Exploring Taoyuan Airport: Things To Do And See

Taoyuan International Airport is the largest airport in Taiwan and serves the capital city, Taipei. The airport offers plenty of ways to pass the time, including exploring Taiwanese culture and history, shopping, dining, and relaxing in lounges. Here are some suggestions on what to do during your time at Taoyuan Airport:

- Sample the cuisine: The airport offers a variety of dining options, including Taiwanese specialties like dumpling soup and beef noodles, as well as Chinese, Japanese, Thai, halal Malay, and Middle Eastern cuisine.

- Hang out in a lounge: Relax and unwind in one of the airport lounges, which offer all-inclusive amenities such as unlimited food and drinks, WiFi, news and TV, and even shower facilities.

- Shop for gifts and souvenirs: Browse through the airport's well-curated selection of shops, including pharmacies, travel shops, bookstores, and Duty-Free areas. You can find international brands like Adidas, Puma, and Bulgari, as well as local specialties such as beautifully packaged teas and pineapple cakes.

- Experience Taiwanese traditions: The airport has set up cultural areas to showcase traditional Taiwanese culture, including Chinese calligraphy, the zodiac, Taiwanese teas, puppet theatre, and locally-made crafts.

- Take in some history and art: Visit the mini-museums and exhibits on loan from the National Museum of History, located in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 2 also houses a small art gallery with rotating exhibits.

- Explore the themed lounges: Relax in one of the public lounges with fun themes, such as the Hello Kitty Wonderland lounge, the Unforgettable Yummy lounge, and the e-Library lounge, which offers free books and e-books.

- Take a free transit tour: If you have a longer layover, you can join a free half-day tour of Taipei or Taoyuan city, offering a great way to explore the local sights without the stress of planning.

- Freshen up: Take advantage of the free shower facilities available in several locations in both terminals.

- Relax with a massage: Unwind and rejuvenate with a professional massage at the Visually Impaired Friend Massage Service Center in Terminal 2.

Eat at the airport's food courts and restaurants

Eating at the airport's food courts and restaurants is a great way to sample Taiwanese cuisine and pass the time during a layover at Taipei Taoyuan Airport.

Terminal 1

In Terminal 1, the food court is located under the Departures Hall on B1. There, you will find a variety of food options, including ramen, fresh juice, Korean food, Southeast Asian food, and, of course, Taiwanese food. Most restaurants open around 10 am and close around 9 pm. However, there is a bakery that opens as early as 5 am and a Burger King that opens at 5:30 am.

After checking in at T1, you will find a few restaurants before security on 3F, including Mos Burger (7 am to 6 pm), Hanlin Tea Room, Hakka Restaurant, and Starbucks.

Additionally, there are two 24-hour 7-Elevens located on B1, underneath the Arrivals Hall. Here, you can find snacks, small meals, and drinks, including alcohol.

Terminal 2

Terminal 2 also has a food court located on B2, underneath the Arrivals Hall. Options include curry, Taiwanese food, ramen, and Korean cuisine. Most restaurants open between 7 and 11 am and close around 9 to 10 pm. T2's food court also has a 24-hour McDonald's.

For more food options, head up to 4F, where you will find Starbucks, Mos Burger, Burger King, ramen, and more.

Both Terminals

If you are looking for a quick bite, there are two 24-hour convenience stores on 5F of T2, near the North and South Airplane Observation Decks. Here, you can find snacks, meals, liquor, and daily essentials.

Recommendations

If you are looking for specific restaurant recommendations, here are a few highlights:

• Lin Dong Fang Beef Noodles (Terminal 2, 4F): A branch of one of Taipei's most famous beef noodle shops.
• Chun Shui Tang (Terminal 2, 4F): The Taichung branch of this restaurant chain invented bubble tea.
• Xiao Nan Men (Terminal 2, 4F): Serves tofu pudding and braised pork rice.
• Wang's Broth (Terminal 2, Concourse): Michelin-rated meat soup vendor from Huaxi Night Market.
• Smart Fish (Terminal 2, Concourse): Chiayi restaurant featured on Netflix's Midnight Asia series.
• VegeCreek (Terminal 2, Concourse): One of the best vegetarian restaurants in Taipei, offering DIY vegetarian noodle bowls.
• Sunmai Bar (Terminal 1, Concourse B): Taiwanese craft beer bar open from 6 am to 9 pm.

