Walking Through Taipei: A Journey Through Tradition and Innovation

Taipei, where ancient temples stand alongside soaring skyscrapers, offers a fascinating blend of old and new Taiwan. This three-day walking tour guides you through both historic districts and modern developments. While the MRT system is excellent, walking allows you to discover the countless night markets, temples, and hidden spots that give Taipei its unique character. Note that this tour is best undertaken in winter or early spring, as summer months can be extremely hot and humid.

Day 1: Historic Taipei and Dadaocheng

Begin your Taipei journey at Longshan Temple at dawn, when locals come to pray. Have breakfast at Yonghe Dou Jiang Da Wang nearby, famous for traditional breakfast items like hot soy milk, you tiao (fried crullers), and dan bing (egg crepes). Watch temple rituals before exploring the surrounding Wanhua district, Taipei's oldest neighborhood.

Walk to Bopiliao Historical Block, featuring well-preserved Qing Dynasty architecture, then explore Xichang Street's traditional medicine shops. Continue to Dadaocheng, walking along Dihua Street, famous for its historic shophouses selling traditional goods, dried foods, and Chinese medicines.

Have lunch at Jin Feng Lu Rou Fan for Taiwan's famous braised pork rice, or try the historic Tian Jin Floral Restaurant for traditional Taiwanese cuisine. Visit the stunning Xiahai City God Temple, then explore the nearby Yongle Fabric Market.

End your day at Ningxia Night Market, sampling traditional street food like oyster omelettes and grilled squid. For a proper dinner, try Shin Yeh for classic Taiwanese cuisine in a refined setting, or join locals at Tao Yuan Street Beef Noodle for Taiwan's national dish. Finish with craft cocktails at Ounce or tea at the historic Wistaria Tea House.

Day 2: Modern Taipei and Xinyi District

Start at Taipei 101 when it opens to avoid crowds. Have breakfast at Fujin Tree 353 for excellent coffee and Western-Asian fusion breakfast, or try traditional breakfast at Fuhang Soy Milk. Visit Taipei 101's observation deck, then explore the luxury mall below.

Walk through the ultra-modern Xinyi shopping district to Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, stopping at its peaceful gardens. Continue to Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, housed in a former tobacco factory, exploring its design shops and exhibitions. For lunch, try Din Tai Fung's original location for world-famous xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), or sample the impressive food court at Breeze Nanshan.

Explore the peaceful Huashan 1914 Creative Park, another beautifully repurposed industrial space. Walk to Dongmen Market for traditional snacks, then visit Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall at sunset for impressive photos.

End your day exploring Yongkang Street, Taipei's food paradise. Dine at MUME for innovative modern cuisine, or try the original branch of Kao Chi for Shanghai-style dishes. Finish at Fourplay for craft cocktails or browse the epic Eslite Dunnan bookstore (open 24 hours) for late-night culture.

Day 3: Mountains and Markets

Begin at Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain) for a morning hike and iconic views of Taipei 101. Have breakfast at Good Cho's in the Xinyi district for contemporary Taiwanese cafe culture. Take a short ride to Maokong Gondola, ascending to Taipei's tea plantation area.

Explore the tea houses and hiking trails of Maokong, having lunch at one of the traditional tea houses like Dragon Inn or Yao Yue Teahouse, sampling local mountain vegetables and tea-infused dishes. Visit the beautiful Zhinan Temple before descending.

Walk through Da'an District, Taipei's educational hub, exploring the leafy campus of National Taiwan University. Visit the serene Wistaria Tea House for traditional tea service, then explore the boutiques around Zhongxiao East Road.

End your day at Raohe Night Market, one of Taipei's oldest and most famous night markets. Start with the famous black pepper bun at the entrance, then work your way through classics like stinky tofu, grilled chicken, and bubble tea. For a proper dinner, try Mountain and Sea House for traditional Taiwanese banquet cuisine, or RAW (book months ahead) for innovative modern Taiwanese fare by André Chiang.

Taipei reveals itself through layers of history, from Japanese colonial architecture to contemporary design. This walking tour covers essential sights while leaving room for spontaneous discoveries. Wear comfortable shoes and carry both water and an umbrella – Taipei's weather can shift quickly from sunny to rainy.

Remember that temples are busiest during morning and evening prayers, and night markets are best visited after 6 PM. Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner. Most importantly, don't rush. Taipei rewards those who take time to observe its rhythms, perhaps over tea in a traditional teahouse or during an evening exploring a night market.

Consider timing outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and humidity. Learn a few Mandarin phrases – while many young people speak English, older residents often don't. Remember that Taipei is a city that celebrates both its traditional culture and modern innovations – take time to appreciate both aspects of its personality.

Weather significantly impacts the experience: winter (November to March) is the most comfortable time for walking, while summer brings intense heat and occasional typhoons. Always carry an umbrella, as afternoon thunderstorms are common year-round. Many locals use UV umbrellas for sun protection – consider doing the same.