Stepping off the plane at Taoyuan, you’re tired, a little disoriented maybe, and there’s this urge to have the whole day figured out before you’ve even cleared immigration. You don’t. The trick, at least the one that worked for me, was connecting the airport transit straight into a few easy, low-effort sights instead of overthinking transit maps or check-in times before I’d even had a proper meal.
Here’s a simple Taipei Day 1 itinerary from Taoyuan Airport: arrival, a bit of food, a park, a few sights, and nothing that asks too much of you on day one.
My Taipei Day 1 Itinerary at a Glance
- โ๏ธ Arrive at Taoyuan International Airport
- ๐ Take the Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station
- ๐ Grab a quick meal at McDonald’s near Taipei Main Station
- ๐ณ Walk around 228 Peace Memorial Park
- ๐จ Check in at my accommodation
- ๐๏ธ Visit Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
- ๐งฑ Explore The Red House
- ๐ End the day wandering around Ximending
Arriving at Taoyuan International Airport
My Taipei adventure officially started at Taoyuan International Airport. After arriving, clearing immigration, and collecting my things, I made my way toward the Airport MRT, on my own this time, which always changes the pace of a trip a little.
One of the things I appreciated about traveling around Taipei is that you don’t necessarily need to figure out complicated transportation arrangements right after landing. The Airport MRT provides a straightforward connection between Taoyuan Airport and Taipei Main Station. For a first day in Taipei, getting to the city efficiently was exactly what I needed.
๐ฌ Quick Tip: Immigration lines move faster earlier in the day. If you have flexibility, an early arrival can save you time before you even reach the MRT.
Taking the Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station
I took the Airport MRT from Taoyuan Airport toward Taipei Main Station. The train ride gave me a chance to finally slow down after the flight and mentally switch from airport mode to Taipei mode. If you’re arriving in Taipei for the first time, Taipei Main Station can feel a little overwhelming because it’s more than just a regular MRT station. It’s a major transportation hub, so give yourself a little time to figure out where you need to go.
Where to Take the Airport MRT
Follow the signs marked “Airport MRT” or ๆฉๅ ดๆท้ from the arrivals area. Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 have their own station, so make sure you’re boarding from the right one.
Getting to Taipei Main Station
I took the express train to the city. It runs about every 15 minutes. I reached Taipei Main Station in about 35 to 40 minutes. One-way fare is NT$160. Since I already had an EasyCard, I reloaded it at the airport terminal station. On my first time here in Taiwan, in 2018, we grabbed a token at the machines instead.
๐ Quick Tip: Skip the commuter train unless you need one of the mid-route stops. Same fare, just a slower ride.
Grabbing a Quick Meal Near Taipei Main Station
By the time I stumbled out of Taipei Main Station, my brain was running on 1% battery, and my stomach was making noise like a warning siren. Every travel guide on the internet tells you to immediately hunt down a hidden 80-year-old beef noodle stall on Day One. But after lugging my entire life on my back and deciphering train maps, I didn’t want a “culinary journey.” I wanted an emergency intervention. Enter the golden arches.
Passing up local delicacies for a McChicken on arrival day isn’t a failure. It’s tactical survival. Twenty minutes later, fully recharged and with my dignity mostly intact, I was ready to conquer the city.
๐ Real Talk: The Michelin-starred street food could wait until I was actually conscious enough to taste it.
Visiting 228 Peace Memorial Park
After eating, I headed toward 228 Peace Memorial Park. The park was a nice change of pace after the busy atmosphere around Taipei Main Station. Instead of immediately jumping from one attraction to another, I had a chance to simply walk around and take in my surroundings.
This is one thing I enjoy about traveling solo: I don’t always have to rush from one attraction to the next. Sometimes, walking through a park, noticing the architecture, watching people go about their day, or simply figuring out where you are can be part of the experience. And after arriving in a new city, that slower transition felt welcome.
Checking In at My Taipei Accommodation
After exploring the park, it was time to head to my accommodation and check in. This was probably the least exciting part of the itinerary, but definitely one of the most necessary. I had my backpack and neck pillow with me, so getting settled meant I could finally explore Taipei without dragging my things around.
