Zhongshan

At Zhongshan Metro Station, convenience meets a bustling cityscape. The station is home to a wide array of eateries, the underground Taipei City Mall, three above-ground shopping centers and serves as a junction for the city’s red and green metro lines.

After grabbing lunch at one of the local cafes or roaming the malls, visitors can wander around the back-alley streets. From thrift shops to boutiques, there is something for everyone.

In the evening, performers like musicians and dancers make an appearance right outside of the station’s primary exit, showcasing their talents to onlookers. And just a few minutes walk away, people can take a break from the bustling streets to browse the booths selling treats and antiques that are set up in a small park area.

In essence, Zhongshan provides Xinyi’s shopping experience with a more local feel, making it one of the trendiest stations in Taipei.

Jiantan

Despite its unassuming name, Jiantan Station boasts a multitude of activities for locals and tourists to choose from. Although the station itself is nothing special, popular attractions like the Taipei Performing Arts Center and Shilin Night Market sit just outside.

Inside the Taipei Performing Arts Center, visitors can find art installations, performances and restaurants to enjoy with family or friends. The building itself is an innovation in the architecture for future theaters. The building features a ball that hangs precariously out the side of the building. Not only does the protruding ball create a more visually interesting structure, but it also allows for the venue to host more shows for visitors to enjoy.

A little further down the street, visitors can hike up the Jiantan Mountain Hiking Trail or visit buildings like The Grand Hotel and the National Martyrs’ Shrine for those interested in history.

The location of Jiantan Station allows visitors to explore an assortment of both new and old Taiwanese city life, making it one of the most underrated MRT stations.

Taipei Main Station

The Taipei Main Station is the heartbeat of the capital. Housing four different railway lines spreading to all parts of the city and island, Taipei Main Station is hands down the best metro station.

The station is one of a kind. The structure of the station itself is iconic with its curved temple-style roof, complete with a food court and some of the best mochi in town.

Furthermore, the station is the hub of transportation, housing two metro lines, from the local train to Kenting to the High Speed Rail to Taichung, reaching many locations from its platforms. The station also has an Airport Express, allowing access to the airport in 45 mins by train.

Further from the station is Taipei’s only three star Michelin restaurant, Le Palais. Offering a wide selection of Taiwanese and Cantonese cuisine, this restaurant is one of the best on the island.