taiwan tour diy

Taiwan Itinerary & DIY Travel Guide: Taipei w/ Day Tours (3 Days or More)

by Aileen Adalid Itineraries , Taiwan 109 comments

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Taiwan is a stunning island nation that is smacked right between the countries of  Japan and the Philippines . In fact, as someone who has grown up in the islands of  Batanes   (the northernmost place in the Philippines), Taiwan has since been a destination that I’ve wanted to visit. After all, we are actually closer to its borders so our radios would often pick up their stations; not to mention that our dialect (Ivatan) is even linguistically similar to the Taiwanese aborigine languages — that being said, these were enough reasons to pique my curiosity of Taiwan. (Taiwan Itinerary)

What are the top tours to do in Taiwan?

Check out these activities and tours to do to include in your Taiwan itinerary, and more: [ click ]

Anyhow, I was finally able to visit Taiwan some time ago! I only had 3 days to spare… but, I definitely had a great time as I explored the bustling capital of Taipei as well as the lush terrains that filled up the rest of the island.

With that said and done, let me share with you my 3-day Taiwan itinerary! I’ll pack it together with important info, tips, resources, and other activity suggestions ; so go ahead and copy, customize, shorten or lengthen the below guide as dependent on the length of your stay or the style of traveling that you will do.

I hope this Taiwan itinerary helps! Do let me know.

Top photo by: Shutterstock

Table of Contents

Taiwan Travel Guide

» quick travel planning.

• Top tours & experiences
• Find flights to Taiwan
• Visa requirements
• Best places to stay
• Travel insurance (5% discount)
• Stay connected

– – –

» Best Time to Visit

Taiwan enjoys 4 seasons, but they’re not as pronounced given that it generally has a humid subtropical climate. The seasons are divided into the following months and it’s best to either visit in late spring (April to May) or autumn (best in November) if you want comfortable temperatures.

• Spring : Pleasant temperature / Average lows at 15ºC to 22ºC and average highs at 19ºC to 27ºC.
• Summer : Hot and humid and sometimes very wet / Average lows at 24ºC to 28ºC and average highs at 27ºC to 31ºC
• Autumn : Cooler temperatures / Average lows at 18ºC to 27ºC and average highs at 27ºC to 30ºC
• Winter : Foggy and somewhat dry / Average lows at 13ºC to 15ºC and average highs at 17ºC to 19ºC
• WINTER: Dec to Feb
• SPRING: March to May
• SUMMER: June to Aug
• AUTUMN: Sept to Nov

» Getting in to Taiwan

Taiwan’s main international getaway is Taoyuan International Airport which is 40km southwest of Taipei. It is connected to the center via the Taoyuan Airport MRT and HSR Taoyuan Station (single trip price at no more than NT$160 / USD$5 / Php 260~). As such, I highly suggest buying a  Taiwan High-Speed Rail Unlimited Pass  which gives you unlimited rides on Taiwan’s THSR train network — including the train to and fro the airport.

There are also buses linking to the airport (you can buy a discounted roundtrip shuttle bus from the Airport to Taipei and vice versa  here ) , but if you rather want a taxi, a one-way fare can cost a minimum of NT$900.

If you want the utmost convenience and ease, especially without having to lug around your luggage, I suggest booking a  private transfer  to your hotel for only Php 1,000+ (or $23~) . This works best if you’re coming together with other people so that you can share the cost and save more!

For flights, I recommend browsing through  Skyscanner  to find the best flight deals from your point of origin. If you’re from the Philippines like me, Skyscanner also scans through the budget airlines such as Air Asia and Cebu Pacific in order to find which of the 2 has the cheapest rate on the dates you choose.

» Visa for Taiwan

Taiwan has various visa regulations. Depending on your nationality, you can be qualified for visa exemption, visa on arrival, eVisa, or an Online Travel Authorization Certificate (for more info, see  here ).

If you’re from the Philippines, you will be eligible for  visa-free access to Taiwan for 14 days, valid until July 31, 2023 . This visa-free initiative is still a part of a trial period that they have since implemented in 2017, and the only requirements you needed to show at the immigration are:

• An ordinary/regular passport with your signature and with remaining validity of at least 6 months from the date of entry (diplomatic & official passport holders are not eligible for visa-free treatment).
• A return ticket or a ticket to your next destination (and a visa for that destination if it is required).
• No criminal record in Taiwan (the immigration in Taiwan will check this themselves upon your arrival).
• As applicable, proof of accommodation/ hotel booking , host/sponsor’s contact information, or arrangements of tour, travel, visit, events and meeting etc.
• Check full visa requirements here as per your nationality.

» Where to Stay (Taiwan Accommodations)

To search for the best hotel accommodation in Taiwan at the best prices, I suggest cross-checking hotel prices between  Agoda  and  Booking.com . But if you’re rather interested in renting comfortable houses or apartments, you should search through AirBnB .

For a more comprehensive list, see this post on the top ‘ Best Hotels in Taipei ‘.

» Taiwan Currency

New Taiwan Dollar (TWD / NT$) wherein NT$29 is equal to about USD $1~ / €0.85~ / Php 52~ (this is as of June 2022). In the event that you want to exchange your money for TWD, I highly advise that you do NOT exchange your money at the airport since the rates there are not competitive.

• How to best exchange your currency? Either exchange it at a bank or at a money exchanger in your home country or in Taipei’s city center. Better yet, just withdraw from an ATM with your debit/credit card — however, you must do one big withdrawal to minimize fees with your bank. Speaking of cards, a lot of establishments accept credit cards but it’s always advisable to have cash on hand because a lot of smaller shops do not accept international credit cards.

» Cost of Travel in Taiwan

To give you an idea, you should expect to travel to Taiwan with an average daily cost of about USD $35~ per person on a budget, or at least $95~ if you want to experience more comfort in activities, tours, hotels, and more. (Values below show low budget to medium budget ranges).

• Hotels: $20 to $60 USD / day
• Food: $5 to $15 USD / day
• Fun: $5 to $15 USD / day
• Transport: $3 on average per day

» How to Get Around Taiwan

There are domestic flights carried out by EVA, Mandarin Airlines, and UNI Air. However, unless you’re traveling to the smaller islands of Taiwan, the trains are still the best option for going around the country as well as in Taipei.

For high-speed trains all over the island, there are 2 systems: Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR/HSR) and Taiwan Railway Administration.

Within Taipei, the city has an efficient Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system that’s also called Metro Taipei. Other than single journey tickets, there are rechargeable  IC cards   (like  Easy Card ) and there is also the   Taipei Fun Pass . I recommend getting this pass because it gives  unlimited  rides not only on the MRT train but also on public buses (for Taipei City and New Taipei City), as well as gives you discounts on Taiwan’s top attractions like the Taipei 101 and National Palace Museum.

To date, it has 3 options:

Alternatively, you can also get a  Taiwan High-Speed Rail Unlimited Pass .

To better navigate yourself during your Taiwan itinerary, use  Google Maps ‘  directions  feature (signified by a blue icon with an arrow inside it) — I really find it a very helpful tool if I want to reach a certain place from a particular location. However, Google Maps doesn’t work offline if you want routes or transportation schedules, so I recommend that you get a  pocket WiFi  or a  SIM card  to stay connected; or better yet, get an eSIM for a hassle-free experience (use code AILEEN684 to get $3 off) .

» Staying Connected in Taiwan

Taiwan has one of the fastest internet connections in the world so you’re assured of great connections wherever you go. Hotels and most shops (even convenience stores) offer FREE WiFi connections — but in order to stay connected online at all times during your Taiwan itinerary, I recommend getting your own  pocket WiFi  or a  SIM card  to stay connected; or better yet, get an eSIM for a hassle-free experience (use code AILEEN684 to get $3 off) .

» Safety in Taiwan

Crime rate is relatively low in Taiwan and though petty crimes may happen, it is quite rare. As such, it helps to stay street smart at all times. Rest assured, it’s one of the safest countries to travel in even as a solo traveler ; just stay vigilant and you’ll be fine.

• HOW TO: Find the right travel insurance for you

» Helpful Mandarin Phrases

About 80% of the Taiwanese population speaks Mandarin Chinese. Rest assured, English is commonly used by the locals and you won’t have a hard time conversing with it, especially in places like Taipei.

As you venture outside of the capital though, it will become harder; but, it’s nothing that finger-pointing or Google Translate can’t solve. For a start, here are some sample phrases in Mandarin.

• RELATED READ: Best translation apps for travel

Hello:  Nǐ hǎo. Thank you:  Xiè xiè. You’re welcome:  Bú kèqi Goodbye:  Zàijiàn Goodbye (informal):  Bāi-bāi

Excuse me (getting attention):  Qǐng wèn Excuse me (begging pardon):  Dǎrǎo yixià Excuse me (coming through) / I’m sorry:  Duìbùqǐ Is there someone here who speaks English?:  Zhèlĭ yǒu rén hùi shuō Yīngyǔ ma? Help!:  Jiùmìng! Cheers!:  Gānbēi!

Other F.A.Q.

It is not common to tip in Taiwan, especially since if there is ever a “tip” to be taken, it will be in the form of a service charge on your bill amounting to about 10-15% of your total.

Taiwan typically uses type A (two flat parallel pins) and type B (two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin at the bottom). The country operates on a 110V voltage and a frequency of 60Hz.

 Please check their  latest travel advisories  page for more details.

All visitors to Taiwan must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the period of their intended stay (as well as have 2 blank pages).

There is and you can easily claim a tax refund for being a tourist; simply read this page for more info.

It is legal to fly a drone in the country as long as you follow the rules stated here .

Taiwan Itinerary Guide

Before I begin with the itinerary guide, if in case you’re more of a visual person, you can already watch my travel video/vlog below!

Take note that the 3-day Taiwan itinerary below does not take into account your arrival day in Taipei.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

• The following Taiwan itinerary section is in a tabbed format; so, in order to see the next day’s contents, just click the headings below.
• if you’re staying longer in the city, you can make use of the last tab called ‘ Extra Days ‘ to see the other activities or trips you can do for filling up the rest of your vacation days.

Taipei Exploration

Once you arrive in the heart of Taipei, go and quickly enjoy its iconic landmarks as well as its busy night markets and colorful culture! With that, I’ll be listing the top attractions in the city; however, it would be  impossible to thoroughly visit EVERYTHING  (unless you swiftly go through every location) .

That’s why, depending on your interests, pick the best places that you’d like to see within the day for your Taiwan itinerary based on the descriptions that I’ll be providing below (my top favorites are marked with a star ★); and then, you can visit the rest during your other free time or during your other trip days if you’re staying longer than 3 days in Taiwan.

◘◘ ★ Taipei 101

Formerly known as the Taipei World Financial Center, Taipei 101 was once called the world’s tallest building in 2004 — until Burj Khalifa in Dubai was completed in 2010.

Either way, nowadays, it holds the highest award as the tallest and largest green building in the world according to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) . By now, I’m sure you’ve heard of this building before; after all, it serves as an icon of modern Taiwan (though it was initially built as a symbol of the evolution of technology and Asian tradition) ; as such, it is a must to include this on your Taiwan itinerary.

Towering at 101 stories, the base of the building houses several shops and restaurants (such as the famous Din Tai Fung chain) but what most visitors aim to do is to access the observatory. To list out the highlights of the building:

• 5F Taipei 101 Mall : The floor where you can purchase tickets and take the Guinness World Record high-speed elevator to the observatory on the 89th floor (it travels at 1,010 meters/min or 60.6kph, taking only 37 seconds total). However, it’s best to purchase online to get a discounted price — I will discuss this in the detail in the ‘ admission ‘ section below.
• 89F Indoor Observatory : Offers unobstructed views of Taipei. It also has a museum where you can learn about the construction of Taipei 101.
• 88F Beauty of Taiwan Multimedia Corridor, Super Big Wind Damper, Treasure Sky : The highlight of this floor is at 5.5m (in diameter) and there’s a 660-ton wind damper that’s built in the core of the tower. Apparently, this amazing technology helps keep the building from swaying and helps keep it stand upright. Meanwhile, Treasure Sky is a place where you can find jewel crafts.
• 91F Outdoor Observatory : This is accessible via the stairs from the 89th floor, but since the winds can get quite strong, this floor is only open on days when the weather is favorable. Anyhow, inside, you will find a small theatre that features films about the annual New Years’ fireworks display set off from Taipei 101.

ADMISSION: General ticket is NT$600 (students are charged NT$540 and children under 115cm are charged free). However, if you book online , you will only pay around NT$400! With this, you not only get a discount but you also don’t have to wait in a long line. HOURS:  9:00AM to 10:00PM NEAREST MRT: Red Line (Xiangshan train) to Taipei 101 station or Blue Line to Taipei City Hall Station

◘◘ Elephant Mountain

This is yet another great place for acquiring great views over Taipei especially if you’re into doing some mild hiking! Also known as the Nangang District Hiking Trail or Xiangshan, the hiking trail up to Elephant Mountain is found close to the Xinyi Shopping District and Taipei 101. The whole steep hike takes about 15 to 20 minutes only one way.

ADMISSION: Free TOUR: For a hassle-free experience, you can join an Elephant Mountain day tour which will already include a trip to Pinglin’s Thousand Island Lake, Bagua Tea Plantation and Shenkeng Old Street. HOURS:  It’s best to avoid coming here during weekends because it can get crowded. For the best times to hike, it will be during the late afternoon so that you can catch the daylight, sunset and nighttime views of Taipei. NEAREST MRT:  Red Line to Xiangshan Station (or if you’re in Taipei 101, walk east on Xinyi Road until you reach Xiangshan Station for 15 minutes)

◘◘ ★ National Palace Museum

This is home to the largest permanent collection of ancient Chinese artifacts and artworks (spanning over 700,000 pieces)! They cover about 8,000 years of Chinese art history from the Neolithic to the modern age; plus, most of them are high-quality pieces that were collected by China’s emperors — which means that a lot of them were rooted in the Palace Museum of Beijing’s Forbidden City .

With such a number, it helps to note though that the exhibits continuously rotate because only a small number can be displayed at a time in order to properly preserve them. Still, it’s quite an impressive collection that’s worth visiting if you’re into Chinese culture and history!

Upon admission, you could also access the beautiful garden nearby called Zhishan Garden . Not too far away would also be the Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines which could be accessed for free once you pay the entrance for the National Palace Museum. (TIP: The National Palace Museum holds free English tours at 10AM and 3PM;  book online beforehand to reserve your spot. Whereas the Shung Ye features free tours at 2PM every weekend; no booking is required).

ADMISSION:  NT $350 (for students with ID, only NT $150) HOURS:  8:30AM to 6:30PM from Sunday to Thursday (to 9:00PM from Friday to Saturday) PROMO: Book online to purchase your admission ticket since it is cheaper NEAREST MRT:  Red Line Shilin Sation (士林)

◘◘ Presidential Building

This recognizable building in Taipei was originally built to act as the Office of the Governor-General during the Japanese colonial period, but it has since been renovated after it was partially destroyed during World War II. By the end of the Chinese Civil War, it served as the Presidential Office Building of the Kuomintang leadership in the city. As such, this is a great place to stop by for your Taiwan itinerary if you want to learn more about the country’s past in terms of political development.

