1 Day in Taipei: How I Spent An Amazing 24 Hours in Taipei Taiwan (2025)

Last Updated on June 27, 2025 by Oliver

Taipei has officially become one of my favorite cities, no question about it. When I first visited earlier this year, I honestly had no idea what to expect, but I ended up being completely blown away. The city is full of culture, friendly people, amazing food, and so many cool things to see and do.

In this quick travel guide, I’ll show you exactly how to spend 1 day in Taipei, based on my own experience. I spent three weeks in Taiwan overall, with a full week in Taipei, so I managed to try pretty much all the touristy stuff as well as pretty much all the food I could find. Now I’m breaking it all down into one ultimate 24 hours in Taipei itinerary with the best things to see, do, and eat and everything I’d recommend if you’ve only got one day in Taipei.

1 Day Taipei Itinerary – My Experience

Like I mentioned in the intro, I didn’t actually have to cram all of Taipei into one day, I had a full week to explore the city, take it slow, and just enjoy it. But if I did have to fit everything into a single day, this would be the exact itinerary I’d follow.

What you’ll find here is basically a highlight reel of my favorite food spots and must-see sights. For me, exploring Taipei was really about the food (and I recommend you do the same). I usually picked the places I wanted to eat first and then planned my sightseeing around that, which is kinda how this itinerary is laid out. That way, you don’t miss the good eats or the big sights.

When I was in Taipei, I got completely obsessed with a few things, especially beef noodle soup and xiao long baos (soup dumplings). So obviously, those are going in here. I also loved the night markets, and they’ll definitely play a big part in this 24-hour itinerary too.

Taipei isn’t really the kind of city where you’re rushing from one major landmark to another like you might be in, say, Bangkok. It’s more about the atmosphere, the culture, the food, and just being in the city. That said, there are still some very cool places to check out, and I’ll make sure they’re all included.

A Quick Taipei Travel Guide – Everything You Need to Know

English isn’t widely spoken: Most locals don’t speak much English, and many menus in restaurants are only in Chinese. Google Translate (especially the photo feature) will be your best friend.

Public transport is amazing: The MRT is super easy to use, clean, reliable, and cheap. You won’t need a taxi unless you’re out really late.

Always carry water: Taipei can get really hot and humid, especially in summer. You’ll be walking a lot, so stay hydrated.

Try all the food: Night markets, local breakfast spots, street food, cafes. Taipei is a food city through and through. Come hungry.

Use cash at markets: A lot of the night market and street food stalls are cash only, so have some on hand. ATMs are everywhere.

It’s super safe: Taipei feels incredibly safe, even at night. Great for solo travelers.

The city is spread out: Not everything is walkable, so pick accommodation near an MRT station if possible. My personal favorite area is called Taipei 101 (Xinyi District)

My 1 Day in Taipei Travel Itinerary

A quick note before we jump into this itinerary: English isn’t super widely spoken in Taipei, and a lot of restaurants and spots only show up in Chinese on Google Maps. So whenever I mention a place with a Chinese name, I’ll make sure to link the location so you can easily check photos and see where it is.

Oh, and one quick thing before we get started, this itinerary is pretty packed. It’s going to be a full day with quite a bit of walking, but it’s definitely doable. That said, feel free to skip a few things if you’d rather take it slow, no pressure to squeeze in everything.

Morning

As I’ve mentioned earlier, my days in Taipei pretty much always started with food. I really liked staying around Taipei 101 because there are so many great cafes, breakfast joints, and foodie spots all within walking distance, which makes things way easier.

I usually go for breakfast first, then coffee, but you can switch that around if you’re the type who needs caffeine the second you wake up.

I recommend starting with breakfast at 秦小姐豆漿 信義店. The ladies who run the place are super friendly, and the food is proper local. Just order a little mix of everything, meatball sandwiches, scallion pancakes, egg crepes, and soy milk. It’s the classic Taiwanese breakfast experience and really affordable too.

After that, I usually walk over to grab a coffee at either Wilbeck Cafe or 小川珈琲所. They’re both nearby and serve great flat whites and lattes. If the weather’s good, I prefer 小川珈琲所 as it’s just a little outdoor coffee window in a quiet street, and it’s really nice to sit out there for a bit.

Once we’re fed and caffeinated, it’s time for some actual sightseeing. Start with a visit to Taipei 101, which is only about a 10-minute walk from here. It’s that massive, pagoda-shaped skyscraper you’ll see from almost anywhere in the city. The bottom few floors are a giant air-conditioned shopping mall (which is great if you need to escape the heat), but for now, head up to the observation deck on the 89th floor. It used to be the tallest building in the world, and the 360° view over the city is honestly incredible.

Midday

From Taipei 101 Station, hop on the red line and take it straight to our next stop: Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall. He was one of Taiwan’s most important (and controversial) leaders, and this spot is kind of like the Taiwanese version of the Lincoln Memorial in DC. The memorial sits on a massive square, flanked by the National Theater and National Concert Hall, it’s super impressive and definitely photo-worthy.

From here, it’s about a 30-minute walk to Lungshan Temple, one of the most beautiful traditional temples in Taipei. I did the walk and it was really nice, but I’ll be honest, it’s a bit of a trek, especially if the weather’s hot or humid. So feel free to skip this one or take a short ride instead if you’re not up for walking.

