24 Hours in Taipei: The Ultimate First-Timer’s Guide

1 day in taipei itinerary

Think you can’t experience the real Taipei in just one day? This itinerary will prove you wrong. I’m going to show you how to fall completely in love with Taipei in 1 day. This realistic itinerary includes temples, mountains, and skyscrapers, with the best street food stops in between.

Located in northern Taiwan and surrounded by mountains, Taipei is the country’s vibrant capital. Despite being large and multicultural, it doesn’t feel intimidating like other cities this size. While skyscrapers dot the skyline, they don’t dominate; instead, older, weathered buildings give the city its charming, loveable character.

Taipei is a city I could see myself living in, forever. I have spent months there and still find excuses to go back. As a full-time traveller that’s a big thing to admit. What makes Taipei special isn’t just its character but rather the people who reside here. My time was filled with patient smiles when I was using Google Translate, laughs when I eventually said the wrong thing, pride of their amazing albeit underrated cuisine, and an infectious energy that always made me feel welcome.

Ready to fall in love with Taipei too? This carefully curated 1 day Taipei itinerary perfect for first timers has so many moments that will make you understand why I never want to leave. From starting the day with a traditional breakfast, discovering the historic and modern sites to an unforgettable short sunset hike and an amazing night market. This is one trip you’ll remember for a lifetime.

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First-Timer Taipei Tips

An EasyCard is the easiest way to pay for transport in Taiwan. It can be used on the MRT, bus, all TRA trains and used in convenience stores for payments

Travel Insurance: I recommend True Traveller for EU/UK citizens and World Nomads for anyone outside of here

Airalo is a super convenient e-sim that you can just download to your phone for mobile data! Prices start from $4.50. Please note that e-sim packages are data only and you will not get an international number. 

Do not underestimate a good UV umbrella, the sun is strong here and protecting yourself from harmful UV rays is important. You can find them all over Taipei, and will be clearly marked if it protects against UV rays.

Restaurants close pretty early, between 8 and 10 PM. Many also close between 2 PM and 5 PM. Night markets typically operate from 5 PM onwards. No tips.

Many museums, cafes and small shops close on Mondays across Taiwan.

Is 1 Day In Taipei Enough?

No, Taipei has a lot to see. It’s a cool modern city packed with culture, food and mountains. I recommend 5-7 days here to cover everything. With one day in Taipei, you can see an awful lot. The trick is to start early.

My itinerary is designed to be action-packed but realistic. I am not just squeezing in loads to make my post appear better than others, instead I am sharing what is doable and the must visits for all first timers to Taipei.

The Best Time To Visit Taipei

Taipei’s climate can be challenging for visitors, the city sits in a mountainous basin that traps heat and humidity. During my visit, I genuinely couldn’t remember the last time I felt completely dry (and trust me, it wasn’t flattering). Summer months (June-August) are particularly intense, with temperatures hitting mid-30°C (86°F) and humidity soaring above 90%. This period also brings heavy rainfall up to 270mm monthly and typhoon season, which can disrupt travel plans.

For the most comfortable visit, plan your Taipei trip during winter (November-February) or spring (March-May). Winter offers the most pleasant conditions with temperatures around 16°C, perfect for exploring temples, hiking, or cycling. It’s also budget-friendly time to visit as it’s Taiwan’s low season. Spring brings warmer mid-20°C (70°F) weather and stunning cherry blossoms, though humidity begins climbing and days can feel sticky.

taipei day trip itinerary

Getting To Taipei From Taoyuan Airport

Getting To Taipei From Taoyuan Airport Before Midnight

The best way to get from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei city is by the airport train. You can either get the express or the commuter train from terminal 1 or terminal 2.

The difference is the express train has 3 stops and takes 33 minutes, while the commuter train is slightly longer at 49 minutes with 13 stops. Both go to Taipei main station. From here you can switch to the MRT to reach your accommodation.

The airport trains run until 11:30 PM.