ADMISSION:  Free TOUR: For a hassle-free experience, you can join a Taipei city tour which will include a stop to this attraction HOURS:  9:00AM to 11:30AM from Monday to Friday NEAREST MRT:  Red Line to NTU Hospital Station (pass through Exit 1)

◘◘ ★ Chiang Kai-Shek (CKS) Memorial Hall

Built in memory of the former President of the Republic of China, Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek , this monument is a prominent historical landmark in Taiwan that was opened in 1980 as part of the national park. The square is actually officially called Liberty Square but the name was changed due to political motivations, and due to people still commonly referring to it as the CKS Memorial Hall.

TRIVIA : The 8 sides of the octagon-shaped building represent the number 8 which is often traditionally associated with fortune and wealth as per Chinese symbolism. Meanwhile, the 2 sets of 89 steps represent Chiang Kai-shek’s age of death (and you will find a bronze statue of him in the main hall). One of the great spectacles of this hall too is the hourly changing of the guards on either side of the statue.

ADMISSION: Free TOUR: For a hassle-free experience, you can join a Taipei city tour which will include a stop at this attraction HOURS: 9:00 AM to 5:00PM daily NEAREST MRT:  Red Line or Green Line to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Station

◘◘ National Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

This is another memorial hall, but this time around, it’s dedicated to the founder of the Republic of China: Dr. Sun Yat-sen . Once you enter the premises, you will find displays showing his accomplishments that spanned from the revolution during and after the fall of the Qing Dynasty. But other than this, the hall is also often used for various performances and exhibitions. You could even enjoy the surrounding park called Zhongshan Park which features gardens, decorative historical walls, and Lake Cui or Emerald Pond which has a nearby exhibition area.

ADMISSION: Free HOURS: 9:00 AM to 6:00PM daily NEAREST MRT: Blue Line to Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall Station

◘◘ Martyrs’ Shrine

Officially called the National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine, this basically marks the memory of almost 400,000 soldiers who died during the war against the communist in mainland China. The complex, which was built in 1969, is a typical example of the northern ‘palace style’ architecture that was popularised during Chiang Kai-shek’s reign.

For most visitors, much like the CKS Memorial Hall, the Martyrs’ Shrine is known for its changing of the guards or soldiers at the front gate. This event happens every hour until 5PM and lasts for about 20 minutes so it’s worthy to consider for your Taiwan itinerary. Once you’re done watching the guards, just don’t forget to make the most of your stay and explore the surrounding architecture.

ADMISSION: Free TOUR: For a hassle-free experience, you can join a Taipei city tour which will include a stop at this attraction HOURS: 9:00 AM to 5:00PM daily NEAREST MRT: Jiantan Station

◘◘ Dalongdong Bao’an Temple

This is a beautiful Taiwanese Taoist temple that received a UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for both its restoration and revival qualities of temple rites and festivities. Dedicated to the Taoist saint, Baosheng Dadi , this 900sqm temple is an exquisite structure that is a great example of the traditional decorative arts. If you time your visit from March to June, you could even witness the popular Baoshen Cultural Festival where you can watch parade tours, fire-walking rituals, lion dances, Taiwanese opera performances, puppet shows, and other cultural presentations. For an accurate schedule of the events, see the temple’s website .

ADMISSION: Free HOURS:  7:00 AM to 10:00PM daily NEAREST MRT: Red Line to Yuanshan Station

◘◘ ★ Maokong Gondola

The mountain village of Maokong is the best spot in Taipei that offers a stunning panoramic view of the city — not to mention, they also have a wide variety of high-quality local tea.

To reach this village, you must take the Maokong Gondola which is a 4-km scenic cable car ride. With their Crystal Cabins or glass-bottom cars, you will be rewarded with amazing views and angles not only over the metropolis but also over the lush Zhinan River as you make your way up to Maokong (the ride spans about 30 minutes).

ADMISSION: One-way NT$120 for adults and NT$50 for children (FREE if you purchase a  Taipei Pass ) PROMO: Book online to purchase your admission ticket since it is a cheaper package inclusive of roundtrip tickets with FREE Taipei Double-decker Sightseeing Night Bus ticket for only NT$220. HOURS:  Typically open from 9AM to 9PM on Tuesdays to Thursdays, 9AM to 10PM on Fridays, 8:30AM to 10PM on Saturdays and 8:30AM to 9PM on Sundays (note that the gondola’s opening hours depend upon the weather situation) NEAREST MRT: Brown Line to the terminus station, Taipei Zoo

◘◘ ★ Mengjia Longshan Temple

This is one of the largest and oldest well-known temples in Taiwan that’s located in the historic Wanhua district. Said to have been built in 1738 by Fujian settlers as a gathering place for Chinese settlers, Longshan Temple has since been rebuilt multiple times after destruction by earthquakes, typhoons, and WWII bombings. Today, it stands as a Taiwanese worship house for a mixture of Buddhist, Taoist, and deities such as Matsu (or the goddess of the sea).

ADMISSION: Free HOURS:  6:00AM to 10:00PM (best times to visit would be at 6AM, 8AM or 5PM when crowds would gather and engage in hypnotic chanting) NEAREST MRT: Blue Line to Longshan Temple

Night Markets

Taiwan is a haven for foodies so when the night starts to creep in, choose from any of the night markets below to stuff yourself full!

TIP : For a hassle-free experience, you can join a Taipei Night Market tour for your Taiwan itinerary in order to get the most out of the city’s top authentic Taiwanese dishes and local flavors with the help of a local guide! Otherwise, check out this list of restaurants that you can book online for scoring special deals and rates.

◘◘ ★ Raohe Street Night Market

This is said to be Taipei’s oldest night market! It’s a single pedestrian lane spanning about 600 meters and it goes along Raohe street between 2 ornate gates. Here, you’ll find an array of quaint shops and stalls that serve food, snacks, and other items. For the must-try food items? Come read my post below:

» READ: Taiwan Street Food in Raohe Street Night Market

Other than eating, you can also shop for clothes if you stroll through the nearby Clothing Shopping Outlet in Wufenpu, or you could also visit the Ciyou Temple which is at the eastern end of the night market.

ADMISSION: Free HOURS:  5:00PM to midnight NEAREST MRT:  Green Line to Songshan Station

◘◘ Huahsi (or Huaxi) Night Market

Also called “Snake Alley”, Huahsi is conveniently found next to Longshan Temple, as well as 2 other markets namely Guangzhou and Wuzhou. There is a wide range of food items that you can find here but the most famous ones would be the dishes made from snakes and turtles. If you’re up for something this exotic for your Taiwan itinerary, do try the snake soup! For something more ‘normal’, try the famous  Tainan dan-dan noodles.

ADMISSION: Free HOURS:  4:00PM to midnight NEAREST MRT:  Blue Line to Longshan Temple Station

◘◘ Shilin Night Market

This is one of the largest and most popular night markets in Taiwan to tourists. With its maze of alleyways, you can find a variety of local, traditional, and international merchandise — local cuisines included, of course! So make sure that you stop by the underground foodie paradise on the western side of the market. Some of the things to try are  oyster vermicelli, fried pork buns, bubble tea, stinky tofu, and oyster omelet .

ADMISSION: Free HOURS:  4:00PM to midnight NEAREST MRT:  Red Line to Jiantan Station

◘◘ Tonghua Night Market

This is a short walking distance from Taipei 101 and it’s the best night market to visit if you want something more local and less touristy. Other than clothing and other merchandise, there are food stalls here that sell sushi, steaks, and dumplings among many other things.

ADMISSION: Free HOURS:  6:00PM to 1:00AM NEAREST MRT:  Red Line to Xinyi Anhe Station

Taipei Meals

◘◘ LUNCH: Eatogether Xinyi Restaurant

You must NEVER leave Taiwan without tasting the top local fares of xiaolongbao , beef noodles soup, and bubble tea! To get the best of everything, head over to this highly-rated buffet chain. BOOK: Online

◘◘ DINNER: Any of the night markets

Taipei’s night markets can easily fill you up for dinner; so go and take your pick from any of the previous night markets that I’ve mentioned, and you’re sure to enjoy the night away!

Otherwise, check out this list of Taipei restaurants that you can book online for scoring special deals and rates.

Discover North of Taiwan

After you had your fill of some of Taipei’s key attractions, it’s time to venture out of the city to discover northern Taiwan’s wonders!

◘◘ Day tour to Yehliu, Shifen, and Jiufen

This is one of the best day tours that I’ve ever experienced for my Taiwan itinerary! For a whole day, you will be exploring the following key locations…

• Geopark : This beautiful limestone cape has a range of interesting rock/geological formations that have been aptly named according to their shape (example: Fairy’s Shoe and Queen’s Head).
• Shifen Old Streets and Shifen Waterfall : Found in the Pingxi area, Shifen is basically a small town that surrounds the Shifen railway station. This place is famous not only for its picturesque train tracks and marketplace but also for its shops that let you release a Chinese sky lantern — in case you can’t make it to their official Sky Lantern Festival (held usually on the 15th day of the first month in the lunisolar Chinese calendar). Another nearby attraction that you can find is the 20-meter tall Shifen Waterfall which is said to be the most scenic in Taiwan.
• Jiufen : Once a prosperous gold mining town, Jiufen is now a popular tourist destination for its quaint scenes that relive scenes from the past. Here, you will find picturesque streets and tea houses adorned with red lanterns and some great spots for viewing the Pacific Ocean! If you’re a fan of Miyazaki’s “Spirited Away”, you must visit Jiufen since most of the scenes from the movie were inspired by this place.

DETAILED EXPERIENCE: Read this Jiufen Tour review DURATION:  About 8 hours (return time approximately 5:30PM) BOOKING:   Online

» Want some other day tour options for your Taiwan itinerary?  See here to view a complete list.

◘◘ Ximending Youth Shopping District

Dubbed as the ‘Harajuku’ of Taipei, this is the trendy shopping and nightlife haven in the city that has a wide selection of shops, restaurants, clubs, and bars found all throughout its streets. In fact, the moment that I stepped here, it really made me feel like I visited Shibuya in Japan! That being said, before the day ends, go and shop here ’til you drop — or if you’re more into clubs and bars, there is an array of choices for you.

HOURS:  It’s open all day up to the night, but the best time to go would be starting from 5PM up into the wee hours NEAREST MRT:  Blue or Green Line to Ximen

◘◘ Din Tai Fung Restaurant

This is the internationally-famous Taiwanese restaurant that makes great-tasting  xiaolongbao  (a kind of tasty soup dumpling); therefore, no trip to Taiwan is complete without visiting one of its branches — especially its original Taipei branch found on Xinyi Road. Regrettably… the drawback is that there can be an insanely long wait because a lot of travelers also want to get a taste of this place. My advice? Visit in the morning to try and skip the lines!

TIP:  If you are pressed on time during your Taiwan itinerary and can’t dedicate hours-long of waiting at Din Tai Fung, you can reserve your spot online at either the Xinyi or Taipei 101 branch — or join a Taipei night tour that includes a dinner at Din Tai Fung. For other substitutes, you can get some great tasting xiaolongbao at Kao Chi . NEAREST MRT:  Dongmen Station (for the Xinyi branch)

◘◘ Other options for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

If you want great discounted/packaged meals in Taipei for your Taiwan itinerary, check out these online deals . They have choices from hot pots, lobster sets, beef noodles, and more! Otherwise, you can also revisit the night markets for a meal.

BOOKING: Taipei restaurants

Nature Exploration

This day is for witnessing yet another example of Taiwan’s grandeur when it comes to natural landscapes.

◘◘ Day tour to Alishan National Scenic Area

Alishan or “Mount Ali” is Taiwan’s most visited national park. Due to its elevation, you will find interesting flora in its ‘Giant Forest’ that is full of towering 2,000-year-old giant Taiwanese red cypresses. The area also enjoys a cooler climate and an erratic weather pattern so you can experience a cloudless morning with denser clouds of mist or fog in the latter part of the day, and then followed by a lightning storm and some rain (so make sure to pack an umbrella and a jacket).

If you ride the famous Alishan Mountain Railway, you can also visit several key locations in the national park via the Sacred Tree Line, Zhushan Line (for sunrise views over the Jade Mountain), and Mianyuei Line. For hiking-lovers, there are several great trails that you can go through in this location such as the path that leads to the Giant Tree of Mt. Shuishan (the oldest tree in the park at 2,700 years old).

On the way to Alishan with this day tour , you will also get the chance to stop over these additional locations…

• Fenqihu : This is a medieval mountain railroad town near Alishan. Make sure that you visit its old narrow streets to shop for interesting souvenirs to bring back home, see its old railway museum, as well as to eat their famous ‘Fenqihu lunch box’ at the original restaurant that serves it (found underneath 7/11 on the main road — NT$100 only for takeaway or NT$120 for eating it on the spot).
• Alishan Shouzhen Temple: This place enshrines the Supreme Emperor of the Dark Heaven (玄天上帝) as its main deity and it is the highest temple in Taiwan in terms of elevation.

BOOKING:   Online DURATION:  About 8 hours MEETING POINT: In this tour, it is possible to pick you up from any of the hotels found in Kaohsiung, Chiayi and Tainan City. Otherwise, if you’re coming from Taipei, they can pick you up from High Speed Railway stations found in Chiayi or Tainan. To get to these train station locations from Taipei, you need to book an HSR train. Book a  ticket , or you can also book an unlimited pass especially if you’re staying longer in Taiwan and plan to visit other places outside of Taipei). PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:  If you want to explore Alishan by yourself for your Taiwan itinerary, once you reach Chiayi station, take the direct bus to Alishan for about NT$300 (one way) which runs between 10:00AM to 11:30AM. There are also non-direct buses that cost NT$221 each way. Take note that the last bus to Alishan is at 2PM and the last bus back to Chiayi leaves at 5:10PM (found near Alishan’s 7-11 store).

◘◘ Explore the rest of Taipei

Once you’re back in Taipei after your day tour, this would be the perfect time to see the other historical landmarks or night markets that you haven’t managed to visit! (Refer to the list I’ve made under Day #1 to see the number of choices).

If you want great discounted/packaged meals in Taipei during your Taiwan itinerary, check out these online deals . They have choices from hot pots, lobster sets, beef noodles, and more! Otherwise, you can also revisit the night markets for a meal.

Other Taiwan Itinerary Activities

◘◘ Taipei Activities

Double Decker Bus Tour Sightseeing bus pass for a day.

Taipei Pub Crawl The heart of Taipei nightlife!

TaipeiEYE Peking Opera Performances featuring classical Taiwanese opera, Peking opera, Aboriginal dance, and more.

◘◘ Family Fun

Leofoo Village Theme Park Amusement park & safari.

E-Da Theme Park Aegean Sea inspired theme park.

National Aquarium Large museum and aquarium.

Suzuka Circuit Park Circuit rides amusement park.

Yehliu Ocean World Taiwan’s first ocean park.

i-Ride Taipei Flying Cinema Experience a multi-sensory 5D ride!

◘◘ Day Trips

Taroko Gorge Taiwan’s most scenic destination.

Thousand Island Lake & Plantation Stunning landscapes and tea culture.

Gaomei & Rainbow Community Taiwan’s renowned wetland & painted village.

Yangmingshan & Hot Springs Mountain escape & healing springs.

Sun Moon Lake Famous scenic lake.

Hualien Whale Watching Witness dolphins & whales.

