Taipei: Priority Pass Taipei 101 Observatory Deck Ticket

Taipei 101 is interesting because you get the city in seconds, not hours, thanks to a fast elevator express queue that whisks you up to the sky. I really like the 360-degree panoramas from the 87th and 88th floors (plus the rooftop), and I love that you can spot the tuned mass damper right where you can actually see what it does. One drawback to plan around is weather, on foggy or rainy days your view can be limited.

You also need to keep track of your voucher at two key moments, once at the way up counter and again at 88/F for the faster descent.

Key Things I’d Prioritize Before You Go

• Express queues go both ways so you avoid the long elevator fight when you are ready to leave.
• A 37-second ride to the 89th floor gets you into Taipei fast, in one of the world’s fastest elevator experiences.
• 360-degree views from multiple levels means you can shift your angles without rushing.
• Find the 660-ton tuned mass damper (TMD) between 87 and 91 floors, a rare photo moment with real engineering purpose.
• Telescopes plus Taipei 101 bamboo-inspired design details give you more than just skyline photos.
• WiFi throughout the attraction helps you quickly share shots and re-check weather before you commit to sunset timing.

Taipei 101 Observatory: Fast Elevators and Big-City Views

If you only have one day in Taipei and Taipei 101 is on your list, this Priority Pass style ticket is built for one thing: time savings with less stress. You are still paying for the skyline. But you are also paying to reduce the most annoying part of the visit, the lines, especially around elevator access.

The ride itself is part of the appeal. The elevator goes to the 89th floor in about 37 seconds, and the building is engineered to handle movement from wind, plus even seismic forces. That means when you look down through the glass and across the city, you can appreciate the view and the tech at the same time.

I also like that this pass is set up as a full loop. You get a fast line going up, and you also get an express advantage on the way down from the 88th floor. That second part matters more than people think, because descending queues can be the longer, more frustrating phase of the visit.

Where to Meet and How to Redeem Your Priority Pass Voucher

Start by getting your meeting point right, because Taipei 101 is busy and signposted corridors can feel like a maze on arrival.

Go to the Taipei 101 Fast Pass Counter on the right-hand side of the desk, on 5/F, Taipei 101 (Taipei Financial Center). You can reach it using MRT, and the key clue is Exit 4 of Taipei 101-World Trade Center station.

Once you arrive, you will redeem your physical ticket using the QR code voucher. Staff will lead you to the express queue for the upward elevators. This is not a do-it-yourself shortcut. You will be guided to the correct line, which cuts down on wandering and wrong turns.

Tip I follow: treat your QR voucher like your ticket, not like a receipt. You will need it again at 88/F for the faster elevator return.

The Express Elevator Up: What You Actually Save

The value here is not subtle. Taipei 101 is one of the city’s most popular attractions, so lines can stack up quickly. With this Priority Pass, the main promise is that you take the express queue on the way up. That means you spend less time waiting in a crowded ticket-and-elevator zone and more time at the viewpoints where it counts.

The elevator experience is a big part of the wow factor. You climb quickly into the sky on a ride designed to feel smooth. Reviews often call out how easy and fast it is, and the overall experience is rated very highly, around 4.7 from hundreds of bookings. A lot of people highlight that it helps them get to the top without the usual queue headaches.

One practical consideration: even if you have a priority pass, the attraction can still be busy at the moment you arrive. You may still find some queueing around ticket redemption or routing. The key difference is that once you are in the correct express flow, you move faster than the standard line.

89th Floor First Stop: Panoramic Views and Getting Oriented

At the top, you are not just handed a single view and told to enjoy it. You move through levels. The 89th floor is where you start your observation experience, and then the design keeps you moving through multiple vantage points.

From up there you get that classic Taipei panorama feeling, with wide sightlines across downtown and beyond. The views are described as 360-degree, which matters because Taipei’s layout means you can find different city “stories” depending on which direction you look. One angle might show dense urban blocks. Another might show the city edge toward hills or open space.

You also get practical “orientation” help from the space itself. Once you are up, you can take a slow look first, then come back to your favorite directions for photos. If you try to do photos immediately, you often miss the chance to understand how the city fits together from this height.

If visibility is limited due to fog or low clouds, don’t assume it is a total loss. You might still get interesting softened views and a different mood than a crisp blue-sky day. But you should be realistic that clarity can improve as the weather lifts.

87th and 88th Floors: Telescopes, Cameras, and the Best Angles

The best part of multiple floors is that you can adjust your perspective. The 87th and 88th floors are the core observation levels where you spend time looking outward. Depending on crowd flow, you may also be able to pick calmer corners between viewing groups.

Look for the telescopes. Taipei 101 provides telescopes in the observation areas so you can zoom in on details you would otherwise miss at street level. Even if you do not use them for long, they encourage you to slow down. That is how you end up taking better photos.

Also, bring your expectation for photos down to earth. Lighting and reflections can be tricky in tower observation spaces, and some people note it can be a bit confusing around exits or photo angles. If you care about photography, do a quick test shot before you commit your phone or camera settings. Move slightly if you see glare.

And yes, you can stay longer than you think. The experience is picture-perfect by day or night when the sky is clear, so if you are timing sunset, you might end up lingering longer than planned.

Rooftop Time: Sunset Views and Outdoor Reality Checks

This pass covers access to the rooftop viewing area too. Rooftops are where the sky feels closest, and they are also where sunset becomes a real event instead of just a change in light.

Taipei 101 is built for sky moments. One highlight is watching the sun set over the city from the observation deck in the sky. If you want the classic golden-hour glow, aim to be up there with enough time to settle in before the light shifts.

