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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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Hi, my name is Bino and I started I Wander around 15 years ago with the aim of sharing about some of my personal journeys and experiences, hoping that the information may benefit readers like yourselves. Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below. Alternatively, you can also email me at b i n o (at) iwandered.net. You can follow I Wander on Facebook , Telegram , or Instagram . Also, if you liked this article, please feel free to SHARE or RETWEET

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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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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! 

Disclaimer: This post probably contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through one of these links, I might receive a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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?

• 2 weeks in Taiwan
• Taroko Gorge Travel Guide
• 3 days in Taichung
• Sun Moon Lake Travel Guide
• Alishan Travel Travel Guide  
• Kaohsiung 2 days itinerary
• Taitung Travel Guide

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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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TAIWAN: The Ultimate Taipei Travel Guide 2024 + Itinerary, Things to do and more

Diy trip taipei itinerary & travel guide.

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The Ultimate Travel Guide to Taipei, Taiwan

Table of Contents

Planning a trip to Taiwan soon? Dive into our Taipei Taiwan Travel Guide Blog for a useful Sample DIY Taipei Itinerary, a handpicked selection of top tourist attractions, thrilling activities to experience, and must-know travel tips to enhance your journey.

I f you haven’t been to Taipei, Taiwan, you’re missing out on a lot in life. Taiwan is one of the Asian countries with the most beautiful cultures. It combines the liveliness of Chinese culture and the elegance of Japanese culture. Taiwan was conquered by the Japanese from 1895 to 1945, and its Chinese roots continually shaped its culture. Taiwan, therefore, has this combination of both Chinese and Japanese influence, and the beauty of the mixture, along with a bit of a mix of Taiwan’s own culture, produced a beautiful, whole new culture in itself—this is why I think Taiwan has the most exquisite culture in Asia.

Its capital city, Taipei, especially showcases Taiwan’s culture. Taipei, a famous tourist destination in Taiwan, is noted for its colorful, bustling streets, night markets, and towering Taipei 101 skyscraper. Taipei has so much of Taiwan’s culture condensed in its area that it is virtually impossible to run out of new things to see and do here. So, if you haven’t been to Taipei yet, it’s time to start planning to—and here’s the Ultimate Taipei Travel Guide to help you out.

Starting in November 2017, Filipino Passport holders no longer need to secure a visa to visit Taiwan. Philippine passport holders can travel to the Republic of China (Taiwan) completely visa-free for 14 days.

Visa-Free Requirements for Filipino Travelers

A visa-free traveler only needs to prepare the four documents listed below:

• An ordinary/regular passport with a remaining validity of at least six months from the date of entry (Diplomatic & Official passport holders are not eligible for visa-free treatment);
• A return ticket or a ticket for the traveler’s next destination and a visa for that destination if it is required;
• Proof of accommodation (hotel) booking or host/sponsor’s contact information, tour arrangements, travel, visit, events and meeting, etc.
• A completed “Arrival Card” may be obtained from the airline or cruise ship company.

Then, the completed arrival card with a passport is presented to the immigration officials at an airport or seaport upon their arrival in Taiwan. (complete FAQ)

• New Taiwan Dollar (TWD) is the currency of Taiwan
• Php100 is approximately NT$56.46
• To avoid currency loss, don’t change your money at the airport
• I prefer ATM withdrawal in Taipei; just notify your bank that you are traveling to avoid the hassle.

When is the best time to visit Taiwan?

Taipei has a semi-tropical climate characterized by hot and humid weather. The most comfortable season to visit is the fall, when the rainfall is at its lowest, and the temperatures average a pleasant 20°C. February to April are particularly damp with little sunlight, while the summers can be scorching but often punctuated by heavy thundershowers.

Taipei is prone to typhoons from May to October, though the highest concentrations are in August and September. Winters can be pretty chilly, with temperatures occasionally falling below 10°C at night, though snowfall has never been known to occur.

Summer (June – August)

Summers in Taipei are hot and humid. These months are usually the off-peak period for tourists, and it is best for budget travelers since there’s a huge inventory of rooms, which may lead to more hotel price markdowns.

Fall (September – November)

This is the time of the year when the weather is more enjoyable. It’s not too hot or cold, making it a significant period to visit Taipei from a weather perspective. October is also the official end of the tropical cyclone (typhoon) season; you can expect less rain and more sunny days.

Winter (December – February)

This is the driest month of the year, and it’s perfect if you want to do walking tours or outdoor trips. This is also one of the busiest since the winter season is the Christmas season. Avoid Taipei’s Chinese New Year celebration if you hate too many crowds, expensive flights, and hotels. It is usually celebrated at the end of January or early February.

Spring (March-May)

The temperature is somehow similar to the fall, which is around 20 degrees Celsius, but there are times when there will be precipitation.

As for when to stay, Taipei, Taiwan, generally has a fair climate all year round. However, if you’re the type of traveler who likes walking around and planning to visit Taipei’s night markets, be sure to avoid the months of July through September. July is usually the hottest month, with an average temperature of at least 30°C (85°F), while August to September is generally rainy. Although there are several activities you can engage in regardless of the weather, nothing beats exploring Taipei with nice, chill weather without the hassle of carrying a raincoat or an umbrella along with your shopping bags.

How to get there

Several international airlines offer daily flights to Taipei. Airlines like AirAsia offer flights from Manila and Cebu to Taipei.

From Manila

AirAsia’s Clark – Taipei route operates with the following schedule.

How to get from Taipei Airport to Taipei City Centre

You can ride a taxi or a bus from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport to Taipei. Both modes of transportation are available in both terminals. You can rest assured that the taxis at the airport are safe because they are accredited by the Aviation Police Bureau, but expect that there will be a fare surcharge.

On the other hand, bus fares are generally cheaper, and tickets are sold at bus counters. Buses can take you to Taipei Main Station, where you can book a much cheaper and shorter taxi ride to the hotel you booked.

The Taoyuan International Airport Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is a faster mode of transportation that directly connects the airport and Taipei City. The 51.03 km (31.71 mi) line began commercial service on March 2, 2017.

Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) Private Transfer to Taipei

• Travel in Comfort! Enjoy a direct private transfer from Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) to Taipei City.

Book your affordable Taipei Airport Transfer via KLOOK

Where to stay in Taipei

Taipei has a lot of good hotels around. YoMi Hotel ( check rates ), Via Hotel Loft ( check rates ), Ximen Hedo Hotel Kaifeng ( check rates ), and Taipei Morning Hotel ( check rates ) are some of the most affordable decent hotels and have been awarded TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence as well.

Taipei Districts

• Ximending –  Ximending is a neighborhood and shopping district in the Wanhua District of Taipei, Taiwan. It was the first pedestrian zone in Taiwan.
• Zhongshan –  The district features many recreational areas, including Rongxing Garden Park, Xinsheng Park, Yingfeng Riverside Park, Meiti Riverside Park, Zhongshan Fine Arts Park, Dajia Riverside Park, and Taipei Municipal Children’s Recreation Area.
• Da’an District –  Da’an has numerous shopping areas. On Zhongxiao East Road, Dunhua South Road, and neighboring alleys, there are clothing shops, restaurants serving world cuisines, and major department stores, including three branches of the Pacific Sogo Department Store, Breeze Center, the Ming Yao Department Store, and the immense 24-hour Eslite Bookstore.

Also Read:  Ultimate List of the Best Hotels in Taipei, Taiwan

Getting around Taipei

The lifeline of transportation in Taipei is the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system. The MRT, often called Metro Taipei, connects several major stations in Taipei. Metro Taipei displays and announces information in English aside from other languages, making it accessible for non-Chinese speakers.

The most expensive trips only cost NT$ 65, or about US$ 2. Buses are also a famous mode of transportation. Taipei buses also have English displays, which are suitable for non-Chinese speakers. Bus fares are paid per section the bus passes through, and each section is just NT$ 15, or less than US$ 1. Buses have digital displays that indicate when you should pay and when you can go down.

Taipei Transportation 

Use EasyCard while traveling in Taiwan! You can use it for the Taipei Metro, Ubike, Bus Services, Train, and even your purchases at various convenience stores! You can get EasyCard at any MRT Station and reload at MRT stations and convenience stores.

Get a Ubike! It’s a bike-sharing system in Taipei. All you need to do is register your EasyCard at one of the kiosks at each Ubike station or online using your local mobile number. You can use your credit card to rent a bike at any Ubike kiosks if you don’t have a local mobile number.

4-Hour Taipei Private Charter Service – From Taipei

Enjoy an introduction to Taiwan’s bustling capital, and pick and choose which sights you want to explore in Taipei with your own private transportation and driver for four hours.

[Book your Private Car Here]

Fun activities and places to see in taipei, visit jiufen old street in new taipei city.

New Taipei used to be called Taipei County and was a part of Taipei. Now, New Taipei is a separate city that surrounds Taipei. Quite confusing, right? Jiufen Old Street is a must-visit tourist destination near New Taipei, regardless of its origin. Once a gold mining village established by the Japanese, Jiufen Old Street is a quaint but colorful small village with plenty of food stalls and shops. Think of it as an old-school shopping district.

Join-in Tour From Taipei: Yehliu, Pingxi, Jiufen

Save money by booking affordable tours.

• Discover some of Northern Taiwan’s most beautiful scenery, just a short 1-hour ride from Taipei.
• Set off your Chinese lantern in the charming village of Pingxi and eat Taiwanese street snacks at Jiufen Old Street.
• See the Queen’s Head and some of Taiwan’s more unusual natural geological landscapes at Yehliu Geopark.
• Discover the delights of Jiufen, Yehliu, and Pingxi with your expert local travel guide and driver.

Book your Tour Here

Shop some more in Ximending

Ximending is often referred to as the Harajuku of Taipei. It’s the first pedestrian zone in Taipei—meaning no motor vehicles pass by. You’re free to walk around and shop ’til you drop or walk around ’til your feet hurt. There are countless shops in this neon-lit shopping district, ranging from individual food vendors to larger buildings. Think of it as an urban shopping district.

How to get there:   Take the THSR to Taipei Station, continue by MRT to  Ximen Station, or take the train to Taipei Railway Station and continue by MRT to Ximen  Station.

Go shrimp fishing. That’s right, you read right.

If Japan has goldfish scooping, Taipei has shrimp fishing. Shrimp fishing is paid per hour, and you’ll be provided with poles, bait (usually chicken liver), and a tray to place your fresh catch! What’s better is you can grill your catch on the spot too. Shrimp fishing indoor pools are located in clusters near Shilin Night Market, where you can…

Hualien Night Tour to River Shrimping with BBQ Dinner 

Nowadays, barbecue is not a cuisine but a culture. It has even become an eating lifestyle in many countries. For decades, barbecue as an entertainment event has traditionally bonded families and friends. Children rarely experience fun catching shrimp in the wild brook!

Buy a souvenir or two from the Shilin Night Market.

The Shilin Night Market is a famous shopping center in town. It opens at 4 pm and closes as late as 2 in the morning. There were 539 food stalls as of 2002. These stalls sell food and non-food items, and if you want to buy authentic street food (aside from souvenirs), this is the place for you.

Pray in Lungshan Temple of Manka.

The Buddhist temple of Lungshan Temple of Manka is a famous worship spot. It is home to Chinese deities Mazu and Guan Yu and was constructed in 1738. During the subsequent years, the temple was damaged during the Japanese rule in Taiwan and American air raids in 1945. Although the parts of the temple were reconstructed after the Second World War, it still stands as one of the most iconic temples that showcase classical Taiwanese culture.

How to get to Lungshan Temple

By MRT: Take the Blue Line 5 to Longshan Temple; the temple is located just north of the station plaza, Exit 1.

By Train: Longshan is located one block north of Wanhua station, accessible by Local service.

Location:  No. 211, Guangzhou Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10853 Telephone:  +886 2 2302 5162 Hours:  6am-10pm Daily

Shrink in front of the massive Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.

It’s impossible to miss Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei. It’s a gigantic white monument built in memory of the former President of the Republic of China, Chiang Kai-shek. It’s surrounded by an equally huge park. Moreover, the building is full of meanings. For instance, the octagonal blue roof symbolizes the number 8, commonly associated with good fortune. On the other hand, the 89 steps leading to the entrance represent the age of the former President’s age of death.

• Address:   No. 21, Zhongshan South Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
• No Entrance Fee
• Hours: 9 am to 6 pm daily

Visit the National Palace Museum

Located in Shilin, Taipei, Taiwan, The National Palace Museum has a permanent collection of nearly 700,000 pieces of ancient Chinese imperial artifacts and artworks. Through Chiang Kai-shek’s initiative, he moved some collections from China to Taiwan in the late 1940s to escape the Communists. This Museum has a vast array of beautiful artifacts and is worth visiting.

How to get to the National Palace Museum

• Take the MRT Tamsui-Xinyi Line to the Shilin Station and bus R30 (Red 30 – Low-floor bus) to the National Palace Museum. Other routes that will take you to and near the Museum Plaza are buses 255, 304, 815 (Sanchung – NPM Line), M1, Minibus 18, and Minibus 19.
• Take the MRT Wenhu Line to the Dazhi Station and take bus B13 (Brown 13) to the National Palace Museum before the Front Facade Plaza of the Museum.
• Alternatively, visitors may take the Wenhu Line and get off at Jiannan Rd. Station, take bus B20 (Brown 20) to NPM’s front entrance (Main Building).
• From MRT Red Line 2 Shilin station, walk outside the station and board Bus R30, fare NT$15, payable by cash or Easycard.
• Busses generally leave every 30 minutes on weekdays until 7 pm and 15 minutes on weekends until 6:55 pm.

Location:  No. 221, Sec 2, Zhi Shan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111 Telephone:  +886 2 2881 2021

National Palace Museum E-Ticket

• Enter the National Palace Museum and view one of the largest Chinese art collections.
• Marvel at architecture from the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum
• Discover Taipei’s treasures and learn about Chinese dynasties

Book your National Palace Museum e-Ticket Here

Travel to another world in Huashan 1914 Creative Park.

