Are you traveling with a tight schedule or just having a fleeting opportunity to experience the heart of Taiwan? Even if you only have 1 day in Taipei, please don’t be desperate. It may seem not easy to take in the essence of such an attraction-filled city in just 24 hours, but I’m here to tell you that it’s possible. With a well-planned Taipei trip itinerary, you’ll be able to make memorable memories in every second.

In this guide, we look at how to maximize your precious time and offer three different options for Taipei itineraries based on various interests. Whether you’re a history buff, a food adventurer, or an urban explorer, we’ll find the right plan for you. So, let’s get ready to enjoy Taipei in just one day!

---

How to Get Around Taipei
Where to Put Your Luggage
Three Different Taipei Day Trip Itinerary
Itinerary A- Experience Vibrant Districts And Landmarks
Itinerary B- Seek Out History, Culture And Cuisine
Itinerary C- Glimpse Of Nature And Local Lifestyle
Taipei Food Recommendation

How to Get Around Taipei

The MRT is the backbone of Taipei’s public transportation system, and for good reason. The MRT system is very user-friendly, with each station marked in English. Each route is color-coded to make navigation effortless. You can purchase an EasyCard one-day pass for unlimited rides on the MRT or buses on the same day.

Besides the MRT, Taipei has an extensive bus network. While the MRT is usually faster on long journeys, buses are also useful for reaching areas not directly accessible by MRT stations.

For a more relaxed approach to exploring the city, consider taking a taxi or using Uber. Taxis are generally safe and affordable, especially for short distances or with luggage.

If you’re keen to explore beyond the city center, the Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) offers excellent train service to nearby towns and cities, perfect for day trips from Taipei we’ll discuss later.

Where to Put Your Luggage

You only have one day in Taipei and may be arriving directly from the airport or planning to travel directly to your next destination, then this is a crucial consideration. You certainly don’t want to be dragging your luggage around.

Here are your best options for luggage storage in Taipei:

Taipei Station: This location also offers luggage storage options in a variety of sizes. However, it should be noted that these lockers are rather old-fashioned and can only be used with coins and no change, so you need to bring enough coins of your own. The charge for a large luggage compartment is 60 NT$ for 3 hours. Smaller compartments are 40 NT$ for 3 hours.

Hotel Storage: If you have booked a hotel, this is usually the least expensive option. Most hotels are happy to store your luggage for free.

MRT Stations: Besides Taipei Station, some larger MRT stations also have coin lockers, such as Zhongshan Station. You can check the station facilities or ask at the information desk.

Shopping Centers: Many large shopping malls, such as Shin Kong Mitsukoshi or Sogo Department Store, often offer luggage storage at their customer service desks.

Airport (Taoyuan International Airport): You can store your baggage directly at the airport before leaving. Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 offer baggage storage services.

Ximending Visitor Center: Take the elevator up to the third floor and you’ll find luggage storage, but it’s open until 1 pm.

Three Different Taipei Day Trip Itinerary

Now, it’s something you need to take the time to read carefully! Below are three different day trips in Taipei, each of them allows you to enjoy the unique side of Taipei in one day. Please choose the itinerary that best suits your interests and physical condition.

 Itinerary A- Experience Vibrant Districts And Landmarks

This one-day itinerary is perfect for those who want to visit Taipei’s most iconic landmarks and experience a blend of modernity and tradition. The tour involves walking and taking the MRT, so be prepared!

Stop 1: Ximending

Time Allotment: 1.5 hours（9:00 AM – 10:30 AM）

How to get there: Depending on your location, take the MRT Bannan Line (Blue Line) or Songshan Xindian Line (Green Line) to Ximending Station.

Let’s start our day in Ximending, if you’re taking the MRT then take exit 6. As soon as you come out, you will see the famous rainbow road with Taipei painted on it, which is a photo op for sure. After taking photos, head to Ximen Red Building, a red brick building with a history of more than 100 years. Inside the building, there is a creative market where you can take time to browse. After the dazzling sights, enjoy breakfast here, Ximending is famous for its food: marinated pork rice, braised food, and noodle dishes to try.