Sun Link & Lotus Forest Scenic mountain lake.

Green Grasslands Tour Cingjing Farm, famous for its abundance of sheep!

Taitung Hot Air Balloon Tour Overlooking Luliao River and Beinan River.

Taichung Paragliding 10-15 minute paragliding flight over Nantou.

Tung Blossom Day Trip Taiwan’s renowned tung blossoms.

Taiping Mountain Tour Famous Taiwanese national park.

◘◘ Food & Restaurants

Chia Te Souvenir Award-winning pineapple cakes.

Sugar & Spice Nougat Taiwan’s famous French Nougat.

Zeng Noodles Popular instant noodles of Taiwan.

Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle Authentic Taiwanese noodles.

Beef Noodles & Rice Cooking Class Learn to make taiwan’s famous beef noodles.

Crispy Pork Jerky Popular “kuai che” dried pork jerky.

Taiwan Beef Noodles Famous bowl of savory beef noodles.

Smoothie House Must-try: their popular mango shaved ice!

Lovelycocoa Exquisite raw chocolate quality.

Spicy Hot Pot Red 9’s Sichuan-style hot pots..

Noodle Soups Must-try: Prime Beef Hind Shank Noodle Soup!

OneZo Milk Tea Get your fill of authentic boba tea!

Fu Hang Dou Jiang Top authentic Taiwanese breakfast meals!

Meinong & Aboriginal Village Witness the home of Hakka culture..

Liang Shan Aboriginal Culture Aboriginal culture at Wutai, Sandimen and Majia.

Formosan Aboriginal Culture Mix of theme park and aboriginal culture..

◘◘ Water Fun

Bitou Cape Scuba Diving See the Northeast Coast’s underworld.

Hsiukuluan River Rafting Paddle through Hualien’s wild rapids!

Qingshui Cliff Sea Kayaking See views of the Pacific and Hualien’s coast!

Chimei – Wang’an Island Hopping Explore two of Penghu’s beautiful and secluded islands.

Yilan Waiao Surfing The best surfing destination in Northern Taiwan!

SUP at Shenao Elephant Trunk Rock 3 hour guided SUP tour.

Explore other TOP destinations in Taiwan

HUALIEN Eastern Taiwan’s 2nd largest city, Hualien is a natural haven perfect for escapes from the city.

KAOHSIUNG Taiwan’s largest port city, has been gaining popularity as the next top destination in the country.

Booking Essentials

TIP: It’s a good idea to crosscheck the prices with other popular travel insurance providers like World Nomads and HeyMondo (as my reader, you get 5% off)! . However, take note that a travel insurance’s affordability typically means lesser coverage; so please always ensure that you read the fine print in order to decipher which travel insurance company is the right fit for you and your trip!

The Best Tours in Taipei?

Come and check out this list which features the best activities and tours to do!

Taiwan may be a small country, but it has more than enough amazing activities and attractions to keep you coming back for more!

There’s still so much to see but I believe that my Taiwan itinerary guide here is a great start — with all that said and done, please feel free to tweak this itinerary and make full use of my other activity suggestions in order to make your trip shorter or longer and better fitting for your travel style.

Enjoy and do let me know how your trip goes!

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Holidaying Your Way

Own Timing, Own Plan, Own Route

Plan your own destinations

Go places less travelled to

Beyond just transportation

Spectacular scenery

Stop for pictures whenever you want

Never pressed for time

The Ultimate Taiwan Itinerary: 10 days DIY Trip

10 days taiwan diy trip.

Peck Family of 3 had just completed a 10 days DIY  tour to Taiwan, from 6 to 15 Jan 2019. We had a wonderful time and we missed the food and fruits so much that we intend to go again next year. Taiwan, see you again soon!

Taiwan is largely mountainous with a chain of mountains running from north to south at the centre of the island. The west coast is largely plains and unsurprisingly is where most of the population is concentrated, and is where all the larger cities like Taichung and Kaohsiung are located. The east coast also has some plains but is more sparsely populated due to the higher typhoon risk. It is also home to the cities of  Hualien and Taitung.

January is the coolest month of the year in Taiwan, but given its geographical location it is never too cold. Average low and high temperatures are 13°C (55 °F) and 16°C (61 °F). In the south it is usually sunny and warm, while in the north it is often cloudy, windy and at times wet.

When we were there in January, Taipei was around 21°C while Taichung and Sun Moon Lake were cool and sunny at around 25°C.  Fortunately, the weather was dry as well during the whole trip (it had been raining the week prior to our tirp).  We were indeed blessed with a wonderful weather.

OUR TAIWAN TOUR ROUTE

Taoyuan airport –> taichung –> cinjing farm –> hehuang san –> sun moon lake –> chercheng town–> jiji town –> sun moon lake –> taichung hsr staion–> taipei main station –> maokong –> the hope plaza –>taipei fish market –> taipei fruit wholesale market –> taoyuan airport.

Duration: 10 days

PRIOR TO THE TAIWAN TRIP

It is always important to plan our trip well in advance to get good value promotional AIR TICKETS direct from the Airlines. We like Singapore Airline and in our search in Dec 2018 (hehe..last minute decision), we were fortunate to find an SQ 2-to-Go promotion. The window from 6 to 15 Jan 2019 offered the cheapest fare of S$395 per person.

Our next step was to draft out the ITINERARY . This process is challenging and time consuming. You are most welcome to make reference to this itinerary that I am sharing here.

We searched and booked our ACCOMODATION via booking.com.

Last but not least, we must have a TRAVEL INSURANCE to cover ourselves during the trip. We searched AVIVA, DBS, FWD and finally settled with FWD at S$115 for 3.

PORTABLE WIFI  is a must for DIY trip so that we can access Google Map via our mobile phone for directions, read our Whatsapp messages, make changes to hotel booking when necessary, all on the go. We booked the WiFi router in advance at Changi Recommends  website and collected it at the Changi Terminal just before we depart.

Our detailed Taiwan Trip itinerary:

• Day 1:  Arrive at Taoyuan Airport by Singapore Airlines; On board HSR Train to Taichung
• Day 2:  Tour the Rainbow Village and Visited Fengjia Night Market in Taichung
• Day 3:  Cingjing Farm
• Day 4:  Hehuanshan Sunrise Tour and Hike East Peak
• Day 5:  Cruise on Sun Moon Lake
• Day 6:  Train Ride to CherCheng and Jiji Town
• Day 7:  Sun Moon Lake to Taichung via Nantou Bus Express, then to Taipei via HSR Train, visit Songshan Cultural and Creative Park
• Day 8:  Tour Maokong and Visit Hope Plaza (Farmer’s Market)
• Day 9:  Visit Taipei Fish Market a.k.a Addiction Aquatic Development; Taipei Fruit Wholesale Market
• Day 10:  Home Sweet Home

We departed Changi Airport on 6th Jan 2019 at 11.40am. It was a 4 hours 50 mins flight from Singapore on Airbus A330.

Taoyuan to Taichung

We arrived Taoyuan Airport at about 4.30pm. The first thing we did after clearing immigration was to buy the Taipei “ Easy Card “. With this card, we could travel conveniently in Taiwan by MRT and bus. At the Airport Terminal 1 station, we boarded the subway at Huanbei station (Jichang Line). The ride to Taoyuan HSR station was about 25 mins.

Upon arrival, we bought 3 tickets (NT$1620 ) at the counter and boarded the train to Taichung HSR station. The ride took us about 45 mins. Thereon, from Xinwuri ( about 350m away) we took the Fuxing / Shuttle 2226 to Taichung Station. After a 4 mins walk we reached our Hotel.

Accomodation @ Chance Hotel in Taichung

We stayed at Chance Hotel for 2 nights. A 3 star hotel. The room was pretty clean, but there was cigarette smell in it. The walls were not sound proof and we could hear noises made from next door guests. We did not like the bed either as the mattresses were too soft. Oh no! so much to complain.

DINNER @  Chun Shui Tang

“CHUN SHUI TANG” Teahouse in Taichung is said to be the birthplace of bubble tea. It is both a teahouse and a restaurant. You can savour a wide range of tea-based beverages, reasonably priced, and tasty traditional Taiwanese food such as pig’s blood, toasted cheese bread, beef noodles and braised pork rice, etc. We had dry/soup noodles, spicy bean curd, and a glass of bubble Milk Tea. Not bad, indeed!

How to Get There: Chun Shui Tang Teahouse, No. 9 Dadun 19th Street, West District, Taichung City, Taiwan 403

Ice Cream @ Miyahara, Taichung

Miyahara (宮原眼科)  is one of the most popular places in Taichung. The building is used to be an old eye hospital and it has been recreated into a modern and beautifully designed retail shop. It sells their house brand ice cream, pineapple pastries, chocolates, tea, cookies and tea snacks.

Taichung Rainbow Village 彩虹村

Rainbow Village is one of the “veterans villages” in Taichung. Those villages were simple housing to the Kuomintang soldiers and their families after they retreated from Mainland China and they belonged to the State. Over the year, they had been abandoned or deteriorated into slum.

In early 1990s, the government started an aggressive program to demolish these villages that sit on prime real estate ground. To fight for the preservation of his village, Mr   Huang Yong-Fu   (a Hong Kong born military veteran who fought against the communists) started to paint colorful murals all over his home, as well as the gates around it and the walkways. He used very bright colors and painted very random and imaginative figures including plants, animals, monsters, celebrities and traditional cultural heroes.

Students from  Ling-Tung University  which was located just next to his village saw what he was doing and took pictures and shared them online. These photos went viral and Rainbow Village soon became a tourist destination and people from all over started to visit while he was still busy painting. Tourists offered donations and supported the by-then almost 90-year-old artist. His peaceful protest, fortunately, gained sufficient sympathy from people around the country to halt Taichung mayor’s plans for demolition and hence saved the village. Today, residents still stay in the village! 

Rainbow Village is a tiny dwelling. One needs only 10-15 minutes to tour this place.

Address:  Taimao 5th Vil., Nantun Dist., Taichung City 408, Taiwan (R.O.C.) |  Opening Hours (Official):  8am – 6pm |  Tel:  886-4-22289111 |  Admission Fee:  Free

How to Get There : By Taxi – about NT$160 to NT$200; By Bus – at Taichung station, take Fuxing/shuttle 3267 in the direction of ChaoZhou. After 4 stops, alight at Xinwuri. Thereafter, take bus 56 or 74 at the Renyou Parking Lot at Xinwuri station. Journey time : 40 mins; Cost NT$35

Fengjia Night Market 逢甲夜市

The Fengjia Night Market (逢甲夜市) was established in 1963  and is  Taichung’s largest and most popular night market. To many, it is probably Taiwan’s most favorite market. Intially setup along Wen-hua road, it had later expanded to Fengjia road (逢甲路), Fushin road(福星路), Xian street(西安街) etc.

The area has a variety of shops which include Food/drink stands, clothing stalls, restaurants, games stalls and most notably, lots of snacks to please any palate. Fengjia Night Market ever came in first place together with Keelung’s Miaokou Night Market , in terms of taste, in a competition organized by the Tourism Bureau of Taiwan. The Market is just next to Feng Chia University.

Address : Wenhua Road, Xitun District, Taichung City, Taiwan 407; Opening Hrs: 4pm to 2am

Taichung to Cingjing Farm

How To Get There: By Taxi (Fixed Fare – around NT$2000); Journey Time: 1 hr 34 mins By Tripool (Door to Door Private Transport Service – around NT$1600); – this requires advance booking. By Nantou Express Bus (Bus Fare – around NT$265); Journey Time: 2 hrs

We had initially wanted to take the Nantou Express Bus but on our way to the bus terminal we were intercepted by a taxi driver.

He said that he could drive us to Cingjing for a price of NT$500 per person and bring us to other attractions along the way. After much hesitation, we accepted the offer since NT$500 x 3 = NT$1500 would still be cheaper than a normal taxi fare. But at the end of the ride, we ended up paying NT$2100 because the driver had thought that there were 4 of us (his offer rate was based on 4).

A lesson to learn here is to reconfirm the fare before getting on to the taxi. Nevertheless, although expensive, it turned out to be a better option because we were able to reach Cingjing early to tour Cingjing Farm on the same day. It would then allow us the whole day at Hehuanshan the next day.

Accomodation @ Shiwai Taoyuan 清境民宿事外桃源

We stayed at 清境民宿事外桃源 for two nights. The hotel is just about 8 mins walk from the Small Swiss Garden and is surrounded by mountain view. The room was big enough and each one of us had our own proper bed to sleep on. The hotel provides complimentary breakfast and we had a hearty breakfast of Taiwan Porridge.

Cingjing Farm

At an altitude of one thousand five hundred meters, Cingjing Farm, with a favorable climate throughout the year, is a popular summer resort. Parents can take their children to the green grasslands to feed sheep and watch horse riding performance. Family can have a meal at Carton King and seat on cardboard-made furniture. The Mansion on the mountains, called The Old England, is a hot spot for pre-wedding photos. At The Old England, visitors can enjoy British afternoon tea and sample local delicacies such as urn-roasted chicken and Yunnan cuisine.

Cingjing Farm Trails

There are a total of 8 trails around the Cingjing Area.

487 Step Trail

487 step trail is one of the 8 trials around the Cingjing Area. We did this step trail which is a mountain side staircase that is about 800 meter long. It is especially beautiful during the autumn season and takes about 30 minutes to walk (one way). The trail led us to the southern entrance of the Cingjing Farm. The green green grasslands in Cingjing Farm are open pastures for sheep and cows. Weather was sunny that day. Many tourists were feeding sheep. We also saw a wedding couple taking wedding photos and mingling with the sheep.

Great Wall Trail

Journeying on, we took the Great Wall Trail which is the highest elevated trail in the area. It is just 250 meters long and is near the north gate of Cinjing Farm. It is the best spot to view the magnificent 3500+ meter high HeHuan Mountain as well as the lower elevated part of the northern section of Cingjing Farm.

Cingjing Skywalk

On our way back to the Hotel, we took the Cingjing Skywalk, a nature walk on the skybridge. The skywalk is about 1.2km long. It offers an awesome scenery of the mountain range as we slowly descended to the bottom of the skywalk .

Hehuan Mountain

Hehuan Mountain  is a 3,416-metre-high (11,207 ft) mountain in Central Taiwan. The peak lies on the borders of Nantou and Hualien counties and is located within Taroko National Park. Hehuan Mountain is a popular destination for the local people in central Taiwan. The 3,421-metre east peak and 3,422-metre north peak of Hehuan Mountain are both higher than the main peak. The area is  extremely popular with hikers and trekkers  because the peaks here can be climbed without the need for high-mountain permits

Hehuanshan Sunrise Tour (half day)

This was a three hour tour that literally started our day on a high. We woke up at 3.30am so that we could catch the van that would picked us up at 4.30am. The van journeyed towards several peaks namely: Meifeng, Cuifeng, Yuanfeng, Kunyang, and Wuling (the highest elevation in the Taiwan highway)! Our first stop while making our ascend was to go stargazing when it was still pitch dark. With the help of a laser pointer, the tour guide introduced the numerous stars to us as we gazed towards the sky. A few managed to see shooting stars too.

After about 30 mins of stargazing, we proceeded to the peak of iconic Hehuanshan to witness the most breathtaking sunrise in Taiwan. Unfolding before our eyes were sea of clouds rolling in like fluffy marshmallows.

