Taipei main station is a hub of Taipei’s public transit system. The Blue, Red and Purple MRT lines all convene here. The HSR (high speed rail) and regular train meets up here too and there’s a bus station too. So yes, it’s bit of a maze. But its also pretty great. Josh and I lived right next to this station when we first moved to Taiwan, so we had plenty of opportunities to get lost and unlost here! Of course it is a transfer hub, but its final destination worthy too. Here’s our highlight list for the area!
What to do:
Underground Shopping!
Part of what makes Taipei main station such a crazy maze is that its connected to MULTIPLE sprawling underground shopping malls! But if you can get over the daunting feeling of being lost underground; they really are fun! They are a huge eclectic mix of restaurants, food courts, book stores, clothing & knick-knack stands of all types, with the occasional random art installation, cultural event or dance practice happening in the corridors! And actually they are awesome about posting maps all over the place too! So while you might get turned around you needn’t worry about getting truly lost. Also, utilizing those maps, you can strategically choose the best exits to use, bypassing busy confusing streets or bad weather conditions up at street level. Just don’t forget! MRT maps aren’t consistently oriented with North pointing up! 😉
Directions: get off at Taipei Main Station MRT stop & follow the signs! We suggest you pick a destination above ground you want to see, then use the maps and choose the underground mall route that will get you there. You get a two for one tour that way! Open roughly 10am – 10pm daily.
What to see:
The MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art)
Honestly, I’m not really big art museum person, especially modern art. But, I LOVED living near the MOCA! They often have huge crazy outdoor installations in front of the museum and the building itself is beautiful. Inside it makes you feel like a little kid exploring a big house with one room after another full of unexpected strange and sometimes beautiful things. On our first visit their showcase exhibition was spectacularly beautiful. But of course the art changes, so you never know what you’ll get! BUT it’s only $50 NT to get in! (And that’s only if you don’t happen to show up, like we did, on a random day when they’ve decided to let all foreigners in for free 🙂 )
Oh and as you can see, they are very much ok with you taking pictures in the museum! Which, of course, made this girl very happy!
(Update: we went again recently and were wow-ed again, this time by an exhibit of Steve McCurry’s national geographic photography!)
Directions: We suggest using exit R4 via the Zhonghshan Metro Mall so you can see the permanent outdoor art installations before heading around the corner to the museum itself (use those handy maps underground to show you exactly where the MOCA is in relation to the exit.) Open Tues – Sun, 10am – 6pm.
Outdoor MOCA Installations:
Don’t miss out on all the MOCA Installations around the corner 
from the actual museum! Take exit R4 out of Taipei main station and you’ll find yourself in the middle of this whimsical urban park. (Actually you’ll notice even before stepping above ground, that the art is getting a little wilder as yet get closer to this exit!)
Directions: take exit M4 and you’re there.
The Taiwan National Museum, The Memorial Peace Park, 2/28 Museum & Landbank Exhibition Hall
Taiwan’s National Museum
This area is amazing! There’s an almost 100-year-old bank to explore, a beautiful memorial park, a Natural Science Museum, the somber yet inspirational 2/28 Peace Museum and the lovely Greek columned National Museum! And all of this is within a couple blocks of each other.
National Museum’s Land Bank Exhibition Hall
Details: This area is in the opposite direction of the MOCA. If you want to hit both areas in one trip we suggest doing the MOCA first, then going back down to the metro mall out towards this other area (it’s about a 10-15 minute walk away). Take exit M8. Then follow googlemaps. Once there you’ll be just a couple of minutes walk away from the Red Line’s NTU station so you might want to just grab that instead of returning to Taipei Main.
The Memorial Peace Park
Where to Eat & Drink:
Josh and I are always on the lookout for a good brunch place! And Taipei Main has one of our favorites. This place specializes in Dutch pancakes called poffertjes . You can get them along with a big breakfast plate of eggs, sausage and sautéed veggies or as a sweet stand alone . They are busy on the weekends so be prepared to wait or call ahead and make reservations. And though tucked away in an alley it’s also conveniently locate right across the street from the MOCA!
Details: Located directly to your left as you exit R2, a block away from the MOCA! Hours: Open daily from 10:30am -9:30pm
La Caja De Musica
This place is a splurge – but worth it! Tucked away in a forgotten alley, this Spanish Restaurant has the perfect blend of charming ambiance and delicious cuisine. Besides enjoying fantastic tapas, they serve paella and a nice selection of wine. (Although unfortunately there’s no vegetarian paella option). Be advised there is a $500 pp minimum, but they take credit cards! (full menu here)
Details: Located just a 2 minute walk from R2 exit. La Caja is only open for dinner, from 6:30 – 10pm, Tuesday – Saturday.
The Tame Moose
Yet another cute eatery with a surprise European specialty again hiding in a little back alley near the MOCA! Their surprise dish? Cruesette Pancakes – served in your very own cast iron skillet! Sweet and savory options are available as well as a dazzling array of virgin and alcoholic drinks. We highly suggest their salted cappuccino.
Details: Located just a couple minutes walk from exit R4. Open 10am – 10pm daily.
Helen Cafe
This is one of my favorite studying coffee shops in Taipei. Spacious with lots of seating and outlets, plus delicious coffee.
(For more on this place and other MRT accesible coffee shops, read this post)
Directions: Located off exit M8.
Come Buy
There are many Come Buys around Taipei, but this is the one we go to. And we go specifically for their purple rice hot chocolate! Taipei is famous for all of its creative drink options, so if you’re here for very long you’ll develop some favorites! This is one of ours.
Details: Located here. Open Daily 10:30 – 10:30.
珍煮丹飲品 (AKA the teashop right next to Comebuy)
Speaking of unique drinks, Taipei of course is home to the original bubble tea. But so far this is the only bubble teashop that has really made me stop and take notice. Their “pudding brown sugar bubble milk tea” really is worth making a special stop for.
Details: Located here. Open Daily 10:0 – 10:00.