Discover Taipei’s Natural Wonders: A Day Hike & City Escape (Perfect for Layovers)

Short on time but eager to experience the natural beauty of Taipei? This itinerary is perfect for you. Blend urban exploration with invigorating hikes and tranquil gardens, all within a single day or even a layover.

Or, use this guide as I do – an excuse to burn calories so you can keep eating at the next spot or night market. 

For more adventurous outdoor pursuits, check out my post on exploring Kenting in Southern Taiwan.

Morning: Taipei Botanical Garden (臺北植物園)

Kickstart your Taipei adventure at the Taipei Botanical Garden (臺北植物園), a serene oasis spanning eight hectares and home to over 2,000 plant species. 

Spend an hour or two strolling through winding paths, admiring exotic flora, and the tranquil atmosphere.

When I was here, I noticed many winding paths to follow and you will notice a lot of joggers getting their morning stroll in. So if you want to lace up your running shoes then this can be an option, too. 

What’s in My Pack?

Here’s look at some of my tried and test gear I used on the road (disclaimer: contains affiliate links).

Midday: Taipei 101 (臺北101) & Lunch at Liao Jia Beef Noodle Restaurant (廖家牛肉麵)

Ascend to new heights at Taipei 101 (臺北101), once the world’s tallest building. Now overtaken by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

Take the high-speed elevator to the observation deck for breathtaking 360-degree views of Taipei’s cityscape and surrounding mountains. 

Side note: If that’s not your jam, you can visit other places near Taipei 101 like Frank Taipei for drinks, but please note it doesn’t open until 9 PM.

This could be an option if you have an overnight layover or if, like me, you add extended-day layovers to your flights. If you’re in that camp, you can also check out Taihu Brewing Xinyi (臺虎 信義), which is nearby. Be warned, though, it has all outdoor seating, so it was pretty cold when I visited in early March.

Foodie Tip: Allocate about 1-2 hours for this experience, including time for lunch at the nearby Liao Jia Beef Noodle Restaurant (廖家牛肉麵), a small, but very popular beef noodle soup in Taipei. Be warned, the line gets long, and they can run out of dishes, so arrive early.

This place has been around for decades, attracting a long line of locals for its specialty beef noodle soup. I would get here early since as you see the line gets rather long. They will try to accommodate everyone but they can run out of certain dishes, like their iconic beef noodle soup. Nevertheless, you can expect fast service despite the long line.

For more details about Liao Jia Beef Noodle Restaurant, check out my blog post here.

Afternoon: Elephant Mountain (象山)

Embark on an invigorating hike up Elephant Mountain / Xiangshan Hiking Trail (象山), a 1.5 km (0.93 miles) trail offering panoramic views of Taipei, with Taipei 101 serving as a dramatic focal point. Midday is perfect for capturing great photos with optimal lighting.

The Elephant Mountain (象山) is an easy-ish hiking trail that’s centrally located in the city and offers the best bang for your buck in terms of effort versus views. I mean, it was even easier than Auckland, but this offers a better close-up of Taipei 101 and stunning views, and best of all, it’s FREE!

When you get closer to the entrance of the hiking trail and are wondering where to get water, just look for tables that are dotted near the entrance or you can grab water from the vending machine near the coffee shop.

Initially, it’s a relatively steep climb, but within 20 minutes (yes, timed) at a leisurely pace, you will be able to get the first break with a view of Taipei 101. If you continue a little further, again up a few more steeper steps, you will be greeted with a few more stops for breathtaking views.

You should note that while coming down might seem easier, the steep steps and size of the steps can make it more difficult for certain age populations or those with knee injuries (like if you did too much jiu-jitsu!), so watch it coming down the steps.

This total hike (up and down) can be completed in about 1-2 hours.

Evening: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (中正紀念堂)

After your hike, cool down and relax at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (中正紀念堂), a grand monument dedicated to Taiwan’s former president surrounded by sprawling gardens. 

Admire the architecture and witness the ceremonial changing of the guard, which occurs hourly from 9 AM to 5 PM. 

The golden hour (late afternoon) provides a magical backdrop for photos. Allocate about 1-2 hours to explore the memorial hall and gardens.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is a stone’s throw away from Tokyo Paris le dessert ( 東京巴黎甜點忠孝店) bakery or if you’re going for a planned trip. I’d recommend going to see the changing of the guards and walking up the steps. Not only do you get a mini-workout climbing the steps, but you can also get an almost panorama-style photo of Liberty Square below with the National Theater (on the left) and the National Concert Hall (on the right).

For more information and the changing of the guard, see here.

Pro Tip: You can get closer to the guards and venue when you wait for the crowd to disperse after the changing of the guard ceremony. Or, if you go right before the changing of the guards, you can avoid the throngs of crowds that create rows of lines, ensuring you don’t just end up with pictures of the backs of people’s heads.

Alternatively, if you visit Liao Jia Beef Noodle Restaurant (廖家牛肉麵) earlier, then you can stop by here. It’s just about 0.88 km (0.55 miles) from the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. 

However, they often run out of food by 1 PM, so plan accordingly. I really wanted the beef noodle, but instead I got another dish that was equally tasty.

Your Taipei Day Hike

Tips, Tricks, and Logistics

• Pack Light & Right: Bring essentials like water (refill at vending machines), snacks, camera, light jacket, and a small backpack.
• Sturdy Footwear: Wear comfortable hiking boots or shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
• Sun & Bug Protection: Apply sunscreen and insect repellent to shield yourself from the elements.
• Timing is Key: Start your day early to maximize your time and avoid crowds.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially during the hike.

Capture the Moments: Best photo times: midday (Elephant Mountain) and late afternoon (Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall).

Trip Soundtrack

Because every adventure needs a soundtrack, each of my trips comes with a theme song. And for this trip's anthem? Well, it's...

Conclusion

This itinerary is designed to be completed within a day, making it ideal for those on a layover or with limited time in Taipei. 

From the lush Taipei Botanical Garden to the breathtaking views atop Elephant Mountain, and the beauty of Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, you’ll have experienced the city’s natural beauty, iconic landmarks, and delicious cuisine in just a few hours. 

With a bit of planning and these tips, you can easily fit in a memorable adventure during your visit to Taiwan’s capital.