Roberta Aguirre
Taipei Airport is a haven for foodies, with an impressive range of food options, including many Taiwanese and international cuisines. Beyond eating, there are various ways to spend a 5-hour layover at Taipei Airport. The airport offers spa and massage services, sleep pods, a gym, and duty-free shopping. There are also pay lounges, such as Plaza Premium Lounge, and the e-Library Lounge, which offers a quiet space with comfortable seating and multilingual digital books and magazines. If you want to leave the airport, a train ride to Taipei city centre is an option, as well as a full-day private tour by car.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Explore Taipei | Taipei 101, Taipei Main Station, Liberty Square, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Yongkang Street, Lungshan Temple, National Concert Hall, National Theatre, Dongmen MRT station, Xinyi District, Songshan Airport |
| Transport | MRT, bus, taxi |
| Time | 40 minutes to Taipei Main Station via MRT; 1 hour to Taipei city centre; 1.5 hours to Songshan Airport |
| Food | Taiwanese food like beef noodles, dumplings, mango smoothies; bubble tea; international food like Starbucks |
| Shopping | Pharmacies, travel shops, bookstores, Duty-Free areas, Adidas, Puma, Nike, craft and souvenir shops |
| Airport facilities | Lounges, showers, gyms |
| Tours | Morning, afternoon, and evening tours of Taipei; tours of Taoyuan city |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Explore Taipei's city centre
Taipei's city centre is easily accessible by train, bus, or taxi. The Taipei Metro (MRT) is a popular choice for tourists, with English instructions and a fast connection to the city centre. The train is also a convenient option for those who plan to travel to other parts of Taiwan via inter-city trains.
If you're looking for a more scenic route, you can rent a bike for free at the Kimpton Hotel and cycle to various attractions.
Once in the city centre, there are several attractions to visit. The Taipei Main Station area is a convenient hub for inter-city travel and is close to landmarks such as Ximending, Zhongshan Station, and Liberty Square, where the National Concert Hall and Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall are located.
Ximending is a great spot for shopping and dining, featuring Taipei's largest LGBT district and impressive street art. Nearby, you'll find the Bopiliao Historical Block, a restored old street that has retained its 200-year-old charm.
For a more relaxed experience, head to the Beitou district and explore the historic hot spring village of Xinbeitou, or wander through the historic neighbourhood of Dadaocheng, known for its traditional shops and architecture.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can take a taxi to the Lungshen Temple, a popular tourist destination.
With five hours to spare, you can comfortably explore Taipei's city centre and experience the unique culture and atmosphere it has to offer.
Airport Security: Can They See Your Private Parts?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Visit the Xpark aquarium in Taoyuan
If you're looking for something to do during a 5-hour layover at Taipei Airport, why not visit the Xpark Aquarium in Taoyuan? Here's everything you need to know to make the most of your time:
Getting to Xpark from Taipei Airport
Xpark is conveniently located near Taoyuan HSR Station and Airport MRT Station, making it a great option for a short layover. It's about an 8 to 10-minute walk from either station. To get to Taoyuan HSR Station from the airport, you can take the High-Speed Rail, which is just two stops away. The Airport MRT Station is also connected to the High-Speed Rail Station and is slightly closer to Xpark.
What to Expect at Xpark
Xpark is a modern aquarium that combines education and entertainment. It has 13 exhibition halls spread over three floors, showcasing a variety of aquatic species. The main attractions include the huge main tank, a jellyfish room, and exhibits featuring seals and penguins. You can also watch animal shows in a small outdoor theatre and interact with displays using QR codes to access kid-friendly activities and videos.
Facilities and Services
Xpark offers a range of facilities and services to enhance your visit. There are restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops within the aquarium. The Xcafe on the first floor provides vegetarian food options. The aquarium is also wheelchair-accessible, with elevators and escalators between the floors.
Planning Your Visit
Xpark is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, with extended hours until 20:00 on Saturdays and public holidays. It is recommended to arrive after 11:00 a.m. to avoid the need for queues. A normal visit takes a couple of hours, so make sure to plan your time accordingly, especially if you need to return to the airport. Buying tickets online in advance is suggested, especially if you plan to visit on a weekend.
Other Options Near Taipei Airport
If you decide not to visit Xpark, there are other ways to spend your 5-hour layover at Taipei Airport. The airport itself offers various dining options, ranging from food courts serving Taiwanese specialties to international cuisines. There are also pharmacies, travel shops, bookstores, and Duty-Free areas for shopping. Additionally, the airport has shower facilities, pay lounges, and a gym. If you choose to explore outside the airport, consider the time required for transportation and immigration, and be mindful of your departure time.
Luggage Storage at Helsinki Airport: What Are Your Options?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Try Taiwanese food and drinks
Taipei Taoyuan Airport, the larger of Taipei's two airports, offers plenty of options for foodies. If you want to try Taiwanese food and drinks, there are several options to choose from.
