Things to do in Keelung

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Taiwan

Taipei Palace Museum

7.6

Taipei · 19.2km from Keelung

9.8k reviews

Taipei Palace Museum houses an exceptionally rich collection of artifacts and treasures that span nearly 5,000 years of China's glorious history, with over 650,000 pieces in its collection. Known as the "Treasure House of Chinese Culture," it offers visitors the chance to see its three most prized possessions: the Meat-shaped Stone, Jadeite Cabbage, and Mao-kung Ting. The lifelike forms and exquisite craftsmanship of these masterpieces are truly awe-inspiring. In addition to viewing rare treasures up close, you can also visit the park's Zhishan Garden, Zhide Garden, and the Zhang Daqian Memorial Hall. Get up close to appreciate the art-inspired-by-life Meat-shaped Stone. The Dongpo Meat-shaped Stone is one of China's Four Great Odd Stones and one of the three treasures of the Taipei Palace Museum. The "Jadeite Cabbage" craftsmen skillfully utilized the natural hues of the jadeite, using the deep green tones to depict the layered cabbage leaves. Although the white portions contained cracks and impurities, the artisans ingeniously transformed them into the fresh, moisture-rich stems of the cabbage through clever arrangement. Explore classic calligraphy and painting works to uncover the mysteries of Chinese calligraphy.

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Jiufen

Jiufen Old Street

5.5

New Taipei City · 11.4km from Keelung

1.1k reviews

Jiufen Old Street is located along Jishan Street, Shuqi Road, and Qingjing Road. The traditional-style buildings are built into the mountainside, featuring rows of old houses, narrow streets, and steep stone steps with varying elevations. The winding Jiufen Old Street preserves ancient living customs with its rich nostalgic charm. Red lanterns, narrow alleys, stone steps, and weathered wooden buildings have inspired many films. The street gained renewed fame through "A City of Sadness" and its resemblance to the setting in "Spirited Away." Old Street Delicacies The snacks on Jiufen Old Street are a feast for the eyes. We recommend Apo Lai Taro Balls, located at No. 143 Jishan Street. Their sweet soup or shaved ice is topped with red beans and peanuts. The mixed taro balls are sweet, soft, and delightfully chewy. Another shop, Auntie Taro Balls, offers a narrow dining space with a clear ocean view. Enjoy handmade taro and sweet potato balls while gazing at the sea—a truly relaxing experience. Other must-try treats include red glutinous meatballs, peanut roll ice cream, Hulichang braised snacks, Jiufen tofu pudding, and Jiudaokou beef noodles, all guaranteed to whet your appetite. The Old Street homestay avoids the bustling crowds. Staying overnight in Jiufen is a great choice. Many homestays are built along the slopes, towering and far-reaching. At night, when visitors disperse, the old street suddenly quiets down, leaving only a few lights, as if time has frozen. Enjoying such tranquility alone is truly wonderful.