Stop 2: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Time Allotment: 1.5 hours（11:00 AM – 12:30 PM）

How to get there: Take the MRT Green Line (Songshan-Xindian Line) to CKS Memorial Hall Station. It is recommended to take Exit 5 to go directly to Freedom Square.

With its white walls and blue tiles, it is very grand and a must-visit attraction for sightseers. This magnificent landmark is not to be missed. The towering Memorial to the Former President of Taiwan and the expansive Liberty Square are impressive. Don’t miss the Changing of the Guard Ceremony, which takes place every hour from 9 am to 5 pm. There are also plum blossoms to enjoy from January to February, and it’s a lovely place to take a walk.

Stop 3: Taipei 101

Time Allotment: 1.5 hours（12:30 PM – 2:00 PM）

How to get there: Take the MRT Red Line (Xinyi Line) to Taipei 101 Station and get off at Exit 4.

Taipei’s landmark, once the tallest building in the world, remains an iconic symbol of the city’s modernization and engineering prowess. If you wish, you can climb up to the observation deck and take in the beauty of Taipei. The interior of the mall is mostly filled with high-luxury brands. For lunch, Din Tai Fung, Sinchao Rice Shoppe, or AJoy, Taiwan’s tallest buffet restaurant on the 86th floor, are also good choices.

Stop 4: Xinyi District

Time Allotment: 2 hours（2:00 PM – 4:00 PM）

How to get there: It’s a 20-minute walk from 101.

If you want to shop in Taipei then leave 101 and come straight to the Xinyi business district. This is Taipei’s most iconic shopping district with over a dozen department stores. Here you can buy some souvenirs, try some local snacks, or find a coffee shop to sit down and relax as the night falls.

Stop 5 Four Four South Village

Time Allotment: 1 hour（4:30 PM – 5:30 PM）

How to get there: It can be reached on foot from the Xinyi District.

After shopping, you can enjoy the following culture of the military dependents’ village. This is the first military dependents’ village in Taipei City and retains a unique architectural culture inside. There are many exhibition halls with cultural creations and cafes. There are light shows at 19:00, 19:30, 20:00, and 20:30 from Monday to Sunday.

Stop 6 Linjiang Night Market

Time Allotment: 2-3 hours （6:00 PM – 9:00 PM）

How to get there: It is a 15-minute walk from the military dependents’ village.

It’s a locals’ night market with a short route but low food repetition. Try the Taiwanese snacks: stinky tofu, pan-fried buns, taro ball ice, and more to get your taste buds ready for an adventure.

Itinerary B- Seek Out History, Culture And Cuisine

This itinerary delves into its rich history and cultural heritage and prioritizes culinary delights as you explore the city. Show you in full what to do in Taipei for 1 day.

Stop 1: National Palace Museum

Time Allotment: 2 hours（9:00 AM – 11:00 AM）

How to get there: If you are traveling from the airport, you can take the Airport Express MRT to Taipei Station and then take bus 300. You can also take a taxi to get there directly, which is more convenient and faster.

This is the largest museum in Taiwan, founded in 1925. Although it is a distance from the city center, this museum is essential for history and art lovers. It houses the world’s largest and finest collection of Chinese art and artifacts spanning thousands of years. Even a quick visit to the most famous pieces (such as the Jadeite Cabbage or the Flesh-Shaped Stone) is worthwhile.

Stop 2 Yongkang Street

Time Allotment: 1.5 hours （12:00 AM – 1:30 PM）

How to get there: First, take the S19 bus to Jiantan Station take the Red Line MRT (Xinyi Line) to Dongmen Station and get off at Exit 5.

Yongkang Street is one of the most famous shopping districts in Taipei’s food district, filled with first-class restaurants, dessert stores, snack stalls, and tea rooms. Din Tai Fung and Yongkang Beef Noodles are very famous in this area, which is also home to mango shaved ice and many authentic Taiwanese restaurants. You can take a proper rest while savoring the food here.

