This blog is part of my 2018 Taiwan It That Way Series, chronicling my travel adventures across the island. From the moment I first set foot in Taiwan, something quietly clicked—a spark, a pull, or something undefinable. It wasn’t just a visit; it felt like coming home. That soft, familiar feeling whispered, “You’re exactly where you’re meant to be. This is my farewell to Taipei, filled with gratitude, reflection, and a promise to return.
📅 Trip Dates: June 30–July 3, 2018
If you’re putting together a solo travel Taipei itinerary and want to spend your last day right, here’s exactly how I spent mine—a mix of street food, gardens, temples, and a slow, reflective ride to the airport. Below you’ll find the itinerary, MRT directions, entrance details, budget tips, and the cultural context that made each stop worth it.
Quick Solo Travel Taipei Itinerary: My Last Day
| Time | Stop. | MRT Line | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Ximending street breakfast | Ximen Station (Blue Line) | Arrive by 7–8 AM for stalls to be open. |
| 11:00 AM | Shilin Official Residence | Shilin Station (Red Line) | 10-min walk along Fulin Road |
| 2:00 PM | Longshan Temple | Longshan Temple Station (Blue Line), Exit 1 | Go early for a quieter visit. |
| Evening | Taipei Main Station → Airport MRT | — | ~35–50 min to Taoyuan Airport |
(Flight home was 1:30 AM—this pace left plenty of buffer time.)
Ximending in the Morning: Best Time to Visit + Breakfast Tips
On our final day in Taipei, we wandered through Ximending, often called Taipei’s answer to Harajuku—the beating heart of the city’s youth culture, street fashion, live buskers, and LGBTQ+-friendly nightlife scene. Our plan was a proper street breakfast. Reality: most stalls weren’t open yet, so we ended up at Yoshinoya instead. Not exactly local flair, but it fueled us for the day ahead. 😅
Insider Tip: Ximending’s street food stalls typically don’t get going until 7–8 AM. If breakfast is the goal, time your arrival accordingly—earlier than we did.
Budget note: Street snacks in Ximending generally run NT$30–100 per item, making it one of the cheapest, most satisfying ways to eat in Taipei.
Shilin Official Residence: Hours, Access & Why It’s Worth the Walk
The grounds are peaceful—Chinese gardens, a chapel, and a tranquil fountain invite quiet reflection. Shilin Official Residence was once the private home of Chiang Kai-shek and his wife, Soong May-ling, which gives the manicured gardens an extra layer of historical weight beyond their beauty. Visiting felt like stepping into history while enjoying a rare moment of calm in a busy city.
Getting There from Shilin MRT Station
The residence is about a 10-minute walk from Shilin Station (Red Line) along Fulin Road. Shops, cafés, and local street life make the short walk part of the experience.
What to Expect: Gardens vs. Residence Buildings
The gardens are free to enter and perfect for photos or quiet contemplation. The residence buildings themselves may require a small entrance fee and have separate visiting hours, so it’s worth checking current hours and ticket details on the Taiwan Tourism Bureau’s Shilin Residence page before you go, since these can change seasonally.
Insider Tip: Bring a camera—every corner feels postcard-worthy.
Longshan Temple Taipei: History, Etiquette & Why It’s a Must-Visit
Longshan Temple is one of Taiwan’s oldest and most sacred temples and one of the few places in the world where Buddhist, Taoist, and folk deities are worshipped side by side under one roof. The ornate architecture, incense-filled air, and quiet devotion of local worshippers created a soul-stirring atmosphere. Amid Taipei’s energy, Longshan Temple felt like a pause button—as if time itself paused to honor tradition.
Temple Highlights & Architecture
Admire the detailed carvings, towering altars, and vibrant statues that have survived earthquakes, fires, and wartime bombing since the temple’s founding in 1738. Every corner tells a story.
A Few Temple Etiquette Basics
- Move clockwise through the temple, following the flow of worshippers
- Keep your voice low and be mindful when photographing people in prayer
- If you’d like to offer incense, watch how locals do it first, or ask a temple volunteer for guidance
MRT Stop & Best Time to Visit
Exit 1 of Longshan Temple Station (Blue/Bannan Line) drops you right at the temple entrance. Entry is free. Visiting early in the morning offers a serene experience away from the crowds and tour groups.
Getting to Taoyuan Airport from Taipei Main Station
As the sun set, our short but unforgettable trip came to a close. Our flight home was scheduled for 1:30 AM, so we headed to Taipei Main Station and boarded the Airport MRT to Taoyuan International Airport.
Budget tip: The Airport MRT Express costs roughly NT$150–160 one-way and takes about 35–50 minutes, depending on whether you catch the express or commuter train—a far cheaper option than a taxi.
The ride itself was quiet and reflective—the perfect stretch of time to replay the past few days, exhale, and savor the final scenes of the trip.
Taipei Solo Travel Tips: Budget & Transport Recap
- Getting around: An EasyCard (rechargeable transit card) is worth getting if you’re taking the MRT more than twice—single fares run NT$20–65 depending on distance
- Street food budget: Expect NT$30–100 per snack or small dish in areas like Ximending
- Airport transfer: Budget NT$150–160 for the Airport MRT versus significantly more for a taxi
- Best pacing: A loose 3-stop day (like this one) is realistic even with a late-night flight, as long as you start early
Final Thoughts
Taiwan left an indelible mark on me. From vibrant streets and delicious food to warm-hearted locals, every moment felt alive. I know I’ll be back—there are mountains, coasts, villages, temples, street stalls, and night markets still waiting to be explored.
Taiwan isn’t just a destination. It’s a place that felt like it had been waiting for me all along.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Longshan Temple free to visit? Yes, entry to Longshan Temple is free.
How do I get from Ximending to Shilin Residence? Take the MRT—it’s a straightforward ride via the Red Line to Shilin Station, followed by a 10-minute walk along Fulin Road.
How much does the Airport MRT to Taoyuan cost? Roughly NT$150–160 one-way on the express service, taking about 35–50 minutes from Taipei Main Station.
What time do Ximending street food stalls open? Most vendors are up and running by 7–8 AM—arrive earlier, and you may find them still setting up.
