What To Do In The Morning In Taipei
Taipei isn’t a city that wakes up early. Most shops and restaurants don’t open until after 11 a.m. or 11:30 a.m., and the city tends to move at a slower pace in the early hours.
But if you find yourself awake before the crowds—whether it’s due to jet lag or early-rising kids—don’t worry. The city may be quiet, but there are still plenty of things to do.
Hi, I’m Grace. I was born and raised in Taiwan, and though I’ve been living overseas, I return often to reconnect with family and friends. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate a different side of Taipei—the calm, unhurried mornings before the hustle and bustle begins.
In this post, I’ll share my favorite early morning activities in Taipei, from cultural sights to hidden gems that are worth waking up for.
Getting Around By MRT In The Morning
The Taipei Metro (MRT) operates daily from 6:00 a.m. to midnight, with the first trains departing from their terminal stations around 6:00 a.m.
To get more info about the MRT stations, routes, and fares, here is the link to its Route Maps in English.
Please also keep in mind the weekday morning rush. The busiest time is typically around 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., especially at major stations such as Taipei Main Station, Zhongxiao Fuxing, and other transfer hubs, as commuters head to work.
That said, despite the crowds, people in Taipei are remarkably polite and patient. There’s no rushing or pushing, and everyone lines up in an orderly manner to board the train. The frequent arrival (every 2-4 minutes) of trains during rush hour also helps keep things moving smoothly.
If you find yourself needing to take the MRT during peak times, just be patient—you’ll eventually get on a train without too much trouble.
Take Advantage of The Convenience Stores
If you wake up in the middle of the night due to jet lag, or need to head out before sunrise for a tour or flight, convenience stores are your best friend in Taipei. Chains like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and OK Mart are found on almost every block and are open 24/7.
They are stocked with ready-to-eat meals like onigiri, sandwiches, and hot bentos, plus coffee, snacks, and drinks. They’re one of the few places always open, making them a lifesaver for travelers who are up at odd hours.
I have a stand-alone post about how to take full advantage of the convenience stores during your visit to Taiwan.
Things To Do In The Morning In Taipei
Here are some of the best ways to make the most of your early morning in Taipei.
Enjoy A Taiwanese-Style Breakfast
Start your day like a local by enjoying a traditional Taiwanese-style breakfast. Here are some examples of the food items you will see on the menu:
- Soy Milk (甜豆漿) – Served hot or cold, often paired with fried dough stick(油條）.
- Savory Soy Milk (鹹豆漿) – Soy milk curdled with vinegar and topped with scallions, pickled radish, and crispy dough bits.
- Fried Dough Stick (油條) – Crispy and golden, usually dipped in soy milk.
- Egg Pancake (蛋餅) – A thin, savory crepe filled with eggs and sometimes cheese, ham, or other toppings.
- Scallion Pancake (蔥油餅) – Flaky and savory, sometimes served with an egg or other fillings.
- Steamed Buns (包子) – Soft buns filled with meat, vegetables, or sweet pastes like red bean.
- Rice Rolls (飯糰) – Glutinous rice wrapped around fillings like pickled vegetables, egg, and pork floss.
- Turnip Cake (蘿蔔糕) – Pan-fried radish cakes made from rice flour and shredded turnip.
If you’re in the mood for a Michelin-rated breakfast and don’t mind waiting, Fu Hang Soy Milk (阜杭豆漿) is the place to go (see it on Google Maps). Opening at 5:30 AM, the wait time depends on when you arrive—but be ready to stand in line for up to two hours!
But it’s ok if you can’t get to Fu Hang Soymilk. Some other popular breakfast franchises include Yonghe Soy Milk King (永和豆漿大王） and Mei Er Mei (美而美). Just search their names on Google Maps to find a location near you.
If you love a rice ball (飯糰）like I do, I recommend Liu Mama Fantuan (劉媽媽飯糰, see Google Maps）. It is very popular among both the locals and tourists, so be prepared to wait in the long line as well!
My favorite breakfast spot is this one near my mom’s apartment in Zhongshan District: World Soymilk King (世界豆漿大王, see it on Google Maps）. If you happen to stay in the area, you should give it a try!
You can also go to a wet market and find stalls for grab-and-go items. Or search “早餐” (breakfast) or “豆漿店” (soy milk shop) on your Google Maps app and see what’s available near you.
Western Breakfast Spots
If you’re in the mood for a Western-style breakfast, there are several popular chains (besides Starbucks and McDonald’s) that serve coffee and sandwiches.
These places are also great if you need to get some work done, as you can bring your laptop and sit comfortably. Just search their names in Google Maps to find the location that’s most convenient for you.
- Komeda Coffee
- Mr. Brown Coffee
- Dante Coffee
Out of the three chains, I like Komeda Coffee the most. It has a warm, comfortable vibe that makes you want to stay a little longer. I usually go for one of their breakfast sets, which comes with a cup of coffee, a thick slice of toast, and a hard-boiled egg—simple but satisfying.
Wet Markets (傳統市場）
Visiting a wet market is a must to experience how locals live and start their day. It is where people shop for fresh produce, seafood, and meats, as well as enjoy a quick meal.
You might picture wet markets as dirty, messy, and chaotic, but let me introduce you to a couple of markets that have undergone significant renovations and now offer a completely different experience.