After a long wait……..dawn broke and slowly………. out came the Sun

Where to Book : simply book the tour at the Hotel where you stay. Cost NTS400 per person round trip.

Should you decide to stay at Hehuanshan for Hiking after the Sunrise Tour, you can inform the tour guide to alight you at the Hehuan Visitor Centre. Price remain unchanged and you will need to arrange your own return trip. So it is advisable to arrange that at the same time when you book the sunrise tour at your hotel

Hehuanshan Hiking

After the Sunrise Tour, the driver alighted us at the Hehuan Visitor Centre for our hiking trip while the remaining tour members headed back to Cingjing Area.

Hike 1:  Hehuan East Peak, 3421m Duration:  2 hours round-trip

By far the busiest peak in the region and for good reasons… It’s right by Hehuan Visitor center, it’s not too hard, nor too long, and the views from the top are simply stunning! Take it easy and walk slowly, you will definitely be feeling the altitude as you start climbing up. Drink plenty of water and take rests when you start feeling your heart pounding or when you’re out of breath.

The main trail  begins right across from the cottage and ascends the north slope of the mountain. There are some steep sections where you have to use your hands, or where hiking poles might come in handy.

The trailhead is 25m past the Songshan lodge. This trail is the easiest way up the East Peak as it’s mostly covered with wooden stairs.

Hike 2:  Hehuan Jian Shan, 3217m Duration:  45 minutes round-trip

If you’re pressed by time, but you still want to “get high” then you can try this short but steep walk. The trail starts just behind   Hehuan Visitor Center . The summit is a great spot to have your coffee in the morning or to watch the sunset. Again, take it easy and walk slowly, you will definitely be feeling the altitude as you start climbing up. Drink plenty of water and take rests when you start feeling your heart pounding or when you’re out of breath. The parking lot in front of the visitor center is a convenient (and free) camping  spot.

If above is not enough and you wanted more, you can also hike the Hehuanshan North Peak (3422m) and Hehuanshan West Peak (3145m). Former is a 3.5 hours round trip while the latter is an 8 hours round trip and the most strenuous day hike. So check it out before embarking on it.

Lunch @ 伊拿谷 Restaurant at Cingjing

The early rise to watch the Sunrise plus 3 over hours of hiking at Hehuanshan got us really famished. At about 12.30pm, the taxi we booked the day before came to pick us up. On our way back to Cingjing, the driver brought us to 伊拿谷 restaurant for lunch. The restaurant serves the famous urn roasted chicken (甕仔雞) , a must try dish in Cingjing Nantou. This restaurant also provides transport service to bring us back to our hotel after our meal.

訂餐電話：049-2803710　Address: 地址：南投縣仁愛鄉大同村仁和路信義巷36之1附1號. Click Here for Direction

Day 5 – Click Here

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The Perfect Taiwan Itinerary And Complete Taiwan Travel Guide

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: March 5, 2024

Categories Taiwan

Did you know Taiwan has the largest number and density of high mountains in the world? While this island may be small in size, it has much to offer!

From beautiful beaches to modern skyscrapers and from colorful street art to delicious cuisine, Taiwan has it all.

This Taiwan itinerary will guide you around the highlights of this green island that used to be called ‘Ilha Formosa' (meaning ‘ beautiful island ‘ in Portuguese). A fitting name as Taiwan is absolutely gorgeous!

Taiwan itinerary

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We're very grateful when you use our links to make a purchase:-).

Itinerary for Taiwan and Taiwan travel map

In the map below you can find our Taiwan itinerary, at the end of the post you can download this map.

Click here for the interactive map

The ultimate Taiwan itinerary

• Day 1-3: Kaohsiung
• Day 4-6: Kenting National Park
• Day 7-9:  Tainan
• Day 10-11:  Taichung
• Day 12-13: Sun Moon Lake
• Day 14-19:  Taipei (part I)
• Day 20-23: Hualien and the Taroko Gorge
• Day 24-29:  Taipei (part II)

Important things to know when planning a trip to Taiwan

Taiwan is a great destination year-round, however, Spring (March-April) and Autumn (October-November) are the most popular times to visit. From mid-May until September, monsoon season causes a lot of rain, especially on the East Coast. We visited in May and while we did experience some rain, the weather was good on most days. However, we did adjust our travel plans because of the (terrible) weather forecast, and instead of traveling the entire length of Taiwan's East Coast (in the pouring rain), we opted to spend more time in Taipei (where it was still sunny). During Summer (June until August) Taiwan is hot and humid with temperatures rising above 30 degrees Celsius. Winter is low season in Taiwan, though it usually doesn't get that cold (around 10 degrees).

The official currency in Taiwan is the  New Taiwan dollar  ( NT $) .   Here  you can find the current exchange rates, at the time of writing €1 is approximately 34NT$ and $1 approximately 30NT$.

Plan your Taiwan trip like a pro with these tools: ? Pick up an EasyCard for cashless payments and to use public transport. ? Book discounted tickets for Taiwan's high-speed rail. ? Stay connected with a  Taiwan Wifi router . ? Plan your journey with the  T aiwan Lonely Planet . ?️ Find your dream accommodation on Booking.com or Agoda . ? Book the best tours via Klook or Get Your Guide . ?️ Travel safely and get reliable travel insurance from Safety Wing .

Taiwan travel tips

In general traveling around Taiwan is very easy. This beautiful small country is safe and well-organized and, as I already mentioned, the people are super friendly.

Nevertheless, here are some travel tips to make your Taiwan trip even easier (and cheaper!).

Buy an EasyCard

I recommend that as soon as you arrive in Taiwan, you pick up an EasyCard .

You can use this pass all over Taiwan to pay for transport (MRT, bicycles, buses, trains, ferries, etc.). The Easy Card gives you a discount on transport fares and saves you the hassle of having to pay with coins.

You can top up your credit in 7-11 and Family Mart (you can also pay with your EasyCard in these shops and several others).

Pick up a Wifi router at the airport

During our trip to Taiwan, we used a portable Wifi router with unlimited data to stay online.

We could connect all our devices (and we have a lot ) and had excellent reception everywhere in Taiwan (except in the tunnels on the East coast). Click here to book your Wifi router .

You can pick up the router upon arrival at Taoyuan international airport or Kaohsiung airport and use it throughout your Taiwan trip.

You can simply return the device to the service counter where you picked it up, or use a 24-hour drop-off box available at the airports mentioned above if you happen to have to catch a flight outside of business hours.

Be prepared to use Google Translate a lot

While the people in Taiwan are very friendly and always willing to help, I was surprised to learn that many Taiwanese don't speak English. At all.

They will still try to help you through and Google Translate makes it a lot easier. You can download the app for free in the App Store or the Play Store .

Our Taiwan trip: facts and figures

• I traveled with my husband; our trip started in Kaohsiung and ended in Taipei. Our Taiwan trip itinerary was  29 days in   total.
• We traveled around Taiwan by public transport (train, bus, and MRT). In Kenting National Park and Hualien, we rented a scooter. In Kaohsiung, Tainan, Taichung, and Taipei we used the public bicycle rental systems, bus, and MRT to get around.
• During our trip around Taiwan, we spent approximately   2065 NT / €63 / $69 per day as a couple. If you want to know more about the costs of our Taiwan trip , check my budget breakdown .
• I have written detailed guides for most places we visited in Taiwan, in these guides you can find detailed information about our day-to-day activities, transportation, and detailed information about our accommodation . You can find the links to those posts in the itinerary below.

Where to find great budget accommodation in Taiwan

In the table below you can find our Taiwan accommodation. I’ve also written a separate post about the places we stayed in Taiwan with more details about these places.

Note: Prices for these hotels depend on the time of year and how far in advance you book. Therefore, the prices mentioned above are a rough indication of the price per night to help you compare the different options. Use ‘click here' to see the latest prices on Agoda and Booking and book ahead to get the best deal.

* Unfortunately, the Airbnbs we stayed at in Kaohsiung and Taipei are no longer available due to Covid-19. I've done my utmost to find a suitable alternative (see table) .

How to spend a month in Taiwan

Ideally, if you have a month in Taiwan as we did, you'd make a full circle around the island. You can either start and end your trip in Taipei or in Kaohsiung, as these are the largest hubs for international flights.

As I mentioned above, unfortunately, we didn't get to finish our Taiwan loop because monsoon season started and the East Coast was soaking wet.

Nevertheless, we had a lot of fun during the additional time we spend in Taipei and I don't regret making this decision. Below you can find our day by day one month Taiwan trip.

If you have less time available to explore Taiwan, don't worry, I've got you covered. Further on in the post, I also suggest shorter options (5, 7, and 10 days, plus 2 and 3 weeks) for your Taiwan travel itinerary.

Day 1 – 3: Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung isn't a well-known city, at least I had never heard of it before traveling to Taiwan. Of course, that could also just be me being ignorant…

Anyway, Kaohsiung is the third-largest city in Taiwan and this is where we started our trip. Kaohsiung is an important harbor city but also has many interesting sights.

My recommended activities for Kaohsiung are:

• Cycle the bicycle trail along the Love River . Worthwhile stops are the Kaohsiung 228 Peace Memorial Park, Zhongdou Wetlands Park, Botanical Garden, and the Lotus Pond.
• Cycle around the Lotus Pond. Another great bicycle trail goes around the Lotus Pond, on the south side of the lake you can find the colorful Tiger and Dragon Pagodas.
• Visit Qijin Island . This small island is only a 5-minute ferry ride from the mainland. Here you can explore the Cijin Coast Park, admire the view from the Cihou Lighthouse and visit the Maritime Museum.

Book your Kaohsiung accommodation: 85 Good Time Hotel

Click here to read about more things to do in Kaohsiung .

Day 4 – 6: Kenting National Park

From busy Kaohsiung, we traveled to the green Kenting National Park, in the South of Taiwan.

Fun fact: did you know there are 9 National Parks in Taiwan ?

Kenting National Park is beautiful, the beaches are pristine and the empty roads through lush green jungle make it the perfect place for a scooter road trip.

Some of the best places to visit in Kenting are:

• Maobitou Park : a great spot to admire the beautiful ocean views and impressive rock formations.
• Hengchun night market: try out lots of typical Taiwanese dishes and snacks and wash them down with a boba (bubble tea).
• Kenting town: take an hour or so to explore the town, but leave plenty of time to relax on a pretty Kenting beach, with white sand and stunning blue water.

Book your Kenting accommodation: Light Blue Bed & Breakfast

Click here to read about more things to do in Kenting .

Day 7 – 9: Tainan

Our next destination was Tainan, the oldest city in Taiwan and one with a Dutch history which made it extra interesting for us (being from the Netherlands and all).

Back in 1624, the VOC (Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie or United East India Company in English) built Fort Zeelandia in Tainan and used the city as their ruling and trading base.

Besides the Dutch Fort, there are many beautiful temples in Tainan. In fact, there are more Buddhist and Taoist temples in Tainan than in any other Taiwanese city! The top spots in Tainan you should visit are:

• Koxinga’s Shrine : an impressive shrine dating from 1663. Also, take a stroll around the stylish garden in front of the complex.
• Fort Zeelandia: this fort was built by the Dutch in the early 17th century and used as a trading outpost. It's a great place to learn about (part of) the tumultuous history of Taiwan.
• National Museum of Taiwan History : another excellent place to learn about Taiwanese history and its many invaders throughout the decades (the Portuguese, the Dutch, the Chinese, and the Japanese).

Book your Tainan accommodation: Tie Dao Hotel

Click here to read about more things to do in Tainan .

Day 10 – 11: Taichung

Unfortunately, it was raining during the majority of our time in Taichung. We made the most of it though and went to the movies, ate wood-fired oven pizza, and hung out in cute cafes.

However, if the weather is a bit nicer, you can easily spend three days here as there are many things to do in this interesting city! Highlights in (and around) Taichung are:

• Rainbow Village : a short distance from Taichung city center you can find what is perhaps the most colorful village in the world. Painted by Huang Yong-Fu in a desperate attempt to preserve his home that was about to be torn down by the government, this artsy village has now become one of Taiwan’s most famous attractions!
• Chun Shui Tang Cultural Tea House : the birthplace of Taiwan's famous boba, aka bubble tea. Here you can take a bubble tea-making class and learn how to create these delicious and highly addictive concoctions yourself.
• Taichung Second Market : an authentic wet market with 100 years of history. Here you can eat local dishes created from secret family recipes handed down for generations!

Book your Taichung accommodation: Modern Inn

Click here to read about more things to do in Taichung .

Day 12 – 13: Sun Moon Lake

Sun Moon Lake is the largest lake in Taiwan and a very popular place to visit. It sure is a gorgeous place, unfortunately, the rain that found us in Taichung followed us to Sun Moon Lake.

We had planned to do lots of outdoor activities, like cycling around the lake and hiking up Mt. Shuishe.

Instead, we spent most of our time in the Starbucks in Shuishe Village, running outside whenever the rain stopped for a brief moment to take pictures of the still beautiful-looking lake.

Nevertheless, there are tons of things to do at Sun Moon Lake when the weather is nice:

• Follow (part of) the Yuetan Bike Path : a 29 kilometers bike route that goes around Sun Moon Lake. You can also opt for a shorter section of approximately 12 kilometers.
• Ride the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway‭: from the Ropeway, you can enjoy the best views over the lake and forested mountains.
• Visit the Wenwu Temple and Ci En Pagoda : these beautiful constructions‭ are highly worth a visit, and both can be reached with the  Round-The-Lake-Bus .

Book your Sun Moon Lake accommodation: Itathao Motel

? Discount : if you're planning a trip to Sun Moon Lake,  check out the Sun Moon Lake ropeway combo pass , which includes the ropeway, bike rental, and a boat trip over the lake.

Day 14 – 19: Taipei (part I)

I loved Taipei! I'm not usually one for big cities for a long period of time, but I really enjoyed our time in Taipei, the capital city of Taiwan. We spent 12 days there in total and still didn't run out of things to do.

What I loved most about Taipei is how easy it was to get away from the busy part of town and find some peace and quiet.

There is so much nature just a subway ride away from the center! For example, we hiked a mountain trail in the Maokong area and didn't come across anyone else.

I've written an extensive post about Taipei and a blog about day trips from Taipei , but to sum up, here are some of the main Taipei highlights to add to your Taipei itinerary.

Admire the view from the iconic Taipei 101

Go up to the observation deck on the 91st floor for marvelous birds-eye views of Taipei city ( purchase a fast-track ticket here ).

Explore the National Palace Museum

This huge museum houses one of the world's largest collections of ancient Chinese artifacts and is highly worth a visit. Click here to buy your ticket online .

Hike the Elephant Mountain trail

A steep but short walk to the top of Elephant Mountain (a 183-meter high hill) offering beautiful views over Taipei and the aforementioned Taipei 101.

Visit Chang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

The Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall is a huge and impressive building. Try to time your visit to coincide with the changing of the guards (every hour on the hour from 10 am to 4 pm).

Also visit the nearby Gate of Great Centrality and Perfect Uprightness, National Concert Hall, and the National Theater.

Eat your way around Shilin Night Market 

Shilin Night Market is one of the best night markets in Taiwan, and also one of the largest in the country. Sample some famous street food dishes such as stinky tofu, fried buns, bubble tea, and oyster omelet.

