How to make the most of your layover in Taipei

From the towering Taipei 101 skyscraper to the tranquil Longshan Temple, the city offers sights that wow every traveler. It’s famous for mouthwatering night market snacks, like stinky tofu (a Taiwanese delicacy) and bubble tea. Plus, its warm hospitality will make you feel right at home!

The MRT system whisks you around easily, so you can explore the National Palace Museum, take in Liberty Square, or hike up Elephant Mountain for unforgettable views. With its blend of rich culture, busy streets, and delicious food, Taipei proves it’s absolutely worth visiting with your friends and family!

Things to keep in mind before leaving the airport

Are you confused about the Taipei airports? We don't blame you! Even though Taipei Songshan Airport is in Taipei, it's now just a domestic and military airport! So if you have a layover in Taipei, you'll actually be going through Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport that's near Taoyuan. Airport rules and layouts, right? Keep reading if you want more helpful tips like the visa requirements in Taiwan!

Visa requirements in Taipei

Do you want to leave the airport and explore Taipei? You don't need a visa if you're from one of these countries! Didn't find your country on the list? Don't worry, you can just apply for a visitor visa or an eVisa depending on where you're from! Check out the official website for detailed info and remember to check if your passport is valid for 6 more months!

Minimum layover times in Taipei

1. In-airport short layover:
2. Domestic flights: 1.5 hrs
   Taipei Airport is pretty smooth, and if you're not leaving Taiwan, you'll get through everything pretty quickly! Forget about any additional security checks, just find your gate and blitz through to the plane! Are you a tech wizz? Then you can easily check in online or through the app and skip a queue! You can also use the self-serve check-in luggage system machines!
3. International flights: 2-3 hrs
   Are you in a hurry? You can use the Skytrain, Shuttle Bus, or find an Airport MRT Station and get to Terminals 1 and 2. A train goes every few minutes, which lets you reach passport control, customs, and immigration with time to spare! The layover for an international flight takes more time, but it still goes by pretty quickly! Don't forget to bring your boarding pass for China Airlines or any other airline you're flying with!
4. In-airport long layover: 4 hrs
   Did you have some time to kill at Taoyuan Airport while waiting to get to your final destination? Are you tired from your first flight? You can rest up at one of the themed waiting rooms while you munch on some traditional cuisine! If you're looking for some activities you can visit the observation deck, play a game at the E-sports Area, take a gander at some art exhibits, or watch a performance! You can also shop around and grab some emergency makeup, one-of-a-kind handmade trinkets, or just some genuine quality cigars! The airport has it all!
5. Out-of-airport layover: 8 hrs
   Tired of the airport? If you have more than 7 hours before your next flight and a visa (if you need one), you can use the free Taiwain half-day tour! It's pretty neat, and you'll visit temples, art locations, an observation deck, and a Taipei Night Market! Not feeling a guided tour? It's easy to get to the city. Just use the Airport Line Express or Commuter trains to get to Taipei Main Station in 40 minutes! When you get to Taipei city center, check our list of the top places to visit in the city!

What to do in Taipei during a layover

It can be hard to get around the city if you're not used to Taiwanese symbols. Remember to grab an internet card anywhere at the airport or around the city! It lets you use Google's picture translation which makes getting around a breeze!

So if you're the tech person of your family or friend group, you can help them out while they take care of your luggage! But, they don’t have to! All you need to do is find a Bounce partner near the airport and all of you can travel without baggage or a care in the world!

Morning layover in Taipei

Check out the top spots for some Taiwanese history, architecture, and food!

1. The grand white structure, blue-tiled roof, and beautiful gardens of Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall are perfect for a peaceful morning stroll!
2. Walk around the busy Taipei City Hall Area and take in views of the Taipei 101 skyscraper nearby.
3. Yong He Soy Milk King has Taiwanese breakfast classics like soy milk, scallion pancakes, and egg rolls. They're light morning snacks, but they are delicious!
4. Fuhang Soy Milk is another legendary spot for delicious, freshly baked flatbreads and sweet or savory soy milk!

Afternoon layover in Taipei

Got some more time to explore? Good, we're just getting started!

1. Did you inherit that history buff gene? Then, the National Palace Museum is the place for you! Dive into over 8,000 years of Chinese history with stunning collections that include jade, calligraphy, and ancient ceramics.
2. If you've got some more energy before lunch, the Elephant Mountain Trail is a short but awesome hike with breathtaking views of Taipei 101 and the city skyline.
3. Grab some lunch at Din Tai Fung and try xiaolongbao (soup dumplings). This Michelin-starred restaurant offers flavor explosions and excellent service.
4. Seafood lovers, you’ll adore Addiction Aquatic Development, a modern food market with fresh sushi, sashimi, and seafood bowls that are out of this world.

Evening layover in Taipei

The sun's setting but we're just halfway there! Check out some night markets and food joints in the evening:

1. Shilin Night Market is the top spot for Taiwan’s street food scene. Try stinky tofu (best if you've got a cold), pepper buns, and bubble tea!
2. Raohe Night Market is another excellent evening option. It’s smaller than Shilin but packed with tasty snacks like beef noodle soup and grilled squid!
3. Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle has the most comforting bowls of rice noodles with a tangy, savory broth.
4. Prince Cheese Potatoes is a Shilin Night Market favorite! This over-the-top cheesy potato dish is a must-try!

Overnight layover in Taipei

Not sleepy yet? Good! Here are some more spots to explore before you turn in for the night:

1. Perfect for a peaceful and spiritual walk, Longshan Temple is especially magical when it's lit up at night.
2. For some shops, street performers, and late-night snacks, Ximending District is the place to be!
3. Hotel Novotel Taipei Taoyuan Airport is a convenient choice for quick access to the airport. Rooms start at NT$3.200 ($100) per night.
4. Eslite Hotel is a stylish boutique option near Songshan Cultural Park. Rates start from NT$5.000 ($150) per night.

Tips to make the most out of your time in Taipei

Want to feel like a local? Here are some tips:

• Taiwan uses Mandarin Chinese, but locals who are in contact with tourists speak English.
• Taipei uses the New Taiwan dollar (NT$). 1 US dollar is about NT$32.5. 
• Taipei is an extremely safe city! But it's recommended to drink bottled water instead of tap!
• A street market snack costs about NT$100 ($3), while a mid-range restaurant meal is about NT$500 ($15). Budget stays start at NT$1.300 ($40), while mid-range hotels are around NT$3.200 ($100) per night.

Our most valuable tip: buy an internet card! Getting around is much easier when you can actually read what's written (thanks to modern tech)! But you don't want to be carrying around stuff like your laptop or expensive gear, so find a Bounce partner location and leave anything with us!