25 Best Things to Do in Taipei from Ximending Base 2025

Experience all of Taipei's incredible attractions using Ximending as your strategic base. From ancient temples to modern marvels, bustling night markets to peaceful hot springs, discover why staying in Ximending puts the entire capital at your fingertips.

Why Ximending Makes the Perfect Taipei Base

Ximending's strategic location places you at the heart of Taipei's transportation network. Just one MRT stop from Taipei Main Station, you have instant access to every corner of the city and beyond. Unlike other tourist areas that specialize in just one aspect of Taipei life, Ximending offers immediate access to authentic local culture while maintaining excellent connections to must-see attractions throughout the capital.

🚇 Transport Hub Advantage

From Ximen MRT Station, you can reach: Taipei 101 (12 minutes), National Palace Museum (25 minutes), Beitou Hot Springs (20 minutes), and Jiufen (45 minutes by bus). No other neighborhood offers this level of connectivity combined with authentic local atmosphere.

In Ximending District (Walking Distance)

Start your Taipei adventure right outside your accommodation. Ximending itself offers a concentrated dose of Taiwan's modern culture, history, and incredible food scene.

1. 🏮 Ximending Pedestrian Area & Red House

Distance: 0-5 minutes walk | Time needed: 2-4 hours

Taiwan's most vibrant pedestrian district buzzes with energy from afternoon until late night. The historic Red House, built in 1908, anchors the area as both cultural landmark and gateway to Taipei's LGBT-friendly scene. Street performers, pop-up markets, and creative installations change weekly, ensuring each visit offers something new.

Insider tip: Visit during sunset for the perfect transition from daytime shopping to nighttime entertainment. The Red House courtyard hosts weekend creative markets featuring local artisans.

2. 🍜 Ximending Night Market Food Scene

Distance: Throughout the district | Time needed: 2-3 hours

While not a traditional enclosed night market, Ximending's streets transform into an open-air food paradise every evening. From the famous beef noodle soup at Liu Shandong to modern bubble tea innovations, the food scene here represents both traditional Taiwanese cuisine and contemporary culinary creativity.

Must-try: Pepper buns from street vendors, innovative shaved ice desserts, and Taiwan's original bubble tea variations.

3. 🎮 Modern Toilet Restaurant & Pop Culture Spots

Distance: 3 minutes walk | Time needed: 1-2 hours

Experience Taiwan's quirky pop culture at the world-famous toilet-themed restaurant, alongside Pokemon Center Taipei and numerous manga cafes. These attractions showcase Taiwan's unique ability to blend humor, creativity, and commerce in ways that delight visitors while remaining genuinely local.

From Ximending: Walk north from Ximen MRT Exit 6 toward the main pedestrian area.

4. 🛍️ Ximending Shopping: From Street Fashion to Luxury

Distance: Throughout district | Time needed: 3-5 hours

Discover Taiwan's fashion pulse through underground shopping centers, street-level boutiques, and department stores. Ximending pioneered many Asian street fashion trends and continues to showcase emerging designers alongside international brands.

Shopping strategy: Start underground at Wannian Building for affordable fashion, move to street level for unique local brands, then explore department stores for higher-end options.

Central Taipei (5-15 minutes by MRT)

Central Taipei's historical and cultural heart lies just minutes from your Ximending base. These attractions showcase Taiwan's complex history and traditional culture.

5. 🏛️ Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Transport: Ximen → Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall (3 minutes, Blue Line) | Time needed: 2-3 hours

This monumental complex honors Taiwan's controversial former leader while providing insight into the island's complex political history. The hourly changing of the guard ceremony draws crowds, but the real fascination lies in exploring how Taiwan has evolved since the era this memorial represents.

Best experience: Visit during late afternoon when golden light illuminates the white marble structure. The surrounding Liberty Square hosts events and provides peaceful contrast to the memorial's imposing architecture.

6. 🏯 Longshan Temple

Transport: Ximen → Longshan Temple (2 minutes, Blue Line) | Time needed: 1-2 hours

Taipei's most atmospheric temple combines stunning architecture with genuine spiritual practice. Built in 1738, Longshan represents traditional Chinese Buddhism, Taoism, and folk religion in active harmony. The surrounding area reflects old Taipei's character, with traditional shops and historic architecture.

