Edited by Kyra Tarr
Traveling alone may seem like a daunting task, but take it from somebody who knows, it’s actually an incredibly enlightening journey. When you have to rely on your own wits and common sense, you'll be surprised by how capable you truly are. In every stranger, there is a potential friend, and spontaneity seems to characterize every day’s movements. After all, you can do exactly what you like, right? Here are some of my tips on fun things to do in Taipei alone. From great neighborhoods to stay in, to delicious dining experiences - Taipei solo travel has never been so easy, tasty, or rewarding! You’ll be nudged out of your comfort zone and soon discover that embarking on adventures alone does not equate to solitude. Is Taipei safe to travel alone? Absolutely. So, even if you’re a solo female traveling through Taipei, there’s plenty here to keep you occupied.
Elephant Mountain
If you’re stuck on what to do in Taipei alone, look no further than Elephant Mountain. No matter what list you read, you’ll see it’s part of everyone’s must-see Taipei bucket list. Why not hike to its peak and enjoy one of the most famous views over Taipei’s cityscape? To get there, take the red line on the MRT all the way to Xiangshan. It’s the last stop on the line, so you won’t need to worry about getting lost. The hike itself is moderate and can take anywhere between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on your fitness levels. The stairs and pathways are well-trodden, and plenty of locals like to exercise here. Once at the top, take in the well-deserved view of Taipei 101 (the world’s former tallest building) and enjoy a few serene moments of contemplation before heading back down again.
Longshan Temple
Visit the most well-known temple in Taiwan! Taipei solo travel demands that you spend at least a good few hours here, soaking up the rich culture and exquisitely ornate architecture. The temple itself was built in 1738 and is dedicated to the Buddhist goddess of mercy - Guanyin. Whether it's prayers in the courtyard or lighting candles in contemplation, this is a sacred space worth seeing. Afterward, you might like to explore the surrounding bazaar and pick up some trinkets and curios. You could even have your fortune told if you like!
Dihua Street
This road is what Oxford Street is to Londoners, or might be how Dubliners perceive Grafton Street, and is absolutely one of the best places to go alone in Taipei. You’ll lose yourself in the bustling crowds of people, foreigners and locals alike, all trying to get in on that classic Taiwanese retail experience. Over Chinese New Year, this is the epicentre of where you’ll find anything relating to the festivities, but year round, it’s a wonderful spot to pick up some souvenirs and do a bit of shopping. I’d recommend trying and buying some tea (in typical Taiwanese style, the flavour options are vast), incense and pineapple cakes - a must! Go to one of my favourite bakeries called Chia Te Bakery, near Songshan. The buttery pastry and tart filling is something you’ll crave for the rest of your life!
Night Markets
If you’re looking for places to go alone in Taipei or eat out at, there’s nothing like a night market. There are so many, you could literally take your pick. I like Tonghua Night Market because I find the food traditional and authentic, but you might be more daring, in which case Snake Alley Night Market is for you! Arrive hungry because there are so many delicacies to sample, ranging from popular bubble tea to Taiwanese sausage on a stick. Portions are small(ish), so nibble your way through the market, chatting to vendors about their fresh produce or simply basking in the steamy chaos and multitudes of languages, people, colors, and tastes that these night markets are so famous for.
Liberty Square
Of course. Whether you’re looking for a Taipei 2 day itinerary, what to do in Taipei for 3 days, or calling the city your own for 2 whole weeks - this is one of those must-see spots. You wouldn’t go to Paris and snub the Eiffel Tower, would you? From Liberty Square, you can access some of Taipei’s most famous landmarks, like the national concert hall, theater, and memorial hall - all of which are colossal feats of beautiful architecture. Stand in the center of the central courtyard that connects all these places and pivot - now, aren’t your eyes loving what they’re seeing?
Photo credit: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File
Taipei’s Museum Of Contemporary Art
Art is one of those subjective things where at times, it’s almost best to peruse galleries on your own - deciding what intrigues you or what you’d rather skip. That’s why Taipei’s Museum of Contemporary Art makes it onto the things to do in Taipei alone list! The great Chinese artist, Ai Weiwei, often exhibits here. A few years ago, his famous installation ‘Forever Bicycles’ was shown here - utterly mind blowing. One of my favourite things about the museum is that no two visits are ever the same. The interior is able to shift around and accommodate the dimensions of whatever work is being portrayed, so that each piece is given plenty of room to breathe. Enjoy this immersive display of modernity meeting creativity. It’s still one of my favourite things to do here.
Ximending
This neon-lit neighbourhood is ideal if you’re looking for things to do in Taipei at night. Not only is it the hub of youth and pop culture in the city, but it’s also a pedestrian neighbourhood, which means the noise tones down a little in favour of bustle - plenty of bustle. In this it-neighbourhood, which comprises one of the 5 coolest neighbourhoods in Taipei, you’ll discover unique shops, themed cafes, cosplay subculture, explosive street art and, if you’re keen on a night on the town, you could head to one of the many bars this area is famous for. Hey, just because this list deals with solo excursions, doesn’t mean you can’t make a few friends along the way, right?
Addiction Aquatic Development
If you’re a seafood-lover, like me, you simply can’t miss out on this. This incredible seafood market comprises of an aquarium (where you can select live products), a sushi bar, a hot pot restaurant, and an outdoor charcoal-grilled seafood barbeque. There’s also a frozen section where you’ll be able to pick up some fresh ingredients for a feast you might like to cook up yourself? Peruse the many stalls and sample some of the freshest seafood in Taipei - the salty, brisk flavors are sure to blow you away!
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