After checking in and taking a short break, I headed back out. There was still plenty of Taipei left to see.
๐จ Pro Tip: Book accommodation near subway stations like Taipei Main Station if you can. Free coffee is a personal must, plus a nearby convenience store, restaurants, fast food options, or a bus stop close by. Good reviews from solo backpackers are worth checking too.
Visiting Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Next on my itinerary was Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. It’s one of those Taipei landmarks that feels almost impossible to miss when you’re putting together a first-time itinerary. The enormous open plaza, surrounding buildings, and distinctive architecture make the area feel very different from the smaller streets and neighborhoods around Taipei.
I spent some time walking around and taking photos. The scale of the place really stood out to me. Even if you’re not particularly interested in history or architecture, it’s worth seeing simply because of how impressive the entire complex is. This was also one of those stops where I didn’t feel the need to hurry. There was plenty of space to walk, look around, and take everything in.
The Red House
From Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, I continued toward The Red House in Ximending. The Red House is one of those places where Taipei’s older history and its modern city life seem to meet. The red-brick building stands out against the surrounding streets, making it an easy landmark to recognize. Worth noting, it’s closed on Mondays, so plan this stop around that if your Day 1 happens to land on one.
But what I enjoyed most was what happened after arriving here. I was already in Ximending. And that meant the quieter sightseeing portion of my day was about to give way to Taipei’s bright, energetic side.
๐ A Little Journaler’s Haven
If you’re into paper, stationery, or stamps, the Creative Boutique inside The Red House is worth a slow browse. Small craft stalls, local designs, the kind of shop where you lose track of time.
Ending Day 1 in Ximending
I ended my first day exploring Ximending, one of Taipei’s liveliest areas. After spending the day visiting parks, historic landmarks, and architectural sites, Ximending felt like a completely different atmosphere. There were bright signs, shops, restaurants, people walking around, and plenty to look at in every direction.
This was probably the perfect place to end my first day because I didn’t need a strict itinerary anymore. I could simply wander. And honestly, that’s one of my favorite ways to experience a city. Instead of worrying about seeing every single attraction, I could walk through the streets, take photos, look at the shops, and enjoy being in Taipei.
FAQs: Taipei Day 1 Itinerary
How do I get from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei Main Station?
Take the Airport MRT Express train; it runs directly between the airport and Taipei Main Station in about 35 to 40 minutes for NT$160 one way.
Is one day enough to see Taipei after landing?
Not to see everything, but enough for a slow, low-key first day. This itinerary sticks to a handful of easy stops rather than trying to pack in the whole city on arrival day.
What should I do first after landing in Taipei?
Get through immigration and baggage claim, then head straight for the Airport MRT. Save sightseeing for after you’ve had a meal and dropped your bags off.
Is Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall worth visiting on day one?
Yes, it’s an easy MRT ride and doesn’t require much walking, which makes it a good fit for a still-adjusting first day.
What I Learned From My First Day in Taipei
After arriving at the airport earlier that day, taking the Airport MRT, navigating Taipei Main Station, checking into my accommodation, and visiting several landmarks, I was finally settling into the rhythm of the city.
It wasn’t the most packed itinerary I’ve ever done, but it gave me a good introduction to Taipei. I had a little bit of everything: transportation, food, history, architecture, green space, and city nightlife. Sometimes the best way to begin a trip is simply to arrive, find your way around, and let the city slowly introduce itself to you.
Taiwannabe With You: The Comeback Trip 2024 Series
A 3-day return to the island that once sparked a thousand dreams.
โจ๐น๐ผ Thank you for following my storiesโyour support means the world.
๐
Travel Dates: May 11โ13, 2024
Congratulations! I survived Day One without a mid-afternoon collapse. ๐
Ready for Day 2? My feet had more Taipei to explore.
๐ Unlock the Full Day 2 Taipei Itinerary Here โ Taipei Zoo and Maokong Gondola: A Nature Escape in Taipei