Getting To Taipei From Taoyuan Airport After Midnight

If you are arriving after 11:30 PM I recommend the 1819 bus. You can find the timetable here, it leaves from terminal 2. You can book a ticket in advance here.

Alternatively, a private transfer is always reliable. This will take approximately 35 minutes, your driver will be ready and waiting when you land. Certainly not the cheapest option, but it pays you back in convenience and time.

Where To Leave Your Luggage

Luggage storage shouldn’t be a problem in Taipei. Most metro stations have self-service lockers that are charged per hour. You can store your bags in them up to 24 hours. Check the metro stations that have storage lockers here.

Alternatively, Lalalocker uses cafes, restaurants and shops, all you need to do is book online.

Getting Around Taipei

Taipei is walkable with pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, but you’ll need transport between districts during your one day in Taipei; unless you’re superhuman.

The MRT is your best option, frequent, air-conditioned, fast, clean, and safe. Signs and announcements are in both English and Chinese which is helpful and makes navigation a breeze. Trains run 6am to midnight.

With just 1 day in Taipei I recommend buying a 24 hour MRT card. You can purchase this from information counters in MRT stations. It costs NT$180. The airport train and city bus is not included.

Taxis are affordable too with Uber and LINE Taxi widely available.

24 hour layover in Taipei

Where To Stay In Taipei

The metro system is excellent, so wherever you stay in Taipei, you’ll find it easy to move around to the other locations. However, based on this itinerary and just having 24 hours in Taipei, I recommend staying close to Taipei Main Station for the utmost convenience.

The airport train stops here so you can easily walk to your hotel to drop off your bags and then it’s also easy for you to leave again in the morning.

$: Taiwan Youth Hostel & Capsule Hotel

$$: HINOEN Hotel

$$$: Palais de Chine Hotel

I wrote a detailed guide on the best neighbourhoods to stay in Taipei here.

1 Day In Taipei Itinerary + Map

1 day in taipei map
click here for interactive version with MRT stops

How Much Money Do You Need For 24 Hours In Taipei

This is a budget friendly 1 day in Taipei itinerary with only one attraction needing a ticket (Taipei 101), everything else is free. The total cost of this itinerary is NT$2,370 ($82 / €70 / £60).

These are the daily costs:

  • Transport: 24 hour metro pass NT$180; airport train NT$160
  • Food: NT$500 for street food + local eats or up to NT$1,000 for restaurants
  • Coffee: NT$130
  • Taipei 101: NT$1,400

Morning:

08:00: Taiwanese Breakfast (1 hour)

taiwanese breakfast is a must during your one day in taipei
left to right: clay oven rolls, dough sticks, and radish cakes

There is no better way to begin your 1 day Taipei itinerary than to tuck into a hearty traditional Taiwanese breakfast. Breakfast is an important meal here, from early morning restaurants are packed with patrons looking for a warm and affordable meal. Breakfasts go heavy on the carbs, eggs, and oil.

If this is your first foray into taiwanese breakfast forget everything you know about breakfast from your home country, this is a whole new world you’re about to delve into. Full transparency: this is no light meal, it’s comforting, sumptuous, and oh so large. Undoubtedly it is going to set you up for the day while instantly immersing yourself into taiwanese culture.

Taiwanese breakfast restaurants are busy fast paced and slightly intimidating to newbies. There are strong smells of roasted sesame and scallions, it can be loud with orders being shouted and locals conversing, and of course there are so many new food items to wrap your head around. To top this off, many menus are in Chinese, so make sure you have your Google Translate handy to help you order. Although, some restaurants have an English menu.

Typically the following is on the menu. You just order individual pieces, so your breakfast can be as big or as little as you want.