Afterwards, we’re heading to the Ximending Walking District, a lively pedestrian area filled with food stalls, bubble tea shops, and streetwear stores. It’s a fun spot to just wander and snack. 

For lunch, I recommend grabbing some pan-fried buns (they’re like juicy dumplings, usually filled with pork and cabbage) from Chef Yu Fried Buns. And then for dessert we head over to Crispy Milk Donuts, a super popular spot that always has a bit of a line. But don’t worry, those pan fried buns will keep you busy while you wait.

Afternoon 

In the afternoon, we’ll be walking again, unfortunately for the feet, but fortunately for the experience. This time we’re heading to Dihua Street, which is the oldest street in Taipei. It’s in the Dadaocheng area, and it’s one of my favorite places to just stroll around and enjoy the atmosphere.

The street still has that old-world charm with traditional Chinese architecture, and it’s lined with all kinds of little shops, from herbal medicine stores and tea houses to boutique souvenir shops and local snacks.

There are also a few really nice little cafes around here, so if you feel like slowing down a bit, this is the perfect area to grab a coffee or bubble tea and just relax for a bit before we jump back on the MRT for our evening plans.

Evening

In the evening, we’re obviously heading to a night market because that’s just what you do in Taipei. There are a few that are really popular like Shilin Night Market and Ningxia Night Market, but my personal favorite is Raohe Night Market. It’s all the way across the city, but the good news is that the green MRT line connects you straight from Dadaocheng (near Dihua Street) to Raohe Night Market in about 20 minutes and super easy.

Once you’re there, it’s all about trying as many different foods as possible. My top pick is the pepper pork buns. You’ll see them right at the first stall in the center aisle just behind the temple gate entrance. There’s usually a bit of a queue, but they’re totally worth the wait. Besides that, you can go for soup dumplings, gua bao (Taiwanese hamburgers), fried chicken, bubble tea, whatever catches your eye.

Depending on your mood (and how many street snacks you eat), this could be your full dinner. But if you’re still hungry and want a proper sit-down meal, I’d absolutely recommend going to Din Tai Fung. The original location is here in Taipei, but there are other branches too. I went to the one inside Taipei 101, and it was amazing. Just be prepared to draw a number and possibly wait up to two hours for a table. I know that sounds insane, but honestly… worth it.

Where to Stay in Taipei

When it comes to where to stay in Taipei, I’d say location definitely matters. Some areas are way more walkable and just more fun to be in, especially when it comes to having cafes, restaurants, and MRT stations nearby. I really liked staying near Taipei 101, the area has a cool vibe, there’s plenty to eat and do, and the MRT makes it super easy to get around.

That said, staying near the Ximending Walking District or Taipei Main Station is also super convenient, especially if you’re planning day trips or want to be right in the middle of the city.

Here are a few places I think are worth staying at in Taipei:

Miramar Garden Taipei: A great option if you’re looking for a decent luxury hotel. Comfortable and great value.

Humble Boutique Hotel: Probably the best boutique hotel in Taipei. Stylish, clean, and in a great location.

Work Inn 101: A great budget hostel in an unbeatable spot, especially if you’re trying to keep things cheap but central.

The Best Day Trips from Taipei

One of the best things about Taipei is how easy it is to escape the city for a day. The public transport is great, and there’s a lot to see just outside the city.

Jiufen: This was one of my favorite day trips. It’s a little mountain town with lantern-lit alleys, tea houses, and amazing views over the coast. It’s touristy, but in a good way. I’ve actually written a full guide on it, so definitely check that out if you’re planning to go.

Taroko Gorge: It’s in Taroko National Park, and while it’s a bit further out (usually done as an overnight or super early start), it’s one of the most stunning natural spots in Taiwan with huge marble cliffs, hiking trails, and suspension bridges.

Elephant Mountain: This one is technically still in Taipei, but it feels like a mini day trip. The hike only takes about 15–20 minutes, but it’s a steep climb and gives you one of the best views over the city, especially around sunset. Definitely worth doing if you have the time.

FAQs About My 1 Day in Taipei Itinerary

What to see in Taipei in one day?

Definitely check out Taipei 101 and one of the night markets. For me, the food is the real highlight, but the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is also really worth seeing.

How many days in Taipei is good?

If you’ve only got one day, you can still make it work but ideally, I’d say spend at least 3 days in Taipei. If you’re planning to do day trips, even up to a week is great.

Is Taipei worth visiting?

100%. It’s one of my favorite cities I’ve been to this year. I’d go back just for the food alone.

What to eat in Taipei?

Taipei has some of the best food I’ve ever had. I’m obsessed with beef noodle soup and xiao long baos, and I also loved the pepper pork buns from that little stand at Raohe Night Market.

Final Thoughts on My One Day in Taipei Itinerary

I honestly hope you have more than just one day in Taipei, but if you don’t, no worries, you can still have a great time. If you follow this itinerary, you’ll get a mix of culture, sightseeing, and (most importantly) some seriously good food.

Taipei really surprised me in the best way. I loved exploring the city, eating my way through night markets, and just enjoying a culture I’d never experienced before. And if I only had one day? This is exactly how I’d spend it.

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