taipei travel itinerary

Asia , Itineraries , Taiwan · November 17, 2020

A Local’s Taipei Itinerary: How to Spend 1-5 Days in Taipei

Taipei is a multifaceted city brimming with deep-rooted history, a pulsating culture, incredible architecture, and a fantastic food scene. But with so many layers to uncover, things to do, and street food to taste, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when planning a Taipei itinerary.

To help you figure out what to do and where to go, I’ve compiled this  fully flexible   itinerary in Taipei for 1-5 days . It’s packed with must-do activities, places to see, and top tips to make the most of your time during your 5-day stay.

Ready to find the absolute best things to do in Taipei and see all Taiwan’s colorful capital city has to offer? Let’s go! 

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Table of Contents

How many days to spend in Taipei

While one could easily spend weeks in Taipei, not everyone has the luxury of unlimited time in this megacity. With 1 or 2 days in Taipei, you’ll be able to see the city’s most iconic sights. However, to really uncover the city’s DNA, I recommend staying at least 3-5 days in Taipei. 

Plan Your Taipei Trip

Before you start your Taipei itinerary, read my detailed guides to help you better understand the city.

• Travel Tips for Taipei
• Where to Stay in Taipei
• Getting from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei
• Taipei Nightlife guide
• Solo Traveler’s Guide to Taipei
• Best Taipei Side Trips

In a rush? Pin this itinerary for Taipei to read later.

Taipei Itinerary Essentials

Want to maximize your time in Taipei? Here are a few essentials you’ll need for a stress-free 5 days Taipei itinerary. 

• Taipei has oodles of hotels and hostels. For the best prices,  search accommodation  at least 2-3 weeks in advance. Alternatively, see my insider’s guide on the best hotels & areas to stay in Taipei .
• Taipei has two airports, Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) and Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). While Songshan is closer to Taipei, Taoyuan is the main international gateway. Read my quick guide on how to get to Taipei from Taoyuan Airport . Alternatively, book a private transfer straight to your accommodation for a stress-free trip. 
• Grab a  Taipei Fun Pass  to see all the Taipei must-see sights at a discount. 
• While there are more than 4400 Wifi hotspots in Taiwan, it’s worth spending a few extra dollars on a local  4G Sim Card , Pocket Wifi , or this E-sim . By doing so, you can plan all your stops and access maps, schedules, and translations on the go. 
• Make sure to pack a  travel umbrella  as frequent downpours aren’t uncommon in Taipei. This guide on what to pack for Taiwan will also come in handy.
• Grab a  Lonely Planet guidebook  for more tips and things to do. It’s packed with awesome recommendations and insights into the culture, history, and more.
• Need travel insurance for your trip?  SafetyWing is my go-to travel insurance provider.

How to get around during your Itinerary in Taipei

Taipei is a sprawling city. While it is an exceptionally walkable city, an efficient transport network is ready to whizz you off to all corners. To maximize your 5 days in Taipei, use a mix of transport methods to access the best of Taipei’s attractions. Here’s how to get around during your 5-day stay.  

• MRT:  Taipei has an extensive subway system called the MRT. Tickets are cheap and you can buy them at any MRT station. However, to save time, grab Taiwan’s local top-up card, the  Easy Card . With this card, you can tap and go on the MRT, buses, and regional trains. See the metro map here . Also check out my guide on useful Taiwan travel apps to have on your phone.
• HOP ON HOP OFF BUS:  The Taipei sightseeing bus is a great way to get a well-rounded glimpse of the city while ticking off your Taipei must-visit list. The bus stops at all the major tourist attractions on this Taipei itinerary. It’s also a fun way to see the city from a different angle. There are two routes, and  9hr or 24hr passes  are available. 
• BY BIKE:  YouBike is an official bike sharing system in Taiwan. It allows you to rent a bike for as little as NT$10 per 30 minutes. You’ll find an endless supply of bicycle-sharing kiosks allover Taipei City, too. These are conveniently located outside MRT stations and tourist spots. Just a head’s up, you’ll need an  Easy Card  and a local number to register for this service. For single rent users, you’ll need to pay a NT$2000 deposit with your credit card. 
• TAXI:  Yellow taxis can be spotted and flagged down all over Taipei. They are reasonably priced, starting at around NT$120 for the first 1.25km and then increase with NT$5 for every 200m. Between 11 pm to 6 am, rates start at NT$140. 
• UBER:  Uber is a great and cheap alternative to get around Taipei quickly. Make sure to download the Uber app before you arrive. 

Best Hotels and Hostels to stay during an Itinerary for Taipei

Luxury: W Taipei  is the best luxury hotel in Taipei. The 5-star property features beautiful, spacious rooms accompanied by terrific views. But even on top of that, you’ll be steps from the trendy bars, shops, and restaurants of Xinyi.  Check rates/ availability here . 

Mid-Range: Via Hotel  is a 3-star hotel that combines comfort and design. It’s the perfect choice for mid-range travelers who want to be right in the city center. What’s more, it offers easy access to Taipei Main Station, as well as oodles of shops and eateries.  Check rates/ availability here .  

Budget:   Star Hostel  is a chic hostel offering both private and dorm rooms at great prices. Located mere steps from the Taipei Main Station, it’s the perfect base if you want to be close to the main transport hub.  Check rates/ availability here .  

Taipei Itinerary Quick Overview

Day 1 in Taipei:  Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall >> Longshan Temple >> Taipei 101 >> Elephant Mountain >> Raohe Night Market

Taipei Day 2:  Dihua Street >> North Gate >> Ximending >> Huashan 1914 Creative Park >> Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall >> Stroll the streets of Daan

Day 3 in Taipei:  National Palace Museum >> Beitou Hot Springs >> Tamsui >> Shilin Night Market

Taipei Day 4:  Yehliu Geopark >> Shifen >> Jiufen 

Day 5 in Taipei:  Taipei Zoo >> Maokong Mountain >> Taipei Fine Arts Museum >> Addiction Aquatic Development

Want to see the city’s best attractions without planning a thing? Check out this  city tour ,  night tour ,  walking tour , or this  popular sights private charter .

The Perfect Itinerary for Taipei: What to do in Taipei in 1-5 Days

Whether you have one day in Taipei or many, the city is jam-packed with places to see and fun things to do. 

Below you’ll find my top recommendations on how to spend up to 5 days in Taipei. I’ve included all the must-see attractions, iconic landmarks, and even a few hidden gems for those who’d like to experience Taipei’s quirky side! 

Throughout this Taipei itinerary, you’ll also get handy tips to help you experience the best of Taipei. With that said, though, feel free to mix things up as you see fit.

1 Day Taipei Itinerary

With only 1 day in Taipei, trying to figure out where to go and what to do in a megacity like Taipei can be challenging. While one day is not nearly enough to see all the city has to offer, it will allow ample time to get a taste of Taipei’s top attractions. Here are the best things to do in Taipei in 1 day. 

Oh, and travel tip – make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes . You have a lot of ground to cover on your first day! 

Get a glimpse into the past at Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

Kickstart your 1 day Taipei itinerary with a visit to the city’s most iconic square – Liberty Square ( 中正紀念堂廣場) .

Featuring neatly kept gardens, this sprawling area is home to the National Theater , the National Concert Hall , and of course, Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall (中正紀念堂).

Besides strolling the beautiful grounds and taking Instagrammable photos, it’s also a great spot to get a better understanding of Taiwan’s complex history. 

Within the main hall, browse the exhibitions and learn more about the country’s liberation struggles. Afterward, climb the 89 steps leading to the massive statue memorializing Chiang, Taiwan’s first president. It’s also worth watching the changing of the guards’ ceremony, which happens every hour on the hour. Entrance to Liberty Square, as well as Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, is free. 

Insider’s Tips:  If time permits, take a stroll over to the  Presidential Palace  (中華民國總統府). It was built during the Japanese Colonial era and has a gorgeous red brick exterior and large balconies. Today, it serves as the workplace of Taiwan’s president. Join the free guided tour (weekdays only) to get a glimpse of the inside. Afterward, take a stroll through the serene  2/28 Peace Memorial Park  (二二八和平公園). The park commemorates the victims of the anti-government uprising movement in 1947. Don’t miss the huge memorial monument at the center of the park! The nearby memorial museum also offers more insights into Taiwan’s turbulent past. 

Experience the Culture at Longshan Temple

Next up on your Taipei itinerary, head to Taipei’s most famous religious complex, Longshan Temple (龍山寺). Dating back to 1737, Longshan Temple is one of the most famous landmarks in Taiwan and a great place to get acquainted with Chinese folk religion. To this day, locals journey from near and far to make prayers and wish for good fortune in these incense-filled halls. 

Right near the entrance, you can relish in the local custom of throwing moon blocks . Make sure to throw these tiny blocks in unison. The way they fall will reveal whether the gods favor you or not. 

There is no entrance fee for Longshan Temple. But please remember to dress appropriately as this is still a place of worship. 

Insider’s Tips:  A short stroll from here, head to the  Bopiliao Historical Block  (剝皮寮歷史街區) where you’ll find stacks of 18th-century houses. To learn more about the area’s history, you can also join this free  walking tour . Afterward, browse the  Huaxi Street Market  (華西街觀光夜市) filled with weird and interesting traditional snacks. Or better yet, join this  fun food tour . Just a word of caution; this is Taipei’s red-light district and it can be a bit seedy at night. Although Taipei is a very safe city, I wouldn’t recommend visiting here late at night if you are a solo female traveler.  

Take in the Views Atop Taipei 101  

In Xinyi, often dubbed as the Times Square of Taipei, you’ll find one of Asia’s most iconic landmarks – Taipei 101 (台北101). 

This imposing bamboo-shaped skyscraper towers 509m above the city and showcases exceptional design inside and out. Taipei 101 also houses the world’s 3 rd fastest elevator, traveling at a speed of 1,010 meters per minute. It is the most prominent landmark in the city, rightly deserving a spot on your Taipei itinerary.

Within the tower, you can browse the world’s best luxury stores. These include the likes of Bvlgari, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Patek Philippe, to name just a few!

But arguably, the best thing to do here is get a bird’s-eye view over the entire city. Once you’re done browsing the stores, head to the Observation Deck. Besides taking in the excellent vistas, don’t miss getting a close-up look at the massive damper housed here. The damper weighs a whopping 660 tons and stabilizes the tower during strong winds or typhoons.

Just a word of warning – the Observation Deck’s lines are always long, and one could easily queue for hours. Grab a fast track pass to skip the lines. 

Insider’s Tips:  While here, don’t miss Taiwan’s very own Michelin Star restaurant  Din Tai Fung  (鼎泰豐). The eatery serves up the juiciest xiao long bao ever! If time permits, take a stroll through the lively  Att 4 Fun  (信義店) pedestrian area. Here you’ll find loads of trendy hangouts, hip bars, Taipei’s coolest clubs, and great shopping hotspots. A few blocks further, explore the  Breeze Songgao Store  (微風松高) filled with shops, hip food trucks, and restaurants. There’s a great vibe here, so don’t skip it! 

Catch the sunset at Elephant Mountain

Just one stop down the MRT Red Line is one of Taipei’s most Instagrammable places – Elephant Mountain (象山) 

Popular among sunset chasers and nature seekers alike, Elephant Mountain offers spectacular views over the entire city bowl. While it’s quite a steep trek to the view points, the sights along the way will be more than enough reward. 

Depending on your fitness level, it takes about 20 minutes to reach the first observation platform. For the best views, though, continue on a bit further. There you can scramble up on the boulders and snap an iconic selfie with the entire city as your backdrop.

Feast at Raohe Night Market

After a day out exploring all Taipei’s iconic sights, it’s time to sample some of the city’s best street food. And the best place to do just that is at Raohe Night Market (饒河街觀光夜市).

Raohe is one of the most famous night markets in Taiwan , and no Taipei itinerary would be complete without a visit here. The best part? There are loads of street food snacks to try. These include bubble milk tea, grilled squid, fried chicken steak, pepper pork buns, and stinky tofu. Prefer to visit with a guide? Here’s a great Raohe night market tour .

Besides filling up with all the delicious food, it’s also a great place to bargain hunt. You’ll find everything from clothes, cellphone accessories, bags, earrings, and more here! If you’re looking to squeeze in a bit of shopping, the nearby maze-like alleyways of  Wufenpu  (五分埔) is for you. Here you’ll find tons of cheap clothing stores selling the latest Korean and Japanese fashion trends. It’s also a great place to practice your haggling during your itinerary in Taipei. 

2 Day Taipei Itinerary

With 2 days in Taipei, you can get a closer look at the city’s quirky pop culture, visit a few more historical sites, and of course, relish in its bustling food scene. 

Follow my sample itinerary above, and then on day 2 check out these cool places in Taipei. 

Browse the historic Dihua Street 

Start your morning bright and early with a visit to one of the city’s best-preserved streets, Dihua (迪化街).

Right in the heart of Datong, you’ll find a bunch of restored buildings dating back to the 1800s. It’s a great place to stroll, people watch and of course, get acquainted with authentic Taipei. Don’t miss the bustling market that sells a mix of weird and wonderful food, teas, spices, as well as traditional Chinese medicinal products.

After taking in the sights and sounds of Dihua Street, make a quick photo stop at the impressive 19th century  North Gate  (臺北府城 北門), which was built as part of the city’s fortifications. 

Enjoy the vibe at Ximending Walking District

Next up, head over to the massive pedestrian walking street of Ximending (西門町).

Ximending is a bustling youth district on the western side of Taipei City, rightly nicknamed the Shibuya or Harajuku of Taipei. With hip clothing stores, brightly-lit billboards, themed cafes like Modern Toilet (便所主題餐廳 西門店), and alleyways dotted with the city’s best street art, it’s not hard to see why its such a firm favorite among tourists and locals alike. All in all, Ximending is a great place to stroll around, shop, eat, hunt for street art, and people watch.

Another noteworthy attraction to check out while here is the  Red House Theatre  (西門紅樓), which showcases cheap live performances.  Ningxia Night Market  (寧夏夜市) is also just around the corner and is another great Taipei night market. Join this cool Michelin night tour at Ningxia  to sample the best street food on offer here! 

Check out the Quirky Displays at Huashan 1914 Creative Park

Built in 1914, Huashan Creative Park (華山1914文化創意產業園區) has quite a unique history. It was once a Japanese sake brewery, and then later a camphor refinery. Today, the park is the city’s most prominent art center and a popular go-to spot among art lovers and those looking to escape Taipei’s concrete jungle. 

There are several buildings to browse filled with cute artisan shops, designer stores, bookshops, as well as several gourmet eateries and hipster hangouts. Don’t miss the cool outdoor art displays dotted around sprawling gardens. 

Stroll through Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall

After getting a taste of Taipei’s artsy side, head over to Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall (國立國父紀念館). It is one of Taipei’s most important historical buildings and another interesting place to learn a little about Taiwan’s history. 

The memorial hall was built in 1972 to honor Taiwan’s founding father, Sun Yat-sen. The main structure features intricate architecture and is surrounded by lovely gardens, which also house a massive fountain. Within its walls, you’ll find varied exhibitions offering insight into Sun’s life and his revolution efforts.

Insider’s tips:  Nearby, take a gentle stroll through the city’s largest park  Daan Forest Park  (大安森林公園). Alternatively, head over to  JenGuo Flower Market  or  Jianguo Jade Market  (建國玉市). Both are excellent places to shop for souvenirs and quirky trinkets. The buzzing alleyways jolting off from  Lane 137, Yanji Street  are just a stone’s throw from here and are chock-full with hipster hangouts, themed cafes, hidden izakayas, and posh international eateries. If you’re not hungry, it’s still an excellent place for a walkabout or to grab a cuppa. If you’re seeking a boozy cocktail, head out to the Instagrammable  Drunk Cafe  (爛醉咖啡). Alternatively, grab an ice-cold beer at the city’s best craft beer bar,  On Tap . 

Taipei 3 Days Itinerary

If you have 3 days in Taipei, you’ll have more than enough time to explore the far-flung corners of the city and get a closer look at a few more must-see attractions. Follow the steps above and on day 3 of your Taipei itinerary, head out to these places below. 

Browse the National Palace Museum 

Start your day early with a visit to one of the city’s most iconic museums, the National Palace Museum (國立故宮博物院).

Housing more than 700,000 pieces of ancient Chinese imperial artifacts, artworks, and relics, spanning over 8000 years of history, the museum holds the world’s most complete Chinese artifacts collection. The National Palace museum is a treasure trove for history buffs and art enthusiasts, rightly deserving a spot on any Taipei itinerary! 

The museum entrance fee is NT$350, but since the lines are always long, it’s worth grabbing a  discounted e-ticket here  in advance. 

Visit Beitou Hot Springs

Most visitors to Taipei don’t know that actual volcanoes are right within the city’s limits. So next up on your itinerary in Taipei, immerse yourself in nature with a visit to the steamy thermal pools of Beitou Hot Springs (北投溫泉).

Beitou  is one of Taipei’s most popular side trips, and it’s not hard to understand why. Surrounded by lush greenery and the allure of abundant hot springs is what really makes this Japanese-inspired retreat such a popular go-to spot among locals and those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of urban Taipei. This picture-perfect setting is perfect spot to unwind!

If you’re not checking in at one of the luxurious hot spring hotels, like  Grand View Resort , head out to one of the outdoor public baths to experience the geothermal activity like a local. 

Other things to do in Beitou include visiting the  Beitou Thermal Valley  or “Hell Valley” (地熱谷), the  Beitou Hot Spring Museum  (北投溫泉博物館), the  Beitou Museum  (北投文物館) and the  Xinbeitou Historic Station  (新北投車站).

For a unique experience, enjoy a traditional Japanese ceremony at the  Taiwan Folk Arts Museum  (北投文物館), visit the  Ketagalan Culture Center  (凱達格蘭文物館), or stop by one of the incense-filled temples like  Puji Temple  (北投普濟寺). 

Looking to get off the beaten path? Head out to one of Taipei’s best-hidden gems –  Wulai  (烏來). Wulai is an aboriginal village neatly tucked away in the mountains. Here you can soak in hot springs, hunt for waterfalls, eat traditional Atayal food, and take a fun ride on the cutest little train ever! Read my guide on  what to do in Wulai . 

Wander the streets of Tamsui

After enjoying a slice of nature, head out to Tamsui (淡水) – a scenic little town located on the Tamsui River banks right at the edge of Taipei City. 

Tamsui, also often spelled Danshui, has a lot going for it. From a bustling Old Street chock-full with cute artisan stores, souvenir shops, and vendors serving up the freshest seafood imaginable to several historical sites and a booming craft beer scene. But even on top of that, the star attraction here is the incredible sunset. 

While you can catch an epic sunset from anywhere along the boardwalk, the best spot to watch the sun melt away over the horizon is at Lover’s Bridge . It’s a popular spot among love birds and photographers, so expect it to fill up quickly!

Oh, and don’t miss stopping by the incredible Wuji Tianyuan Temple if you happen to visit Taipei during cherry blossom season.

Insider’s Tip: For those traveling between Hongshulin and Fishermen’s Wharf , the newly built Tamsui light rail line is a fun way to explore the area. The Blue Seaside Line, which will connect the Tamsui MRT and the Fisherman’s Wharf is scheduled to be completed in 2024.

Eat your way through Shilin Night Market

The last stop on your 3 days in Taipei itinerary is Shilin Night Market (士林夜市). 

Shilin is a bustling place jam-packed with food vendors and stalls selling all kinds of bits and bobs. What’s more, it is probably the best and most popular street food market in Taipei! It’s the perfect spot to sample local street snacks and authentic Taiwanese cuisine. 

Since the area really only comes alive at night, make sure to time your visit here. Whatever you do, though, come hungry, because there are lots to try! 

Taipei 4 Day itinerary

With so much to do in Taipei, it’s hard to get bored. But beyond the buzzing urban hub, there are a handful of must-see places worth a visit. So, on day 4 of your Taipei itinerary, it’s time to explore the city’s outskirts! Think quaint little towns, lush jungles dotted with waterfalls, epic ocean views, and great hiking opportunities! 

Visit the rock formations at Yehliu

Yehliu Geopark (野柳地質公園)   is a unique place along Taiwan’s north   coast that’s well worth a visit. Fringed by the Pacific Ocean, this massive geopark is home to cool fossils and the weirdest rock formations imaginable. Some of the most notable rock forms to look out for are the Queen’s Head, Fairy’s Shoe, Bean Curd, and Dragon Head. 

Yehliu is a great place to stroll around, take in the incredible ocean views and scenery, and of course, hunt for bizarre rock formations. Don’t forget your  camera , because you’ll want to take lots of photos of this alien-like wonderland! 

Insider’s Tips:  There is a small entrance fee (NT$120) to enter the park, but you can also grab an entry ticket online in advance. While it’s relatively straightforward to visit Yehliu independently, joining a day tour will save you the hassle of planning a thing. Another good option is this  tour which includes a pastry making sesh. If you have your own set of wheels, also check out the Twin Candlesticks and Shen’ao Elephant Rock nearby.

See Taiwan’s widest waterfall 

Just 32 kilometers northwest of Taipei City, lies Taiwan’s very own mini version of Niagara Falls measuring 40m in width – Shifen Falls (十分瀑布).

The waterfall is tucked away amid a lush jungle setting, and there are tons of lookout points covering all angles of the waterfall. It’s an incredibly scenic place to visit and the perfect choice for those wanting to spend a day immersed in nature.

I’ve written an extensive guide on Shifen , which includes absolutely everything you need to know about visiting this beautiful area – from how to easily get there to what to do in the quaint little town, as well as other cool places to check out nearby. If you prefer to join a guided tour,  this one  is a great half-day option. 

Wander the lantern-filled alleys of Jiufen

A visit to Taipei (or Taiwan as a matter of fact) would simply not be complete without a trip to Jiufen (九份). Located not too far from Shifen, this gorgeous little town is perched on a hillside and offers epic views over the ocean and mountains.

While the views are incredible and stand testament to Taiwan’s mind-blowing natural scenery, there is yet another reason to add Jiufen to your Taipei itinerary. Often touted as the inspiration to Miyazaki’s Spirited Away, Jiufen’s true charm lies in its rustic alleyways strewn with dangling red lanterns, charming traditional teahouses, hot spring hotels, and phenomenal food scene. 

While most people visit here on a half-day trip from Taipei, I highly recommend staying overnight if you can. The night view is absolutely breathtaking! And if you love photography, you could easily spend hours wandering through the little alleyways. Also read my guide on how to get from Taipei to Jiufen for the easiest routes there.

If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, hike up  Keelung Mountain  (雞籠山登山步道) or join this  Jiufen Village tour  to see other highlights like the  Golden Waterfall and the Ying Yan Sea  (陰陽海). 

Itinerary for Taipei 5 Days

On the final day of your Taipei 5 days itinerary, enjoy a different side of the city surrounded by greenery right in the heart of town. Pop by the zoo, take a thrilling gondola ride, and see some of the world’s finest artworks on display. Then, end your day with a massive feast at the city’s top seafood market. 

Meet furry friends at Taipei Zoo

If you’re visiting Taipei with kids, it’s worth stopping by the Taipei Zoo (臺北市立動物園). The zoo is the largest zoological garden in Taiwan, and is home to more than 2000 animals from various species, including pandas and koalas! 

While it is one of the city’s top attractions, the grounds are massive, making it quite easy to get away from the crowds and enjoy the varied animal life at your leisure. If you plan on spending several hours year, pack a picnic basket to enjoy on the grass. Grab a Taipei Zoo combo ticket here to skip the lines. 

Enjoy a tea ceremony at Maokong

After visiting the zoo’s furry friends, head over to the Maokong Gondola to  take a fun ride in a glass-bottom car  over the mountain tops. Besides enjoying the views below your feet, the views of the city’s skyscraper-studded skyline in the distance are just as magnificent. 

Once at the top, pop into cute coffee shops or tea houses offering  authentic tea ceremonies  and traditional Taiwanese fare with sprawling tea plantations at their doorstep.  

Browse Taipei Fine Arts Museum

If you still want to squeeze in another activity before dinner time, hop back on the MRT to Yuanshan Station and head over to the Taipei Fine Arts Museum (臺北市立美術館). 

Here you’ll find some of the best local and international artwork displayed in an impressive geometrical building. The museum showcases more than 5000 pieces of traditional and contemporary art, but I highly recommend checking out the photography section. The entrance fee is NT$30, and the museum is open until 20:30 on Saturdays. 

Insider’s Tips: If you’re looking for non-touristy things to do in Taipei, a stroll through the dreamy Floral Tunnel (花之隧道) or a visit to the Lin An Tai Historical House and Museum (林安泰古厝) should not be overlooked.

Enjoy the vibes at AAD

On the last night of your 5 days Taipei itinerary, head over to the city’s best indoor seafood market – Addiction Aquatic Development (上引水產). 

This massive complex is home to several eateries, dishing up everything from hot pot and barbecued skewers to melt-in-the-mouth sashimi, huge crabs and more. 

There’s also an incredible deli where you can buy all kinds of imported goods, tasty snacks, fresh seafood and Kobe beef. 

AAD gets quite lively at night, so don’t come too late. If the restaurants are packed, grab a few snacks at the deli instead. There are many seating areas scattered around the market where you can sit back and enjoy your food. Also, don’t miss the sangria! It’s the best you’ll find in the city! 

5 Days Itinerary in Taipei Conclusion

Taipei is truly a remarkable city with plenty to keep you busy. I hope this Taipei travel itinerary has helped you figure out what to do and where to go in Taipei!

That wraps up this Taipei itinerary for 5 days or less. Do you have any tips for fellow travelers planning an itinerary in Taipei? Feel free to share your top tips and epic things to do in Taipei below! 

Need More Help Planning a Taiwan Trip?

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October 9, 2023 at

Hello I am still confused of what to see in Taiwan…ours is pure cultural no adventure no beach. Can u help…with an itinerary For 7 nites..with 1/2 free days to walk around. Thanks Wynoma de Faria

October 11, 2023 at

Hey Wynoma,

Even if you’re looking for a more culturally oriented itinerary, there’s loads to do in Taiwan. With seven nights, you’ll have more than enough time to venture outside of Taipei and see a bit more of the island. Here’s some inspo:

– Spend 2-3 days in Taipei and visit the museums and temples. Check out the National Palace Museum, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Longshan Temple, and Taipei 101. Also, be sure to visit some of the night markets like Shilin or Raohe. – Take a day trip from Taipei to Jiufen. – Spend a day in Tainan (Taiwan’s ancient capital city). Visit Chihkan Tower, Koxinga Shrine, Anping Old Street, and the Anping Tree House. – Travel to Kaohsiung for 1-2 days and visit the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center, the temples and pavilions at Lotus Pond, and the Pier 2 Art Center.

Of course, there are loads more to see and do, but if you’re not really into nature/ adventure, the spots above should tick your boxes. Hope this helps!

December 19, 2023 at

Hello, I’m planning to visit Yehliu Geopark, Shifen and Jiufen for a whole day. I plan to go in that order and travel by public transport/taxi if needed, can you recommend me some bus/mrt I should take to go those places.

January 19, 2024 at

Hey Wendy, it might be tough to squeeze all three places in on one day, but if you start super early and make use of taxis/Uber it might be doable.

You can catch Kuo-Kuan Bus 1815 from TPE Bus Station. The journey takes about 1h30. From there, I’d suggest getting a taxi/Uber to the Ruifang Train Station so that you can catch the train Shifen. You can check with the driver if he’s willing to take you all the way to Shifen but it’s quite rural and it will be pricy. From Shifen, you’ll need to catch the train back to Ruifang from where you’ll need to get a bus to Jiufen. There aren’t many taxis in Shifen, but just walk around and ask the locals. We got a taxi there once and it saved us the hassle of dealing with public transport. It was rather expensive though for such a short distance.

Google Maps works extremely well in TW and once you have an idea of your timings it will give you the best options on which buses/ trains to take. Just make sure you check the timings of the last bus/train. Here’s a link to the TRA website if you want to get a better idea of the train schedules in the meantime.

January 17, 2024 at

I am traveling alone to Taiwan for 7D, possible to purchase a local day trip to Jiufengand Sifen Falls, another day trip to Tainan, and the third day to Sun Moon Lake? Please give me your suggestion.

Hey Sue, Jiufen and Shifen are popular day trips from TPE and there are loads of guided tours that will get you there (check on Klook).

Tainan is accessible from Taipei and the HSR (bullet train) can get you there is less than 2hrs. Here’s my guide on how to get to Tainan from Taipei . For SML, the best way to get there is to first take the HSR to Taichung where you can catch the bus to SML. I’ve written a guide on that too, see here . Just a side note, Tainan and SML are both really great places to visit with lots to do, so I recommend spending at least 2D1N in each to make the most of your time there.

February 15, 2024 at

Hello, I’m planning to visit Yehliu Geopark, Shifen and Jiufen for a whole day with my wife and would like to take a private tour (so that we can be flexible with the timing etc). Can you recommend any reliable companies that offer private tours? Thank you very much.

Hey TH, thanks for stopping by.

My go-to provider for tours in Taiwan is Klook . They have a wide selection of tours, so it’s easy to find the right option that suits your schedule and budget. (Here’s my affiliate link to all the tours they have to Yehliu, Jiufen & Shifen )

Alternatively, you can also check out this tour on GetYourGuide which has an option for a private tour.

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The PERFECT 3 Days in Taipei Itinerary [2024 Guide]

• Last Updated: February 5, 2024

Make the most of your time in Taiwan with our perfect 3 days in Taipei itinerary!

From chowing down on Taiwanese delicacies in Taipei’s night markets to hiking in the hills of Maokong, Taipei’s is one of Asia’s most interesting cities.

Taipei has long held the reputation of being one of Asia’s most intoxicating cities.

It combines the best of urban and rural in a way that few other cities on the continent can.

All while being affordable, offering oodles of history and culture and having some Asia’s most tantalising cuisine.

Taipei really does have it all. And in truth you could easily spend more than 3 days in Taipei – between hiking in the mountains, exploring old temples and stuffing your face at one of the cities numerous night markets and other eateries – there is plenty to keep you busy ! 

Table of Contents

Morning – Enjoy An Early Morning Stroll Around Tamsui

Afternoon – palace museum , evening – shilin night market , night – long shan temple and nearby night market, morning – chiang kai shek’s memorial hall, afternoon – explore the area around dongmen , afternoon – sun yat sen’s memorial hall , evening – elephant hill, night – taipei 101, morning – wulai , afternoon – maokong, evening – raohe night market and sung shan tzu yu temple , getting to and from taipei, getting around taipei, when to go to taipei, best budget accommodation in taipei – meander taipei hostel, best midrange accommodation in taipei – star hostel taipei east, best luxury accommodation in taipei – jolley hotel, best budget restaurant in taipei – 府城台南美食, best midrange restaurant in taipei – watch bbq, best luxury restaurant in taipei – din tai fung, your perfect 3 days in taipei itinerary.

Taipei in 3 days is certainly a squeeze, but a doable one!

Make sure you have a comfortable pair of shoes as you will definitely be getting the steps over these jam-packed days! 

To start with I recommend checking out this 3-day unlimited rail and attractions pass , which will really make your Taipei itinerary easy and cheap to do.

Day 1 

Here’s how you should spend the first day in Taipei!

Begin your time in Taipei by getting out of the city to the lovely coastal area of Tamsui . It’s littered with temples, old markets and plenty of great places to pick up a bite to eat when the sun has risen.