Huashan 1914 Creative Park has things you won’t see anywhere else in Taipei. Upside-down houses? Check. Giant soup bowl? Check. House covered in green plants? Check. Sophisticated cafes? Check! However, a funny thing about Huashan 1914 Creative Park is that it was built in 1916, not 1914. It started out as a winery that was made during Japanese rule. After being shut down decades later, local artists petitioned to reopen the abandoned winery. Not long after, Huashan 1914 Creative Park came to light and served, and still serves, as the playground of local artists and their creative minds.

Gaze at the breathtaking views in Taipei 101.

Taipei 101 is one of the World’s tallest skyscrapers next to the Burj Khalifa. Taipei 101 is also the tallest green building in the World. The 101-story building offers the best view deck in Taiwan on its 89th floor. It’s equipped with the World’s fastest elevator that can take you from the 5th floor to the 89th in less than a minute. The scenic view of Taipei is beautiful at all times. Still, I recommend coming to Taipei 101 from sunset to nighttime—the view of the horizon burning in red and orange before and the city lights slowly switching on is just rewarding.

Taipei 101 Observatory Priority Pass Ticket

Climb to the highest viewing platform of Taipei 101, Taiwan’s most iconic building. Ride one of the World’s fastest elevators to the 89th floor and check out the spectacular city view.

Book your Taipei 101 Quick Entry Ticket Here

Taipei 101 Observatory Skyhigh Camping Experience

Visit the elephant mountain.

Also known as the Nangang District Hiking Trail, it is best visited in the afternoon until sundown. This area provides a beautiful panoramic view of the forest and tall buildings.

The trail is close to the Taipei Metro Xiangshan Station. It is 183 m high and has a hiking trail that is about 1.5 km long.

Admission:  Free

What to eat

Egg pudding…in an egg..

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nataly Phuong (@natalyphuong)

The How Sweet bakery is famous for its egg pudding…served in actual eggs! The tip of the egg is cut, and the pudding is stored inside. No worries: the eggshell is sanitized and is enhanced, so it doesn’t break. How Sweet’s famous egg puddings can be bought from Taipei Main Station.

Bite a crispy fried cuttlefish

If you aren’t satisfied yet with Shilin Night Market’s food stalls, then you’ll be stoked to know that there’s another food-filled night market just south of Shilin and near SongSan Train Station… the Raohe Night Market. Here, you can spot Taipei’s version of food trucks and where you can indulge in freshly fried, crispy cuttlefish. Yum!

Indulge in a bowl of beef noodle soup

Your trip to Taipei won’t be complete if you haven’t tried its beef noodle soup at Din Tai Fung or in any noodle shop. The dish usually consists of tender beef, crispy greens, noodles, spice, and broth that deserves to be rewarded with a huge golden trophy. Most restaurants in Taipei serve their own versions of beef noodle soup, but you should try Regent Taipei’s twist.

You can also try cold noodles. Taipei doesn’t just have hot beef noodles; it also has cold ones, which you should definitely try. Taiwanese cold noodles are usually served with sesame seeds and sometimes with peanut sauce. Each stall has its own version as well.

Scallion Pancake in Yongkang St.

Din Tai Fung is not the only reason people visit Yongkang St. This street is a haven for food lovers. From Noodle houses, Bakeries, Fresh Fruit shops, and some shopping areas, there are a lot of things to do and see in this famous foodie district. Tian Jin Flaky Scallion Pancake is a must-try when you visit Yongkang St. This restaurant is hard to miss since you will immediately notice the long queue of customers waiting for their turn. With its semi-crispy pastry, you can choose an egg, cheese, bacon, Taiwanese basil, and other options to add more flavor to your Scallion pancake!

[ Click here to search for luxury hotels in Taipei, Taiwan]

Pork Xiao Long Bao at Din Tai Fung

If you want to taste one of the best Pork, Xiao Long Bao, in Taiwan, visit Din Tai Fung in Yongkang St. Steamed pork dumplings or xiao long bao containing minced pork wrapped in freshly made dough, pleated and twisted at the top and steamed.

Spring Onion Pie

Probably one of the most common street foods you will find in almost all the night markets in Taipei. This Onion Pie is a little crispy on the outside, but it has sweet and soft dough filled with minced spring onions.

Stinky Tofu

Like how people hated Durian, this stinky tofu is also delicious, but not everyone can appreciate its pungent odor. This fermented tofu is also one of the most famous street foods you can find in most night markets in Taiwan.

Super Mango Snowflake Ice with Panna Cotta

This yummy mango-flavored dessert has creamy shaved ice, real diced mangoes on the side, and a pannacotta on top. It’s really worth it, but make sure to be with someone; I had to finish it alone:)

Taipei Night Market Walking Tour

• Sample 12 classic Taiwanese snacks
• Experience a bustling Taipei night market and learn about Taiwan’s rich food culture from an expert foodie guide.

Book your Night Market Tour Here

Free WiFi in Taipei

Taipei is one of those Cities where FREE WiFi is widely available in most public places, and some of the city buses are called TPE-Free. To activate, you must register online or visit the visitor information centers and present your passport for assistance. Once registered, you can also use your account for the nationwide free WiFi called iTaiwan.

If you don’t want to rely on free WiFi access, you can buy a local sim card that offers 4-7 days of unlimited 3g or LTE data. You only need to present your passport and another valid ID at the nearest Mobile Carrier shops to buy a local data sim card.

Taiwan Unlimited 4G Portable WiFi Rental

Get your 4G Portable WiFi Rental to access unlimited high-speed internet while traveling in Taiwan.

Book your Taiwan 4G Pocket WiFi Here

Trivia about Taipei, Taiwan

• The popular Asian beverage “Bubble Tea” or “Boba,” made with milk and tapioca pearl, originated in Taiwan in the ’90s.
• You can find the World’s first animated pedestrian light, also known as the little green man, to the locals in Xinyi District.
• Taipei 101, at a height of 509.2 meters (1,671 ft), was the tallest building in the World until it was surpassed by Dubai’s Burj Khalifa in 2008. It still claims the official records for the World’s tallest sundial and the World’s largest New Year’s Eve countdown clock.
• The National Palace Museum, located in Shilin, Taipei, had over 5.3 million visitors in 2015 and ranks sixth among the most-visited museums in the World.
• Tsai Lng-wen became Taiwan’s first female President when she won the election in January 2016.
• With over 82,000 participants, Taiwan Pride is the biggest LGBT event in Asia, and protests in support of same-sex marriage are significant and peacefully observed by police. This has led many to refer to Taiwan as one of the most liberal countries in Asia.

Taipei, Taiwan Travel and Tou r Packages

Day Tour from Taipei: Northern Taiwan Private Charter (Book Online) – For 10 hours, Visit northern Taiwan’s most iconic sites like the Queen’s Head Rock in Yehliu, the Japanese colonial town of Jiufen, and eat fresh seafood at Guei Hou Fishing Harbor.

Taiwan Northeast Coast Day Tour (Book Online) – Escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown Taipei and embark on a fascinating journey to explore Taiwan’s Northeastern coastline and its stunning beaches.

8-hour Chartered Day Tour to Taipei-Hualien (Book Online) – Tour Duration: 8 Hours –  Train tickets from Taipei to Hualien are hard to get. If there is a group of you, why not charter a car from Taipei to Hualien? Or charter from Hualien to Taipei? You will be able to see sights along the way that you will not see by train. The Suhua Highway is the most beautiful in Taiwan. You can get out of the car and take pictures or see sights, making the long journey more fun!

• Tours in Taipei: Exploring the Northeast Coast of Taiwan
• Eight Things I Love About Taiwan
• 10 Amazing Reasons Why You Should Visit Taipei Now

We will continuously update this Taipei Travel Guide Blog with new travel tips, updated itineraries, budget tips, hotel recommendations, and top places to eat to help our dear readers plan their trip to Taipei. For comments, corrections, and suggestions, feel free to comment below:

Originally Published: January 14, 2017

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Written by Melo Villareal

Melo Villareal is the Online Publisher of Outoftownblog.com. He is an Accountant by profession who left the corporate world at the age of 23 to explore his beautiful country and the rest of the world. Today, Melo works as a part-time Social Media Manager for local and international clients. His full-time work focuses on discovering interesting culture, explore different cuisines and take memorable photos from local and international destinations he's visiting.

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The First-Timer’s Taipei Travel Guide

Updated March 2024

Whether this is your first time in Asia or your second, this first-timer’s Taipei travel guide will show you all that there is to discover. Taipei is a sprawling city and with so much to see and do, you could get lost down the lantern-stringed streets for hours.

Taipei was not the kind of city I had expected for Asia. It was my first time visiting Taipei so I was excited to explore it on my own. It was organized yet there were whizzing motorcycles, it was cosmopolitan yet felt tropical. There was the kind of upscale dining you’d expect, but for every 5 star restaurant there was a food cart to match. You could experience both sides of the spectrum and truly enjoy both. Taipei is a city for those who love food and who love to explore endless streets. A trip to Taipei is the experience for those looking to be surprised by somewhere that is too often overlooked.

There are so many things to do in Taipei, so take a look at where to say in Taipei and use this travel guide to help plan your trip!

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in Taipei:

• CHECK inn , for the best centrally-located hotel
• W Taipei , for the best elevated hotel

For more Taipei planning resources, don’t miss why I fell in love with Taipei and my guide to the top things to do !

What to Know Before Visiting Taipei

Getting to Taipei

Taipei has a great international airport that is easily reached with many direct flights. Landing in Taoyuan International Airport, you can take the shuttle bus (U-bus) to the Taoyuan High Speed Rail station to access Taipei Main Station. Pre-arranged transfers with a hotel is also advised.

Getting Around Taipei

Once in the city of Taipei, the MRT (metro) is easy to use. Be sure to get an Easy Card at a Seven Eleven to use for easy entry into train stations.

Uber is very affordable and practical for getting around Taipei. Avoid rush hour as traffic can be painfully slow.

Currency and Money

The Easy Card is your best friend as you can use it for trains, busses, buying food at Seven Eleven and even taxis. This is like their local credit card.

Cash is king here and though most nice restaurants and cafes will accept credit card, cash is still needed for many places.

I’d suggest a translating app to assist while traveling in Taiwan. English is widely spoken in Taipei but a few phrases in the local language always helps.

I would recommend a minimum of 4 nights if you plan to do a day trip at least once. The city is big, with plenty to do and eat.

If you’re not to sure what to expect in Taiwan, take a look at this post on why I fell in love with the city.

Weather and When to Visit

Through looking at the different seasons, I believe the best time to visit Taipei is during the fall. It is cool weather and the least amount of rain.

The summers in Taipei can be hot and humid, so I’d avoid the peak of summer if you don’t love the heat.

Where to Stay in Taipei

Check inn (where i stayed).

Centrally located and footsteps from the MRT, this is a good, well-priced option. It is a young hotel and features a good cafe for breakfast and coffee as well. Book the best rates here .

For those looking for a luxe experience, this design-forward hotel is the spot. Well located and beautiful, it’s an upscale stay. Book the best rates here .

Where to Eat in Taipei

Addiction Aquatic Center

Easily some of the best sushi I have ever had, this place is a must. A cash-only sushi bar inside a fish market that is stunning and a great night out in Taipei.

Din Tai Fung

This is a classic and almost on everyone’s list when in Taipei. Dim sum and soup dumplings are a must on a visit to Taipei. Pro-tip: Put your name on the list and head to the top of Taipei 101 before settling for lunch or dinner.

Choose me Cafe & Restaurant

Solid cafe for coffee and small plates.

Restaurant Pinecone

Inventive dishes in a beautiful space, like Japanese-fried chicken over spaghetti.

Aura Pizzeria

Come here for your pizza cravings.

Ay Chung Flour Rice Noodles

The place (with lines) which serves some incredible Taiwanese noodles and food.

Yongkang Beef Noodles

An iconic dish from Taiwan, beef noodle soup is a staple during a trip.

Beautiful space with a brunch menu.

Ice Monster

A must try is Taiwanese shaved ice and this place serves some of the best.

What to Do in Taipei

• Book a private full-day tour of the city
• Check out the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall . This is one of the best things to do in Taipei
• Shop and cafe hop down the tree-lined Fujin Street
• Go to the top of Taipei 101 Observatory for a great view of the city. Be sure to put your name down at Din Tai Fung before going up
• Catch sunset over the city from Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan Trail, Nangang District Hiking Trail)
• Explore the National Palace Museum to see Chinese art and artifacts
• Head to the neighborhood of Ximending District where you can shop through multiple merchants and there’s plenty to eat
• Hit a night market while in town, like the Shilin Night Market
• Take a day trip to Jiufen
• One of my favorite places to visit from Taipei is also Sun Moon Lake

If you’re looking for a guided day tour, take a look at these options:

*Bon Traveler was welcomed as a guest of Taiwan Tourism Bureau. As always, all opinions are own.

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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!

These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you . If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here .

1. Book Your Flights

Use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.

2. Book Your Accommodations

Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

4. Book Your Car

Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

Get a Priority Pass membership to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

• World Nomads (best for all-around)
• Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)

Xx, Jessica

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This is great thank you so much! I’m hoping to go there in the spring and will definitely go to some of the places you recommend. it looks amazing!

Amazing! Have a wonderful trip!!!

Thank you so much for this! I am studying abroad in Taipei this summer and I am so excited to explore the places you mentioned. Your pictures also look AMAZING. May I ask what camera you used to take these?

Ah thank you! They are all taken on a Sony A7ii. I have a full post on my camera gear if you want to see the list!

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Taiwanese Secrets Travel Guide

Taipei Travel in Taiwan: A Complete Guide for 2022

Welcome to taiwan’s most dynamic city.

