24 Hours in Taipei: Night Markets, Xiangshan Hike & the Best Beef Noodles in Town
If you only have a day in Taipei, you can still experience so much of what makes this city unforgettable: street food, nature trails, skyline views, and heartwarming bowls of beef noodles. Here’s how I spent 24 hours exploring the flavors and fresh air of Taiwan’s capital and why I’d do it all over again.
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Raohe Night Market
Raohe Night Market (饒河夜市) is one of Taipei’s oldest and most iconic night markets, and yes, it absolutely lives up to the hype.
Just 40 minutes by MRT from my hotel, I arrived to the smell of sizzling meats, sweet taro pastries, and the buzz of local venders and people. If you never smelled stinky tofu before, you definitely will here.
What I tried (and loved) on Raohe Night Market:
- Shrimp & oyster omelette with Taiwanese kimchi – savory, gooey and a little spicy
- Taro and pineapple bun – crispy on the outside, soft and sweet inside bursting with taro filling
- Fried pork and cabbage dumplings – juicy, crispy, and even better with a dash of chili sauce
- Fresh watermelon juice – perfect for cooling down after all that street food heat
The market sits right next to the beautiful Songshan Ciyou Temple, which dates back to 1753. Don’t miss the glowing lanterns above the street, once the sun sets, they light up the whole walkway in the most beautiful way. In the street parallel to the night market there is also a laid back park along the river. After eating more than I planned (as always), I wandered around a bit longer, tried my luck at a Japanese-style gachapon machine, and headed back to my hotel for some rest.
A Local Taiwanese Breakfast: Dan Bing & Oolong Tea
The next morning started early with breakfast at 吾時•食 5 10 10, a cozy local spot serving up Taiwanese comfort food.
I went for:
• Dàn bǐng (蛋餅) – a rolled egg crepe, crispy outside and soft inside, sometimes stuffed with cheese, scallions or nuggets.
• Iced oolong tea – floral, lightly sweet, and super refreshing
If you’ve never had dàn bǐng before, think of it as Taiwan’s ultimate breakfast-on-the-go. You’ll see locals lining up before work, grabbing it wrapped in paper, sometimes with pork floss or hash browns inside. Full and caffeinated, I was ready to swap city streets for something greener.
Hiking Elephant Mountain: Taipei’s Mini Escape
After a short MRT ride, I made it to the Xiangshan Trail (象山步道), better known as Elephant Mountain. It’s only 184 meters tall, but don’t let the height fool you, this is a full on workout.
In just about 20 minutes (and quite a few stairs), you reach the classic photo spot with that famous view of Taipei 101 rising above the city. It’s worth every step. Instead of turning back, I kept going, and decided to head towards Jiuwu Peak, or “95 Peak.”
As I moved deeper into the trail, the crowd faded. The city sounds were replaced by birds, rustling leaves, and the constant buzz of cicadas. It felt like Taipei had slipped away behind me. On the way up, I passed butterflies with deep blue wings, small geckos and lizards, and quiet viewpoints with open views of the skyline.
Jiuwu Peak sits slightly higher than Elephant Mountain and offers even more space and fewer people. There’s a big stone at the top carved with “九五峰” (95 Peak), a peaceful spot to rest after the endless stairs. I took my time getting there, stopping for photos, enjoying the silence, and breathing in the fresh air. The full hike took me about two and a half hours, including all my photo stops and water breaks. The trail is partly shaded, with plenty of rest spots. If you’re going in summer, or any time to be honest, bring water and a mini fan, you’ll thank me later.
Fun fact: Taipei 101 was the world’s tallest building from 2004 to 2010. Inside, there’s a massive 660-ton ball designed to keep it stable during earthquakes and typhoons.
A Sudden Downpour & A Bowl of Noodle Heaven
Just as I wrapped up my hike, the sky changed its mood fast. Classic Taipei. I hopped into an Uber and made my way through the rain to MuJi Beef Noodles (穆記牛肉麵).
Inside, I ordered a steaming bowl of braised beef noodles and found instant happiness:
• The broth? Rich, deep, and comforting
• The beef? Fall-apart tender
• The noodles? Perfectly chewy
• The cold tea on the side? Absolutely hit the spot
Beef noodles are a big deal in Taiwan, there’s even an annual Taipei Beef Noodle Festival where top restaurants compete for the title of best bowl in town.
After lunch, I wandered through the rainy streets a little more before catching the MRT back to my hotel. I took a nap, legs slightly sore, belly very full, and happy heart.
What to Pack for a Morning Hike in Taipei
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Comfy shoes (seriously, so many stairs)
- Water
- Mini fan
- Breathable clothes
- Mosquito / bug spray
- Umbrella or rain coat
Final Thoughts
Taipei really knows how to do contrast well. One moment you’re eating dumplings in a busy night market, the next you’re on a jungle trail with butterflies dancing around you. Even in just 24 hours, you can get a solid taste of what makes this city so special: food, nature and history
So if you’ve only got a day or two here, make it count. Hit a night market, climb a hill, slurp some noodles, and fall in love with the city, like I did.