Hobe Fort and Aletheia University are a reminder of the areas of fascinating history, with Peace Park also well worth checking out.

The grounds of Aletheia University are pretty big, so there is plenty to explore.

To the north-west of the MTR there is a maze of alleyways made of markets, shops and temples that are well worth checking out.

Wondering what to do in Taipei for 3 days? Well visiting the Palace Museum should be high on your list! 

This is surely the number one destination in Taipei. This museum contains over 700,000 pieces of Chinese art encompassing 8000 years of Chinese history.

The sheer quantity and diversity of what’s on show is staggering.

Understandably the museum is huge. So plan what you want to see first to maximise your time, and get your e-ticket early .

The calligraphy section is particularly impressive. 

There are not a huge amount of food options nearby, aside from a cafe at the museum. Therefore it could be worth bringing some food with you. 

The artefacts in the Palace Museum used to be held in a similarly named museum in Beijing.

After the Mukden Incident in 1931 the treasures were moved to Shanghai, and then Nanjing.

In 1948, seeing the writing on the wall in his battle with the communists, Chiang Kai Shek moved the entire museum collection from Nanjing to Keelung in Taiwan.

The Palace in its current format opened in Taipei in November 1965. 

• Nearest Subway: Head to Shilin, take exit 1 and then take bus R30, minibus 18 or 19, or bus 255, 304 or 815. Do not cross the road or you will be going the wrong way. 
• Opening Hours: 8:30 am to 6:30 pm with opening hours extended to 21:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.
• Cost: NT$350 

Any itinerary for 3 days in Taipei will include a visit to the city’s famous night markets. Shillin is the biggest and most famous of those.  

From Shilin station, which you will return to after visiting the palace museum, it’s a short walk to Taipei’s biggest night mark.

Expect plenty of market stalls offering all kinds of Taiwanese delicacies.

There are a couple of temples buried in the mazes that are well worth checking out.

This night market is Taipei’s most popular, so you can expect it to be busy! 

Another good option is to book yourself in for a free walking tour of Taipei’s historic route. You can do that online here .

• Nearest Subway: Head to Shilin, and then follow the signs.
• Opening Hours: Whenever the stalls want to open and close. It starts to pick up after 7 pm.
• Cost: Free 

This temple in the south of the city is a short journey on the subway from Shilin and is one of Taipei’s most stunning and popular temples.

The temple is open 24 hours and is particularly atmospheric at night as members of the community come to worship, chat and socialise in its grounds. 

The nearby night market, whilst being far smaller than Shilin is a more relaxed open-air affair.

It is also hosted on wide boulevards as opposed to narrow alleyways.

Again there is some particularly excellent food on offer.

Due to the fact, there is more space here there plenty of dining areas where you can sit and eat before hunting for more amazing Taiwanese food.

• Nearest Subway: Longshan Temple and then follow the signs
• Opening Hours: The temple is open 24 hours and the night market peaks between 7 pm and 11 pm

Day 2 

Hope you got some rest last night, because we have a big day planned for today!

Taiwan’s former leader Chiang Kai Shek is revered in Taiwan, in spite of some of his government’s more questionable actions since the Chinese civil war ended in 1949. 

The structure itself occupies one end of a large square in central Taipei’s Zhong Zheng District (中正區).

With Chiang Kai Shek’s to the east, the western end is flanked by the National Theatre and National Concert Hall .

All three structures display a similar white building, blue roof motif, giving an impression of tradition and modernity. 

The changing of the guard’s ceremony that happens every hour is particularly interesting.

However, do be aware that it can get quite busy. In the memorial hall itself, strict silence should be observed at all times. 

Below the memorial hall is a rather interesting museum giving you an insight into the life and times of Chiang Kai Shek and to a lesser extent, the founding of the Republic of China, as Taiwan is officially known. 

• Nearest Subway: Chaing Kai Shek Memorial Hall
• Opening Hours: 9:00 am until 6:00 pm every day. 

The maze of narrow streets is home to some of the cities most famous beef noodle restaurants. Yongkang Street has plenty of excellent ones. 

If beef noodles don’t really tickle your fancy there are plenty of other excellent eateries in the area.

Nearby is the lovely Da’an Park where you can take a load of and escape the concrete. 

• Nearest Subway: Dongmen 
• Opening Hours: As long as the restaurants remain open. However, for the beef noodle restaurants between 12 pm and 2 pm is a solid bet. 

READ MORE: Add these activities to your list of things to do in Taipei !

A short subway ride away is Sun Yat Sen’s Mausoleum . This is one of the few individuals the People’s Republic of China (China) and the Republic of China (Taiwan) both hold in extremely high regards. 

Sun Yat-Sen is a man revered by those from both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

After the Qing government collapsed in 1911, it was Sun Yat-Sen who set up the Republic of China which maintained control over the mainland until 1949.

He helped to end China’s Imperial system and revitalise the country as a republic. 

Whilst not being as striking as Chiang Kai Shek’s place of reverence, the museum here is particularly interesting.

And it demonstrates Sun’s importance to the Chinese people as a whole regardless of which side of the strait they occupy.  

• Nearest Subway: Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall 
• Opening Hours: 9 am to 6 pm. 

This has to rank as one of the most stunning night views of a city across the world alongside such classics as Manhattan from Brooklyn Heights, or Lujiazui from the Bund. 

Any 3 days in Taipei itinerary has to include this stunning evening activity!

Climbing Elephant Hill can be a particularly sweaty affair thanks to Taipei’s near-constant humidity and the rather large steps you need to climb to enjoy the views.

The most efficient way would be to get to the Xiangshan (象山) subway station at least an hour before sunset.

This way you’ll get the best views as the sun sets and the night sky envelops the city. 

The trail has numerous viewing points, which is a welcome relief as it can be quite busy, especially during peak seasons.

The further you go, the better the views. There are a couple of points where some dirt paths will take you down to secluded viewpoints.

However, do be careful when accessing such paths as there are no lights and they can be slippery. 

Once you’ve found a space, get comfortable, make sure you’re camera is set up and enjoy. 

• Nearest Subway: Xiangshan 
• Opening Hours: 24 hours, however, sunset is particularly spectacular. 

At one point this was the tallest building in the world. It towers over the Taipei skyline with an air of invincibility and a swagger not out of place in a 007 film.

This is completely understandable, however, as it is an absolutely beautiful building. 

The area around Taipei 101 is a mixture of malls and restaurants, although there is a car park nearby which offers amazing views of the building itself. 

The views from the top of the building are very nice. However, it’s hard to compete with the views from Elephant Hill (see above) or views from the Maokong Gondola (see below).

The exhibition inside the tower on how it was built to withstand the typhoons that frequently batter Hong Kong is particularly interesting.

Make sure you buy your ticket in advance to save time and money.

• Nearest Subway: Taipei 101/World Trade Centre
• Opening Hours: The observation deck is open from 9 am to 10 pm daily.

Day 3 

As anyone that has been to Taipei will tell you, the outskirts of Taipei are littered with stunning mountain views, great walks and hot springs.

Therefore it’s only natural that any 3 days in Taipei itinerary should include some of these beauties! 

Best of all, thanks to the awesome Taipei metro, many of these places are easily accessible through public transport. 

Nestled amongst the mountains outside of Taipei, Wulai is a gorgeous town with temples, hots springs and hiking.

To get here you will need to take the subway and then take a bus for the final leg to Wulai. 

The town itself is as famous for its scenery as it is for its hot springs. If you’re looking to indulge in a spot of relaxation then jumping into one of the hot springs is an excellent option.

These can be rented for the day or by the hour, with the cheapest rates seeming to be between 2 and 5 when the town is at it’s quietest.

Alternatively, you may want to spend one of the nights in one of the hot spring hotels. 

There are also a number of walking trails. The most common one takes you through the town to the Wulai Waterfall.

Beyond this is a number of other trails.

However, do check with local authorities as to which routes are open as typhoons can close the trails. 

Amazingly all of this breath-taking scenery is just an hour or so from downtown Taipei – incredible.  

• Getting there and away: You will need to take both subway and bus here, but it is very much worth it. Head to Xindian station and then take bus 849, which comes roughly every 15 minutes.  Getting back I would recommend cueing up early for the bus if it’s busy.

This beautiful area on the outskirts is far easier to access than Wu Lai and has a more aesthetically pleasing journey. 

You will need to take the subway to Taipei Zoo and then take the Maokong gondola to your final destination of Maokong.

The cable car through the hills on the outskirts is particularly lovely with incredible views on offer if you make the return trip at sunset. 

Maokong is famous for its tea plantations and there are numerous trails all over the hills with many offering spectacular views.

There is a lovely walk to the silver stream waterfall and cave which takes approximately an hour.

Along the route, there are numerous paths that lead into various other areas of the tea plantations. 

The views from the silver stream waterfall are spectacular, particularly at sunset.

It’s close proximity to Taipei truly emphasises the uniqueness of Taipei’s relationship with its natural surroundings.

There are very few major cities in the world that are so close to deserted hiking trails and pristine forests. However, Taipei has this in abundance. 

• Getting there and away: Take the subway to Taipei Zoo and then follow the signs to the Maokong gondola. It is possible to pick up a subway day pass which includes a return trip on the Maokong Gondola.

End your last day in Taiwan with a visit to the gorgeous Sung Shan Tzu Yu Temple.

Like many temples in Taipei, it comes alive at night with worshippers and locals congregating throughout.

The Roahe night market it one of the quieter night markets in the city and offers a plethora of excellent food.

This is the perfect way to end your 3 days in Taipei itinerary. 

• Nearest Subway: Songshan 
• Opening Hours: The temple is open 24 hours and the night market gets going from 6 pm with things winding down beyond 11 pm. 

READ MORE: Explore Hong Kong with this perfect 3 day itinerary !

Taipei Travel Guide

Now that you have a solid 3-day Taipei itinerary we want to help you make your other plans as well by sharing transportation, accommodation and meal options in the city.

Air: Taipei is easily accessed from major cities in Asia, especially those in China, Japan and South Korea.

From outside of Asia the chances are you will have to have to make a detour via a major Asian city. 

Train: Within Taiwan itself, Taipei is the central hub of the countries excellent railway system.

Major cities like Kaohsiung, Tainan and Taipei (unsurprisingly) are easily accessible from almost anywhere in the country.

To get to some of Taiwan’s more remote and off the beaten path locations you will probably need to take an intercity train and change to a local service or a bus. 

The most cost-effective way to get around the city is to buy a 3-day unlimited rail pass around Taipei .

Bus: Alongside an excellent train network Taiwan has a good intercity bus network.

Though not a fast or comfortable as the trains they are an excellent opportunity to save a few pennies.

In the very south of the country around Kending, buses the only way to get around.

Taipei’s metro system is excellent. It has been universally loved by travellers since it opened.

The metro system takes you to the farthest corners of the city helping you to access some of Taipei’s most beautiful natural scenery. 

Getting out to the cities outskirts will most likely require you to take a bus after the subway.

These buses to the cities outskirts are generally pretty regular but they can get crowded on the weekends and over national holidays. 

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Make no mistake about it Taipei bakes during spring, summer and autumn.

Summer brings searing heat and the additional risks of storms and typhoons.

Winter is cold and quite wet, although it’s not as cold as parts of Japan, South Korea or China.

Aside from the weather, it is advisable to avoid Taipei during and Chinese National Holiday.

The main two are Chinese New Year which is usually around the end of January, beginning of February (although this is a lunar holiday so the dates change every year) and the Nation Day Holiday from October 1st – 7th. 

Any 3 Days in Taipei itinerary is likely to have a healthy dose of sunshine, so long as it’s outside of the winter months.

Accommodation in Taipei

Accommodation in Taipei is definitely at the cheaper end of the scale in comparison to other East Asian capitals.

Taipei’s centre is reasonably compact, and this combined with its excellent subway system means that almost any centrally located hotel or guesthouse is a good option location wise. 

This excellent hostel in the heart of Ximending , one of Taipei’s most hip and happening areas.

The area of chock full of great restaurants, shops selling the latest in Taiwanese pop culture and even the occasional temple hidden amongst the chaos. 

Offering affordable dorms, and slightly more expensive double and triple rooms as well as an awesome common area it’s no surprise that this is so popular with travellers. 

This excellent midrange option is located in the heart of the Da’an District and is a short walk from Sun Yat Sen’s Memorial Hall.

This area is a little quieter than Ximending and the maze of alleyways are replaced by wider tree-lined streets. 

The hostel offers dorms and has an excellent common space giving you the opportunity to meet fellow travellers from across the world.

This excellent option close to the Confucius Temple offers a variety of rooms at a very reasonable price for a luxury hotel.

Rooms also include breakfast and being in the heart of the Zhongshan district it’s quieter than the busier districts of Zhongzheng and Wanhua, making it a good option for families.

Eating in Taiwan

Surely one of the main highlights in Taiwan is eating. The nation’s capital is chock full of excellent restaurants offering the best in contemporary Taiwanese cuisine. 

This excellent noodle restaurant on Yongkang street specialises in Tainan style food. Its noodles are excellent, and unsurprisingly it can be crowded in the evenings and at weekends.

This awesome all you can eat BBQ restaurant is located in the heart of Ximending a few minutes walk from Ximen station.

The all-you-can-eat BBQ lasts for 1.5 hours and you have three different menus to choose from. Portions are small giving you the chance to sample a wide range of awesome food.

This is not like American BBQ, it’s more akin to the Japanese or Korean form whereby you cook yourself over a grill. The food here really is excellent.

This luxuriousness of this restaurant comes from the sheer quality of food, not the price.

This is the original location of the world-famous chain that has received a Michelin star and was named by the New York Times as being one of the top 10 restaurants in the world .

Their speciality is Xiaolongbao, a type of Chinese soup dumpling, with a portion of 10 costing roughly $7.5 dollars.

The food is phenomenal so don’t be surprised if you end up spending more than you planned here. However they do not take reservations, so be prepared for a long wait.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Richard Barnes

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

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The gruesome world of harbin’s siberian tiger park, 3 days in chengdu, china – the perfect itinerary, camping on the great wall of china (the complete guide), the tibetan overland route from shangri la to chengdu, 3 thoughts on “the perfect 3 days in taipei itinerary [2024 guide]”.

You shouldn’t recommend the 3 day HSR rail pass for visiting Taipei. This pass is for the High Speed Rail, which only works for getting to other cities in Taipei. Your article suggests the pass can be used for taking the MRT around the city, which is false.

Thanks for pointing that out, Nick! We’ve updated the post now. Appreciate the correction 🙂

Good Morning Team.

Enjoyed reading the blog and the information is great. I am planning to travel to TAIWAN/JAPAN/KOREA this April end.

I will be reading your blog on KOREA AND JAPAN.

Thanks for the detailed information

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The Perfect 3-Day Taipei Itinerary (2024 Updated Travel Guide)

October 14, 2023 by Bino 2 Comments

Taipei has long been an attractive travel destination for travelers from neighboring countries. While it has never really established itself in the backpackers’ trail, the city attracts plenty of midrange and high-end tourists looking to sample the local street food, shop in the night markets, soak in the hot springs and interact with the highly hospitable locals. Personally, Taipei is a feel-good place. I don’t go there expecting to see some mind-boggling sights. Like Tokyo , I go there time and time again for the wonderful ambiance.

If you are heading down south, also check out this Kaohsiung and Tainan itinerary .

Here is a well-balanced itinerary for Taipei that you can do in 3-days. It offers a fine mix between sights, eating and shopping and also has a few off-the-beaten path attractions thrown in.

Tip: If you are heading down to the other cities, check out this current promotion with Klook where Taiwan High Speed Rail tickets are available on a 20% off basis. Valid for Non-Taiwan residents only. Book here

chiang kai shek memorial hall

Day 1 – Quintessential Taipei

Tip: If you are landing in Taoyuan International Airport and wish to buy a local sim card for data needs, the airport does sell these but the queue tends to be quite long (not to mention it can get quite long at immigration as well). A way to circumvent this is by buying your sim card beforehand and just collect at the airport. I usually pre-order here to avoid the queues and the package also comes with a ticket for the airport train to Taipei.

national palace museum taipei by gary todd

The National Palace Museum  (tickets available here ) is the farthest among Taipei’s attractions so might as well start here in order to devote the rest of your time in the city. When the Kuomintang fled from Mainland China and transferred their seat of power in Taipei, they brought with them plenty of treasured artifacts. These are now stored in the National Palace Museum. This is one of the – if not the – best places to see Chinese art. Good thing about this museum is that it opens at 8:30AM so you can have a relatively early start here. Opening hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm daily except Monday

artwork inside moca taipei by harry li

I am not really a museum type of person but I do recommend heading over to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA) Taipei to see plenty of quirky art pieces. Honestly, this is one of the museums that I genuinely enjoyed and won’t hesitate to return to. Opening hours: 10:00 to 18:00 daily except Monday / Nearest MRT: Taipei Main Station

Tip: Buses run aplenty in Taipei and is the best mode of public transport for those who want to minimize walking to their destination. It’s also the cheapest with fares at TWD 15 per ride. Do note that drivers don’t provide change and for some reason, some buses require payment upon boarding while others require payment upon alighting. You can easily tell these buses apart through the sign board on top of the driver seat. 上 means you pay upon boarding while 下 means you pay when you get off.

Stop over at Jinfeng Braised Pork Rice (#10, Section 1, Roosevelt Road) for lunch. There’s often a long queue here for the rice topped with braised pork. I personally do not enjoy it due to all the fat but many people rave about it. Opening hours: 11:00 to 1:00 daily / Nearest MRT: Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall Station

jinfeng braised pork rice

the gate to the chiang kai shek memorial hall

Make your way to the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall which is just a short walk from Jinfeng. The place is best visited in the afternoon since the façade faces the west. Before the Taipei 101 was built, this structure served as the city’s most iconic structure. While there, make sure to check out the changing of the guard ceremony which happens every hour on the hour. Opening hours: 9:00 to 18:00 / Admission: Free / Nearest MRT: Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall Station

longshan temple

From here, it’s a short bus ride to Longshan Temple , one of the most popular temples in Taipei and a great example of classical Taiwanese architecture. It also offers a good peek at local religious life. Two blocks away from the temple is the historic Bopiliao Walking Street where you can relive the olden days with Taisho (colonial Japanese) era architecture and try your hand at age-old crafts. Opening hours for Longshan Temple: 6:00 to 22:00 / Admission: Free / Nearest MRT: Long Shan Temple Station

red house ximending

Depending on your pace, it’d be late afternoon by this time – just right to witness the lights turning on at the buzzing Ximending shopping area. This is equivalent to Taipei’s high street and you can find all sorts of brands here as well as several shops selling traditional delicacies and tea. The Red House is a symbol of the area and inside you can find plenty of independent stalls run by enterprising locals. If this is your first time in Taipei, you need to check out Ximending. Alternatively, you can also check out this handy guide on Taipei for first timers . Nearest MRT: Ximen Station

While you will find plenty of restaurants in Ximending, I recommend skipping these and heading straight to Ningxia Night Market instead. You can either take a short cab ride or walk the 2km stretch. Taipei is famous for its night markets with each having its own specialty. Ningxia Night Market is well-known for food and people from all over the world come here to eat oyster omelette and mochi. While there are a couple of stores selling these items here, the place you should try for oyster omelette is: 圓環邊蚵仔煎 (Roundabout Oyster Omelette) and for mochi, it’s: 林記燒麻糬 Nearest MRT: Shuanglian Station or Zhongshan Station

Day 2 – Excursion to Yehliu and Jiufen

yehliu geopark by bill so

Start early in the morning and take bus 1815 to Yehliu GeoPark . The journey takes about 1.5 hours and depending on the weather and the crowd, you’ll find plenty of rocks jutting from the ground like mushrooms. It’s a pretty sight except when it gets too crowded. Avoid the weekends if you can. Alternatively, take the train to Pingxi and launch a sky lantern .

Take another bus to Jiufen , an old seaside mining town that has developed into a tourist attraction filled with teahouses, cafes and souvenir shops. It’s a charming place to simply wander around or to spend an hour or two holed up in one of the teahouses. For history buffs, there are also museums showcasing the town’s mining heritage. Alternatively, you can also take a 3-in-1 day tour   from Taipei Main Station which brings you to Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen and back within a day. This option saves you the commuting time and the need to find directions. You can find out more information here .

taipei 101 as seen from shangri-la far eastern plaza hotel taipei

Try to leave Jiufen by around 3 to 3:30pm and head back to Taipei via Bus #1062. Make your way to the Elephant Mountain Trail , a viewpoint that you climb in order to see sweeping views of Taipei 101 during sunset. Alternatively, you can also head up to the observatory of Taipei 101 itself (discounted tickets here ). In my opinion, this iconic building is better appreciated from afar.

For a truly special dinner experience, head to RAW (301 Lequn 3rd Road), the restaurant of one-Michelin starred chef, Andre Chiang. The cuisine is a fusion of Taiwanese and French cuisines. It gets booked out easily and online reservations are required.

raohe night market

End your day at the Raohe Night Market located at the other side of the river. This night market packs in a plethora of eats as well as ready-to-wear apparel. Nearest MRT: Songshan Station

Day 3 – Modern and Hipster Taipei

After two whirlwinds days exploring the city’s main attractions and also doing a day trip to Yehliu and Jiufen , your third day can be spent just chilling and exploring the more hipster side of the city. Taipei offers plenty for shopaholics out there and some up-and-coming neighborhoods offer a great counterpoint to characterless shopping malls.

fujin street in taipei

Start your day with some coffee from Fujin Tree 353 Cafe in Fujin Street – probably the most hipster area in Taipei. You’ll find plenty of quirky restaurants and boutiques with equally quirky people patronizing them. Even if you are not looking to buy anything, Fujin Street is also a great place for a stroll, being one of the rare tree-lined streets in the city. Opening hours: 9:00 to 18:00, daily

huashan 1914 creative park by travel oriented

Continuing on with quirky things, head over to Huashan 1914 Creative Park . What used to be a winery has been converted into a creative space attracting writers, moviemakers and even painters. There is always an exhibition going on in here which is worth checking out. You’ll also find a lot of local crafts and independent stores within the vicinity. Do note that the park is actually quite spread out and you’ll find the stores and exhibition areas in different buildings within the complex. It may not be an ideal place to visit whenever it’s raining. For tech geeks, you can continue on to Guanghua Digital Plaza for all your IT needs. Taiwan is a major manufacturer of computers and hardware. Opening hours: 11:00 to 21:00, daily / Nearest MRT: Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station

daan forest park mrt station

Pause for lunch at the famous Lin Dong Fang (#274, Section 2, Bade Road) for some delicious beef noodles before continuing on to Daan Forest Park for some r&r. The namesake metro station – Daan Forest Park – is an attraction in itself with curved glass curtain walls and plenty of art installations. Two metro stops away is the Kishu An Forest of Literature where you’ll be transported to another world with its Japanese style bungalow. Opening hours: 10:00 to 18:00, Tuesday to Sunday (until 21:00 on Friday and Saturday)

matcha canele at heiankyo in taipei

While you are in the general vicinity, check out Heiankyo (165 Shida Road, open 12:30PM to 8:00PM except Tuesdays) for some traditional and modern matcha-based desserts. My personal favorites are the matcha canele (the first time I’ve seen one) and the rich and flavorful match ice cream. The venue is highly authentic, replete with a mini Japanese rock garden outside and interiors mimicking a traditional tea house.

koo chen fu national library at national taiwan university

Even those who have no interest in reading will probably be awed by the interiors of the Koo Chen Fu National Library (inside the National Taiwan University). Designed by Japanese architect, Toyo Ito, the reading room is made up of over 88 white columns that creates something like a forest out of minimalism. Admission is free but do note the library closes slightly earlier, at 5PM, during Saturdays and it’s closed on Sundays.

old buildings in dihua street by adam jones

Spend the late afternoon at Dihua Street , a colonial era part of town that has been rejuvenated with plenty of traditional shops. You’ll find Chinese medicine stores interspersing with cafes, antique shops as well as the odd art studio. Opening hours: 10:00 to 22:30, daily / Nearest MRT: Shuanglian Station

End the day at Shilin Night Market , undoubtedly Taipei’s biggest and most well-known night market. The place is known for local delights such as stinky tofu as well as oyster mee sua so make sure to come with an empty stomach. Opening hours: 15:00 to 1:00, daily / Nearest MRT: Jiantan Station

Getting to Taipei from Taoyuan International Airport

• Available 24 hours. Taxis cost roughly TWD 1,000  to 1200 from the airport to the city center. Alternatively, you can book here for private car transfers at around 15 to 20% cheaper than taxis. If there are 3 to 4 persons in your group, this option is recommended over public transport or the MRT.
• The relatively new Taoyuan Airport MRT gets you from the airport to Taipei Main Station in roughly 37 minutes. The price is TWD 230 per person. You can buy tickets online at a hefty discount here .
• You can also take one of several airport buses that stop in Taipei’s main station. In case you’re arriving in Taipei past midnight and don’t wish to spend on taxis, take the #1819 Kuo Kuang bus. It costs TWD 125.

Travel Tips for Taipei

• Best time to visit Taipei: It is between October to March when the days are relatively cool. Even during the “depth of winter” in January, temperatures rarely fall below 10 degrees celsius. Summer is between June to September and it can get really hot and humid in the city. That being said, summer is the best time to visit the city if you wish to see the city with sunshine. This is especially helpful if you wish to climb Elephant Mountain for instance and witness a nice sunset blanketing the city. Taipei is notoriously known for its prolonged cloud cover. It’s one of the least sunniest capitals in the world!
• Travel Insurance: In these uncertain times, it may be wise to get travel insurance before traveling to Taiwan. If you reside in Singapore, check out Starr Travelead , one of the cheapest travel insurance. They have a promotion that comes with S$10 cash rebate that helps to cover the insurance cost. 
• Changing Money in Taipei: If you come from Singapore and are armed with Singapore Dollars, you might find the rates in DBS (the local Taipei branch) quite competitive. For folks from elsewhere who are bringing in USD, you can change money in the airport. The spread is slightly less than 1%. In the city, it is advisable to change money at large banks such as Bank of Taiwan.
• Transport Passes: If you foresee yourself taking buses and the subway in Taipei, it is advisable to purchase their local transport pass – the Easycard . You get 20% discount for public transport rides in Taipei. It also works in Kaohsiung’s public transport system as well as for supermarket, convenience store and other places. At the end of your trip, you can refund any unused amount with a mere TWD 20 service charge. 

Where to stay in Taipei

citizenm taipei hotel

Taipei has a plethora of accommodation options but the city is most well-known for its boutique hotels – some of which have “branches” throughout the capital. I personally enjoyed staying at citizenM Taipei Northgate with its high-tech rooms and beds situated just next to the window with panoramic views of the city. The property is also 5 minutes walk to the airport MRT station and 15 minutes walk to Ximending. Alternatively, the amba Taipei Zhongshan will attract those who are into a clean, all-white and minimalist theme. You can also check out more Taipei hotels HERE   to compare for the best prices.

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February 23, 2018 at 12:45 am

Great post Bino. I agree that Taipei is a feel-good place. I visited for the first time last month on an independent trip with a friend. I went to Huashan 1914 Creative Park on a cold and rainy day expecting it to be indoors. Ha ha! Ended up spending most of my time watching a movie in the SPOT cinema. It was interesting reading about your suggested itinerary. I wrote my own version of a 2-day itinerary on my blog!

September 3, 2019 at 3:01 pm

SIR BINO, YOUR TAIPEI TOUR WAS VERY INFORMATIVE. GOT LOTS OF IDEAS. AM SURE YOUR WRITE UPS ON TAIPEI WILL HELP OUR SEPT. 2019 TRIP TO TAIPEI MEMORABLE MORE POWER TO YOU. GOD LOVES US ALL. THANK YOU.

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The Ultimate Taipei Itinerary For 1-5 Days

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

Planning a trip to Taiwan? I have the perfect Taipei itinerary that I tried and tested during my trip. From shopping to cityscape views, nature, history and culture, I’m confident it has it all!

TAIPEI ESSENTIALS Accommodation  – Booking.com / Hostelworld Getting around – walk / MRT / bus Activities: GetYourGuide / Viator Guidebook: Lonely Planet Taiwan Staying connected: unlimited 4G SIM card

Read next: the ultimate 2 week Taiwan itinerary

Taipei is a city that I tried to make sense of by comparing it to other places. It has the quirky culture of Japan, the language of China, the clean and efficient subway of Singapore and the affordable prices of Malaysia . It’s new and modern, yet the retro housing blocks and long-serving tea stands are a throwback to several decades prior. With Mandarin shop signs lit up against neon backgrounds, it feels like a smaller and calmer Hong Kong.

Why is it that we need to compare places to make sense of them? For whatever reason, I do it all the time. I hit the streets of Taipei in search of sights, sounds and smells that would familiarise me with the city and allow me to someday say ‘this reminds me of Taipei.’ Because really, Taipei isn’t quite like anywhere and that’s what makes it so special. This urban hub of 2.7 million is Taiwan ’s capital city, blending ancient Taoist temples with the bright lights of Ximending, the city’s answer to Harajuku. 

Read next: 25 travel tips for Taiwan

How long to spend in Taipei?

Like many cities, you could rush around the sights in a day or so. However, many of the best things to do in Taipei are actually in the surrounding countryside: thermal landscapes, national parks, hot springs and scenic ex-mining towns will keep you busy. I would suggest spending at least 3 days in Taipei . You can see a lot during this time and explore three different night markets during the evenings. To help you do exactly that, I’ll share my Taipei itinerary for 3 days. For me, 5 days in Taipei was optimum. I took most of my day trips by public transport to reduce my Taiwan budget and allow me to spend a full day in each place.

If you have 3 days in Taipei or less, day tours are a good idea. You could see 3 places (which took me 3 days to visit on public transport) in just one day. I recommend GetYourGuide and Viator for these.

Stay connected with a Taiwan SIM card

SIM cards in Taiwan are relatively affordable so, to stay connected on the go, order one in advance for airport pick-up . You can get cards for 3, 5, 7 10, 15 or 30 days with UNLIMITED(!) data starting from US$8.

Getting around Taipei

Taipei is an easy city to get around with excellent public transport. Your best options are…

MRT – the Metro network is efficient with over 80 stops, serviced by six lines differentiated by colour. Not only is the Metro map easy to follow but the trains are clean and regular. My one word of warning? There’s a strict no-food policy. I once got told off for taking a sip of water. Yikes!

Tip – get an EasyCard before you begin your Taiwan itinerary. You’ll get a discount on MRT, bus and ferry journeys plus you can pre-load them to save time on buying individual tickets. Buy yours now to pick up at the airport.

Taxi – yellow taxis are easy to flag down and not too expensive, or there’s Uber. You can even call taxis from ibon machines inside 7-11 stores. For a fun and touristic way to get around, there’s also the Taipei sightseeing bus tour stopping at all the top attractions like Taipei 101 and Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.

Pick up a $5 Taipei fun pass for unlimited public transport and Maokong Gondola.

Where to stay in Taipei

• Hostel: For a top-rated hostel in Taipei centre, it doesn’t get much better than Flip Flop Hostel Garden. This spacious hostel is filled with natural light and includes a shared lounge, sun terrace, tour desk and kitchenette. Check availability from $21 .
• Budget hotel: for a clean and conveniently located budget hotel in the heart of Taipei, stay at If Inn . Rooms come with daily housekeeping, coffee makers, a desk and a TV.  Check availability from US$45 .
• Mid-range: Just 5 minutes from Taipei Main Station and the Artist Village, K Hotel Tianjin features air-conditioned rooms, a 24-hour front desk, delicious breakfast, and facilities for disabled guests. Check availability from US$72 .
• Splash-out: With a fabulous outdoor pool, lounge area, fitness centre, terrace, bar, and restaurant, the views alone make a stay at Hilton Taipei Sinban worth it. Each modern room has a city view and includes an abundant buffet breakfast. Check availability from US$222 .

