IN 24HRS: Taipei
Updated: 6 days ago
Summary
Taipei does not take long to overtake your sensory system. From the second you touch down and arrive in one of its many central areas, you'll be instantly immersed in a fast-paced, always on the go environment.
Travelers who have spent time in Tokyo or Seoul will feel a sense of familiarity walking the streets. Yet, an entirely unique experience awaits you as you take on Taiwan's largest metropolis.
For the purposes of this 24 hour adventure, we are assuming you arrive in Taipei in the morning (likely early morning for travelers coming from North America) and plan to depart the following morning. Nightlife will be a big part of this experience.
Taoyuan and travel into the city
Most travelers arrive into Taipei's Taoyuan International Airport, located roughly 30-45 minutes outside the city center depending on what mode of transit you take. Be sure to complete required pre-arrival customs forms online before you land, to expedite your experience at passport control. US passport holders do not need a visa, but must complete the pre-arrival form.
The easiest way to reach Taipei's city center is via the airport express train, run by the Taoyuan Metro system. Taoyuan is its own city, located on a coastal plain south of Taipei. The express train will take you to Taipei's main station in just over 30 minutes.
You'll likely want to get cash at an airport ATM once you leave the baggage claim area. You should expect to rely on this for most small purchases, street food, and transit, during your time in Taiwan.
Some ticket machines may accept foreign credit cards, but expect to use cash for your airport express ticket and tickets on the Taipei Metro once you are in town.
You'll receive a small plastic coin-looking token as your "ticket" upon payment of your fare. Do not lose this, as you'll need it to exit at your destination station.
Grab the train into Taipei, planning to get off at the Taipei Station.
If you are arriving on an evening departure from the US, you'll likely touch down in Taipei hours before the first train departs, at roughly 4 or 5am. Plan to take a cab service from the terminal. The cab-hailing station inside the arrivals hall is legit and will often set a fixed rate. Expect to pay between $35-40 to Taipei Main Station.
Getting your feet wet
Arrive at Taipei's main station and locate a convenience store to break down some of your cash. Expect that you'll need to buy a bottle of water or two to get enough small NTD notes to be able to use the coin lockers located within the station. You'll likely have to store your luggage here if you arrive in the early morning. Most locations available on the "Bounce" app will not yet be open.
A smart way to remember where your locker is amid the maze of underground passageways in the station is to take pictures of your immediate surroundings, including nearby shops. As you walk away, take photos of the escalator or stairwell you used to head to the street, so you know where to enter later.
After storing your luggage, head out for a stroll to get your bearings. Put Xinzhongshan Linear Park into your mapping app. You'll walk up a tree-lined road full of park space to enjoy, likely encountering neighbors out on their morning jog or workout.
Grab a coffee along the way for your first taste of Taiwan's iconic coffee shop culture. Once you've enjoyed a sip and a stroll, end your walk at Shuanglian metro station. Taipei's metro has clear instructions and is easy to use. Rely on your mapping app for live info.
Take the train south four stops to Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall station.
Make the quick walk to Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, just a few steps from the metro. Allow roughly an hour to enjoy the hall, exhibits, and gardens. You'll learn about some of the modern history of the island and its government.
From here, walk roughly 10-15 minutes east for your first taste of the iconic Yongkank Street area. You'll be transported to the streets of Seoul as you pass fashion boutiques and restaurants. You'll return to the area later for a memorable bowl of noodles.
Get back on the metro at nearby Dongmen station and head east on the same line you used earlier, heading to the Taipei 101/World Trade Center stop. There's no time to waste getting to one of Asia's most iconic skyscrapers and attractions.
Towering over Taipei
Head straight for the Taipei 101 observation deck once you arrive in the imposing mall underneath what was once the world's tallest building. You might need to ask for directions within the mall, as wayfinding apps do not provide an easy description of where to go once you leave the metro.
Once inside the Taipei 101 observatory lobby, head straight for the ticket machine and in line for the elevators. Lines can sometimes take 20-30 minutes.
You'll ascend nearly 100 floors to one of the most memorable views of your day.
