Taipei Solo Trip: DAY 1 (Ding Tai Fung, Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, Ximending)

Click here for full 6D/5N Taipei itinerary: Taipei September 2017 Itinerary

Transport from Airport to Taipei Main Station
Taoyuan Airport MRT, 6am to 11pm
Express train, NT$160 ($7.40)
EasyCard, NT$500

1. Ding Tai Fung @Yong Kang Street 永康街

Location: Dongmen Station
Take exit 5, walk straight and you'll see Yong Kang Street on your right, after spotting the original Din Tai Fung restaurant facing the main road.

Mon to Fri: 10am – 9pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 9pm

Tip: Go early if  you want to skip the queue

Breakfast!

Various small bites along Yong Kang Street worth exploring too

2. Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall 中正紀念堂

Location: Chiang Kai Shek station, Exit 5

9:00am – 6:30pm daily
Free admission
Change of guard: every hour

3. Ximending 西門町
Location: Ximen Station, Exit 6, Address: No. 8-1, Emei St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108

Ah Zong Mee Sua 阿宗麵線

The best beef cubes ever!

Bitter gourd milk - Good for relieving 'heatiness'

Accommodation:

York Hotel: Basic Single Room ($24/night)

Overall review: 3/5

It is a very clean, modern and new hostel located very conveniently just outside Taipei Main Station. Highly recommended for solo travellers who value privacy yet want to be in a less isolated hostel setting. The only downside was that the single rooms were located at the basement and had no windows, and dimly lighted. However, if you are not claustrophobic, it is actually quite an interesting experience, except for the sudden power outage on one of the nights of my stay.

https://www.agoda.com/york-hotel/hotel/taipei-tw.html?checkin=2017-09-22&los=5&adults=1&rooms=1&cid=1744338&tag=6d42d46f-3342-607e-6355-3de0f887cdfe&searchrequestid=41f7a409-6bd9-4a48-ae81-e96775aaa697

Not the most glamorous photo from the top bunk (bed view)