MANILA, Philippines – Had it not been for a chance tip from a fellow traveler in a Facebook group, Eric de la Paz might have never discovered Taiwan’s free half-day tours for transit passengers — an offering that’s been around for 15 years but isn’t widely known.
He and his wife had a 12-hour layover in Taipei and he wanted to surprise her with a DIY self-guided trip before flying home to Manila after a two-month vacation in Los Angeles.
“A month before going to the US, I asked that Facebook group for advice on what we could do during our layover,” the 52-year-old entrepreneur recalled. “Many suggested paid packages, but I was grateful when one member recommended the free tours instead.”
While Taiwan’s complimentary guided tours have been available for years, the Taiwan Tourism Administration only introduced the self-guided option in 2023.
All tours are designed to enhance travelers’ experiences by allowing them to easily enter the country during their layover, according to Rowng Lee, assistant manager of Edison Tours, the company officially appointed by the tourism bureau.
“We ensured the attractions were open and kept travel times short to avoid disrupting passengers’ flight connections,” he added, emphasizing the importance of balancing a rich cultural experience with the practicalities of layover travel.
Since transit passengers have limited time, the tours focus on attractions near Taoyuan International Airport. The morning route explores Taipei’s historical landmarks, the afternoon visits Daxi Old Street for traditional architecture, and the evening offers a taste of Taiwan’s night markets and street food.
Taoyuan International Airport, the starting point of all tours, is a key transport hub in Asia, averaging 29 million passengers annually since 2009, including arrivals, departures, and transit traffic.
Guided vs. self-guided tours
Ideal for history buffs, Taiwan’s free guided tours offer an immersive journey through Taipei’s most iconic landmarks, ancient temples, and historic streets. You will be led by professional English-speaking guides who provide insightful commentary and comfortable travel with designated vehicles.
For culture vultures
Taipei City offers a morning tour from 8:30 am to 12 pm that will appeal to lovers of tradition.
Kick off your journey at the National Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, where you can appreciate its striking architecture. Then, explore the old-world charm of Lungshan Temple, one of Taiwan’s most respected sacred grounds. Finish your tour with a stroll down Yongkang Street, known for its diverse food options and stylish shops.
For heritage lovers
Running from 2 pm to 6 pm, you’ll start the cultural heritage-centered tour by marveling at the structural charm of Daxi Old Street, iconic for its stunning baroque-style buildings. Immerse yourself in the history and traditions of Taiwanese culture afterward at the Daxi Puji Temple. To top the excursion off, visit the Musical Note Wall, an awe-inspiring tribute to the beloved Taiwanese singer Fong Fei-fei.
For night owls and foodies
Dive into the palpable nighttime energy of New Taipei City from 6 pm to 11 pm with this tour. Jumpstart your evening with a stop at New Taipei City Hall, soak in the tranquil atmosphere at Jieyun Temple, and then let your taste buds go wild at the bustling Nanya Night Market.
If self-guided tours are more your vibe, you can explore Taiwan at your own pace, customizing your itinerary to focus on the attractions that interest you most.
For bargain hunters
I suggest taking six hours (four hours for attractions and two hours for transferring and walking)
Suggested spots:
- See the bustling local culture at Zhongping Shopping District.
- Take in the Japanese colonial architecture and history at Zhongping Road Story House.
- Drop by the historical Ren Hai Temple.
- Feast on local street food at Zhongli Tourist Night Market.
- Treat yourself to a shopping spree at Gloria Outlets.
For fun-seeking families
Suggested hours to spend is eight hours (five hours for attractions and three hours for transferring and walking).
Suggested spots:
- Set foot at the historical Taipei City Wall: North Gate.
- Bring the whole kaboodle to the National Taiwan Museum, popular for its vast natural history exhibits.
- Shop at Ximen Shopping District, a lively area for entertainment and food.
- Get your energy up at the New Taipei Metropolitan Park which features slides and activities for kids.
For art and retail enthusiasts
You can spend nine hours (seven hours for attractions + two hours for transferring and walking).
Suggested spots:
- Clock in some retail therapy at Mitsui Outlet Park, arguably Taiwan’s most popular shopping destination.
- Learn about Taiwan’s industrial development at Formosa Plastics Group Museum or make a quick stop at Zhiqing Lake.
- Check out the new creative hub A8 Art Center or swing by Taiwan’s first modern alehouse Taoyuan Sake Brewery.
- Head to Linkou Global Mall and Linkou Shine Square for more shopping options.
Registering for free transit tours
According to Taiwan Tourism Administration representatives, travelers seeking these complimentary transit tours must meet certain eligibility criteria and provide the required documentation. Here’s what you need to prepare and take note of:
Eligibility
- Half-day tours are designed for transit or transfer passengers with layovers of 7 to 24 hours before their next connecting flight.
- Passengers must have a valid R.O.C. visa or come from countries eligible for visa-exempt entry.
Required travel documents
Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months. You’ll also need an accomplished immigration embarkation/disembarkation ready, which is available at the immigration counter.
For guided tours via tour bus
- Online pre-registration
- With only 18 seats available, booking the tour online between 5 to 90 days before your arrival is important to secure your spot. Please note that you can only participate in one tour per stopover.
- Same-day on-site reservations
- If seats are available, you can sign up at the Tourist Service Centers located at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of Taoyuan International Airport. Remember to register online before boarding the tour bus.
- Eligible flight schedules
- For the morning tour, ensure your arrival is before 7 am and your departure is scheduled after 3 pm. The afternoon tour requires arrival before 1 pm with departure after 8:30 pm. Morning tours are only available for passengers departing after 3 pm, while afternoon tours accommodate those leaving after 8:30 pm.
To secure your spot for self-guided tours via MRT, online pre-registration is required, allowing you to book your tour between 5 and 90 days before your arrival. Each traveler is limited to one self-guided tour per stopover.
Final notes
De la Paz offered two valuable tips for first-time visitors to Taiwan: rent a pocket Wi-Fi and use the airport lockers to store luggage during the tour. Having reliable internet made navigating the city much easier, and the lockers allowed them to explore comfortably without the burden of heavy bags.
As a middle-aged traveler, he also emphasized embracing travel technology.
“My wife and I may be old-school but we love useful innovations. We watch travel vlogs on YouTube to research destinations, which helps us save money and focus on memorable experiences,” De la Paz reiterated. “Understanding a country’s transportation system and local ride-hailing apps will save you time and stress.”
Before their stopover, De la Paz had heard mixed reviews about Taipei, with many comparing it to the Philippines in terms of weather and the warmth of its people. However, within just a few hours on the tour, he experienced a side of the city that exceeded his expectations.
Now back in his hometown of Marikina, De la Paz is already eager to return to Taipei soon, a city he knew little about before their layover tour. – Rappler.com