Taipei itinerary for 3-5 days

There’s so much to do in Taipei and some amazing attractions in the surrounding region. I would suggest beginning with a city day to get your bearings before heading out on a few day trips.

Wander Ximending, Taipei’s coolest hood

Ximending is called the Harajuku of Taiwan for good reason: it’s colourful, neon-lit, busy and extremely quirky. Wandering around this neighbourhood is a good way to get to know it. 

There are countless bubble tea cafes and food stands around Ximending. It’s a place for young people to hang out with friends, shop and eat.

Things to do in Ximending:

• Shop or catch a show at the Red House – this red-brick venue is packed with quirky stores in the day and cool bars at night, plus there’s a theatre where you can catch cultural shows 
• Watch street performers – there’s always something weird and wonderful going on in Ximending!
• Try your luck at amusement arcades – in particular, claw machines are all the rage here. It’s very tricky to win at them, as I know after developing an unhealthy obsession!
• Eat at Hot Star – TFC (Taiwanese Fried Chicken) is what’s hot here. I devoured an enormous fried chicken slab bigger than my head. I was stuffed but had no regrets.
• Catch a movie – there are tons of cinemas packed into Ximending since it was once known as the country’s theatre district. If you’ve been travelling a while, sitting back with a good film might be just what you need!
• Eat EVERYTHING – there’s so much delicious street food in Ximending from straight-up delicious dishes to unusual specialities like stinky tofu. I dare you to try it!

Take a walking tour with TourMeAway (Saturdays, 2pm)

I’d recommend TourMeAway’s free Old Town Taipei tour for an informative explanation of Taiwan’s eventful history. From the ice age to Japanese rule, European involvement and Chinese martial law, they explained everything perfectly.

So rather than me try to fill you in, I suggest you take their Old Town Taipei tour which runs on Saturdays at 2pm. It’s free but you should pre-book on the Tour Me Away website.

If you’re more into food than history, consider their Hunger Game Tour focussed on the weirder and more wonderful foods on offer in Taipei. It’s a bit of an eating challenge (perfect for me!) with stinky tofu, sweet potato balls, chicken skin and feet, oyster noodles, herbal jelly milk tea and taro ball dessert. It’s a bargain at 700 TWD for 12 dishes shared with the group.

Visit National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Right in the centre of Taipei beside Liberty Square is the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall dedicated to the former President of the Democratic Republic of China. It’s 76 metres tall with a giant statue of him inside.

Learning about the history of Taiwan at the museum is a must for your Taipei itinerary, or you can just take a few moments to browse the iconic temple.

Longshan Temple

I wasn’t blown away by this Buddhist-Taoist temple but maybe that’s because I’ve seen so many around Thailand and Malaysia lately. It’s one of the places in Taipei to experience the culture so it’s worth a visit. Longshan was built in 1738 and has survived numerous natural disasters and wars. There’s a pretty, manmade waterfall just across from the main temple building, and entrance is free.

Huaxi Night Market

Just around the corner from Longshan Temple is one of Taipei’s most vibrant night markets, Huaxi . Although the famed dish to sample here is snake soup, you’ll be forgiven for tucking into a less adventurous dinner like beef noodle soup, tempura, dessert waffles and more!

Head up Taipei 101 or see it from the Xiangshan Trail

I seek out a cityscape view whenever I can. In Taipei, many travellers pay to visit the Taipei 101 observation deck . If you do this, buy your ticket in advance to avoid queuing. For a free alternative, the Xiangshan Trail is a steep climb made bearable by the fact you’re surrounded by nature as you go. From the top, you have a spectacular view of Taipei including Taipei 101, once the tallest building in the world.

Sunset is a great time to capture your dreamy Instagram shots, although prepare for it to be very busy.

Day 2 Taipei itinerary – Yangmingshan National Park and Beitou

Yangmingshan is one of Taiwan’s nine national parks and the closest one to Taipei. It’s just 11 miles from the capital and you can drive there in under an hour making it an easy day trip. Popular sights are the Flower Clock that chimes on the hour, the hot springs and the Qingtiangang Grasslands walking trail.  Getting to Yangmingshan:

• Hire a car using Rentalcars.com
• Take a day tour with GetYourGuide
• Use public transport : catch shuttle bus #260 from behind Taipei Main Station, or the Red Line MRT to Shilin and transfer to buses #R5 or #260.

The benefit of driving or taking a tour is that you can add a second fantastic destination to your Taipei itinerary on the way home…

Beitou Hot Springs & Thermal Valley

To unwind in Taipei, swing by Beitou Hot Springs . This area is known for its bubbling thermal pools, created by the underground volcanos that pushed Taiwan out of the ocean in the first place. Apparently, ancient people referred to the area as ‘witch’ and wouldn’t go near it, speculating that the water was bubbling straight up from hell.  During Japanese rule, the springs became a playground for wealthy colonialists. After the Japanese left Taiwan, this scene dissolved. Nowadays, Beitou is visited by tourists who marvel at the steaming Thermal Valley, and locals who wallow in the Public Hot Springs.

Continue your Taipei itinerary at the Hot Springs Museum which only takes a few minutes to look around, then check out the library next door, designed in the shape of a giant ship. Afterwards, head to the Thermal Valley (no entrance fee) to get a sense of Beitou’s natural powers. Finally, visit the Public Hot Springs and soak with the locals. This costs 40 TWD, plus 20 for a locker. Bring your swimwear and follow the rules on the boards. Getting to Beitou: I suggest you visit on the way back from Yangmingshan but, if coming from Taipei, take a 25-minute direct train from Zhongshan. From Beitou station, it’s a 15-minute walk to the springs or you can transfer one stop to Xinbeitou and be right there.

Shilin Night Market

Shilin Night Market is a great market to visit on your way back from Beitou. This is a modern and vibey night market where you can try everything from noodles to bubble tea and the national dish of stinky tofu (I’m not a fan).

Day 3 Taipei itinerary – ride the Pingxi Line

The Pingxi Line is a train line departing Ruifang (a station easily accessed by train from Taipei) visiting several fantastic locations. Once you’ve seen each one, hop back on the train to the next.

Shifen is the most popular destination along the line. Many people skip the rest of the line, just visiting Shifen and the cute town of Jiufen (not on the line). I’ve saved Jiufen until tomorrow assuming you have time for a full 5 day Taipei itinerary. However, if you have just 3 days in Taipei, you could visit both Shifen and Jiufen today (more details to come).

Start with…

Houtong Cat Village

If there’s anywhere in the world that would have a cat village, it’s Taiwan. People here love anything cute and quirky, fitting this village to a tee! You’ll find well-loved felines lounging around, being pampered by tourists and generally ruling the roost. There are also cat-themed cafes, a lot of gift shops and stunning views over the Taiwanese countryside. Getting to Houtong Cat Village : Catch a train to Ruifang and transfer to the Pingxi Line. You only really need an hour to look around so it’s a quick and quirky addition to your Taipei itinerary. 

Shifen is set alongside an old-fashioned railway line that’s still in use today. When people aren’t dodging the train, they’re writing wishes on giant paper lanterns and releasing them into the air.

Later, continue further to Pingxi Old Street on the Pingxi Line. Here you can experience another cute village with traditional lanterns and tasty street food stands before heading back to Taipei. 

Related activity: Pingxi sky lantern & Shifen Waterfall tour from Taipei

Day 4 Taipei itinerary – Jiufen 

Jiufen is a hillside town overlooking the mountains and ocean with adorable teahouses and a thriving food market. As an old mining settlement, the village is a throwback days of colonial Japanese rule. After exploring the village, why not soak up the surrounding area? Jinguashi region – easily accessible on foot – is full of treasures like old gold mines, waterfalls and shrines. Climb Teapot Mountain for beautiful views if you’re feeling energetic. 

Getting from Taipei to Jiufen: the easiest way is a direct bus. The 1062 goes from Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT while the 965 goes from Beimen MRT exit #2 to Jiufen Old Street. Alternatively, take the train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station and board a bus to Jiufen.  The best option for a guided tour (great for meeting other travellers) is a Jiufen & northeast coast highlights tour inc Jinguashi for US$40 . Another option if there’s a group of you is a private transfer to Jiufen or Shifen for US$30 .

Only have a 3 day Taipei itinerary or simply want more time soaking up the city? Save a day by combining days 3 and 4. Squeeze Houtong Cat Village and Shifen into the morning then catch the Pingxi Line train back to Ruifang Station and board a bus to Jiufen Old Street.  Follow my Jiufen & Shifen day trip guide . Be sure to start early!

Day 5 Taipei itinerary – Yehliu Geopark

The weird and wonderful scenery of Yehliu Geopark is totally different to anywhere I’ve been before. It’s not even similar to the Taiwanese countryside surrounding it. The rock formations and craggy landscape are straight out of Mars, peppered with 4,000-year-old fossils.

Meanwhile, the crashing waves are constantly reshaping the towering rock formations. Many of these are bizarre-looking, resembling the profiles of people or household objects. Don’t miss the Queen’s Head or the Fairy’s Shoe named after their resemblance to these things.

Read next: Visiting Yehliu Geopark from Taipei

Getting to Yehliu Geopark: Catch the 1815 bus from Taipei Main Station or take a day tour including Keelung Harbour ($40) . 

Time-saving tip – if you’re on a tight Taipei itinerary, there are tours visiting Shifen, Jiufen and Yehliu Geopark during the same day .

Alternative day 5 itinerary

Since my suggested Taiwan itinerary includes several day excursions, I decided to insert an alternative day that you can follow instead of one of the day trips above. This will allow you to soak up more of the city if the idea of several day trips sounds tiring. Here’s what I’d recommend doing during another city day…

National Palace Museum

Northeast of the city centre just past the Shilin district is one of Taipei’s best museums detailing 8,000 years of history. The number of artefacts and relics total over 700,000! 

With so much to see, you could easily spend half a day here. Check the website to see events and exhibits happening during your visit

Entry is NT$350 or buy an e-ticket in advance to avoid queuing. Open from Tues-Sun, 9am-5pm.

For the afternoon, here are a few options : Huashan 1914 Creative Park – this colourful creative park boasts vibrant street art, boutique shops and sculptures. Another similar one is Songshan Creative Park , an old tobacco factory converted into a modern art and design complex. 

If you like creative parks and you’re heading down south, Pier Art 2 is one of the top things to do in Kaohsiung , Taiwan’s second-biggest city.  Take a walk in Daan Forest Park – dubbed the ‘lungs of Taipei’, this sprawling 26-hectare public park is the best place to get some fresh air and feel at one with nature. It’s free to enter and open 24 hours a day. Visit Xingtian Temple – to delve deep into Taiwanese culture, visit some other temples. Although it’s built in traditional style, this modern temple is dedicated to the god of businessmen (and businesswomen too, I hope!). It’s an atmospheric place to glimpse local life.

Food in Taipei

Part of the joy of visiting Taiwan is all the fantastic food! From typical Asian dishes to unique Taiwanese dishes (some sweet and some savoury), it’s a food lovers paradise. Although this topic is too big to cover here, these are a few of my favourite places to eat in Taipei…

Read next: 22 best Taiwanese dishes to try

Try soup dumplings at Din Tai Fung

Moreish xiao long bao are best eaten in one mouthful as they contain juicy pork in a small serving of flavoursome soup. They’re famously served at Din Tai Fung which was voted one of the top 10 restaurants in the world. There are a few different branches in Taipei but I tried them in the basement of Taipei 101, something you can time around a visit to the observation deck.  Tip – if you don’t fancy a long wait, visit at the opening time of 11am. This is what I did and it was getting busy when I left 30 minutes later. 

Eat bizarre ice cream flavours at Snow King

For a quirky addition to your Taipei itinerary, head to Snow King for some of the best (and strangest) ice creams in Taipei. There are bizarre flavours including chicken skin and pork knuckle as well as normal ones like cherry and vanilla. Then, there are some in the middle including basil, cinnamon, sticky rice, taro, beer and wine! I went with basil and it was surprisingly tasty.

Night markets in Taipei 

The number of night markets in Taipei is crazy but it just reflects Taiwan’s fixation with food (not that I can talk!). Apparently, when you greet someone in Taiwan, you say ‘have you eaten?’ rather than ‘how are you?’. I love this – it’s the real issue, right? The answer to ‘how are you?’ is always ‘fine thanks and you?’ which makes it kind of redundant. ‘Have you eaten?’ can result in being offered a snack, and there is nothing redundant about snacks.

Raohe Night Market – when you say ‘Taipei night market’, most people will think of Shilin but I preferred this busy local market with an emphasis on real authentic food. The pork pepper buns are to die for! Shilin Night Market – the beast of Taipei night markets, it’s hard to tell where this one begins and ends. It takes up the whole central area of Shilin, and shops and cafes stay open late to join the party. You can shop for clothes, people-watch from a bar or stick to the street food stands. Linjiang Night Market – I liked this market which is more like Raohe than Shilin, tightly packed with lots of authentic food stands. Here you can try dumplings, shaved ice, authentic Thai & Vietnamese food, fresh clams and lots more. It’s near Taipei 101 so you could combine both into one outing. Huaxi Street Night Market – this is nearby to Longshan Temple and characterised by the giant Chinese archway. It’s the oldest night market in Taipei and also known as Snake Alley. Here you can sample famous snake soup any time of day or wait until sundown when the vibrant food market gets underway. Many Asian tourists visit for the herbal medicine products on offer. Jingmei Night Market – this very local market in the south of the city is where I explored with TourMeAway during their Hunger Game tour. While I’d highly recommend this, you can also visit by yourself and get stuck into endless local delicacies. Here you’ll find unusual foods including stinky tofu and chicken feet as well as tasty treats like steamed buns and ice cream.

Thanks for reading my Taipei travel itinerary!

Check out my other Taiwan blogs:

• The ultimate 2 week Taiwan itinerary
• How expensive is Taiwan? Complete budget guide
• Solo travel in Taiwan
• 17 Taiwan tips for travellers
• Guide to the Rainbow Village Taiwan
• The 20 best Taiwanese foods to try
• Taipei to Jiufen and Shifen
• How to plan a Taroko National Park day trip
• Things to do in Kaohsiung Taiwan
• 10 Taiwan facts to know before visiting

See you next time for more adventures,

Ps. Liked my 5 day Taipei itinerary? Pin it for later!

TAIWAN QUICK LINKS Getting there – it’s easy to arrive by flight. I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. Stay connected with an unlimited 4G SIM card for 3, 5, 7, 10, 15 or 30 days. In my opinion, Lonely Planet offer the best guidebooks. Get the latest Lonely Planet Taiwan . Car hire – I recommend RentalCars.com for car hire in Taiwan and around the world. For Taiwan High Speed Trains , use 12Go . The search feature allows you to compare prices and durations. I use Booking.com for accommodation. They have the best range of hotels and self-catering apartments, plus you can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. For activities, I use GetYourGuide and Viator as they both have a huge range of affordable tours. Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and tips!

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

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Sample TAIPEI ITINERARIES with Budget Estimates: 1-7 Days

Taipei is the bustling and vibrant Taiwanese capital. This metropolis has extensive public transportation networks that make it easy to travel to different parts of the city. It also has an interesting mix of tradition and modernity, shopping and dining centers, and plenty of activities that easily fill a couple of days’ itinerary.

The city has a number of markets, both old and new, that are worth exploring. You’ll see all sorts of items sold and laid out on the sidewalk or street, small to medium-sized stalls or flashy shops with neon signs, or large buildings that offer the latest brands. You’ll also see a variety of street food and restaurants that offer irresistible dishes. The Shilin Night Market and Ximending are two famous destinations that cater to your need to shop until you drop and eat till your heart’s content.

You could also do a couple of whole day trips from the city. Yangmingshan is an ideal place to go to for nature lovers with its many hiking trails and viewing points. Yehliu Geopark is a natural wonder with its uniquely rugged beautiful rock formations.

Tip: For a hassle-free trip, rent a pocket wi-fi!

Pocket Wifi Rental is more convenient because you just need to connect to the device, which can accommodate up to 5 devices at once. Klook’s wifi rental service also provides unlimited 4G data with no decelaration to 3G. You can pick it up at Taipei Taoyuan Airport. The number of available units so reserve one as soon as you can.

If you’re flying to Taipei soon, here are some sample itineraries that TPT co-founder Yoshke Dimen built. You may follow this but please take note of the following:

• All itineraries assume you’re flying in and out of Taipei Taoyuan International Airport.
• The 2-day to 7-day itineraries assume you’re staying near Taipei Main Station. It’s a great location because everything is accessible from here.
• Book your tickets and tours with Klook. I have provided links where you can purchase tickets or book tours. These are affiliate links, many of which offer discounts. You’ll also help our blog in the process if you purchase tickets via Klook.
• The fares and prices are just estimates. It’s meant to give just a ballpark figure. The actual costs may vary. Estimated costs do not include shopping budget and other expenses that are not indicated.
• Total cost estimates are bloated. We added a bit of allowance. Better overestimate than under.

As always, feel free to make some tweaking to any of these itineraries to match your flight schedule or preferences.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

Taipei Itinerary for Layover: 1 Day

A day is simply insufficient to discover all that Taipei has to offer; however, if that’s the time you got, might as well make the most out of it. Here’s our layover itinerary for those just stopping by.

This itinerary will allow you to see all the most iconic attractions within the city center including the National Palace Museum, Chiang Kai Shek Memorial, and Taipei 101.

Cost Estimate: NT$1800 (USD59, EUR51, SGD80, PHP3150), excluding airfare.

Taipei Itinerary: 2 Days

This 2-day itinerary will let you see attractions in Taipei City including Taipei 101, Shilin Market, and the National Palace Museum, as well as villages and destinations outside like Shifen, Jiufen, and Yehliu Geopark.

Shifen and Jiufen have quaint old town vibe that provide you with a glimpse of its past. Jiufen has the building that was the inspiration for one of the locations in the anime movie ‘Spirited Away. Shifen is near a spectacular waterfall too.

Cost Estimate: NT$2900 (USD94, EUR82, SGD130, PHP5070), excluding airfare and hotel.

Taipei Itinerary: 3 Days

This itinerary gives you more time at the top observatory of Taipei 101, the city’s most iconic landmark! It is a modern architectural wonder that lights up the night sky as soon as sunset comes. You can go up to the viewing platform to get a bird’s eye view of the bustling metropolis.

I scheduled it at sunset so you get to enjoy the view during daytime and when the city lights come to life.

Aside from that, you’ll also get to see the National Palace Museum, Shilin Night Market, Martyrs’ Shrine, Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen and Shifen.

Cost Estimate: NT$3300 (USD107, EUR93, SGD147, PHP5770), excluding airfare and hotel.

Taipei Itinerary: 4 Days

This itinerary is almost a clone of the 3-day version above, but with an added free day.

I always like having one free day when I would just walk around the city aimlessly and check out shops and cafes. For this itinerary, I made the last day a free day so you have time to do whatever you want other than tour. You can use this time to shop around or just relax.

Day 4: FREE DAY, DEPARTURE 09:00am – Wake up call, pack up 11:00am – Hotel check out, leave bags 12:00nn – Lunch, NT$150 01:00pm – Free time 06:00pm – Dinner, NT$150 07:30pm – Pick up bags 08:00pm – MRT to Airport, NT$160 09:00pm – Flight check in

Cost Estimate: NT$3800 (USD123, SGD170, PHP6650, EUR107), excluding airfare and hotel.

Taipei Itinerary: 5 Days

This itinerary will take you to the following sites: National Palace Museum, Martyr’s Shrine, Shilin Night Market, Chiang Kai Shek Memorial, Sun Yat Sen Memorial, Taipei 101, Presidential Office Building, Jiufen, Shifen, Yehliu Geopark, and Yangmingshan National Park with a Beitou hot spring stop!

Day 5: FREE DAY, DEPARTURE 09:00am – Wake up call, pack up 11:00am – Hotel check out, leave bags 12:00nn – Lunch, NT$150 01:00pm – Free time 06:00pm – Dinner, NT$150 07:30pm – Pick up bags 08:00pm – MRT to Airport, NT$160 09:00pm – Flight check in

Cost Estimate: NT$5500 (USD179, SGD246, PHP9590, EUR154), excluding airfare, hotel, and tips.

Taipei-Hualien Itinerary: 6 Days

This 6-day itinerary will take you to Taipei, Yehliu Geopark, Shifen, Jiufen, and Hualien! You will also have an entire day to see the magnificent Taroko Gorge.

Of course, the usual tourist attractions within Taipei like Taipei 101, National Palace Museum, and Shilin Market are also covered in the first few days.

Day 4: TRANSIT TO HUALIEN 06:30am – Wake up call, hotel check out 08:30am – Puyuma train to Hualien, NT$440 11:30am – Walk to hotel 12:00nn – Hotel check in 12:30pm – Lunch, NT$150 02:00pm – Martyr’s Shrine 02:40pm – Walk around town 03:30pm – Back to hotel, rest 07:00pm – Cab to night market, NT$100 07:30pm – Night Market, Budget: NT$250 09:00pm – Cab to hotel, NT$100 10:00pm – Lights out

Day 6: DEPARTURE 08:00am – Wake up call, pack up 10:00am – Hotel check out, leave bags 11:00am – Lunch, NT$150 12:30pm – Puyuma train to Taipei, NT$440 03:30pm – MRT to Airport, NT$160 04:30pm – Flight check in

Cost Estimate: NT$6400 (USD208, SGD287, PHP11200, EUR180), excluding airfare, hotel, and tips.

Taipei-Hualien Itinerary: 7 Days

This 1-week itinerary is another version of the 6-day itinerary above, except with an added FREE DAY in between.

Stops include key attractions in Taipei, Jiufen, Shifen, Yehliu Geopark, Hualien, and Taroko Gorge.

Day 4: FREE DAY 09:00am – Wake up call 11:00am – Hotel check out, leave bags 12:00nn – Lunch, NT$150 01:00pm – Free time 06:00pm – Dinner, NT$150 08:00pm – Back to hotel, pack up 09:00pm – Lights out

Day 5: TRANSIT TO HUALIEN 06:30am – Wake up call, hotel check out 08:30am – Puyuma train to Hualien, NT$440 11:30am – Walk to hotel 12:00nn – Hotel check in 12:30pm – Lunch, NT$150 02:00pm – Martyr’s Shrine 02:40pm – Walk around town 03:30pm – Back to hotel, rest 07:00pm – Cab to night market, NT$100 07:30pm – Night Market, Budget: NT$250 09:00pm – Cab to hotel, NT$100 10:00pm – Lights out

Day 7: DEPARTURE 08:00am – Wake up call, pack up 10:00am – Hotel check out, leave bags 11:00am – Lunch, NT$150 12:30pm – Puyuma train to Taipei, NT$440 03:30pm – MRT to Airport, NT$160 04:30pm – Flight check in

Cost Estimate: NT$6700 (USD218, SGD300, PHP11700, EUR188), excluding airfare, hotel, and tips.

*cover image purchased from Shutterstock 2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣8️⃣ • 9️⃣ • 1️⃣0️⃣

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Have you tried the “Taipei Double Decker bus tour”? is it Worth It? or Can we just ride local buses and MRT on our own? Which is more time/money saving?

Taking the MRT and local buses on your own is more pocket-friendly. :)

Dear Sir Greetings from Bangladesh. we have 60 business people like to visit Taiwan for 5 nights 6 days from January 24th with 3 star hotel twin share basis. please let me know the tour itinerary and cost. thanks

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Home » Asia » Taiwan » Taipei

EPIC Taipei Itinerary • Plan Your Trip in 2024 (ATTRACTION GUIDE)

Taipei, the magnificent capital city of Taiwan, offers all the magic and wonder that we’ve come to expect from the cities of Southeast Asia and the far east! This city is a modern metropolis mixing Western, Chinese, and Japanese influences.

The city is known for its numerous street-markets including some famous street-foods that we’ve all come to love. The heart of this thriving city is, of course, its people! Getting to know the people behind the culture will go a long way while visiting this incredible destination!

If the bustling city is not your thing, there are heaps more things to do in Taipei than just explore its metropolis! Just outside of Taipei you’ll find thriving, luscious jungle terrain that seems untouched by human hands. Nature-lovers and city loathers will be able to craft an entirely different and unique itinerary for Taipei!

Whatever it is you’re looking for on your travels, Taipei is bound to provide! Here’s the latest and greatest, as well as the most ancient of relics, that the city has to offer – all packed into the one-stop Taipei itineary !

A Little Bit About this 3 Day Taipei Itinerary

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Taiwan has a unique history and culture that you won’t find anywhere else in Asia. The Taipei night markets and delicious street food scene are also something to be embraced.

It has something for every traveler: hot springs, incredible national parks, and world-class museums. You’ll never run out of things to do in Taiwan!

Whether you’re backpacking Taiwan or just planning a mini 3 day Taipei itinerary, there are some phenomenal options jostling for a spot on your list! I’d personally suggest taking at least two-three full days to explore the city.

If you want to see all of the important landmarks you could fit everything into 24 hours. But that guarantees a lot of stress. There are scenic spots on the outskirts of the city, that you should take your time to see.

In this itinerary, you’ll find three days packed with culture, history, and adventure. But don’t worry, you won’t have to rush from A to B trying to fit everything in.

I’ve chosen the ideal daily structure, added times, routes to get there and suggestions on how long you should spend at each spot. Of course, you can add your own spots in, swap things around, or even skip some places. Use this itinerary as inspiration instead of a fixed plan to get the most out of your trip!

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3-Day Taipei Itinerary Overview

• Day One: Visit Bopiliao Old Street | Reboot at The Cat Coffee Garden | Visit Taipei 101 | Admire Taipei 101 from Elephant Mountain | Sunset at Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf
• Day Two: Visit the National Palace Museum | Visit the Liberty Square | Visit the Daan Forest Park | Visit the Huashan 1914 Creative Park | Visit the Thermal Valley | Let a Bird Tell Your Fortune
• Day Three: Pingxi Lantern Release | Spend a night in Ximending | Visit the Wufenpu District | Take your own Temple Tour

Choosing where to stay in Taipei is easy. It offers a diverse range of accommodation for every type of traveler!

Taipei itself is very budget-friendly, especially when it comes to accommodation choices. But don’t let that fool you! If you’re looking for something a little fancier, Taipei offers plenty of luxury accommodation too.

Taipei is divided into twelve districts. Xinyi is Taipei’s financial district and is a bustling hub of activity 24 hours a day.

If you’re into the city-that-never-sleeps kind of vibe, then Xinyi is the district for you! The shopping and restaurant options are limitless!

Wenshan is a district of Taipei, but is nestled in between the mountain ranges and feels far removed from the bustling city. If you’re looking for some great views of the natural surroundings, look no further.

It’s also great if you’re looking for some good ol’ peace and quiet! Wenshan is not very popular with tourists; it’s visited mainly by locals looking for a break from the city. They do, however, welcome tourists with open arms!

Best Hostel in Taipei – Meander Taipei

The Meander Taipei Hostel is arguably one of the best hostel in Taiwan ! Great interior design gives the hostel a very modern feel. Large, open communal areas encourage visitors to bond and make friends. This makes it a great place to stay, especially for solo travelers!

Their rooftop terrace is a great place for socials and mingling! Sleeping areas are very private for a hostel setting and give you the ability to spend some time by yourself.

Best Airbnb in Taipei – Charming Room in Prime Location

Located in the heart of Taipei this cosy little studio is a perfect choice.

Right in Ximen, you are just a few steps away from lots of the best restaurants, boutiques, cafes, and charm that you come to Taipei to see. You can’t beat the price with everything this room has and it’s a perfect base for enjoying your ultimate Taipei itinerary! If you want to stay at one of the overall best Airbnbs in Taipei , look no further than this home.

Best Budget Hotel in Taipei – Cho Hotel 3

This quaint hotel is the perfect place to stay in Taipei if you’re on a budget but you’re not sure about the hostels in Taipei . Neat, clean, and modern looking room designs make for a lovely dwelling while you’re staying in Taipei!

The hotel offers 24-hour service, so you’ll never feel neglected or alone! The location of the Cho Hotel 3 is a great plus. Located right next to a subway station, you are within easy reach of all the best sites in Taipei. Plus, you’ll be close to the Red House, Huaxi Street Tourist Night Market and Qingshan Temple. With so much action happening all around you, you’ll cut your travel costs during your stay in half by choosing this conveniently-placed dwelling!

Best Luxury Hotel in Taipei – Mandarin Oriental Taipei

This luxury hotel leaves nothing left for you to desire! If you decide to stay at the Mandarin Oriental Taipei you may just never leave the hotel. This gorgeous hotel boasts great service and the facilities lack nothing!

A full fitness center, equipped with a sauna and yoga classes, is available if you need to work out while staying in Taipei. The location is just a 5-minute drive from the airport and a mere 10-minute drive from the shopping district!

The first day of this Taipei itinerary will take you through some of the best places to visit : Old Taiwan history, stunning nature spots, and of course, indulge in some uniquely Taiwanese culture as well.

9:00AM – Visit Bopiliao Old Street

Feel like you’re stepping back in time as you visit this ancient portion of Taipei city. The houses on Bopiliao Old Street were built during the Qing dynasty – between 1600 and 1900. If you want culture, this is a great place to check out Taiwan’s cultural history!

This block is also a great place to take some photos, so enter the scene, camera ready! You’ll get the chance to explore the streets by yourself and chat with the people that live there. This is often the best way to add value to your experience of a city!

Ji Yuan Vegetarian is a great little spot just a 2-minute drive from Bopiliao old street! It serves all vegetarian food, as is a tradition in Taiwan, but it’s incredibly tasty and can be enjoyed by vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

On your way into the Old Town, make sure to stop by the Longshan temple, a Taipei confucius temple that is ornately decorated and beautiful.

• Getting there: From Taipei Main Station, take the MRT to Lungshan Temple Station and walk from there.
• How long should I spend there: Around 1-2 hours should be enough time.

10.30AM – Reboot at The Cat Coffee Garden

Studies show that spending time with cats can lower your risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. So if you’re looking for an excuse to visit the incredible Kitten Coffee Garden, I’ve just given you one: your general health and well being!

Although I wouldn’t necessarily promote animal tourism , I think these cats are very playful and enjoy a lot of attention. So open your heart but don’t overstep the line.

If you’re more of a dog person, I totally understand, and I’m happy to let you know that you’re in for a treat too. There just so happens to be two very friendly dogs that live amongst the cats in the Kitten Coffee Garden.

Food is available at the Kitten Coffee Garden, so be sure to try one of their many delicious Japanese meals. Make sure you order a coffee at the Kitten Coffee Garden, just like everything else there, it’s cat-themed. Be sure to snap a pic for the ‘gram.

• Cost: Free, but be sure to buy a coffee or a snack while you’re there.
• Getting there: It takes 45 minutes from the last stop. Take the MRT to Zhishan MRT Station and walk.
• How long should I spend there: an hour is probably enough time.

