Our next destination for the day was the world-renowned—and once one of the tallest buildings in the world—Taipei 101.
Honestly, I feel like any trip to Taiwan isn’t complete without seeing this tower. It’s one of those landmarks you recognize even before you arrive, but somehow still manages to surprise you when you finally stand in front of it.
I had seen Taipei 101 countless times in photos and videos, but nothing prepared me for how huge it actually is. I remember stopping mid-walk, looking up, and just standing there quietly for a few seconds. No words. Just awe. It felt surreal knowing I was about to go all the way up there.
๐ Lunch First (Because You Can’t Go Up Hungry)
Before heading up, we decided to have lunch at the Taipei 101 Food Court—and honestly, that alone could be an experience.
There were so many food choices that I didn’t know where to start. Taiwanese dishes, noodles, rice meals, familiar Asian favorites, and things I couldn’t even pronounce. I stood there longer than I’d like to admit, reading menus over and over.
๐ก My very honest
advice:
If you’re overwhelmed, go for something familiar—or just follow your instinct.
Chances are, it’ll be good anyway. Eat well first because once you head up, the
focus shifts from food to views.
After lunch, we felt recharged, calmer, and ready for what I secretly felt was the highlight of the day.
๐️ Entering Through Taipei 101 Mall (5F)
We went up to the 5th floor of Taipei 101 Mall, which is where individual travelers like us should enter to buy tickets.
The mall itself feels sleek and polished, but what mattered more was the anticipation building up as we queued for the observatory. This was it.
๐ Personal tip:
Enter via 5F, not B1. B1 is mostly for tour groups, and if you’re
traveling independently, 5F is less chaotic and more relaxed.
๐ The Elevator Ride I’ll Never Forget
Then came the elevator.
We took the Guinness World Record–holding high-speed elevator, traveling at 1,010 meters per minute. I knew it was fast, but I didn’t expect it to feel that fast.
๐ In just 37–38 seconds, we were already on the 89th floor, 382 meters above ground. I actually recorded our ride by taking a video of the lights on the elevator's ceiling.
My ears popped. My stomach did a little flip. And before I could even process it, the doors opened—and there we were.
Just like that.
๐ผ️ 88F Beauty of Taiwan Multimedia Corridor (A Quiet Surprise)
Before fully stepping into the observatory, we passed through the 88F Beauty of Taiwan Multimedia Corridor—and I’m really glad we didn’t rush this part.
This corridor showcases Taiwan’s natural beauty through multimedia displays and 270-degree scenic views. Mountains, coastlines, landscapes—it felt like a visual love letter to the island.
Walking through it made me pause. It reminded me that Taipei 101 isn’t just about height or engineering—it’s also about identity.
Along the corridor is Treasure Sky, a subtle but elegant display of unique jewel crafts inspired by Taiwanese culture. It’s easy to miss if you’re rushing, so slow down. This part deserves attention.
⚙️ Meeting the Super Big Wind Damper (Unexpectedly Emotional)
At the end of the corridor, we finally saw the famous Super Big Wind Damper—and I didn’t expect it to impress me this much.
This massive golden sphere:
- Is 5.5 meters in diameter
- Weighs 660 tons
- Is suspended inside the building
- Helps Taipei 101 stand strong against typhoons and earthquakes
Standing in front of it, I felt a strange sense of reassurance. Taiwan experiences earthquakes, yet here was proof of how thoughtfully and carefully this tower was built. It’s not rigid—it adapts.
Somehow, that felt symbolic.
๐ญ 89F Indoor Observatory: Taipei in Silence
At the 89F Indoor Observatory, I slowed down.
I walked from one side to another, looking out at the city. Roads became thin lines. Buildings turned into blocks. The mountains framed everything beautifully. Up there, Taipei felt calm—almost gentle.
Inside the observatory, you’ll also find:
- ๐ญ High-powered binoculars
- ๐ง A free audio tour in 11 languages
- ๐️ A museum explaining how Taipei 101 (and other mega-structures) were built
- ๐ธ Professional photo services
- ๐ฅค Light refreshments
I didn’t rush. I just stood there, quietly taking it in.
๐ช The “Glass Floor” Illusion (I Was Genuinely Scared)
Then came that moment—the glass floor area.
I froze. ๐ญ
My feet refused to move.
It looks like you can see straight down, and my brain immediately panicked. Someone later explained to me that it’s not actually a transparent glass floor. It’s more like a mirror-like surface that reflects the upper floors, creating an illusion of depth.
Did that stop me from being scared? Not really. ๐
๐ก If you’re scared like me:
- Step slowly
- Don’t look down right away
- Hold onto someone (pride can wait)
- Take one photo… then decide if you want to stay longer
๐ฌ️ 91F Outdoor Observatory (If You’re Lucky)
From the 89th floor, you can take the stairs to the 91F Outdoor Observatory—but only when weather conditions allow.
From there:
- You can see the 508-meter spire
- Feel the strong wind (hold onto your things!)
- Watch short films inside about:
- The construction of Taipei 101
- The famous New Year’s fireworks
๐ Note:
91F isn’t always open, so treat it as a bonus experience.
๐ผ️ Don’t Rush Down Just Yet
After the views, don’t rush back to the elevator.
Explore the other galleries and displays on the same floor. Read the panels. Watch the videos. Sit for a while.
Because sometimes, you don’t know when—or if—you’ll ever be back.
And places like this deserve more than a quick glance.
⚠️ Important Things to Know
- ๐ซ No food allowed inside the observatory
- ๐ Improper attire or slippers may result in denied entry
- ๐งฅ It gets cool inside—bring a light layer
๐ก Helpful Tips & Updates
✔️ Best time to visit: Late
afternoon (day + night views)
✔️
Weekdays are less crowded
✔️
Dress in layers—it’s cool inside
✔️
Eat before going up
✔️
Enjoy the view first, take photos later
๐ Update: Taipei 101 Observatory continues to operate smoothly, with exhibits and facilities well-maintained for visitors.
Related Post: ๐️ How to Get to Taipei 101 (MRT Guide + Observatory Tips for First Timers)
Up there, above the noise and movement of the city, everything felt slower. I felt smaller—but in a comforting way. It reminded me that travel isn’t always about ticking off landmarks or getting the perfect photo. Sometimes, it’s about standing still long enough to feel grateful that you made it there at all.
I was scared on the glass floor. I was overwhelmed by the height. I was quiet longer than usual. And oddly enough, that’s what made it special.
Taipei 101 wasn’t just a tower I visited—it was a moment where I realized how far I’d come as a traveler. From dreaming about places like this, to finally standing there, looking out at a city that once felt so far away.
And as we descended back into the streets of Taipei, I carried that feeling with me—knowing that even when the journey goes back to ground level, the perspective stays.
Some views don’t end when you leave the observatory.
They stay with you, long after the doors close.
๐ฟ Lakwatserang Ligaw Quote
✨“Some views don’t just show you a city—they remind you how far you’ve come to even stand there.”๐
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