Here is the reality check: outdoor areas may be affected when weather turns bad. If it is cloudy, rainy, or foggy, your sunset can be muted, and outdoor viewing areas may close. You cannot control that. But you can control your plan by checking conditions before you decide how long to linger versus moving on.

My approach is simple. If the sky looks promising, I commit to sunset timing. If it looks like fog or heavy rain, I still go up, because the views and engineering details can still be worth it, just with a different atmosphere.

Bamboo-Inspired Design Meets Real Engineering: Don’t Miss the TMD

Taipei 101 is often described as bamboo architecture with technology behind it. What that means in practice is that the building is visually dramatic and also deeply engineered, and you get to learn part of that as you move through the floors.

One standout feature you should actively seek out is the tuned mass damper, the 660-tonne TMD located between the 87th and 91st floors. It is there for stability against high winds and movement in the structure. Seeing it at this height turns the tower from a skyline landmark into an engineering story you can actually point to.

When people rate this experience so highly, a big reason is that this TMD moment feels special. It is not just a random exhibit. It is a real component of the building, and it is part of what makes Taipei 101 more than a tall photo spot.

If you like architecture and tech, spend a few extra minutes here. Even if you are not a structural nerd, it helps your brain feel the building’s design logic while you look out over the city.

Value for $38: When Priority Pass Feels Worth It

Let’s talk value. This ticket is about $38 per person. That is not cheap for a single observation stop. So when does it make sense?

It makes sense when crowds are high or when you care about using your time efficiently. Taipei 101 is famous, and that popularity creates pressure on both elevators: the way up and the way down. The pass is designed to reduce waiting for the elevator up to the observatory deck, and it also provides the express queue down from the 88th floor. If you are trying to squeeze Taipei 101 into a packed day, those saved minutes add up fast.

Even if you arrive when it is not extremely crowded, the pass can still be a win because it reduces uncertainty. You are not guessing whether the line will be short when you arrive. You already bought a route that is meant to move faster.

One caution on value: spending on top can run higher than you expect. Food and drinks are not allowed in, and souvenirs and photos are extra. People also mention that the coffee and snacks on-site can be pricey. With that in mind, if you care about keeping costs down, plan what you will buy before you go. If you are happy to pay for one snack and one drink with your view, then this fits fine.

Small Gotchas: Vouchers, Exit Flow, and Weather

This experience is usually smooth, but there are a few friction points worth knowing so you do not lose time.

First, the process is voucher-based. You redeem with your QR code voucher at the fast pass counter on 5/F, then you need to show your voucher again at 88/F for the fast-track on the way down. If you forget or misplace it, you risk slowing down right when you want to leave.

Second, the ticket claim and routing area can be busy. Even with a priority pass, some people find that the line to claim or locate the correct priority route can be long. The way to handle that is not panic. Just stay patient, follow staff directions, and keep an eye on which line you are in.

Third, the exit and photo flow can be confusing in tall buildings. Some people note exit navigation is a bit unclear at the top, and indoor lighting can affect photo taking. Solution: take a quick glance at signs and walk slowly the first time, then return for photos once you understand the path.

Finally, weather is the big wildcard. Fog and low clouds can reduce visibility for a while. Rain can also change what is open. That does not make the visit pointless, but it changes the payoff from crisp panoramic shots to softer views.

Who Should Book This Priority Pass for Taipei 101

I think this is a great fit if you:

• Want a signature Taipei landmark without the time drain of long elevator lines
• Care about skyline photos, especially at day to night or sunset transitions
• Are traveling with limited flexibility and want a plan that reduces uncertainty
• Like architecture and engineering details, especially the tuned mass damper moment

It might not feel as necessary if:

• You are visiting at a quiet hour and you truly do not mind waiting
• You are only interested in quick photos and you plan to keep the visit extremely short, no rooftop time, no telescopes

Should You Book This Priority Pass for Taipei 101 Observatory?

I would book it if Taipei 101 is your one big “wow” stop and you want to protect your time. The express lanes both up and down are the key reason this is worth considering, because the downward elevator flow can be the part that eats your schedule.

If you are going with sunset in mind, this ticket also helps you spend less time trapped in lines and more time timing light. And if you care about engineering as much as views, the 660-ton TMD is a strong reason to make the climb.

Go in prepared with your ID (passport or ID card), keep the QR voucher safe for both elevator directions, and check the weather before you decide how long to aim for outside rooftop time. If you do those things, this becomes a smooth, high-reward Taipei experience.

FAQ

What is the opening time for Taipei 101 Observatory?

Taipei 101 is open from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily, with last entrance at 8:15 PM.

Where do I meet for the Priority Pass fast track?

Go to the Taipei 101 Fast Pass Counter on 5/F, on the right-hand side of the desk. It is at Exit 4 of Taipei 101-World Trade Center Metro station.

How do I use the Priority Pass ticket when I arrive?

Redeem your physical ticket using the QR code voucher at the 5/F Priority Pass Desk staff area. Staff will lead you to the express queue. Keep your voucher because you will show it again on 88/F for the express queue down.

Does this include skip-the-line elevators going up and down?

Yes. It includes a skip-the-line entry ticket plus an express queue for elevators going up, and an express queue for elevators down from the 88th floor.

What floors can I visit?

You can visit the observation decks on the 87th and 88th floors, plus the rooftop.

What should I bring and what is not allowed?

Bring a passport or ID card. Pets, food and drinks, slippers, and smoking are not allowed.

Is WiFi included?

Yes, WiFi is included throughout the attraction.