Where to hang out by the water in Taipei
Three riverside areas for cycling, drinks, and sunset views
One of the best ways to escape Taipei’s busy streets is to head to the river, where cycling paths run past parks, sports facilities, and long stretches of open space.
Whether you’re taking a break during a bike ride or simply looking for somewhere to spend an afternoon, here are three riverside areas worth checking out.
#1: Bitan Scenic Area
Pedal boats, riverside walks, and mountain views at the end of the Green Line
If you want to get out of central Taipei but don't want to travel too far, Bitan Scenic Area is a great option.
It's an easy 8-kilometer or so bike ride along the river from the Gongguan area, or if you prefer to take the metro, the waterfront is just outside Xindian MRT Station.
Bitan Scenic Area consists of a broad riverside area where you can walk, grab food and drinks, or rent one of the old-school pedal boats and head out onto the Xindian River.
The area's main landmark is the Bitan Suspension Bridge, which was built in 1937 and stretches 186.6 meters across the river, according to the New Taipei City Government.
Cross it and you can continue up Hemeishan Trail on the west bank, with routes through the forest and viewpoints looking back over Bitan and, from higher points, toward Taipei 101.
The area is often busy during weekends, with dragon boat teams sometimes practicing in the early morning. People cycling along the river, hiking, or enjoying a meal later in the day.
The suspension bridge and riverside shops are lit up after dark, so late afternoon into evening is a good time to go, especially if you want dinner or a drink by the water.
It’s worth checking the events page before you go, as Bitan regularly hosts seasonal festivals, markets, performances, and art installations.
#2: Dadaocheng Wharf
Riverside drinks and some of the city's biggest festivals
Dadaocheng Wharf is easy to reach from central Taipei, just a short walk from historic Dihua Street and around 10–15 minutes on foot from Beimen and Daqiaotou MRT stations.
The main attraction, particularly during the evening, is the container market, where converted shipping containers sell food and drinks right beside the river.
In the evening you'll often see crowds ordering from one of the many vendors and watching the sun set over the water.
There's also wide walking and cycling paths in the area, tennis courts, a temple, and often lots of groups of elderly people performing karaoke very loudly.
In summer, the area also hosts the Dadaocheng Summer Festival, one of the biggest events on Taipei’s riverside calendar, with concerts, installations, and large fireworks displays over the river.
You can also get on a boat from Dadaocheng Wharf, with services running along the Tamsui River at certain times, or rent a bike and follow the riverside north toward Tamsui District.
If you want to escape the crowds, head to nearby Yanping Riverside Park, where there’s plenty of space to relax by the water.
#3: Guandu Wharf
Wetlands, temples, riverside food, and sunset views
Guandu Wharf is in northwest Taipei, where the Tamsui and Keelung rivers meet. It’s about a 7-kilometer ride from Tamsui MRT Station and 15–20 kilometers from central Taipei.
If cycling isn’t your thing, Guandu MRT Station is on the Red Line, around a 10-minute walk from the waterfront.
Guandu Temple, one of Taiwan’s oldest major temples dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu, is around a five-minute walk from the waterfront.
Also nearby is Guandu Nature Park, which has wetland trails, birdwatching cabins, and plenty of opportunities to spot migratory birds. Admission is NT$60, and the park runs guided activities and weekend programs.
For families, "Dinosaur Come to Life: Guandu Adventure Park" has nearly 70 animatronic dinosaurs, rides, feeding activities, and an inflatable play area. It’s unlikely to appeal much to anyone without children though.
If you’re cycling from Taipei, you can continue across the striking red Guandu Bridge into Bali District and join the Bali Left Bank route. If you’re coming from Tamsui or Bali districts, follow the river in the opposite direction toward Taipei.
Otherwise, Guandu Wharf Container Market makes a natural endpoint. Its riverside food and drink stalls give it the feel of a smaller, quieter version of Dadaocheng Wharf. Grab something to eat or drink, and stay for sunset.
The market is currently open from 4 PM to 10 PM Monday through Friday and from noon to 10 PM on weekends and public holidays. It also occasionally hosts events.
