Daan District is the most densely populated administrative area in Taipei, boasting numerous prestigious universities, convenient transportation, and a thriving business and cultural scene. It’s also a culinary hotspot, offering everything from exquisite fine dining to budget-friendly snacks. Whether you're seeking a refined meal or a culturally rich journey, Daan is worth slowing down to explore. Here’s a two-day itinerary to inspire your visit to Taipei over and over again.
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Day 1: Morning
Jian Guo Flower Market and Surrounding Areas
If you’re visiting on the weekend, start your day at Jian Guo Flower Market, one of Taipei's most famous flower markets. Spanning approximately 8,000 square metres, it serves as a car park during the week but transforms into a vibrant marketplace for gardening enthusiasts on Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM to 6 PM. Here, you can find Taiwan’s renowned orchids, as well as popular houseplants and succulents. Enjoy a cup of tea while appreciating street artists sketching portraits.Beyond the flower market, the surrounding area of Jian Guo South Road features jade markets, antique shops, and art galleries, creating a cultural corridor that many locals frequent on weekends.
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Day 1: Noon
Exploring Daan Forest Park, NTU, and Shida Night Market
After your market visit, you’ll likely be peckish. Why not head nearby to sample some local cuisine? For comforting home-cooked dishes, try the Taiwan Rice Dining Hall on He Ping East Road, named after the Taiwanese term for “rice soup.” They serve a daily changing set menu featuring local rice and ingredients, promising a different surprise each visit.
If dining with a group, consider Antico Forno for their chef’s hand-rolled, thin-crust pizzas or Milanese slow-cooked lamb shank. Alternatively, visit One-MICHELIN-Starred and Green Star Restaurant Mountain and Sea House for a refined take on traditional Taiwanese dishes.
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Day 1 Afternoon
Exploring the Dongmen MRT Station, Yongkang Street, and Qingtian Street districts
After lunch, take a leisurely stroll around the Yongkang Street area and enjoy the slower pace of Taipei. This spot is popular among foreign tourists, offering not only refreshing mango shaved ice during the summer but also being home to the original Din Tai Fung, famous worldwide for its noodles and xiaolongbao (soup dumplings).
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Day 1: Evening
Relaxing Dinner Around Renai Roundabout
Daan District offers many elegant dining options, so treat yourself to a leisurely dinner! Logy, the Taipei sister restaurant of the two-MICHELIN-Starred restaurant Florilège in Tokyo, showcases contemporary Asian cuisine by Chef Tahara Ryogo, who blends Japanese, French, and Italian techniques. Another must-visit is the one-MICHELIN-starred ZEA, Taiwan’s first restaurant to showcase South American flavors using local ingredients.
For French cuisine, Ephernité, known for its fresh ingredients sourced directly from producers, is an excellent choice. You might also like 16 by Flo, a restaurant by Florence Dalia, offering a feminine twist on traditional French dining.
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For a lighter French dining experience, de nuit, a one-MICHELIN-Starred restaurant led by Hong Kong chef Kei Koo, offers bright and refreshing dishes, perfect for gatherings with friends or a partner. The unique Green Star Restaurant EMBERS, known for its innovative use of local ingredients from mountains and forests, is a memorable culinary experience that highlights artistry and details.
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Day 1: Late Night
Daan Forest Park and Tonghua Night Market
After a hearty dinner, a walk in Daan Forest Park, known as the “lung of Taipei,” is a perfect way to unwind. Stroll along the main pathways, where you can enjoy beautiful plants and flowers. The park also features an outdoor music stage, a gathering spot for visitors and locals, providing a relaxing night-time atmosphere.
After your walk, consider heading, on foot or Youbike, to the nearby Tonghua Night Market (Linjiang Street Night Market), where you can indulge in a variety of MICHELIN Bib Gourmand recommended street food to satisfy your appetite.
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After a satisfying evening, retreat to a comfortable hotel for a good night of sleep! Shangri-La's Far Eastern Plaza Hotel, Taipei offers stunning views both on the rooftop bar and the gym and spa area, while the pet-friendly Kimpton Da An Taipei is located in a quiet alley near a shopping area. The hotel, designed by Shanghai-based studio Neri & Hu, draws inspiration from Taipei’s alleyways. The Tavernist on the 12th floor, helmed by Chef James Sharman, showcases a fashionable and unique blend of global culinary influences.
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Day 2: Midday to Afternoon
East District of Taipei (Dongqu)
On the second day, head to the East District (Dongqu) of Taipei around Zhongxiao East Road and Dunhua South Road. This area is packed with department stores, boutiques, bookstores, restaurants, and cafes—perfect for a relaxed group gathering.The East District (Dongqu) is home to many Japanese restaurants, including One-MICHELIN-Starred restaurant Kitcho, known for pairing seasonal sake with top-quality sashimi and sushi. You can also find Sushi Touryuumon, a new venture by Chef Tenmoto Seigo, and Sushiyoshi is Chef Nakanoue Hiroki's third store, offering creative cuisine that blends Japanese and French techniques to delight the palates of Taiwanese diners.
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A, located in Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Diamond Towers and named after former RAW chef Alain Huang, offrs dishes that reinvent Taiwanese cuisine with sleek plating and a stimulating blend of flavours. There's also Aleisha that presents exquisite dishes that reflect a fusion of cultures. Komboi, led by a Taiwanese chef who has residing in France and offers contemporary creations inspired by personal background. For a unique twist on Taiwanese tea, Cha Cha Thé Cuisine combines French cooking techniques with Asian ingredients and pairs them with local teas, creating a unique and charming experience.
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If you're looking for something simple yet stylish, Little Tree Food (Da'an Road), which has been recognised both a Bib Gourmand and a Green Star, is a great option. Their diverse menu includes dishes like Pad Krapow Bhudda Bowl and spicy century egg and tofu dumplings, proving that meatless meals can be just as delicious and far from bland.
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Your two-day journey through Taipei’s Daan District can be leisurely or action-packed, depending on your preference. You may discover that in order to truly immerse yourself, you’ll need more than just two days!
The article is written by Chelsea Su and translated by Chia Wen Hsu. Read the original story here.
Further Reading: 11 MICHELIN-Recommended Restaurants in Taipei’s Dadaocheng District
