24 Hours in Taipei: How to Spend a Layover in the Capital of Taiwan

Let me guess – you’ve just booked a flight to Asia and you have a layover in Taipei? Or maybe you’re on the way to/from other parts of Asia and you’re wondering if Taipei is worth stopping over in. Well I’m here to tell you that answer is 100% YES.

As an American born Taiwanese, I can confidently tell you that Taipei is easily one of my favorite cities in Asia. It’s clean, it’s modern, and it has some of the most incredible and delicious food in the world. I mean hello – bubble tea was invented right here in Taiwan!

So whether you’ve got a few hours to spare and are looking to escape the airport, or have added an extra night (or two) in Taipei to extend your trip, there are numerous Taipei attractions that you can visit in just a short amount of time. Keep reading to discover the best way to spend a short layover in Taipei, the capital of Taiwan!

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Getting to Taipei City From the Airport

There are several options to consider in order to get from Taipei Taoyuan International Airport to Taipei city center. By car, the drive takes around 40 minutes, and taxis are readily available outside Arrivals at the airport’s terminals.

For a more cost-effective journey, bus tickets can be purchased at counters located in all of the airport’s terminals. However, the fastest and most efficient way to reach Taipei is to take the metro from the Airport MRT station to Taipei main station. This is a 35-minute journey that isn’t traffic dependent, and tickets can be purchased easily at the airport’s dedicated metro station.

Pro Tip – In an effort to promote tourism, Taiwan is hosting a free lottery for visitors until June 2025. It’s free to register online and once you arrive, you get to scan your QR code to see if you’ve won anything. Prizes range from travel cards to hotel accommodation vouchers and more. The lottery is only valid for non-Taiwanese citizens and you have to register at least 24 hours in advance of your arrival. (Sadly I didn’t win anything when I tried but it was still fun to play)

Best Taipei Places to Visit

So, you’ve just touched down at Taipei airport, and you have a day to spare before continuing on your journey and/or heading home. Where are you going to visit and what are you going to do on your layover?!

Listed below are some of my favorite attractions in Taipei that are definitely worth considering during your layover in the Taiwanese capital. I’ve been visiting Taipei almost annually ever since I was a little kid so it’s been fun to see how the capital has changed over the last 30 years.

Even though a lot has changed (like when 101 was built), a lot has also remained the same. So if you’re short on time, these are definitely my top-rated things to do and see. Who knows? Maybe you’ll end up loving Taipei as much as I do and end up booking an extra night!

It’s worth noting that all of these attractions are in the city centre, so they’re perfectly accessible within 24 hours.

Elephant Mountain/Xiangshan(象山)

Without a doubt, Xiangshan (also known as Elephant Mountain) is the #1 place to go for panoramic views of the city and for epic angles of the iconic Taipei 101 building. Just a warning – it can be a bit of a trek up to the mountain but it’s pretty manageable for most, and you can always take as many breaks as you want along the way.

It’s one of my favorite attractions and a fan-favorite among nature enthusiasts or those just looking to battle their jetlag with exercise.

How to get here: The easiest way to get here is by taking the Tamsui-Xinyi Red line on the Taipei Metro (MRT) to R5 Xiangshan stop (it’s the last stop on the line). From there, it’s about a 5 minute walk to the start of the trail. There are signs all around so you won’t be able to miss it!

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (中正紀念堂)

If you’ve been following me for awhile, you’ll know that I’m a huge history nerd so it’s fitting to want to visit a museum on a layover.

This impressive national monument is one of the top attractions in Taipei city, commemorating the island’s former president Chiang Kai-shek. The grand white building has an impressive octagonal blue roof and is located within a tranquil park.

Inside, you’ll find a museum and a changing of the guard ceremony that’s a popular tourist attraction. Last I checked, there is a changing of the guard ceremony every hour on the hour starting from 9am and ending at 5pm. The surrounding park of the memorial hall is also a lively space for locals and visitors to gather and relax.

If you get hungry during your visit, there’s also a few snack and tea vendors inside including CoCo, Mr. Xia Soft Tofu, and the Agarwood Restaurant. For those interested in seeing more Chinese artifacts and/or artwork, the National Palace Museum is also a nearby top-rated attraction.

How to get here: The easiest way to get here is by taking the Tamsui-Xinyi Red line on the Taipei Metro (MRT) to R11 Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall stop.