Insider Tip: if you’re wanting to go on a family trip, note that children aren’t allowed in the Kitten Coffee Garden. They don’t advertise this fact so it’s important to note before adding it to your Taipei itinerary if you’re traveling with the kiddos.

11.30AM – Visit Taipei 101

Taipei 101 houses many offices and restaurants, and is connected to an adjoining mall. Being so big, it could take you all day to explore, but considering everything else Taipei has to offer, we recommend limiting your shopping time to just a few hours!

If you’d like to spend a whole day here, there are many restaurants and shops to be explored. (Because damn your Taipei itinerary; there’s shopping to be done!) While you’re at it, be sure to buy an extra bag as you’re sure to be leaving Taipei with more luggage than you arrived with!

This incredible skyscraper was once the world’s tallest building! It held this record from the year it was built, in 2004, until 2010 when a skyscraper in Dubai snatched the title.

What makes this building even more fascinating, is its ability to withstand pacific rim earthquakes!

• Cost: Free!
• Getting there: Ride the MRT for 20 minutes. Take the Tamsui-Xinyi line to Zhishan MRT Station.
• How long should I spend there: Unless you want to go up the tower, it shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes to see and get some photos.

1:00PM – Admire Taipei 101 from Elephant Mountain

So you’ve heard all about how incredible Taipei 101 is. But going there isn’t the only way to enjoy its incredible beauty.

The trail up elephant mountain requires a bit of a climb but the view is well worth it. You’ll get to choose from 3 amazing spots with great views.

If you’re not up for too much of a climb, a short set of stairs leading from the parking lot will lead you to your first spot. This is a great spot for picnics or sundowners, as you won’t have to carry your heavy picnic basket very far.

This hike is absolutely free! This means you won’t have to buy a ticket, and hiking at any time is permitted. Night hikes are also becoming increasingly popular because the views of the city that much better!

The best view of all is the one you’ll get of the great Taipei 101. Viewing this great engineering feat from Elephant mountain gives you a great view of the beautiful skyscraper and the twinkling lights of the city below.

If you’re traveling with your better half, this is a Taipei itinerary romantic must-do! It’s not often you get to look down on a bustling lit-up city from a secluded, quiet, and tranquil setting!

• Getting there: it’s a 30-minute hike from the last spot.
• How long should I spend there: You could spend anywhere from 1-2 hours admiring the view.

7:00PM – Sunset at Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf

Known for its sunsets, party boats and seafood, the Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf is an incredible place to spend your evening! Make an evening of it and sip sundowners near the harbor wall. Watching the sunset from this location is nothing less than epic, as myriads of purples, pinks, and reds fill the sky!

We only get to experience around 25, 000 sunsets in our lifetime, (if we’re lucky) so be sure to watch at least one of them from this incredible spot! Regret is the biggest killer of happiness, don’t let this one get you down!

• Getting there: Ride the 757 bus from Elephant Mountain for 2.5 hours.
• How long should I spend there: Spend as long as you want! But it is a long way out of town, so allow yourself plenty of time to get back to your accommodation.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

The second day of this 3 day Taipei itinerary will take you to incredible museums and some not-to-miss nature spots.

9:00AM – Visit the National Palace Museum

The Taipei National Palace Museum houses 700 000 ancient Chinese imperial artefacts and artworks! Some of these are high-quality artefacts that were collected by Chinese emperors. This collection spans over 8000 years of history!

There is nothing more beautiful than experiencing and getting to take in the incredibly delicate Chinese culture and cultural history of Taipei. Spend a few hours taking pictures and enjoying the artwork, this is definitely an experience you’ll want to remember!

• Cost: $1 – $2
• Getting there: Take the MRT to Shilin MRT station and then the 255 shuttle bus to the palace.
• How long should I spend there: It’s a huge complex so it could take anywhere from 2-3 hours to see it all.

11:00AM – Visit the Liberty Square

Explore the rich history hidden within the city of Taipei! Although this city is developing very fast, there are still pieces of history scattered throughout the city! In Liberty Square, you’ll find many historical buildings including the national concert hall, the theatre, and the Chiang Kai Shek memorial hall.

All of these places have a rich cultural history embedded in them that is so worth taking the time to learn about. The architecture is nothing less than spectacular with very obvious oriental influences!

• Getting there: Take the 255 bus back to Shilin MRT station and then ride the Tamsui-Xinyi line to Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall MRT station, and walk from there.
• How long should I spend there: You could spend around 1-2 hours walking around the garden complex.

1:00PM – Visit the Daan Forest Park

The Daan Forest Park covers an impressive 26-hectares of land. This park acts as the lung of Taipei city, producing clean air for its inhabitants. Daan forest contains 2 ponds, a walking path, and an amphitheater – it’s the perfect place to take a stroll!

Expect to see plenty of squirrels and ducks when you’re out and about, amongst the twisted trees. If you enjoy spending time in nature, take some bread crumbs, sit by the pond, and feed the ducks!

The squirrels tend to be rather friendly and may even eat out of your hand. Take some nuts with you, and if you’re lucky, you may experience hand-feeding a squirrel, which would make a very cute little memory to add to your list!

• Getting there: it’s a 20-minute walk from the last stop.
• How long should I spend there: You could spend 1-2 hours here if you really wanted to!

2:00PM – Visit the Huashan 1914 Creative Park

The Huashan 1914 Creative Park is an area in which artists and non-profit organizations can hold events. It has also become a place where theatre groups, sculptors, painters, writers, and movie directors can showcase their work!

If you’re creative, this visit will be right up your alley! Even if you’re not, Huashan 1914 Creative Park is still a must-see in Taipei!

The quirky nature of this park has brought it a lot of attention in recent years. Thanks to the charitable atmosphere, many people enjoy spending a significant amount of time there!

The free display of up-and-coming artists is a great way to showcase all of the city’s talents – whether they’re established or not!

Hello Kitty Kitchen and Dining is a themed restaurant that is just as quirky. From themed decor to themed food, everything has something to do with ‘Hello Kitty’. The food is tasty and the price is not too bad. Be sure to check it out after your stop off at the creative park.

• Getting there: it’s a 15-minute walk from the last stop.
• How long should I spend there: You could spend 1-2 hours here, depending on your interests.

5:00PM – Visit the Thermal Valley and Beitou Hot Springs

The thermal valley is one of the most popular attractions in Taiwan! Minerals in the water, including sulfur, cause the water in the valley to boil. Locals often refer to the thermal valley as hell valley because of the intense heat that is emitted.

Naturally, the water in this valley reaches a scorching 90 degrees Celsius. This causes a constant stream of steam to rise up out of the valley.

Despite the heat, the steam makes for a beautiful site and the valley is a great place to take photos. It’s a beautiful gem for anyone backpacking Taiwan and a not to be missed place to go in Taipei.

Kahurangi Cafe is a great place to stop off after a very warm visit to the thermal valley. After that experience, you’ll need a refresh! Serving good ol’ American pizza and beer and located just a 3-minute drive from the thermal springs, it’s the perfect place to refresh and refill after a sweaty trip.

While you’re in the area, you can check out the Beitou Hot Spring Museum and hot spring spas.

• Getting there: Ride the MRT from Zhongxiao Xinsheng MRT station on the Zhonghe-Xinlu Line, then change onto the Tamsui-Xinyi line to MRT Beitou Station and walk from there.
• How long should I spend there: You could stop off at a spa here and spend all afternoon soaking in thermal waters, but if you are just going to see the pools, then an hour should suffice.

7:00PM – Let a Bird Tell Your Fortune

“ So how does this work exactly? ” you might be asking. Well, no, the bird doesn’t speak directly to you.

When you step inside the cubicle, Big Luck Master will fly onto your shoulder so you can whisper in his ear. You need to let him know what fortune you’re addressing. He’ll then choose a tarot card he deems appropriate to tell your future.

Is it a scam? Who knows, but it’s something every local will tell you that you need to experience while visiting Taipei. Who are we to say whether this bird is a fortune-telling genius or just well trained?

A stall in the Langshan station underground mall might hold the secrets to your future. Step inside the small cubicle to find your fortune teller, ‘Big Luck Master’ the bird, waiting patiently for you.

Because the stall is located inside the underground mall, you’ll have so many food choices to choose from. Mi Jiao Izakaya Restaurant serves amazing Asian food and incredible sushi. Eating in the underground mall is an experience all on its own. Making this your choice of food stop makes the experience that much more unique.

• Getting there: Take the MRT to Langshan MRT Station and exit directly into the underground mall
• How long should I spend there: It will take you 30 minutes unless you stop for food.

Meander Taipei

The Meander Taipei Hostel is arguably the best hostel in the city! Great interior design gives the inside of the hostel a very modern feel.

• Free breakfast

If you are planning on staying for more than just a weekend in Taipei, then you’ll need a few more activities to fill up your itinerary. There are plenty of awesome things to get up to in Taipei, so don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

Here are a few extra things you need to add to your itinerary if you’re planning to spend more than 3 days in Taipei:

Pingxi Lantern Release

• Paying only for your lantern, join in on the festivities of releasing a lantern in a big group of people.
• Spend precious time with the locals and get to know them on a personal level.
• Join in on the festival of a lifetime if you’re in Taipei when it’s happening.

The Pingxi lantern releases take place all year round in the Old Street area! A lot of people decide to release lanterns around the train tracks as it’s a nice open area and you’ll be able to see your lantern for ages as they float up into the atmosphere! If you’re traveling with a group, be sure to all release you lanterns at the same or similar times. Seeing your lanterns drift upward in a group is an extra special sight!

The Pingxi Lantern festival happens once a year. Just watch the dates as they change every year. If you happen to be in Taipei over this period of time, it’s worth the time it takes to check out!

It’s a very surreal experience and will make for a truly magical evening! Standing in a group of thousands, all releasing lanterns is something you’ll very rarely be able to experience anywhere else so don’t let this opportunity pass you by!

The lanterns are released in batches, the first batch being released at 6:30 pm and the last batch being released at 9:00 pm.

The Shifen Old Street train tracks are the perfect place to buy your lantern at a decent price; release it when the evening light starts to fade and grab a bite to eat from one of the many street vendors that frequent that area! If you’re traveling with your other half then this is the perfect way to spend a romantic evening abroad!

Spend a night in Ximending

• Explore the thriving nightlife in the neighbourhood of Ximending.
• Spend time at quirky souvenir shops and stalls.
• Ximending is a neighborhood in Taipei that’s often thought of as the shopping district, attracting 3 million shoppers per month! But Ximending comes alive to another extent at night. If you’re into the party scene, this is an experience you won’t want to miss! This neighborhood is home to a variety of clubs and pubs for everybody’s taste.

Talking about taste, if you’d like to tantalize your taste buds, or shock the hell out of them, visit Snow King for a variety of freaky-deaky flavors! If you’re looking for flavors a little more tame on the tongue, don’t worry, they’ve got those too. Every ice-cream craving can be satisfied at this very strange little shop!

The neighbourhood of Ximending is home to theatre street, a street that houses a collection of, erm, theatres. This is a great way to start your night out with some top-class entertainment! Before the evening light fades, be sure to check out graffiti street. This street displays the artwork of a variety of street artists some of who are incredibly talented!

Pre-drink at the Driftwood taproom, where you can experience Taiwan’s finest beer! From there, prepare yourself for a night out on the town. Visit one of the many clubs you’ll find in the neighborhood and party-hard. That’s what this neighborhood does best!

Visit the Wufenpu District

• If you’re looking for a new wardrobe, this just might be the place to start!
• This district is devoted to bringing you affordable clothing! You’ll find alleys filled with vendors and stalls selling clothing at great prices.
• Whether you’re looking for quirky clothing or fashionable street style, they’ll have something for you!

Take your time, or even take a full day, exploring the ins and outs of this massive street market. This market can be described as a shopper’s paradise! Make sure that you visit in off-peak hours or risk being bombarded by crowds!

Bargain-hunters scurry from stall to stall finding the best deals of the day so visiting early might be a good idea! The market is open from 1 pm – 11 pm every single day, so even if you’re busy during the day, you’ll have the night to explore for some great deals.

You can expect to pay between 100 NTD and 500 NTD ($3-$16) for most items, but it’s always fun to challenge yourself to find the best deals. Tuesdays are generally the best days to visit as these are the days the stallholders refresh their stock.

Take your own Temple Tour

• Guided tours are great but sometimes you want to explore by yourself. Take yourself on a tour to explore the many temples in Taipei area!
• This can be a deeply spiritual experience so it honestly might be better without a guide, this way you have the freedom to choose how long you’d like to stay and which parts of each temple you’d like to spend the most time at!
• Most temples are free to visit but they may ask for a small donation towards the maintenance costs of the building.

Mengjia Longshan Temple was built in the 1700s by Fujian immigrants! This beautiful temple has been damaged by many fires and earthquakes over the years but has always been well-restored!

The temple was built to worship the God of mercy, Guanyin. However, you can find hundreds of other statues found throughout the grounds! The temple is fairly big, with 5 main sections, and the temple itself is guarded by statues of mythical creatures like dragons and phoenixes!

The Baoan Temple is located in the Datong District of Taipei. It was awarded the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage award!

The temple was originally erected in the mid-1700s. And since has been updated multiple times to become the vibrant temple it is now!

In the temple, you’ll find many stone sculptures! In the front hall, you’ll find the most impressive of the stone art collection, dragon columns that stretch up to the ceiling!

A folk art festival is held at the temple every year. Here you’ll find parades, opera performances and surprisingly a free health clinic! Although this may seem out of place, it is actually bang-on theming. The temple was created to praise the god of medical knowledge, Baosheng Dadi. Spend some time taking in the many artistic traits of this incredible temple!

The Ciyou Temple is dedicated to Mazu, the goddess of the sea, who is said to watch over all the fisherman and sailors that dock in her harbor!

The temple is near the ocean for that reason. There is a legend that has traveled through Taipei for centuries about how and why the temple was built! A traveling monk is said to have made Taipei his home for a while, he joined up with a group of Mazu followers and they teamed up to raise the money to build the temple.

All-in-all, Taipei is home to a wide array of stunningly beautiful temples. Make sure you add that little cultural whirlwind to your Taipei itinerary!

Enjoy the night markets

One of the most unique things to do in Taipei is to enjoy some delicious street food at one of the many night markets. One of the most traditional delicacies is stinky tofu, which you will 100% smell before you see (well, it is called stinky tofu!) It doesn’t taste as bad as it smells, but it is quite a powerful taste.

You also need to try bubble tea, which originates from Taiwan. Bubble tea can be found on nearly every corner in Taipei. It’s like Starbucks in New York City, it’s everywhere.

The most touristy night market is the Shilin night market, but the Raohe night market is also a great place to enjoy some street food.

You’ll find night markets in most districts in Taipei city, and they are all much of the same. Just make sure to visit them on an empty stomach!

Taipei doesn’t experience the huge swing in its temperature and climate during the year that would create four definitive seasons. But the weather should play a major role in what time of year you plan your trip to Taipei!

The rainfall difference between seasons is quite significant and could be the difference between staying inside your hotel room or roaming and exploring the streets of Taipei throughout your trip! Not everyone minds the rain, but it’s important to take note when planning an itinerary in Taipei!

Winters in Taipei are usually the busiest time because of the many festivals. While these are also the coldest months in Taipei, it never really gets “cold” here except during the dead of night.

Spring in Taipei is a good time to visit as the rain hasn’t started yet and the crowds are taking a break. Taipei’s rainy season is on the horizon though so watch out.

Taipei summers are hot, humid, and very wet. This is prime cyclone season, which means that storms come frequently. Visitor numbers are a lot lower during this period.

Autumn in Taipei is hands-down the best time to visit. The weather is great, the crowds are minimal, and the prices are excellent!

The gorgeous city has something for everyone. A bustling nightlife, juxtaposed with a rich cultural history and plenty of great shopping spots. In fact, there is so much going on and so many places to visit in Taipei that you may be overwhelmed with options.

The good news is that getting around Taipei couldn’t be easier. Their well-connected MRT metro system means you are never far away from an MRT station, making it really easy to navigate your way around the city. It’s also super affordable too.

Taipei also has a reliable bus network. The buses in Taipei are quite reliable and comfortable. Usually, I would only recommend taking the bus if you want to visit the National Parks such as Yangmingshan national park on the outside of the city, but the metro tends to go quite far out of the city center, so it might not be needed to take a bus.

You can also easily connect to other areas in Taiwan from Taipei Main Station quite easily.

Taxis are common in Taipei and the drivers are safe and honest. It is the most expensive form of transport, but if you are in a hurry to the Taiwan Taoyuan International airport, then you shouldn’t worry about taking a taxi.

Taipei is a lovely little tropical island that forms part of Taiwan! Although Taiwan is very safe,  it’s important to make sure you’re keeping an eye out for any danger that might arise: natural and manmade. So what are the dangers you should be looking out for?

• Typhoons – These storms bring plenty of wind and water. As scary as this sounds, it’s important to understand that many of these are not too dangerous, however, some of them could pose a threat to your travel plans in and around Taipei! Obviously, avoiding Typhoon season (summer) reduces this risk and check the local weather forecasts.
• Health – Although Taiwan isn’t exactly rampant with diseases, it’s still important to make sure you’re appropriately vaccinated before visiting Taiwan (Hepatitis A and, to a lesser extent, Hepatitis B). Stay hygienic and stay smart.
• Streets – Although paling in comparison to many of the more chaotic cities in Asia, the roads in Taipei (and the drivers) are still not on the same level as Western countries… they’re way more fun! Until your used to arcade-rules, make sure you keep a watchful eye and observant ear when crossing the street.
• Crime – The crime rate in Taipei is very low! Muggings are almost unheard of but pickpocketing is known to happen from time to time. Just follow standard safety practices and you should be fine.

Other crimes rarely happen in Taipei and if you’re a solo female traveler, you’ll be happy to know that you’re safer in Taipei than most other countries in Europe!

Travel Insurance for Taipei

It wouldn’t be a justified Taipei itinerary guide if I didn’t recommend that you take out good travel insurance before you travel to Taipei. That’s how you prepare properly after all.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

You probably have some questions while you’re planning your Taipei itinerary. No worries! Because I’ve got answers.

How many days are enough for Taipei?

3-5 full days in Taipei will give you plenty of time. You can see the city’s top tourist attractions without rushing too much then.

What should you include on a Taipei 3-day itinerary?

Don’t miss these awesome Taipei experiences: – Bopiliao Old Street – Taipei 101 – Elephant Mountain – Liberty Square

Where should you stay if you have a full Taipei itinerary?

Xinyi is a great base. You’ll be in the heart of the action here. Zhongzheng is another great alternative with loads of transport connections.

What are the best day tours from Taipei?

Enjoy a scenic tour to Jiufen, Yehliu, and Pingxi, head out to Taroko Gorge, or visit Thousand Island Lake & Pinglin Tea Plantation.

Taipei is an incredibly beautiful city to visit no matter your taste in travel experiences. Whether you’re a solo traveler or traveling with your pack, Taipei has different experiences for all situations!

The thriving nightlife in Taipei is one you need to experience, and be sure to put some money aside for a shop-till-you-drop experience. Needless to say, keep some space aside in your travel bag for all the added extras too!

The cultural experiences are more than abundant and the natural surroundings make for some great exploratory adventures!

If you’re planning a Taipei itinerary, be sure to add some of these activities to your ultimate adventure plans: you won’t be sorry! Travel safe and enjoy your journey, I’m sure it will be filled with amazing memories and adventures!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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Girl Eat World

A girl's adventure in food and travel around the world, taipei itinerary: complete travel guide and things to do in taipei.

So, I’ve been pretty lucky to have been able to visit Taipei multiple times in the past decade. In total, I’ve visited Taipei three times: Once when I was a newbie traveler in 2011, then once more in 2018 when I got to go on a food marathon , and then most recently after COVID restrictions were lifted in 2023.

From the fact that I kept coming back, you could tell that I really enjoyed my time in Taipei. After all.. what’s not to like? The city is easy to travel in, you can find affordable and delicious food anywhere, and the people are friendly and polite. Taiwan is definitely one of my favorite countries to visit, so I’m here to impart my knowledge to make your trip to Taipei easier!

Taipei Travel Tips for First-time Visitors

How many days should i spend in taipei, when is the best time to visit taipei, how to get to taipei city from the airport, how to get around taipei, where to stay in taipei, what to eat in taipei.

• Taipei Itinerary Example

What to do in Taipei

Recommended trips from taipei.

One of the reasons why I kept coming back is because Taipei is a very safe and tourist-friendly city. I saw it as a combination of Japan, Shanghai, and Singapore. When you don’t have to worry about safety, things are cool and dandy. I was not concerned to go by myself, even as a solo female traveler.

Here are some tips that would make your trip even easier:

1. Buy a prepaid SIM Card – I cannot stress how important it is to have an internet connection during your visit to Taiwan, especially if you don’t speak the language. With an internet connection, you can easily find directions, research on the go, and translate what you need to say into the local language.

You can get your prepaid SIM card here and pick it up when you are at the airport. The pickup counter is located right where you exit the immigration section.

I find that the validity of the SIM card excludes the day of activation. For example, I bought a 5-day SIM card – I landed on April 19 in the afternoon and activated the SIM card right away, and the SIM card worked until April 24 at 23:59.

2. Buy an EasyCard – EasyCard is the transport card used across Taiwan. It works on the local trains as well as buses. You’ll definitely want to get the card so that you can use public transport easily while you’re in Taiwan.

You can get your EasyCard here and pick it up when you are at the airport.

I recommend preloading it with around NT$ 400 of balance, depending on how long you’re going to be in Taiwan. A train/bus ride usually costs NT$ 15-18 per way and the airport MRT costs NT$ 160 one way. Don’t worry about putting in too much money – you can return the balance of the EasyCard later at the end of the trip, minus NT$ 100 for the cost of the card.

3. Buy Taipei attractions tickets via Klook – During my time in Taiwan, I bought all of the ticket attractions from Klook. It was super easy as Klook provides direct entry for most attractions, meaning you don’t need to redeem another ticket – just show the QR code from your voucher!

What is Klook? Klook is the leading travel and experiences booking website in Asia. And yes, they are legit! I personally always book my activities through them whenever I am traveling. See my review of Klook here .

4. Download Google Maps – This is my tip for pretty much every destination. Pre-download Google Maps so that you can use it when you don’t have the internet on your phone. Not only that, it will help you keep your data usage down! Here is how to download maps offline .

5. Download the traditional Chinese language pack from Google Translate – Taiwan uses traditional Chinese, so download the traditional Chinese language pack from Google Translate! You can then use this to take a picture of any text you need to be translated and Google will provide a translation for it. It doesn’t always work perfectly, but it’s better than nothing.

6. Download Uber – Uber basically owns this city. From food delivery to ride-sharing, you can get it easily via Uber. I’m pretty sure I don’t need to explain what Uber is to you, just make sure you have the app downloaded on your phone. I find that the Uber rate in this city is very reasonable, and might be cheaper than taxis.

7. Luggage storage at the train station – If you need to check out of your accommodation and your flight is not til night time, there are plenty of lockers at the station, especially major stations like Taipei Main Station. Also, don’t be deceived by the size of the locker from the outside – each locker can fit a lot! We managed to fit 2 of our carry-on luggage and 3 backpacks inside. Just make sure you remember which lockers you’ve put your stuff into because the main station is huge and you don’t want to lose your luggage later on.

8. Monitor the weather – If you happen to visit during rainy or colder months, you can monitor the weather forecast here or see the rain weather radar here . That said, on my recent visit it was forecasted to rain a lot, but in the end, it only rained on the first day. I also find that the rain is not too bad – usually just a drizzle.

9. Go on a free walking tour in Taipei – This is a great way to get yourself familiarized with Taipei, while learning the history and culture of Taipei. The tour is free, but tips are encouraged!

Taipei is a large city. You won’t run out of things to do here. If this is your first time visiting Taipei and you want to see most of the must-do things, I recommend spending at least 2 days in Taipei, maybe 3 days if you want to take things slow or if you want to take day trips outside of Taipei.

I would recommend visiting Taipei from March to April when the weather is still somewhat cooler and there is not much rain. Starting from mid-May, it might get hot and a little bit rainy in Taiwan. There is also a possibility of typhoons in the region around September or October. November to December might also be a good time to visit when it’s not yet too cold.

I personally visited Taiwan in April, May, and November. Out of those times, I feel April was the best for me personally. In April, the weather in Taipei is still cool, but not too cold. There could be some rain but in my experience, it was only minimal, barely a drizzle.

Getting to Taipei City, where you’d likely be staying, is easy from the Taoyuan Airport. Here are some ways you can get there:

1. Take the Airport MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) from Taoyuan Airport

Taking the MRT to Taipei City is really easy from Taoyuan International Airport. From Terminal 1 or 2, once you’ve exited the immigration area, just look for the sign that says “MRT”. The train will take you to Taipei Main Station, and from there you can resume your journey via the Taipei Metro train to the closest station to your destination.

The MRT journey from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei Main Station will cost NT$ 160 , while the metro will cost NT$ 18 per ride.

Use Easy Card – All of the train journeys, including the airport MRT, can be paid for by just tapping the EasyCard at the gantry, which is why I recommend buying the EasyCard and pick up at the airport !

When taking the MRT from Taoyuan Airport, make sure you take the express train and not the commuter train! It will be about 15 minutes faster because there are fewer stops. You can check the train schedule on Google Maps.

2. Private Car from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei City

If you’re traveling with a lot of luggage, you might want to book your own private car to take you from the airport .

A quick search seems to say this is cheaper or comparable to taking Uber or Taxi. It cost us NT$ 1,200 to take Uber to our hotel in the Zhongxiao Fuxing / Da’an area, but only NT$ 1,080 using the link above to the same destination.

3. Take an Uber or Yellow Taxi

If all else fails, Taxi and Uber are plenty in Taipei. For a quick price reference, it cost us NT$ 1,200 to take Uber to our hotel in the Zhongxiao Fuxing / Da’an area from the Taoyuan International Airport.

As I said before, Taipei is a really tourist-friendly city. And part of the reason why that’s so is because it’s easy to get around in Taipei! Here are your options:

By Train (Taipei Metro) – This is my favorite option to explore Taipei. Taking the train is the most convenient method: it’s safe, clean, and most of the instructions will be in English. The train comes every 5 minutes and there are plenty of stations close to most tourist attractions. A ride on the train costs NT$ 18 per ride.

By Bus – The bus in Taipei is not a terrible way to travel. Most bus stops in Taipei will even have a display sign that tells you when the next bus will arrive. However, the frequency of the bus is way less than the train. Some buses might even only come once every 30 minutes. A ride on the bus costs NT$ 18 per ride.

Ride-sharing via Uber – I’m pretty sure I don’t need to explain what Uber is to you. I find that the Uber rate in this city is very reasonable. I took Uber many times when I was in Taipei when I don’t feel like walking or dealing with public transport.

Yellow Taxi – The yellow taxi can be easily hailed in the city and other touristy spots. They are a good alternative if you don’t want to use Uber.

Any location close to a metro station would be good, but I would recommend staying near the following stations specifically:

• Taipei Main Station – This will be convenient if you plan to travel to other parts of Taiwan that might require inter-city travel by train. Most of the journey will begin at Taipei Main Station. It’s also close to other locations like Ximending and Zhongshan station.
• Ximen Station / Ximending – This area is great for shopping with tons of food nearby. It’s fairly close to Taipei Main Station.
• Zhongxiao Fuxing station – on the blue and brown line, easy to reach from Taipei Main Station and takes you from central to west or east (Sun yat sen memorial hall) easily. Zhongxiao Fuxing is a convenient area with lots of shops and restaurants.
• Da’an station – on the red and brown line, easy to reach from Taipei Main Station and takes you from central to west or east (Taipei 101) easily. The Da’an area is very nice and quiet but still has a lot of eateries around.

Here are some of my recommended hotels:

• Kimpton Da An Hotel – Located within a few minutes walk to Zhongxiao Fuxing Station. One of the most convenient locations in the city!
• Star Hostel Taipei Main Station – If you’re looking for a budget dorm near the main station, this is it! The hostel is clean and modern. Their amenities are really nice and the staff speaks English. They also give you a good breakfast for free with each stay. Towels can be rented for NT$ 30. The location is only a 5-minute walk from Taipei Main Station (Y13 exit). A stay at one of the 6-bed female dorms cost me only NT$ 936.

• Hotel Howard Plaza Taipei – This is an older hotel located strategically between Zhongxiao Fuxing and Da’an station. Even though the hotel is a bit dated, their rooms are very spacious. There are tons of buses that stop directly outside of the hotel, and you have the option to walk 7-8 minutes to either Zhongxiao Fuxing or Da’an station.

There is so much good food in Taipei, that I’ve dedicated a separate post for food in Taipei.

For more ideas on what to eat in Taipei, check out my must-eats in Taipei !

3-Day Taipei Itinerary Example

In order to make your trip more efficient, here are my recommended way to group the spots to see in Taipei so that you don’t have to travel back and forth. You don’t need to do them in the exact same order as below, just take note of the grouping!

Day 1: West Taipei

• Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
• Walk around Zhongshan District
• Ximending in the afternoon or nighttime
• Ningxia Night Market for dinner

Day 2: East Taipei

Songshan cultural and creative park.

• National Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall
• Taipei 101 Observatory
• Elephant Mountain trek
• Raohe Night Market

Day 3: Central Taipei and everything else

• National Palace Museum

Huashan 1914 Creative Park

• Shida Night Market or Shilin Night Market

Day 4: Trips outside of Taipei

There are plenty of quick day trips or short 1-2 day trips you can do from Taipei. I’ll elaborate more in the “ Recommended trips from Taipei ” section below. However, if this is your first time in Taiwan, I recommend visiting Jiufen for a quick day trip!

Taipei is a large metropolitan city, and there are lots to do here! In no particular order, here are some things you can do when you’re in the city.

1. Taipei 101 Observatory

As the name suggests, this building stands at 101 floors. It is currently the tallest building in Taiwan. At the time of its completion in 2004, Taipei 101 was even the tallest building in the world, standing at 508m, until Burj Khalifa in Dubai took the throne five years later.

Entry to Taipei 101 is timed, so I definitely recommend pre-booking Taipei 101 tickets online via Klook to guarantee entry at the time you want. Plus, it could be cheaper via Klook sometimes!

The regular ticket gets you access to the observatory on the 88th and 89th floors. There are some photo props up there you’d want to take photos with, but the most exciting part for me is that you’ll get to see the tuned mass damper . This is the technology that is responsible for the stability of Taipei 101 during the event of a strong wind or earthquake.

The mass damper is stationary most of the time (and really, you would want it to be stationary while you’re up there) but you will be able to see a video of it in action during the 2015 earthquake, as well as scientific explanations on how and why it works. Super cool!

You can buy an extra ticket that lets you go up to the 101st floor, but as someone who has been there before… I think the 88th and 89th floors will do just fine. The 101st floor is definitely more quiet, so it could be a good option if you’re after some exclusivity, but it is a lot smaller than the observatory and the view is more or less the same as the 88th and 89th floor.

➡️ Pre-book your Taipei 101 ticket here to ensure you can go at the time slot you want!

2. Stroll around Ximending

Ximending is a popular shopping and eating district in the eastern part of Taipei. The concept is similar to a night market, but the shops are located in actual shophouses inside a building. The area is for pedestrians only, and closed to all cars, making it really easy to walk around in. If you’ve been to Seoul – it’s kind of like the Myeongdong area.