After you've circled the observatory multiple times, make sure not to miss the giant weight and balance system on display, showing off how the building stays stable during seismic activity. An exhibit about the tower's iconic New Year's Eve fireworks display may also be open.
Once you leave the observatory, go down to the lower level of the mall and head straight for Din Tai Fung. The world-renowned restaurant with multiple US locations is a staple in its home country of Taiwan. The earlier you get there, the better. The wait often exceeds an hour. You'll be given a number like you are at a deli counter, and should not leave the vicinity of the restaurant, so you can hear your number called.
Eating Din Tai Fung in Taipei is a special experience. Pricing for the US traveler is affordable and you can often get yourself a feast of dumplings, meat, and other plates. Food will come out quickly, as servers look to turn tables and get more customers off the long wait list into the restaurant.
Into the hills
Finish your meal and head to a convenience store to stock up on water. Not just one bottle, multiple. Head for Xiangshan Park, just a few blocks from Taipei 101, and to the Elephant Mountain trailhead.
A climb up the steep steps of the mountain will be grueling in the Taipei humidity and sun. No need to summit the mountain ahead of you. A taxing 25 minute climb will provide you with incredible views of Taipei 101, the city, and surrounding mountains.
Once you are satisfied with the view and your break at the top, head back down the same way you came, and expect to hold on to the handrail for much of your descent.
Head for Xiangti Avenue Plaza, amid the high rises around Taipei 101. Grab a celebratory beer at Taihu Brewing Landmark - XinYi, before heading back to Taipei Main Station. Grab the metro from the nearby Taipei City Hall station, traveling west back to Taipei Station.
Grab your bag from your locker and head to your hotel for check-in and a much needed shower. I recommend staying in the Ximen area, best situating yourself for the night ahead.
Into the night
Once you've cleaned up at the hotel and dropped your bag, head for Ximending Shopping District. You'll be instantly transported to Shibuya in Tokyo, with the familiar pedestrianized madness across multiple city blocks. Here, you'll find trendy stores and international brands.
Moderate your shopping, as night markets still lie ahead. Walk from Ximending through the tangle of old residential blocks to Lungshan Temple. Route yourself through the Bopiliao Historic Block, for a look at city life centuries ago.
After a cathartic walk through the impassioned crowd at Lungshan Temple, head for the nearby Huaxi Street Night Market. Don't plan to spend too long in the maze of covered stall-lined market halls. Just enough to get a sense of the place.
Head for the metro and travel roughly 25 minutes back to Dongmen station. Head straight for Yongkang Beef Noodles. This spot does not stay open late, so time out your itinerary ahead of time. Expect to wait on a line outside, and be placed at a table with others. You'll need to pay cash for your meal, once you've finished eating.
Order the Noodle with Minced Pork Sauce, and go for the larger size. What awaits you is one of the most flavorful, appetizing bowls of noodles you may ever taste. A local food guide at a nearby table during my visit was telling his clients that the restaurant still uses traditional recipies handed down generations.
A pint of local craft beer at nearby Zhang Men Brewing is a great way to wash your noodles down.
Late night market hopping
Board the metro at Dongmen again for a 25 minute ride north to Jiantan station. Exit and head towards Shilin Night Market. Expect crowds as you make your way on the main road towards the entrance of the covered market.
Working your way through the market will take some time, due to the crowds. Here you'll find an array of shopping and street food. End your visit at the north side of the market, where you can explore the neighborhood roads in Shilin before boarding the metro one stop past where you got on, at Shilin station.
Take the metro back to Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, putting you about a 20 minute walk from Nanjichang Night Market. You may also opt to Uber from the station if the night has started to drag on. Here, you'll find even more street food options, and of course, no shortage of crowds.
Walk or Uber back to your accommodation and after a long, tasty, and rewarding day, enjoy a much deserved night of sleep.
Additional spots
If you have time in the morning before your flight, consider a walk through the Taipei Botanical Garden. You'll often see large groups in exercise classes as you walk around the tree-covered park.
Another option for a morning walk is the Longshan Riverside Park along the Tamsui River.
Don't forget to try a scallion pancake, a staple of Taipei, before you leave town. These can be found at many street food stalls around the city.
Comments