Stop 3 Huashan 1914 Creative Park

Time Allotment: 1.5 hours （2:00 PM – 3:30 PM）

How to get there: From Dongmen Station, take the Orange Line (Zhonghe New Line) to Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station. Huashan 1914 is a short walk from Exit 1.

Formerly a brewery founded in 1914, it has been transformed into a buzzing cultural park. It hosts art exhibitions, independent film screenings, live music performances, and quirky stores and cafes. It’s the perfect place to wander, discover unique local crafts, and enjoy a relaxed creative atmosphere.

Stop 4 Tamsui Old Street

Time Allotment: 1 hour (4:30 PM – 5:30 PM）

How to get there: You can take the Red Line MRT (Tamsui-Xinyi Line) to Tamsui Station and exit at Exit 1.

Tanshui Old Street is the best place to enjoy the scenery of Taipei’s waterfront. The old street is divided into two sides. The inner side is a traditional street with a variety of stores selling all kinds of cakes, toys, and seafood, while the outer side is a walkway near the riverbank. After taking in the skyscrapers of Taipei, you might want to check out the simple atmosphere of the neighborhood.

Stop 5 Raohe Street Night Market

Time Allotment: 1.5 hours（7:30 PM – 9:00 PM）

How to get there: Take the Red Line MRT (Tamsui-Xinyi Line) to Zhongshan Station and transfer to the Green Line (Songshan-Xindian Line) to Songshan Station and take Exit 5.

This is the earliest sightseeing night market in Taipei City. The scale is small and the stalls are gathered together, so you can easily browse through all of them. Be sure to try street food such as boba milk tea, pepper cakes, egg cakes, chicken fillets, shaved ice, etc.

Stop 6 Ciyou Temple

Time Allotment: 30 minutes – 1 hour（9:00 PM – 10:00 PM）

How to get there: The temple is just a few minutes walk away from the night market.

The A-Ma Temple, located next to the night market, was built in 1753. It is a center of faith for the locals and well worth a visit if you want to blend in. Waiting for the night when the temple will be lit up is a great way to check out the carvings, decorations, and local customs inside!

Itinerary C- Glimpse Of Nature And Local Lifestyle

This 1-day Taipei itinerary is for those who prefer a slightly slower pace and appreciation of nature. Travelers who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and experience the local side of the city, with the focus more on the cultural experience.

Stop 1 Thermal Valley 

Time Allotment: 2 hours (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM)

How to get there: Take the MRT Red Line (Danshui-Xinyi Line) to Beitou Station. From Beitou Station, transfer to the Pink Line (Xin Beitou Line) for one stop to Xin Beitou Station. Parks and attractions are within walking distance from here.

Thermal Valley is right next to Beitou Hot Spring Park, but unfortunately, the park is under a year’s maintenance and is expected to open in February 2026. What makes Thermal Valley so special is the sulfurous fumes that permeate the area, making it seem like a wonderland. Here you can experience hot springs and steam spas to relax your tired body.

Stop 2 Taipei Confucius Temple & Dalongdong Baoan Temple 

Time Allotment: 1.5 – 2 hours (11:30 AM – 1:30 PM)

How to get there: Take the Pink Line from New Beitou Station back to Beitou Station, then take the Red Line (Danshui Xinyi Line) south to Yuanshan Station. The temple is a short walk from Exit 2.

Next to each other, these two temples are traditional representations of religious and architectural art. The Confucius Temple, dedicated to the revered philosopher Confucius, was built in 1927 and exudes a calm, scholarly atmosphere, and visitors get a free souvenir. The colorful Baoan Temple, built in 1742, is a vivid example of folk religion, with intricate carvings and lively decorations. There are many local food stores in the temple annex to help you rejuvenate, such as water-fried buns, fried rice, and rice noodles.

Stop 3 Taipei Fine Arts Museum

Time Allotment: 1 hour (2:00 PM – 3:00 PM)

How to get there: It’s a 20-minute walk from the temple.

Opened in 1983, the Museum of Fine Arts is one of the oldest modern and contemporary art museums in Asia. You can slow down and enjoy contemporary art, with different exhibitions to visit every so often.