There are so many food stalls you'll inevitably find yourself coming back a second night to try out more typical Taiwanese foods and snacks.

Take a day trip to Maokong

This is a pretty little village on the outskirts of Taipei that can be reached via the Maokong gondola ( buy your online ticket here ) or bus.

There are several great hiking trails around the village, which is known for the cultivation of high-quality tea.

Book your Taipei accommodation: Comma Boutique Hotel

Click here to read about more things to do in Taipei .

Day 20 – 23: Hualien and the Taroko Gorge

The East coast was my favorite part of Taiwan and I have only seen a small section! There are steep cliffs, a stunning blue ocean, marble mountains, and a green jungle.

It's much less populated than the rest of Taiwan, only 4% of the Taiwanese live on the East Coast. We spent 3 days in Hualien and used this relaxed city as a base to explore the famous Taroko Gorge and the area south of Hualien.

Some of the best things to do around Hualien are:

• Qinshui Cliffs : the combination of the steep cliffs and the vivid blue color of the ocean is a spectacular sight.
• Taroko Gorge: one of the most popular places to visit in Taiwan and rightly so, it's a beautiful place. There are hiking trails, waterfalls, rope bridges, and amazing views wherever you look. Click here to book a day trip from Taipei or take a Taroko tour from Hualien city .
• East Coast National Scenic Area : we rented a scooter and went for an adventurous drive along the coast and mountainous area south of Hualien.

Book your Hualien accommodation: Honey B Trip B&B

Click here to read about more things to do in Hualien .

Day 24-29: Taipei (part II)

Because of the approaching typhoon season, it was already very rainy on the East Coast. Therefore we did not continue south to Taitung ( cycling Taiwan’s east coast is a very popular option) but went back to Taipei instead.

In Taipei, we had mostly sunny days for the remainder of our trip and there was a lot more to do in and around Taipei so this was the best option for us.

But I sure would love to see more of the East coast of Taiwan!

Alternative Taiwan itineraries (5, 7, and 10 days + 2 and 3 weeks)

Taiwan itinerary 5 days.

If you just have 5 days to travel around Taiwan, don't worry! While you cannot see everything the island has to offer, you can get a taste and feel of the country.

This is how I would spend a Taiwan 5 day itinerary:

• Day 1-2: Taipei
• Day 3: make a day trip from Taipei (such as Beitou, Tamsui, Wulai, Maokong , or Yehliu Geopark )
• Day 4: travel to Sun Moon Lake
• Day 5: explore Sun Moon Lake and return to Taipei

Taiwan itinerary 7 days

For a 7-day Taiwan itinerary, I'd suggest the following:

• Day 3: make a day trip from Taipei (such as Beitou, Tamsui, Wulai, Maokong or Thousand Island Lake and the Shiding tea township )
• Day 5: explore Sun Moon Lake and travel to Taichung ( book HSR tickets with a discount here )
• Day 6: Taichung
• Day 7: Taichung and return to Taipei

With this Taiwan 1 week itinerary, you will get to explore the buzzing capital as well as Taiwan's second-largest city, Taichung, and one of Taiwan's absolute highlights: the beautiful Sun Moon Lake.

Taiwan itinerary 10 days

This 10 day Taiwan itinerary not only includes the two major cities of Taiwan (Taipei and Taichung), but also the two most beautiful natural sights: Taroko Gorge on the East Coast and Sun Moon Lake in the middle of the Island.

• Day 3: make a day trip from Taipei (such as Beitou, Tamsui, Wulai, or Maokong )
• Day 4: travel to Hualien
• Day 5: visit Taroko Gorge
• Day 6: travel to Sun Moon Lake
• Day 7: Sun Moon Lake
• Day 8-9: Taichung
• Day 10: Return to Taipei

For days 4-10 of this Taiwan 10 day itinerary, it's easiest to rent a car as this will allow you to explore Taroko Gorge independently.

It's also the easiest way to travel from the East Coast to the West coast. If you opt to travel via public transportation, the best way to travel from Hualien to Sun Moon Lake is via Taipei.

Taiwan 2 week itinerary

If you have 2 weeks in Taiwan, I'd recommend traveling either from North to South or vice versa. Your 2 week Taiwan itinerary could look like this:

• Day 1-3: Taipei
• Day 4-5: Sun Moon Lake
• Day 6-7: Taichung
• Day 8-9: Tainan
• Day 10-11: Kenting National Park
• Day 12-14: Kaohsiung

This 2 week Taiwan itinerary is especially suitable for people looking to travel in one direction instead of a loop.

Taiwan 3 week itinerary

If you don't mind a fast-paced itinerary, you could make a complete loop around Taiwain in three weeks. For this 3 week Taiwan itinerary, I'd suggest the following route:

• Day 6-8: Taichung
• Day 9-10: Tainan
• Day 11-13: Kaohsiung
• Day 14-15: Kenting National Park
• Day 16-17: Taitung
• Day 18-20: Hualien and Taroko Gorge
• Day 21: Return to Taipei

You will be traveling a lot with this 3-week itinerary for Taiwan and I'd recommend avoiding monsoon season (which is especially bad on the East Coast).

This itinerary for 3 weeks in Taiwan will show you very different sides of Taiwan. You'll explore several interesting cities, spend enough time at the most beautiful lake in Taiwan and also visit two National Parks (Taroko and Kenting).

Planning a trip to Taiwan: in conclusion

I had a great time in Taiwan and hope this post will help you plan your trip to this wonderful little island.

You can download the map and table with the transport information below. If you have any questions, leave a comment or send me a message !

This post was updated in November 2022.

ViaTravelers

Tuesday 7th of September 2021

Hello, Lotte! Thank you for thsi great blog! Taiwan is such a fascinating place to visit, and I love the Itinerary you gave. It makes an almost two-week trip to Taiwan packed and great!

Monday 4th of October 2021

Thanks for your kind words about my Taiwan itinerary:-) It's such a great country, too bad it's been closed since Covid... Anyway, enjoy your time in Amsterdam (I saw you went on a canal boat trip on your IG).

Monday 18th of January 2021

Thanks so much for sharing such an amazing post of your experience in Taiwan! I've always wanted to visit this country, and your post helped me add even more to my Taiwan must-visit list.

Sunday 24th of January 2021

Thank you for reading my Taiwan post and great to hear it's inspired you (even more) to visit this amazing island. I really loved our time there and would love to go back to explore more (and eat more delicious food...) One day!

Sunday 3rd of January 2021

Thank you so much for all this information. I truly appreciate it! I have been Virtual traveling since C19 and once this pandemic is contained and global green light turns on, Ilike to take my boys (husband and son) to Taiwan. Stay safe and god bless. Thank you

Sunday 10th of January 2021

Hi May Twu,

Thank you for reading my post and most welcome! For now, virtual travel is what will have to do... Hopefully, things will improve in 2021 with vaccine campaigns starting up. I hope you can visit Taiwan in the near future!

Stay safe and thanks again! Lotte

Tuesday 14th of May 2019

Hi. Thanks for the very informative itinerary!

May I know which month did you went to Taiwan? Thanks.

You are welcome! We went to Taiwan in May and left at the start of June. Have a nice trip:-)

Thursday 22nd of February 2018

Thank your for post, it's very useful! Taiwan looks really amazing.

Saturday 24th of February 2018

Thank you, Taiwan is amazing indeed:-)

The Ultimate Taiwan Itinerary for 2024

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 also used our rental car as part of our Taipei itinerary for the day trips from Taipei.

We’re huge fans of road trips and have driven rental cars in almost 50 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

Buy your MRT tickets to Taipei now

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!            

Book your Taipei hotel now

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!

Book your Taipei 101 ticket now

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: 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.

In the past it was possible to visit the world’s highest Starbucks which was located on the 35th floor at Taipei 101 and offered spectacular views of Taipei. Unfortunately in 2019 the store was closed and was not replaced. The Starbucks is now located in the mall at the base of Taipei 101.

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!

Book your Taichung hotel now

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!

Buy your rail tickets here

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!

Book your Sun Moon hotel now

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!

Book your Alishan Hotel now

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!

Book your Kaohsiung Hotel now

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!

Book your Kenting Hotel now

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!

Book your Taitung hotel now

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!

Book your Taroko Gorge Hotel now

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 for 2024”

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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5 Days Itinerary in Taiwan + Travel Tips

Here’s a 5 days itinerary in Taiwan, including some personal tips!

I traveled to Taiwan for a few days. It’s actually an easy place for a solo traveler like me. First of all, it has good public transportation and there are signages everywhere so getting lost is not an issue. Taipei City can be explored by commuting and there are joiner tours for exploring areas outside the city.

Personally, I like how Taipei City feels so modern, but at the same time there are many nature parks and the roads are filled with trees. The night markets are alive and buzzing, food is delicious, and it’s a lively city in general. The day trips are also enjoyable, particularly the North Coast Tour and Shiding Tour. Overall, I enjoyed it better than I thought I would.

Taiwan is visa-free for Filipinos up to July 2021 , so what are you waiting for?

P.S. Visiting Taiwan soon? Don’t forget to read about our First-Timers Guide to Taiwan .

Manila to Taoyuan Airport

Upon arrival, taoyuan airport to taipei city, how to get around, day 1 – taipei city tour, day 2 – north coast, day 3 – shiding, day 4 – taichung, day 5 – taichung or nantou, tours via kkday, tours via private car, where to stay in taiwan, where to eat, reminders and tips, budget and expenses, what to read next:, how to get here.

Taiwan has 2 major international airports: Taoyuan and Songshan . Taoyuan International Airport is the main gateway to Taiwan.

From Manila, it takes 1 hour, 40 minutes to reach Taoyuan International Airport via Cebu Pacific and AirAsia.

Currently, there are midnight and morning flights from Manila to Taipei City. I suggest getting a morning flight so you can have proper rest before going on a tour.

Here are the things you should do after arrival in the airport:

• Exchange your USD to NTD (New Taiwan Dollars). You can also exchange it in money changers outside the airport if you’re particular about getting the best rates.
• Buy a sim card or pocket wifi so you can stay connected online. If you have ordered either online, you can claim it at the airport.
• Buy a Taipei Pass or Easy Card for use in trains & buses. More about this on How to Get Around section.

Other things to note:

• If you arrive in the wee hours of the morning, you can sleep at the airport or book at the airport’s hotel.

Taoyuan International Airport is about 40 km away from Taipei City. Travel time is around 40-50 minutes.

Here are your options on how to get from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei Main Station in Taipei City:

• Train . There are 2 types of train: Express (purple) and Regular (blue). The Express Line takes 35 minutes, and the Regular Line takes 50 minutes. One-way ticket costs 160 NTD. Schedule is 6AM to 11PM.
• Bus . The 1819 bus line operates 24 hours. Fare is 130 NTD.
• Taxi . Taxi is a bit expensive, but it’s a good option if you have heavy luggage or if you arrive late at night. Fare from the airport to Taipei Main Station is around 1200 NTD.
• Others : You may also book private transfers. This is a good option if you are in a group or if you arrive late at night.

From Taipei Main Station, you can catch connecting trains or take a bus/taxi to your accommodation.

The public transportation in Taiwan is very good.

• It has a train station called Metro Taipei that connects the major city areas and even the north and south areas in Taiwan. Fare is 20-25 NTD.
• It also has numerous bus lines in the cities. Fare is 15-35 NTD.
• For those who are in a hurry or traveling late at night, you can get a taxi or Uber.

To get around via public transport, I recommend buying a Taipei Pass or Easy Card. This way, you don’t have to worry about cash or get in line at the train station everytime.

• A Taipei Pass offers unlimited train & bus rides within a specified period in Taipei City. This is useful especially if you plan on a jam-packed city tour itinerary. A 1-day card starts at 180 NTD.
• An Easy Card is a reloadable card which can be used in buses and train stations anywhere in the country. You can buy an Easy Card at the airport, train stations, or 7-11. The card costs 100 NTD plus top-up amount in multiples of 100 NTD.

I bought an Easy Card since I find it more flexible. I even used it in places outside Taipei City such as Jiufen. I topped it with 500 NTD for a 6-day stay and I still had about 100 NTD remaining on my last day.

To know your way around public transportation, you can simply use Google Maps which lists the train and bus lines with their departure schedules.

5 Days Itinerary to Taiwan

Here’s a sample 5 days itinerary to Taiwan. Consider this a rough guide.

If you have a limited schedule for the trip, get a late-night flight on your last day.

Here are some things to note when planning your own itinerary:

• Taipei city tour can be done in 1-3 days. For the rest of your stay, you can go on one- or multi-day trips outside the city. The most popular ones include the North Coast and Taichung.
• Taiwan has great public transport, but when exploring outside Taipei it’s best to book joiner tours or rent a private car (if you’re in a group).
• I’m solo so I opted for the most convenient choice: I booked a joiner tour each for the North Coast, Shiding, Taichung, and Nantour. I only spent a day in Taipei since I’m not really a city person and would like to see more of the countryside.

You can do the Taipei city tour DIY. Here’s a suggested one day itinerary.

Start at around 9AM with a walking tour to some of the main city attractions. Go to Ximen Station in Ximending Area to Rainbow Pedestrian and Red House Theather . Then walk towards the Presidential Office and Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall .

From there, ride the train to Lungshan Temple .

In the afternoon, head to Taipei 101. Have lunch at Din Tai Fung , which is famous for their pork xiaolongbao (steamed buns). Afterwards, buy a ticket to the Taipei 101 Observatory located at the 89th floor where you can enjoy a view of the city below. Afterwards, visit the Starbucks in the 35th floor, which is considered the highest Starbucks in the world, or explore the high-end shopping mall in the building or surrounding areas.

From Taipei 101, walk to the jump-off point to the Elephant Mountain . Trek for 20-30 minutes to reach the viewdeck, where you can enjoy a view of the cityscape including the Taipei 101 Building. Watch the sunset above.

End your day with a visit to a night market.

Read more about this One Day Itinerary in Taipei City .

• Rate : None (DIY)
• Other fees : Taipei 101 Observatory entrance fee – 600 NTD

This is one of the must-book day trips from Taipei City. The North Coast area is about 45 minutes away from the city.

The highlight of this trip is Jiufen Old Street. Some people go here DIY, but joiner tours are cheap and will allow you to see other nearby locations. I booked mine via KKDay. The tour was a bit compressed but overall enjoyable.

The tour starts in Yehliu Geopark, where you will see interesting landscapes. Then to Shifen Old Street, which is famous for the sky lantern activity. You can buy a Chinese sky lantern, write your wish on it, and let it fly. This is actually really fun and the good thing is the lantern scraps are collected by the locals afterwards. Next is Shifen Waterfalls.

The last stop is Jiufen Old Street, the place that’s said to inspire Miyazaki’s Spirited Away. This is a good place to eat, shop, and just stroll around.

Read more about the North Coast Day Tour .

Shiding is an underrated destination an hour away from Taipei City.

Public transport here is limited, so the best way to explore it is via joiner tours. As above, I booked mine via KKDay. This is actually my favorite day tour during my stay in Taiwan. It’s laid-back and there are so much amazing sights.