Taipei City, the nation’s sophisticated capital, is the ultimate showcase. It’s a place full of contrast. It’s got quiet parks encircled by hectic streets as well as open traditional markets that line up alleys next to modern malls. Here, you’ll find some of the most beautiful temples in Asia, a world-class museum, classical Chinese architecture, hiking trails, hot-springs, and so much more!

But to be honest, it’s not for everyone. It is big and busy, it has a level of pollution that is rarely healthy, and traffic is hectic even on quiet days. In spite of that, if you can deal with these aspects, you’re gonna have a blast in Taipei – it’s truly one of the great (and most exciting) cities in Asia!

10 Reasons You’ll Love Taipei

The Temples In my opinion, Taipei is on par with Kyoto for the beauty of its temples. Hard to believe? Maybe… But I think it’s only because its religious sites don’t get as much publicity as the ones in Kyoto. It’s only a matter of time until the world realizes that Taiwan’s capital has some of the most fascinating places of worship in the world.

Museums and Memorials The city is home to the famed  National Palace Museum  – repository of the  world’s biggest collection of ancient Chinese culture artefacts  and to many, many more fascinating exhibition halls. Also, make sure the three main memorials are on your must-see list. Furthermore, in this section, I’ll show you my favorite historical monuments.

Taipei 101 Tower Conquer your fear of heights and ride the world’s fastest elevator up to the observatory (89th fl) to appreciate unparalleled views over the capital. Shop ’til you… run out of cash in the massive mall where you’ll find top designer boutiques, a bookstore with over 150,000 English titles, the city’s largest food court, and so much more.

Shopping in Taipei What do Taiwanese love doing most? Eating, of course. And what’s next? You bet… shopping! And things aren’t different here in the island’s biggest megapolis. The  night markets  will keep you busy well past twelve, and the traditional Chinese bazaars will test your dealing skills. Avant-garde or antique, at a stall or in a mall, you’re guaranteed to find what you need.

Restaurants in Taipei I am of Italian descent. And I thought I knew all about gourmandism. How astonished I was when I first came to Taiwan! I remember thinking: “Wow, these guys  really  know how to eat, they simply  never  stop!” And Taipei is the ultimate glutton heaven – 24/7. Make sure to visit  one of my pizzerias  if you visit Taiwan’s capital and you feel like having a thin-crust, stone-baked Italian pizza!

Nightlife in Taipei Feel like singing some good old Lionel Richie all night long at a KTV bar? Or how about something more recent like Vanilla Ice? Ok, if singing isn’t your thing, know that the city has some of Asia’s best pubs, bars, nightclubs, discotheques, musical venues, lounges and… bowling alleys.

Hotels in Taipei You’ll have no problem getting a room here. There’s an extensive array of excellent accommodation scattered around the city. When looking for a place to stay, the big question should be “ where? ” It’s important to find a  hotel  or a  hostel  that’s in an area that will have the kind of restaurants, shops and attractions you like to frequent. My listing will help you with this.

Taipei MRT (Metro) It’s cheap, fast, clean, safe, modern and it will take you to pretty much all the sites you’ll want to visit around town. The city’s Mass Rapid Transit system (metro) is one of the best in Asia and makes  traveling around  the city a breeze. Hundreds of buses also zig-zag their way throughout the capital, but they’re a little more confusing for the first timer.

Subway (MRT)  |  Getting There  |  Getting Around A Guide to Transport in the Capital

Friendly Locals Throughout my travels, I’ve realized that big cities usually come with a bunch of impatient and indifferent people. Not Taipei. Somehow, the city’s residents have kept a certain coolness in spite of the urban stress. And they are friendly with visitors. Genuinely so. They are the soul of the city  and the reason why a trip here is such a remarkable experience.

Green City I’ll always remember the first pictures I ever saw of the city, in a geography class. There were buildings, some buildings and also some buildings. At that time I would not have believed there were green places in that concrete jungle. But really, the area has a number of very decent natural attractions, like the Maokong tea plantations,  Yangming National Park,  and the city has tons of parks, such as the popular 228 Peace Park.

Map of Attractions in Taipei City

Information About Taipei City in Taiwan

Visit Top Attractions Favorite attractions in the city. Your visit won’t be complete without seeing these amazing travel destinations in Taiwan’s capital.

Dihua Street and Dadaocheng My favorite historic neighborhood in Taipei, Dadaocheng brings you back in time on elegant and vibrant Dihua Street. It’s the top spot in the capital to buy traditional Taiwanese souvenirs such as tea, teapots, ceramics, and other cute gifts.

Find Cheap Flights to the City See what’s the best place to find deals on plane tickets.

Travel Tips Save money and time. Stay safe in Taiwan’s capital city. Where should you stay, eat, shop? Get answers here!

Red Light District Learn about a very interesting part of the city which has lots of street food options, bars, and KTVs.

Facts About Taiwan’s Capital Read some interesting facts about Taipei City. Why is it called Taipei? Who lives there? What’s the geography like?

Getting There Getting there from other Taiwanese cities is easy. You can take the bus, normal train, or wicked-fast high speed train!

Get Around the Capital Traveling around the city is fast, cheap, and convenient. You can take the MRT, bus, or you can rent a car or scooter!

Weather The weather in Taipei can be pretty disagreeable. Summers are long and hot. Winters are short and can be a bit rainy too.

History Taipei is a very young city as far as Asia goes. Really, the place you’re visiting has only existed for at most 300 years, but it still has a very fascinating history.

Culture Taiwan’s capital has the most diversified culture of any city in Taiwan. It’s a modern city steeped in Chinese heritage.

City Guide Information about attractions, hotels, restaurants, shopping, nightlife, weather, Taipei 101, and the 12 districts around the city.

Airport Hotels  Find cheap (and not so cheap) accommodation near Taoyuan International Airport and Songshan Airport in Taipei.

Still not inspired with what you found on this page? Well, you can take a look at these  15 cool things to do in the city!

Return from Taipei City Guide to Taiwanese Secrets  Homepage

© Nate Hovee / Getty Images

Taipei is a friendly city whose allure lies in its blend of Chinese culture with a curious fusion of Japanese, Southeast Asian and American influences.

Best Time to Visit

Best things to do, your next trip starts here.

Go from dreaming to planning with trip planning options made to help you craft your ideal itinerary.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

National Palace Museum

Home to the world's largest and arguably finest collection of Chinese art, this vast hoard covers treasures in painting, calligraphy, statuary, bronzes,…

Longshan Temple

Ximending & Wanhua

Founded in 1738 by Han immigrants from Fujian, this temple has served as a municipal, guild and self-defence centre, as well as a house of worship. These…

Dihua Street

This former 'Centre Street' has long been known for its Chinese medicine shops, fabric market and lively Lunar New Year sundry market. It has attracted…

Towering above the city like the gigantic bamboo stalk it was designed to resemble, Taipei 101 is impossible to miss. At 508m, Taipei 101 held the title…

National Human Rights Museum

This former detention centre, court and jail was where political prisoners were incarcerated and tried during the White Terror period (1947–87). The…

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

This grandiose monument to authoritarian leader Chiang Kai-shek is a popular attraction and rightly so. It is a sobering feeling to stand in the massive…

Huashan 1914 Creative Park

Borrowing from western urban-regeneration models, this early-20th-century wine factory has been restored as Taipei's most retro-chic venue. Remodelled…

Bao'an Temple

Recipient of a Unesco Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for both its restoration and its revival of temple rites and festivities, Bao'an Temple (also called…

Top picks from our travel experts

8 of the best things to do in taipei.

Qingshan Temple

Along with Longshan, this elegant temple, first built in 1856, is one of Wanhua's top houses of worship. There is an abundance of top-quality wood, stone…

Longshan Temple is one of five Longshans in Taipei, and as such is devoted to the Guanyin Buddha. Built in 1738 and then rebuilt in the 1850s, the temple…

Tonghua Night Market

Taipei's liveliest night market, and all the better for being local and less touristy. Food-wise there are steaks, sushi, animal-shaped biscuits,…

National Dr Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

The hall and its surrounding gardens occupy an entire city block. The latter are well used by picnickers, kite flyers, breakdancers and the early morning…

Shilin Night Market

Taipei's most famous night market is hugely popular with travellers – and many young locals – who come to enjoy the carnival of street-side snacking,…

10 free things to do in Taipei

National Taiwan Museum

Established in 1908, Taiwan's first public museum has been in its present location in 2-28 Park since 1915. Reopened in 2017 after an upgrade, it has been…

Raohe Street Night Market

Taipei's oldest night market, Raohe St is a single pedestrian lane stretching between two ornate gates. In between you'll find a great assortment of…

Tamsui Cultural Park

This handsome and serene collection of old brick warehouses, just behind Tamsui MRT on the riverside, was once the Shell Tamsui Warehouse: as in Royal…

Fine Arts Museum

Constructed in the 1980s, this airy, four-storey box of marble, glass and concrete showcases contemporary art, with a particular focus on Taiwanese…

Xiahai City God Temple

This lively and well-loved temple on Dihua St was built in 1856 to house the City God statue that the losers in the Wanhua feud took as they fled upstream…

Ciyou Temple

This 18th-century triple-tiered temple is dedicated to Matsu, the black-faced Chinese goddess of seafarers. It marks the start of the Raohe Street Night…

Bopiliao Historic Block

One of the best-preserved historic sections of Wanhua, Bopiliao covers both Qing and early Japanese-era architecture. Some of the buildings house art…

Da'an Forest Park

This is Taipei’s Central Park, where the city comes to play. And play it does, from kids rollerblading to teens shooting hoops to old men engaged in…

Maokong Gondola

This 4km-long, 30-minute gondola ride is as much an attraction as a mode of transport. On clear days and nights the views across Taipei and up the lush…

Ningxia Night Market

This is an excellent venue for sampling traditional snacks, not least because most stalls have tables. The food here is very fresh, and dishes to try…

Museum of Contemporary Art Taipei

Very bright, very modern, and often fun and very experimental art is showcased here. The long red-brick building dates back to the 1920s. It started life…

Bitan Suspension Bridge

This 200m-long bouncy pedestrian bridge was built by the Japanese in 1937. It offers a great vantage point from which to gaze towards the forested hills…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip.

Things to Know

Get the most of your visit to exciting Taipei with our tips on etiquette, dining, navigating politics and more.

Best Neighborhoods

Venture beyond the center without getting lost with our guide to the best neighborhoods in Taipei. Pick your favorite and start exploring.

Within the dense forests that encircle colorful Taipei, the beauty of rural Taiwan awaits. Make time for these rewarding day trips from Taipei.

Money and Costs

You don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy everything Taipei has to offer. Here's how to visit Taiwan's capital on a budget.

Transportation

Taipei is an exciting and hectic city with excellent public transport options. Here's everything you need to know about getting around it.

Free Things to Do

Taipei can test your ability to tour cheaply if you don’t know where to look – here's how to explore the capital's best corners for free.

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Taipei and beyond

Discover Taipei in 2024: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

The capital city of Taiwan, Taipei is a city that’s often overlooked by travellers touring the Asian region, but it’s one that definitely deserves a visit.

A haven for food, with many Night Markets packed with delicious food stalls, it also has unmissable attractions such as the iconic Taipei 101 , the staggering Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall , and the National Palace Museum , which contains the largest collection of ancient Chinese artefacts in the world.

The city of Taipei, where the main bulk of the attractions are, is just a few kilometres across, so you don’t need to travel far to experience most things. The fast and reliable MRT system also extends further to New Taipei City, so you can easily escape the confounds of the city centre to experience more rural parts.

The Taiwanese government have just introduced an incentive scheme to attract more tourists. They’re giving handouts of NT$5,000 ($165) to 500,000 tourists from May 2023. Click here to read my guide on the Lucky Land Giveaway

What are Taiwanese People Like?

Is english spoken in taiwan, how crowded is taipei, weather & air pollution, plugs in taiwan, visa requirements & quarantine, sim cards and network coverage, cash and credit cards.

• How Long to Stay in Taipei

Outside Taipei

• Where to Stay in Taipei

Attractions

Where to eat & drink in taipei, 1 day itineraries, shopping & tax rebate, general tips for taipei.

Taipei is the safest capital city I have ever visited. In the four years I’ve lived here, I’ve never encountered any trouble. The people here are generally warm, friendly and helpful.

Even though Taiwan’s population are mainly of Chinese ethnicity, they actually bear a closer resemblance to their neighbour Japan. Much like the Japanese, many Taiwanese people are reserved and courteous, and will go out of their way to help you.

Chinese is the most widely spoken language in Taiwan, although the further south you go, they’ll tend to speak more Taiwanese.

English is taught in most schools, and there are many cram schools dedicated to teaching English. The younger population have a better grasp of English than the older generation.

Local restaurants and shops will often not speak much English but larger shops and restaurant chains will usually be able to understand English.

Almost all signs are translated to English however, and their underground system (MRT) is all translated, as are the announcements on the MRT and buses.

If you do not speak Mandarin Chinese, it may be helpful to bring a phrasebook or download a translation app to help you communicate during your visit to Taiwan. You could also try some guided tours to some of Taipei’s top attractions and night markets.

Taipei has a population of around 2.7 million people.

It’s a busy city, especially during commuting times and on weekends but it doesn’t get nearly as crowded as places such as Hong Kong.

Taipei Main Station gets especially busy during peak times, so expect to queue for trains here, and expect to be crammed into carriages.

There are many parks and other more peaceful areas you can use to escape from the busy streets.

December to March

The coldest time of year, this period is also the driest. When the sun is out, the temperature is actually very pleasant (mid 20s Celsius) but when it rains the temperature can drop to single figures. This is the best time to visit if you want to avoid rain but don’t mind being chilly some days.

April to May / October to November

Spring and Autumn periods can vary from very hot to quite chilly. One day you’ll find it quite humid, while other days you’ll need a jumper or coat. If you can’t bear the intense heat of the summer, these months are probably your best bet as they can be very nice. You can also expect extended periods of rain.

June to September

Being in a subtropical climate , Taipei can get very hot and humid in the summer, with temperatures in the low 40s not out of the question. There can also be spells of rain lasting days.

