. Weekday mornings before 11 AM are also quiet.
What to do inside
Most people just snap photos from the 89F observatory and leave. Don't. Here's my personal route:
- 89F (indoor): 360° view. Walk the whole circle—the north side has the best cityscape.
- 91F (outdoor): Take the stairs up. Open 10:00-21:00. Windy but no glass reflection. This is where you get that famous Instagram shot.
- 88F (coral exhibit): Small display of 360 coral sculptures. Nice break, but skip if short on time.
- 1F-5F (mall): Luxury brands only. Unless you're shopping for LV, just walk through.
Timing: Budget 1.5-2 hours total. If you add the food court in the basement (B1), make it 2.5.
Common mistakes tourists make
- Buying tickets at the booth without checking the wait. The express pass is worth it if the line is long. Look at the elevator queue before paying.
- Forgetting to bring a wide-angle lens. The viewing deck is narrow; your phone's normal lens won't capture the full scope. A cheap clip-on wide lens helps.
- Going straight to 89F and ignoring the outdoor deck. The indoor glass reflects too much. Outdoor 91F is superior.
- Not verifying the exit elevator. After visiting, you must take a dedicated elevator down to 5F. Don't follow signs to the mall elevators—you'll get lost.
FAQ
Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team.
I visited during Lunar New Year and caught the fireworks from the 91st floor—unforgettable. The energy was electric, and the staff handed out free champagne to guests. Even without the holiday vibe, the indoor observation level has these cool interactive displays about the building's engineering. Plus the Starbucks at the top is the highest in the world? That alone made it worth the trip. A definite bucket-list tick.
As a photographer, I was in heaven. Went on a clear morning right when it opened—hardly any crowds, and the light was perfect for capturing the city skyline and the surrounding hills. They allow tripods on the outdoor deck (wind permitting), and the reflective glass made for some killer shots. Even the architecture inside is photogenic. If you love cityscapes, this is a dream spot. Highly recommend timing it right.
Absolutely blew me away! Went right before sunset and watched the city lights flicker on one by one. The observation deck is spacious, the staff were super friendly, and they even have free audio guides that explain the building's design. The view of the mountains behind Taipei was stunning. I could've stayed up there all night. 100% worth every penny—skip the night markets if you have to, but don't miss this.
Pretty solid experience overall. The high-speed elevator is cool—my ears popped like crazy. The observatory offers a great 360° view, but I went on a hazy day so visibility wasn't perfect. The little souvenir shop had some unique items, though a bit overpriced. I'd say it's worth doing once, especially if you get the combo ticket with the mall. Just don't expect crystal-clear panoramas.
Honestly, I was a bit underwhelmed. The line for the elevator took forever—over an hour on a Tuesday afternoon. Once I got up, the view was nice, but the glass floor section felt smaller than I expected, and the windows were pretty smudgy. For the ticket price (almost $20), I'd rather spend the money on a fancy dinner elsewhere. Not awful, but not a must-do for me.