The Thousand Island Lake is a water reservoir surrounded by islets, which is where it gets its name from. You can stop at a handful of viewpoints to take pictures of the lake. One of the stopovers here is the Ba Gua Tea Plantation , where you can tour the nearby tea farms and then have a snack at a cafeteria which offers coffee or local desserts such as soya ice cream. Finally, the Shiding Old Street is a small area where you can buy various tofu delicacies, including tofu stew, tofu ice cream, tofu cakes, and more.

The tour ended early, so my KKDay guide also let me see Shenken Old Street , the tofu capital in Taiwan. This is a more crowded but bigger street compared to Shiding Old Street and a truly enjoyable place for eating.

Read more about the Shiding Day Tour .

Taichung is a great place for art and culture. It’s about 2-2.5 hours away from Taipei City.

Here is a day tour itinerary in Taichung. After this, you can spend another day in the area to see the Sun Moon Lake or head elsewhere.

I went here on a day trip because as a I mentioned above it’s the most convenient option for me as a solo tourist. There are many tour agencies offering tours in Taichung, but I suggest checking their itinerary because some are too short, which is a bit wasteful considering the distance you will have to travel from Taipei City.

The attractions here are mainstream ones, so during weekdays expect a lot of people.

Start the morning at Green Fantasy Forest , a park filled with fantasy-inspired installations, such as a giant clock in a forest and Disney-like castles. Then head to Houli Flower Farm , where you can take gorgeous photographs in fields of flowers. Finally, explore the Rainbow Village , a small residential village painted in whimsical designs by Huang Yong-fu, who is also known as the Rainbow Grandpa.

Read more about the Taichung Day Tour .

If you want to stay in Taichung, you can use this day to explore Sun Moon Lake.

There are many things you can do here. You can go on a cable car ride which offers a nice view of the lake and then proceed to Ita Thao and Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village. Hop on a ferry to explore the lake including the islets. You can also visit the surrounding tea farms or flower farms.

On the other hand you can also proceed to Nantou, which is about 2 hours away from Taichung.

I took this as a day trip from Taipei City because I didn’t know that it’s already close to Taichung. It’s more sensible to stay overnight in Taichung and then head to Nantou.

One of the best places to see here is the Qingjing Farm , a big farm filled with cherry blossoms during spring. You can stroll around the farm, feed leaves to sheeps, and breathe in the refreshing mountain air. Next, head to the Snow Mountain , which is the second-highest peak in Taiwan. As its name implies, it’s famous for snow fall when the temperature dips below zero.

Where to Book Tours

The city tour can be done DIY since the city attractions are either walking distance or accessible via the public transport system. You can also join free walking tours with a local guide.

For day trips from Taipei City, it’s best to book a joiner tour or rent a private car (if you’re in a group). I don’t recommend commuting since it can be tiring.

For joiner tours, I recommend KKDay . What I like about KKDay is that their tours include the best sights & activities and their tour guides are highly familiar about their assigned locations. Our tour guide for the North Coast Tour, Karen, gave us personal recommendations on where to go in the city and what to do/where to eat during our tour.

Here are some day trips you can book via KKDay:

• North Coast Tour | Book Here
• Shiding Tour | Book Here
• Wuling Farm Tour

Here are some things you have to note:

• Entrance fees and meals are not included.
• Arrive 10-15 minutes before departure time. Listen to your tour guide so you’ll know what time to get back on the bus after each stop.

If you’re in a group, you can charter a private car. You need to plan your own itinerary, but the good thing about this is you have control over what time to start and what places to include in your itinerary. Places like Taichung are a bit far (2 hours away) so you can arrange to leave early at 7AM in contrast to joiner tours which normally leave the city around 9AM.

Private car rental costs 4000 NTD or more per day depending on your destination.

There are a lot of accommodations in Taipei City, ranging from budget hostels to luxury hotels.

There are also Airbnbs available. Bed & breakfasts are technically not legal in Taipei City but you can find listings online and you won’t encounter any problem when booking one. Once in immigration, just give them the address of your Airbnb. Your host may also ask you not to mention that you are renting a room for only a short stay.

It’s best to stay around Taipei Main Station since it’s the most accessible area in Taiwan. Other places you may consider include Ximen (station in Ximending Area), Taipei 101 , or Dingxi station.

Here are some recommended stays:

Taipei Main Station:

• Budget : Taipei Sunny Hostel | Flip Flop Hostel
• Midrange : Taipei M Hotel | Cosmos Hotel Taipei
• Budget : Cho Hotel 3
• Midrange : Energy Inn | Roaders Hotel | CitizenM Taipei North Gate

I booked a room via Airbnb in Ximending, about 3 minutes walk to Ximending Night Market and Ximen Station.

Taipei City is a foodie haven!

Make sure to try out the offerings in local night markets. The most famous ones include include Ximending Night Market , Raohe Night Market , and Shilin Night Market . Shilin Night Market is one of the biggest residence night markets and it has the lowest prices, so if you want to go on a food trip or buy pasalubong, this is your best option.

You can also use your Google Maps and check for hole-in-the-wall eats. A lot of local eats don’t have English menus, so you might want to research about it beforehand.

Some of the food you should try include xiaolongbao (steamed buns), stinky tofu (most popular streetfood), and pineapple cake (most popular dessert). Of course, you should also try the boba milk tea in the city. Boba is big in Taiwan, so you can also see boba chocolate, nougat, and more.

Here’s a separate guide on What to Eat in Taipei City .

I spent most dinners in Ximending Night Market. I recommend getting a pork rice dumpling, mashed potato with cheese, and candied strawberry for dessert.

If you’re not adventurous when it comes to food, you can buy meals in 7-11. They have rice meals, pasta, sandwiches, and more. The food here is actually good and they are open 24 hours. This is where I would go for breakfast, since most local eateries open a bit late at 9AM onwards. There are also fastfood restaurants like McDo or KFC.

• Buy your travel essentials (sim card or pocket wifi, Easy Card or Taipei Pass) and entrance tickets (Taipei 101 Observatory) online to get them slightly cheaper.
• Read up on the weather so you can plan your outfit accordingly. Take note that regular beachwear and slippers isn’t normal in Taipei City and a guarantee that you will stand out as a tourist. I suggest wearing something casual chic or smart casual with proper sandals or shoes.
• Taipei City is pretty laid-back, but it’s best to still read up on local rules & regulations. One of the things you should know is that, in the MRT, it’s not allowed to drink, eat, or even chew gum.
• Bring a reusable travel bottle and refill your water in train stations or in your accommodation. Drinking tap water is not advisable.

Taiwan is more affordable compared to other countries in Southeast Asia such as South Korea and Japan. It’s reasonable even for solo travelers like me, but as with everywhere else it’s easier and cheaper to explore it in a group.

Here’s a basic estimate of expenses in Taiwan:

Here are the rates for day trips from Taipei City:

Your budget will depend on how many you are in a group, what you plan to do, etc. If you plan on doing a city tour for most of your trip, you don’t need much pocket money except for entrance & activity fees. It’s more expensive if you plan on doing a lot of joiner tours, as I did.

I’m solo and I spent 6 days in Taiwan, with the last day as my flight back home. My budget was about 12,500 NTD (P21,300) excluding flights.

Has this 5 Days Itinerary in Taiwan been helpful to you? If you have questions or suggestions, let me know in the comment section below!

Planning a trip to Taiwan? Here are important guides:

• First-Timers Guide to Taiwan
• 5 Days Itinerary in Taiwan
• One Day in Taipei City
• Best Day Trips from Taipei City
• What to Eat in Taipei City

Day tours from Taipei City:

• North Coast Day Tour
• Taichung Day Tour
• Shiding Day Tour

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Get discounts on your travels!

Enjoy discounts with KLOOK using our promo code: TARALETSANYWHERE

Katherine Cortes is a long-time backpacker and a freelance writer/editor. She likes beaches, snorkeling trips, and relaxing staycations (preferably with bath tubs!).

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Taiwan looks so beautiful, I can’t wait to visit one day! Your photos are great, and capture it perfectly!

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Vivomigsgee

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4D3N Taiwan Travel Guide: (DIY Itinerary + 10K Budget)

By vivomigsgee in Travel May 24, 2019

“ Oh Baby Baby Baby.. My Baby Baby! Wo Jue Bu Neng Shi Qu Ni.. “

I couldn’t help but reminisce my high school days when the F4 Fever was very contagious, the reason I was constantly on “LSS” mode with Meteor Garden’s OST – Can’t Lose You. Of course, who would ever forget F4? The Taiwanese boy band who rose to fame worldwide because of the Taiwanese drama series Meteor Garden they starred in was a hit back in 2001. Shan Cai ! Dao Ming Si ! It was a bit nostalgic that looking back in high school years, I already dreamed of going to Taiwan someday.

Fast forward 18 years, my teenage dream has finally become a reality. Taiwan trip happened at last! Got lost in the maze-like metro station, walked our way to our hotel for almost an hour, missed our scheduled Hualien tour, climbed a mountain spontaneously, got scolded by the tour guide for being late, ate some weird stuff, made our very own pineapple cake – you name it! These are just some of the highlights of my recent trip in Taiwan, together with my officemates and new-found friends.

This year alone, Taiwan is already the third international trip I’ve traveled, but it is the first VISA-free country that I visited. This lead me to a satisfying realization that one thing you’ll surely love about Taiwan is skipping the hassle of securing the VISA requirements because starting November 1, 2017, Filipinos may enter Taiwan completely visa-free . Yes, Philippine passport holders can enjoy visa-free entry to Taiwan for tourism, business and visiting relatives for a duration of up to 14 days EXTENDED until July 31, 2021 .

If there’s a good time to visit Taiwan, the best answer would be NOW. Regardless of how many days you’ll be staying in Taiwan, you’ll never run out of things to do or places to explore in Taiwan as a first timer for only Php 10,000 budget. Read on for some Taiwanderful inspiration for 4D3N Taiwandering trip.

Things to Do and Places to Visit in Taiwan

Taiwan, roughly oval in shape, is 190 kilometers north of Batanes of the Philippines and is separated by Bashi Channel. The Chinese government has maintained jurisdiction over Taiwan, with strong economic and cultural ties with its capital city, Taipei. Taipei is home to countless temples, famous houses, museums and night markets, but with so many to see and many travelers only staying in the capital for a few short days, it’s nearly impossible to visit them all.

For starters, don’t miss in visiting most of the city’s top attractions by traveling efficiently with a Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass. Book via KKDay and get access to 12 top tourist attractions and unlimited rides on Taipei MRT, city buses and more up to 3 days.

Chiang Kai Shek Presidential Residence

The former residence of Chiang Kai-shek and his wife Soong Mei-ling, the Shilin Official Residence is a designated historical site open to the public as a museum celebrating their accomplishments as well as their contributions to the growth of Taiwan in the modern era. There is an entrance fee when you want to enter the house but we entered for free because it is already included in the Taipei Unli Fun Pass. What a cool way to start the tour!

The compound where the Shilin Official Residence is located, also houses lots of garden that’s open to the public. And oh, I can still remember the feeling when I first saw a cute squirrel in the area, roaming freely around the park.

Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall

The most prominent historical landmark in Taiwan, the CKS Memorial Hall was erected in honor and memory of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, the former President of the Republic of China, and was opened in 1980 as part of a national park and gathering area.

We were lucky to witnessed the guard mounting ceremony inside CKS Memorial Hall’s spacious area with a large statue of the man himself. This is one of the highlights of CKS Memorial Hall, the reason it is considered a famous tourist attraction for domestic and international visitors.

Besides the main hall, the large complex includes the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Park, National Concert Hall and the National Theater.

The National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is accessible via MRT, having its own station (Chiang-Kai-shek Memorial Hall, sometimes labelled as CKS Memorial Hall). It is served by the Red (2) and Green (3) Lines.

Taipei 101 Observatory Tower

Taipei 101 is a landmark supertall skyscrapper and a must-visit attraction in Taiwan. It was considered the world’s tallest skyscrapper in 2004 until the opening of Burj Khalifa in 2010.

When you’re at the foot of the famous observatory tower, you’ll be amazed how tall Taipei 101 really is in real life.

Wait ’til you see what’s inside the building and the views that await atop the observatory floor of Taipei 101 tower. The entrance for the observatory the tower is free when you purchase a Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass via KKDay .

Aside from the 360 panoramic view of the city, you can also experience one of the world’s fastest elevator. It took us 37 seconds to reach the 89th floor from the ground. Impressive!

Step foot in Ximending Taipei and you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve been teleported to Japan. That’s why people call Ximen, officially the “Ximending Youth Shopping District,” the Shinjuku of Taipei.

No visit in Taiwain is complete without trying out some local milk teas. Even if you’re not a milk tea lover, it wouldn’t hurt if you try any of the local tea shops scattered around Taipei. And yes, I wouldn’t mind drinking unlimited milk tea drinks all day! ( I just need to pack lots of wet tissue and alcohol just in case nature calls! Lol )

Elephant Mountain

One of the best photography spots for Taipei skyline is no other than Elephant Mountain. A little uphill climb will lead you to this special area where you can take countless shots and panoramic view of the city. Prepare to get sweat with satisfaction.

Dajia Riverside Park

Taipei is so big that most of the destinations being visited are too crowded. Good thing there are some places in Taipei that are worth visiting, less the crowd. Head to Yuanshan’s Dajia Riverside Park and be amazed with massive infrastructures and natural environment fused together. You can visit up to 10 attractions in just one place in Yuanshan, thanks to Taipei Unli Fun Pass. Book via KKDay .

Taipei Expo Park

Visiting Taipei Expo Park is unplanned but it’s something that we didn’t regret doing. It’s a multifunctional park in Zhongshan District that boasts a spacious landscape with many kid-friendly activities nearby. Taipei Expo Park allows you to experience Taiwan in one area as it offers good food and other items that will introduce you to the Taiwanese culture. You can also see performers and lots of visitors with their pets on a cute carriage.

Taipei Story House

Formerly known as the Yuanshan Mansion, Taipei Story House is an open museum dedicated to exhibits about tea and other Taipei City history. As a designated heritage site, it hosts more than 100 diverse activities annually, including exhibitions and seminars, musical performances, tea lectures and fairs.

Taipei Fun Art Museum

Another pleasant area to stroll around is Taipei Fun Art Museum and Park. It provides access to the Fine Arts Museum that offers free interactive child-themed exhibits in the basement, a cafe that serves healthy meals in plastic car and plane dishes.

Rinzai Zen Buddhism Temple

Rinzai Zen Buddhism Temple is the only well-preserved wooden Japanese-inspired Buddhist temple in Taiwan constructed in the Northern and Southern Dynasties’ architectural style.

Shilin Night Market

When the night falls, this place comes alive! No visit in Taiwan would be complete without visiting Shilin Night Market and enjoy the gastronomic experience it offers.

Don’t leave Shilin without trying their famous stinky tofu, xiao long bao, crispy fried chicken, and other local street foods. And milk teas too!

Jiufen Old Street

Feel spirited away in this decommissioned gold mining mountain town, originally built by the Japanese and now a maze of lanes and alleyways with rich history and culture.

If you have seen the Japanese animated movie Spirited Away, then you’ll surely be enchanted with this place full of stairs, lanterns and tea houses! You should include a visit to the epic Amei Tea House and relive its history and inspiration.

