This postmodern skyscraper is the symbol of the city and the tallest building (capable of being fully occupied) in the world. It looks really great at night because of its illumination and, although the observatories entrance ticket is a little bit expensive, it worths a visit to enjoy the view of the city and take a look into the internal structure and its tuned mass damper; specialy designed to withstand earthquakes and typhoons. The entrance to the mall and restaurants is free.
Things to do
Three years ago, during a demolition process designed to renew this area near Ximen station, the ruins of the Xi Ben Yuan Temple (西本願寺) complex were discovered. The complex was built between 1896 and 1929 by a Taiwan branch of the Japanese Shinso Hongan Temple Buddhist sect. Nowadays there's not much left of the Main Hall, but the Rinbansho (the residence of the head priest), the bell tower and other structures are still standing.
The Hello Kitty lounge at TWN airport is a really nice place. It really makes the time waiting for a flight pass easier, but be careful you don't miss the flight because you are taking photos with kitty,, haha!!
Located just in front of the Taipei Main Station, it was the tallest building in the city until 2004, when it was dwarfed by Taipei 101. Yet today it's really impressive and works like a lighthouse as it's visible from much of the city. It's also one of the largest shopping malls in Taipei held by the Japanese company Mitsukoshi.
Lovely park located just in front of the Presidential Office Building that houses a monument dedicated to Lin Sen; President of the National Government of the Republic of China from 1931 until 1943.