Taipei 101

Taipei 101, a name synonymous with Taipei itself, is more than just a skyscraper – it’s an experience. Soaring 508 meters (1,667 ft) into the sky, it held the title of world’s tallest building for a glorious six years before being surpassed by the Burj Khalifa in 2010. However, Taipei 101 remains the undisputed king of Taiwan’s skyline, offering a unique blend of innovation, tradition, and breathtaking views.

Designed by a local architectural firm, C.Y. Lee & Partners, Taipei 101 incorporates symbolism from Chinese culture. The post-modern design resembles a giant bamboo stalk, a symbol of strength and resilience, particularly fitting for a city prone to earthquakes and typhoons. To combat these very real threats, the building boasts a massive damper – the world’s heaviest at the time of construction – that sways to counter wind and seismic activity.

The main attraction here is the skyscraper’s 89^th floor observatory, which offers 360° views across the city. Take in the views from the world’s fastest elevator, or visit the luxurious shops and restaurants below. Taipei 101 is a must-see for any visitor to Taipei, offering a unique blend of shopping, dining, and stunning panoramas.

Ps. To avoid waiting in line, I would recommend buying your ticket in advance via GetYourGuide. You end saving a ton of time by skipping the line.

How to get here: The easiest way to get here is by taking the Tamsui-Xinyi Red line on the Taipei Metro (MRT) to R6 World Trade Center.

Ximending (西門町)

Nicknamed the “Harajuku of Taipei” for its fashion-forward flair, Ximending is a sensory overload in the best way possible.

Packed with pedestrian-friendly streets, the area bursts with trendy clothing stores, independent boutiques, and night markets teeming with local delights. From bubble tea shops to quirky cafes, there’s something to satisfy every craving.

Don’t miss the chance to catch a live street performance or browse unique souvenirs – Ximending is a melting pot of Taiwanese culture where you can soak up the atmosphere and immerse yourself in the local scene, even on your short layover.

Yes – that is a dog standing on a man’s shoulders. This is just an example of all the funny and crazy performances you might see while in Ximending.

Beyond shopping, Ximending offers a plethora of entertainment options. Catch a blockbuster at a historic theater, experience the energy of a claw machine arcade, or belt out your favorite tunes at a karaoke bar. With cinemas, bowling alleys, and even a VR theme park, Ximending guarantees a fun-filled day (or night) for all ages.

Pro tip – If you’re looking for something to snack on while in Ximending, make sure you pay a visit to Lao Tian Lu (老天祿滷味). This is where all the locals stop for delicious Taiwanese snacks such as roast duck, braised chicken wings, duck tongue (YUM), tea eggs, and more.

How to get here: The easiest way to get here is by taking the Songshan-Xindian Green line on the Taipei Metro (MRT) to G13 Ximen stop.

Dihua Street (迪化街)

Known for its traditional tea houses, medicine shops and street food, a stroll down Dihua Street is one of the top things to do in Taipei during a short stay in the city, allowing visitors to experience the essence of Taiwanese culture. The street is located in the heart of the city centre and is easily accessible even for those with just six or seven hours in Taipei.

How to get here: The easiest way to get here is by taking the Songshan-Xindian Green line on the Taipei Metro (MRT) to G14 Beimen stop. From there, you’ll take exit #2 and walk straight along Tacheng Road, many blocks, until you come to Dihua St sign at the major intersection. 

Shilin Night Market (士林夜市)

Taiwan is absolutely famous for their night markets. If there’s one thing you do on your layover, a night market has to be it (and maybe elephant mountain of course).

There are so many different night markets happening in Taipei but Shilin Night Market is usually the top choice for tourists. Night markets are a wonderful way to embrace Taiwanese culture and enjoy mouth-watering street food at more than 500 independent vendors. This can also be a great place to buy knock-off branded goods, and to indulge in a spot of karaoke at one of the nearby bars.

The other famous night market is Raohe Street Night Market (饒河街觀光夜市). Regardless of which one you go to, you’re bound to have an amazing time and leave with a full stomach!

Ps. If you’re heading to Raohe Night Market, I highly recommend booking this 2-hour walking tour. I did this last time and had a blast because I didn’t have to spend time researching all the stalls I wanted to eat at and our guide was great! He knew all of the hidden gems and local spots that I normally wouldn’t have gone into without a guide.

