Taipei Layover Guide (TPE)

Taipei: Private Day Tour by Car

Visit the highlights of Taipei at your own pace with a full-day private tour by car and drive around the attractions of your choice. This tour is flexible so benefit from a fully customized itinerary that suits your preference. It is really convenient for travelers on a short layover with only a few hours to spare with the option of drop off at the airport or cruise terminal at Keelung Harbor if needed. Just make sure to make a reservation. » book this tour

Taroko Gorge Full-Day Tour

Visit one of Asia’s 7 Wonders on a day excursion from Taipei to the Taroko Gorge. This world-renowned site is a must-see for visitors to Taipei. View the amazing marble cliffs of Taroko Gorge as well as the deep-winding tunnels, and the enchanting Liwu River flowing through the landscape. Your route will take you through a total of 38 tunnels including the Swallows Grotto, the Shakadang Trail, and the Marble Bridge of Motherly Devotion. » book this tour

Chiufen Village and Northeast Coast Tour

Explore the Northeast Coast of Taipei with its lighthouses, fishing villages, pastoral farmlands, and charming temples. Visit the city of Chiufen know for its famous teahouses and former gold mines. Stroll through the enchanting Chiufen Village and enjoy the Bay of Two Colors. Marvel at the rock formations of Nanya and take in spectacular views from the Jinguashi 13 Ruins. Explore the Northeast Coast of Taipei and stroll through Chiufen Village also known as Jiufen on this afternoon tour from Taipei. » book this tour

Taipei 101

It comes as no surprise to find Taipei 101 on most tourists’ lists. This is so because this destination has proven to attract many tourists once registering as the tallest building in the world. This giant skyscraper was designed to look like a giant bamboo stick and stands at almost 510 meters tall. This iconic building can be seen from anywhere in the city. It provides a panoramic view across the city that makes you see other beautiful sites including the famous Elephant mountain.

Time required: 2 hours.

Airport to here: It takes about 35 minutes to get here by taxi or 1 hour by train.

Elephant Mountain

As though they are friends in the same boat, the Elephant mountain provides an incredible view across the city. Hiking up Elephant mountain is one of the best things you would ever do in Taipei especially when it’s almost sunset. From the park entrance, it would take between 15 and 20 minutes to get to the top of the mountain.

Time required: 2 hours.

Airport to here: Typically takes 30 minutes by taxi or 50 minutes by train.

Red House Theater

Also known as the Ximen Red house, the historic theatre is located in the heart of modern Ximending with an entrance hall that has history about the area written all over it, dating back to the 1800s. Get a souvenir from the fantastic market place inside the theatre and you won’t regret it.

Time required: 3 hours.

Airport to here: It usually takes 30 minutes to get here by taxi or an hour by train.

The North Gate

The North Gate is one of the historic 5 gates to the city and was one of the main historic entrances to historic Taipei. It is one of the most cherishes historic sites to the city considering the fact that it looks the same way as it did during the Qing Dynasty.

Time required: 1 hour.

Airport to here: It takes an average of 45 minutes by train to get here or 30 minutes by taxi.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Officially known as the liberty square which is about 250,000 square meters, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is one of the most breathtaking sites in Taipei. The Memorial Hall was erected in honor of the first President of Taiwan, Generalissimo Chiang Kai-Shek and is also one of the most prominent landmarks in Taipei.

Time required: 1 hour.

Airport to here: It usually takes 25 minutes to get here by taxi or 55 minutes by train.

Shilin Night Market

The Shilin night market is one of the most famous places in the whole of Taiwan. Considered to be the largest night market, it always tops the list of tourists when it comes to places to visit in the capital. The Night Market is undoubtedly the best place to spend an evening exploring the streets and delicious food the night market has to offer. Shilin has more than just food to offer as you can do everything from playing arcade games to praying in the temple located in the center of the market.

Time required: 3 to 4 hours.

Airport to here: It usually takes 35 minutes to get here by taxi.

Modern Toilet Restaurant

I hope you don’t choke from laughter while you dine at this toilet-themed restaurant from the actual toilet seats to the toilet bowl styled foods. Do not be surprised as this is surprisingly the strangest yet best novelty restaurant you’ll ever visit in the capital. Imagine drinking wine from an imitation bedpan and eating poop-themed ice cream.

Time required: 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Airport to here: It takes close to 55 minutes to get here by train or 30 minutes by taxi.