Jiufen Zhaoling Temple

If you have time after surviving the maze-like alleyways of Jiufen Old Street, visit Jiufen Zhaoling Temple just below 7/11 along the high way. You’ll be amazed how detailed the architectural designs are.

Yehliu Geopark

One of the premier destinations in northern Taiwan, Yehliu Geopark is home to a number of unique geological formations including the iconic “Queen’s Head”, and is located along a cape stretching out from the town of Wanli.

Located along the northeast coast, Yehliu Park is a bit remote, but well worth the effort to visit. It’s a must-visit destination in Taiwan I must say.

Don’t leave Yehliu Geopark without having a cool shot in one of its unique rock formations, minus the crowd.

Shifen Old Street

Shifen Old Street, as it is popularly called, is not actually an old-fashioned roadway just like Jiufen Old Street. Shifen is more like a train station area surrounded by a marketplace where people freely cross along the railway track running straight through the town center.

The little town of Shifen is perhaps most fondly visited by both locals and tourists who participate in its tradition of releasing sky lanterns along Shifen Old Street as a form of good luck. It’s a must-try activity in Taiwan!

After letting your wishes fly at Shifen Old Street via red giant sky lanterns (eco-friendly, all made from biodegradable materials), don’t miss in trying out the yummy brown sugar milk tea of Xing Fu Tang & the juicy grilled stuffed chicken wings of Liouge Chicken Wings Rice!

Shu Shin Bou Wagashi Museum

Konnichiwa! Experience Japan in Taiwan when you visit Shu Shin Bou Wagashi Museum, famous for its Japanese-style mochi and confections called Wagashi. Bring home some of the country’s iconic treats and savor the true spirit of Japanese art and traditional Taiwan flavor in every bite.

For a fantastic trip-ender experience in Taiwan, try DIY Pastry Making. Take on the challenge of making your very own Taiwanese snacks at a designated Pineapple Cake factory in New Taipei. Follow your instructor step-by-step in a hands-on pineapple cake making class.

Garnish your creation with your own unique design, explore the shop’s display of tradition while waiting for your dessert to be baked and bring it home with you while it’s hot!

Where To Stay in Taipei, Taiwan

Hotel Fun – Linsen

The hotel has 123 rooms ranging from deluxe type to bunk beds type with free buffet breakfast daily to fully loaded for a day’s adventure, massage chair where you can relax and recharge your body, unlimited water supply, vending machines and billiard tables.

And there’s a block-wide grocery store just beside the hotel wherein you can buy anything from toiletries to snacks and from towels to slippers.

What I also love about Hotel Fun is its accessibility. It’s very convenient to MRT (2 min walk from/to Zhongshan Elementary School station) and bus stops (5-min. drive from/to Taipei Wanhua Station).

Hotel’s direction here: www.hotelfuntw.com/en/map.php?hotelId=5

Commuting Taiwan

A. From Taoyuan to Taipei

The cheapest way to reach downtown Taipei from Taoyuan International Airport is to take the Metro Rail Train that would pass by Airport Terminal 1 or 2 going to Taipei Main Station. Moreover, you can make your way comfortably and faster to Taoyuan Airport from Taipei Main Station in just 36 minutes. Book your Taoyuan Airport MRT ticket at an exclusive discounted price with KKday .

B. Around Taipei

Commuting in Taipei is easy. Just get an easycard and you can take the MRT or buses to get around. Purchasing a Taipei Unli Fun Pass is very much recommended to save on transportation cost by taking unlimited rides on Taipei Metro in the period of validity and on five (5) Taiwan tourist shuttle routes and a number of city buses. Mind you, the complex yet convenient MRT really made the lives of both locals and visitors in Taipei easier and trouble-free!

C. Outside Taipei

Aside from renting private vehicles, you can also join group tours outside Taipei via bus. Book professionally curated tours, tickets, and authentic local experiences in Taiwan with KKDay and experience hassle-free traveling. We took this KKDay bus comfortably during our Northeast Coast Day Tour to Yehliu, Jiufen, Shifen and Pastry DIY. It’s so convenient that everything is already arranged and all you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the bus ride.

Sample 4D3N Itinerary and Budget

Taiwan trip is not actually expensive. Since it is VISA free, you can already save the cost for the processing of VISA. The exchange rate for 1 NTD is 1.65 PHP at the time of travel and you can eat decent food for only 10 NTD, drink milk tea for 30 NTD and ride a train for 20 NTD. You can actually explore Taiwan on your own with only Php 10,000 budget provided you just spend it wisely on things that are essentially needed during travel. Book with KK Day to save on tours, activities and other Taiwan travel must-haves.

To be honest, my Taiwan trip is NOT the ultimate itinerary there is. However, I consider it the basic itinerary for first timers who are on a budget trip. Sometimes, your trip may not go as planned but the most important thing is that my travel buddies and I had fun and did things together that surprisingly achievable in our first ever international trip. With this, I look forward to going back and explore the other side of Taiwan for a longer duration of stay. SOON!

Have you been to Taiwan? What’s your favorite destination during you trip? Any suggested itinerary to add on my next Taiwan trip? Feel fee to share your thoughts in the comments section below. =)

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Tags: 4D3N Tawain Itinerary , KKDay , Taipei Budget , Taiwan , Taiwan Travel Guide

2 Replies to “4D3N Taiwan Travel Guide: (DIY Itinerary + 10K Budget)”

10k as pocketmoney you mean? excluding airfare and hotel accommodation you mean?

Airfare and accommodation included, pocket money for lunch, dinner and pasalubong excluded.

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8D Taiwan Itinerary: Insider’s Guide to Hidden Adventures from Taipei to Kaohsiung via THSR

First published: 9 Nov 2017

From trendy shopping districts to vibrant streets lined with mouth-watering local delicacies, I thought I’d seen and experienced all Taiwan could offer. While these parts of Taiwan are still enjoyable (even after being back for the seventh time), boy was I wrong about how much I knew.

In this eight-day Taiwan Itinerary, not only will we cover some of the best, most well-known sights along the west coast of Taiwan (Taipei to Kaohsiung), we’ve also thrown in a couple of off-the-beaten-path experiences that will definitely re-ignite your interest in Taiwan whether it’s your second or seventh time.

Pre-trip Essentials

SIM Card: ~S$21 for 10 days unlimited data or purchase an eSIM (from ~S$10.60 for 5 days, 1GB/day) if you have a compatible device — no physical card is required!

Airport to City Transport: From Taoyuan International Airport, you can take the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) to Taipei Main Station in 20 minutes. But if your flight arrives late at night when the train services have halted, the car transfer service (~S$47) is the next best option. Not only does it bring you to your doorstep in comfort, it’s also cheaper than regular taxis and operates 24/7.

Psst. From now till 31 May 2024, enjoy a Buy 1 Get 1 Free promo on the THSR pass when you book via Klook!

Intercity Transport:  For fuss-free travelling through different cities in Taiwan, the THSR pass is essential. We purchased the 5-Day Joint Train Standard Pass which includes unlimited use of the THSR on any 2 days + unlimited use of the Taiwan Railway (TR) for five consecutive days.

For transport within cities like Taipei or Kaohsiung, you will need the  EasyCard 悠遊卡 or iPass 一卡通 , which can be purchased   from convenience stores.

*Pro-tip: Use code <THETRAVELINTERN> on Klook to get 5% off all items * with a min. spend of S$50 (discount cap at S$15). Apply the promo code at checkout. One-time use only. (* – see list of excluded activities )

Travel Insurance: With all the extreme activities and eating you’ll be doing in this itinerary, it’s important to get a policy in case of anything that arises during or after the trip. Don’t forget to ensure that your travel insurance includes Covid-19 coverage too!

Check Flights to Taipei

We excluded flights from our budget since it varies depending on the season and airline. Check flight prices for your dates of travel .

Despite being a metropolitan city, there are still many things you can eat and do at relatively low prices.

Breakfast at Fu Hang Soy Milk (阜杭豆漿)

First up, eat like a local. Get up early (and we mean, REALLY early) for breakfast at Fu Hang Soy Milk . Its unique salty soybean curd melts in your mouth and makes the perfect breakfast combi with youtiao 油条 (fried dough sticks). Queues can get really long (and we mean, REALLY long) but it moves along quite quickly.

Address : Level 2, No. 108, Zhongxiao East Road, Section 1, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan [台北市中正區忠孝東路一段108號2樓] Opening hours : 05:30AM – 12:30PM, closed on Mon Cost: ~NT$25-60

Zen out at Maokong 猫空

Maokong used to be the biggest tea growing area in Taipei and is now a popular place for tea culture. The premium Oolong variety, Tie Guan Yin 鐵觀音, is still being produced at Maokong.

Photo credit: 4travel.jp

Spend a relaxing afternoon in Maokong sipping tea while overlooking the lush tea plantation fields. Get to the top via a gondola service from Taipei Zoo.

Directions: MRT Wenhu Line (Brown Line) 文湖線 to Taipei Zoo → follow signs leading to Gondola → 3 stops to Maokong Stn. Gondola fee: NT$120/trip (EasyCard holders entitled to 20% discount on weekdays, or enjoy a discounted rate with the Klook Pass Taipei starting from ~S$23 for 2 attractions)

The icon of Taiwan, Taipei 101 stands out kinda like a sore thumb in the day being the only tall building around the area. But come nightfall, the 101-storeyed building lights up and sure is a beautiful sight to look at against the dark sky.

Did you know? The building is lit up according to the colours of the rainbow each night of the week. Mon , Tue , Wed , Thu , Fri , Sat , and Sun .

Can you tell which day of the week this was taken?

*Pro-tip: Pre-book your admission ticket via Klook (from ~S$26) to skip the queue at the ticketing counter! You can enter directly with the QR code on your voucher.

Accommodation: Meander Taipei Hostel from NT$580/night

Read also: 4D3N Taipei Itinerary for more local finds in and around Taipei

D2: Day Trip to Jiufen 九份 & Shifen 十分

How to get there:  Take a bus (Bus 965) which travels from Banqiao and stops at Jiufen Old Street. Or alternatively, take a private city transfer instead.

Located just outside of Taipei City, Jiufen and Shifen are popular day-trips for its extremely scenic views and great food; probably why I keep coming back too.

Problem is, it can take a while to get there via public transport. During our trip, we took a shuttle bus service (which has since then been discontinued). The bus picked us from Ximen and we arrived in Shifen within an hour. Ultra-convenient!

If you’re looking for convenience and want to arrive there quickly, hiring a private car transfer is what you may need. Some day tours also like this one will just require you to meet at the Taipei Main Station, and they’ll guide you along Jiufen and Shifen. The choice is yours!

Shifen has been popularised in recent years and many specially visit the quaint old town to light up sky lanterns on the old (and still functioning!) rail tracks.

Write your wishes on the paper lanterns and light them up, sending your wishes to the heavens.

Besides lighting up the sky lanterns, another charm of Shifen I love is the old-school vibes. Buy a glass-bottled marble soda to feel really transported back in time!

A-Mei Tea House, the inspiration behind Hayao Miyazaki’s award-winning Spirited Away.

Jiufen seems like an unassuming laid-back town amongst the mountainous regions, but on closer inspection, it’s really an energetic and bustling food paradise filled with endless surprises from beginning till end.

When the stall owner is as unforgettable as the yummy Taiwanese sausage she’s selling.

The tour lasts around eight hours and you can either pick the morning slot, which leaves at 9:30AM, or the afternoon slot, which leaves at 1:30PM.

After the eating spree in Jiufen , head back to Taipei and explore the fast-paced and everchanging Ximending.

Streets of Ximending. Photo credit: Wikipedia

If Taipei 101 is the icon of metropolitan Taipei, then Ximending can be considered the cultural icon of Taiwan. Popular among the youth and tourists, the bustling streets of Ximending hosts not only apparel shops, but also eateries, cinemas, and scores and scores of budget hotels.

Dinner at San Wei Dining Hall 三味食堂

These fist-sized salmon nigiri rolls attract hordes of sushi lovers daily, and queue-time may take up to an hour! Sushi and sashimi plates range from NT$70–580 (~S$3–26).

Address : 116, Guiyang St Sec 2, Taipei City [台北市貴陽街二段116號] Opening Hours: 11:20AM – 2:30PM, 5:10PM – 10PM (Last orders 9:30PM). Closed first two Mondays & last two Sundays of every month

For more awesome possum local finds in Taipei, check out our 4D3N Taipei Itinerary .

D3: Taichung (via the THSR)

The easiest and fastest way to get from Taipei to Taichung is via the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) — within an hour for NT$700 (single ticket). As we’d pre-purchased the 5-Day Joint Train Pass (THSR+TRA) before our trip, we had to activate the pass at the THSR ticketing counter at Taipei Main Station.

Do note that when activating the 5-Day Joint Pass, the THSR staff will require you to choose the two dates you want to take the THSR. This is so that they can make seat reservations for you on the THSR.

The journey southwards from Taipei to Taichung took approx. 50 mins for us. However, there are various trains with different timings and stops, so yours might take a little longer. Refer to THSR’s official website for detailed train timings.

Arrival in Taichung

Since we’ll be covering quite a few places within Taichung (also note that Taichung has no MRT system), we rented a car for convenience. We rented a simple sedan car online and collected the car from Taichung THSR station upon arrival. Easy breezy.

Photo credit: Cavin Teo

Yizhong Street 一中街 is a shopping street in Taichung not unlike the usual night markets of Taiwan. However, some shops are open from as early as 10AM in the morning. Prices of food and things are slightly cheaper in Taichung as compared to Taipei, so guilt-free eating and shopping can begin here!

After an afternoon in Yizhong Street, we drove to Nantou 南投, where our accommodation for the night is at, ready to welcome the next day we packed with adventures.

Our cosy bedroom for the night at a local homestay

Accommodation: Stay with the locals at a rustic Airbnb from ~S$23 per night

Read also: Taipei Day Trip: Jiufen & Shifen

D4: Endless Adventures Among the Most Stunning Sceneries in Taichung/Nantou

Standup paddleboarding (sup) 立槳體驗.

Sun Moon Lake 日月潭 is one of Taiwan’s largest freshwater lakes, and also arguably the most beautiful natural attraction. We got up super early so as to reach Sun Moon Lake by 5:30AM for our sunrise Standup Paddleboarding experience.

The waters of Sun Moon Lake are very calm, first-timers like me will have no problems learning how to control the paddleboard.

Our jovial instructor even brought along the famous Nantou Jinpen “Ah Mah” Braised Tea Egg 金盤阿嬤茶葉蛋 and bottled Black Tea 紅茶 for us to have during breakfast. When else can one have breakfast on a paddleboard on a lake with superb views! Coach OA even doubled as a photographer and sent us our standup paddleboarding photos after the activity.

Price: From ~S$66/pax (3 hours) . A similar SUP activity in Singapore would cost ~S$100. Location: Sun Moon Lake

Brunch at Itashao 伊達邵

Small sausage in big sausage 大腸包小腸, a Taiwanese snack.

Thereafter, we headed to the nearby Itashao 伊達邵 (Ita Thao) for some locally-loved Taiwanese snacks. Taiwanese sausage 香腸, braised pork bun 豆干扣肉總匯刈包, and millet mochi 小米麻糬 were some local snacks we couldn’t resist not buying.

Taiwanese braised pork bun 刈包 .

