Travel Guides & Tips in this video
In a whirlwind 24 hours, travelers Eoin and Aisling dive headfirst into Taipei's lively energy, from the revered Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall to the soaring Taipei 101. They savor iconic street eats at Raohe Night Market, tackle the steep steps of Elephant Mountain for unbeatable views, and drop a life-changing bombshell: they're about to undertake a 500-mile trek across Taiwan. This is no ordinary layover—it's the exciting kickoff to an epic adventure.
Next travel video:
More about the current video:()
The visit and its setting
In this action-packed 24-hour sprint through Taipei, Eoin and Aisling deliver a whirlwind tour that's part food crawl, part cultural immersion, and full of surprises. Starting at the grand Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, they walk the 89 steps symbolizing the former leader's life and witness the eerily precise changing of the guard. The blue-and-white architecture symbolizes freedom and democracy, but it's the feeding frenzy of massive koi fish in Liberty Square that steals the show. From history, they dive headfirst into the city's legendary food scene. Xialongbao—steamed buns bursting with hot pork soup—kick off the feast, followed by a requisite stop for bubble tea (originated here in Taiwan). Then it's on to Taipei 101, the once-tallest building in the world. Eoin shares its fascinating engineering: a massive tuned mass damper on the 97th floor that keeps the skyscraper stable during earthquakes and typhoons. But rather than paying the steep $30 observation deck fee, they opt for a hike up Elephant Mountain, a 20-minute stair climb that rewards them with a jaw-dropping view of the city's icon. The real bombshell drops at the summit.
What the travelers experienced
With a mix of excitement and nerves, Eoin and Aisling reveal they're about to attempt a 500-mile walk from Taiwan's northernmost tip to its southernmost point over the next six to eight weeks. They've just bought all their gear, and this challenge—inspired by their previous coast-to-coast hike across Croatia—is the reason they're in Taiwan. They invite locals and viewers to join them, making it a communal adventure from the start. Back in the city, they explore the buzzing Ximending district, a pedestrian-friendly hub known for its vintage fashion, street performances, and rainbow flags (Taiwan was the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage). Here they discover a donut fried chicken burger—something they'd never seen before—and devour it with delight. The night culminates at Raohe Night Market, where they hunt down Michelin-rated street food like black pepper buns stuffed with juicy pork and a medicinal herb soup with fall-off-the-bone ribs. They navigate the market's one-way flow, enjoy games and arcades, and even sample a mysterious white sticky treat they can't quite identify. Language is a slight barrier—most signs are in Mandarin—but they embrace the guesswork as part of the experience. Ending on a sweet note with crispy donuts, Eoin and Aisling prove that 24 hours in Taipei is enough for a taste, but not nearly enough to explore this dynamic city. Their upcoming hike promises even deeper connections with Taiwan's landscapes and people.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: How do you get around Taipei easily?
- A: Get an EasyCard at any MRT station or 7-Eleven. You can top it up almost anywhere and use it on all public transport—just tap on and off.
- Q: What was the best food at Raohe Night Market?
- A: The black pepper buns are a must—pork with green onion and black pepper cooked in a clay oven. Also try the Michelin-rated boiled pork ribs in medicinal herb soup.
- Q: Is it worth going up Taipei 101?
- A: The observation deck costs about $30 US, and many reviews say it's not worth it. Instead, hike Elephant Mountain nearby—it's free and gives you a striking view.
- Q: What did Eoin and Aisling plan after their Taipei visit?
- A: They announced a 500-mile walk from Taiwan’s northernmost tip to its southernmost point over six to eight weeks.
- Q: What did they do at Taipei 101 and Elephant Mountain?
- A: They discussed Taipei 101’s tuned mass damper, then hiked about 20 minutes up Elephant Mountain for a view of the building.
