Da'an Forest Park is the largest park in central Taipei: a 26-hectare green square in the heart of Da'an District, with broad lawns, dense banyans, a small lake with night herons and Mandarin ducks, an outdoor amphitheatre, and the city's best running track. The park was carved out of dense military housing in the 1990s — a then-controversial demolition that has had decades of vindication.
It is at its best at dawn (older locals doing tai chi), late afternoon (joggers and children), and after work (couples and tourists picnicking). The park's MRT station (Da'an Park, green line) opens directly under the southwest corner. Free; open 24 hours.