Visit the Hello Kitty-themed gate

Hello Kitty fans, rejoice! Taoyuan Airport has a dedicated Hello Kitty-themed gate in Terminal 2, Gate C3, which is a dream come true for travelling Kitty fanatics. Here's what you can expect when visiting this adorable gate:

The Waiting Lounge and Store

The Hello Kitty Waiting Lounge and store are located in Terminal 2, Gate C3. The waiting lounge features children's lounge chairs and tables adorned with the iconic Hello Kitty theme. The nearby Sanrio duty-free shop offers a range of Hello Kitty collections, including clothing, accessories, boxes, bags, and more. It's the perfect place to browse for souvenirs or treat yourself to some Hello Kitty memorabilia.

Interactive Features

The Hello Kitty-themed gate offers interactive experiences for visitors of all ages. There are play areas for children to enjoy, and visitors can even learn how to draw Hello Kitty themselves. For a unique photo opportunity, look out for the trio of bright red telephone booths, which display the time zones of major cities above them.

Themed Seating

The waiting area at the Hello Kitty gate features seats painted with the iconic mouthless kitty face, adding to the overall charm and theme of the gate.

Eva Air Hello Kitty Jet

To complete the Hello Kitty experience, consider boarding the Eva Air Hello Kitty jet, which departs from this gate. The airline also flies to Tokyo, where you can visit Sanrio Puroland, the home of Hello Kitty and her Sanrio character friends. The food and amenities on board the jet are also reportedly Hello Kitty-themed, making it a fully immersive experience.

Nursing Room

For mothers travelling with infants, there is a nursing room located a short walk away from Gate C3. The nursing room is spacious and well-equipped, providing a convenient space for mothers to take care of their little ones.

Accessibility

If you are arriving at Terminal 1, you can easily access the Hello Kitty-themed gate by crossing over via a linked walkway. Along the way, you'll pass by various gates with different themes before reaching Gate C3, recognisable by its striking pink and white facade.

Explore the themed lounges

Taoyuan International Airport has several themed public lounges and waiting areas that offer fun glimpses into Taiwanese culture. Here are some of the best ones:

Hello Kitty Wonderland Lounge

The Hello Kitty Wonderland lounge in Terminal 2 has a shop and cafe next to the seating area. It is purely decorative, but it offers a cute and Instagrammable spot for selfies. The lounge is located at the back of the T2 Departures Hall (3F), behind gates 16 and 17.

Unforgettable Yummy Lounge

The Unforgettable Yummy lounge serves local tea samples, allowing travellers to experience traditional Taiwanese culture.

E-Library Lounge

The e-Library lounge, in partnership with the National Museum of Taiwan Literature, offers books, tablets, and e-books for free.

Taiwan Music Waiting Room

Terminal 2 Gate C1 has a music theme, featuring a large pair of headphones and music exhibits on the walls.

C2 Skyline Waiting Lounge

Terminal 2 Gate C2 features small aircraft and hot air balloons hanging from the ceiling, as well as aircraft exhibits on the walls.

These themed lounges provide a unique and entertaining experience for travellers waiting for their flights, combining comfort and a taste of Taiwanese culture.

Shop at the craft and souvenir shops

Taoyuan International Airport, also known as Taipei Taoyuan International Airport, is a hub for shopping enthusiasts. The airport offers a diverse shopping experience, with a wide range of stores across its two terminals.

If you're looking for crafts and souvenirs, Terminal 1 is the place to be. Here's an extensive guide to help you navigate the craft and souvenir shopping experience at Taoyuan Airport:

Local Snacks and Souvenirs in Terminal 1:

Terminal 1 boasts an impressive selection of local Taiwanese snacks and souvenirs. Here are some must-buy items and recommended shops:

• SunnyHills pineapple cakes: These delicious treats are a must-buy for those looking to take home a slice of Taiwan. Pineapple cakes are a traditional Taiwanese delicacy, and SunnyHills is known for its soft and flavourful cakes. You can find SunnyHills at Terminal 2 as well.
• Hello Kitty-themed stores: The Hello Kitty store is a hit with fans of all ages, offering a range of themed goods and souvenirs. From stationery to plush toys, this store is perfect for anyone who loves the iconic character.
• Local artisanal crafts: Taoyuan Airport showcases a variety of local artisanal crafts, including beautifully packaged local teas and pineapple cakes. These make excellent gifts for friends and family back home.
• Daxi dried tofu: A traditional Taiwanese delicacy, dried tofu is a must-try when visiting Taiwan. Daxi Old Street offers more than 10 flavours, including Taiwanese BBQ, honey, and spicy options. The dried tofu becomes more fragrant the longer you chew, making it perfect for tea time.
• Longtan peanut candy: This traditional handmade snack is a Longtan specialty. Each peanut is coated in malt sugar, creating a crunchy and fragrant dessert that has lasted for over half a century.
• Local teas: Fuxing, Daxi, and Longtan districts produce excellent tea. From high mountain oolong tea to premium pouchong tea, you can find a variety of tea options to suit different tastes.

Tips for Shopping in Terminal 1:

• Fashion and accessories: Terminal 1 caters to sportswear enthusiasts with flagship stores like Adidas and Puma. If you're looking for fashion items, you can find stores like Coach and Valentino, offering a range of clothing and accessories.
• Duty-free shopping: Ever Rich Duty Free shops in Terminal 1 offer a wide range of liquor and tobacco products at competitive prices. You can also find high-end labels like Gucci and Prada here.
• Food and beverage options: Terminal 1 has a variety of dining options, including local Taiwanese delicacies and international cuisine. Whether you're looking for a sit-down meal or a quick bite, you'll find restaurants, food courts, and cafes to satisfy your cravings.

Exploring Terminal 2:

While Terminal 1 focuses on local brands and delicacies, Terminal 2 offers a different experience with international luxury brands and designer boutiques. Here's what you can find:

• Luxury boutiques: Terminal 2 is a haven for luxury seekers. You'll find elegant collections from brands like Gucci, Valentino, and Michael Kors. These boutiques offer high-fashion Italian leather goods, sophisticated couture, and signature American handbags.
• Technological gadgets: For tech enthusiasts, Terminal 2 has a plethora of stores offering the newest devices and accessories. Take advantage of the strong and reliable WiFi to test out your new gadgets on the spot.
• Taiwanese delicacies: Terminal 2 also showcases local culinary delights. 飛機館 (Aeromodel shop) occasionally stocks unique food items, and SunnyHills offers the famous Taiwanese pineapple cakes.
• Hello Kitty store: Terminal 2 also has its own Hello Kitty store, located in the departure hall of Gate C. This store offers a range of Hello Kitty-themed goods for fans of the character.

Additional Tips for a Successful Shopping Experience:

• Spacious and comfortable environment: The shopping areas in both terminals are designed to be spacious and comfortable, allowing you to browse and shop stress-free.
• Tax refund facilities: Both terminals offer tax refund facilities, making it convenient for travellers to manage their finances during their transit.
• VIP and airport lounges: If you need a break from shopping, both terminals provide exclusive VIP lounges with comfortable seating and amenities like Wi-Fi.
• Transportation and parking: Getting to and from the airport is easy with various transportation options, including the Taoyuan Airport MRT, taxis, and car rental services. Parking is also well-organized, with dedicated car parks for each terminal.

With its diverse range of craft and souvenir shops, Taoyuan Airport offers something for every traveller's taste and budget. Whether you're looking for traditional snacks, luxury goods, or unique gifts, you're sure to find something to cherish or gift to your loved ones.

Relax at the massage centre

If you're looking to unwind and relax during your layover at Taipei's Taoyuan Airport, you're in luck! The airport has a few options for you to get a massage and release some of that tension from your travels.

The Blind Massage Centre on Level 2 of Terminal 2 is a great place to start. Here, you can treat yourself to a massage from blind massage therapists who are experts in their field. This centre employs visually impaired individuals, providing them with employment opportunities and offering travellers a unique and relaxing experience.

If you're looking for a more private and exclusive experience, head to the Visually Impaired Friend Massage Service Centre in Terminal 2. Here, you can enjoy an upper-body and back massage from expert massage therapists in a calm and soothing environment.

For those who want a quick fix, free massage chairs are available near Gates D2 and C9. Simply head to the counter near Galleria to request a token and enjoy a relaxing massage while you wait for your flight.

So, whether you're looking for a full-body massage, a quick chair massage, or something in between, Taoyuan Airport has you covered. Now you can truly relax and unwind during your layover, ensuring you arrive at your next destination feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Frequently asked questions