Heading to Taipei soon? Whether it’s a long layover or a packed day on your itinerary, this Ultimate Taipei Travel Guide in 24 Hours is here to help you make the most of it! From must-try street food to cultural landmarks and cool neighborhoods, here are some of the best experiences to choose from when you’re in Taipei for just 24 hours!
Pro Tip: Check our list of exciting things to do in Shanghai, too!
1. Explore YongKang Street
YongKang Street is packed with cute cafes and local eateries where you can get a milk tea from 50Lan and a scallion pancake from a street vendor. There are too many choices you can get your food or drink from!
2. Join a Taiwanese Cooking Class
Join a Taiwanese cooking class and learn how to make local favorites like Xiao Long Bao from scratch! Don’t worry, a local chef will guide you. You can book the activity here + use my code TRAVELFORPHOEBEKLOOK for a discount!
3. Visit Rongjin Gorgeous Time
Rongjin Gorgeous Time is a quiet and lovely spot in Taipei with a lot of history. It used to be part of an old prison, but now it’s been turned into a relaxing park with cute Japanese-style houses, small cafes, local shops, and art spaces. It’s a nice place to take a walk, enjoy a coffee, and see how old and new Taipei come together!
4. Join a Walking Tour
One of the best ways to get to know Taipei is by joining a walking tour. In 2 to 2.5 hours, a friendly local guide will walk you through the old city while sharing stories about Taiwan’s history, food, and culture. You can book your walking tour here + use my code TRAVELFORPHOEBEKLOOK for a discount!
5. Eat at Din Tai Fung
Din Tai Fung is a Michelin-star restaurant known for its perfect Xiao Long Bao. Eating here is worth the hype. Just try to go during off-peak hours if you don’t want to wait too long!
6. Go to Taipei 101
Taipei 101 was once the tallest building in the world and now, it still holds the record for the fastest elevator! The view from the top offers amazing views of the city skyline, and it’s a must-visit for first-time travelers! You can book a tour to Taipei 101, plus other tourist spots + use my code TRAVELFORPHOEBEKLOOK for a discount!
7. Visit Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial
This iconic landmark is not only massive and majestic, but also a big piece of Taiwan’s history. The Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial is a peaceful spot to explore, and if you time it right, you can catch the changing of the guards ceremony! You can book a tour to visit the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial, plus other tourist spots here + use my code TRAVELFORPHOEBEKLOOK for a discount!
8. Join a Street Food Walking Tour
Joining a street food walking tour with a friendly guide who will take you to the best spots and let you try all kinds of delicious Taiwanese snacks is a great way to learn more about the Taiwanese street food culture! You can book a street food walking tour here + use my code TRAVELFORPHOEBEKLOOK for a discount!
9. Go to Longshan Temple
Longshan Temple is one of the oldest and most well-known temples in Taipei. Even if you stay for just a few minutes, it’s a nice place to slow down and enjoy the moment!
10. Join a Bike Tour
Join a bike tour and explore different neighborhoods, river parks, and maybe even some hidden alleys. It’s a fun and active way to see a different side of Taipei! Book a bike tour here + use my code TRAVELFORPHOEBEKLOOK for a discount!
11. Explore Ximending District
At night, Ximending District comes alive! You can grab some food, try fun snacks like donuts or shaved ice, shop for cute things, or just hang out and watch people dancing and singing in the streets. It’s super lively and kind of feels like Shibuya in Japan or Myeongdong in South Korea!
12. Join a Night Tour
On this night tour, you can visit places like Ningxia Night Market to try tasty local snacks, hop on a night bus, enjoy the city lights, and end the evening with a drink at a cozy bar in the Xinyi District. It’s a fun way to enjoy Taipei after dark! Book the night tour here + use my code TRAVELFORPHOEBEKLOOK for a discount!
13. Visit Raohe Night Market
Raohe Night Market is a classic night market full of sizzling street food, neon signs, and lively crowds. Try everything you can: pepper buns, grilled squid, bubble tea. You name it! It’s the perfect way to end your Taipei adventure!
Even with just 24 hours, Taipei has so much to offer. I hope this Taipei Travel Guide gives you many fun ideas to choose from, and I hope you can pick your favorites during your time in Taipei!
If you also want an easy and fun way to explore Southeast Asia and more, the tour I joined is a great option! You can check it here!