Cultural experience: Observe respectfully as locals burn incense, make offerings, and seek divine guidance. The temple's intricate wood carvings and bronze work represent centuries of craftsmanship.

7. 🏪 Dihua Street Historic Quarter

Transport: Ximen → Shuanglian/Zhongshan (8 minutes) + 5-minute walk | Time needed: 2-3 hours

Taipei's oldest commercial street preserves traditional shophouses filled with Chinese medicine, dried goods, textiles, and tea merchants. This area represents Taipei before modernization, offering insight into the trading culture that built the city's wealth.

Shopping highlight: Traditional tea shops offer tastings and education about Taiwan's tea culture. Chinese New Year period brings special decorations and festive atmosphere.

8. 🚂 Taipei Main Station Underground Shopping

Transport: Ximen → Taipei Main Station (2 minutes, Blue Line) | Time needed: 1-2 hours

This vast underground complex connects multiple transportation systems while offering extensive shopping and dining options. Beyond mere convenience, it represents Taiwan's engineering prowess and urban planning philosophy of maximizing limited space.

Practical tip: Perfect for rainy days or hot weather. The food court offers excellent variety at reasonable prices, and shops stay open later than many street-level alternatives.

Eastern Taipei (15-25 minutes by MRT)

Eastern Taipei showcases the city's modern ambitions alongside natural beauty. This area represents contemporary Taiwan's achievements and aspirations.

9. 🏢 Taipei 101 Observatory & Xinyi District

Transport: Ximen → Taipei 101/World Trade Center (12 minutes, transfer at Zhongxiao Xinsheng) | Time needed: 3-4 hours

Once the world's tallest building, Taipei 101 remains Taiwan's most recognizable landmark. The high-speed elevator journey to the 89th floor observatory offers breathtaking city views, while the surrounding Xinyi District showcases Taiwan's economic success through luxury shopping and dining.

Photography tip: Visit during late afternoon for daylight cityscape photos, then stay for the sunset and early evening city lights. Purchase tickets online for discounts and shorter queues.

10. 🥾 Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) Hiking Trail

Transport: Ximen → Xiangshan (15 minutes, Red Line transfer at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall) | Time needed: 2-3 hours

Taipei's most popular hiking trail offers spectacular views of Taipei 101 and the sprawling city below. The 30-minute climb through stone steps and natural paths rewards hikers with multiple viewpoints and photo opportunities. This represents Taipei's unique combination of urban development and preserved natural spaces.

Best timing: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and heat. Sunset hikes provide magical golden hour lighting for photography.

11. 🎨 Songshan Cultural and Creative Park

Transport: Ximen → Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall (14 minutes via transfer) | Time needed: 2-3 hours

This former tobacco factory now houses Taiwan's most innovative art galleries, design studios, and creative spaces. Regular exhibitions showcase both established and emerging artists, while the preserved industrial architecture tells the story of Taiwan's economic transformation.

Creative experience: Check the exhibition schedule before visiting. The park often hosts design festivals, pop-up markets, and cultural events that provide deeper insight into contemporary Taiwanese creativity.

12. 🌮 Tonghua Night Market (Linjiang Street)

Transport: Ximen → Xinyi Anhe (18 minutes via Red Line) | Time needed: 2-3 hours

Known as the most "local" night market despite its proximity to the glamorous Xinyi District, Tonghua offers authentic street food without tourist markup. This smaller, more intimate market represents traditional night market culture persisting alongside modern development.

Local secret: Arrive after 8 PM when the market reaches full energy. The pepper bun stall and traditional dessert vendors maintain recipes passed down through generations.

Northern Taipei (20-30 minutes by MRT)

Northern Taipei combines natural hot springs, traditional culture, and historical sites. This area offers respite from urban intensity while remaining easily accessible from your Ximending base.

13. ♨️ Beitou Hot Springs & Thermal Valley

Transport: Ximen → Beitou → Xinbeitou (20 minutes total) | Time needed: Half day

Taiwan's most accessible hot spring resort offers natural thermal pools, Japanese-era architecture, and the otherworldly Thermal Valley steaming lake. Beitou represents the Japanese colonial period's lasting influence on Taiwanese culture while providing therapeutic relaxation.

