Taipei Airport Layover: Things To Do And See

Taipei Airport, officially known as Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, is located in Taoyuan, about 30 kilometres west of Taipei. The airport offers free half-day city tours for layovers between 7 and 24 hours, which can be a great way to explore the city if you have a long layover. The airport itself has plenty of facilities, including observation decks, art galleries, charging stations, and comfortable seating areas.

If you decide to leave the airport, there are several options for transportation, including the Airport MRT, taxis, and buses. Taipei is known for its vibrant street life, with popular neighbourhoods such as Ximending and Beitou offering a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The city also boasts impressive temples like Longshan Temple and Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, as well as natural attractions like Elephant Mountain and Da'an Park.

With a longer layover, you may even have time to visit Taipei 101, the tallest building in the city, which offers breathtaking views from its observatory. Taipei is also renowned for its delicious cuisine, with numerous night markets, restaurants, and street food options to choose from. So, whether you have a few hours or a full day to explore, Taipei has something for everyone!

Explore the city of Taipei

Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, is a bustling metropolis with a unique blend of traditional culture and modern influences. With its vibrant street life, delectable cuisine, and rich history, Taipei offers a memorable experience for visitors. Here are some suggestions on how to explore and make the most of your time in the city:

Discover the Historic Landmarks

Start your exploration of Taipei by visiting some of its iconic landmarks, which showcase the city's cultural and religious significance. These include the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, a towering structure commemorating the former president, with its impressive square, classical Chinese buildings, and picturesque parks. Another must-see is the Lungshan Temple, one of Taipei's most famous and important temples, where you can immerse yourself in the local religious practices and admire the intricate architecture.

Wander Through Vibrant Neighbourhoods

Taipei is known for its diverse and lively neighbourhoods, each with its unique character. Ximending, often referred to as the "Harajuku of Taipei," is a popular shopping and entertainment district, offering a wide range of fashion, dining, and entertainment options. It's also renowned for its vibrant LGBTQ+ scene and historic sites like the Red House. For a more traditional experience, explore the historic streets of Bopiliao, where you'll find preserved architecture and a glimpse into Taipei's past.

Indulge in Taipei's Culinary Delights

Taipei's culinary scene is renowned for its diverse and delicious offerings. Sample the local specialities, such as Taiwanese beef noodles, Taiwanese vermicelli soup, and shaved ice. Visit the famous Ay-Chung Flour Rice Noodle shop, or try the beef noodles at Liu Shandong Beef Noodles. For a unique dining experience, head to Yong Kang Street, home to several excellent restaurants, including Din Tai Fung, the original branch of the famous Taipei restaurant.

Explore Nature and Green Spaces

Take a break from the bustling city by visiting some of Taipei's green spaces and natural attractions. Da'an Park, the city's largest park, offers a peaceful escape, while Elephant Mountain provides a more adventurous experience with its hiking trails and stunning views of the city, including the iconic Taipei 101.

Delve into Taipei's Art and Culture

Taipei boasts a thriving art and cultural scene. Explore museums such as the Miniatures Museum of Taiwan and the National Palace Museum, which houses an extensive collection of Chinese artefacts and historical treasures. For a unique artistic experience, visit the Songshan Ciyou Temple, known for its intricate carvings and colourful decorations.

Experience the Night Markets

Taipei's night markets are a must-visit, offering a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. Ningxia Night Market, one of the oldest and most popular markets, is just a 10-minute walk from the Airport MRT Station. Here, you'll find a variety of food options, from traditional Taiwanese dishes to unique snacks and beverages. Other notable night markets include Shilin Night Market, the largest and most famous, and Huaxi Night Market, which offers a more local and authentic experience.

Visit the Longshan Temple

Taipei's Longshan Temple is indisputably the city's most famous temple, and it's not just a tourist trap—it's considered by locals to be the most important temple in the city. The temple is an active place of worship, always buzzing with energy and devotion.

How to Get There

Longshan Temple is accessible within walking distance north from Longshan Temple Station on the Taipei Metro. If you're coming from the MRT, you'll first walk through a small underground mall filled with fortune-teller stalls. You can also try traditional Taiwanese tea at LiuYu Teahouse near the escalators and stairs going up to Bangka Park, where elderly men like to hang out and play Chinese chess.

What to Do There

Three daily chanting ceremonies take place in the temple grounds, and these are great times to visit the temple at its liveliest. The chanting ceremonies take place daily from 6:00 to 6:45 a.m., 8:00 to 8:45 a.m., and 3:45 to 5:00 p.m. During these times, there will be a crowd of local worshippers, often mostly women, chanting in front of the Main Hall, while other locals busy themselves with their normal prayers and rituals.

The temple is open daily from 6 a.m. to 9:45 p.m., and you can explore it freely. You can even join the chanters in front of the Main Hall. The temple takes on a chill vibe at night, so if you're in the area for the Huaxi Night Market, consider visiting the temple after the market. The temple usually closes at 9:30 p.m.

Longshan Temple is also a great place to visit on Lunar New Year's Day, as many locals visit a temple on the first day of the year to pray for good fortune. There are usually extra decorations during the Lunar New Year and Lantern Festival period.

What to See There

The Main Hall's most important deity is a golden statue of Guanyin, the goddess of mercy, brought over from China. The temple combines elements of Buddhism, Daoism, and folk religion. In addition to its Chinese Buddhist elements, it includes halls and altars to Chinese folk deities such as Mazu and Guan Yu.