Ximending is a lot more alive on weekends and at night. So if you’re looking for that hustle-bustle atmosphere, consider visiting it on a Saturday or Sunday night. Even if you’re not into shopping, it’s fun to visit so that you can people-watch or see the street performers.

To get to Ximending, take the blue or green metro line to Ximen station , and take Exit 1 or 6. This will drop you to the crossing where you can start your journey into Ximending.

Don’t miss the rainbow street at the entrance for a really cool photo op! This street is right off Exit 6 of Ximen station.

3. Eat your heart out at the night markets

Taiwan Night markets are, to put it in one word, AMAZING! They are the ultimate definition of what a night market should be: bustling atmosphere, great shopping, and most importantly:  a large variety of street food with an affordable price tag!

The most popular night in Taipei food markets are:

• Shilin Night Market  – Shilin needs no introduction. This is Taiwan’s biggest and most popular night market. For most tourists, this is the ultimate night market since it has both: food and shopping!
• Shida Night Market  – I would say Shida is more about fashion than food. I was told this is where Taiwanese students go to find cheap yet fashionable and good-quality clothes. Most of the styles I found were inspired by Korean fashion, which is all the rage across Asia these days. I found some cute earrings for a reasonable price here. That said, you can still find solid food options at Shida too, such as Shi Yun fried chicken and Hsu Ji Shen Jiang Bao.
• Raohe Night Market  – Raohe spans across a narrow street called Raohe Street. While the two rows of temporary stalls in the middle of the street consist mostly of snacky street food and drinks, you can find some night market goodies in the shophouses that line up the street. This night market is extremely popular so expect it to be very crowded over weekends and peak tourist seasons . My favorite food here is the Fuzhou pepper bun.

If you prefer smaller markets that aren’t as crowded, you can try these markets:

• Ningxia Night Market  – In comparison to the other night markets, Ningxia is very small. However, I think they’re great to visit, especially if you are trying to avoid crowds. They still have at least one stall for each famous night market meal. My favorite here is the peanut ice cream stall.
• Nanjichang Night Market  – I have not been to Nanjichang, but I expect it to be similar to Ningxia Market, where it’s slightly smaller and more subdued compared to other markets.

Except for Nanjichang, I have been to all of the above markets. Shida and Ningxia are probably my favorites, simply because I get overwhelmed easily and those markets were on the quieter side. Shilin and Raohe were too big and too crowded for me with way too many options. However, Ningxia and Shida might be too quiet if you’re looking for a bustling night market vibe.

4. Visit Taipei’s Creative Parks

A “creative park” is a concept that exists all over Taiwan. It’s a place designated for modern arts and culture. At these creative parks, you can usually find shops with products made by local designers, art exhibitions, trendy coffeehouses or restaurants, and a space where people can hang out or for live performances. Furthermore, the creative parks in Taiwan are usually located in abandoned old buildings from the Japanese colonial era that have been renovated and repurposed to their current state.

Creative parks are great to visit on Saturday or Sunday, especially if you’re visiting during Spring time in April or May. There might even be some live music, open-air markets, and other activities.

Here are the creative parks you can visit in Taipei:

A former sake factory during Japanese colonial time, located in the center of Taipei. My favorite brand here is Wooderful Life , where they sell kids’ toys and everyday goods all made from wood.

A former tobacco factory in the 1930s. There are plenty of locally-made accessories, clothes, and everyday goods. On the other wing, you can find the Taiwan Design Museum and library space.

16 Creative Boutique

Located at The Red House in Ximending, a former public market, bookstore, cinema, and most recently a theatre. This boutique is much smaller than the creative parks, but it houses similar brands as the two creative parks mentioned above.

5. National Palace Museum

The National Palace Museum is located in the northern part of Taipei, in Shilin. It’s a bit out of the way from everything else, but it’s worth a visit. The museum houses thousands of Chinese artifacts from the mainland.

You can buy tickets to the museum here via Klook . The museum is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm.

One of the most notable items on exhibit at the National Palace Museum is the Jadeite cabbage , a piece of green and white jade that has been carved into the shape of a very realistic miniature of a cabbage. If you go to the museum to see this item, you might find a line of people waiting for their turn to view the jadeite cabbage up close.

However, my personal favorite is actually the item behind it, the meat-shaped stone , which is a piece of jasper stone that has been carved into the shape of a very realistic braised pork belly. Yes, you’ve got to see it to believe it.

6. Hike up Elephant Peak

The hike to elephant peak is very close to the city and can be done easily. It involves a 1.5 km long set of stairs and takes only about 20 minutes to complete. I recommend doing this in the late afternoon, almost at sunset time when the weather is good and visibility is fair.

To get here, simply take the train to Xiangshan station and take Exit 3. From there, the start of the trail is easy to find by just following the Google Maps instructions.

The Elephant Peak trail is a very popular and easily accessible trail, so don’t expect to be the only one here! In fact, when I was there it was very crowded at the peak.

7. Sip on world-famous coffee at Simple Kaffa

If you’re a fan of coffee, you must stop by Simple Kaffa. They rose to prominence when the owner of the cafe, Berg Wu, won the 2016 World Barista Championship.

Simple Kaffa has a few branches around Taipei:

• Simple Kaffa Flagship near Huashan 1914 Creative Park
• Simple Kaffa Sola on the 88th floor of Taipei 101 (Requires reservations and has a minimum spend)
• Simple Kaffa Super Kiosk on Jinshan Rd
• Simple Kaffa The Coffee One on Jinshan Rd
• Simple Kaffa at Taoyuan T2 Terminal Public Area (newly opened!)

The one I would recommend is the Simple Kaffa Flagship store, because of its convenient location. Takeaway coffee is pretty easy – but if you’re thinking of getting a table here, be prepared to wait! The good thing is you can put your name down and then walk around Huashan 1914 Creative Park nearby.

You can also purchase some beans here to take home for about NT$ 450-500. They’ll provide an instruction card on how to enjoy the beans (best enjoyed 10 days after the date printed on the bag, to let the coffee beans age), as well as give you a sticker to cover the slits on the bean bags if you are planning to take it on a flight.

8. Go on a food marathon!

A visit to Taipei is not complete unless you eat until you’re full. There is so much good food in Taipei, that I’ve dedicated a separate post for food in Taipei.

For ideas on what to eat in Taipei, check out my must-eats in Taipei !

With Taipei being the capital city of Taiwan, it’s really easy to travel in and out to the rest of Taiwan. Below are some ideas for trips that you can do easily from Taipei:

1. Jiufen (Day trip)

You can easily visit Jiufen from Taipei as a day trip, or you can extend your trip and include other activities such as hiking up the Teapot mountain.

I’ve written all about visiting Jiufen from Taipei in this post , including all the transportation modes you can take to get to Jiufen!

2. Tainan (1-2 Days)

Tainan is located in the south of Taiwan, and is the oldest city in Taiwan. I recommend setting aside at least 2 days to visit Tainan.

I’ve also written a separate post about Tainan, so be sure to check it out here .

3. Beitou (Day trip)

If you’re a fan of the Japanese onsen (hot spring) experience, you’ve got to come to Beitou.

4. Taichung and Sun Moon Lake (2 days)

Taichung is the second most populous city in Taiwan. Sun Moon Lake is the largest body of water in Taiwan and one of the most popular places to visit in the country. Sun Moon Lake can be visited on a day trip from Taichung.

5. Alishan (1 day)

Alishan is a mountainous region in Taiwan. It’s great for hiking trails, sacred trees, and beautiful sunrises.

And that’s all I know about visiting Taipei! Please leave a comment below if you have any questions or comments about this post. See you in the next post 👋🏻

• January 30, 2024

What’s the weather for in between and end of April? Is it raining often? What to wear also?

Hey there, when I went in April the weather was pretty good. There were some rain but only a drizzle and passed by quick. There was one day when a hurricane passed but it was ok after. It was not very cold too. I only need a light hoodie in Taipei.

• January 3, 2024

Your blog is so helpful! We are planning to go to Taipei in March, and it’s my first time to travel outside the Philippines so I’m really anxious about how to plan the trip. I appreciate the complete details. Thank you so much. All the best! ✨

• February 7, 2024

Hi Sang Hyoon! I don’t know if you’re reading this and I’m planning to go to Taipei too in March! It’s my first time too and I’m very anxious. I hope I don’t mess up and most importantly don’t get too lonely during the trip. I’m visiting from 4-11 March. Maybe we can meet somehow? Good luck with your trip!! ✨

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Taipei Itinerary: 7 Days in Taiwan’s Capital

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Planning a trip to Taiwan? Need help with your Taipei itinerary? These are my suggestions for first-time visitors to Taiwan’s amazing capital. With 7 days in Taipei, you can get a great sense of the city’s culture while also enjoying its beautiful natural scenery. If you don’t have that much time, you can pick and choose from Taipei’s impressive array of temples, museums, night markets, parks, and hikes.

Taiwan is, in my opinion, highly underrated as destination. In terms of nature, it has it all, from beautiful beaches to multi-day mountain treks. Culturally, it is unique, with both Chinese and Japanese influences. The food scene is top-notch. It’s friendly, safe, and affordable. Transportation is well-organized and efficient. 

The capital city Taipei in particular is home to many of Taiwan’s best museums showcasing the island’s art, history, and cultural traditions. There are lively night markets, beautiful temples, and plenty of green spaces. It all makes for a fantastic sojourn, whether for 3 days or 3 months. (And a whole lot of us end up staying longer .) 

Taipei is one of those places where the “top sights” are not necessarily the most interesting or even the most beautiful. Yes, some of them are some of Taiwan’s absolute must-sees. You shouldn’t miss Taipei’s museums, for example, or Yangmingshan National Park. 

But Elephant Mountain? You can skip it; there are much better alternatives among the mountains surrounding Taipei. Longshan Temple? It’s very nice, but it’s also eternally busy, and there are so many other beautiful, peaceful temples in the city. Taipei really rewards you for lingering a little longer and taking time to wander. 

7 days in Taipei: How to get around the city

Taipei has one of the best public transit systems I’ve seen anywhere in the world. The metro (MRT) is safe, clean, and reliable. For anywhere you can’t reach by MRT, there is also a convenient, extensive bus network.

Even though Taipei is quite large, its neighborhoods are very walkable. If you prefer to cycle, you can take advantage of the YouBike bike-sharing system.

When you arrive in Taipei, purchase an EasyCard . This is a contactless transport card you can load at the airport, MRT stations, and convenience stores. You can use it for the airport train, the MRT system, the buses, the Maokong Gondola, YouBikes, and local trains. (You can also use it to pay for your purchases at some convenience stores like 7-11 and Family Mart.)

EasyCards work all over Taiwan. For example, you can use them on the MRT in Kaohsiung, on the various tourist shuttles to and around Sun Moon Lake, on the Taroko Gorge shuttle in Hualien, and on the bus to Sanxiantai in Taitung. 

How many days do you need to see Taipei? 

If you prefer sticking to city sights, 3 days is likely enough time to get a sense of Taipei. If you enjoy nature and hiking, though, I would say you need at least 5 days to even scrape the surface of all that the city and its surroundings have to offer. (And that’s not counting day trips!)

I have sketched out a Taipei itinerary for 7 days below. I think this is the perfect amount of time to see Taipei’s top sights, head out on a few day trip adventures, and take in the city’s character.

I’ve tried to group Taipei’s highlights loosely by geography in order to limit your time spent in transit. Of course you never know what the weather will bring, so I’d be prepared to rearrange your plans if the forecast is calling for downpours!

Taipei Itinerary – Day 1

Let’s start the day, and your Taipei itinerary, with some culture.

Morning: Dalongdong Bao’an Temple, Taipei Confucius Temple, Taipei Fine Arts Museum, and the Ama Museum

Dalongdong Bao’an Temple, located just 10-15 minutes on foot from the Yuanshan Station MRT, is one of Taipei’s prettiest. The temple actually won a UNESCO award for Cultural Heritage Preservation after extensive renovations in the nineties. It features many beautiful examples of traditional Taiwanese temple architecture, with its ornate roof, colorful paintings, and intricate stone carvings. 

Across the street, you can check out Taipei Confucius Temple. This temple is perhaps a little less dazzling, but it has an interesting museum component with educational displays and descriptions. You can learn quite a bit about Confucianism and its role in Taiwanese culture. 

From there, you can walk to several of Taipei’s most notable museums: the Ama Museum and the Taipei Fine Arts Museum. 

The Ama Museum is a small but important museum documenting the experiences of Taiwanese “comfort women” (more accurately referred to as human trafficking victims) during World War II. It is heavy, but definitely worth a visit. 

Featuring modern and contemporary art from Taiwan and around the world, the Taipei Fine Arts Museum is one of the most important art institutions in the country. You can find up-to-date information about current exhibits on the museum’s website .

One of my favorite neighborhoods to walk around and find cute, interesting restaurants and cafes (tucked in between shops overflowing with old car parts) is just south of the Ama Museum, in the area between Shuanglian and Zhongshan MRT stations. (I almost always end up at a little vegetarian place called Macrobiotics , but there are dozens of yummy places to discover in this area.) 

Afternoon: Dihua Street and Dadaocheng Wharf

From there, you can walk west to Dihua Street in the Dadaocheng neighborhood. 

Dadaocheng is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Taipei and a great place to learn about Taiwan’s history and culture. Walking along Dihua Street, you’ll find merchants selling tea, snacks, herbs, spices, dried fish, incense, souvenirs, and other crafts. 

To get your bearings (and a map), you can pop into the Dadaocheng Visitor Center. 

I also recommend a short detour to Dadaocheng Pier Plaza. Walking north on Dihua street, turn left on Minsheng West Road and walk under the underpass to Dadaocheng Wharf. You’ll find a collection of cool sculptures, food stands, and small bars nicely situated next to the Tamsui River.

I’ve only been there during the day, but I imagine the string lights and views across the river would make this a lovely place to sit and enjoy a leisurely dinner and/or a drink. 

Evening: Ximending and Longshan Temple

For a livelier dinner and nightlife scene, continue south to Ximending. This area is full of bright lights and all of the big-name stores you’ll recognize from all over the world. (Think Uniqlo, H&M, Adidas, etc.) There are also plenty of bars, restaurants, and street food stalls.

As mentioned above, one of Taipei’s oldest and most famous temples is Longshan Temple. I mention it here because it’s a quick walk from the Ximending area, and because it’s especially magical in the evening.

Again, I personally prefer some of Taipei’s other temples (including the two I already recommended for the morning). I think you can sleep soundly if you’re tired and want to skip it. If you’re someone who likes to tick off all the top sights, though, you’re already in the neighborhood. 

For a quick bite before or after your visit, Huaxi Street Night market is just 5 minutes away. I wouldn’t characterize it as one of Taipei’s best night markets, but it has the usual fare. 

Taipei Itinerary – Day 2

The first day of this Taipei itinerary was pretty heavy on the city sights. For your second day, I’d suggest heading out into some nature. 

Morning/Afternoon: Yangmingshan National Park and Beitou Hot Springs

In my opinion, the best hike in Taipei is the climb up Mt. Qixing in Yangmingshan National Park. Even if you aren’t a hiker, Yangmingshan is a gorgeous place with plenty of beauty to appreciate. If you’re there in the spring, visit Bamboo Lake to see the calla lilies in bloom! 

There are cafes in the park at the two visitor centers, but definitely pack a lunch, some snacks, and plenty of water in case they are closed. 

Count on at least 3 hours for the Mt. Qixing hike. All in, including transportation to and from the park and trailhead, plus plenty of time to relax and take in your surroundings, it will probably take up most of your second day. 

If you’re up for it afterwards, the Beitou Hot Springs are a few stops north on the MRT. This is really the perfect way to relax your tired muscles and check out one of Taipei’s highlights while you’re (sort of) in the vicinity. (Note that some of the springs are closed on Mondays.)

Evening: Shilin Night Market

If you’re too hungry for that and it’s after 16:00, head on over to the Shilin Night Market! This is one of the most famous night markets in a city known for night markets, and the bus from Yangmingshan Station stops right next to it. 

This is one of those places that is featured on every recommended Taipei itinerary in existence for a reason. I’ve been to a lot of night markets in Taipei, and Shilin really is the best.

Taipei Itinerary – Day 3

Morning: chiang kai-shek memorial hall and yongkang street.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, named for one of Taiwan’s most controversial historical figures, is one of Taipei’s most famous landmarks.

If you approach the monument from the impressive main gate on Zhongshan South Road, you may not immediately realize that the grounds also contain shady, peaceful gardens on the eastern side. They are a lovely oasis to escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy neighborhoods nearby.

You’ll often see people playing musical instruments or practicing Tai Chi. In the spring, this is a nice place to admire the cherry blossoms right in the heart of the city. 

You can also watch the changing of the guards ceremony in the main hall every hour on the hour from 9:00 to 17:00.

From here, you can easily walk to several interesting neighborhoods nearby. About 10 minutes to the east, you have lively Yongkang Street. Just south of Dongmen MRT station, it is full of restaurants, dessert shops, bubble tea stalls, and cute boutiques selling clothing, accessories, and souvenirs.

The nearby streets are home to tons of nice coffee shops, several bakeries, and a small park where you can people watch. There is a small farmer’s market here on the first Saturday and Sunday of the month.

At the northern end of Yongkang street, on Xinyi Road, you’ll find the original location of world-famous restaurant Din Tai Fung .

Early Afternoon: Shida neighborhood and riverside parks

Head south from here and you’ll find yourself in Shida, a neighborhood popular with students. This part of town is similarly bustling, though catering to a slightly younger and more budget-conscious crowd. Grab some lunch, coffee, or bubble tea here, and spend a while wandering the pretty green laneways. 

The Shida neighborhood is also not too far from the riverside. This is a nice area you may want to explore on foot or by YouBike, depending on the time and weather.

Shida road, which is the main north-south route in the neighborhood, turns west when it meets Roosevelt Road near the Taipower Building MRT station. Following it this direction leads you to Taipei City Hakka Cultural Park , where you’ll see an elevated white bridge for pedestrians and cyclists. The bridge leads you to the riverside path.

Late afternoon/Early evening: Maokong Gondola

If the weather is nice, I recommend heading to the Maokong Gondola in the mid/late afternoon. The bottom of the gondola, at Taipei Zoo station, is a few minutes on foot from the eponymous MRT station, the southern terminus of the brown line. 

Note that the gondola is closed on Mondays and certain holidays. You can check its current status on the Maokong Gondola website . If you are dead set on going on a Monday, there are buses that head up the hill as well. The most direct option is the BR15, which stops just across the street from the Taipei Zoo gondola station.

Take the gondola to the last/highest station, Maokong Station. You can pay with your EasyCard. 

From here, go for a lovely stroll on the Zhangshu Trail. The path is easy and flat, and it passes through pretty farmland with views of the Maokong hills, massive Zhinan Temple, and Taipei 101.

It ends at the entrance to Zhangshan Temple, which is small but worth visiting for its impressive views. 

You will likely have noticed quite a few tea plantations on your walk. There are many teahouses in the area where you can sample a cup of locally grown oolong tea. 

On your way back to Taipei, take the gondola just one stop to Zhinan Temple station. This impressive temple is an excellent place to watch the sunset over Taipei without the crowds.

Just note that the main reason for this is that you can’t see Taipei 101 from this vantage point. (You can, however, get a partially obscured view of the tower from the northern side of the temple.)

Taipei Itinerary – Day 4

Day trip to teapot mountain and jiufen.

If the weather is cooperating on Day 4, I recommend venturing a little further afield. Taipei is well-connected to nearby cities (and the rest of the country) by public transportation. There are several spectacular day trips within a few hours of the city. 

In my opinion, the best day trip is a hike up Teapot Mountain followed by an evening eating your way through Jiufen. For more details about the hike, read this post on Teapot Mountain .

For directions to Jiufen, check out this post on Taipei’s most famous day trip . 

Taipei Itinerary – Day 5

Morning: national palace museum.

I think, after three long and hopefully beautiful days outside with lots of walking, the National Palace Museum is probably a good place to start Day 5 of your Taipei itinerary.

Again, if it’s sunny and beautiful outside, and you have a few more days in Taipei, you might want to switch it up. I’d save the indoor activities for the practically inevitable rainy day. (You’ll also want to switch it up if it is Monday, as the museum is closed.) 

Taipei’s National Palace Museum is home to an extensive collection of ancient artifacts and works of art spanning 5,000 years of Chinese history. Much of the museum’s collection was once housed in Beijing’s Forbidden City. The relics were brought to Taiwan by China’s retreating KMT government after losing the Chinese Civil War in the late 1940s. The museum’s highlights include jade carvings, ceramics, bronze artifacts, calligraphy, and intricate paintings. 

The National Palace Museum is massive, and will likely take half the day, at least, to take in. This is an example of a popular tourist attraction that lives up to the hype and really should be included on your Taipei itinerary. 

Afternoon/Evening: Tamsui

Since you’re already north of central Taipei, I would spend the rest of the day in Tamsui. Get back on the MRT and take the red line all the way north to its final stop.

In Tamsui, you can walk through the lively market or along the Old Street waterfront. Both have plenty of shops and food stalls. 

If you are traveling in February or March, you may want to take a detour to Tianyuan Temple . A popular place to view cherry blossoms in the spring, it’s about 15-20 minutes from the Tamsui MRT station by bus. 

If you still have energy for (more recent) history after your morning at the National Palace Museum, check out Fort Santo Domingo. Now a museum, this colonial-era fort was built by the Spanish in 1629 and later occupied by the Dutch and (several hundred years later) the British. If you’re unfamiliar with the colonial history of Taiwan, the various exhibits are quite educational. 

Nearby Hobe Fort dates to the late 19 th  century. Constructed as part of an effort to strengthen Taiwan’s coastal defenses after the Sino-French war, it was never actually used in conflict.  

From Hobe Fort, you’re about halfway to Tamsui’s Fisherman’s Wharf and Lover’s Bridge, a popular spot to watch the sunset. (There is also a ferry from the wharf on Tamsui’s Old Street if you’re not interested in visiting the two historical forts.) 

The light rail from nearby Shalun station will take you back to the red line when you’re ready to head back into Taipei. 

Taipei Itinerary – Day 6

On your sixth day in Taipei, assuming the weather is nice, I would head out for another hike. 

Morning: 9-5 Peak and Thumb Mountain Hike in the Four Beasts Scenic Area

You’ve probably heard of Elephant Mountain – it’s one of Taipei’s most popular attractions. Unfortunately, most people would probably agree that it’s a little  too  popular – the crowds on the trail and the viewing platforms can be overwhelming. 

If you’re up for a longer walk with even better views of the city, I highly recommend the path to Jiuwufeng (9-5 Peak) and Muzhishan (Thumb Mountain).

This trail is located in the same scenic area as Elephant Mountain; in fact, the last half hour or so takes you to Elephant Mountain and down the same crowded path as everyone else. (Sorry.)

I wrote about this hike in detail in a separate post about hiking in Taipei . 

Afternoon: Da’an District

After the Four Beasts, I would spend the rest of the day exploring Da’an District. Some of Taipei’s best cafes and restaurants are located in this area, and you’ve certainly earned a nice meal after your hike.

Da’an Forest Park is a lovely place to sit and relax (or walk, if you have any energy left). This is the largest park in the city, with plenty of grassy space, basketball courts, a massive playground, and an amphitheater for performances in the summer.

On Saturdays and Sundays, you can check out the nearby Jianguo Flower Market. Even though it is absolutely enormous, stretching from the northeast corner of the park to Ren’ai Road, it is located under the overpass. You might miss it if you’re not looking for it.

If you’re in the mood for shopping, head to the area around Zhongxiao Dunhua MRT station. This is a trendy area with local stores and small boutiques. You can also find great restaurants, cute coffee shops, and vegan ice cream! 

South of here, near Xinyi Anhe station, is the famous Linjiang Street Night Market. 

If you want to go up in the Taipei 101 observatory , this is probably a good day to do it since you’re already nearby. It’s open until 21:00 (with the last admission at 20:15).

Alternatively, if you want a sunset view of Taipei 101 itself, you could switch up the morning and evening plans. Explore Da’an in the morning, have a big hearty lunch, and head out on your hike in the afternoon. 

Taipei Itinerary – Day 7

On your seventh day in Taipei, we’re really getting into “choose-your-own-adventure” territory. 

Option 1: Another day trip

If you’re up for it on your last day in Taipei, I would actually head out of the city (again). There are so many amazing things to see in northern Taiwan that are easily accessible with Taipei as a base. 

My second-favorite day trip from Taipei (after Teapot Mountain) is the Pingxi Crags and Shifen . These two are easily combined, as the towns are less than 15 minutes apart by train. You can climb the super-steep crags first, admire the epic views, and then head to Shifen to check out the sky lantern release. 

If you’re in the mood for something more mellow (or if you’re scared of heights), perhaps head to the Bitoujiao Scenic Area instead. There is a beautiful hike here through gentle hills next to the ocean. It’s a fairly short walk, though, so I would recommend combining it with something else to make the trip worth your time. 

You could, for example, spend some time on Fulong Beach and then catch a bus to Bitoujiao. If it’s summertime, you should definitely check out the impressive International Sand Sculpture Festival. (If not, Fulong is still a nice beach for a stroll!) 

You could also hop off the shuttle one stop south and combine the trip to Bitou Cape with a walk along Longdong Promontory. Longdong is a popular place for snorkeling, swimming, and cliff-jumping (for the brave). 

Option 2: Explore more of Taipei

If you’d rather stay in the city, you could head to Neihu and go for a quick hike up Jinmianshan. (I wrote about this hike in a separate post about places to view Taipei 101 without the crowds of Elephant Mountain.) Neihu has a lot of great restaurants and is home to the lovely Dahu Park as well.

Later, you might want to explore Huashan 1914 Creative Park or, if it’s a weekend, check out the food and handicrafts market at Four Four South Village right next to Taipei 101. 

Of course, you can always just pick a neighborhood you like, go for a long meandering walk, pick a nice cafe, and relax! This is one of my favorite Taipei activities. (Actually, it’s one of my favorite activities no matter where I am!)

What is the best month to visit Taipei?

I hope these suggestions have helped you plan the perfect 1- to 7-day Taipei itinerary!

So when should you go? If your timing is flexible, I have some thoughts.

November and March: The perfect months to visit Taipei

In my opinion, the absolute best month to visit Taipei is November, with March also being a great choice. 

In November the days are sunny and warm, but the nights are delightfully cool. If you plan to hike Teapot Mountain, Mt. Qixing, or some of northern Taiwan’s other trails, you will see beautiful silvergrass covering the landscapes. 

In March, spring has well and truly arrived, with nice warm days and beautiful flowers blooming in the city’s parks and gardens. 

February, April, and October: Also very good times to visit Taipei

October and April are also lovely, though warmer. You may still need the air conditioning sometimes, especially to sleep, but these are still great months to visit Taipei. A few weeks on either side of these months can also be quite pleasant, but you’re gambling more with the heat (and potential typhoons) in September and the rain/humidity in early May. 

February is a really nice time to visit Taipei, but keep in mind that the Lunar New Year celebrations sometimes take place during this month. (Check the dates though, because some years the holiday falls in January.) Finding accommodation and train tickets to other parts of Taiwan can be tricky during this time, and popular tourist attractions in the south will likely be mobbed.

If you are just staying in Taipei and don’t mind the inflated prices, though, the temperatures are often really comfortable in February, and it’s usually peak cherry blossom season. 

The winter months of December and January can be a bit hit-and-miss in terms of weather. The first few weeks of December will likely still be quite nice, though starting to get downright cold in the evenings. (Of course, cold is all relative!) There is often quite a bit of rain later in the month, though, which makes it hard to shake that damp chill. 

May, June, July, and August: Wet hot Taiwanese summer

I would really try to avoid visiting Taipei in May and June, as this is plum rain season. For the uninitiated, this is not the “it rains for a few hours but the rest of the day is fine” kind of rainy season you often find in Southeast Asia. The rain comes in fronts, and it is  heavy  – the kind of downpours that make it difficult to do anything. There might be no rain at all, but when a front comes in, it can last days. 

Next up is typhoon season! It’s increasingly rare for a typhoon to actually make landfall in Taiwan and cause serious damage, but there are usually still a few every year. A typhoon warning will really put a damper on your travel plans: everything closes (literally everything – supermarkets, convenience stores, etc.), and you’re required to stay at home.

The bigger problem in July and August is the unrelenting heat. I would really recommend visiting another time of the year if at all possible. So many of Taipei’s top sights are outside, and being outside for prolonged periods is really uncomfortable in the summer months.  

…And that just about wraps up my itinerary suggestions for 7 days in Taipei!

Of course you’ll likely want to make adjustments to this plan depending on the weather and how much sightseeing you like to do in a day. I hope this post has given you a good starting point as you plan your trip to Taipei. 

MORE TAIWAN POSTS

Visiting or living in Taipei:

Guide to Taipei’s best neighborhoods

Taipei’s best hostels: Where to stay on a budget

Living in Taipei as a digital nomad or expat

Hiking in Taipei: Four alternatives to Elephant Mountain (with great views of Taipei 101)

Day trips from Taipei:

Hiking Teapot Mountain and Mount Banping

A day trip to the Pingxi Crags and Shifen

Visiting Fulong Beach in the summer

An easy hike along the Bitoujiao Trail

Visiting Jiufen as a day trip from Taipei

Traveling around Taiwan:

The perfect 3-week Taiwan itinerary

Guide to Green Island: Scuba diving and a scooter loop

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2 Days in Taipei, a Perfect Itinerary

Taiwan advertises itself as the “heart of Asia” and we couldn’t agree more. Rarely have we felt so welcome in a foreign country as we did in Taipei. Not only is the city full of friendly people but it’s also where you can find some of the best food, especially street food! We’ve put together a 2-day itinerary for Taipei that will have you on top of the once tallest building in the world and also take you on a tour of its lively districts and some amazing food!

Table of Contents

A 2-Day Taipei Itinerary for first-timers

Best time to visit taipei.

But before you pack up and go, have you thought about the best time to visit Taipei? We’ve experienced Taipei in the dead of summer as well as late fall and early winter; however, our recommended time to visit is in the fall. Odds are that the weather will be a bit more on the cloudy/rainy side but it’s a more pleasant kind of rain, not the stormy downpour.

During the summer months, not only are the heat and humidity extreme, but typhoons are a frequent occurrence. While there’s no guarantee that a typhoon will hit Taiwan, they are constantly forming in the Pacific and passing by. We were fortunate enough to avoid several typhoons that occurred in August and September; they passed the island and hit nearby countries instead.

But there’s more than just weather to take into account here. What about fellow tourists? There are definitely more travelers during the warmer months, which is another reason we prefer an October-December visit. Fewer tourists and more pleasant temperatures equate to an awesome time in Taipei!

Getting to and from the Airport in Taipei

Taoyuan Airport is likely where you’ll be landing and it’s located well outside of Taipei. So, how do you get from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei central? You have plenty of options and they’re all affordable!

Firstly, you can just hail a taxi and let the driver do all the work for you. If this is your choice, ensure you have plenty of cash on hand. Avoid currency exchangers in the airport! The rate is never as good as an exchanger outside of the airport. An ATM is probably your best bet and if you have a good checking account (like Charles Schwab) then your bank will refund the ATM fees and foreign exchange fees. Woo hoo!

Secondly, you can opt for public transportation. This is our preferred method since it’s much cheaper than a taxi and easy to use. When you arrive at the Airport’s MRT station (metro/subway) there will be some very friendly folks who will help you purchase your tickets at a kiosk. If you don’t need their assistance then just keep moving!