No. 11 of Family-friendly Attractions in Taiwan

Heping Island Park

5.1

Keelung · 4.1km from downtown

279 reviews

Originally named Sheliao Island, this isle in Zhongzheng District lies northeast of Keelung Harbor. It was among the first places in northern Taiwan visited by Westerners and where Han Chinese settlers first cultivated land in Keelung. Centuries of weathering and wave erosion have sculpted remarkable geological formations along its shores - mushroom rocks, tofu rocks, and marine abrasion platforms - creating what resembles an open-air sculpture museum. Ten distinctive rock formations include: Pig Head Rock, Sphinx Rock, Seal Rock, Mudskipper Rock, Sea Hare Rock, plus five hidden gems in the secluded Alapao Bay: King Kong Rock, Pharaoh Rock, Crocodile Tears Rock, Black Kite Rock, and Leopard Rock. Mountain trail: Approx. 400m in length, this panoramic path runs along the high points of Heping Island Park, offering spectacular views of Keelung Islet, ocean scenery, and unique submarine features from Dengyu Pavilion. The wave-cut platform: This expansive coastal terrace serves as a winter seaweed harvesting ground, where groups of local village women often gather wild sea vegetables, creating a distinctive cultural landscape on the island. Liuxia Beach: With its soft, pristine sands, this beach is perfect for kids to build sandcastles and play, while also offering an ideal spot for sunbathing. Blue Lagoon: In the crystal-clear azure waters, tropical fish and swimming crabs often swim alongside visitors. Safety personnel are on duty year-round to ensure everyone's well-being. Kiss the Sea Pool: A family-friendly facility where kids can get close to marine life, with small fish swimming alongside them, offering a safe space for observing ocean creatures. Angel's Ocean Walkway: This scenic walkway appears like a path leading to the blue sea, making it a perfect photo spot and attraction. It also features a slide that kids love, which leads directly to Liuxia Beach. Ryukyu Fishermen Memorial Monument: In 1905, Ryukyu people gathered here to form a settlement, teaching Keelung's early inhabitants fishing and shipbuilding techniques. They maintained excellent relations with Heping Island residents, prompting Japan to present this monument as a symbol of their friendship. Radar Station View Restaurant: Located at the park's highest point, this former military facility has been transformed into a scenic dining venue. It features a 270-degree ocean-view outdoor plaza and elegant indoor seating, offering both breathtaking views and delicious cuisine.

No. 14 of Night Attractions in Taiwan

Shifen Old Street

5

New Taipei City · 11km from Keelung

590 reviews

Shifen Old Street is closely connected to Shifen Station. Although there are no century-old red brick buildings or well-known architectural styles, the characteristics of the old street close to the railway make it a good place for railway fans to make nostalgic pilgrimages. The sky lantern crafts on the old street The store has always been the sign here, with Hakka floral fabrics and video postcards, injecting new vitality and enthusiasm into the retro Shifen Old Street. The short 10-minute journey is worth spending a few hours savoring and experiencing it slowly. Taking pictures, treasure hunting on the railway, or buying a sky lantern to pray are all popular ways to visit Shifen Old Street.

2026 Asia 100 - Night Attractions

Taipei 101

7

Taipei · 20.6km from Keelung

6.9k reviews

Located in a prime location in Taipei, Taipei 101 was primarily planned by Taipei Financial Center Corporation, a consortium of fourteen companies, in collaboration with a professional team. Designed by renowned architect C.Y. Lee, the project transcends the concept of a single volume, using the auspicious number "eight" (a homophone for "prosperity") as a design unit. Each eight-story building forms a structural unit, interconnected and stacked to form the overall structure. This creates a rhythmic and dynamic aesthetic, pioneering a new style for international skyscrapers. Ultra-high-speed elevators: Taipei 101 Observatory is equipped with two ultra-high-speed elevators, with an ascent speed of up to 1010 meters per minute. It only takes 37 seconds to go from the 5th floor to the 89th floor observation deck. These two elevators are also equipped with constant pressure devices in the car, dampers, and high-temperature resistant ceramic braking systems, making them intelligent high-speed elevators that integrate high technology. The 89th-floor indoor observation deck, illuminated by dazzling lights at night, creates a dreamlike and immersive experience through its glass-enclosed landscape. Not only does it offer panoramic views of the city skyline, but it also features unique, private photo windows, ensuring every moment becomes a classic shot! Wind Damping Sphere: The full official name of the Taipei 101 wind damping sphere is the Tuned Mass Damper (TMD). It is a passive damping system custom-designed to meet the needs of this building, located centrally on floors 87-92. Its main purpose is to reduce the building's swaying during strong winds, minimizing discomfort for those working in the building. Unlike traditional concealed damping systems, the Taipei 101 wind damping sphere's design balances functionality and aesthetics, allowing a clear view of the entire damping system's operation from the observation deck. The multi-section exterior design naturally mitigates the wind field effect on the ground caused by airflow from high-rise buildings, and ensures pedestrian safety and comfort through the separation of green planting areas in the architectural design. Infinite Sky: Utilizing a unique mirroring principle, the interplay of reflections and rotations between the atrium and floor creates a visual experience of boundless space and limitless expanse, making visitors feel as if they are in a kaleidoscope world. Helpful Reminder: Female visitors wearing short skirts should be aware of the reflection issues on the mirrored floor. Rainbow Neon Zone: The night view from above, combined with neon lights, is a popular spot for taking photos and shouldn't be missed!

