Mirella Pandjaitan
Nov 12, 2025
So, what can you do with only 24 hours in Taipei?
People fall in love with Taipei because it’s unapologetically alive: the air smells of sizzling street food, the streets echo with laughter and chatter, and every corner hides a little surprise. Even in just one day, Taipei is a city that hits every note at once—eclectic yet cosy, historic yet buzzing with modern energy, a place where centuries-old temples sit beside towering skyscrapers and night markets hum with neon-lit life. Let’s not forget the friendly locals who take their breakfasts as seriously as their bubble tea!
Fun in Taipei isn’t optional; it’s woven into the city’s rhythm, in its food, its people, and the infectious energy that makes even wandering around feel like an adventure. Lace up your sneakers, bring an appetite, and let’s make every minute in Taiwan’s dynamic capital unforgettable.
Three factors need to be disclosed before we move on:
1. Not everything is walkable, so choose accommodation near an MRT station if possible. The MRT is clean, reliable, cheap, and super easy to navigate. You’ll rarely need a taxi unless you’re out really late.
2. Most night markets and street food stalls are cash only, though ATMs are plentiful.
3. Taipei is incredibly safe, even at night, making it perfect for solo travellers.
Keep these in mind, and you’ll glide through Taipei like a pro.
Begin your morning like a local with a traditional Taiwanese breakfast
One of the greatest joys of any stay in Taipei is discovering its beloved traditional breakfast shops—no frills, no fuss, just authentic flavour and community spirit.
Taiwanese breakfast is practically a cuisine of its own, tracing its roots back to the 1950s when migrants brought their culinary traditions to the Yonghe district in New Taipei City. That’s why you’ll still find the word “Yonghe” gracing the names of breakfast joints across the city, most famously paired with soy milk—the iconic morning beverage of Taiwan.
Forget fancy décor or credit cards. These places are about cheap, hearty, soul-satisfying food. Lines are common, but they move fast—and many are open 24 hours a day.
If you want to take a bite at renowned breakfast spots, opt for Fu Hang Soy Milk (阜杭豆漿) or Yonghe Soy Milk King (永和豆漿大王). The former is Taipei’s most famous breakfast spot, adored by tourists and locals alike, for its warm bowls of soy milk with freshly fried youtiao (dough sticks) or crisp shaobing flatbreads stuffed with egg and green onion. Meanwhile, the latter is the original legend among countless copycats. Whether you call it Da’an Yonghe Soy Milk King or Fuxing South Yonghe Soy Milk King, this shop is iconic—and even featured in the 2002 Taiwanese film Twenty Something.
Locals tend to flock to Ms. Chin’s Soy Milk Shop (秦小姐豆漿店), which is known for its signature lion head meatballs, a dish you won’t find in any other breakfast shop. Try them with an egg crepe or a flaky shaobing. You can also go for the egg crepe with mashed black-eyed peas or the shaobing stuffed with Xinjiang-style pork, washed down with a glass of pumpkin soy milk.
Hike to exhilarating views at Elephant Mountain
After your hearty breakfast, work off those soy milk calories with a hike up Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan). The trail rewards you with sweeping, postcard-perfect views of Taipei’s skyline, crowned by the iconic Taipei 101. The path is relatively short but steep—expect stairs and a good leg workout. The reward? One of the most stunning urban vistas in Asia. The entrance is a 10–15 minute walk from Xiangshan MRT Station (Exit 2). Early morning offers cooler air and softer light, but if you’re not a morning person, you can always return here for sunset.
Soar above the city at Taipei 101
No visit to Taipei is complete without standing atop Taipei 101, once the tallest building in the world and still one of its most elegant. Named for its 101 floors, this architectural marvel offers both indoor and outdoor observatories with panoramic 360° views of the city.
Take the world’s fastest elevator to the 89th-floor observatory, explore the 91st-floor outdoor deck, and if you’re feeling extra adventurous, ascend to the 101st-floor Sky Garden for a view that stretches to the mountains. Before you leave, wander through the luxury mall at the base that’s home to designer boutiques, cafés, and some excellent dining options if you’re ready for a break.
