Wondering what to do in Ximending on your Taipei trip? Ximending is one of the must-visit areas in Taiwan, whether it’s your first or fifth visit. It’s a lively district filled with shopping and dining options, as well as vibrant street food stalls tucked along its alleyways.

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I’ve visited Taipei three times, and I’ve never skipped Ximending, not even once. I also prefer staying in this area because it’s easy to take the MRT and hop from one place to another, including traveling to and from Taoyuan International Airport.

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How to Get to Ximending from Taoyuan International Airport

The best way to travel from Taoyuan International Airport to Ximending is to take the Taoyuan Airport MRT Express Train (purple). It takes 35 and 38 minutes to reach Taipei Main Station from Terminals 1 and 2, respectively.

There’s also a Commuter Train (blue) at Taoyuan International Airport, but it takes longer because it stops at every station. Make sure you board the purple Express Train and not the blue one.

From Taipei Main Station, transfer to the Blue Line, and Ximen Station is just one stop away. It’s a fast, convenient, and affordable way to reach Ximending.

If you’re arriving after midnight and the Express Train is not an option, it’s better to book an airport transfer. You can arrange this through your hotel or through platforms like Trip.com.

Going back to Taoyuan International Airport follows the same route in reverse.

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What to Do in Ximending

From street food to restaurant dining and shopping, there are plenty of fun things to do in Ximending.

Explore the Street Stalls & Food Kiosks

There’s no better way to experience Ximending than to enjoy its street food and snack shops. You’ll find lots of fried and grilled options, such as the famous XXL fried chicken and giant squid.

I also highly recommend the flame-grilled beef. The meat is so tender and cooked to perfection. There are also other sweet treats and snacks you can try as you walk around the area.

To fully enjoy Ximending’s food scene, visit at nighttime when the whole place becomes livelier. It’s more crowded, but some of the alleyways give off a night-market vibe.

Shop for Souvenirs & Trendy Finds

Ximending is not only known for great food but also as a popular shopping district. It’s a great place for souvenirs and boutique finds, whether you’re looking for branded items or unique pieces from small local shops.

If you’re into popular brands like H&M, Nike, or Adidas, you’ll find plenty of stores around the area. You can also stop by Pop Mart and Don Don Donki for character collectibles and fun souvenirs.

There are lots of boutique shops as well for both men’s and women’s fashion. I personally prefer shopping at these local shops or brands since they feel more unique. There are also a variety of stores selling souvenirs, from fridge magnets to Taiwanese snacks.

Try Bubble Tea

Bubble tea was invented in Taiwan, so you can’t visit Taipei without trying authentic Taiwanese bubble tea. One of the must-try spots is Xing Fu Tang in Ximending. Their tapioca pearls are handmade, and you can even see them being prepared in a large pot.

While waiting for your bubble tea, you can also check your luck by drawing a fortune stick. Each stick matches a numbered little drawer where you’ll find a slip of paper with your fortune. Just be prepared to wait in line, as the queue can get pretty long, especially if you visit Ximending at night.

Visit a Cat Cafe

If you love cats, consider visiting a cat café in Ximending. One of the well-rated spots is Fu Fu Cat Café. It’s a nice place to take a short break from the busy streets of Ximending. The café has a cozy atmosphere, with bright, pastel-colored interiors throughout the space. There are separate areas for the cats and the café, so you can also order a dessert or a meal without staying inside the cat area the entire time.

Fu Fu Cat Cafe offers different time packages, ranging from 10 to 100 minutes. If you choose the 30-minute option, you get a free milk tea or orange juice, while the 40-minute or 100-minute packages include unlimited drinks. They also have English-speaking staff, which makes communication easy and the overall experience more comfortable.

The Café is located on the second floor of a building along Wuchang Street in the center of Ximending. You can use Google Maps to find the café, as the entrance can be easy to miss. That said, Fu Fu Cat Café is definitely worth visiting if you’re a cat lover or traveling with someone who enjoys spending time with cats.

Check-out the Red House

The Red House is a historic site in Taipei, built in 1908 as Taiwan’s first public market. This iconic landmark stands out among the modern shops in Ximending with its red-brick exterior and octagonal design.

Inside the Red House, there are several shops selling clothing, handmade products, trinkets, mugs, and other items perfect for souvenirs. There’s also a small café you can try, but simply browsing around the Red House is already enjoyable, as there are plenty of adorable finds for you and your loved ones.

If you’re also looking for a good place to take photos, the Red House is a great spot, especially at night. It’s usually less crowded than other parts of Ximending, making it more relaxing to shop for gifts or souvenirs too.

Opening Hours:

• Tuesday to Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Friday & Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Closed every Monday

Enjoy Taiwanese Beef Noodles

One of the top things to do in Ximending is to enjoy a bowl of Taiwanese beef noodles. Whether you’re visiting during the summer or winter months, it’s one of the must-try foods in Taiwan.

A popular place to try Taiwanese beef noodles in Ximending is Lao Shan Dong. This long-established restaurant has been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand since 2021. As it’s a favorite among locals and tourists alike, you can expect long lines, especially during peak hours.

Lao Shan Dong is located on the lower ground level of a building, and the signage is entirely in Chinese. You can rely on Google Maps to find the restaurant, and the photo below shows the exterior of the building to help you spot it more easily.

Note: The restaurant accepts cash payments only.

Discover Themed & Local Restaurants

Aside from Taiwanese beef noodles and street food, Ximending also has a variety of other restaurants worth trying.

One interesting restaurant you can find in Ximending is Modern Toilet, a themed restaurant with a quirky but fun vibe. The seating area is designed to resemble a toilet, and some dishes are even served in urinal-shaped bowls. There’s also a wide menu to choose from, as well as a small selection of themed merchandise available for purchase.

Another great option worth checking out is Joyful, right in the heart of Ximending. The restaurant is easy to find, as it’s located above Xing Fu Tang. It has a minimalist yet aesthetic interior with a calm, relaxing vibe. The menu features Western comfort food such as pasta, burgers, and fried foods, making it a good place for a casual meal.

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Where to Stay in Ximending

Staying in Ximending is a great choice, with plenty of places to visit and things to do. Most importantly, you can easily hop on the MRT to explore other areas of Taipei.

During our recent stay, I booked our accommodation at Orange Hotel Ximen via Agoda. The hotel is just a few steps away from the shopping street and Ximen MRT Station (Exits 1 and 6).

I booked one of their bunk bed rooms. It has limited space, but it’s good enough for two people. The hotel features a modern, minimalist design, with a common lounge area offering free drinks and snacks for guests.

Ximending is a lively area that offers a great mix of food, shopping, and unique experiences. Whether it’s your first time in Taipei or a return visit, it’s a place worth adding to your itinerary.

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