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Taiwan

Taipei 101 Observatory

6.6

4.6/5

1.8k reviews

The main observation deck of Taipei 101 is located on the 89th floor, featuring a 360-degree panoramic glass curtain wall offering views of Taipei City and the surrounding mountains. The 91st-floor outdoor observation deck, open periodically, provides an open-air viewing experience at an altitude of 440 meters. Visitors can take a high-speed elevator from the 5th floor to the 89th floor in just 37 seconds. The observation deck also includes a close-up demonstration area where visitors can observe the overall operation of the damping system. Infinite Sky: Utilizing a unique mirroring principle, the interplay of reflections and rotations between the atrium and floor creates a visual experience of boundless space and limitless expanse, making visitors feel as if they are in a kaleidoscope world. Helpful Reminder: Female visitors wearing short skirts should be aware of the reflection issues on the mirrored floor. A secret garden in the clouds: a stunning photo spot where romantic scenery combined with panoramic city views from high above creates a beautiful picture. Rainbow Neon Zone: The night view from above, combined with neon lights, is a popular spot for taking photos and shouldn't be missed!

Taipei · 20.5km from Keelung

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Keelung

National Museum of Marine Science and Technology

National Museum of Marine Science and Technology

4.3

Keelung · 6km from downtown

313 reviews

The Haike Museum is a museum that is different from other social and educational institutions. It has a very natural mountain and sea landscape and unique buildings. The display content is even richer, especially when it is scattered among the residential houses in the community; this special geographical location of "close distance" makes the planning and operation of the Haike Museum more challenging. The exhibition themes of the Haike Museum cover marine environment, marine science, marine engineering, and marine culture. The extensive display content mainly conveys the knowledge of the ocean.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Jiufen

Gold Museum, New Taipei City Government

4.6

New Taipei City · 12.9km from Keelung

278 reviews

·View gold collections and more than 140 kinds of characteristic minerals up close ·Feel the mining history and culture of East Asia and visit the traditional Japanese dormitory ·Appreciate the charming natural scenery and review the gold mining experience after World War II The Gold Museum boasts the history of Jinguashi mining and gold as the core theme. It integrates the settlement appearance, mining history, local culture, and ecological landscape of the Jinguashi area to make a master plan, thereby developing a new look for the area and bringing New vitality, combined with community strength, will completely preserve the precious nature, mining sites, landscape features, historical memories, and cultural assets in the Jinguashi area, which give them new life. △ The New Taipei City Gold Museum Visitor Service Center provides tourist information, museum guides, and other related service consultations. △ The Gold Museum was rebuilt from the former office of a metal mining company and now has three floors. The first floor is an exhibition room with multiple themes such as “Retrospecting the Golden River in History” and “The Outcrop of a Giant Pumpkin”; the second floor also has a permanent exhibition with three themes; the third floor is a gold panning experience area, where visitors can experience the gold panning process in person. △ Four consecutive buildings - a well-preserved and complete Japanese-style dormitory. The interior furnishings and living objects remind people of the past. The exterior red bricks and black tiles constitute the mountain city characteristics of Jinguashi District. △ The Alchemy Building is a two-story brick building. On the right side of the first floor is a small special exhibition room, where special exhibitions with current themes are launched from time to time. On the left side of the first floor is the Alchemy Theater space. The second floor is also a permanent exhibition room, providing the fun of "river gold panning" through a multimedia interactive experience. △ Prince Hotel is famous for the rumor that the Japanese Crown Prince (later Emperor Showa) stayed there during the Japanese colonial period. The dense foliage around it provides privacy. The architectural type of this building is a combination of traditional Japanese academy style and Western-style space, forming a popular building at the time.

No. 7 of Best Things to Do in New Taipei City

Queen's Head

4.2

New Taipei City · 9.3km from Keelung

40 reviews

This unique geological formation features a slender neck and elegant facial contours, resembling a queen gazing into the distance from afar, hence its name.

No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Taiwan

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6.3

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1.1k reviews

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