There’s also a risk of typhoons , with generally 5 or 6 each year. The eye of the storm will pass in a few hours, but during this time you’ll be stranded in your hotel, and most places will close down for a day or sometimes two days.

If it is raining, I have a post on places you can visit .

Air Pollution

For a capital city, the pollution in Taipei isn’t too bad.

My girlfriend is generally very sensitive to high levels of pollution, and suffers in Hong Kong. In Taipei however, she is fine, and the air never looks or smells bad.

Taiwan uses the same plug sockets as the US and Canada: 110V, 60Hz AC.

If you are travelling from Europe, Australia or Southeast Asia, you’ll need to bring or buy an adaptor.

The following plugs are used:

You’ll only need an adaptor for Type A, as these will also fit into Type B (but not the other way round).

As of October 2022, Taiwan ended mandatory quarantines, although you will be required to self-monitor for 7 days. You also do not need to be vaccinated to enter the country.

These rules may be different for people travelling from Mainland China however.

The following countries will get 90 days stay in Taiwan visa free.

The following countries will get 30 days stay in Taiwan visa free.

Holders of normal passports issued by the following countries do not need a visa to visit Taiwan for less than 14 days . They must hold proof of funds and hotel reservation or contact information in Taiwan.

For other countries, visit the Wikipedia Visa page for Taiwan .

You’ll need to complete an arrival form before you go through the security check. You should be given one during your incoming flight but forms are available at the airport.

If you leave and re-enter Taiwan, your visa will start again from scratch, so you’ll get 90/30/14 more days if coming from the above countries.

Just like with most countries, your passport must have at least 6 months before it expires, and you will need proof of an outbound flight from Taiwan.

Taipei has very good network coverage and has very fast connection speeds .

Your best option is to purchase a pre-paid SIM card directly from either airport. There are deals in the city but they’re generally not as good and harder to find.

Taiwan has four network operators, with Chungwha Telecom having the best coverage in more rural areas, although all networks are fine for Taipei.

See my Pre-paid SIM Card page for a full comparison of all SIM Cards in Taipei.

You’ll need to purchase some local currency, the New Taiwan Dollar (NT$100 is approximately USD$3.23).

If you’re unable to obtain some prior to your trip, you can get some at either airport, although like most airports, you’ll end up paying slightly more. Alternatively, you can exchange money from one of the many Bank of Taiwan branches (note that banks in Taipei generally close at 15:30 ) for a more favourable rate.

Credit cards are accepted at malls and larger restaurants, but local places (and night markets) will require cash.

There are many cash machines around the city and in most convenience stores.

The cost of living in Taipei isn’t too expensive for a capital city (much cheaper than Hong Kong and Singapore), and you’ll be expected to spend between NT$3,000 – NT$5,000 per person, including mid-range accommodation, per day.

Of course this is largely dependent on how much you are prepared to splash out.

Eating at night markets, local restaurants or within the food courts found in shopping malls will generally be much cheaper than eating out in mid-range restaurants. You can easily feed 2 people at local places for under NT$250 (US$9), whereas a decent restaurant meal will likely set you back at least 3 or 4 times more.

Public transportation is very cheap, with the MRT and buses costing around NT$20 – NT$30 per trip.

If you are frugal or have a small budget for your trip, I have a post with many cheap or free things to do .

How Long to Stay

If you just intend a quick visit to see the main attractions, then 3 or 4 days would be ample.

If you can afford more time, and maybe incorporate a day trip or two , then 1 week would be enough but there’s plenty to see here for a much longer stay.

Transport Options

I would strongly recommend getting an EasyCard before you travel anywhere in Taipei. It can be used on all types of public transportation, including the Airport Express, and offers a 20% discount on all MRT travel.

Click here to read more about the EasyCard

An excellent alternative to the EasyCard is the Taipei Fun Pass . This comes in four variations, some of which will give you free use of all public transportation in Taipei, along with free entry to many top attractions!

Click here to read more about the Taipei Fun Pass

Two airports serve Taipei:

• Taoyuan Airport
• Songshan Airport

The main airport, Taoyuan , is located a few miles west of the city centre, but both terminals are connected via the Airport Express to Taipei Main Station.

The Airport Express is the quickest way to travel between Taoyuan Airport and Taipei Main Station, with trains running   every 15 minutes, taking approximately 36 minutes to travel in either direction.

The second smaller airport, Songshan is much closer to the city centre. It is connected to the underground MRT system and takes only 10 minutes to reach the city (20 minutes to Taipei Main Station).

Please visit my Public Transportation section for a comprehensive guide.

Taipei has a few options for getting around, including:

• MRT (underground system)
• Sightseeing Buses

The best way to get around Taipei is to use the MRT system , which is efficient and convenient, with trains running frequently and serving a wide area, although this can get busy during peaks periods.

City Buses are a good second choice, and you may need to use these to visit attractions such as the National Palace Museum which is not located near an MRT station.

There are many Taxis found in Taipei, and Uber can now also be used. Taxi fares are NT$70 for the first 1.25km, with every additional 200m charged at NT$5. The fares will rise during late nights/early mornings.

There are hundreds of YouBike stations located around the city if you’re feeling more energetic. This is a bike rental scheme set up by the government to help reduce traffic congestion and encourage people to get fit. They’re easy to use, although you’ll require a Taiwanese phone number and an EasyCard to rent one.

There are also many Sightseeing Buses that will take you to many of Taipei’s top attractions are bustling areas. This has two routes, one which circles around central Taipei, with the other route traveling to the Shilin where the National Palace Museum is situated, along with the largest night market in Taiwan .

If you desire to travel outside of Taipei, maybe to see another city or to see the beautiful scenic areas in Taiwan, you have a few options.

Firstly, the MRT system does extend to Xinbeitou and Danshui . Both of these beautiful districts are a few miles north of Taipei and are worth visiting -Xinbeitou for it’s hot springs and Danshui for it’s beautiful riverside walk and sunset.

If you want to travel to another city down the west coast, the quickest and most convenient way to do so is by the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR).

The THSR travels to every major city on the west side of Taiwan all the way down to Kaohsiung in under 100 minutes. There are also some great offers for tourists holding non-Taiwanese passports. Please visit my full guide for further details .

Taipei also has a number of Tourist Shuttle Buses which travel from various locations in Taipei. These visit beautiful areas such as Yangmingshan National Park, Juifen and other scenic townships and areas of natural beauty including waterfalls and hot springs.

See my Taipei Fun Pass post for more details.

Where to Stay

There are several areas in Taipei that are popular with tourists and expats, each with its own distinct character and amenities.

Some of the best areas to stay in Taipei include:

• Xinyi District : This is the modern business and financial hub of Taipei, home to the iconic Taipei 101 skyscraper. The area is known for its shopping, dining, and nightlife, as well as its convenient location near many of the city’s major landmarks. Many of the best hotels in Taipei are found within this district.
• Zhongzheng District : This is the historical and cultural centre of Taipei, home to many of the city’s temples and museums. The area is more laid back and residential than Xinyi, but still has plenty of restaurants and shops, while there is some nice cheap accommodation here, including many hostels found close to Taipei Main Station. It’s the best place to stay for connectivity to other areas.
• Daan District : This is a trendy and upscale area known for its fashionable boutiques and cafes. It is also home to several universities, so the area has a youthful and energetic vibe. There are some excellent boutique hotels in this district, and great connection to other areas in Taipei.
• Songshan District : This is a more traditional and residential area, known for its relaxed atmosphere and local markets. It is home to the Raohe Street Night Market , one of the oldest and most popular night markets in Taipei. Transportations options are more limited in this district however.
• Wanhua District : Home to the Ximending shopping are a, which is known for its street food, shopping, and nightlife. Wanhua District is a lively and vibrant part of Taipei with a rich history and culture. Ximending is also a very popular destination for the younger generation and the LGBT community.
• Beitou District : If you would prefer to stay in a more rural setting, I would recommend staying in Beitou for a night, as the region has many hotels with natural hot springs to relax in.

For a deep-dive into the best areas and hotels to stay in during your trip, I have a post to help you out .

Ultimately, the best area to stay in Taipei will depend on your personal preferences and the purpose of your trip. If you want to be in the heart of the action, Xinyi, Wanhua or Daan might be the best choice. If you prefer a more laid-back atmosphere, Songshan or Beitou might be better options.

Which Places to Visit in Taipei

Taipei is a city with many attractions, both cultural and modern. Here are a few places you might want to visit during your trip:

• National Palace Museum : This museum is home to a vast collection of Chinese art and artefacts, including ceramics, jade, and bronze. It is one of the most visited museums in Taiwan and a must-see for anyone interested in Chinese history and culture.
• Taipei 101 : This beautiful skyscraper was once the tallest building in the world and remains an iconic symbol of the city. You can go to the observation deck for panoramic views of Taipei, or visit the mall at the base of the building for shopping and dining.
• Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall : This is a national monument and popular tourist destination in Taipei, dedicated to the former President of the Republic of China. The hall features a large bronze statue of Chiang Kai-shek, as well as an exhibition on the history of the Republic of China.
• Shilin Night Market : This is the largest and most popular night market in Taipei, known for its food stalls and shopping. You can find all kinds of street food and snacks here, as well as clothes, electronics, and other goods.
• Temples: Taipei has dozens of temples located all over the city. Longshan Temple is one of the oldest and most beautiful, while Hsing Tian Kong Temple is one of the most sacred temples in Taiwan.
• Creative Parks: There are 2 really cool creative parks in Taipei, with gift shops, cafes, independent cinemas and usually a few exhibitions showcasing art or design. Both Huashan 1914 Creative Park and the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park are worthy of a visit.
• Taipei Zoo & Maokong Gondola: Taipei Zoo is one of the best zoos in Asia, while the Maokong Gondola is a fantastic cable car ride into the mountains. One of the stations for the gondola is inside the zoo.
• Hiking: Taipei is surrounded by mountains to north and east, including Elephant Mountain and Tiger Mountain, both of which offer fantastic views of the city including Taipei 101

You will find many attractions are closed on Mondays , including some Museums and Art Galleries , some enclosures at Taipei Zoo , and the Maokong Gondola is closed for maintenance, while many restaurants will also be closed during Monday.

Please read my Essentials Guide , for a list of all the must-see attractions. If your stay is longer, you can also see my Top Picks to go alongside the essential attractions.

If you intend on visiting many of Taipei’s attractions, I would recommend purchasing a Taipei Fun Pass . This will get you free entry to many top attractions including Taipei 101 and the National Palace Museum, plus many more museums, art galleries and other attractions such as Taipei Zoo.

Click here to read my comprehensive guide on the Taipei Fun Pass

I would recommend visiting these areas, found within central Taipei and to the north:

• Ximending Youth Shopping District : One of the most vibrant areas in Taipei, this largely pedestrianised area is packed with food stalls, restaurants, bars, street art and performers.
• Xinyi Shopping District : With 14 shopping malls, this pedestrianised, modern urban area is awash with fine restaurants and has some great nightclubs. Taipei 101 is also found here.
• Yongkang Street : Recently voted the 4th coolest street in the world, this is a great place to try some bubble tea or shaved ice dishes, and perfect for gift shopping. The original Din Tai Fung is also located here.
• Taipei East District: Has an abundance is cool shops, bars, cafes and restaurants found nowhere else in Taipei
• Beitou Hot Springs : Taipei is home to several hot springs, and Beitou is the most famous and easily accessible by the MRT. You can visit one of the public baths or enjoy a relaxing soak at a private bathhouse.
• Danshui Riverside : Another area in the northern part of New Taipei City, Danshui has a nice riverside walk with many cafes, restaurants and attractions including Fort San Domingo . You can also witness a stunning sunset here.

For a in-depth look at every district and the best places to visit in each, I have created a guide to help you out .

Alternatively, try one of my routes , taking you around places of interest in and around the Taipei area.

If you want to travel outside of the city for a few hours, there are some great day trips I would recommend,

Night Markets are your best bet to experience some traditional food and snacks.

While Shilin Night Market is the largest and has the most variety of food stalls, Raohe Night Market is arguably the best for food. If you prefer to visit a less touristic night market, then Linjiang Street Night Market has a lot to offer in terms of food.

If you want to experience some Michelin recognised food at night markets, I have a post which will help you find the locations of all of these at every night market .

To experience slightly more refined Taiwanese food, then the very popular Din Tai Fung should definitely be on your list. This world-renowned chain of restaurants originated in Taipei and is best known for its xiaolongbao (soup dumplings). You can find branches all over the city, although finding a table is sometimes difficult since Din Tai Fung do not have a table reservation service.

Read my post to find out the best way to skip the queues here

For a traditional Taiwanese breakfast, I would recommend Fu Hang Soy Milk . This local breakfast spot is known for its fresh soy milk and savoury fried dough sticks. The restaurant is always busy, but it’s worth the wait for a taste of these Taiwanese favourites. If you can’t face queuing an hour for breakfast, then Yong He Soy Milk King is a great alternative.

If you prefer a slightly fancier brunch, there are some nice brunch spots found around the city, including the very delicious (but very popular) Antipodean Specialty Coffee . For lunchtime, I have created a post with a few options including food courts found in malls, which are a nice option if you’re on a budget.

I would also recommend trying some beef noodle and braised pork rice dishes, both of which are very popular in Taiwan. Yong Kong Beef Noodles and Jin Feng Braised Pork Rice are the most famous and best in the city.

If you’re a lover of seafood, then you should check out Addiction Aquatic Development . Taipei’s largest fish market also doubles as a fantastic dining experience, with many seafood restaurants and a large grill area where you can pick your own seafood, meat and vegetables.

Vegetarians are well catered for in Taipei. Aside from the night markets, there are some excellent vegetarian and vegan restaurants .

I sometimes find that I need some respite from all the fried foods on offer, but luckily there are some nice healthier options .

Please visit the Eat pages for a full list of my favourite places to eat in Taipei.

