Solo score 5 out of 5: Built for oneMultiple sources agree · checked 2026-10
National Palace Museum (Northern Branch)
國立故宮博物院 北部院區 · show this name to taxi drivers
One of the world's great collections of Chinese imperial art, from jade and bronzes to ceramics, painting and calligraphy, shown in rotating galleries on the edge of the Shilin hills. Individual tickets and an English audio guide make it easy to spend a self-paced half day here alone.
At a glance for one
Admission
NT$350
Regular Exhibition Hall I ticket. NT$150 with an ISIC student card, free for visitors 17 and under. Free entry for everyone on 1 January, the Lantern Festival, 18 May, 27 September and 10 October.
Hours
09:00–17:00 · Closed Mon
Ticket sales end 16:30. Closed most Mondays, apart from a few special Monday openings listed on the museum website. Closed when a typhoon day is declared.
Time needed
2-3 hours
Booking
Not needed
Crowds
Avoid busy times
English
English signs or guide
Minimum
None
Details can change. Check on site before you rely on hours, prices or payment.
How to visit, step by step
- From Shilin Station (R16) Exit 1, walk 1-2 minutes to the bus stops on Zhongzheng Road and take bus R30 (Red 30), which stops at the B1 entrance of Exhibition Hall I. Pay the fare with an EasyCard
- Buy an Exhibition Hall I ticket at the counter or online. The regular ticket is NT$350 and sales end at 16:30
- Backpacks and bags bigger than A3 paper must go in the checkroom, open 09:00-17:00. Food and drinks are not allowed in the galleries
- Rent the adult multimedia guide (NT$200, English and many other languages) at the 1st-floor audio guide counter. Your ID or deposit receipt is scanned, not kept
- English guided tours run Tuesday to Sunday at 10:00 and 15:00. Book online in advance, and you will need a ticket plus a NT$50 headset fee
- Photos are fine without flash, tripods or selfie sticks, except where a no-photo sign is posted. Some special exhibitions have their own entry rules
- For a break, Xianjufu Cafe is on the 1st floor and the Sanxitang tea room is on the 4th floor (last order 16:00, 2-hour limit on weekends)
- Take bus R30 back to Shilin Station from the same B1 stop
Don't miss: The jade, bronze and ceramics galleries at your own pace with the audio guide, then one of the painting and calligraphy shows running until 27 December 2026.
Best time to go alone: A weekday, arriving close to the 09:00 opening.
Getting there
MRT: Shilin (R16), Exit 1, then bus R30 (Red 30) to the museum's B1 entrance, about 15 min. Or Jiannan Rd. (BR15), Exit 1, then bus BR20.
No. 221, Sec. 2, Zhishan Rd., Shilin Dist., Taipei City
臺北市士林區至善路二段221號
Open in Google Maps臺北市士林區至善路二段221號
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Tap one to show it full-screen to the staff.
Sources & checks
Multiple sources agree · 2026-10
No sponsorship disclosed in the sources we checked.
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