How to get here: The easiest way to get here is by taking the Tamsui-Xinyi Red line on the Taipei Metro (MRT) to the R20 Shilin stop or the R18a Jiantan stop. Both stops will take you to the night market and there are plenty of signs around.

Shenkeng Old Street (深坑老街)

Craving a taste of history and a unique culinary adventure? Look no further than Shenkeng Old Street, a charming pedestrian walkway nestled in the nearby suburbs of Taipei.

Originally a bustling thoroughfare connecting Taipei to Yilan, Shenkeng’s historic heart has been beautifully preserved, lined with traditional wooden buildings that now house a delightful mix of shops and eateries. Immerse yourself in the nostalgic atmosphere as you wander past vendors selling local crafts and browse quirky shops filled with Taiwanese trinkets.

But the true star of Shenkeng Old Street is, without a doubt, the food. Often dubbed “Tofu Paradise,” this street is a haven for tofu enthusiasts. Here, you’ll find an endless variety of tofu dishes, from the classic stinky tofu to more unusual creations like tofu ice cream.

Be brave and try something new, or savor the comforting taste of familiar tofu favorites. No matter your preference, Shenkeng Old Street guarantees a delicious and unforgettable culinary experience.

How to get here: The easiest way to get here is by taking the Songshan-Xindian Green Line to the last stop. Then you’ll exit at Xindian and hop on Bus #923 for 7 stops until Fuan House. From there, it’ll be about a 5 minute walk to Shenkeng Old Street.

Must-Try Food in Taipei

It’s probably impossible to try all the delicious food that Taipei has to offer on a short layover, but you can sure as hell try! Taipei has a burgeoning food scene, and if you’re only spending a day in the city, then these are the top 3 Taiwanese classics that you absolutely have to try.

Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup (牛肉麵)

Taiwanese beef noodle soup, or niu rou mian, is more than just a dish – it’s a national treasure. This comforting bowl features slow-braised beef in a rich broth (think star anise, soy sauce, and maybe even tomato) with springy noodles. You can customize it with bok choy, a boiled egg, and pickled mustard greens for a truly unforgettable Taiwanese experience.

Taiwanese Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐)

Dare to try stinky tofu? This Taiwanese cult classic features fermented tofu cubes with a pungent odor (think strong cheese!). Don’t let the smell fool you – fried or stewed, stinky tofu boasts a surprisingly creamy texture and savory, slightly salty flavor. Vendors often top it with chili sauce, garlic sauce, and pickled vegetables for a flavor explosion that belies its initial olfactory assault.

Taiwanese Shaved Ice (礤冰)

Ask me about my favorite dessert, and I’ll tell you in a heartbeat: it’s Taiwanese shaved ice, also known as Tshuah-ping! It’s the absolute best and it’s SO HARD to find outside of Taiwan.

Believe me, I live in the bay area and there’s literally only a handful of places that sell it or make it even remotely close to the real thing. It’s probably a good thing that I don’t actually live in Taiwan otherwise I would seriously eat this every single day, rain or shine.

Unlike other shaved ice from around the world (think Japan or the Philipines), Taiwanese shaved ice is all about the toppings. The ice itself is pretty basic with some sugar syrup drizzled on top. (Some places also add condensed milk but I usually say no because then it becomes way too sweet).

Aside from the ice, the toppings are really where this dessert shines. You can add all sorts of toppings such as fresh fruit, mung beans, adzuki beans, large boba, small boba, mochi, lychee, grass jelly, lotus seeds, and so much more.

A LAYOVER IN TAIPEI: FINAL THOUGHTS

Taipei is truly a city that thrives on both tradition and innovation. Even with a short layover, you can get a taste of its magic thanks to the city’s affordability and well-run public transportation.

From the historic charm of Dihua Street to the electrifying energy of Ximending to the one-of-a-kind views of the city from Elephant Mountain, Taipei offers a glimpse into Taiwan’s rich culture. And of course, no visit is complete without indulging in the city’s phenomenal food scene, be it a comforting bowl of niu rou mian, soup dumplings (XLB), or boba tea.

So next time you have a long layover, don’t just wait at the airport – make sure to get out and explore all that Taipei has to offer!

How did you spend your layover in Taiwan? Let me know in the comments below!

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