Taipei National Palace Museum
 

We have a 7 hour layover in TPE. Is this enough to get into the centre of Taipei and see the National Palace Museum then get back to the airport? If so, which method of transport is best? This will be a Friday around 1-7pm. And if not, any suggestions for what to do with the time?

I suspect not, unless maybe you arrange a car and driver.

There is an airport bus, but when I took it it went to the train station.
http://www.taoyuan-airport.com/english/Buses/

Then you have to get to the museum, and that's a bit of a trek.
http://www.npm.gov.tw/en/Article.aspx?sNo=03002158

You might see Longshan Temple, or the History Museum.
See: https://mytimetotravel.wordpress.com...ouring-taipei/

I was last there in 1977 so can't remember much except that the National Palace Museum made a big impression. As it should, being the treasure Chiang Kai Shek shuttled around China and off to Taiwan in 1949. But not having been there since, was hoping someone might chip in with advice about if it was possible to get there in the short time we have. We are on the way to Japan with a long layover (intentional) hoping to see the NPM. Have contacted Taiwanese friends and wondering if they will give advice. Any other advice is welcome!

It would be wonderful if you could get there. It's been too many years since I was last there to know whether it is possible in the time you have.

Got a bit more info from Thorn Tree. It looks like the NPM is crowded and inhospitable these days. Glad I went 40 years ago.It seems there are free tours from the airport to the central district in the morning and the afternoon. We might manage to get on the afternoon one if our flight is on time. If not, we are thinking of going to Longshan temple either by bus/metro or taxi. Though that also looks crowded. Did you enjoy it Thursday?

Yes, but that was in 2010. It was very crowded when I arrived, but there was a ritual in progress. It thinned out after the ritual ended.

I was not as wowed by the NPM as I expected, and it did get crowded in the afternoon. I actually preferred the History Museum, but there was a good special exhibition on.

The influx of mainland tourists was just getting started when I was there. I imagine it is a lot worse now.