18 Free and Cheap Things to Do in Taipei, Taiwan: Discover the City on a Budget

Taipei might look like a city of shiny skyscrapers and designer shops, but peel back a layer and you’ll find a place that welcomes curious travellers, even those on a tight budget. From centuries-old temples and riverside bike rides to bustling night markets and secret gardens, here’s how to explore Taipei without breaking the bank.

Also read: 21 Cheap and Free Things to Do in Tokyo: A 2025 Budget Travel Guide

New Taipei Metropolitan Park (Erchong Floodway Riverside Park)

This sprawling riverside park in New Taipei City is a peaceful escape from the urban buzz, offering vast green spaces, scenic cycling paths and seasonal flower fields. It’s free to enter and perfect for picnics, walks or family outings.

The park also features the Xiong Hou Sen Theme Park, a colourful playground inspired by Taiwan’s native wildlife, with numerous slides and play structures for children. For those who enjoy cycling, the Erchong Circular Bikeway loops around the park, providing a gentle 20-kilometre ride with riverside views.

Wander through Daan Forest Park

Known as Taipei’s “Central Park”, Daan Forest Park is a leafy escape in the middle of the city. It’s the kind of place where people walk dogs, play music or just sit under a tree with a book. Best of all, it’s completely free, and a perfect spot to catch your breath between sightseeing.

Visit the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Even if you know nothing about Taiwan’s modern history, this sprawling complex is worth a visit. Climb the grand white steps, watch the hourly changing of the guards and stroll through gardens dotted with ponds and pavilions. The whole experience doesn’t cost a thing.

Watch the guards at Martyrs’ Shrine

Another spot famous for its precision and ceremony, the Martyrs’ Shrine hosts an hourly guard change against a backdrop of traditional Chinese architecture. It’s both impressive and completely free to watch, and the surrounding grounds are peaceful, too.

Explore Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

Part monument, part public gathering space, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall often surprises visitors. Outside, locals practise dance routines and tai chi, while inside, you can find free exhibitions or catch the guards on duty. It’s a slice of local daily life that costs nothing to enjoy.

Feel the atmosphere at Longshan Temple

Step inside this centuries-old temple in Wanhua and you’ll smell incense, hear chanting and see locals quietly making offerings. It’s one of the most atmospheric places in the city, and entry is always free. Even if you don’t stay long, it leaves an impression.

Step into the Confucius Temple

Just a few stops from the city centre, this quieter temple is dedicated to the great philosopher. It has graceful wooden halls and decorative gates, and sometimes hosts free cultural performances or music. It’s a calm counterpoint to Taipei’s busier sights.

Explore Huashan 1914 Creative Park

What was once a sake factory is now a cultural playground. At Huashan 1914, you can see murals, pop-up art shows and live music in the courtyards, most of it free. Even if you don’t catch an exhibition, it’s a fun place to explore, people-watch and snap photos.

Hunt for murals at Bopiliao Historic Block

Step back in time on these narrow brick lanes lined with restored Qing- and Japanese-era buildings. Signs explain the area’s past, and art installations bring the walls to life. It’s free to wander, and makes for surprisingly atmospheric photos.

Chill at Beitou Public Library and Hot Spring Museum

Up in Beitou, you’ll find the city’s famous hot spring district. You don’t need to book a spa to visit: the beautiful wooden public library and the small but fascinating Hot Spring Museum are both free to enter, making for a peaceful half-day escape.

Stroll around 228 Peace Memorial Park

Right in central Taipei, this park is both a green retreat and a place of historical memory. Locals nap under trees or feed the pigeons, and you can quietly reflect near the memorial monument. The adjoining National Taiwan Museum charges a small fee, but it’s free to walk the grounds.

Visit the Jianguo Holiday Flower Market

Every weekend, stalls set up under the highway near Daan Park, transforming the space into a sea of orchids, succulents and bonsai. You don’t have to buy anything to enjoy the colours and smells and browsing here is not only a fun but beautiful experience.

Also read: 10 Day Trips from Taipei You Shouldn’t Miss: Taiwan’s Overlooked Gems

Browse Eslite Bookstore late at night

This famous Taiwanese bookstore is open late (some branches even 24 hours) and is as much about atmosphere as books. You can leaf through art volumes, listen to music or just soak in the calm without spending a dollar.

Watch the sunset at Tamsui Old Street

Take the MRT north to Tamsui and you’ll find a riverside boardwalk, historic temples and plenty of cheap snacks. As the sun dips behind the mountains, the river reflects shades of gold and pink, giving you a moment that feels priceless.

Walk or cycle at Dadaocheng Wharf

Near the historic Dihua Street, this riverside stretch has been redeveloped into a leisure area with cycle paths, markets and views of the city skyline. It’s free to walk, and YouBike hire is just a few coins if you’d rather ride.

Explore Shilin or Raohe Night Market

Even if you don’t buy much, Taipei’s night markets are a show of sights, smells and sounds. Shilin is the biggest; Raohe is cosier but full of character. Snacks are cheap (often NT$50–100), and just wandering is free.

Catch street performances in Ximending

Taipei’s youth district is alive with dance crews, cosplay groups and musicians, especially on weekends. There’s always something happening around the pedestrian plaza, and you can watch for as long (or little) as you like.

Visit free art galleries and creative parks

From Songshan Cultural and Creative Park to small independent galleries, Taipei often has free art exhibitions. Check what’s on locally: you might stumble on design fairs, student shows or pop-up installations without paying an entry fee.

Extra tips for staying on budget in Taipei

Getting around for less

Taipei’s MRT is clean, quick and affordable, with most trips costing between NT$20 and NT$65 (~S$0.87 to S$2.84). Pick up an EasyCard or iPASS for small savings and extra convenience. For something different, rent a YouBike from just NT$10 (~S$0.44) per half-hour and enjoy the riverside cycle paths that locals love.

Eating well on a budget

Night markets and street stalls are your best friend here, serving beef noodles, fried chicken and peanut ice cream rolls for around NT$100–150 (~S$4.37 to S$6.56). If you fancy something trendier, order a few small plates to share. You’ll taste more without spending more.

Also read: What to Eat in Taiwan 2025: Trending Foods, Street Snacks & Local Favourites

Free moments that matter

Often, the most memorable parts of Taipei don’t cost a thing: resting in the shade of an old temple, watching dancers in Ximending or catching the sunset by the river. Travelling cheaply here doesn’t feel like a compromise. Instead, it’s a chance to see the city the way locals do.