Hot spring experience: Choose between public hot spring parks (free), traditional bathhouses (moderate cost), or luxury resort spas (higher cost). Each offers different levels of authenticity and comfort.

14. 🏛️ National Palace Museum

Transport: Ximen → Shilin → Bus 255/304 (25 minutes total) | Time needed: 3-4 hours

Home to the world's finest collection of Chinese art and artifacts, many pieces evacuated from mainland China during the civil war. This museum offers profound insight into 5,000 years of Chinese civilization while raising complex questions about cultural heritage and political identity.

Museum strategy: Focus on the most famous pieces (Jadeite Cabbage, Meat-shaped Stone) during peak hours, then explore themed galleries when crowds thin. Audio guides provide essential historical context.

15. 🎋 Shilin Night Market

Transport: Ximen → Shilin (15 minutes, Red Line) | Time needed: 3-4 hours

Taiwan's largest and most famous night market combines traditional street food with modern shopping. While more touristy than other markets, Shilin's scale and variety make it essential for understanding night market culture's importance in Taiwanese social life.

Market navigation: The underground food court offers air conditioning and seating, while street-level stalls provide more authentic atmosphere. Try foods you can't find elsewhere, like oyster omelets and stinky tofu.

16. 🌸 Yangmingshan National Park

Transport: Ximen → Shilin → Bus 260 (30 minutes total) | Time needed: Half to full day

This volcanic landscape offers hiking trails, hot springs, and seasonal flower displays just outside the city. Yangmingshan represents Taiwan's successful conservation efforts and provides insight into the island's geological history.

Seasonal visits: Cherry blossoms (February-March), azaleas (March-May), and autumn foliage (November-December) each offer different natural beauty. Year-round hiking and volcanic features remain accessible.

Cultural & Unique Experiences

17. 🏮 Traditional Festivals & Seasonal Events

Various locations | Time needed: 2-4 hours per event

Taipei's festival calendar reflects Taiwan's cultural diversity through Chinese New Year celebrations, Lunar New Year activities, Ghost Festival observances, and modern events like Pride celebrations. Many festivals center around temples or public spaces easily accessible from Ximending.

Festival highlights: Taipei Lantern Festival (February/March), Dragon Boat Festival (May/June), and Mid-Autumn Festival (September/October) offer authentic cultural experiences beyond typical tourist activities.

18. 🎤 KTV (Karaoke) Experience

Multiple locations in Ximending | Time needed: 2-3 hours

Karaoke represents Taiwan's social culture in ways that surprise many visitors. From family-friendly chains to luxury suites, KTV venues provide insight into how Taiwanese people socialize, celebrate, and express themselves through music.

Cultural insight: KTV sessions often include elaborate song selection rituals, group singing traditions, and food sharing customs that reveal important aspects of Taiwanese social dynamics.

19. 🧘 Temple Culture & Spiritual Practices

Various temples citywide | Time needed: 1-2 hours per temple

Beyond Longshan Temple, Taipei's numerous temples offer insight into Taiwan's spiritual diversity. Confucius Temple, Baoan Temple, and neighborhood shrines each represent different aspects of traditional Chinese religion adapted to Taiwanese society.

Respectful visiting: Observe local customs around incense burning, prayer procedures, and photography restrictions. Many temples welcome respectful questions about their practices and history.

Day Trips from Taipei (30+ minutes)

Ximending's proximity to transport hubs makes these popular day trips easily accessible. Return to your comfortable base each evening while exploring Taiwan's diverse landscapes and cultures.

20. 🏮 Jiufen Old Street & Shifen Waterfall

Transport: Bus from Zhongxiao Fuxing (40 minutes to Jiufen) | Time needed: Full day

This former gold mining town inspired Studio Ghibli's "Spirited Away" with its narrow alleys, traditional teahouses, and mountain views. Combined with Shifen's waterfall and sky lantern tradition, this day trip showcases Taiwan's natural beauty and cultural traditions.

Planning tip: Start early to avoid crowds. The afternoon light in Jiufen creates magical atmosphere for photography. Shifen's sky lantern tradition offers hands-on cultural participation.