What to Eat There

Whether you're visiting Longshan Temple in the early morning, afternoon, or at night, there are multiple dining options around the temple. For traditional breakfast, visit Yonghe Four Seas Soy Milk King or Original Under Xiyuan Bridge, both about five minutes away on foot. There's also a modern café/bakery, while 24-hour Cheng Ji Original Pork Ribs Soup is popular among locals.

For lunch, try Liang Xi Hao, just west across the street from Bangka Park. The extensive menu features satisfying squid/shrimp/cuttlefish thick soup with noodles, braised pork rice, burdock tempura, and other local dishes. It's open from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

What Else to See Nearby

Right next to Longshan Temple, Herb Lane is worth a quick look. Vendors display various Chinese medicinal herbs, and you can taste various herbal drinks. In the evening, the street next to Herb Lane becomes Xichang Night Market, but food options in this market are limited. Instead, follow Guangzhou Street west of Longshan Temple, where it becomes Mengxia/Guangzhou Street Night Market.

Bopiliao Historical Block is another interesting attraction in the area. It's a renovated street of historical buildings now housing little museums and galleries.

Check out the outdoor observation decks at Terminal 2

If you're looking for something to do at Taipei Airport, checking out the outdoor observation decks at Terminal 2 is a great option. Here's a detailed guide to help you make the most of your visit:

Location

To get to the outdoor observation decks, make your way to the 5th floor of Terminal 2. There are two separate decks, the North Deck and the South Deck, and they are not connected to each other. To access the North Deck, use the elevator or escalator near check-in counter 1 in the 3rd floor Departure Hall. For the South Deck, the elevator or escalator near check-in counter 22 in the 3rd floor Departure Hall will take you there.

View

The North Deck offers a more expansive view, as you can see all the way to the sea from there. You'll be able to spot Zhuwei Fish Harbor's Rainbow Bridge and some coastal wind turbines in the distance. The South Deck provides a view of the high-speed rail tracks and a more distant view of the remote apron area of the airport, making it an excellent spot to observe airplanes up close.

Facilities

Both observation decks have their own unique features. The North Deck has cute Formosan black bear statues, while the South Deck boasts a LEGO model of the entire airport and a small station where kids can play with LEGOs. Additionally, the indoor areas of the 5th floor, which are open 24 hours, offer a quiet waiting area, convenience stores, and restaurants.

Opening Hours

The outdoor observation decks are open from 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM. However, a security guard may inspect your luggage before granting access. The indoor areas of the 5th floor, including the convenience stores and seating areas, are accessible at all hours.

Take a free half-day city tour offered by the airport

If you have a long layover at Taipei Airport, you can take a free half-day city tour offered by the airport. This tour is a great way to spend your time if you have a 7- to 24-hour layover before your next connecting flight and have a valid R.O.C. visa or come from a country eligible for visa-exempt entry.

The tour includes three different schedules: Morning Tour, Afternoon Tour, and Evening Tour. Each tour has a different theme and takes you to different places in Taipei.

The Morning Tour, called "Discover Taipei's 100 Years of Glory", takes you to the National Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, Lungshan Temple, and Yongkang Street. The Afternoon Tour, "The Beauty of Taiwanese Traditional Arts & Nature", explores the Taiwanese traditional arts and nature, including a visit to Yingge Pottery Street, the New Taipei City Art Museum or Spot Gallery, and the Sanying Spatial Art District. The Evening Tour, "Gourmet Guided Tour with Night Market", is a food tour that takes you to the Li Jing Ding Ren Hai Temple and the Zhongli Tourist Night Market.

To join the tour, you need to book in advance, either online or at the Tourist Service Center in the arrival lobby of Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. You can store your luggage at the airport baggage service counter for a fee. Please note that you cannot bring luggage on the tour bus. The tour is conducted in English, and you will be accompanied by a knowledgeable and friendly tour guide.

Shop at the duty-free stores in the airport

Taipei's Taoyuan International Airport is home to a variety of duty-free stores, offering a range of products to suit all travellers' needs.

If you're looking for a special gift for a loved one, or simply want to treat yourself, the airport's duty-free shops are the perfect place to start. With luxury goods from international brands, you can browse an extensive selection of perfumes, cosmetics, apparel, bags, and accessories.

For those with a sweet tooth, the airport also offers a range of traditional Taiwanese food products, including famous treats such as pineapple cakes. You can also pick up some last-minute souvenirs, with airport-limited-edition items that are sure to delight.

One of the standout duty-free stores at the airport is the Hello Kitty-themed store, located at Gate C2 in Terminal 2. With over 1,000 items featuring the iconic character, as well as other popular Sanrio friends, this store is a must-visit for fans of all ages. The store also includes a mini Hello Kitty-themed playground, complete with a bus-shaped slide and interactive games, making it a fun stop for families.

Another unique offering at the airport is Taiwan's first LEGO duty-free shop, located in Terminal 2. Immerse yourself in the colourful and playful world of LEGO, with bright yellow decor and LEGO block-shaped lights.

For travellers interested in a tipple, a liquor shop located at C3 in Terminal 2 offers a range of popular Taiwanese and international spirits. With a two-story ceiling and a golden wine bottle chandelier, it's a sophisticated spot to pick up a bottle or two.

With so much to explore, shopping at the duty-free stores is a great way to spend time at Taipei Airport. Whether you're browsing for gifts, indulging in some self-care, or simply enjoying the atmosphere, these stores are sure to enhance your travel experience.

Frequently asked questions