There are hundreds of tea shops selling a large variety or hot and chilled teas, including bubble tea, the city’s most famous drink, which is made with sweetened tea, milk, and chewy tapioca pearls.

Taipei is home to a thriving cafe culture , offering a wide range of options for coffee lovers and casual drinkers alike. From traditional tea houses to modern, hipster-style cafes, there’s something for everyone in Taipei’s cafe scene.

Visitors can enjoy a traditional Taiwanese tea ceremony in a cosy tea house, complete with beautiful teapots, intricate tea sets, and an array of teas to choose from. For coffee aficionados, Taipei has plenty of options, from independent cafes to international chains, all serving up high-quality coffee and espresso drinks. If you’re on a tight budget, there are some nice cheap cafes selling espresso-based coffees for under NT$50.

If you’re looking for something a bit stronger, Taipei’s night markets offer an array of traditional Taiwanese liquor, such as rice wine and herbal liqueurs, made from ingredients like ginseng and goji berries.

There are also some great bars in Taipei, including expat bars with some nice happy hour deals , or you could try some of Taipei’s homegrown craft ales , or cocktails bars such as the popular Woo Taipei and the speakeasy Hanko 60 .

Here are some ideas to help you get the most out of the day:

Click here to read more about these itineraries

• SHOPPERS: Walk around the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, see some exhibitions at the Songshan Creative Park, walk through the huge Xinyi Shopping District and end with Taipei 101
• FAMILY: Spend the day at Taipei Zoo and take the Maokong Gondola to Maokong
• KNOWLEDGE: Go on a city guided tour, visiting historical areas, cultural landmarks or try some local cuisine
• WEEKENDS: Visit the Flower & Jade Markets, walk through Daan Park, visit the cool Yongkang Street, see the magnificent Chiang-Kai Shek Memorial Hall
• HASSLE-FREE: Take the Sightseeing Bus around central Taipei and on the following day visit the National Palace Museum and Shilin Night Market
• HOT SPRINGS and SUNSET: Visit the beautiful districts of Xinbeitou and Danshui, taking in the hot springs and sunset
• ADVENTURE: Take a day trip to one of the many beautiful scenic areas and townships within 90 minutes of Taipei
• KIDS: Visit the Astronomical Museum, Science Education Center, Amusement Park and Shilin Night Market, all located in the same vicinity

Taipei has more shopping malls than any other city I’ve ever been to. There are dozens scattered throughout the city, especially in the Xinyi district, where you’ll find no less than 14 malls . I’ve compiled a list of all the best shopping malls in Taipei to help you decide.

Aside from malls, there are some other great areas for shopping, whether it’s clothes, bargains, tech or gifts you’re after, these are all the places I recommend visiting .

If you spend over NT$2,000 on shopping from designated places including most shopping malls, you are eligible for a 5% VAT tax rebate.

Click here for my full guide on VAT tax refunds

There are three items you should probably never be without.

• Mosquito Spray

Even when it isn’t raining, the Sun’s rays can often be too much to bear and you can easily be caught out by a sudden rain shower out of nowhere.

Taipei isn’t short on Mosquitoes, even during the winter months, so Mosquito Spray is essential!

An Easycard is incredibly useful to get around, and can even be used to purchase goods from many shops.

If you are going to spend the day shopping, I would also recommend you take your passport with you, as you’ll need this if you want to take advantage of the VAT refund scheme.

During the summer months, you’ll also need sunscreen (and sunglasses)!

If you have found the information on this page helpful, please take a minute to share this post. Your support would be greatly appreciated :)

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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 👋🏻

• April 18, 2024

Thanks for providing such a valuable information 👍.

• 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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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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The Ultimate Taiwan Itinerary (2023)

This post may contain compensated links. Find more info in our disclosure policy

Having completed our own amazing two week Taiwan itinerary exploring the cities, mountains and scenic areas of Taiwan we’ve put together our recommended Taiwan itinerary. From chaotic Taipei to the beauty of Taroko Gorge to the natural wonder of Alishan, Taiwan is breathtaking and one of our favorite places to visit in Asia.  For those of you planning your own Taiwan itinerary, we wanted to share our Taiwan travel guide including the best things to do and what to see in Taiwan. 

Table of Contents

Taiwan Itinerary and Route

Most visitors touring around Taiwan either pick up a rental car and self-drive or use a mix of high-speed trains, tourist shuttles and taxis/private drivers to explore the country.

By rental car: With its excellent roads and good driving standards, Taiwan is the perfect country for a road trip. We followed a circular route starting and ending in Taipei, Taiwan’s capital city and the point of arrival and departure for most Taiwan travellers – check prices now!

By public transport:  this Taiwan itinerary can also be completed by a mix of trains and buses. On the west coast of Taiwan, the major cities are serviced by High-Speed Rail – check prices here!

  Click here to reserve Taiwan Rail tickets!

Taiwan Route and Map

Here is a map of the route we recommend taking around Taiwan.

The Route:  Taipei – Taichung – Alishan – Kaohsiung – Kenting – Taitung – Taroko Gorge – Taipei

Click here for the Google map

How to Use This Google Map:  Click on the grey star at the top of the map and this map will be added to your Google Maps account. You can then view it on your phone or computer in Google Maps by clicking on the menu button, going to “Your Places” and selecting this map. We use these maps all the time as you can set out your itinerary ahead of time and quickly reference the saved maps.

Renting a car in Taiwan

Navigating Taiwan by rental car is relatively easy and we highly recommend renting a car in Taiwan if you are comfortable driving. The roads are high-quality, driving standards are generally good and fuel is extremely cheap (compared to the UK and Ireland).

We’re huge fans of road trips and have driven rental cars in over 40 countries so we have a lot of experience renting cars in foreign countries. Klook.com is a great option as it includes international rental car companies as well as some local options. Book your car now with Klook.com  where you will find the best rental car prices.

Taiwan itinerary tip: An International Driving Permit is mandatory when renting a car in Taiwan so make sure to get an IDP in your home country before departure if you are planning on driving a rental car.

Book your rental car with Klook!

Taiwan itinerary tip: Taipei is extremely well serviced by public transport and its subway is easy to navigate. As such, a rental car isn’t necessary in the city. If you are starting your Taiwan itinerary in Taipei, we recommend only picking up a car after you’ve explored Taipei rather than reserving at the airport on arrival. We picked up our rental car on our last morning in Taipei and left the city immediately for Taichung.  

Sim Card & Internet

As with most countries, having mobile data during a trip is invaluable for navigation and research. There are lots of options on arrival at Taipei’s Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) – we reserved a Chunghwa Telecom 4g sim through Klook who offer a slightly discounted rate on the airport price – click here for prices!

Taiwan itinerary tip: the Chunghwa desk only opens at 8am so make sure your flight times will work if you reserve in advance.

  Click here to reserve a SIM card!

How long to spend in Taiwan

From the chaotic Taipei to the magnificent sunrises in Alishan, the peaceful Taroko Gorge and the colourful Taichung there’s a lot to squeeze into a Taiwan itinerary. We recommend budgeting around 14 nights to explore Taiwan at a leisurely pace. This will allow you enough time to visit all the major sights and explore each destination fully.  You might wish to cut some things out if you have less time.

Best Time To Visit Taiwan

Depending on your tolerance to high temperatures, you may want to plan your visit to coincide with the cooler months! During the summer, temperatures are consistently over 30° and typhoon season is in full force. Spring and Autumn are a great time to visit Taiwan and its mild winters also mean the winter months are a good option.

Taiwan itinerary tip:  We visited Taiwan at the end of September and we managed to experience a heatwave as well as some typhoons which luckily changed direction at the last minute! The temperatures in Taipei were stifling and we had to retreat to air-conditioned buildings until late in the afternoon.

Daily Taiwan Itinerary

We’ve outlined our day to day Taiwan itinerary as a starting point for planning your own Taiwan experience.

Days 1 to 4: Taipei

Taiwan’s capital city really surprised us with the wide variety of things to see and do. After arriving at Taipei’s Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport we recommend spending the next three or four nights in Taipei. This will allow you to explore the main sights and to enjoy everything that this fun and chaotic city has to offer. We took the train from Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) to Taipei Main Station – click here for tickets

Click here for MRT tickets to Taipei

An EasyCard makes travel around Taipei and Kaohsiung incredibly easy. The EasyCard is a travel card that you can pre-order in advance and pick up in Taoyuan International Airport. You can preload the card with credit and use it on the metro and buses in Taipei. You can also bundle it with a sim card option that you can pick up at the same time – check prices now!

Buy your EasyCard now

From toilet-themed restaurants to colourful temples, stunning nature and awesome day trips, there’s plenty to squeeze into 4 days in Taipei. Check out our round-up of the best things to do in Taipei for more detailed information and photos of each of the attractions. Also check out our detailed Taipei itinerary to help you plan your time in the city. If you are travelling with kids make sure to check out our guide to the best things to do in Taipei with kids .

Where to Stay in Taipei

There are many great accommodation options in Taipei.

• CityInn Hotel Plus Ximending Branch–  we stayed in the CityInn Ximending branch and highly recommend both the location and the hotel. Rooms are compact but fantastic value, service is excellent and the hotel is just a few moments walk from the MRT, a Taipei essential  –  check prices now!
• Taipei Garden Hotel – another great option located close to Longshan Temple and Ximending –  check prices now!
• Dandy Hotel, Daan Park – clean, comfortable and located across the street from Taipei’s biggest park, Daan Forest Park –  check prices now!            

Click here for the best Taipei hotel prices

Day 1: Taipei 101, Maokong Gondola and Shilin Night Market

Start the day with a trip to the observation deck of Taipei 101, Taipei’s most iconic building. The 101 story building resembles a giant bamboo stick and the 91st-floor outdoor observation deck offers amazing 360-degree views of the city.

We booked our tickets for Taipei 101 via Klook and highly recommend it. You can reserve your timeslot in advance and for the best price using the Klook app. It’s super simple and avoids waiting in extra lines when Taipei 101 gets busy.  Taiwan activities were mostly discounted when we booked in advance –  check prices now!

Click here to book your Taipei 101 ticket

From Taipei 101 make your way to the Taipei Zoo MRT Station where the scenic Maokong Gondola cable car departs. The 30minute glass-bottomed cable car stops at the colourful Zhinan Temple before continuing to the quaint mountaintop village of Maokong known for its tea plantations and tea shops.

Taiwan Itinerary tip:  We purchased combo tickets for the Maokong Gondola and an evening double decker sightseeing tour from Klook in advance and it was awesome value. The gondola is closed most Monday’s so make sure to plan your trip around the gondola’s opening hours – click here to purchase the gondola and night tour combo tickets!

Click here to purchase Gondola tickets

Finish the day with a visit to Shilin Night Market, Taipei’s largest night market with over 500 stalls. There are some incredible Bid Gourmand stalls serving dishes such as Hai You Pork Ribs and Bin Small Sausage in Large Sausage, where the sausage wrapped in sticky rice is a huge hit. There’s a lot more to Shilin than just food and you can do everything from playing arcade games to praying in the temple located in the centre of the market.

Day 2: Elephant Mountain, CKS Memorial Hall, Ximending and Raohe night market

Start the day with a short but steep sunrise hike up Elephant Mountain which rewards with some of the best views of Taipei. The trail is well maintained with plenty of rest stops and some awesome viewing platforms.

After admiring Taipei from Elephant Mountain it’s time to explore the history of Taiwan with a visit to the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. The CKS Memorial is an important Taiwanese landmark erected in honour of the first president of Taiwan.

A themed cafe is a Taipei staple and a trip to the Modern Toilet Restaurant in Ximending is as novelty as they come. The entire restaurant is toilet themed. Meals are served in toilets, drinks in bedpans and the seats are full-sized toilets! Having filled up on poo themed dishes take a stroll around Ximending, one of Taipei’s quirkiest neighbourhoods.

If you prefer a serious foodie treat, eat at the Fuhung Noodle Restaurant. The shop is located just north of Ximending and is home to some of the best noodles we’ve ever had.

Longshan Temple is next on the agenda. Longshan is Taiwan’s most famous and well-loved temple and is located in the historic neighbourhood of Wanhua.

If you still have some energy, the Raohe Night Market is a short MRT ride away and is perfect for an early evening walk through.

Taiwan itinerary tip: our favourite dish in Raohe was the Fuzhou Shizu Black Pepper Buns. They are not to be missed!

Day 3: A Taipei park, the world’s highest Starbucks and Beitou Hot Springs

Start the morning with a visit to one of Taipei’s parks. Our favourites are Daan Forest Park, Taipei’s largest park, the Huashan 1914 Creative Park, a repurposed art, design and cultural venue and 228 Peace Memorial Park, a poignant tribute to the thousands of Taiwanese who died in the February 28, 1947, massacre.

Visit the world’s highest Starbucks which is located on the 35th floor at Taipei 101 and offers spectacular views of Taipei. A visit to Starbucks at Taipei 101 requires a reservation and the coffee shop has a minimum spend for visitors.

Taiwan itinerary tip:  The Starbucks at Taipei 101 requires a telephone reservation. Ask you hotel desk to make the reservation as you will likely need to speak Mandarin.

Spend the afternoon at the Beitou Hot Springs which are just 30 minutes outside Taipei and accessible via the MRT. There is a wide range of options for bathing in the hot springs: there are less expensive public hot springs as well as private baths and upscale hotels and resorts. As well as bathing, the scenic Beitou Hot Spring Park is beautiful to explore together with the Hot Spring Museum and Library which are located within the park.

Day 4: Jiufen, Shifen and Yehliu Geopark

Taipei is surrounded by amazing natural beauty and a day trip outside the city is an essential addition to any Taipei itinerary. Shifen, Jiufen and the Yehliu Geopark are a great combination to discover a taste of Northern Taiwan.

The Yehliu Geopark contains a fascinating collection of unique geological formations in an otherworldly landscape created by sea erosion. It’s a beautiful coastal walk and a very popular stop outside Taipei.