Stop 4 Dihua Street

Time Allotment:1.5-2 hours (3:30 PM – 5:30 PM)

How to get there: From Yuanshan Station, take the Red Line (Danshui – Xinyi Line) to Zhongshan Station, then change to the Green Line (Songshan – Xindian Line) to Beimen. Take Exit 3 and walk for ten minutes to Dihua Street.

Dihua Street is one of the oldest streets in Taipei, filled with traditional merchants selling Chinese herbs, dried goods, fabrics, and tea tasting. It is a neighborhood where old and new cultures are intertwined and full of life. Perhaps even buy some unique souvenirs. Nearby Dadaocheng Wharf offers a great view of the sunset over the Danshui River.

Stop 5 Bopiliao Historical Block

Time Allotment: 30 minutes (3:30 PM – 5:30 PM)

How to get there: Take bus 9 and get off at Longshan Temple.

Bopiliao Historical Block is a street with the characteristics of Mongabay. Mixing architectural styles from different periods, it is also one of the filming locations for the movie MONGA. Nowadays there will be different exhibitions and events inside the block.

Stop 6 Try a Michelin-starred Restaurant

Time Allotment: 2 hours (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM）

How to get there: It will depend on the restaurant you choose.

There are several Michelin restaurants in Taiwan, such as Mountain & Sea House Restaurant, which specializes in exquisite local Taiwanese cuisine. There’s also Fujin Tree Taiwanese Cuisine & Champagne for the ultimate in delicious local cuisine, and Indulge Bistro, a bar that offers creative cuisine and a concept of tea in wine. End your day in Taipei with a magnificent dinner.

Taipei Food Recommendation

Taipei is a food paradise, known for its diverse flavors. You must try beef noodles, which have a rich soup, tender beef and chewy noodles to whet your appetite! Each beef noodle restaurant may differ in the noodles and soup base as well as the seasoning, so head to the famous Yongkang Beef Noodles and Fu Hang Beef Noodles.

The iconic xiao long bao is also a must-try treat, with restaurants such as Din Tai Fung setting the global standard for xiao long bao. There’s also Yonghe Soymilk, which represents a classic Taiwanese breakfast, with savory soy milk and rice balls being among the most popular dishes.

But don’t stop there! Night markets are the key to a day trip to Taipei, where you’ll find a wide array of street food. You can venture into oyster omelettes, crispy chicken fillets, delicious pepper cakes and, if you dare, the infamous stinky tofu.

Other Popular Day Trips from Taipei

If you have more time, Taipei is a great starting point for exciting day trips to nearby attractions:

Jiufen and Shifen: Jiufen is known for its narrow alleys, teahouses, and stunning mountain and sea views (said to be the inspiration for Studio Ghibli’s “The Thousand and One”). Shifen, on the other hand, is known for its beautiful waterfalls and the unique experience of releasing sky lanterns on the railroad tracks.

Yangmingshan National Park: A short bus ride from Taipei, Yangmingshan National Park offers beautiful hiking trails, volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and stunning flowers, especially during the cherry blossom season.

Taroko Gorge (Hualien): Although this is technically a long day trip, it is possible to take an early morning express train from Taipei to Hualien. Visit the breathtaking Taroko Gorge National Park, famous for its marble cliffs, dramatic landscapes, and turquoise rivers.

FAQ

How many days in Taipei is enough?

A 3-day itinerary is easier if you want to see the main sights in Taipei, and you can follow the above itinerary without feeling rushed. If you want to go deeper, explore more neighborhoods, or visit nearby attractions from Taipei City, then a 4 to 5-day trip would be ideal.

Is Taipei a walkable city?

Yes, Taipei is very walkable, especially within the center of the city. The city has wide, well-maintained sidewalks and many attractions are clustered together for easy walking tours. For example, you can easily explore areas such as Xinyi District (near Taipei 101) or Ximending.

What is a good month to visit Taipei?

Taipei has a subtropical climate, which means it can get quite hot and humid, especially in the summer. Generally speaking, fall (September to November) and spring (March to May) are the best seasons to visit Taipei.