For a casual dining experience, head to one of the food courts or eateries in the airport. You can sample Taiwanese specialties like dumpling soup and beef noodles, or explore Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and Middle Eastern cuisines. If you're looking for something on-the-go, there are kiosks selling milk tea and bubble tea, which was invented in Taiwan. For coffee lovers, there are options like illy and Starbucks.
If you're looking for a sit-down meal, Terminal 2 is known for having better food options. You can try famous food stands like Wang's Broth from Taipei and Smart Fish from Chiayi. There's also Mazu Village for boba tea and wheel cakes. If you want to relax in a lounge, the Plaza Premium Lounge offers classic Taiwanese dishes like braised pork on rice, dumplings, and hash browns, along with a variety of drinks.
Outside of the airport, if you have at least 8 hours between flights, you can explore Taipei's culinary scene. Head to Yongkang Street near the Dongmen MRT station to try well-known Taiwanese dishes. You can also find mango smoothies, a popular local drink. If you're looking for a traditional Taiwanese breakfast, head to a convenience store like 7-11 or 美而美 for a sandwich or 燒餅油條.
Troubleshooting Airport Issues: A Comprehensive Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Shop in the airport's duty-free area
Taipei Taoyuan Airport, the larger of Taipei's two airports, is a great place to indulge in some duty-free shopping. The airport is well-curated, with several pharmacies, travel shops, bookstores, and duty-free areas.
If you're looking for luxury goods, perfumes, cosmetics, apparel, bags, and accessories, the EVERRICH Duty-Free Shop in Terminal 1 is the place to go. They also offer a range of traditional Taiwanese food products, gift boxes, and souvenirs for last-minute shopping before your flight.
For a unique Taiwanese shopping experience, browse the craft and souvenir shops throughout the airport. These shops offer beautifully packaged local teas and pineapple cakes, which make excellent gifts or souvenirs from your trip.
If you're feeling adventurous and have time, you can even explore Taipei city centre, which is easily accessible by public transit. However, keep in mind that it is recommended to have at least 8 hours between flights if you plan to leave the airport.
With its variety of shopping options, Taipei Taoyuan Airport offers a convenient and enjoyable duty-free shopping experience for travellers.
Travel from Naples Airport: Train to Sorrento?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Relax in a pay lounge
If you have a long layover at Taipei Airport, you may want to consider relaxing in one of the pay lounges available. The Plaza Premium Lounge is the world's largest independent lounge network and is open to all travellers. There are four locations inside the airport, with one open 24 hours. You can enjoy unlimited food and drinks, WiFi, news and TV, and even shower facilities. If you're looking for something more unique, the Hello Kitty Wonderland lounge features a shop and cafe, or you can generate green energy by riding a bike in the Smart Green Energy Waiting Room. For a quieter experience, the Oriental Club Lounge in Terminal 2 offers Taiwanese beef noodle soup and a selection of alcohol.
While Taipei Airport offers a range of dining and shopping options, lounges can provide a calmer environment to relax and recharge during your layover. With comfortable seating, you can usually find a spot to lay down and there are charging stations to keep your devices powered up. Lounges also offer the convenience of having food, drinks, and other amenities in one place, saving you time walking between terminals.
If you're looking for a more active way to spend your time, Taipei Airport also has a gym. However, if you prefer to stay closer to your gate, lounges offer a good opportunity to stretch your legs and move around without venturing too far.
To make the most of your time and ensure availability, it's recommended to pre-book your lounge visit or utilise a lounge membership program. With various options available, you can choose the lounge that best suits your preferences and create a more enjoyable layover experience at Taipei Airport.
Please note that some sources suggest that the food options in Terminal 1 are limited, so if dining is a priority, consider visiting the food court in Terminal 2 or exploring the nearby eateries.
Alternative Routers to Apple Airport: A Comprehensive Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
It is generally not recommended to leave the airport during a 5-hour layover in Taipei, as you will need to allot time for immigration, checking in, and collecting luggage. It takes around 40 minutes to 1 hour to reach Taipei city centre via the MRT, and the same amount of time to get back. You will also want to be back at the airport 1.5 to 2 hours before your flight.
Taipei Taoyuan Airport offers plenty of ways to pass the time. The airport is known for its food courts and casual eateries serving up Taiwanese specialties like dumpling soup and beef noodles, as well as Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and Middle Eastern options. There are also several pharmacies, travel shops, bookstores, and Duty-Free shops. You can also take advantage of the free shower facilities, or relax in one of the pay lounges.
Transit passengers with a layover of 7-24 hours can join a free 4-hour tour. The morning tour visits Lungshan Temple, the National Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, and Yongkang Street. The afternoon tour goes to Daxi Old Street and some off-the-beaten-track attractions in Taoyuan city.
Ride the Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station and explore the surrounding area, including Taipei City Mall and the network of streets and alleys behind it. Alternatively, take the MRT to Taoyuan city centre in around 20 minutes, and visit the new Xpark aquarium.
