Flying from Bali, Indonesia back to Chicago, Illinois required a 24-hour layover in Taipei, Taiwan. I chose to stay at the Novotel Taipei Taoyuan International Airport for my extended layover in Taipei. The hotel is located directly next door to the Airport MRT line. This close proximity allows you to easily get into Taipei city. If you have a 24-hour layover I highly recommend staying here and taking the MRT into the city!


Flying from Bali, Indonesia back to Chicago, Illinois required a 24-hour layover in Taipei, Taiwan. I chose to stay at the Novotel Taipei Taoyuan International Airport for my extended layover in Taipei. The hotel is located directly next door to the Airport MRT line. This close proximity allows you to easily get into Taipei city. If you have a 24-hour layover I highly recommend staying here and taking the MRT into the city!


Directions from Hotel Novotel to Taipei Main Station: Take the airport commuter line to Airport Terminal 2. From there switch trains (stay at the platform you exit) and wait for the express train. The express train will take you to Taipei Main Station. Once you arrive at Taipei Main Station you can access all of the city.


The Airport MRT line takes you to the Taipei Main Station. This train station is large. I was not expecting it to be as expansive as it was. Luckily all signs are also written in English so navigating my way was not too terrible, it just took a while. Imagine several city blocks just underground and spread out on multiple floors. Once I found my way to the blue line I headed to Longshan Temple.


Tip: Unlike European public restrooms, all restrooms within the train stations are free! They are also clean!


After taking a few pictures at Longshan Temple, I started to explore the city on foot. I chose to focus most of my sightseeing within approximately a mile radius of Longshan Temple to maximize my time. Along my walk, I tried stopping at The Red House but it was under construction. From there I headed South past the Presidential Office. My favorite part of the walk was through the beautiful Taipei Botanical Garden. Before heading to my last stop of the day I visited National Theater Hall and Daxiaomen.


I chose to save the best for last, Taipei 101. To get to Taipei 101 from National Theater Hall I caught the Red Line (Danshui Line), at Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall. I am glad I decided to venture to Taipei 101 even though it was out of my way.

Until 2010 Taipei 101 was the world's tallest building. Today it still remains the world's tallest and largest green building. It is open daily from 9:00am - 10:00pm. Tickets are about $20 per person. The last ticket sale for tours is at 9:15 pm. Children under 115cm tall are free. The views from the top were spectacular! If you have the time to go, go!


I wanted to shop till I dropped at the mall located at the base of Taipei 101 but unfortunately, it was time to end my day of sightseeing. I caught the Red Line back to Taipei Main Station and stopped at my hotel to grab a quick shower before heading to the airport.


Tip: Novotel Taipei allows late check out on Sunday for free! This allowed me to shower at the hotel and freshen up before my flight!


I am thankful I went out of my comfort zone and took a trip by myself. Sure it was only a day trip but I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. The next time you have a long layover in a city be sure to take advantage of the time you have and explore!