Hello Again, Taiwan: First Stops and Night Bites

✧ Throwback Travel Series – Taiwanderlust 2019 ✧
*Original Travel Dates: Feb 14–17, 2019 | Logistics & Fares Updated: 2026
A year has passed since my first trip to Taiwan. I’ve grown, but my heart still belongs here. This series continues a story I wasn’t done telling—a return to the places, flavors, and feelings that made me fall in love with this island. (Note: While this post retains my original 2019 journal entries, I’ve added updated 2026 transport, pricing, and route notes to help current travelers!)

Taoyuan Airport to Central Taipei: Transit Routes & Practical Tips

A year after my first trip, Taiwan called me back—and I answered. This time, the thrill of firsts was replaced by the comfort of familiarity, the kind that makes every bite, train ride, and street corner feel like a reunion with a place that once stole a piece of your heart.

The moment I landed at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, everything felt familiar yet thrilling. After a smooth immigration process, I picked up my pre-booked Wi-Fi router, withdrew cash from the ATM, and grabbed a chicken sandwich at Subway—why not start the trip with a solid bite?

I hopped on the U-Bus to the Taoyuan High-Speed Rail Station, paying NT$20 with my EasyCard. The ride was comfy and efficient, taking about 20 minutes. At Taoyuan HSR Station, I bought a ticket to Taipei Main Station for NT$160. The train left right on time, arriving in just 20 minutes. Taiwan’s HSR system is truly world-class—fast, reliable, and convenient.

At Taoyuan HSR Station, I bought a ticket to Taipei Main Station for NT$160. The train left right on time, arriving in just 20 minutes. Taiwan’s HSR system is truly world-class—fast, reliable, and convenient.

💡 2026 Travel Note: Taoyuan Airport MRT vs. HSR

While taking the U-Bus to the High-Speed Rail (HSR) was popular in 2019, the most direct route today is the Taoyuan Airport MRT (Express Train). It takes you directly from Airport Terminal 1 or 2 to Taipei Main Station in ~39 minutes for NT$150. You can easily tap in using an EasyCard, iPASS, or contactless credit card.

From Taipei Main Station, I transferred to the Blue/Bannan MRT Line and headed to Ximen Station, where my accommodation was just a 10-minute walk away. After paying NT$100 for early check-in and dropping off my luggage, I hit the streets to explore.

Where to Stay: Sleep Box Hostel Review (Ximending, Taipei)

Sleep Box Hostel became my home base for four days. Clean, peaceful, and ideal for budget travelers, it offered capsule-style rooms, shared bathrooms, a functional common area, and nearby essentials like cafés, convenience stores, and banks.

For shoestring solo travelers like me, it was a hidden gem. The friendly staff and central location near Ximending made it easy to navigate the city without breaking the bank.

📍 Hostel Quick Guide: Sleep Box Hostel

• Location: Ximending (Near MRT Ximen Station, Exit 4 or 1)
• Vibe & Style: Capsule/pod arrangement, air-conditioned, secure keycard entry.
• Best For: Solo female travelers, backpackers, and budget-conscious solo explorers.
• 2026 Tip: Ximending remains one of the best areas for first-time solo travelers in Taipei due to its walkable night markets, train connectivity, and late-night food options.

First Stops: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall & Taipei 101 Observatory

Walking Through History at Liberty Square

My first afternoon stop was Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, a classic landmark for any Taipei itinerary. From Ximen Station (Green Line), I took the MRT directly to CKS Memorial Hall Station.

The massive white structure with its blue-tiled roof stood proudly amid tranquil gardens and traditional architecture. Pausing here allowed me to slow down, reflect, and soak in Taiwan’s cultural history.

📌 Visitor Tip: Entry to Liberty Square and CKS Memorial Hall plaza is free. If you want to see the official Changing of the Guard, it takes place hourly inside the main hall from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

City Views from Taipei 101

Next up: Taipei 101, one of the world’s most famous skyscrapers. From Taipei Main Station, I took the Red Line MRT straight to Taipei 101 / World Trade Center Station.

After redeeming my KKday voucher for the observatory deck, I marveled at the city from above—even with a partly foggy view, the experience felt surreal. Afterward, I enjoyed a comforting bowl of beef soup and rice for NT$120 at the Taipei 101 food court, followed by a quick grocery run at Jayson to browse local snacks.

💡 2026 Ticket Tip: Lines for the Taipei 101 Observatory ticket counter can get long during peak afternoon hours. It’s highly recommended to book your skip-the-line observation deck pass online via Klook or KKday prior to arrival.

Evening Street Food: Raohe Street Night Market & Ciyou Temple

Though I wasn’t starving, my taste buds were eager for Taipei’s legendary night market scene. I skipped Raohe Night Market on my first trip, so this time, I was determined to experience it.

From Taipei 101, I hopped on the Green Line MRT to Songshan Station (Exit 5 drops you off right by the entrance). Before diving into the food stalls, I stopped by Ciyou Temple, glowing warmly under the night sky. Its intricate roof carvings and peaceful atmosphere added a beautiful spiritual touch to the evening.

Then came the moment I’d been waiting for: Raohe’s famous pepper buns! The market buzzed with life, aromas, and energy—locals mingling with tourists. From stinky tofu to milk tea, the variety was endless.

🍢 Raohe Night Market Essentials:

• Must-Try Stall: Fuzhou Ancestral Pepper Bun (福州世祖胡椒餅)—located right at the temple-side entrance. Look for the queue and the hot clay oven!
• Payment Note: Cash is still king at local night markets in Taiwan. Keep small NTD bills handy (NT$100 and NT$50 coins).

Day 1 Itinerary at a Glance

Stop / Activity	Transit Details	2026 Planning Tips
Airport Transfer	Taoyuan Airport MRT Express	NT$150; ~39 mins to Taipei Main Station
Base / Accommodation	MRT Blue Line to Ximen Station	Sleep Box Hostel (Ximending)
CKS Memorial Hall	MRT Green Line to CKS Station	Free admission; great for afternoon photos
Taipei 101 Observatory	MRT Red Line to Taipei 101 Station	Pre-Book digital vouchers online.

Back to the Hostel—13 Degrees of Chill

By night’s end, the chilly 13°C weather reminded me it was time to rest. I headed back to Sleep Box Hostel, grateful for a cozy bed after a full, food-filled first day.

As I settled in, I realized Day 1 reminded me how much I’d grown in a year—and how Taiwan, in its vibrant energy and gentle rhythm, stayed just the way I remembered.

“Some places don’t just stay in your memories—they call you back.”

Next Stop in the Taiwanderlust Series:

Planning a day trip outside the city? Check out my next guide: Wishes on the Wind: Rediscovering New Taipei (Jiufen, Shifen & Yehliu).