Taipei 101 Observatory Experience Report and Tips for Night Photography

easyta
4 hours ago
2 min read

One of the must-visit spots during a trip to Taiwan is Taipei’s iconic landmark, Taipei 101. Standing 508 meters tall with 101 floors, it’s one of the most famous skyscrapers in Asia. Here is a full report of my observatory experience along with tips for capturing beautiful night views.

1. How to Get to Taipei 101 Observatory

The most convenient way is by MRT.

Nearest Station: Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station (Red Line)
About a 5-minute walk from the station, and it’s connected from the underground—perfect even on rainy days.

Tickets are available both on-site and online. Booking in advance helps reduce wait time. The admission fee is around 600 TWD. It may feel a bit pricey, but totally worth it.

2. Observatory Experience

The elevator is among the fastest in the world, taking only 37 seconds to reach the 89th-floor observatory. The LED display showing the elevation adds to the excitement.

The observatory offers a 360-degree panoramic view, overlooking Taipei City, the Tamsui River, and the surrounding mountains. The best time to visit is from sunset to night, when you can enjoy both twilight scenery and stunning night views.

3. Tips for Night Photography

Taipei 101 Observatory is a popular night-view spot. Here are some useful tips to help you capture better photos.

(1) Tripods are not allowed — but you can still stabilize your shot

Although tripods are prohibited, you can use:

A mini tripod for smartphones
Built-in stabilization

(2) Shooting through glass

Since the observatory is fully enclosed:

Place your lens directly against the glass to avoid reflections
Adjust angles to eliminate glare

This makes your night shots much clearer.

(3) Use the right shooting mode

Use night mode or long exposure mode
Set low ISO and slow shutter speed for sharper, more vibrant photos.

(4) Arrive before sunset

This allows you to capture daytime → sunset → night view in one visit.

4. Recommended Shooting Spots

South-facing windows: Perfect for city-scape and sunset shots
North-facing windows: Great for photos of the Tamsui River and mountains during the day
Outdoor deck (seasonal): Offers a wide-open, refreshing view

5. Other Things to Enjoy at Taipei 101

Besides the observatory, Taipei 101 also offers:

A food court with Taiwanese dishes
Luxury brand stores
Exclusive Taipei 101 souvenirs

The Taipei 101 Observatory is a must-visit attraction in Taiwan, offering stunning views both day and night. With a few photography tips, you can capture beautiful shots even with your smartphone.

If you plan to visit, try going around sunset and into the evening to enjoy the best scenery and night views.