The old street in the charming town of Jiufen is a tourist magnet with visitors indulging in local specialities such as glutinous rice cakes, peanut ice cream and fish balls in between souvenir shopping. The A-Mei Tea House is one of the most prominent landmarks in Jiufen and offers both great tea and great views!

Shifen is famous for both its old street and its scenic waterfall. The old streets of Shifen, located around the railway track, are where visitors congregate to release colourful lanterns bearing their wishes in life.

Taiwan itinerary tip : we visited Jiufen, Shiefen and Yeuhliu Geo Park using our rental car. If you prefer to use a tour, Klook offers a great shuttle bus options which ferries passengers between the key sights of Jiufen, Shifen and the Yehliu Geo Park on the North East coast of Taiwan –  click here to reserve shuttle bus tickets!

Click here to reserve shuttle bus tickets

Days 5 and 6: Taichung

After a few days of exploring Taipei, it’s time to head south to Taichung, Taiwan’s second-largest city. Taichung is busy and colourful and was a surprise hit in our Taiwan itinerary! There are lots of things to do Taichung and it is also the gateway for the immensely popular Sun Moon Lake, one of Taiwan’s most popular tourist attractions.

Where to Stay in Taichung

Taichung is a surprisingly large city and choosing where to stay can be tricky. We recommend:

• CityInn Hotel Plus – Taichung Station Branch – we loved the CityInn brand in Taiwan. Located in east Taichung beside Taichung’s main train station, the CityInn Hotel Plus is a great option. Rooms are clean and modern and the extra facilities like free common areas with coffee/refreshments and on-site laundry are invaluable –  click here to book now!
• La Vida Hotel – Regularly rated as one of the best hotels in Taichung, La Vida Hotel is a great option for those who want easy access to the Feng Chia Night Market. With European designed rooms the hotel is super comfortable and great for a stay in Taichung –    click here to book now!
• The Hung’s Mansion – where we chose to stay in Taichung and it’s a great option if you are driving like we were. With free parking, large comfortable rooms and great food, Hungs Mansion is also a short walk to the incredible Feng Chia Night Market – click here to book now!

Click here for the best Taichung hotel prices

How to get to Taichung

I t took us around 2 hours to drive between Taipei and Taichung .  I t takes one hour to travel by High-Speed Rail between Taipei and Taichung –  click here to buy rail tickets!

Click here to buy tickets to Taichung

Things to do in Taichung

Taichung deserves at least one full day to explore and, if we were to return, we’d allow two days! Start the morning at Rainbow Village , Taiwan’s most colourful neighbourhood before heading north of the city to the beautiful Zhongshe Flower Market. As well as a sea of flowers, props such as pianos, swings, and tractors make for great fun and great photo opportunities.

Taiwan itinerary tip:  tour buses arrive at Rainbow Village shortly after its 8am opening so we recommend arriving as close to 8am as possible. Zhongshe Flower Market tends to get busy in the afternoon when families congregate for barbeques.

Animation Alley is a great pit stop with its cartoon and Magna themed street art.

The 921 Earthquake Museum is a poignant place to visit: it is located on the site of a former junior high school and crosses the fault on which the earthquake occurred. The exterior remains as it did after the earthquake on Tuesday, 21 September 1999.

There are endless food and drink options in Taichung: our three favourites are Chung Shiu Tang, the touted home of Taiwan’s famous bubble tea, Miyahara for its Pineapple Cakes and I’m Talato, an ice cream shop with an ice cream floatie filled pool.

Round up the day with a trip to Feng Chia Night Market where the food is good and the clothing unique.

Day 7: Sun Moon Lake

How to get to Sun Moon Lake: Sun Moon Lake is a 1hour 15-minute drive from Taichung and is easily accessible by bus from both Taichung (approximately 2 hours) or Alishan (up to 3.5hours).

The cycle path surrounding the turquoise blue waters of Sun Moon Lake is one of the most popular ways to explore the Sun Moon Lake area. There’s also a scenic gondola cable car that offers beautiful views of the lake and connects it with the Formosa Aboriginal Cultural Village.

Our other favourite stops were the Ci-En Pagoda and the Wen-Wu Temple . The 8 story Ci-En Pagoda requires a short uphill hike and is renowned for its views over the lake while the Chinese style Wen-Wu is vibrant and loud and there are lovely views of the lake over the burnt orange rooftops.

Finish the day with some street food at Ita Thao before returning to Taichung for the night.

Taiwan itinerary tip: the drive between Taichung and Sun Moon Lake takes about 75 minutes so we preferred to base ourselves in Taichung. Sun Moon Lake accommodation tends to be more expensive given its tourist draw and we were happy to drive.

Where to stay in Sun Moon Lake

If you wish to stay in the Sun Moon Lake area, some good options are:

• Fleur de Chine Hotel Sun Moon Lake: expensive but excellent with beautiful views over the lake – check prices now!
• Mei Jen House: homestay with great rooms, a vegan breakfast and an awesome sunrise tour. A great small but budget-friendly option in Sun Moon Lake – check prices now!

Click here for the best Sun Moon Lake Hotel prices

Day 8: Alishan

A mix of wilderness and tea plantations characterize the mountainous Alishan National Scenic Area. The Alishan sunrises are legendary in Taiwan and our time in Alishan was a highlight of our trip. From chasing the ‘Yun Hai’, the coveted sea cloud sunrise, to the historic railway and the stunning hiking trails Alishan is an excellent addition to any Taiwan itinerary.

Where to Stay in Alishan

• Alishan House/Alishan Hotel – the best hotel in the Alishan National Scenic Area and where we spent our night in Alishan. Rooms are expensive but the location is outstanding. It is worth the extra for the upgrade from the dated standard room in the old building to a superior room in the new building. Guests are not allowed to drive into the Scenic Area but the hotel runs a regular shuttle bus between the car park and the hotel – check prices now!
• Wankou Hotel: 5 minutes walk from the train station, Wankou Hotel is a good less expensive option to Alishan House. Nice views, clean rooms and good value accommodation – check prices now!
• Cing Shan Hotel : basic option located close to the train station, rooms are compact – check prices now!

Click here for the best Alishan Hotel prices

How to get to Alishan

The High-Speed Railway takes less than 40 minutes between Taichung and Chiayi Station and, from Chiayi, the bus takes 2 hours. Direct buses from Sun Moon Lake take up to 3.5hours. The drive from Taichung took around 3 hours in total.

Things to do in Alishan

There are 5 Wonders of Alishan and, although luck and weather dependent, most visitors strive to see them all. The 5 Wonders of Alishan are:

• Alishan Forest Railway
• The forest trails
• The sea of clouds

Taiwan itinerary tip: With some planning it’s possible to see Alishan’s Wonders during a one-night stay. If you wish to explore more extensively or at a more leisurely pace then extend the stay to two nights.

Aim to arrive in Alishan in the afternoon and take advantage of some of the stunning hiking trails in the area. Our favourite hike was to the Sacred Tree, estimated to be 3,000 years old before it collapsed in 1997. It’s located at the Sacred Tree (Shenmu) Railway and the trails pass giant red cypress trees which are over 1,000 years old.

After exploring the Alishan trails make sure to catch a famous Alishan sunset – we watched it from the amazingly located observation deck at the Alishan House Hotel , one of the best sunset spots in the Alishan Scenic Area.

Click here to reserve the Alishan House Hotel

It’s an early start in order to catch the legendary Alishan sunrise. We arranged our shuttle bus to the train station through the Alishan House Hotel on arrival the previous afternoon. After a 4:30 am wake-up call, we boarded the train to Chusan and watched the sunrise from the viewing platform.

After checking out we stopped by the Alishan Post Office and posted a traditional Alishan wooded postcard before leaving for Kaohsiung.

Day 9: Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung is a large port city in Southern Taiwan. Although we used it as a stopover between Alishan and Kaohsiung, we soon discovered it is vibrant and charming in its own right.

Where to stay in Kaohsiung 

• Grand Hi La –  one of the best hotels in Kaohsiung. With a perfect location in the centre of the Sanduo shopping district, Hotel Cozzi has luxurious rooms and high-end furnishings which make for a truly amazing stay – check prices now!
• Hotel Cozzi  – this large luxury hotel is conveniently located above a shopping mall right in the centre of Kaohsiung and is a great option for exploring the city. There are lots of restaurants close to the hotel –  check prices now!
• Hotel Dua –  g reat transport connections via the adjacent MRT station the Hotel Dua is a great location for exploring the city  –  check prices now!

Click here for the best Kaohsiung Hotel prices

How to get to Kaohsiung

Take the bus from Alishan to Chiayi Station (journey time is around 2 hours 10 minutes) and, from there, take the train to Kaohsiung, a further 2 hours 10 minutes. Our drive time was around 3 hours in total.

Things to do in Kaohsiung

We only had a half day to explore Kaohsiung as we used the city as a stopover on our journey between Alishan and Kenting. The city deserves at least to days to see properly and if you are staying in the city, some of the best things to do in Kaohsiung are:

• Kaohsiung Night Markets: the Ruifeng Night Market is considered one of the best night food markets in Taiwan and its stalls serve up a mouth-watering array of local delicacies.
• Lotus Pond and the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas: visitors to Kaohsiung are encouraged run into the mouth of the dragon and out of the tiger’s jaws at the 7-story twin Dragon and Tiger Pagodas. The reward is a reversal in fortune and a turn from bad luck to good.
• Cycle Cijn Island: Cijn Island is a black sand beach on a narrow strip of island in the city. The island, accessible by ferry or bridge, is a popular day excursion in Kaohsiung.
• Dream Mall: Kaohsiung’s Dream Mall is the largest in Taiwan and East Asia and even boasts an amusement park with a Ferris Wheel on its rooftop!
• Pier 2: once an abandoned warehouse site, Pier 2 now houses a large scale open air public art display. The quirky sculptures and artworks are a real treat and the area is vibrant and lively and one of the best places to visit in Kaohsiung.

Day 10 and 11: Kenting

The seaside town of Kenting is located at the southern tip of Taiwan and is famous for its picturesque beaches and lush green national park.

Where to stay in Kenting

Accommodation in Kenting is a mix of resort-style beachside hotels and smaller, boutique-style options.

• Caesar Park Hotel – resort hotel with direct beach access and an abundance of kids activities including a kids recreation centre in the basement –  check prices now!
• Chateau Beach Resort – located by the beach, just 5 to 10 minutes from Kenting Main Street. The hotel has stunning ocean views and a nice pool area – check prices now!
• Amanda Kenting – we opted for the smaller Amanda Kenting Hotel. The Moroccan themed hotel has great rooms, a lovely indoor pool and free exotic costume rental for photos! – check prices now!

Click here for the best Kenting Hotel prices

How to get to Kenting:

take the Kenting Express Bus from Kaohsiung’s Zuoying HSR station to Kenting. The journey time varies between 2 and 3 hours. The drive time is less than 2 hours.

Things to do in Kenting

Kenting is the perfect spot for some rest and relaxation. While we didn’t follow a strict itinerary, our favourite activities included:

• a ride on the Kenting Hai World Semi Submarine with its glass-bottomed panoramic views of the Kenting coral reefs
• paddling in the tidepools and shallow swimming spots
• visiting Baisha White Sand Bay, a beautiful beach which featured in the movie The Life of Pi
• exploring Kenting National Park and its lighthouse
• standing at the southernmost point in Taiwan which is marked by an observation station
• indulging in the street food, clothes and carnival games at the Kenting Night Market
• Snorkeling in Wanlitong Beach

Day 12: Taitung

Taitung is a sprawling, coastal town and a popular stopover between Kenting and Taroko Gorge. It is home to the Beinan Cultural Park, one of the largest and most important cultural sites in Taiwan. Taitung also acts as a gateway to the volcanic islands of Green Island and Orchid Island.

Where to stay in Taitung

• Kindness Hotel – clean and comfortable option with good breakfast and evening night snacks in Taitung city –  check prices now!
• Papago International Resort – although one hour outside Taitung it is a great location for a stopover between Kenting and Taroko Gorge. Lovely outdoor pool, hot tub and hot springs with a children’s playground – check prices now!
• Inn by the Village – located close to the railway, rooms are modern and spacious and the breakfast decent – check prices now!

Click here for the best Taitung hotel prices

How to get to Taitung:

take the bus from Kenting to Fanglaio (journey time 1 hour). From there, take the train between Fanglaio and Taitung (90 minutes). The drive time is 2 hours 30 minutes.

Things to do in Taitung

If you have time to explore Taitung some of the best things to do are:

• Beinan Cultural Park: the largest and most important cultural site in Taiwan. It was excavated in the 1980s when thousands of slate coffins were unearthed together with jewellery, pottery and tools.
• Brown Road: home to the famous Mr Brown Taiwanese Coffee and surrounded by rice fields and mountains.
• Orchid Island and Green Island: volcanic islands off the coast of Taitung famous for snorkelling, hot springs, coastal scenery and strong Aboriginal culture.

Day 13 and 14: Taroko Gorge

Taroko Gorge is another stunning stop in Taiwan. Taroko means magnificent and splendid and the mesmerizing scenery makes it more than deserving of the name. The steep mountains are covered in thick forest and a deep gorge carved out by the Liwu River, winds through the forest floor.

Where to stay in Taroko Gorge

Visitors to Taroko Gorge can stay in the Taroko National Park, close to the entrance to the park or in nearby Hualien where the trains from Taipei arrive and depart. We recommend staying in the park for both the close to nature experience and the convenience for sightseeing.

• Silks Place Taroko: we treated ourselves to a gorge view room in the luxury Silks Place Taroko which is located in the heart of the Taroko National Park. The facilities are amazing: there’s a rooftop outdoor pool (where we enjoyed a movie screening in the evening) and hot tubs, an indoor pool and tennis courts – check prices now!
• Taroko Village Hotel: located less than 1km from Swallow Grotto, the Taroko Village Hotel is a less expensive option to Silks Place for guests wanting to stay inside the Taroko National Park – check prices now!
• Chateau de Chine Hotel Hualien: if you opt for Hualien the Chateau de Chine Hotel is a good choice with its colourful exterior and spacious themed rooms– check prices now!