21. 🚄 Taichung & Central Taiwan

Transport: High Speed Rail from Taipei Main Station (1 hour) | Time needed: Full day

Taiwan's High Speed Rail makes central Taiwan accessible for day trips. Taichung offers different regional cuisine, Rainbow Village street art, and access to Sun Moon Lake. This represents Taiwan's geographic and cultural diversity beyond the capital.

HSR advantage: Book tickets in advance for discounts. The 300 km/h journey showcases Taiwan's engineering achievements while providing efficient access to different regions.

22. 🌊 Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf & Danshui

Transport: Ximen → Tamsui (25 minutes, Red Line) | Time needed: Half day

This riverside town combines historical sites, sunset views, and seafood dining. Tamsui represents Taiwan's maritime heritage while offering scenic beauty and relaxed atmosphere contrasting with central Taipei's intensity.

Sunset experience: Time your visit for late afternoon arrival. The riverside boardwalk and historic Fort San Domingo provide perfect sunset viewing locations.

Food & Culinary Experiences

23. 🥟 Din Tai Fung Xiaolongbao Experience

Multiple locations | Time needed: 1-2 hours

While now international, Din Tai Fung represents Taiwan's elevation of humble dishes to gourmet status. Watching xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) preparation through glass windows provides insight into Taiwanese perfectionism and attention to detail.

Culinary education: The precise dumpling-making process represents broader Taiwanese values around craftsmanship, quality, and continuous improvement that extend far beyond food preparation.

24. 🧊 Traditional Shaved Ice & Dessert Culture

Various locations, especially around Yongkang Street | Time needed: 1 hour

Taiwan's dessert culture combines traditional Chinese sweets with Japanese influences and local innovation. From elaborate shaved ice creations to traditional douhua (tofu pudding), desserts reveal Taiwan's cultural fusion and creativity.

Seasonal specialties: Mango shaved ice (summer), hot dessert soups (winter), and year-round innovations showcase Taiwan's adaptation of tradition to local tastes and ingredients.

25. 🍵 Taiwan Tea Culture & Bubble Tea Origins

Traditional tea shops throughout the city | Time needed: 1-2 hours

Taiwan's tea culture encompasses both traditional Chinese tea ceremony and modern bubble tea innovation. Experiencing both provides insight into how Taiwan preserves tradition while embracing innovation and global influence.

Tea journey: Visit traditional tea shops on Dihua Street for ceremonial tea service, then explore modern bubble tea shops to understand how Taiwan transformed global beverage culture.

Transport Tips from Ximending Base

🚇 MRT Strategy

EasyCard: Purchase at any MRT station for seamless travel
Peak hours: 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM can be crowded
Last trains: Around midnight on most lines
Transfer strategy: Taipei Main Station connects all major lines

🚌 Bus & Alternative Transport

Tourist buses: Direct service to popular destinations like Jiufen
Taxi apps: Taiwan Taxi and Uber operate citywide
YouBike: Public bike sharing available throughout the city
Walking: Many central attractions are within walking distance

💡 Ximending Advantage Summary

Average travel time to major attractions: 15-20 minutes
Direct MRT access to all major transportation hubs
Walking distance to authentic local experiences
Return to vibrant nightlife and dining after sightseeing
Central location for day trips throughout northern Taiwan

Planning Your Taipei Adventure from Ximending

📅 Suggested Daily Itineraries

Day 1: Central Culture

Morning: Longshan Temple → Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Afternoon: National Palace Museum
Evening: Return to Ximending for dinner and night shopping

Day 2: Modern Taipei

Morning: Elephant Mountain hiking
Afternoon: Taipei 101 and Xinyi District shopping
Evening: Tonghua Night Market

Day 3: Nature & Relaxation

Morning: Beitou Hot Springs
Afternoon: Yangmingshan National Park
Evening: Shilin Night Market

⚠️ Important Planning Notes

Many museums close on Mondays - plan accordingly
Night markets typically operate 5 PM - midnight
Weather can change quickly - check forecasts for outdoor activities
Popular attractions can be crowded on weekends and holidays
Download offline maps and translation apps before exploring