  • Clay oven buns (shao bing/胡椒餅): Flatbread sprinkled with sesame seeds, usually stuffed with a fried egg or used for scallion pancakes
  • Scallion pancakes (cong you bing/蔥油餅): Crispy and flaky pancakes with green onions throughout the dough, often seasoned with Chinese five-spice and served folded with fillings like egg, beef, or ham
  • Sticky rice balls (fan tuan/飯糰): Crunchy rolls of rice typically filled with egg, meat floss, and vegetables
  • Steamed buns (baozi/包子): Large, round, doughy buns with various fillings including savory options like pork or vegetable and sweet varieties with red bean or taro
  • Fried dough sticks (youtiao/油條): Slightly salty and airy sticks of deep-fried dough that are normally dunked into soy milk
  • Soy milk (dou jiang/豆漿): Available in both sweet and savory varieties; the savory version features a unique tanginess from rice vinegar. Try both for the complete experience.

Due to the next location on this itinerary, I recommend Qingdao Soymilk to get your breakfast fix. It’s well known and popular with both tourists and locals. You can also get an English menu.

09:00: Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall (90 minutes)

one day in taipei
Liberty Square Arch

With a belly full of breakfast we are heading to our first historical site of the day. Measuring 25,000 square meters, Liberty Square houses three major landmarks: the chiang kai shek memorial hall, national theater, and national concert hall.

The memorial hall offers insight into Taiwan’s complicated past. Built in 1980 to honour Taiwan’s first president, Chiang Kai-shek, who led the Chinese nationalist KMT party and commanded the national revolutionary army until his death. Today it stands as a reminder of the authoritarian era that preceded today’s democracy.

what to do in taipei - Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

The white marble building features 89 steps that lead to a large 6.3 metre bronze statue of Chiang. The 89 steps represent his age at death. Inside you’ll find exhibitions of his personal belongings, cars and photos. The building’s stark white exterior offers a striking contrast. Interestingly, while honoring an authoritarian leader, the white color often represents new beginnings.

Admission to Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall is free. I also recommend watching the changing of the guard ceremonies which run hourly from 9 am to 5 pm. Free admission. Budget 2 hours for your visit.

You will likely need a maximum of 1 hour 30 minutes to explore all the grounds.

From here walk 5 minutes to Chiang Kai-Shek MRT station. Take the Green Songshan-Xindian Line toward Songshan → 2 stops to Ximen → transfer to Blue Bannan Line toward Dingpu → 1 stop to Longshan Temple station. Follow signs for exit 1.

10:30 AM: Longshan Temple (1 hour)

must visit in taipei

Despite surviving earthquakes and WWII bombing, Longshan Temple is one of Taiwan’s oldest and most important temples. Founded in 1738 it houses over 100 deities, blending Buddhism, Taoism, and folk religion beautifully.

This temple uses Southern Chinese architecture with Dragons and phoenixes snaking across the temples roofs, detailed wood carvings cover every surface, and a waterfall at the entrance creates an instant calm which sets the tone for your visit.

inside longshan temple
taipei day trip itinerary

Despite tourist crowds, the temple maintains its spiritual atmosphere. The air is heavy with incense, locals pray quietly before different altars, and soft chanting echoes throughout. In the courtyard Taipei’s ramshackle buildings peek out behind the temple. Even when busy, there’s something deeply peaceful about this place.

I recommend spending between 30 to 60 minutes here, then it’s a 5 minute walk to lunch.

11:30: Huaxi Street Market (45 minutes)

where to eat taipei market

For lunch I am suggesting one of the best stalls at one of the most well known food markets in Taipei: Yuan Fang Gua Bao (源芳刈包) at Huaxi Street Maket. This was the best gua bao I had in Taipei. The Michelin Bib Gourmand and queue of locals should support this bold claim.

A pillowy bao is stuffed with a thick slice of succulent and smoky pork belly, it’s then topped with cabbage, peanuts, and cilantro. It’s a combination of sweet and savoury, crunchy and soft.

what to eat in taipei : Yuan Fang Gua Bao (源芳刈包)
Yuan Fang Gua Bao (源芳刈包) is the best street food in Taipei
the most delicious Gua Bao

They are also known for their Four God Soup where Chinese herbs are slow-cooked with pork ribs which creates this light but flavourful broth.

You can eat behind their stall or grab a spot in the small park nearby. A bao costs NT$60, while the soup is NT$55 .

