If there is one place that best represents everyday Taipei, Ximending would always be on the list. Lively, chaotic, youthful, and nostalgic all at once, it is a stage where movie culture, subcultures, tourists, and local life intersect. During the day, people shop, take photos, and visit exhibitions. At night, neon lights turn on, crowds flow in, and the streets are never short of stories. Step outside, and you are immediately immersed in Taipei’s rhythm. This is not a polished city showcase, but a version of Taipei that is truly happening in real time.

In Ximending, traces of the city’s collective memory are never far away. The Red House, for example, hosts exhibitions and creative markets by day, and becomes a venue for performances and gatherings at night, allowing a historic building to remain actively used and reimagined. Nearby, the West Honganji Square offers a slower pace among old structures and green space. Walk further north, and Dadaocheng’s historic streets and waterfront reveal an even calmer, more lived-in side of Taipei. In a single day, you can experience multiple layers of the city.

In Taipei, the most direct way to understand the city is through food. Ximending is home to long-standing eateries that grew alongside Taipei, as well as new-generation creative cuisine. You might have a pork chop rice for lunch, coffee in the afternoon, and line up for braised snacks at night. There’s no need for careful planning, flavors will naturally guide you. These places may not be flashy, but each one feels unmistakably Taipei: honest, comforting, and full of human warmth. Wherever you eat, the city leaves its mark.

Feeling tired? Taipei is also a city that knows how to let people rest. In Ximending and its surrounding alleys, cafés of all styles are tucked away, from old-school coffee houses to Japanese-style pour-over shops. Whether you want to chat, write postcards, or simply zone out, you’ll find a place to sit. That’s why walking and drinking coffee are not planned activities here, but moments that naturally happen along the way. Walk a bit, sit for a while, and the city’s pace slows down on its own.

Mengjia Curry

Address: No. 23, Kangding Rd., Wanhua Dist., Taipei City

Recommendation: Taiwanese curry blended with Japanese flavors, rich and instantly memorable.

Ya Xiang Stone Hot Pot (Ximen Main Branch)

Address: No. 159, Chengdu Rd., Wanhua Dist., Taipei City

Recommendation: A classic Taipei stone hot pot with aromatic stir-fried broth and a lively atmosphere.

Dong Yi Pork Chop House (Main Branch)

Address: 2F, No. 61, Yanping S. Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei City

Recommendation: Retro, glamorous interiors paired with iconic pork chop rice, like stepping into an old movie.

Mei Guan Yuan Japanese Restaurant

Address: No. 36, Emei St., Wanhua Dist., Taipei City

Recommendation: A long-established Japanese restaurant in Ximending with reliable, comforting flavors.

Fong Da Coffee

Address: No. 42, Chengdu Rd., Wanhua Dist., Taipei City

Recommendation: A classic Taipei café where thick toast and vintage vibes come standard.

CHO café

Address: No. 113, Kunming St., Wanhua Dist., Taipei City

Recommendation: A quiet, Japanese-style café perfect for unwinding or writing in the afternoon.

Snow King Ice Cream

Address: 2F, No. 65, Sec. 1, Wuchang St., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei City

Recommendation: A more than 70-year-old ice cream shop known for creative, conversation-starting flavors.

Lao Tian Lu Braised Snacks

Address: No. 55, Sec. 2, Wuchang St., Wanhua Dist., Taipei City

Recommendation: A Ximending night icon, best enjoyed walking with a bag in hand.