After hopping on the train, it’ll take a good 30 minutes to get to Taipei Main Station. And from there, you’re connected to the rest of the city!

If you’ve never been to a bustling hub in Asia before then be prepared! It will be insanely busy, especially during rush hour, but don’t panic! We were helped by a very kind stranger who saw the panic and confusion in our eyes and we’re certain that someone will do the same for you! Taiwan is known for having a very friendly and helpful population.

How to Get Around Taipei

The best way for travelers in Taipei to get around? The MRT!

The MRT is Taipei’s metro (subway) system and it’s one of the most efficient and clean metros we’ve experienced in the world.

Lines are differentiated by color and single rides run very cheaply! When in doubt, look lost and a local will try to help you. Don’t actually look lost; all we mean to say is that the people are very friendly and would love to help.

If you plan on using the MRT or other public transportation a lot then you should look into a travel pass. They have ones that include just the MRT or the MRT and buses.

2 Days in Taipei – Day One

Taiwanese breakfast.

Start your two days in Taipei by sampling some of the best food in town: soy milk!

Known as a “Taiwanese breakfast”, soy milk restaurants offer up salty, sweet, and savory and in many forms.

There are some must-order items at soy milk restaurants:

Shao bing – A flat, sesame bread covered in flaky perfection. You can stuff it with pork and egg too!

Xiao long bao – A savory pork dumpling filled with steamy broth. You can find this in all overnight markets too!

You tiao – A stick of fried dough. Add this to your Shao bing for the ultimate Taiwanese breakfast.

In addition to the food listed above, you can order salty or sweet soy milk (we prefer the salty!) to wash it all down.

With so many restaurants to choose from in this sprawling metropolis, we’ve done the hard work for you! Check out our list of best soy milk restaurants in Taipei for some of the tastiest spots in town.

Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

One of the most important buildings in Taipei, Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall turns your gaze upward and keeps it there. Chiang Kai-Shek was once the leader of the Republic of China and moved the government to Taiwan in 1949.

After wandering around the surrounding gardens and getting as many pictures of the building as you can, venture inside for a look at the free museum on the ground floor.

However, the real show is at the top. You can reach it by the massive set of outdoor stairs or you can opt for the elevator (or more stairs) inside. Find a large statue of Chiang Kai-Shek and keep an eye on the guards.

The changing of the guard happens every hour on the hour until 4 pm. We think an early morning visit (after soy milk!) is the best time to go. The changing of the guard can get extremely crowded during peak times.

Taipei 101: Best Views Of and From the Tower

Taipei 101 is the most recognized building in the city. It was once the tallest building in the world for six years, eventually dethroned in 2010. However, it has retained every bit of its magnificence, regardless of current rankings.

You can head to the top on one of its high-speed elevators, reaching your destination in a matter of seconds. Tickets for this are not budget-friendly, as it costs around NT$600 ($20 USD) for a general admission adult.

The views upstairs give you 360 degrees of spectacular views, day or night, so its money well spent.

However, even though Taipei 101 should be seen from within, we think there’s another must-see spot nearby that offers a great view of the building itself.

Bring your best walking shoes! Elephant Mountain only takes about 10 minutes to climb but it’s stairs all the way. Your legs will feel the burn but the view is more than worth the effort! We recommend a sunset and evening visit so you can watch the city lights come to life. It would be a great way to end your first day!

Read our complete guide to hiking Elephant Mountain for one of the best views of Taipei 101 and the whole city!

Din Tai Fung

Even though there are many locations nowadays (and in multiple countries) it’s still a requirement for first-time visitors to dine at Din Tai Fung. It originated in Taipei, after all!

There’s a Din Tai Fung inside Taipei 101 but you can find the original restaurant on Xinyi Road, near Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall.

Stop at Din Tai Fung for some of the best dumplings and xiaolongbao of your life! For those unfamiliar with the process of eating xiaolongbao, instructions are provided on how to eat them. Don’t let the directions deter you! It’s quite simple to learn and you don’t have to eat them a certain way.

Most importantly, try your hand at some of the best dumplings in the world. Enjoy!

2 Days in Taipei – Day Two

More taiwanese breakfast.

Ok, if soy milk restaurants weren’t your thing or you just want to branch out, then don’t fear! You can have another famous Taiwanese Breakfast on just about every corner of the city.

7-Eleven and FamilyMart! Convenience stores for breakfast? Seriously?

Yes, seriously!

Jump in line with locals and grab some tea eggs (boiled eggs soaked in tea), fruit, milk tea, and have the cashier warm up a breakfast sandwich for you.

It will be super cheap and super delicious and provide you with some great fuel for your day!

Maokong Gondola and Tea

It feels like a day trip but you’re never that far from Taipei central when you take the Maokong Gondola. Head up to a serene and peaceful spot in the lush, green hills, and look for Buddhist temples along the way.

The Maokong Gondola is a scenic trip up to what some call “Tea Mountain”. Of course, you will find a tea house after tea house so your itinerary up here is simple: drink tea! Lots of tea!

There are plenty of tea houses as soon as you depart the gondola, some touristy and some not so much. Maolan Tea was our tea house of choice. Granted, it’s a little more expensive than other houses but the beautiful view was worth the cost. Enjoy some tea in the sun or shade on their upper floor patio and peek over the hills at the top of Taipei 101 in the distance.

You can hop on the gondola near the Taipei Zoo entrance (you can mix the zoo and gondola into the same day). Tickets are NT$120 (around $8 USD) roundtrip.

There are hiking trails all around so if you’re feeling adventurous in terms of nature, you have a lot of options here. Otherwise, save your energy because there’s a lot of time left in the day!

It’s time to mention another famous Taiwanese food : gua bao. Known as a “Taiwanese snack” or “Taiwanese hamburger”, gua bao is a steam bun that’s cut open, oozing with braised pork.

You can find the best gua bao at Lan Jia Gua Bao. Prepare for a long line near dinner time but it moves quickly! Grab some bubble milk tea before you hop in line so you have something yummy while you wait!

Taipei Botanical Garden

This park is a quiet escape in the middle of the city. Wander around the many paths or find a shady bench to sit and have a rest. You’ll find plenty of locals going about their day, sharing in some quiet time with you.

This is a very diverse botanical garden and best of all, it’s free! One of the best spots in the park is the lotus pond, which is located at the back of the National History Museum.

Longshan Temple

Your next stop is Longshan Temple. This 18th-century icon has had a turbulent history, being destroyed multiple times. However, it has always been rebuilt. Join locals and tourists alike as they appreciate this important structure.

Of course, be respectful to those worshipping but feel free to wander through and observe the intricate architecture of it all.

Night Markets

Lastly, you cannot leave Taipei without sampling some of the best night market food around. From touristy to true local spots, you can find all sorts of food, games, and fun at every night in Taipei.

If you’re looking for just a one-night market to try, we recommend visiting one of the larger ones since you’ll have more options for food. Rahoe or Shilin are perfect options for first-timers. These will be very crowded but will have the biggest sample of street food (like stinky tofu!).

If you’re looking for a more local experience, we recommend Ningxia or Banqiao Night Market. Ningxia is packed to the brim with people, as this market is quite small but centrally located. You will smell the stinky tofu here. There is no escape!

Banqiao is located just outside of Taipei central and is definitely frequented by more locals than tourists. This was our favorite market, as it was never too crowded but always had something delicious.

Fried shrimp and cheese on a stick, flaky onion omelet, bird eggs, fresh juice, and some of the strangest seafood concoctions, you can find whatever you’re stomach desires in a Taipei night market.

The best part, besides the friendly faces that are serving you, is the price! We went crazy at a night market, sampling as much food as we could, and only spent around $10-15 USD. Not bad at all!

So, try your hand at something you’ve never thought of trying before. It might be your next favorite food.

We hope this 2 day Taipei itinerary has helped you in your trip planning. Taipei alone is worthy of an extended visit but don’t forget about the rest of Taiwan as well. Yangmingshan National Park, Taroko Gorge, Kaohsiung, Keelung, the island is full of beautiful places to discover.

Happy travels!

Author Bio: We’re Darah and Garrett, the food-obsessed travelers from Where Food Takes Us and we believe in sharing budget-friendly travel tips and seeking out the road less traveled.

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One Day in Taipei: The Perfect Itinerary Plus Tips!

There’s so much to love about Taiwan’s capital city, Taipei — from the modern streets and efficient metro system to heritage temples, lively night markets, and delicious food. If you’re here on a short vacation or a layover, you can spend one day in Taipei and still have a fantastic time! Here’s a suggested itinerary so you can explore the best parts of the city.

P.S. Don’t forget to read our First-Timer’s Guide to Taiwan .

Walking tour

Lungshan temple, elephant mountain, night market, taipei travel tips, book a taipei day tour, where to stay in taipei city, what to read next:, one day in taipei itinerary.

Here’s the summary of the 1-day itinerary in Taipei. More details can be found below.

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Start the perfect day with a traditional Taiwanese breakfast.

Based on my experience, a lot of restaurants in Taipei open at 9AM or later, but there are breakfast eateries and bakeries where you can grab local breakfast staple.

Some of the Taiwanese breakfast food you should try are congee and egg, bread and soy milk, Taiwanese egg crepe and sticky rice roll, and noodles.

The good breakfast restaurants often have a long line of locals, so look out for those! You may find that a lot of these restaurants have menus written in Mandarin Chinese, but there are pictures to help you choose. I also recommend looking up an eatery in Google Maps before you go so you’ll have an idea on what to order.

Another place you can have breakfast is the 7-11 convenience store. Before you raise your eyebrows, hear me out. The 7-11 stores in Taipei City are different from what you’re probably familiar with. It’s located everywhere and they offer delicious yet budget-friendly rice meals, bread, and coffee. It was one of my go-to places for early and even late-night snacks.

The great thing about Taipei City is that you can explore it by foot.

Start your walking tour in Taipei City at Ximending District (or Ximen for short). Just outside Exit 6 of Ximen Metro Station, you will find a rainbow crossing with TAIPEI painted on it. This is a good place to take souvenir photos. Take note though that it is usually crowded and there are occasional cars passing by this road, so be considerate and look around before you take photos. I was lucky because there weren’t many people around when I came here.

Across the rainbow crossing, you will find the Red House Theater . This was an important art & cultural center during the Japanese era. Today, the theater serves as an artisinal shop that sells items from local artists. In the afternoon, you can see stalls set up outside the theater and at night it transforms into a party area.

From the Red House Theater, walk towards the Presidential Office Building . This is a Renaissance-Baroque building that served as a governor’s mansion during the Japanese period. Today, it’s used as the office for the president of Taiwan. There is really nothing much to do here — just take photos of the outside building and then go.

The next stop is Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall . This is a national monument erected in honor or Chiang Kai Shek, the founder of Republic of China (Taiwan). The hall is located in Liberty Square, with ample grounds and beautiful architecture. At the entrance of the park, you will see the Gate of Integrity. Inside you will find three buildings: National Concert Hall, National Theater, and the Main Hall. The Main Hall is the one at the center. You need to climb up the 89 steps to see the bronze statue of Chiang Kai Shek.

From Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, walk to the MRT and then ride the train to Longshan Temple Station. From there it’s just walking distance to Lungshan Temple.

Lungshan Temple is one of the oldest temples in the Taipei City. It was established in 1738 by settlers from Fujian Province in China. It’s a religious temple that is home to Guanyin, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, as well as other Buddhist and Taoist deities. You can take pictures of the exterior of the temple and walk inside the courtyard to observe people praying. Remember to be respectful and quiet as much as possible.

This temple is probably one of my favorite stops in Taipei City. I haven’t been to a lot of temples in Asia yet and so it was interesting to see the locals pray earnestly. It feels so authentic.

From Longshan Temple Station, ride the train to Taipei 101 Station.

Taipei 101 is an iconic skyscraper in Taipei City. It used to be the tallest building in the world, until its world record was surpassed by Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Here are some things you can do in Taipei 101.

First, have lunch at Din Tai Fung located at the ground floor of Taipei 101. Din Tai Fung is a Michelin-starred restaurant famous for their xiaolongbao (steamed buns). They also have other items in their menu like fried rice and noodles. I liked the food here — the xiaolongbao definitely lived up to expectations. It’s reasonably priced as well.

After lunch, climb up the 89th floor of the building to get to the Taipei 101 Observatory . This offers a 360-view of the surrounding metropolis. There is also a rooftop on the next floor which you can visit.

Book an advanced Taipei 101 Observatory e-Ticket here.

On hazy days, fog covers up the view from above. So if you visit on a rainy or hazy weather, it might not be worth going up the observatory.

It was clear when I visited the Taipei 101 Observatory. It’s nice seeing the surrounding cityscape and knowing that you’re on top of a building. I also went to the rooftop, although it was too foggy to see anything. Just before I left, fog had already started sweeping up the city, so I was incredibly lucky that I was able to get here when the visibility was still good.

After the observatory, you can go down the 35th floor and enjoy coffee at Starbucks . This Starbucks is the highest branch in the world. Prior 1-day reservation is required and there is a smart-casual dress code. If you still have enough time, you can also explore the shopping mall and surrounding areas in the Xinyi District.

After your visit at Taipei 101, you can either walk to the jump-off point to the Elephant Mountain or ride the MRT station to Xiangshan Station.

Elephant Mountain (locally known as Xiangshan) is a popular spot for sunset viewing. You will need to trek for about 20-30 minutes to reach its view deck depending on your pace, where you can see the Taipei 101 building and the rest of the city skyline. The trek is established and is mostly walking stairs, so it’s tiring. Make sure that you’re wearing good shoes and bringing a bottle of water.

At night, head to a night market. There are a handful of night markets in Taipei City. Shilin Night Market is one of the best and it has wide choices of street food and local dishes. It also has budget souvenirs for take home.

Other night markets you might want to consider are Raohe Night Market , the largest night market in Taipei, and Ximending Night Market , a colorful night market in Ximending District with food and shopping stalls.

Food tripping is the perfect way to end this one day itinerary in Taipei City.

Here are some important tips when exploring Taipei City.

• It is easy to explore Taipei because it has an efficient transport system. There are also sufficient signs written in English so you won’t get lost. To commute, it’s best to buy a multi-day pass or Easy Card for use on trains and buses.
• You can explore Taipei City on your own. You can also join free walking tours around Taipei — this is a great way to know more about the spots you’re visiting and also an opportunity to meet fellow travelers!
• It’s easier and cheaper to book tickets to Taipei 101 in advance .
• There are so many places to see and things to do in Taipei City. If you have more days to spend, make sure to visit other landmarks such as the National Palace Museum.

It is easy to do a DIY tour of Taipei, but for those who would like a more convenient option, you can book an affordable Taipei City Day Tour via Klook .

Here are some recommended stays:

Taipei Main Station:

• Budget : Taipei Sunny Hostel | Flip Flop Hostel
• Midrange : Taipei M Hotel | Cosmos Hotel Taipei
• Budget : Cho Hotel 3
• Midrange : Energy Inn | Roaders Hotel | CitizenM Taipei North Gate

Has this itinerary for one day in Taipei been helpful to you? If you have any questions or comments, let me know in the comment section below!

Planning a trip to Taiwan? Here are important guides:

• First-Timers Guide to Taiwan
• 5 Days Itinerary in Taiwan
• One Day in Taipei City
• Best Day Trips from Taipei City
• What to Eat in Taipei City

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Get discounts on your travels!

Enjoy discounts with KLOOK using our promo code: TARALETSANYWHERE

Katherine Cortes is a long-time backpacker and a freelance writer/editor. She likes beaches, snorkeling trips, and relaxing staycations (preferably with bath tubs!).

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Thank you for this post. This was a godsend and led to a fabulous layover in Taipei.

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Taipei Itinerary + Travel Budget Guide for first-timers

I finally achieved my first trip to Taipei thanks to Taiwan’s relaxed tourist visa policy for Pinoy travelers. Despite being so close to the Philippines, I kept skipping Taiwan simply because it was easier to travel to visa-free destinations.

Luckily, Filipinos who what to visit Taiwan in 2019 can now enjoy visa-free entry! If Taiwan is on your bucketlist too, you better go on your trip soon because the visa-free policy is temporary and will end on July 31, 2019.

Why Taipei?

For one, it’s easy to find cheap flights to Taipei from the Philippines and major cities in the region. Taipei promo fares are frequently announced by budget airlines.

Taipei is a bustling cosmopolitan city with a relaxed vibe. It’s home to the iconic Taipei 101, previously the tallest building in the world, exciting food scene, night markets, cultural attractions and natural sights nearby.

What really won me over was the friendly nature of Taiwanese people. Locals are warm, hospitable and likely to help tourists find their way despite the language barrier.

It’s also worth mentioning that Taiwan is an affordable destination to visit, especially compared to similarly developed destinations nearby like Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan and South Korea.

Traveling to Taipei for the first time?  This detailed travel guide will make it easy for you to plan a trip, save money, and maximize your time.

Scroll down to read must-know travel tips before you go, followed by a sample itinerary + budget breakdown , recommended hotels/places to stay , things to do/places to visit and lots of extra travel tips.

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Get Started

How to get to Taipei  — Touchdown at Taipei-Taoyuan International Airport, which serves flights from Manila (2h 20m), Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Cebu (2h 55m) & more. From the Philippines, frequent direct flights are operated by Cebu Pacific, AirAsia and Philippine Airlines.

See all airport-city transfers

Taiwan High-Speed Train (THSR) One Way Ticket

Taipei Airport (Taoyuan) private car transfer

Book your hotel early  — Grab rock-bottom rates and avoid fully-booked rooms by booking online as soon as you know you’re going. Click below to compare discounts and read reviews by other travelers.

Cheapest rates Best hotel reviews

Check prices online and pre-book discounts  — Save money by checking discounts on tours, airport/city transfers & sim card/WiFi hotspots. Booking before you leave also saves you time by avoiding the hassles of bringing large amounts of cash & exchanging currency/money during your actual trip.

See top discounts

Taipei 101 Observatory Admission Ticket

Taipei private car charter (1 day sightseeing)

Yehliu-Shifen-Jiufen Shuttle Bus from Ximen

Spend 3 days or more  — Most travelers spend 3 to 5 days in Taipei. 3 days is enough to visit most major tourist spots in Taipei and places near the city like Jiufen, Shifen, and Yehliu. 5 days is plenty of time to enjoy a relaxed pace. Consider a longer trip if you also want to go to other major destinations in Taiwan like Taichung, Kaohsiung, and Hualien.

Visa-free travel for Philippine citizens  — From Nov 1, 2017 to July 31, 2018, Filipino/Pinoy tourists (Philippine passport holders) do not need to apply for a visa before arriving in Taiwan for trips lasting 14 days or less.

Getting around Taipei  — Exploring Taipei and the rest of Taiwan is very easy, even on your own. A train ride from the airport to downtown takes 35 minutes and costs NTD 160. Or, USD 5.3 / PHP 269. Transport is cheap and getting around by public bus or train is a breeze with the help of the Google Maps. The directions feature is super useful and only works online, so you will need mobile internet to use the app. If you want a more comfortable trip, there are many options for affordable organized transport & tours as well.

Taipei 3G/4G data sim card & pocket WiFi rental (mobile internet access)

See discounts

Taipei Travel Guide Blog

Taipei itinerary, taipei budget, where to stay in taipei.

Travel Tips Before You Go

Places to Visit in Taipei + Things To Do

More Travel Guides & Blogs

What to do in Taipei in 3 days?  Here’s a 3 days & 2 nights (3D2N) itinerary for your do-it-yourself (DIY) trip.

Day 1: Taipei City Tour

Day 2: Beyond Taipei

Day 3: Continue Taipei City Tour

Your travel expenses will largely depend on your traveling style and how much you plan to spend on activities, accommodations & food. To help you set your own budget, here are budget estimates if you follow the 3 days and 2 nights (3D2N) itinerary posted above. Make sure to review all discounts & online booking prices.

I’ve included backpacker budget estimates for food & accommodations to give you an idea of how cheaply you can do the trip. If you have money to splurge on hotels, food, and luxuries, simply use the expenses posted to calculate your own budget.

The areas of Ximending and Taipei Main Station are the perfect base for your sightseeing tour, especially if you are looking for highly rated budget and mid-range accommodations. Book your hotel or hostel near MRT stations for easy transfers to/from the airport and popular tourist spots in the city.

If you are set on a splurge, the best hotels can be found in Xinyi neighborhood, Taipei’s cosmopolitan business district where you can find Taipei 101.

Check discounts See more

Click below to compare rates and Taipei hotel reviews within your budget.

Top-rated places to stay in Taipei

Humble House Taipei

Splurge / Xinyi

W Taipei Hotel

Roaders Hotel

Mid-Range / Ximending

Next Taipei Hostel

Budget / Ximending

Budget / Taipei Main Station

Bouti City Capsule Inn

Where to book

Book your room through these trusted booking sites. I use them frequently to grab rock-bottom prices & enjoy convenient bookings. Click below to confirm the lowest prices:

Booking.com Airbnb Agoda

Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

Taipei Travel Tips Before You Go

How to get to taipei, philippines to taipei, taipei airport to taipei city center, how to find cheap flights to taipei, do i need a visa to travel to taiwan, how to get taiwan currency, how to get around taipei, useful travel apps, where to get pocket wifi or buy a mobile data sim card, where to book tours & attraction tickets, 2 days / 1 nights taipei itinerary, taipei itinerary for 4 days, 5 days or more.

Flights to Taipei arrive at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), the primary gateway to the city and the rest of Taiwan. Travel time from Taipei airport to the city center/downtown area is 35 minutes by train.

Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, AirAsia & EVA Air operate direct flights from Manila to Taipei. Travel time from Manila by plane is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

From Cebu, you can fly with EVA Air, Cebu Pacific or AirAsia. Travel time is 2 hours and 45 minutes.

By train  — Ride the airport express train to Taipei Main Station. The one-way fare is NTD 160 per person and takes 35 minutes. Switch to the blue MRT line to get to Ximen station (1 stop away). The one-way fare from Taipei Airport to Ximen is NTD 180 per person.

By Taxi/Uber  — Taxi fares from Taipei Airport to downtown usually costs NTD 1,000 to 1,200. You can also use Uber for convenient & safe rides in Taipei. Grab is not available in the city.

By private car  — For hassle-free transfers, book a private car with a convenient drop-off to your hotel. You can hire a car that can seat up to 4 people or a multi-purpose vehicle for bigger groups of up to 8 people. Click below to check prices.

The easy way is to search on airfare comparison sites that can show you the lowest prices on multiple airlines in one go.

I use these sites often to find the best airfares. Check as many sites as possible because not all may display the same results. Click below to start your search.

Momondo Skyscanner Wego

Also, check Taipei promo alerts several weeks or months ahead of your trip if you are planning your trip early. The cheapest promos are sold several months to a year in advance of the travel/flight departure date.

To learn more, visit the guide on  how to book cheap flights .

From Nov 1, 2017 to July 31, 2019, Filipino/Pinoy tourists (Philippine passport holders) do not need to apply for a visa before arriving in Taiwan granted that the purpose of the visit is for tourism or transit only. Simply show up at the immigration checkpoint and get your passport stamped. Filipinos usually get a maximum stay of 14 days.

Always remember that all countries have the right to refuse entry to any person. Even if you are eligible for the free tourist visa or already have one on hand at the border.

For a hassle-free trip, make sure that you are able to provide the following:

Valid passport not expiring within 6 months.

Confirmed flight tickets — Especially a flight back to your home country or onward destination that you are allowed to enter.

Proof of accommodation — Hotel reservation or letter of invitation from your friend/family residing in Taiwan.

Evidence that you are able to fund the entire duration of your visit.

Evidence that you are visiting for travel or holiday purposes only. You may show tours/activities that you have pre-booked online.

No criminal record in Taiwan.

Taiwan’s currency is called New Taiwan dollar (NTD or NT$). You should be able to exchange your USD, EUR, GBP, and SGD easily at most money exchange stalls. Don’t exchange a lot at the airport. Branches found in the city usually offer better rates. It’s best to get enough NTD at the airport for a ride to your hotel or first 1-2 days expenses. Then, shop around at the city center for the best rates.

Philippine Pesos (PHP) to Taiwan dollar  — Exchanging PHP to NTD is not popular in Taiwan. You might waste a lot of time finding currency exchange/banks in the city that accept Philippine Pesos. Better bring USD in cash. Or, find a way to get Taiwan dollars before arriving.

ATMs  — I often use my ATM card when I travel abroad. It’s way more convenient than to worry about exchanging cash. Because banks charge a fee per withdrawal, I make sure to withdraw larger amounts (once, if possible) instead of several smaller ones.

Before your trip, it’s important to contact your bank and request to activate your card for international withdrawal. Your card might not work otherwise. I use a Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) ATM card and it takes 24-hours for the bank to complete the activation. Call your bank at least 1 day before your trip! My ATM card has the Cirrus logo on it & could use it on any ATMs that also display the Cirrus logo.

Credit cards & online  — Go cash-less whenever possible if you want to avoid paying/exchanging cash. This is easily done by pre-booking online for hotels, tours, transport etc. I opt to pay in my home currency, if available. That way, I know exactly how much is charged to my account. Credit cards are also accepted in many shops in Taiwan.

Taipei has a convenient and affordable MRT/Metro train and bus network. Fares within the city usually start at around NTD 15 per person.

Buy an Easy Card after arriving, at the Taipei Airport express train station. This prepaid card can be used to pay for train and bus rides including the airport express train. You can enjoy discount fares in addition to fast & convenient payments if you use the Easy Card. The cost is NTD 100 per card. This initial cost is non-refundable with no credits pre-loaded. Top-up at any MRT station, 7-Eleven or Family Mart stores found all over the city. At the end of your trip, any remaining credits/balance is refundable.

There’s also the TaipeiPass card, which offers unlimited rides on Taipei Metro and associated bus services. The price is NTD 180 for the 1-day pass, NTD 350 for the 1-day Gondola version pass, NTD 310 for the 2-day pass & NTD 440 for the 3-day pass. The airport express train is not included.

Google Maps  ( iOS / Android ) — This travel app will make it a lot easier to navigate around Taipei on your own. Download the offline maps before you go so you can check the map even if you don’t have mobile data. Taipei train & bus routes are displayed in the directions feature but it only works if you are online.

Maps.me — Excellent offline maps & Google Maps alternative.

Uber — Reliable ride-sharing app.

XE Currency — Free & easy currency converter.

Google Translate — Very useful to communicate with locals who do not understand/speak English.

Agoda & Booking.com — My go-to for convenient hotel bookings & cheap room rates.

Airbnb — Home/apartment rentals.

Momondo & Skyscanner — Top flight search & price comparison apps.

TripAdvisor — Reviews on the best places to eat & where to stay. Download the app on your iOS or Android device.

Stay connected online during your whole trip. Not only does it make it possible to share your travel moments instantly, you can also travel better by having access to all your favorite travel apps anytime. If you can’t get a good roaming data plan from your current provider, pre-book a local/roaming SIM card online.

Taiwan 4G Unlimited Data SIM Card (TW Airport Pick Up) — Unlimited 4G data/mobile internet access for 3/5/7/10 days.

Taiwan 4G Unli Internet/Data Pocket Wifi  — Connects up to 5 devices. Unlimited data/mobile internet use with a 4G/3G device.

Go to Klook for easy, fast, and convenient bookings. I often book online to enjoy discount rates and reliable tours. Click below to see today’s lowest prices.

Pro tip  — Use promo code “DETOURISTA” to get an extra PHP 65 off your first booking on Klook (valid until December 2018; First-time users in the Philippines only). Or, check out the promo code below available to new and existing Klook users:

Here are some of the top reasons why I like to book tours online & why you should consider it too:

Maximize your trip & avoid wasting time walking around town shopping for tours.

Get a good idea what to expect. Knowing all the inclusions/non-inclusions & reading user reviews is very helpful to make an informed decision.

Grab bargain prices often cheaper than booking on-site.

Free cancellation (check if available).

Pay in your home currency. Worry less about bringing cash/exchanging currencies. Convenient & secure payment by credit card or Paypal.

If you’ve already finalized your travel dates, it’s important to book well in advance. For join-in & private tours, Klook closes the booking period 1-3 days before the tour date. Also, the number of participants is limited on each tour & day. Reserve early to lock-in those open slots.

Check out this itinerary below if you are spending two full days in Taiwan.

Day 1: Taipei City

Arrive in Taipei

Ximending Shopping District

Lungshan Temple

Taipei 101 Observatory

Elephant Mountain

Taipei Night Market / Nightlife

Day 2: Taipei Highlights

Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

National Palace Museum

Martyrs’ Shrine

Taipei departure

Beitou Hot Spring Museum, Tamsui Old Street, Fort San Domingo, Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf

Maokong Gondola & Taipei Zoo

Yangmingshan National Park & Hot Springs

Thousand Island Lake & Pinglin Tea Plantation

Hualien & Taroko Gorge National Park

Check out these top tourist spots, best places to visit & things to do in Taipei.

1. Taipei 101

2. chiang kai-shek memorial hall, 3. martyr’s shrine, 4. national palace museum, 5. elephant mountain, 6. lungshan temple, 7. jiufen old street, 8. yehliu geopark, 9. shifen old street, 10. shifen waterfalls, 11. taipei night markets, 12. ximending, 13. taipei creative parks.

Top discounts

Taipei Night Market, Fine Dining & Temple Tour

Taipei Double Decker Bus Tour

Explore Taipei City Tour

Jiufen Shuttle Bus from Ximen

One Day Traditional Qipao Rental in Jiufen

Jiufen Village & The Northeast Coast

Sightseeing Carpool Between Taipei and Hualien (via Jiufen)

Taiwan’s Northern Coast tour

Top night markets in Taipei

Shilin Night Market

Raohe Night Market

Keelung Night Market

Ningxia Night Market

Huaxi Night Market

Linjiang Street Night Market

Taipei night market and food tours

Taipei Night Market Tour

Keelung Midnight Fish Market Adventure

Places to see in Ximending

Tianhou Temple

The Red House

Presidential Office Building

Beimen-Taipei Old North Gate

Taipei Cinema Park

Huashan 1914 Creative Park

Songshan Creative Park

Don’t Stop Here

Did you find this travel guide helpful? Share your Taipei experience & tag #detourista. Follow trip updates on: Instagram , Facebook & Pinterest .

Check out these pages for more travel inspiration beyond Taipei:

Don’t leave yet. There’s more!

Discover more blogs and travel tips in:

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• Travel Guide
• Tourist Spots

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March 16, 2018 at 5:48 pm

Amazing blog, thank you for posting such a nice blog.

April 22, 2018 at 11:08 pm

Very useful blog entry for anyone who want’s to go to Taiwan! Thank you for the informative entry, I could use this next time <3 I'm also an aspiring travel blogger and I often read your blog.. Keep inspiring people like me. :) Love lots! – http://www.annebelo.com

June 5, 2018 at 3:31 am

This blog is very clear and informative. Enough details that do not confuse the reader/s.

December 12, 2018 at 7:13 pm

Thanks for this informative blog entry! My parents and I are going to Taipei next week and will be staying in an AirBnB place. Should I ask my host for an invitation letter? Also, how can I show proof that my dad will be the one shouldering our expenses? Hoping for a response.

December 19, 2018 at 11:39 pm

You can just present the confirmation message of your airbnb booking (displaying the address, stay dates, etc.). If you are traveling together, I don’t think it’s needed :)

February 8, 2019 at 8:17 pm

Hi! If you don’t mind me asking, what camera do you use for your pics? :) Ganda!

