Alaobie Park
Beautiful park unknown to most foreign tourists
Beitou
Hot springs in the mountains above Taipei
Beitou (北投) is a famous hot spring town and the northernmost district in Taipei. It’s long been the most popular spot for Taipei residents to take a relaxing day trip, as it’s both very accessible and cheap to get to from the city. It’s also just to the south of Yangmingshan National Park, so many people go for a hike there in the mountains, then return to Beitou to relax in the hot springs or get a massage.
Things to do
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Longnice Public Bath
Hot spring dating back to 1913
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Beitou Hot Spring Resort
Beitou’s most popular spot for a hot spring soak
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Xinbeitou Historic Station
Interesting historical spot for train fans
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Beitou Hot Spring Museum
Learn about Taiwan’s long hot spring history
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Kawayu Spa
Experience a Japanese onsen near Taipei
How to get there
By Taipei Metro
While there is a station called Beitou on the Taipei Metro, most of the action actually takes place nearby to Xinbeitou Station. Travelers first need to make their way to Beitou Station, and then join a small branch line that goes to Xinbeitou. The route can be done on Taipei Metro’s red line from Taipei Station (30 minutes, NT$50), or Tamsui Station if coming from the north (25 minutes, NT$50).
By bicycle
There is a YouBike station just outside Xinbeitou Station, to the left after the exit. It’s perfectly possible to cycle here, but as you head north towards Yangmingshan National Park the hills start to get rather steep. In such cases it’s probably best to take the bus or use a rental car. The necessary bus routes are given in each destination page.