Nanmen Market (南門市場) Open: 6:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
With its recent updates, Nanmen Market (see it on Google Maps) has a much more inviting atmosphere, making it a great spot for both locals and visitors looking to experience Taiwanese market culture in a fresh and comfortable setting.
I have a standalone post about Nanmen Market if you are interested in learning more.
MRT: Exit 2 of Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall Station (R08 or G10).
The market is located within walking distance of Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall (中正紀念堂), so it’s perfect to include both places in your itinerary.
Shidong Market (士東市場) Open: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
This is one of Taipei’s most popular traditional markets voted by the locals and is known as a “hipster market.”
You can enjoy a cup of coffee while browsing for fresh produce and ready-to-eat foods. The market gives you a shopping experience that’s as pleasant as a department store but with a traditional twist.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a MRT line nearby, the nearest MRT station (20 minutes walking) is Zhishan Station (R17) on the Red Line. You can take a cab, Uber, or the public bus if you want to be adventurous. Here is the link to Google Maps: Shidong Market
Daan Forest Park (大安森林公園）
This large urban park is open 24 hours and perfect for jogging, walking, or enjoying the fresh air. It also features an extensive playground and a large sandbox for kids, making it an ideal spot for early-rising families.
When my son was a toddler, I often took him to the playground at Daan Forest Park. He loved the slides and sandbox very much!
MRT Station: Daan Park (R06) on the Red Line. See it on Google Maps.
Elephant Mountain Hiking Trail (象山）
This is one of Taipei’s most popular spots for a quick hike and stunning city views. The hike itself is relatively short but steep with many stairs. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to reach the first viewpoint.
Along the way, you’ll find several viewing platforms offering panoramic views of Taipei 101 and the city skyline. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for beginners.
The trail entrance is near Xiangshan MRT Station (象山站, R02) on the Red Line. To get there, take Exit 2 and follow the signs for about a 10-minute walk to the base of the trail.
Fuzhou Mountain Hiking Trail (福州山步道）
Since Taipei is a basin surrounded by mountains, it’s no surprise that there are plenty of hiking trails just a short distance from the city center. One that I especially enjoyed with my mom is the Fuzhoushan Hiking Trail, and I highly recommend it for a peaceful morning walk.
The trail is much quieter than Elephant Mountain, making it a great option for a peaceful walk.
It’s 2.2 km long and relatively easy, with well-maintained wooden walkways and stone paths surrounded by greenery. It takes about an hour to complete, and the viewing platform offers a great panoramic view of Taipei.
To get there, take the MRT Brown Line to Linguang Station (麟光站 BR06）, exit at Exit 1, and follow the sign to Fuyang Eco Park entrance 富陽生態公園 （see it on Google Maps). Once you are at the Eco Park, you can follow the sign to the Fuzhou Mountain Hiking Trail.
Taipei Zoo （台北市立動物園）
For families with children or animal enthusiasts, Taipei Zoo is a fantastic option. Opening at 9:00 a.m., it allows for an early start to explore its vast grounds and diverse animal exhibits.
As one of the largest zoos in Asia, it features a wide range of animals, including giant pandas, koalas, and a variety of local Taiwanese species. Arriving early can help you avoid the midday crowds and enjoy a more leisurely visit.
I have an in-depth article about Taipei Zoo if you’re interested.
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (中正紀念堂）
This iconic landmark is especially serene in the morning. You can stroll around the open plaza, admire the grand architecture, or simply enjoy the quiet atmosphere.
The outdoor area opens at 5:00 a.m., while the indoor area opens at 9:00 a.m. The changing of the guard, which takes place outdoors at the bottom of the grand staircase, happens every hour daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (canceled on a rainy day).
MRT Station: Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, R08 on the Red Line or G10 on the Green Line. See it on Google Maps.
I have a stand-alone post about Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall.
Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall （國父紀念館）
Please note that the indoor area of the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall is currently under major renovation and will be finished by 2026. The outdoor area is open 24 hours.
A favorite spot for early risers, this place comes alive in the morning with people walking, jogging, and groups of locals practicing folk dancing and tai chi.
I lived near Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall for a short period of time just before/right after I gave birth to my son. When he was a newborn, I would carry him in a baby carrier and walk to the park on sunny days to soak in the winter sun. Those quiet moments with him at the park are some of my most cherished memories.
MRT Station: Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall BL17 of the Blue Line.
I have a stand-alone article about the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall if you are interested in learning more about this place.
Eslite Bookstore, 3rd Floor of Eslite Spectrum Songyan (松菸誠品書店)
This 24-hour bookstore is located on the 3rd floor of Eslite Spectrum Songyan (see it on Google Maps), while the rest of the building is open at 11:00 AM.
Final Thoughts
While Taipei is known for its late mornings, early risers don’t need to sit around waiting for the city to wake up.
Mornings here offer a special side of Taipei—calm, quiet, and full of hidden gems. Imagine starting your day with a traditional Taiwanese breakfast, wandering through clean and vibrant markets, or enjoying a peaceful walk in one of the city’s parks.
Whether you’re shaking off jet lag or keeping up with early-rising kids, Taipei has plenty of unique experiences to kick off your day. So, head out early and discover a different side of Taipei in the morning!