February 9, 2019 at 12:03 am

Sony mirrorless po. Thank you Den!!

March 7, 2019 at 9:15 pm

You have done a great job in the meaning of traveling. Good Luck!

April 16, 2019 at 1:31 am

Hi. Thank you for the super informative blog.I have already screenshot some pages and will use for my next month travel to Taiwan. I just have a question regarding Wuling farm. I can’t find any blogger that includes this IT when in Taiwan.Would you recommend this to us? Ive seen the package in Klook. Thanks

April 20, 2019 at 4:57 am

Hi Janette. I have not been to Wuling Farm. You might want to check the reviews on Klook.

November 14, 2019 at 12:44 am

hi Marcos Detourista, what kind of travel pass for buses/mrt would you recommend to buy for travelling around taiwan for 4 days and 3 nights? I am to go this nov.25-28 solo and planning a diy itinerary. your blog helps a lot. thanks.

November 22, 2019 at 10:02 am

If you are planning to visit Taipei 101 and other attractions, book the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass. If not, the Easy Card will do… just top-up as needed. You can book from this page (click Here) .

January 13, 2020 at 10:01 pm

hi can i have your itinerary for 3 days in taiwan just for guide pls thanks

A Simple Taipei & Taiwan 5 Day Itinerary

Dear reader: This article contains links to products and services that I may be compensated for, at no extra cost to you.

I’m not going to lie to you. Spending 5 days in Taiwan is not enough! I can pretty much guarantee that you are going to leave wishing your had more time to explore this compact yet extremely rewarding island nation! (And if you change your mind, here is my recommended Taiwan itinerary for 1 to 3 weeks .)

But if that’s the number of days you’ve got this time, I’m here to help. Below I will cover exactly how to plan a Taiwan itinerary for fives days. it will pack in as many local restaurants , night markets , attractions, and experiences as you can handle with your limited time!

I run the Taiwan Travel Planning group and have helped hundreds of travelers plan their trips to Taiwan. I’ve lived in Taiwan for over 10 years and my kids were born and raised there. Feel free to join the group and I’ll be happy to answer any question you may have. You can also head here for more general info about planning a trip to Taipei and more tips for traveling in Taiwan .

Now, let’s get to it!

Table of Contents

When to Visit Taiwan

Starting from the beginning: when is the best time of the year to visit Taiwan? Well, the answer is quite complicated, as there is no distinct high and low season in Taiwan. Do you want to see cherry blossoms and soak in hot springs? Then winter in Taiwan is for you. Or do you want to hit the beach and brave the crowds (and possible typhoons)? Then opt for summer in Taiwan . Or are spring and summer the ideal seasons?

But to really do these questions justice, I’ve written a detailed guide to the best time to visit Taipei and the best time to visit other parts of Taiwan . In those articles, you’ll find links to a dozen other articles I’ve written specific to visiting Taiwan in each month of the year.

I recommend using Klook to get loads of discounts for traveling in Taiwan. Register with this link to get TWD100 off your first activity. Also consider getting a Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass ; read my Taipei Fun Pass guide to see how it works.

How to Plan Your Taipei 5 Day Itinerary

Did you notice I wrote “Taipei five day itinerary” and not “Taiwan five day itinerary”? That’s because my first piece of advice for you is that if you only have five days in Taiwan, I don’t think you should stay anywhere besides the capital city, Taipei.

Why is that? Well, there are simply SO MANY things to see in Taipei (here’s my list of 50 great ones ) that there is no reason to waste a whole day moving to another city and checking into a new hotel. Even if you do, you’ll hardly have time to explore that new city before having to make your way back to Taipei and the Taoyuan Airport.

Moreover, with so many insanely awesome possibilities for day trips from Taipei ( here are 40 I recommend ), you will be able to choose from numerous sights spanning northern (and even central, if you want) Taiwan without ever having to switch hotels.

Assuming that you have five entire days in Taipei, not counting the day you arrive and check into your hotel, I would suggest spending 2-3 days exploring Taipei City, and 2-3 days doing day trips from the city. Take your pick!

While you may find them a little repetitive after reading this article, I’ve also got dedicated itineraries for 2 days / 3 days / 4 days in Taipei.

Still want to spend a night or two out of the big city? Some travelers do decide to do this even with such short time.

Many decide to stay in Jiufen, one of the most popular day trips from the city. Here’s my detailed guide to Jiufen , including the best hotels there, and how to get to Jiufen .

Others opt for a night or two in Taichung city , including a visit to nearby Sun Moon Lake . And still others decide to ride the train to Hualien city on the East Coast for visiting Taroko Gorge . It can be done in one night if you plan it well, but maybe sure to book your train in advance (up to 28 days – it often sells out). And it’s not even that crazy to travel all the way down to Kaohsiung city for a night or two, since the High Speed Rail can get you there in only 2 hours – book your HSR ticket here to get a discounted fare and read my guide to booking HSR tickets – it can get a little complicated.

To save time, you can plan it so that you return to Taipei on the same day of your departing flight, and connect directly to the airport via Taipei Main Station (coming from Hualien) or Taoyuan Station (if riding the HSR from Taichung or Kaohsiung). From either one, you can hop onto the Airport MRT.

Traveling with kids? Then check out these kid-friendly things to do in Taipei and how to plan a trip around Taiwan with kids .

Where to Stay in Taipei

So now that we’ve covered when to visit Taiwan and why Taipei is the perfect home base for visiting Taiwan in 5 days, it’s time to decide where you’ll stay in the city. Which is another challenging question. With so many awesome neighborhoods, and thousands of hotels to choose from, how can you even narrow it down?

I’ve made this decision simple for you by breaking it down into the seven best neighborhoods to stay in Taipei depending on what kind of traveler you are, with hotel recommendations for all budgets for each of them. I’ve also got guides to the best low-budget hostels and best high-end resorts .

You can also search for the best hotel deals in Taipei here on Agoda and Booking .

Taiwan Itinerary for 5 days

OK, now it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty of your Taiwan 5 day itinerary (or “Taipei 5 day itinerary”, right?) I’m mostly going to be checking off the top sights in the city in a logical order below, but if you are the kind of traveler who prefers to get off the beaten track or do urban exploration, you’ll find loads of ideas for doing so in my list of things to do in Taipei .

Also note that this itinerary packs in a lot, so please make adjustments according to how speedily or slowly you travel, and if visiting in summer, consider that doing anything outside in the midday is like torture…

Day 1: Central Taipei Sights

Start your day bright and early at Mengjia Longshan Temple , the city’s most important and well-known temple. Be there for 6:00 or 8:00 a.m. if you can, when a mesmerizing chanting ceremony takes place for around 45 minutes each time. See more information in my guide to Taipei’s top temples .

Next, take the MRT (swipe your Fun Pass or EasyCard – read my EasyCard guide ) two stops to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, one of the country’s most recognizable landmarks .

After snapping loads of photos, walk or backtrack one stop on the MRT to funky Ximending , a pedestrian only district of cool cafés, shops, street art, and more. It’s the perfect place to find souvenirs for your Taiwan trip . Most things open up around 11 a.m. Assuming you’re ready for lunch, consult my guide to where to eat in Ximending .

After lunch, either take a siesta or continue you urban explorations on Dihua Street , considere Taipei’s oldest street. Alternatively, pop over to Xingtian Temple to have your fortune told in the Fortune Teller Underpass, and/or experience Taipei’s most famous seafood market: Addiction Aquatic Development , which is a short walk from Xingtian temple.

Next up, in the late afternoon, head to modern Dong Qu (Eastern District) to get up close and personal with Taipei 101 , once tallest building in the world, and top icon of Taiwan. Order your ticket online beforehand for the Taipei 101 89th and 91st floor Observation Deck (choose the “express pass” option to skip the lines, which often take up to one hour).

If you prefer natural views, head one MRT station further to Elephant Mountain. This is the most accessible of the “Four Beast” mountains and the famous famous of all the hikes in Taipei . Here’s my Elephant Mountain trail guide (also see this guide by my blogging friend !)

The steep but short (around 20 minute) walk up through the forest leads to unparalleled postcard views of Taipei 101 and all of Taipei. Continue past the first few lookout points to leave the crowds of tourists behind, and try to time it to be up there for sunset.

Next, Tonghua Night Market, one of Taipei’s best night markets , is within walking distance of the base of Elephant Mountain. Dig in to local delights, and use my Tonghua Night Market guide to find out what to eat!

If you prefer to sit for dinner, here’s my guide to Taipei’s top restaurants , spanning all styles and budgets.

Tempted to stay in Taiwan longer? See my recommended 55 places to visit in Taiwan for more inspiration.

Day 2: Northern Taipei

After racing around Taipei on day 1, it’s time for a more relaxing day. If you’re into museums, the National Palace Museum houses the world’s largest collection of ancient Chinese artifacts.

Buy your ticket online and start early to beat the crowds. Take bus R30, 255, M1, 815, S18, S19, 304, or 300 from Shilin MRT station exit to get there.

If you prefer the outdoors, consider one of these hikes in Taipei . #6 on the list would be perfect for today’s schedule, as it is also on the red MRT line.

After the museum or hike, head back to the MRT and continue north on the red line to Beitou. Then transfer onto the small pink line and ride it one stop to Xinbeitou. Beitou is Taipei’s only hot spring village and one of the most famous Taiwanese hot springs . It was first developed by the Japanese during their occupation of Taiwan.

There are a dozen or so historical sights in lovely Beitou worth seeking out, not to mention the countless hot spring spas and traditional bathhouses to choose from. See my guide to Beitou to plan your time there, and don’t miss the hot spring ramen for lunch!

Next, head back to the MRT and continue north to Guandu Station, from which it’s a 10-minute walk to Guandu Temple, one of the oldest and most interesting in the Greater Taipei area. Inside you’ll find a tunnel through a hill to a river lookout point with a 1000-armed Kuanyin statue.

Back at the MRT, continue your journey north to the terminal station, Tamsui (also spelled Danshui). There you’ll find a lovely riverside promenade lined with food stalls and interesting shops. Learn all about it in my guide to Tamsui district .

Swipe your EasyCard or Taipei Fun Pass to board one of the ferries to Bali, a similar promenade on the other side of the river, or to Fisherman’s Wharf, a picturesque harbor at the point where the Danshui River meets the sea. If the timing is right, make sure to stick around for the famed sunset. To get back to the MRT, either ride the river ferry, take a bus, or ride the new Tamsui LRT from Lover’s Bridge to Hongshulin Station (the station after Tamsui).

Arriving back in Taipei, stop at Jiantan MRT station for Shilin Market, the largest and most famous in Taipei, or try to get a spot at Din Tai Fung , Taipei’s most famous restaurant. The restaurant is also included on this Taipei night tour .

  Fun Idea- Consider including a Taiwanese cooking course in your Taipei travel itinerary!

Day 3: Southern Taipei

For day three of your Taipei 5 day itinerary, you can either follow the below plan, or start making day trips from the city. If you decide on the latter, head over to my recommended Taipei day trips article and start considering your options!

If you decide to stay in the city again on this day, hop on the MRT to Taipei Zoo Station, the last stop going southeast on the driverless brown line; get a seat on the front car for a fun view!

From there, ride the Maokong Gondola , which starts just a few hundred meters from the MRT station. For a more exhilarating ride, get in the line marked “Crystal Cabins” and they’ll put you on one of the glass-floored cars. The 35-minute ride offers stunning glimpses of dense jungle, the zoo, tea farms, and Taipei 101 in the distance.

If you plan to visit the zoo as well (see below), then you get this Maokong Gondola and Taipei Zoo combo ticket to save a little money. Both are included on the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass and Transport Pass (for the gondola only – it’s an optional add-on), or you can simply swipe your EasyCard for both attractions like most locals do.

On the way to Maokong, you can get off at the second last stop, Zhinan Temple, to have a look at this large, fascinating temple complex, and admire the views.

Otherwise, just continue on to the final station, Maokong. There, you’ll see signs point to traditional teahouses in all directions. Most of these have patios where you can enjoy tea while overlooking tea fields and rural landscapes. There is also a convenience store and several food stalls near the gondola station.

If you like hiking, there’s a short (about one hour return, but somewhat tricky to find) trail to Silver Stream Shrine and Waterfall, a small shrine buried in the jungle. Show the name in Mandarin (銀河洞越嶺) to locals who can point the way. The GPS location is 24.95861, 121.58318.

If you’ve got kids or just like zoos, then visit Taipei Zoo on the way back down. A smart thing to do is to get off at Taipei Zoo South Station (the second stop). This zoo entrance is at the top of the zoo (the zoo is built on a hill), so then you can walk downhill through the zoo back to main entrance near the MRT. If you’re doing zoo only, then enter the zoo’s main entrance and ride the small train (TWD 5 or swipe EasyCard) to the top, then walk down.

If you’ve still got time to spare once you make it back to central Taipei, consider visiting anything you’ve missed so far. Other attractions you might want to consider are Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Huashan Creative Arts Park, Treasure Hill Artist’s Village, the weekend-only Jianguo Jade and Flower Market, Da’An Forest Park, or snacking on Yongkang Street .

For dinner, take your pick from another of Taipei’s night markets or see my recommended restaurants in Taipei .

Days 4 and 5: Day Trips from Taipei

As I said above, with 5 days in Taipei, I think that at least two of those days should be day trips from Taipei. Choosing one may not be so easy, though; I’ve listed no less that 40 excellent day trip ideas here .

I understand this may be a little overwhelming, though, and some of those 40 ideas can be combined into one day. So here let me give you possible itineraries that include the top contenders. Also, beach lovers should make use of my guide to the best beaches around Taipei , or you van visit one of these fun amusement parks and water parks .

If you are really determined to see it, you could even make a day trip all the way to Kaohsiung to see the incredible Foguangshan Monastery , Lotus Pond, and/or Pier 2 Art Center . If you ride the HSR (High Speed Rail) both ways, it’s doable!

A more realistic option would be to spend two days (one night) to visit Taroko Gorge in Hualien County . But if you just plan to do day trips from Taipei, here are some of the best ones:

1.  Shifen Waterfall, Jiufen, Jinguashi, Yehliu & Keelung

These are the classic, most popular day trips from Taipei. Seeing all five in one day is a stretch, but with careful planning or by joining a tour like this one , this one , or this one , you can easily tick off several one day.

Shifen is Taiwan’s widest waterfall, and getting there involves a fun ride on the Pingxi Railway Line , which itself has several other worthwhile stops. Jiufen is probably the single most popular day trip from Taipei, with Jinshuashi (including the Golden Waterfall) being an easy add-on. Keelung is a good place to end your day, with its awesome night market and easy access for getting back to Taipei. Here’s my article covering the many things to do in Keelung .

Last but not least, Yehliu Geopark on the coast is a must-see with its cool seaside rock formations. If you want to visit all these on your own in a single day trip, it’s possible but a little slower and more complicated. I explain exactly how to do it in my Taipei day trips guide .

2. Day trip to Jiaoxi Hot Spring Village

Jiaoxi Hot Spring is one of my favorite day trips from Taipei. It has more diverse (and cheaper) hot spring spas than Beitou in Taipei. On top of that, there are some beautiful waterfall hikes just out of town, a hot springs park where you can drink local craft beer, and hot spring ramen shops where you can soak your feet while you eat.

Read my guide to Jiaoxi Hot Spring for everything you may need to know.

The village is located in lovely Yilan County , about an hour from Taipei by bus. For visitors with kids, Yilan is loaded with family-friendly places to visit, but they are a little spread out. So consider hiring a driver or renting a car for the day to visit them.

If you love hot springs and are interested in Taiwanese aboriginal culture, Wulai Hot Spring in New Taipei City also makes for a great day trip from Taipei.

3. Day trip to Taichung & Rainbow Village

Do you remember when I said at the beginning of the article that I day trip from Taipei could mean going as far as central Taiwan? Well, here’s that idea! If you hop on the HSR ( reserve your tickets here !), it only takes an hour to get to Taichung, Taiwan’s middle city, while the bus or regular train takes two hours.

In Taichung, you can explore fun coffee and ice cream shops, artsy attractions, the 921 Earthquake Museum, Gaomei Wetlands , Fengchia and other night markets , and of course Rainbow Village . See more things to do in Taichung here .

From Taichung, it’s only 90 minutes by bus to Sun Moon Lake . You could do it as a day trip from Taichung (or even from Taipei!), or opt to spend the night there for a less rushed visit.

Well, that brings us to the end of this Taiwan itinerary for 5 days. Did you find everything you need? Please let me know in the comments!

Related Posts

24 thoughts on “A Simple Taipei & Taiwan 5 Day Itinerary”

Hello Nick, I’m Shaun from Singapore. Thanks for your postings. they are very helpful and informative.

I will be making a tip to Taipei and Taichung this December 22-Jan23.

I have a couple of clarifications :

1. Is it difficult/dangerous to come down from Elephant Mountain after Sunset ? i reckon it is easy to get from the foot of the mountain to the nearest night market ? 2. You mentioned about cherry blossom in winter. Where would be the best place to catch the sight ? 3. I have a total of 9 nights – am thinking whether spend 5 nights in Taipei or Taichung. This is my family’s first trip to Taiwan.

Hi Shaun, coming down from Elephant Mt in the dark is super easy. The path has lights, and there are usually lots of people. And from the foot of the mountain, you can walk to Tonghua Night Market (25 minutes), or walk to Xiangshan MRT (10 min) and take the MRT to any other night market, like Raohe, Ningxia, Shilin, etc. 2. The best month for cherry blossoms in Taiwan is February and March. At the end of January, some cherry blossoms might be just starting, but it won’t be very impressive yet. The best place to see them in January is Pingjing St Lane 42 in Shilin district, Taipei. See lots of info in this article: https://luomujie.blogspot.com/2019/01/Taiwan-cherry-blossom-season-when-where-how-to-go-tips-and-tricks.html 3. Probably Taipei has more things to see, so maybe you can spend 5 there. Please note that Rainbow Village, one of the most famous places in Taichung, is closed right now, but it is supposed to reopen maybe in January.

Thanks much Nick. Please keep up your good work on this blog – good info, great photos, excellent response/help

I had a great time in Taiwan. I will go back again.

Glad to hear!

Hi, I have only 5 days in tsipei. I plan to visit beitou and followed by Yang ming Shan in the evening followed by dinner at wonder.land at Yang ming Shan. I can take cab from fisherman wharf up to Yang ming Shan?

You could, but it would be expensive. It’s nearly a 1-hr drive from Fisherman’s Wharf to Yangmingshan Flower Clock, so it would probably cost around 1000 NTD.

Hi, I love your blog about Taiwan and how detailed your are writing about itineraries here. Me and my friend is travelling to Taiwan next year Feb for 5 days. Would it be worth it to stay in Nantou for a night and from Nantou to Taichung for a day tour then back to Taipei?

Thanks a lot…

I think that yes, it’s worth it, if you want to see those places. Sun Moon Lake is the most popular destination in Nantou. I suggest you start your day early, taking the regular train (2 hrs) or HSR (1 hr) to Taichung, then go directly to SML by shuttle bus (90 min). Then you can have the whole afternoon and evening to explore. The next morning, go back to Taichung by shuttle and spend the day there before returning to Taipei.

First time travel to Taipei and need a safe place to stay where i can explore Taipei from .Where wld u recommend pls

Taipei city is extremely safe, so you can choose any hotel there and you will be fine. Please see my article “where to stay in taipei” for my recommendations.

Hi Nick, thanks for your very useful blogs! I’m going for a trip to Taipei with my family in December. Could you recommend any nature activities/places to visit (eg trails) in Taipei that are suitable for the elderly and children?

Many of the hiking trails in Taipei and northern Taiwan are steep and have lots of stairs, so probably not suitable for elderly and children. Some flatter/easier options could include Qingtiangang Grassland Trail in Yangmingshan National Park, the several riverside trails in the city, walking to teashops at Maokong, and walking in Taipei Zoo. Hope this helps!

Hi Nick, I really appreciate your blog. I am travelling with my family, no kids but 1 elderly to taiwan in Nov. not our first time to taiwan but was 9 years ago. Below are my itineraries, do you think you have anymore to add on?

Day 1- (Taoyuan- Taichung) Taipei -Taichung, yizhong street Day 2- Taichung Second Market, Miyahara, Shenji Market, Chun Shui Tang, Taichung Heritage and cultural park, Fengjia market Day 3- (Taichung -Sun Moon Lake) Lavender Farm, WenWu Temple, SunMoonLake, IdaShao Street Day 4-(Sun Moon Lake- Cingjing) Baohu Palace Temple, CingJing Farm, Little Swiss… Day 5 – (Cingjing- HuaLien) HeHuan Mt, Taroko Gorge JiuquDong，Yanzi Kou, Chang Chun Temple, DongDamen Night Market Day 6-(Hua Lien- Yilan) Container Starbucks, QiXing Lake (七星潭)，天空之镜, QingSui Cliff, Tangwei Shopping District, Luodong Night Market Day 7 -(YiLan – Shifen, Jiufen, Taipei) Toucheng Starbucks，Shifen Lantern，YinYang Sea，Golden Waterfall，Jiufen，KeeLung night market Day 8-11 – Taipei Taipei

Your itinerary sounds good. There’s only one important thing to mention: the highway between Hehuanshan and Taroko Gorge was badly damaged by landslides in 2022. They are still fixing the road in those places now, so the road is closed at some certain times every day. To find the current info about closure times and locations, you can go to the Taroko National Park official site, click “news”, “roads and trails”, then click the small arrow beside “Highway 8”. It’s usually updated once per month. If you don’t plan it carefully, you might end up having to stop and wait for hours. Also keep an eye on things this summer, because if there’s any major typhoon or landslide again, the road could be totally closed again. Then you would have to drive from Cingjing back to Taipei, and Taipei to Hualien.

Your trip sounds pretty complete, but if you want to add more stops, you cansee my individual articles for Sun Moon Lake, Hualien, Taroko, and Yilan. There are lots of other small attractions you could consider adding if you need more.

How would Taiwan be in October, the end of October? Planning to visit Taiwan then. Please let me know your thoughts.

October is my favorite month in Taiwan, with nice warm weather and little rain (unless a typhoon happens to come). Please see my article on visiting Taiwan in October.

Hi Nick, Is it advisable to buy Taiwan Fun Pass based on your 5 Day itinerary? were going to follow your itinerary. Thanks.

The Unlimited Fun Pass is only valid for 1, 2, or 3 days (depending which one you choose) and it’s only worth the money if you plan to visit many of the attractions covered by the pass. Even though there are around 25 attractions now, probably you won’t actually visit most of them. You can also see my article about the pass for more info on deciding whether it’s worth the money.

Nick, Enjoyed reading your 5-day tour guide. Very informative and helpful. My wife and I will plan to spend 6 days in Taiwan on the back to US after visiting relatives in China and we will have couple luggage cases. Will it be possible to place them someone at the airport or hotel so we do not need to carry them around on the tour? The other option is to rent a car but I’m not sure about finding parking beside cost. Appreciate if you can help. Best, Terry

You can store luggage at the airport at Pelican Express https://www.taoyuan-airport.com/services_facilities/B68BD5D9-EE87-EC11-80F5-000C29A1B907

Thank you, Appreciated.

Hi Nick! Thank you so much for all the information on Taiwan, your write ups and photos have all been very informative and helpful. I would like to ask if you have any recommendations on flea markets (came across Fu He Flea Market) or any weekend only markets that are worth exploring?

I’m afraid I’m not too familiar with flea markets, but there’s a weekend craft market at Red House Theater in Ximending and a weekend Jade and Flower Market at Jianguo.

Hi Nick. Because of my age 76yrs I have to rely on package tours to Taiwan. The trip will be 8 days tour. What places of interests should I include in this tour.

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8 Days Taipei Travel Itinerary With Kids

• Yilan Travel Itinerary
• Water Activities In Taiwan
• Transport In Taiwan
• Taiwan Events and Festivals
• Taiwan Culture
• Taipei Travel Itinerary
• Tainan Travel Itinerary
• Taichung Travel Itinerary
• Religion in Taiwan
• Penghu Travel Itinerary
• Night Life In Taiwan
• Kaohsiung Travel Itinerary
• Jiufen Travel Itinerary
• Island Travel In Taiwan
• Hualien Travel Itinerary
• Hotel Review
• Couple Travel In Taiwan
• Chiayi Travel Itinerary
• Budget Travel Tips Taiwan

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9 days jiufen travel itinerary with kids, 8 days kaohsiung travel itinerary with kids, 12 days chiayi travel itinerary with kids, 10 days taichung travel itinerary with kids, 13 days chiayi travel itinerary with kids.

Stephen R. Humphries

Table of contents.

Are you ready for an unforgettable family adventure? Look no further than Taipei, where you and your kids can embark on an exciting 8-day journey filled with fun, culture, and natural wonders.

From exploring iconic landmarks to discovering Taiwanese traditions at the National Palace Museum, this itinerary has it all.

Get ready to be amazed by the breathtaking landscapes of Yehliu Geopark and Shifen Waterfall, indulge in delicious street food at Shilin Night Market, and enjoy thrilling rides at Taipei Children’s Amusement Park.

Get ready to create lasting memories in Taipei!

Key Takeaways

• Explore Taipei’s landmarks such as Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and Longshan Temple
• Visit Taipei Zoo and enjoy the panoramic views from Maokong Gondola
• Engage in cultural workshops and experience traditional Taiwanese dance and music at the National Palace Museum
• Explore natural wonders such as Yehliu Geopark and Shifen Waterfall, and enjoy scenic hikes at Yangmingshan National Park

Day 1: Exploring Taipei’s Landmarks

On Day 1 of your Taipei travel itinerary with kids, you’ll be exploring Taipei’s landmarks. Get ready for an exciting day filled with history and culture!

Start your journey at the iconic Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, a towering monument dedicated to the former President of the Republic of China. Marvel at its grandeur and don’t forget to capture some memorable photos.

Next, head to the Longshan Temple, a stunning Buddhist temple that dates back to the 18th century. Immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere and admire the intricate architectural details.

After that, make your way to the National Palace Museum, home to a vast collection of Chinese artifacts and artworks. Your little ones will be fascinated by the ancient treasures on display.

These day 1 highlights will give your family a taste of Taipei’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Day 2: Fun-filled Day at Taipei Zoo and Maokong Gondola

Get ready for a fun-filled day at Taipei Zoo and enjoy the breathtaking views of Maokong Gondola.

Start your day by visiting Taipei Zoo, known for its conservation efforts and dedication to protecting wildlife. Explore the various animal exhibits, from the playful pandas to the majestic elephants. Learn about the zoo’s efforts to preserve endangered species and create a sustainable environment for them.

Afterward, head to Maokong Gondola and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Take a cable car ride up the lush green mountains and be amazed by the panoramic views of Taipei city.

Once you reach Maokong, indulge in a tea tasting experience at one of the many tea plantations. Savor the flavors of traditional Taiwanese tea and learn about the art of tea making.

This day promises excitement, education, and unforgettable experiences.

Day 3: Discovering Taiwanese Culture at National Palace Museum

Discover the rich history and cultural treasures of Taiwan at the National Palace Museum. Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Taiwanese art and artifacts as you wander through its halls. Here, you can learn about the fascinating stories behind each piece and gain a deeper understanding of the country’s heritage.

Take part in cultural workshops: Engage in hands-on activities where you can try your hand at traditional crafts such as calligraphy or painting. Learn about the techniques and skills passed down through generations, and create your own masterpiece to take home as a souvenir.

Experience captivating performances: Be captivated by the beauty and grace of traditional Taiwanese dance and music. Watch mesmerizing performances that showcase the rich cultural traditions of the island.

Explore the vast collection: Marvel at the museum’s vast collection of ancient Chinese art and artifacts, spanning over thousands of years. From intricate jade carvings to delicate porcelain, each piece tells a unique story and offers a glimpse into the rich history of this region.

Immerse yourself in Taiwanese culture at the National Palace Museum and discover the wonders that await you.

Day 4: Adventurous Day at Yehliu Geopark and Shifen Waterfall

Immerse yourself in the unique rock formations of Yehliu Geopark and feel the rush of the cascading waters at Shifen Waterfall. Day 4 of your Taipei adventure brings you to these two natural wonders, promising an exciting day filled with adventure activities.

At Yehliu Geopark, you’ll be amazed by the surreal landscapes shaped by wind and sea erosion. Walk along the park’s pathways and marvel at the famous Queen’s Head, a rock formation resembling the profile of a queen.

After exploring Yehliu, head to Shifen Waterfall, known as Taiwan’s Little Niagara. Stand before the majestic waterfall as it roars down, creating a mesmerizing sight. Take a walk across the suspension bridge nearby for a closer look.

Don’t forget to make a wish and release a sky lantern at Shifen Old Street, a must-do experience.

Day 5: Enjoying Nature at Yangmingshan National Park

Are you ready to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Yangmingshan National Park?

Get ready for scenic hikes and trails that will take your breath away.

Explore the lush forests, meandering rivers, and picturesque landscapes as you embark on an unforgettable adventure.

And after a day of exploring, don’t forget to treat yourself to the ultimate relaxation experience at one of the park’s soothing hot springs.

Scenic Hikes and Trails

You’ll love exploring the scenic hikes and trails in Taipei with your kids. Taipei is surrounded by beautiful mountains and nature, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Here are three must-visit spots for scenic views and family activities:

Elephant Mountain (象山): This popular hiking trail offers breathtaking panoramic views of Taipei City. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for all ages. It’s a great place to capture stunning photos of the cityscape and enjoy a picnic with your family.

Maokong (貓空): Take a gondola ride up to Maokong and immerse yourself in the peaceful tea plantations. You can enjoy a leisurely hike through the trails, visit tea houses, and learn about the tea-making process. The views of Taipei from Maokong are simply stunning.

Tamsui River Bike Path: Rent bikes and explore the Tamsui River Bike Path, a scenic trail that stretches along the riverbank. Enjoy the fresh air, beautiful scenery, and stop by the riverfront parks for some family fun. You can also find food stalls and shops along the way to satisfy your hunger.

These hikes and trails in Taipei will provide memorable experiences for the whole family, allowing you to appreciate the natural beauty of the city while engaging in fun activities together.

Hot Springs Relaxation

If you’re looking for a relaxing activity in Taipei, don’t miss out on the hot springs. The hot springs experience in Taipei is known for its therapeutic benefits and is a perfect way to unwind and rejuvenate.

Imagine soaking in warm, mineral-rich waters, surrounded by lush greenery and serene landscapes. The hot springs in Taipei offer a unique and tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal escape from the bustling city.

Whether you choose a public hot spring or a private one, you’ll be able to enjoy the soothing warmth and healing properties of the natural spring water. Soaking in these hot springs can help relieve stress, improve blood circulation, and relax your muscles.

Don’t forget to experience the hot springs during your visit to Taipei for a truly rejuvenating experience.

Day 6: Shopping and Street Food Adventure at Shilin Night Market

Get ready for a shopping and street food extravaganza at Shilin Night Market!

Indulge in the must-try street food that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

Don’t forget to brush up on your bargaining skills because you’ll be able to find great deals on trendy clothing, accessories, and souvenirs.

And while you’re exploring the market, keep an eye out for hidden gems that are waiting to be discovered, from unique handmade crafts to local specialties that you won’t find anywhere else.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Shilin Night Market!