Continue to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Your next stop is the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, part of the grand Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Park complex. This striking white monument, framed by the National Theatre and National Concert Hall, pays tribute to the former President of the Republic of China. Inside, you’ll find exhibits chronicling his life and Taiwan’s political evolution. Be sure to arrive just before the hour to catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony, an impressive display of precision and pageantry. From here, it’s a 20-minute walk to the National Taiwan Museum, the country’s oldest museum, showcasing everything from indigenous heritage to natural history and colonial-era artefacts.
Grab some juicy pan-fried buns
Next, hop on the MRT to Ximen Station and explore Ximending, Taipei’s energetic youth district. Neon lights, trendy boutiques, and pulsating street music create an atmosphere reminiscent of Tokyo’s Shibuya.
Chef Yu Fried Bun features pan-fried buns that are crispy on the outside, soft inside, and filled with savoury pork and cabbage. Then, satisfy your sweet tooth with Crispy Milk Doughnuts, a viral favourite for a reason.
After lunch, take your time to explore Ximending’s vivid alleys. Visit the Red House Theatre, a cultural landmark now home to art exhibitions and performances, or stroll through Graffiti Alley, where local and international artists transform walls into open-air galleries. Don’t miss the Rainbow Six, a symbol of Taiwan’s progressive spirit—celebrating its landmark legalisation of same-sex marriage in 2019.
Dwell in the serenity of Longshan Temple
A short MRT ride away, Longshan Temple awaits. This serene sanctuary amid the city’s chaos was built in 1738, blending Buddhist, Taoist, and folk elements. Behold, a glimpse into Taiwan’s spiritual soul is set at this magnificent temple. If possible, time your visit to witness the chanting ceremonies held daily at 6-6:45 AM, 8-8:45 AM, and 3:45-5:00 PM. The rhythmic hum of prayers, the scent of incense, and the flickering candlelight create a meditative experience you’ll never forget.
Sunset from Elephant Mountain (round two!)
In case you missed the hike earlier, now’s your second chance. Return to Elephant Mountain for golden-hour views as Taipei’s skyline lights up in radiant hues. Watching Taipei 101 glow against the setting sun is the perfect way to close your day.
Or, stroll down Dihua Street
Elephant Mountain tackled in the morning leads to aimless walks around Taipei’s oldest and most charming thoroughfare, nestled in the historic Dadaocheng district. Immerse in the timeless energy, and let the city’s history wrap around you. Dihua Street is like stepping back in time. The traditional Chinese architecture still stands proud, and the street is alive with tiny shops waiting to be discovered—herbal medicine stores, fragrant tea houses, quirky souvenir boutiques, and local snack stalls that tempt you at every turn.
Slurp up a bowl of Taiwan’s national treasure, beef noodle soup
Wrap up your day at Master Jim Beef Noodles, where deep, complex broths and perfectly braised tendon meet chewy, hand-cut noodles. Order the Braised Beef and Tendon Soup, and request wide, firm noodles for the perfect texture. Each bite is a symphony of flavours—sweet carrots, salty bean paste, and that unmistakable Taiwanese comfort.
Get happily swept away in the night market buzz
As night falls, Taipei’s famed night markets come alive. Wander, graze, and let curiosity guide your taste buds. Below are some recommended night markets worth visiting:
- Linjiang Night Market: Smaller and more local, with great fried chicken and bubble tea.
- Ningxia Night Market: A local favourite that's perfect for oyster omelettes and a more relaxed night.
- Raohe Street Night Market: Don’t miss the Michelin-recognised pepper pork buns from Fuzhou.
- Shilin Night Market: The biggest and most famous one because of its bustling, bright, and energetic spirit.
An added bonus, specifically for the adventurous foodies, is Snake Alley (Huaxi Night Market) near Longshan Temple for a glimpse of Taipei’s quirkier side—yes, even snake soup.