Alternatively: Yi Jia Zi is another Michelin spot that’s close by. Famous for gua bao but they do great braised pork rice and fish ball soup too.

Hopefully you’ve enjoyed your lunch, from Huaxi Market, it’s a 20 minute walk to Ximending where we’re going next.

Afternoon:

12:30: Ximending  (2 hours)

1 day in taipei itinerary
rainbow pedestrian crossing in Ximending

Ximending is Taipei’s young, trendy and colourful area. It’s a pedestrianised area, that is packed with fashionable shops, restaurants and street food it’s colourful, fun, and just has a great buzz about it.

These are some things I recommend doing in Ximending:

  • Take a photo on Rainbow Road under the colourful lights and towering billboards
  • Cool down with shaved ice from Ice Una, it is the cutest dessert I’ve had.
  • Shopping – find clothes, accessories, snacks and souvenirs
  • Go bar hopping, there are many cool bars here such as HANKO 60 如醉如夢, Min Shelter Cocktail Bar and Nonsense.
  • Browse the stalls in Red House from local designers and boutiques stalls
  • Explore the street food, although not officially a street food market there are many street stalls. This fun food tour will show you the best of local food in the area
  • Visit the graffiti along Cinema Street, an open public space
  • Tian Tian Li Delicacies
craft market in ximending

In an ideal world, I’d suggest visiting Ximending at night; however with just 1 day in Taipei, it’s best to visit Ximending in the day as although good, in my opinion it’s not “the best place” in Taipei at night. Especially if it’s your first time in Taiwan.

From modern Taipei to one of the oldest areas, we are walking 20 minutes to Dihua Street.

14:45: Dihua Street (1 hour)

visits Taipeis oldest street during your day in taipei

Dihua Old Street is Taiwan’s oldest preserved street, wearing its 150 year history proudly. Dating to the 19th century, Fujian merchants established businesses trading tea, herbs, and fabrics here.

The narrow South China and Japanese-style buildings are deceptively deep, many hiding inner courtyards, for light and privacy. You’ll see medicinal herbs hanging in bundles and stacked in neat pyramids.

For a place to rest and refresh I recommend the rose latte at SanFormosan or relax at ASW teahouse, which also serves cocktails.

During Lunar New Year, this quiet street transforms into Taiwan’s largest holiday market with hundreds of thousands of shoppers hunting for festive goods.

From Dihua walk 12 minutes to Daqiaotou Station. Take the Yellow Zhonghe-Xinlu Line towards Nanshijiao → 6 stops to Dongmen → transfer to Red Tamsui-Xinyi Line toward Xiangshan → 4 stops to Taipei 101. Exit via 4.

16:00: Taipei 101 (1 hour)

24 hours in taipei

The penultimate place of your 24 hours in Taipei, Taipei 101, Taiwan’s most iconic landmark. This is a 508-meter bamboo inspired tower with 101 floors. The design features eight segments of eight floors each. This number is no coincidence, 8 symbolizes prosperity in Chinese culture.

Take the world’s fastest elevator to the 89th floor for panoramic city views. The Toshiba turbo elevator hits 1,010 meters per minute. For an extra fee you can visit the 101st floor indoor deck or outdoor Skyline 460 (weather permitting).

apple store from taipei 101

The 89th floor offers sprawling views of the city including, Taipei Dome, the Mac-shaped Apple Store, Agora Garden, Memorial Hall, and Keelung River. On clear days you’ll see mountains in the distance. Don’t miss the massive 728-ton damper between floors 87-92. This large ball stabilises the building during earthquakes and typhoons, both of which are common events in Taiwan.

Next stop is an 18-minute walk toward Elephant Mountain, passing through Sanzhangli Park.

Evening:

Sunset: Elephant Mountain

taipei 101 from elephant mountain sunset

Elephant Mountain offers Taipei’s best sunset views. Part of the Nangang Mountain Range, it’s one of four Beast Peaks (with Leopard, Tiger, and Lion Mountains offering equally stunning but less crowded views).