Must-Try Street Food

Don’t miss out on trying the delicious street food while exploring Taipei with your kids! Taipei is famous for its vibrant night markets, where you can find some of the best street food in the city.

Here are three must-try street food items that will surely satisfy your taste buds:

Stinky Tofu : Don’t let the name fool you! This Taiwanese delicacy is a must-try for adventurous eaters. It has a strong odor but a delicious taste, with a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior.

Bubble Milk Tea : Taipei is the birthplace of bubble milk tea, and you can find countless stalls selling this refreshing drink. The combination of tea, milk, and chewy tapioca balls creates a delightful beverage that kids and adults alike will love.

Shaved Ice : Beat the heat with a bowl of shaved ice topped with fresh fruits, sweet syrup, and condensed milk. This icy treat is a popular dessert in Taipei and is perfect for cooling down after a long day of exploring.

Bargaining Tips for Shopping

When shopping in Taipei’s markets, you can save money by bargaining with the vendors. Bargaining is a common practice in Taiwan, and with a few tips and strategies, you can get the best deals on your purchases.

First, always start by asking for a lower price than what is initially quoted. Vendors expect negotiations, so don’t be afraid to haggle. Be polite and friendly while negotiating, as this can go a long way in getting a better deal.

Another strategy is to compare prices between different vendors before making a purchase. This will give you an idea of what the item should cost and help you negotiate a fair price.

Lastly, be prepared to walk away if the vendor is not willing to meet your desired price. Often, they will call you back and offer a lower price.

Hidden Gems at Shilin

One of the hidden gems at Shilin is the underground food court, where you can find a variety of delicious local dishes. It’s a bustling place with a vibrant atmosphere, filled with the enticing aromas of freshly cooked food.

Here are three must-try items at the Shilin underground food court:

Stinky Tofu : Don’t let the name scare you away! This local delicacy is a must-try for adventurous eaters. The tofu is deep-fried to perfection, creating a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft and flavorful interior.

Oyster Omelette : This dish combines the briny goodness of fresh oysters with fluffy eggs and a savory sauce. It’s a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will leave you craving for more.

Bubble Tea : End your meal with a refreshing cup of Taiwan’s famous bubble tea. Choose from a variety of flavors and toppings like tapioca pearls or jelly cubes, and enjoy the sweet and creamy goodness.

Indulge in these local delicacies at the underground food court and discover the true flavors of Taipei’s culinary scene.

Day 7: Family-friendly Excursion to Taipei Children’s Amusement Park

Let’s start our day with a visit to Taipei Children’s Amusement Park, a family-friendly excursion option.

This park is a great place to spend quality time with your kids and enjoy a day filled with fun activities. The park offers a wide range of family-friendly attractions that are sure to keep everyone entertained. From thrilling roller coasters and exciting water rides to whimsical carousels and interactive play areas, there’s something for every age group.

Your little ones will love exploring the colorful playgrounds and trying out the various rides designed just for them. Don’t forget to indulge in some delicious snacks and treats at the food stalls scattered throughout the park.

Taipei Children’s Amusement Park is the perfect destination for a day of laughter, excitement, and unforgettable memories.

Day 8: Farewell Taipei – Last-minute Souvenir Hunting and Departure

As you wrap up your time in Taipei, make sure to squeeze in some last-minute souvenir hunting before your departure. Taipei is a haven for shopping enthusiasts, and finding unique souvenirs to take home as mementos of your trip is a must-do.

Here are a few places to check out:

Shilin Night Market : This bustling market is known for its vibrant atmosphere and countless stalls selling everything from clothing to accessories. You’ll find plenty of options for unique souvenirs here.

Taipei 101 Mall : Located in the iconic Taipei 101 skyscraper, this mall offers a wide range of high-end shops and boutiques. From designer brands to local artisans, you’re sure to find something special.

Dihua Street : Known for its traditional architecture and historical significance, Dihua Street is a treasure trove of antique shops, herbal medicine stores, and traditional crafts. This is the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs that reflect Taipei’s rich culture and heritage.

Make the most of your last-minute shopping and bring home some truly special souvenirs from Taipei.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you recommend any child-friendly accommodations in taipei.

Looking for child-friendly accommodations in Taipei? The city has some of the best family-friendly hotels, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for you and your kids. Let me recommend a few options for you.

Are There Any Alternatives to the Maokong Gondola for Families With Young Children?

Looking for alternative attractions to the Maokong Gondola? No worries! Taipei has plenty of family-friendly hiking trails that offer scenic views and outdoor adventures. Strap on your hiking boots and get ready for some unforgettable experiences!

What Are Some Must-Try Local Dishes at the Shilin Night Market?

Explore the Shilin Night Market, a food lover’s paradise. Indulge in must-try local delicacies like stinky tofu, oyster omelette, and bubble tea. The flavors will blow your mind and leave you craving for more!

Are There Any Special Activities or Events at the Taipei Children’s Amusement Park?

Yes, there are special activities and events at the Taipei Children’s Amusement Park. You and your kids can enjoy exciting rides, live performances, and interactive games that will make your visit unforgettable.

Can You Provide Some Tips for Finding Unique Souvenirs in Taipei?

Looking for unique souvenirs in Taipei? You’re in luck! Taipei is home to numerous markets where you can find local handicrafts and artisanal products. Get ready to be amazed by the incredible variety!

As your 8-day adventure in Taipei comes to an end, it’s time to bid farewell to this vibrant city. But before you leave, indulge in some last-minute souvenir hunting to bring a piece of Taipei back home with you.

Explore the bustling markets and find unique trinkets that will forever remind you of your time here.

As you prepare to depart, a mix of nostalgia and excitement fills the air, leaving you longing to return and continue your exploration of this captivating city.

Until next time, Taipei awaits your return with more unforgettable experiences.

Safe travels!

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Taipei itinerary 5 days blog — suggested taipei 5 days 4 nights itinerary on how to spend 5 days in taipei perfectly.

Hearing about Taiwan for a long time, so I planned to explore this “island nation” in the middle of the sea. Because I only have 5 days for this journey and wanted a best trip, I decided to spend my whole time of the trip in Taipei instead of traveling throughout Taiwan provinces. So, how many days in Taipei is enough? For me, personally I think to fully explore and have a memorable trip in Taipei you should spend at least from 3 to 5 days. So, what to do in Taipei for 5 days? Let’s check out our Taipei itinerary 5 days blog on how to spend 5 days in Taipei perfectly (Taipei travel itinerary 5 days, Taipei 5 days 4 nights itinerary, 5 days 4 nights in Taipei, 5d4n Taipei itinerary, Taipei recommended itinerary for 5 days) to find out the answer!

• Taipei itinerary 5 days — The suggested 5D4N Taipei itinerary & what to do in Taipei for 5 days perfectly?
• Taipei itinerary 4 days — How to spend 4 days in Taipei & what to do in Taipei for 4 days perfectly?
• Taipei itinerary 3 days — What to do in Taipei for 3 days?
• Where to shop in Taipei blog — 5 Cheap places to shop in Taipei & best shopping area in Taipei
• Taipei travel blog — The fullest Taipei city guide for first-timers

A few little notes are:

• 1 USD ~ 28.34 TWD
• The fare for bus / subway (MRT) / trip: 15 TWD ~ 50 TWD depending on the distance.
• No matter how many MRT trips you take, just take any subway trip and traveling around downtown Taipei, the fare will be 15 TWD.

We also had another suggested article for 5 days in Taipei with a different itinerary, you can refer to here.

And here is my 5 days 4 nights in Taipei itinerary!

5 days in Taipei — Day 1 (The very first day): Taoyuan Airport – National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall – Ximending Pedestrian Zone (Ximending Walking District).

I took an early morning flight (at 2am) from Tan Son Nhat Airport to Taiwan. After 3 hours of flying, quite tired due to could not sleep on the plane, I arrived at Taoyuan airport. As expected of Taiwan’s international airport, it has a lot of support services for tourists. When you come here, please note the following information to save the most your time!

Arrival Card

When you arrive at the airport you will see small counters with available these forms. Your task is to fill out personal information as well as hotel information. This form will need to be presented when you get to Passport Control gate. For those who apply for a “special” visa – already have a visa for Europe, the U.S., and South Korea – be sure to prepare it ready to present!

You will immediately see 3 counters selling phone sims right after passing Passport Control gate. In general, all providers are the same, not much different. I bought a 4G Sim for 300 TWD for 5 days of travel (already has 50 TWD topped-up to call). In general, this 4G package is quite comfortable because after 5 days I still have data to surf the web. You can book SIM card in advance here: 4G SIM Card for Taiwan from Chunghwa Telecom (TW Airport Pick Up).

Money exchange

The money exchange counter is right next to the SIM card counter. Because the exchange rate is not much different, if you do not exchange in time in Vietnam, you can come here to exchange also will be OK.

For the most convenient travel in Taipei, I decided to buy an EasyCard. This pass allows you use almost any means of transport in Taiwan, except the HSR high spped train. The price of the card is 100 TWD, I topped-up another 400 TWD for convenience when traveling. To getting from the airport to the center of Taipei – Taipei Main Station, I took Express train for 160 TWD / way, traveling time about 30 minutes. You can also go by bus for a cheaper price of 140 TWD / way, traveling time about 1 hour.

• EasyCard (TPE Airport Pick Up)

Taoyuan Airport MRT Ticket & SIM Card & Exclusive Shopping Coupon

In addition the two ways I mentioned above, you can use the airport transfer service which can be book via Klook here: Sedan Taoyuan Airport Transfers (TPE) for Taipei.

Read more: 3 best ways on how to get to Taipei city from Taoyuan Airport.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

From Taipei Main Station, I took shutte bus 262 to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Alternatively, you can also take the MRT (subway), blue line to Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station then walk a little. Either way, it costs only 15 TWD! This memorial hall is completely free to access and quite spacious, you can freely visit.

Address: No. 21, Zhongshan South Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100 Hours: 9AM–6PM Height: 76 m (249 ft)

After having lunch at the nearby 7-elevent convenience store, I found the way back to the Space Inn hostel in Hengyang Street. I booked this hostel through Agoda.com with a pretty good price, about $13 / night. (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Ximending Walking District

Around 6pm, I went to Ximending for dinner. You can go from Taipei Main Station, take the blue line subway to Ximen station, then walk up to the ground in 1 minute to reach Ximending! It costs 15 TWD!

This area is both a walking street and a night market, so it is quite bustling. You can find quite delicious foods here. My advice is that you should go with a large group of friends to try many dishes as possible, if not it quite waste money. Because just try 2, 3 dishes and you are full! The prices of the dishes are also quite cheap, ranging from 30 TWD ~ 100 TWD / dish.

I ate 3 dishes: The famous 40-year “standing” noodles at Ximending (50 TWD), grilled sausage sandwiched with sticky rice (40 TWD) and bubble milk tea 50 (50 TWD). After get full and I returned to the hostel!

Read more: Ximending food blog: Ximending street food — What to eat in Ximending, Taipei?

Taipei itinerary 5 days blog — Day 2: National Taiwan Museum – National Palace Museum – Huashan 1914 Creative Park – Taipei 101 (Taiwan’s highest observatory) – Shilin Night Market.

National taiwan museum.

Because the National Taiwan Museum which was recognized as world heritage site on June 10, 1998 is located in a fairly large park which is also close to the hostel I stay and also convenient to go to Taipei Main Station to take the subway to get to National Palace Museum, I stopped by here for a while. Mainly to get some fresh air in the morning and see Japanese-style architecture designed throughout the park. Quite suitable for families with children!

Address: No. 2, Xiangyang Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100 Hours: 9:30AM–5PM/Monday: Closed

National Palace Museum

After arriving Taipei Main Station I took the MRT to Shilin (the red line), then took bus 815 to get to the National Palace Museum, the last stop of the bus route is National Palace Museum ! In addition to this bus, you can catch many other buses, depending on the time, just be a little active, Google will show you the way, rest assured!

The National Palace Museum is quite large, divided into 2 zones A and B, zone B is usually only open when there are special exhibitions, so I went straight to zone A. Admission fee is 250 TWD / adult, children are 150 TWD. If you want English audio guide, you can pay an additional of 100 TWD. And if you do not know English to listen to the audio guide, please take the instruction sheet on the shelf, which has Vietnamese as well, although it’s a bit short.

National Palace & Shung Ye Museum Ticket

The National Palace Museum is divided into 3 floors, each floor will display different antiques of the Chinese feudal dynasties. Maybe I should thank the Chinese films for providing so much information that helped me visit the museum very quickly and remembered it very well and clear.

Each floor of the museum will have displayed its own antiques to explore. The most interesting things are the “Jadeite Cabbage” in room A106 and Meat-Shaped Stone. Please stop by to admire them!

National Palace Museum E-Ticket

In general, the National Palace Museum is worth a visit because there are many interesting things about history, many beautiful corners for virtual living, most importantly, you will be surprised to see a museum in Asia has so many visitors!

Read more: Explore the National Palace Museum Taipei Taiwan — What to see in National Palace Museum Taipei?

Address: No. 221, Sec 2, Zhi Shan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111 Hours: 9AM–5PM/Monday: Closed Founded: October 10, 1925

Huashan 1914 Creative Park

After leaving National Palace Museum, I took shuttle bus 225 then bus 109 to get to Huashan 1914 Creative Park. This area is quite similar to Zone 9 in Hanoi before, but at a much higher level from the layout, design, decoration to mixed colors. It is an entertainment area that includes dining, recreational and shopping. You will feel extremely excited when get lost in the creative spaces in this area. Especially, there are plenty of beautiful virtual living corners. It’s a bit regret when I came here when it was late afternoon, the shops started to close, therefore I could not play here longer!

Address: No. 1, Section 1, Bade Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100 Hours: Open 24 hours

The next place is Taipei 101. In order to not have to wait in line for too long (so many people said that), I decided to buy a ticket in advance on Klook, so I got a discount of about $3. However, the harsh reality is that I still need to line up to exchange the voucher.

To getting here, I went to Zhongxiao Xinsheng, station then took the blue line subway to Taipei City Hall Station, then walk a little.

Taipei 101 Observatory E-Ticket

Taipei 101 Skyline 460 Observation Deck Skip-the-Line Ticket

Because the weather was too cold and the fog, so I could not see clearly below, I was only able to go to the 89th floor instead of the 91st floor as originally planned. Actually, it is not too pleasing and eye-catching to look around from the observation deck because the surroundings are all glasses.

The souvenir area of ​​Taipei 101 is quite eye-catching, going down the 88th floor there are more stalls selling jade items. The price is in heaven, of course!

Shilin night market

Although I had filled my stomach with the dumpling dish under the building, but my stomach also demanded more food, so I went to the Shilin night market. I took MRT to Jiantan station, then walked about 500m to get to Shilin. Maybe it was a bit raining so the market wasn’t as bustling as I expected. However, the deeper I went inside, the more bustling I saw people buying and selling. The prices of the dishes here are not much different from those of Ximending, just go ahead and eat!

At the end of the second day in 5 days in Taipei, I went back to my hotel to prepare for the next day!

After the first two days exploring downtown Taipei, I spent the whole next 3 days to exploring the small villages around this beautiful city – Jiufen , Shifen, Pingxi and Xinbeitou!

Taipei itinerary 5 days 3 — Day 3: Jiufen Village

On the third day I decided to spend time to traveling and exploring Jiufen ancient village as well as sleep here for one night to feel this breath of the “mountainous area”. To get here, first you need to go to Taipei Main Station, then looking for the TRA train (transit train) to go to the outskirts of Taipei. Remember, find the TRA train.

Initially, I mistakenly thought have to take MRT, so I spent a lot of time to finding way here. Fortunately, I found it later, although it took a lot of efforts. Here are a few ways to get to Jiufen for you:

• From Taipei Main Station, take TRA Tze-Chiang Limited Express 118 to Songshan Station, then take bus 1062 to Jiufen.
• From Taipei Main Station, take the TRA Fuxing / Shuttle 4198 train to Ruifang Station (cost about 30 TWD), then take bus 788 for 15 TWD or share a taxi for 50 TWD to get to Jiufen. I chose the second option because it is more reasonable, you can visit many other villages such as Shifen, Pingxi, Houtong without having to worry in regard to traveling.

We had a very detailed on how to get from Taipei to Jiufen, you can refer to here: How to go to Jiufen from Taipei? — 3 best ways on how to get to Jiufen and Shifen from Taipei

After about 1 hour and 30 minutes by train + taxi (not to mention I spent much time to find TRA train), I arrived in Jiufen. The first impression of this village can be said to be quite good with one side is the mountains and hills, the other side has the sea, the air is very fresh and comfortable. The old village of Jiufen becomes even more magical when it is hidden in this space.

Read more: Jiufen day trip from Taipei — How to spend 1 perfect day in Jiufen?

Because I decided to stay in Jiufen for one night, I rented a room at My Story Inn Jiufen hostel for about $18 / night. This hostel is quite small, located right next to the Police Station of Jiufen, across the street is the bus station to return to Ruifang Station.

While was staying here I get 1 extra breakfast voucher worth TWD 50. This hostel owner must say is extremely friendly, giving you guidance in every step, so you will not get lost. After spending 1 night here, I understood why My Story Inn Jiufen was ranked 9.3 / 10. (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

A Day Tour in Jiufen and Shifen From Ximen (Day and Night Scene in Jiufen)

During the day you can visit the Gold Museum (Jioufen Gold Mine Museum) as well as strolling around and watching the scenery of Jiufen. At night, wandering in the old village, admiring the high hanging lanterns, enjoying traditional dishes as well as sipping a cup of fragrant tea which is singature drink of this village.

Normally, the Taiwanese people close their shop early (around 10pm), in this small village the closing time even more sooner, around 8:30pm – 9pm, people have almost finished cleaning their shops. Therefore, in order not to be hungry, you should definitely buy more food to bring to the hotel or back to the hotel to buy instant noodles like me, LOL!

Read more: Jiufen Shifen itinerary: Jiufen Shifen day trip — How to visit Jiufen and Shifen in one day from Taipei?

On the way back to the hostel, I met a Chinese girl, she visited all other ancient villages such as Pingxi, Houtong, Shifen, Ruifang and had an extremely interesting “collection” of seals which inspired a great motivation for day 4 on my trip!

5 days in Taipei — Day 4: Pingxi Village – Shifen Village – Taipei Main Station

Leaving Jiufen, I took bus 788 back to Ruifang Station, then take the train towards Pingxi. This village was not originally on the list of places I will visit, however the owner of My Story Inn Jiufen introduced it extremely enthusiastically. She said this ancient village is very beautiful, very large, worth going to visit, beautiful no less than Shifen. So, I decided to come see why.

It is true that beautiful places that only locals people know, Pingxi is really cute, lovely you can not only wandering around the old village but also can dropping the sky lanterns right on the tracks here.

Oh, not only Shifen is the only place that allows you dropping sky lanterns but also in Pingxi you can do that. You can write many things you want on the sky lanterns such as wishes and release them into the sky. Price range from 100 TWD to 200 TWD depending on their colors, size of lanterns and text you want to write on it!

The next destination is Shifen, in general this village is quite similar to Pingxi, which is a little smaller and more sky lanterns were released. The difference between Shifen and Pingxi is that Shifen has a waterfall. Vietnam has many more beautiful waterfalls but you should also visit it once.

Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen, Shifen, and Golden Waterfall Day Tour from Taipei

Initially, I planned to going to Houtong cat village to play a bit, but it was quite dark, so I decided to return to Taipei Main Station.

Because it is suburban, there will be no continuous trains coming here, there is only 1 train every 1 hour, so it is important to watching time. The last one is around 7pm. Traveling alone or go with a group of friends, you can follow the same itinerary as mine above.

In addition, if you go with the elderly, you can also book for a tour of klook to Shifen, Jiufen and Yehliu Geopark for about $32.50, the shuttle will pick you up and drop off at your hotel after the tour.

Yehliu, Jiufen, and Shifen Day Tour with Taiwanese Pastry Making

Taipei itinerary 5 days — Day 5: Xinbeitou Hot Spring – Taoyuan Airport

I went to Taipei Main Station and took the red line MRT to Beitou, every 5 minutes there will be a trip. Then transfer the train to Xinbeitou. The total ticket price is about 40 TWD.

Actually, on Day 5 in Xinbeitou didn’t have much to say since I came here on Monday, almost all the attractions here are closed. Some places you can visit (not on Mondays and public holidays):

Beitou Hot Spring Museum (free admission)

Public baths:

• Admission is 40 TWD / person, you must have swimsuits to enter. Because I planned go to here, so I brought a full set of clothes, soaking in the water was also cool.
• Visitors here are mainly older people, a few are tourists like me. You will spend an additional 20 TWD / time to rent a locker.
• The water in the tub is flowing from the hottest tub down to the “cooler” tubs below. Depending on your endurance, you can choose the most suitable temperature.
• Be sure to wash your feet and take a short shower before soaking in the tub. In general, this area is not very clean to me because so many people bathe here.

Public foot bath area

Unfortunately, I went in the hot season, so there is no water in this area. Next to there was a small garden for children to play, understandable because this area is a park!

Beitou Thermal Valley: A bit regret due to closed on Monday.

Xinbeitou is probably only the most beautiful and busiest in winter when it is cold. And more beautiful if you go to the more upscale hotels a little to enjoy the “luxurious” space of the real onsen bath art !

Grand View Resort Beitou Public Hot Spring Spa

Read more: Grand View Resort Beitou blog — Review: Hot spring bath at Grand View Resort Beitou, Taipei.

Leaving Xinbeitou , I went back Taoyuan airport. In addition to commuter train (this kind I didn’t go), you can take express train for 160 TWD to get to the airport, it takes about 30 minutes.

So, the end of the trip of 5 days 4 nights in Taipei! Happy traveling!

Taipei itinerary 5 days blog: Where to stay in 5 days in Taipei?

In addition to the two hostels i recommended above below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to..

• Cityinn Hotel Plus – Fuxing N. Rd., Branch , 3-star hotel with room rates from $75/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Taipei Garden Hotel , 3-star hotel with room rates from $79/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Park Taipei Hotel , 4-star hotel with room rates from $78/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• YoMi Hotel , 3-star hotel with room rates from $53/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• WESTGATE Hotel , 4-star hotel with room rates from $131/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Swiio Hotel Daan , 4-star hotel with room rates from $139/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Hotel Relax 3 , 3-star hotel with room rates from $70/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Pacific Business Hotel , 4-star hotel with room rates from $91/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

You can find more, check rates, availability & book for Taipei hotels on Agoda.com or Booking.com .

In addition, you can refer to one of the best Airbnb in Taipei :

• MRT Daan Station 4 mins by walk near Taipei 101 at $19/night.
• The Family Guest House Room No 2 at $17/night.
• Private room in apartment hosted by 國榮 at $19/night.
• 《畫室Atelier》Near Taipei101, MRT Yongchun, 天臺景觀宅 at $45/night.
• Near MRT Daan Station & Taipei 101 at $20/night.
• [K]38 COMFY｜MRT3min｜TaipeiStation&Ximending 8min at $28/night.
• Ximen MRT 2mins-Bright n Cozy wz Bathtub-Double Rm at $46/night.

–> Use this link https://www.airbnb.com/c/anht5185 , to register for an Airbnb account and book a room, you will get a discount up to $55 for the first booking.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Taipei you can refer to

• Taoyuan Airport Private Transfers (TPE) for Taipei
• Sedan Taoyuan Airport Transfers (TPE) for Taipei
• [SALE] Taoyuan Airport MRT Ticket & Exclusive Shopping Coupon
• Luxury Taoyuan Airport Transfers (TPE) for Taipei
• Explore Taipei City
• Taipei Free Walking Tour Historic Route
• Taipei Double Decker Bus Tour
• Taipei Popular Sightseeing Private Car Charter : Jiufen, Pingxi, and North Coast (Chinese/English/Korean)
• Northeast Coast Scenic Day Tour
• Jiufen Shuttle Bus from Ximen
• Yehliu, Shifen, and Jiufen Day Tour with Korean and English Speaking Guides
• Taipei: Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen, Shifen, and Golden Waterfall Day Tour
• Klook Pass Taipei (For international travelers)
• Taipei 101 Observatory Ticket
• Maokong Gondola Ticket
• Yeliou, Jinguashih, Juifen and Shihfen Join Day Tour
• Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass
• Taipei: Beitou and Yangmingshan One-Day Tour
• [10% Off + 1 Extra Free Day] 4G SIM Card (TW Airport Pick Up) for Taiwan from Chunghwa Telecom
• 4G SIM Card (TPE Airport Pick Up) for Taiwan from Far EasTone Telecom
• 4G WiFi (TW Airport Pick Up) for Taiwan
• 4G Portable WiFi for Taiwan from Uroaming (Unlimited Data)
• 4G Portable WiFi for Taiwan from WiFiBB (Unlimited Data)
• 4G LTE WiFi (TW Airport Pick Up) for Japan
• [Sale – Taiwan Food Promo] Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) Discounted Ticket from Taipei
• Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) Consecutive Unlimited Pass (2 or 3 Days)
• Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) Discounted Ticket from Taoyuan
• THSR Exclusive Discount One Way Ticket from Taoyuan (Two Tickets for the Price of One)

Are you finding more top things to do in Taipei: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Taipei travel blog — The fullest Taipei city guide for a wonderful trip to Taipei for the first-timers.

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This New Luxury Travel Company Features Carbon-neutral Trips to the Dolomites, Victoria Falls, Amazon, and More

The 30 itineraries — all tested by the founders — include adventures in the Seychelles, Rwanda, Dolomites, Yellowstone, and Slovenia.

Katie Katz/Courtesy of Few & Far

Brit Sarah Dusek and her American husband Jacob Dusek have always viewed the world through a lens of possibilities. The couple met in Taipei, Taiwan, nearly two decades ago and started out raising their two sons in Montana — all while they launched what has become one of the preeminent glamping companies in the country, Under Canvas . It disrupted the old standards of rustic camping and replaced it with chic, eco-friendly safari-style tents against the background of some of the most iconic U.S. destinations. 

Now they’ve taken that same mindful model of meaningful outdoor experiences into the luxury travel space, debuting a new brand last month: Few & Far . It's a sustainable company dedicated to carbon-neutral exploration. “The heart of all of it is the magical connection there is when people connect with nature in extraordinary ways,” Sarah Dusek told Travel + Leisure.

Each of the 30 itineraries available on the site right now are ones that someone from the Dusek family has experienced first-hand, providing a personal level of curation and paired with a focus on putting sustainability first. 

Among her favorite trips offered are the Rwanda Gorilla Trek and Masai Mara Wildlife Adventure , a 12-day itinerary with visits to Kigali and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Masai Mara in Kenya, and Zanzibar in Tanzania. She took a group of female CEOs on the journey last October, saying that “it was absolutely mind-blowing and extraordinary” and that “every single woman on the trip said it was by far the most incredible trip she’s been on.” 

Another highlight is the five-day San Juan Islands Tented Camp Experience , a tailored group trip with accommodations set up specifically for each group. On Sarah Dusek’s own visit, she took about eight female CEOs there for a “boutique, five-star tented experience under the stars on a farm,” where they arrived by seaplane and then sea kayaked, hiked, and enjoyed outdoor farm-to-table dinners. The best part: every person could rest assured that their stay used 70 percent less water consumption than staying at an average hotel. 

Her own family traveled last Christmas inspired the Enchanting Southern Africa itinerary, a 12-day getaway from Cape Town up to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, before heading to a houseboat on the Chobe River in Botswana. “It was so special because you could be right on the water watching the wildlife morning, noon, and night,” she said. “The boys could fish and we could traverse up and down the Zambezi, experiencing a different view each day.” 

After that, the trip boards the luxurious Rovos Rail through Hwange National Park in Bulawayo to Pretoria, before ending in Johannesburg.

Having test-driven every single one of the itineraries on her own is what makes Few & Far’s curation so special. “All of these are very personal to us,” Sarah Dusek said. “They're an expression of who we are — and we love to share them.”

Launching a new travel company was never the intention, with the Duseks selling off Under Canvas in 2019 and moving their family to Cape Town, where they worked as venture capitalists helping empower and fund female entrepreneurs. But they continued to be avid travelers, committed to exposing their sons, now 12 and 15, to as many cultures and perspectives as possible. 

During a trip to the Forgotten Mountain’s remote region in northern South Africa’s Limpopo province along the Zimbabwe border, they knew they had stumbled upon something special in UNESCO’s Vhembe Biosphere Reserve . Soon, they had bought a 10,000-acre space, where they’re now set to debut as the 60-room Few & Far Luvhondo eco-lodge at the end of this year. Inspired by weaver bird nests, the site will include a solar-powered aerial experience with a cable car system featuring a 40-kilometer (about a 25-mile) track to provide a uniquely immersive way to explore the African bush and its wildlife.

“We hadn't planned on coming back to the commercial travel space again, but are still so passionate about travel and we still love curating extraordinary experiences,” Sarah Dusek said. “We kept thinking about the safari experience and how to reimagine it for our children and how we could incorporate conservation and travel.”

That forward-thinking eco-first philosophy is what drives all of the Duseks’ efforts. “Outdoor tourism can do so much good,” Sarah Dusek said. “There can be so much harmony with creating an economy, stimulating jobs, preserving wildlife, making sure that our habitats are protected, and that we don't lose biodiversity.”

In fact, through a combination of conservation efforts — largely from tree planting, as well as wetlands management, rewilding, and restoring — the eco-lodge should be on track to sequester as much as 100,000 more tons of carbon a year than it currently does. That’s especially meaningful since the 10,000 acres they own have more biodiversity than in all of Europe. 

Additionally, she started looking at the possibilities of helping the rural people, many of whom live in poverty and are generating a revenue stream through tourism. “You start educating people about the difference of what happens when we conserve and protect the land and start investing in the people and then you start to ripple effects in so many levels," she said.

Ultimately, what drives Sarah Dusek is her own dedication to instilling these values in her kids. “I want to show my kids how extraordinary our planet is and I want them to fall in love with it,” she said. “When you're out in it, magic happens and the chances of falling in love with the planet are infinitely greater.”

All of those facets come together in each of the trips through Few & Far — and she hopes that every traveler will be taken by the impact of their adventures. “Travel changes us and has the power to change a belief pattern,” she said. “It shows us that the way we live is not the way everyone lives and maybe not the right way to live.”

In particular that happens the most when she’s out on the great outdoors. “The more time I have spent in the natural world, the more I learn about the people, behaviors, patterns, and cultures in our world,” she said. “That makes us richer and gives us all a chance to realize gosh, all the little things matter.” 

For a full list of Few & Far’s trips, which range from $10,000 to $50,000 per trip, visit Few and Far's site .

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Taipei Pets Show 2024 | Nangang Exhibition Center

The Taipei Pets Show 2024, set to take place at the Nangang Exhibition Center in Taipei, will showcase the latest advancements in Pets, Pet Products, Animal Care, and Pet Accessories. As the premier Trade Show, Fair, and Exhibition in Taiwan, this event is a must-visit for pet enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. With a reputation as the largest pet show in the country, the Taipei Pets Show draws in over 180,000 visitors annually, including overseas buyers. From July 5th to July 8th, 2024, attendees can expect to discover cutting-edge products and services, network with key players in the market, and gain valuable insights into the ever-evolving pet industry landscape. Make sure to mark your calendars for this exciting event that promises to be a hub of innovation and inspiration for all things related to pets.

Provided by Demian | Published Apr 10, 2024

Are you interested in Taipei Pets Show 2024?

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