Click here for the best Taroko Gorge Hotel prices

How to get to Taroko Gorge:

we drove from Taitung to the Taroko National Park (around 4 hours). Public transport services the nearby city of Hualien, a 4-hour bus journey from Taitung. If you are arriving from Alishan you can take the bus to Taroko Gorge. If you are arriving from Taipei, an express train serves Hualien.

How to get around Taroko Gorge: there are a few options for navigating Taroko National Park. We used our rental car to explore. Many guests use a taxi/private car or rent a motorbike. If you are based in Hualien, it’s easy to join a tour – reserve a Taroko Gorge tour here!

Things to do in Taroko Gorge

Taroko Gorge is all about nature and most visitors spend the day hopping between its best short trails, bridges and viewpoints!

Begin the day with a hike through the relatively easy 4km Baiyang Trail which rewards with a stunning water curtain as well as magnificent views of the gorge along the way. Start early to avoid the crowds, bring a flashlight to navigate the tunnels and beware of the monkeys! Due to loose rock visitors are only allowed to the entrance of the first Water Curtain.

The next stop is the ever-popular Swallow Grotto, one of the best places from which to view the gorge. It is a short and flat footpath in the middle of the park and the surrounding river walls are lined with swallow nests

The Taroko Eternal Spring Changchun Shrine is one of the most popular sites in the park. The stunning temple sits atop a natural spring and was built in honour of the many who lost their lives building the highway through Taroko National Park.

We also loved the Chingxi Suspension Bridge and the Cimu Bridge. On the way out of the park make sure to stop at the stunning Qinghui Cliffs where visitors have the opportunity to admire the three distinct color tones that make up the Pacific Ocean

Taiwan itinerary tip: some of the trails in Taroko Gorge are closed due to weather damage so make sure to check the official website for the latest trail availability. There is a Visitor’s Centre at the entrance to the park which also provides trail information.

Day 15: Depart Taipei

Day 15 is a day of leisure until it’s time for your flight from Taipei.

How to get to Taipei: take the bus from Taroko Gorge to Hualien or Xincheng Station and then hop on the train to Taipei. The drive took around 3 hours.

For more on Taiwan

• Check out our round up of the best things to do in Taipei!

16 thoughts on “The Ultimate Taiwan Itinerary (2023)”

My husband and I are planning a trip to Hong Kong & Taiwan in December. The plan was 7 days each; however, after reading your itinerary it is beginning to look like I’m going to have to wrangle more days in Taiwan. The experience looks amazing!! Also, I really like the layout of your page. It gives me what I’m looking for without having to hunt through the fluff. Thanks!!

Thanks Amy, so happy you liked the post. Taiwan is amazing, Hong Kong too!

Have an awesome trip!

My husband and I are also going to HK & Taiwan at the end of November into mid-December. We are spending 8 days each that’s because we have friends and relatives in HK so we planned 3-4 days meeting people. However, I think 8 days in Taiwan is still too short to explore and enjoy, every where we go is going to be a rush. We are skipping the east side of the island. If you have not finalize your trip, I would suggest to spend less time in HK since it’s a much smaller city, and allocate more days in Taiwan. Enjoy your trip!

How did you find travel with the little one, was it mostly pram friendly or did you use a carrier?

We used a mix of carrier and stroller. Sometimes on the subway it was easier to carry him than search for an elevator!

Overall, it was a really baby friendly trip! We cover our family travels on Show Them the Globe , there’s some Taiwan articles over there too!

Hi Elaine – great blog post! We are thinking of traveling to Taiwan, possibly next Dec and would like to hire a car for convenience, rather than use public transport. Are hotels with cheap/free parking easy to find outside Taipei? How about parking in general at tourist sites (esp. at Taroko Gorge)? Are tourist sites/viewpoints signposted at Taroko Gorge? Many thanks for any info you could supply!

Hi Elizabeth

Parking was included in places like Alishan (the public car park where the hotel shuttles pick up from), Taroko Gorge, Kenting. It was only included in a few hotels in Taichung but i guess that’s to be expected in a city. In Taroko Gorge, parking was easy to find at some viewpoints but there are only a few spaces at the smaller view points so you might have to wait. We did some of our sightseeing before breakfast and had the viewpoints almost to ourselves!

Have a great trip Elaine

Hi Elaine, Great blog. Thanks for sharing all this information on Taiwan. Can you please share something else? Did you book all your accomodation in advance or were you able to just drive into a place and find accom when you got there? I look forward to your reply as we are headed to Taiwan at the end of December this year. Thanks Janie

It was really busy when we were there in September. I’m sure you get accommodation as you go but, for the more popular places, I’d probably reserve in advance.

Great post. A question: what is the best season to tour Taiwan based on your research or experience? Many thanks. I probably will have more question as we go deeper into our planning. Many thanks.

Spring or Autumn. Winter is fine if you don’t mind low temperatures. Summer is hot and humid and avoid typhoon season. We got caught in the tail end of the season in late September but it was ok.

Did you every drive in the taipei city area? Is it easy to drive and to find parking?

Planning to rent car over there since we have elderly with us. Thank you

Hi Nabihah, yes we drove in and around Taipei City during our time in Taiwan. Driving was surprisingly easy and while parking was tricky if you plan it in advance there are parking spaces in most places. Have fun

We are thinking of going with our little one when she turns one in Sept/Oct (hopefully that is okay time,probably Oct though is better?). Since you have 3 little ones, do you have recommendations with traveling with a little one? She is currently 4 months old and we just booked our flight from Canada to Hong Kong. We plan to add Taiwan in there as well. It’s great to hear that your trip was baby friendly!

Oh one more question, is it better to fly with little ones during the day or night!?

I much prefer night flights so the kids can sleep through most of it. We just flew 10 hours from Dublin to LA and back over Christmas and the daytime flight was so hard trying to entertain our one year old! She just wants to be free to run around and explore! The night flight was so much easier as she slept for 90% of it. I’ve always been really lucky with night flights but you do run the risk that they won’t sleep at all – if you think there’s a good chance they won’t sleep I’d probably stick to a daytime flight.

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A web of different influences makes Taipei a city rammed with life; an international metropolis that manages to be both unrushed and turbo-charged.

Drawing on doyen from the Chinese mainland, the West, Japan and Taiwan’s own indigenous heritage, it’s a heaving but welcoming city where swarming scooters and steamed-up dumpling restaurants are as much a part of the cityscape as serene temples and soaring towers.

Taiwan itself was formerly called the Island of Formosa (Portuguese for ‘beautiful’), and while it’s always going to be relatively small, its capital city gives it the weight of other, far larger, Asian destinations.

This is thanks to world-class attractions such as the National Palace Museum, which showcases many of the imperial treasures brought over from China by Mao’s great foe, Chiang Kai Shek. Indeed, Taiwan’s fractious relationship with the People’s Republic remains an absorbing backdrop to any trip to the city.

Taipei has a long established reputation for its food, with cuisine from every region of China. Tellingly, it’s also home to various new boutique hotels and trendy bars, although its most famous building by far remains Taipei 101, the world’s tallest tower when it was unveiled in 2004.

On a clear day, the views from the skyscrapers’ summit are wonderful. Back down at ground level, meanwhile, there are pleasures of a different kind at the Shilin Night Market (one of many in the city) where you’ll find a jabbering melee of food stalls, swirling smells and massing locals.

As Taipei continues to grow, its cultural scene has blossomed, producing local art and architecture that often has a distinctly local edge. Taiwan itself has some spectacular selling points, from its folk traditions and sweeping natural scenery to its undimmed sense of ambition, and a trip to Taipei offers more than a glimpse of this remarkable destination.

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Featured hotels, dong wu hotel.

While the decor may be somewhat old-fashioned, the rooms at this modest hotel are a decent size, and are furnished with flat-screen TVs and tea and coffeemaking equipment. Complimentary breakfast is served in the cafe downstairs, and there's a small convenience store next door.

The United Hotel

Although somewhat in need of an upgrade, this hotel in the commercial centre is a solid mid-range choice. Perks include an airport limo service and business and fitness centres, and there's a downstairs cafe and a Cantonese restaurant.

Shangri-La Far Eastern Plaza

Imposing, but calm, and consistently voted as one of the best hotels in Taipei, the Shangri-La has all you need for a great stay, including a heated rooftop pool, a sauna and a spa. Restaurant choices include Japanese, Cantonese and Italian, and a cocktail bar with dazzling skyline views.

San Want Residence

This hotel does 'boutique luxury' to perfection, with an emphasis on good service. Rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and park or city views, and there's also a Western and Asian restaurant where the free breakfast is served. The collection of contemporary Taiwanese sculpture is a reason enough to pop in without staying. Children over 12 only.

First Hotel

This mid-sized business hotel in the eastern business district has a distinctly Chinese ambience. It has 176 clean and comfortable rooms equipped with cable television and internet access. Shanghainese cuisine is served at Ning Yuan restaurant on the third floor. The hotel also has a business centre and fitness room.

The Grand Hotel

Brighton's most famous hotel, and one of the only 5-star establishments in the city, the The Grand’s elegant Victorian building enjoys a central seafront position. This extensive hotel has more than 200 lavishly appointed rooms, and offers a stylish and luxurious base from which to explore the city. Its afternoon teas are world famous too.

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Traveling to Taiwan for the first time this 2024? Let this Comprehensive Taipei Taiwan Travel Guide Blog 2024 with Sample DIY Taiwan Itinerary (pdf), list of top things to do in Taipei, and breakdown of expenses help you plan your trip. Best of all, Filipinos can enter Taiwan Visa-Free! Read on this post to learn more!

Updated 2024 first-timer's travel guide blog to taipei, taiwan, if you're looking for a trip to taiwan package from the philippines , this is not a packaged tour. but i could help you plan your trip diy (do-it-yourself) style. now, let’s get started., quick facts about taipei taiwan.

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Requirements for visa-free entry to visit taiwan for filipinos.

• An ordinary/regular passport with remaining validity of at least six months from the date of entry (Diplomatic & official passport holders are not eligible for visa-free treatment);
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Taoyuan airport mrt, private car transfer, taiwan weather, when is the best time to visit taiwan, how many days to spend in taiwan, taiwan time zone, useful mandarin words and phrases.

• Hello - Nĭ hăo (sounds like Nee how)
• Thank You - Xièxiè (sounds like Shieh-shieh)
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Maokong gondola.

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SLEEPBOX HOSTEL XIMEN

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• Female Dormitory for 8 - PHP 927.00 per person
• Standard Double Room, 1 Double Bed - PHP 1,806.00 for 2 persons

ANGELS' HOSTEL - TAIPEI XIMEN

• Shared Male Dormitory - PHP 512.00 per person
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• Room, Shared Bathroom (Bunk Bed) - PHP 1,717.00 for 2 persons
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• Twin Room - PHP 5,034.00 for 2 persons
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• Triple Room - PHP 6,672.00 for 3 persons
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ART INN HOSTEL XIMEN TAIPEI

• Twin Room - PHP 1,500.00 for 2 persons
• Standard Quadruple Room - PHP 4,000.00 for 4 persons
• Family Room - PHP 5,387.00 for 6 persons

TOP-RATED HOTELS IN TAIPEI

Here are the popular and highly-regarded hotels in taipei, taiwan with excellent ratings from previous guests. you can save as much as 50% discount on published room rates when you book in advance., other hotels & hostels in taipei, here are the other popular and top-rated hotels in taipei, taiwan. book now to save as much as 50% off on your hotel bookings.

• Hotel Papa Whale - See rates and room availability
• San Want Hotel - See rates and room availability
• New Riverside Suites - See rates and room availability
• Hotel Midtown Richardson - See rates and room availability
• Sato Castle Motel - See rates and room availability
• Westgate Hotel - See rates and room availability
• Amba Taipei Ximending - See rates and room availability
• CitizenM Taipei North Gate - See rates and room availability
• Fortune Hiya Taipei - See rates and room availability
• Just Sleep Hotel Ximending - See rates and room availability

THINGS TO DO IN TAIPEI + TOURIST SPOTS & ATTRACTIONS

Taipei 101 and Observatory

Travel tip:.

Elephant Mountain

Martyrs' Shrine

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

• Memorial Hall - 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM, daily
• Memorial Parl - 05:00 AM - 12:00 MN, daily

Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

Hop on hop off bus ticket prices:.

• 4 Hour Pass - PHP 454.00
• 1 Day Pass - PHP 1,059.00

Longshan Temple

Bopiliao Historical Block

Shilin Night Market

Miramar Entertainment Park

Dadaocheng District

Chiang Kai-Shek Shilin Residence

Ximending Shopping District

And just outside Taipei...

Side trips and day tours from taipei.

Shifen Waterfalls

Pingxi Old Street

Jiufen Old Village

Nanya Rock Formations

Ying Yang Sea

Yehliu Geopark

Top Best Things to do in Taipei, Taiwan

Visit the taipei 101 observatory.

• Taipei 101 is one of Taiwan's most popular tourist attractions and most photographed landmarks. This is one of the reasons why I've been wanting to visit Taiwan is to see and climb the famed Taipei 101 . Read more here.

Climb Elephant Mountain and Enjoy the Best View of Taipei

• If you're wondering where to get the best view of the city and of Taipei 101 , I highly suggest that you climb the Elephant Mountain . It requires a hike to the stairs to get to the viewpoint where you will be greeted with an amazing view of Taipei City and the towering Taipei 101 dominating the city's skyline. The best time to visit is during the late afternoon to catch the sunset. Read more here.

Eat, Shop, and Wander at the Best Night Markets in Taipei

• Food trip and shopping are two of the best ways to enjoy a visit to Taiwan. Forget about bars and night clubs. The night markets are the best places to visit at night when in Taiwan! The night market is a Taiwanese cultural tradition that you should experience when visiting Taiwan. Eat, shop, stroll, and immerse yourself with the night market culture as you share the experience with the Taipei locals and tourists visiting Taiwan. Read more here.