The trail starts across from % ARABICA cafe, which is a great post climb treat. To get to the top you need to climb up 700 stone steps that get progressively steeper. It should take between 20 to 30 minutes depending on your fitness level. It’s an easy hike, suitable for everyone, the toughest part is the humidity.

elephant mountain is a must during your one in taipei

At the summit, the “Six Giant Rocks” viewing platform frames Taipei 101 perfectly. Walk 2 minutes further for a heart installation with another great photo angle. Descent takes about 15 minutes, and at the bottom you’ll be rewarded with wobbly legs from all the stairs.

The time of sunset in Taipei is typically between 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM. November and December it’s earlier at 5 PM, so you need to adjust your day accordingly.

To end our one day in Taipei whirlwind trip, we’re heading to the best night market in the city. Nay, the best night market in Taiwan, Raohe Street. To get here you can either walk 14 minutes to Xinyi Songren Road bus stop and take the 28, 66 or, 281 to Songshan Station.

19:00: Night Market (Raohe)

best night market in taipei

Wobbly legs and a hungry belly in tow, we are ending this one day in Taipei itinerary on the best kind of high. Trying the best street food that Taiwan is famous for.

With a length of 600 metres, this may not be Taipei’s biggest night market, but it is considered by many locals to be among the best night markets in Taipei, with a large number of high-quality stalls squeezed into it, many of which are Michelin Bib recommended.

This is best night market for first timers to Taipei to get the ultimate introduction to Taiwan’s street food.

These are some food not to miss out on:

taipei food raohe night market
taipei food raohe night market

Not only is the food at Raohe the best, but this is the most organised night market I visited in Taiwan. It has a one-way system that people actually adhere to which makes it so much easier to see everything and not miss out on any of the amazing stalls.

Make sure to have cash on you, many stalls don’t accept card.

I hope you have had a fun 24 hours in Taipei. Let me know below what you think of this itinerary!

What To Do In Taipei For 8 hours?

If you don’t have a full day in Taipei and wondering what to do in Taipei for 8 hours or during a layover.

I suggest the following route:

  • Taipei 101
  • Ximending
  • Longshan Temple
  • Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

What To Do In Taipei If It Rains?

Taipei is no stranger to rain. it rains for 75% of the year. Sometimes the showers are unpredictable and can last all day, whereas others are just light and are over just as soon as they began.

I wrote a detailed list of 15 things to do indoors when it rains in Taipei. However, this is what I would do with one day in Taipei rainy day itinerary.

  • Take a cooking class: learn how to make Taiwan’s most delicious meals. CookInn is top rated and focuses on beef noodles, street food classics and pastries.
  • Xinyi: browse the shopping malls in Xinyi. A huge modern, pedestrianised shopping area
  • Teahouse: tea is important in Taiwan, learn about why and the different kinds at one of the many teahouses. I recommend ASW TEA HOUSE , 三徑就荒Hermit’s Hut, or Ruth Fang Art & Culture Teahouse 
  • Treat yourself to a delicious hotpot. Mala hotpot is a first-time friendly place, with a all ypu can eat ice-cream freezer for dessert.
  • Visit the National Palace Museum .

FAQ

Should I bring cash to Taipei?

Although many places accept card, cash is still widely used. Card is accepted in most cafes and restaurants but local haunts and street food stalls typically only accept cash.

How much is a coffee in Taipei?

Expect to pay between $3.50 to $4.50 for most cafes. I found the coffee to be much more expensive than Japan and South Korea, however I also found it to be the best overall.

How many nights should I spend in Taipei?

I suggest 7 nights to fully experience this amazing city. You will also have time to visit other areas close by like Jiufen – the town that inspired Spirited Away.

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4 Day Ultimate Taipei Itinerary For First-Timers
Where To Stay In Taipei
Guide To Yongkang Street- Asia’s Coolest Street
What To Do In Taipei When It Rains
Xinyi Taipei : Neighbourhood Guide

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