Taipei City Double Decker Sightseeing Bus Tour

• This tour is a Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour to some of the major tourist spots and attractions in Taipei. Composed of 23 bus stops and 2 routes, it gives you the convenience of taking the bus that goes to the different interesting sites in Taipei. With this tour, you can choose to hop off at any stop for sightseeing, and hop back on when the next bus on the schedule arrives. Read more here.
• Jiufen Village and Northeast Coast Tour in New Taipei City, Taiwan
• This northeast coast tour in New Taipei City will bring you to some scenic spots in Taiwan, such as the Bitou Cape, Nanya Rock Formations, and Ying Yang Sea. The highlight of this tour is the visit to Jiufen Village which is an old mining town that is now a popular tourist destination near Taipei City. Located in the mountain area of Ruifang District in New Taipei City, Taiwan, Jiufen Village is a quaint village with rich history and culture to tell. Read more here.

Shifen Waterfalls, Pingxi Old Street, and Keelung Miaokou Market

• This tour will bring you to Shifen Waterfalls which is located within a beautiful forested mountainside in Pingxi District, New Taipei City. It is popular tourist destination that is about 20 meters high and 40 meters wide, making it the broadest waterfall in Taiwan. Also not to be missed is the Pingxi Old Street which is located near a train station that is rich in culture and history to tell. You could end your tour with a visit to Keelung Miaokou Street where you could explore the different shops and food stalls in the area. Read more here.

Pineapple Cake Making Workshop in Taipei

• Don’t miss this workshop that will let you to experience the handmade process of pineapple shortcake making when visiting Taiwan. Located in Shilin District , The Kuo Yuan Ye Museum of Cake and Pastry is a pastry culture and making museum in Taipei, Taiwan. Read more here.

The Shu's Pottery DIY Workshop

• Learning pottery making for the very first time is such an awesome and memorable experience. There's no better way to learn it than from the guidance of experts and from a place rich in history. This is recommended for your group of friends, family, and even kids. Read more here.

Soap Making Workshop at TeaSoap since 1957

• This activity will surely bring out the creativity in you. It's an ideal activity and new things to do in Taiwan that the family, group of friends, and kids of all ages will surely love and enjoy. Read more here.

Blue Dye Making Workshop at The Can

• This traditional Taiwanese cloth dyeing technique can still be found in Sanxia District in New Taipei City. Because of the abundance of the dye plant called "Da Jing" in the area, Sanxia became the center of the cloth dyeing industry of Northern Taiwan during the late Qing dynasty. To keep the tradition alive, locals have set up dyeing workshops along the old streets of Sanxia to let other people learn and appreciate the art of Blue Dye . Read more here.

Best Food and Must-eats in Taipei

Din Tai Fung

Meat boss hot pot in taipei, buffet options.

• Eatogether in Taiwan
• Chao Guo Shabu in Banqiao Station
• Cafe83 at Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall Station
• Mantanghung Spicy Hot Pot at Taipei City Hall Station
• Jing He Jia at Fuzhong Station

Other Tours and Experiences in Taiwan

A Day at Sun Moon Lake

Yangmingshan National Park & Hot Springs Tour

Taiwan's Northern Coast

Fo Guang Shan and Cheng Ching Lake

Wuling Farm Day Tour from Taipei

Sightseeing Carpool Between Taipei and Hualien (via Jiufen)

Gaomei Wetland & Rainbow Military Community

Leofoo Village Theme Park

Thousand Island Lake & Pinglin Tea Plantation

Taroko Gorge, Swallow Grotto, & Seven Star Lake Day Tour

Qingshui Cliff Sea Kayaking in Hualien

Alishan National Forest Recreation Area

Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen and Shifen Shuttle Bus from Ximen

Sample 5 days and 4 nights taipei diy itinerary.

• Arrival in Taiwan
• Check-in at the Hotel
• City tour via Hop on Hop off sightseeing bus tour
• Dinner and Taipei at Night Tour
• Back at the hotel/hostel
• Morning walk in Taipei, go to Bopiliao Historical Block
• Jiufen Village and Northeast Coast Tour
• Jingmei Night Market Tour and Dinner
• Half day Explore Taipei City Tour
• Visit Taipei 101 Observatory
• Climb Elephant Mountain
• Dinner at Tonghua Night Market
• Join the FREE Taipei Walking Tour Historic Route
• Explore Bopiliao Historical Block
• Shop for pasalubong
• Walk around Ximending Shopping District
• Dinner at Shilin Night Market
• Prepare for departure
• Check out of the hotel
• Flight back to Manila

Taipei Trip Budget and Expenses

List of basic expenses.

• Accommodation: PHP 1,000 - 5,000 per night
• Food: PHP 500 - 800 per day
• Transportation: PHP 300 - 400 per day
• Taipei 101 Observatory Ticket - PHP 859 per person
• Half-day Explore Taipei City Tour - PHP 1,704 per person (includes entrance ticket to the National Palace Museum)
• Taipei at Night Tour - PHP 2,324 per person (includes dinner at Din Tai Fung )
• Jingmei Night Market Tour - PHP 842 per person (includes tasting 12 local snacks)
• Taipei Sightseeing Hop on Hop off Bus Tour
• 4 Hour Pass - PHP 454.00 per person
• 1 Day Pass - PHP 1,059.00 per person
• Jiufen Village and Northeast Coast Tour: PHP 2,014 per person
• 4G Pocket WiFi Rental: PHP 133 per day
• Airport Transfers: PHP 1,390 per way good for 4 persons

Sample Expenses for 14,000 PHP Budget

• Train to Taipei - 272.00
• Hostel (1st night) - 512.00
• One day Bus Tour via Klook - 1,059
• Food Expenses - 300.00
• Dinner and Taipei at Night Tour via Klook - 2,324
• TOTAL - 4,467
• Hostel (2nd night) - 512.00
• Jiufen Tour - 2,014.00
• Jingmei Night Market Tour via Klook - 842.00
• Transportation - 60.00
• TOTAL - 3,728
• Hostel (3rd night) - 512.00
• Explore Taipei via Klook - 1,704
• Taipei 101 Observatory Ticket via Klook - 859.00
• Elephant Mountain - Free
• Transportation - 100.00
• Food Expenses - 500.00
• TOTAL - 3,675.00
• Hostel - 512.00
• TOTAL - 1,112.00
• Train to Taoyuan Airport - 272.00
• TOTAL - 772.00

GRAND TOTAL = 14,086.00 per person

• Round trip airfare Manila-Taipei-Manila
• NAIA terminal fee and travel tax
• Budget for pasalubong and tips
• Food expense for snacks

You can download a PDF copy of this Taiwan DIY Itinerary Travel Guide, HERE .

Sample 3 Days 2 Nights (3D2N) Itinerary for 8,000 Pesos

Day 1 - gold museum, jiufen and miramar entertainment park.

• 06:00 - Arrival in Taipei. Take the Airport Express to Taipei Main Station
• 07:30 - Leave bags at the hotel/hostel
• 08:00 - Have Breakfast at JSP Ximen
• 08:10 - Eat breakfast at JSP Ximen
• 08:40 - Walk to Ximen Bus Stop Station
• 09:00 - Take the city bus number 965 to Gold Museum
• 10:10 - Gold Museum Tour
• 11:50 - Lunch
• 12:30 - Gather and head to Jiufen by taking bus 965
• 13:00 - Explore Jiufen Old Street
• 14:30 - Gather and take bus 965 to Taipei
• 15:30 - Arrive at Taipei's Beimen MRT Station
• 15:45 - Take the MRT Green line and alight at Nanjing Fuxing
• 16:00 - Transfer the MRT brown line and take the train to Jiannan Rd. Station
• 16:30 - Go to Miramar Entertainment Park, ride the Ferris Wheel
• 18:30 - Dinner
• 20:00 - Head back to Ximen by taking the MRT Brown Line from Jiannan Rd. Station to Nanjing Fuxing
• 20:30 - Transfer to MRT Green Line to Ximen Station
• 21:00 - Back at the hotel/hostel

Day 2 - National Palace Museum, Shilin Residence, Dadaocheng, and Taipei 101

• 07:00 - Breakfast
• 08:00 - Take the MRT to Shilin Station and transfer to the Bus Red 30 (R30) which will take you directly to the National Palace Museum.
• 09:10 - Arrive at National Palace Museum, explore
• 10:50 - Gather at the exit and take the bus Bus Red 30 (R30) and head to Main Building of Chiang Kai-Shek Shilin Residence
• 11:10 - Tour of Main Building of Chiang Kai-Shek Shilin Residence
• 13:00 - Lunch
• 14:00 - Take the MRT to Daqiaotou Station. Take exit 1 and walk towards Dadaocheng district
• 15:00 - Arrive at Dadaocheng district
• 15:45 - Explore the district of Dadaocheng
• 18:00 - Dinner
• 19:00 - Walk back to Daqiaotou Station
• 19:30 - Take MRT from Daqiaotou Station to Dongmen Station and transfer to red line to Taipei101/World Trade Center Station.
• 20:00 - Arrive at Taipei 101 and visit Shou Xing Fang for souvenir shopping
• 20:30 - Go up to Taipei 101 Observatory
• 22:00 - Take the MRT back to Ximen Station
• 22:30 - Back at hotel/hostel

Day 3 - Yehliu Geopark and Juming Museum

• 06:00 - Leave bags at the hotel/hostel
• 06:30 - Breakfast
• 07:00 - Take the MRT from Ximen to Taipei Main Station then transfer the MRT Red Line to Tamsui Station
• 08:30 - Arrive at Tamsui Station. Take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle service 862 to Yehliu Geopark
• 10:00 - Arrive at Yehliu Geopark, explore
• 12:00 - Lunch
• 13:00 - Depart for Juming Museum by taking Bus 862
• 13:30 - Tour Juming Museum
• 15:30 - Gather at the entrance of Juming Museum
• 15:45 - Take the Bus 862 back to Tamsui Station
• 17:00 - Arrive at Tamsui Station. Take the MRT Red Line to Taipei Main Station then transfer to Ximen Station via the Blue Line.
• 17:40 - Arrive at Ximen Station/Taipei Main Station and Go to the hotel to pick-up bags
• 18:00 - Take the Airport Express Train to Taoyuan Airport
• 19:00 - Arrive at Taoyuan Airport. Check-in for your flight.
• You will be staying in a hostel for 1,000 pesos per night.
• Your food expenses is 800 pesos per day.
• You'll be taking the Airport Express Train from and to the Airport for 544 pesos round trip.
• You will be using a 3-day Unlimited Taipei Fun Pass worth 3,243 pesos. You can buy Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass here .

Breakdown of Expenses:

• 3 days Unlimited Taipei Fun Pass - PHP 3,243
• Hostel for 2 nights - PHP 2,000
• Food for 3 days - PHP 2,400
• Round trip Airport Express Train - PHP 544

TOTAL - PHP 8,187 per person

Taiwan travel blogs.

• Sample Taiwan Itineraries for 3, 4, 5 Days Tour
• 10 Free Things to Do in Taipei + Tourist and Attractions
• Taipei Taiwan Night Markets: Est, Shot and Explore!
• 3 Awesome Ways to Explore and Discover Taipei, Taiwan
• Taipei 101 & Elephant Mountain (Best Views of Taipei + Travel Tips)
• Top Best Budget Hotels and Hostels in Taipei, Taiwan
• The Perfect 3-Day Itinerary for Taipei using the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass
• Sample 2 Days Nantou, Taiwan Itinerary using the Nantou Fun Pass

I hope this COMPREHENSIVE TAIPEI TAIWAN TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG for First-timers help you in planning a memorable Taiwan Adventure! Enjoy and have fun in Taiwan!

Follow my adventures on youtube @pinoyadventurista, 10 comments :.

Hi my husband is working in taiwan for almost 4 years and i will visit him this may 2018...in this case do i still need to show in the immigration a hotel accommodation or is it enough to show to them the address where my husband is staying as my proof of accommodation?

Great to know this TAIWAN VISA-FREE ACCESS for Filipinos is extended until July 31, 2019! I'm planning a trip soon, this Taipei Budget Travel Guide with sample DIY Itinerary is very helpful. This First-Timer's Travel Guide to Taipei, Taiwan is such a big help especially for first-timer like me.

Indeed, there are so many THINGS TO DO IN TAIPEI. I used this as my travel guide. Get to Know the City on a Hop On Hop Off Tour. Get a Killer View of Taipei from the Taipei 101 Observatory. Eat Your Way Through Shilin and Raohe Night Markets. Get Artsy at a Museum or Creative Park. Go on a Free Walking Tour. Feel Tiny at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Planning a trip to Taiwan sometime soon? This is a comprehensive DIY itinerary travel guide that covers attractions and activities every first timer’s should not miss.

yong iti's mo is "for your eyes only" we cant even print it. enable mo naman yan para ma print ng readers and followers

yong iti portion mo is "for your eyes only" we cant even print it. enable mo naman yan para ma print ng readers and followers, i mean not the whole post

Hi. Me and my brother are planning to travel to Taiwan next month. It will my first time while second trip for my brother because he's already been to SG last year. Question, cos i'll be really on a tight budget for this trip like everything will be budgeted. Im just afraid that i'll be checked regarding my financial capability. Well, im actually employed for two years already but i dont have that "show money" thing. Is it okay? Thank you so much.

Hi, paano po kapag sa apartment ng bf/gf ka magtitigil for the rest of your vacation? Okay lang po bang sabihin na you'll be staying at your boyfriend's or girlfriend's place?

I love how detailed you are when explaining everything! Thank you for this! Excited to visit Taiwan again!

Thank you for this guide! Super detailed and helpful! God bless 🙏

thank you for this is very helpful. can i ask if how much money needed for my bank to not get offloaded if i want to travel i taiwan.

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