We could understand why these snacks 小吃 are so well-loved by locals and tourists, because not only are they big in portion with generous fillings, they are very reasonably priced too!

Millet mochi on stick 小米麻糬 .

Brunch settled, munching from the beginning to the end of Itashao 😂

Paragliding 飛行傘

Around Nantou, you can also try paragliding ! We met some paragliders who even brought their own paragliding gears along with them from Hong Kong.

While in the air, we were blown away by Puli ‘s superb views. Mountains, lakes, and acres and acres of vast green lands that seem endless. Breathtaking indeed! No wonder Puli is a popular spot for paragliding.

Our paragliding operator was excellent, even repeating flight twice was for one of us when the first flight time was too short.

Price: ~S$127/pax  (Min. 10 mins flight time guaranteed + video footage provided) Location:  Puli, Hu-Toushan in Nantou county of Taiwan (虎頭山)

Cingjing Farm 清境農場

It’s another hour drive to our third and last destination of the day: CingJing Farm . Free-roaming woolly sheep grace pass visitors nonchalantly, granting lots of selfie opportunities with them!

Location: No. 170, Renhe Road, Ren’ai Township, Nantou County, 546 [南投縣仁愛鄉仁和路170號] Opening hours: 8AM – 5PM Entrance fee: NT$160/pax (Mon – Fri) , NT$200 (Sat – Sun)

Night falls, but that’s when Taichung becomes even more energetic and alive! We headed to Taichung’s most famous night market, Feng Chia Night Market 逢甲夜市 for dinner.

It’s insane how many times we had to stop and reach for our wallets just stepping into the market for ten minutes. All my senses were being attacked! It was involuntary and uncontrollable, and we succumbed to all the awesome-smelling/looking/tasting foods.

Location: Wenhua Road, Xitun District, Taichung City, Taiwan 407 [台中市西屯區文華路] Opening hours: 4PM – 2AM (Tue – Sun), 4PM – 1AM (Mon)

Read also: The Ultimate Taiwan Food Guide

D5: Exploring the Locals’ Taichung

After a day of nonstop activities in Nantou, we focused on Taichung City the next day. First up, we headed to Rainbow Village 彩虹眷村 .

Rainbow Village 彩虹眷村

How many silly interns do you spot? 😂

Rainbow Village is a cluster of small houses painted in the wildest, most colourful motifs. Do be there earlier as it will get crowded later on in the day.

Address: No.56, Chun’an Road, Nantun District , Taichung, Taiwan [春安路56巷] Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 8AM – 6PM

*Pro-tip: Travelling on public buses in Taichung is the way to go! Any rides below 10km are FREE.

Second Market 臺中第二市場

Located just a 15min walk away from the Taichung Railway Station, we had lunch at Second Market 臺中第二市場 , an old market the locals frequent.

This old market is one that’s easily missed if not for the creeping long line that stretches out from the market to the main road. We were curious to see what locals are so patiently waiting for, so we joined the crowd.

Surprisingly, the queue moves really fast, but the line is always that long because people keep coming! Everyone was apparently queuing up for a cup of Iced Black Milk Tea.

We were also informed by our friendly cab driver that the braised minced pork rice 肉燥飯 is the best in Taichung, of course, we had to try it as well.

The famous minced braised pork rice in Taichung’s Second Market

Address: No. 87, Section 2, Sanmin Road, Central District, Taichung City, Taiwan 400 [台中市中區三民路二段87號] Opening Hours: 7AM – 8PM (Closed on Mon)

I’m Talato 我是塔拉朵，愛台灣的義式冰淇淋

Although it was already autumn when we visited Taiwan in October, the sun was still pretty unforgiving and it felt no different from all-year-summer Singapore. A quick search on desserts in Taichung brought us to I’m Talato , an ice cream parlour all decked in pink. We couldn’t resist going in for some ice cream to cool down.

No visit to I’m Talato is complete without a check-in pic at their iconic bed of ice-cream. There, my lifelong dream to live in a pool of ice cream, fulfilled.

Address: No. 451, Yingcai Road, West District, Taichung City, Taiwan 403  [台中市西區英才路451號] Opening hours: 11:30AM – 7:30PM

Gaomei Wetlands 高美濕地

A lesser-known gem in Taichung, Gaomei Wetlands 高美濕地 is a sunset paradise for avid photographers. Rows of windmills line the beach and cast perfect silhouettes against the setting sun. Everything becomes even more breathtaking when the sea acts as a giant mirror reflecting all above the horizon.

Sunset timings vary throughout the year, but our advice is to be at Gaomei at least an hour earlier to walk around when there’s still sufficient sunlight.

Address: Meidi Street, Qingshui District, Taichung City, Taiwan 436

*Pro-tip: If you are planning to visit Rainbow Village and Gaomei Wetlands on the same day, choose a weekend to do so, as there’s a Bus Service #655 that operates only on weekends between these two places.

After Gaomei Wetlands, we boarded the last bus back to Taichung Train Station where we began the next leg of our journey: Tainan . If Taichung and Nantou showed us how we could play in Taiwan, Tainan would show us the cultural sides of Taiwan.

We chose the Taiwan Rail, the older train system, to get from Taichung to Tainan. It was a slow ride taking about 3 hours, but it didn’t matter as long as we got to our destination before the last check-in time.

Accommodation: MyDeer Backpacker Hostel , from ~S$35 per night

D6: Tainan on Two Wheels!

We started our day in Tainan with some morning exercise — cycling. The hostel we stayed at has three bicycles available for guests to use, and we decided to make use of them, as Tainan’s streets are relatively easy to navigate with places of interest situated not far from one another.

Anping Tree House 安平樹屋

The first pit stop we made was the Anping Tree House 安平樹屋 , a dilapidated warehouse of the ’40s that has since been consumed by a huge Banyan tree. A must-see for those who are into urban exploration!

Entrance fee: NT$50 Opening hours: 8:30AM – 5:30PM Address: No.108, Gubao St, Anping District, Tainan City [台南市安平區古堡街108號]

*Pro-tip: If you are planning to visit three or more of the below attractions, getting the Tainan City (4+1) Monument Pass at NT$150 is a better deal. Passes can be purchased from ticketing counters found in any of the below:

– Anping Tree House 安平樹屋 – Chihkan Tower 赤崁樓 – Anping Fort 安平古堡 – Eternal Golden Castle 億載金城 – 1661 Taiwan Warship Museum 1661臺灣船園區

Tianhou Temple 安平開臺天后宮

After exploring the Tree House, we continued exploring the Old Streets of Anping, which are kept alive by the constant stream of visitors — many of whom are there to pay the famous   Tianhou Temple 安平開臺天后宮 around the corner a visit.

Anping Old Street

Dayou Xingyi Noodle Shop 大佑興意麵店 is an ordinary noodle stall selling what locals love, the “古早味” (gǔ zǎo wèi), or “tastes of yesteryears”. A bowl dry-tossed noodles with assorted braised meats make a simple yet hearty lunch.

Along the crowded Old Street, we also spotted a small coffee pushcart stall that had a unique coffee-brewing apparatus. Upon asking, we learnt that it’s the Vacuum Coffee Maker 虹吸式咖啡 , also known as Syphon Coffee . We couldn’t resist and bought ourselves a bottle of coffee and milk tea.

Quan Mei Movie Theatre 全美戲院

Check out the hand-painted movie posters!

Thereafter, we continued cycling eastwards towards the city centre where we chanced upon the coolest movie theatre. If Tainan is known for her vintagey vibes, then Quan Mei Movie Theatre 全美戲院 is the epitome of all things vintage. Large hand-painted movie posters decorate the building’s facade, and what’s particularly fascinating is that the posters are those of recent movies!

We understood from locals that the movie theatre only shows reruns. Check out Quan Mei’s website to see what’s showing!

Cost: NT$140/pax Opening Hours: 12:30PM – 11PM (weekdays), 10:30AM – 11PM (weekends) Address: No. 187, Section 2, Yongfu Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700 ［台南市永福路二段187號］

When in Tainan, be sure to visit Blueprint Culture & Creative Park 藍晒圖文創園區 .

Blueprint Culture & Creative Park 藍晒圖文創園區

Formerly a Japanese Government Dormitory ( gasp , that’s how old it is!), it has been reimagined, refurbished, and re-introduced to visitors as the new cultural playground of Tainan.

Ice cream smoothie from Our Bar at Blueprint Culture & Creative Park

Within the blue walls, there are indie shops and cafes started up by locals, displaying and selling local crafts and reinvented local delicacies.

Address: Ln. 689, Sec. 1, Ximen Rd., West Central District, Tainan City 700, Taiwan [台南市中西區西門路一段689巷］ Opening hours: 2PM – 9PM (Closed on Tue) Entrance fee: Free

Read also: 7 Underrated Things to Do in Tainan

Tainan showed us a side of Taiwan that foreign visitors know less of: the cultural, rustic, yet homey and flavourful one. Before long, it’s time we left Tainan for the second-most populous city of Taiwan after Taipei: Kaohsiung.

Again, we took the Taiwan Railway for this leg of the journey utilising our rail pass . Within an hour, we found ourselves in Kaohsiung, with our growling stomachs calling out to be filled. From Kaohsiung Train Station, we took the local MRT to Kaohsiung Arena Station.

In Kaohsiung, there are a couple of night markets, but the one we decided to head to was Ruifeng Night Market . It’s only a 5-minute walk from the Kaohsiung Arena Train station. Do note that night markets in Kaohsiung do not open every night, unlike those in Taipei.

Ruifeng Night Market 瑞豐夜市

Bird’s eye view of Rui Feng Night Market, Kaohsiung

Giant Takoyaki balls at Rui Feng Night Market

That night, we checked in to the hostel we looked forward to the most, Single Inn because there’re hot tubs for guests!

Communal (same-sex) bath area in Single Inn Hostel.

Accommodation: Single Inn from ~S$19 per night

D7: Finding the Artistic Side of Kaohsiung

We started our day with breakfast at a fast-food chain. And nope, before you diss us for not being adventurous eaters overseas, we’d like to introduce Dandan Hamburger 丹丹漢堡 to you.

Dandan Hamburger 丹丹漢堡

Western fast-food chain with a local Taiwanese twist .

Opened in 1984, Dandan Hamburger is the pride of Kaohsiung’s locals. This burger chain specialises in Western-Taiwanese fusion food and can only be found in the southern cities — Kaohsiung, Tainan, and Pingtung.

Address: No. 224, Qixian 2nd Road, Qianjin District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 801 [高雄市前金區七賢二路224號] Opening hours: 6AM – 9:30PM

Pier-2 Art Center 駁二藝術特區

Next, we explored a repurposed warehouse site that’s now used as an event venue for local artists to showcase their artworks, the Pier-2 Art Center .

Kaohsiung surprised us with the vibrant arts scene it quietly harbours.

Address: No.1, Dayong Rd., Yancheng Dist., Kaohsiung City 803, Taiwan [鹽埕區大勇路1號] Opening Hours: 10AM c 6PM (Mon – Thu), 10AM – 8PM (Fri – Sun & PH)

Read more about Pier-2 Art Centre in our 7 Things to Do in Kaohsiung guide.

Dome of Light 光之穹頂

At the Formosa MRT station 捷運美麗島站 , there’s the Dome of Light 光之穹頂 , the largest glass work in the world, designed by Italian artist Narcissus Quagliata.

There are short light shows daily at 11AM, 3PM, and 8PM. As the Dome of Light is not within the paid premises of the train station, it’s literally free entertainment you should take note of in Kaohsiung 😉

Dragon and Tiger Pagodas 龍虎塔

Next up, we headed to the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas 龍虎塔 . Folklore has it that walking through the dragon’s mouth and then exiting through the tiger’s will bring good luck and fortune.

Address: Liantan Rd., Zuoying Dist. , Kaohsiung, Taiwan [ 高雄市左營區蓮潭路與勝利路交叉口旁] Opening hours: 8AM – 6PM Entrance fee: Free (on a free-will donation basis)

Read also: Top 7 things to Do in and around Kaohsiung — Gateway to Taiwan’s laid back South

Before nightfall, we packed our belongings and boarded the Kaohsiung – Kenting Express Bus from Kaohsiung (Zuoying) HSR Station, towards our next destination — Pingtung 屏東 !

Kaohsiung – Kenting Express Bus Ticket

We booked our bus passes from Klook beforehand, and collected them from the bus pass counter at Kaohsiung (Zuoying) HSR. We recommend that you get both the Express Bus Return Pass and the Kenting Shuttle Bus Pass for convenience.

Kenting Shuttle Bus ticket

After a smooth and comfortable 1hr 35 min ride, followed by a hitch (’cause we missed the other transfer bus), we reached our accommodation for the night — National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium (NMMBA) 國立海洋生物博物館 .

Yes, you read those two words right. Our “accommodation” for the night in Pingtung was an “aquarium”! 😁

First up, here’s how you can get to the aquarium if you are travelling via the Kaohsiung – Kenting Express Bus (without needing to hitch a ride like a hobo on the road):

Kaohsiung (Zuoying) HSR →(Kenting Express Bus)→ NMMBA Transfer Stn →(Kenting Shuttle Bus from across the road)→ Marine Biology Museum

Important timings to take note: – Kaohsiung – Kenting Express Bus from Kaohsiung (Zuoying) HSR: 8:30AM – 7:10PM (at 15–30min intervals. Refer to detailed timetable .) – Kenting Shuttle Bus from NMMBA Transfer Stn: 8:54AM to 3:54PM (at 30min intervals), with one last bus at 5:54PM (Refer to detailed timetable )

Upon arrival, visitors will be shown around the aquarium, staff areas, and out-of-bounds premises to day guests. Through this programme, we learnt more about how marine animals were being taken care of in aquariums, the different kinds of corals, anemones, and sea organisms. We even got to feed fish while we were here!

Dinner is provided in the aquarium sleepover package

Dinner, supper, and breakfast are also included in the sleepover package . The communal washrooms are clean and there are big lockers for guests to store their personal belongings.

Although we thought that this programme suits younger children, you’ll definitely still enjoy this if you’re a marine lover as well!

This extraordinary experience of sleeping amongst fish and other marine animals is probably the closest anyone can get to being a mermaid.

Address: 2 Houwan Rd. Checheng, Pingtung County, Taiwan [屏東縣車城鄉後灣村後灣路2號] Sleepover duration: 4PM – 10:30AM, the following day Regular opening hours: 9AM – 5:30PM daily Price: ~S$118/pax

*We did not include the aquarium sleepover in the budget as we feel that it’s an optional activity. Admission tickets are also available from ~S$18/pax for standard entry, or at a discounted rate with the Klook Pass Taipei (from ~S$23 for 2 attractions).

D8: Fun Under the Sun in Kenting

Watersports at nanwan.

Photo credit: Klook

After our first ever aquarium sleepover, we continued our journey southwards to Kenting. We boarded the Kenting Shuttle Bus from Marine Biology Museum 海洋生物博物館 stop just outside the aquarium and alighted at the Nanwan 南灣 stop for some water sports at the beach .

There are up to eight watersports available at Nanwan. This includes the banana boat, the flying bed, and jetskiing.

Cost: ~S$17 for the 2-in-1 Watersports Package Address: 154 Nanwan Road, Nanwan (South Bay), Hengchun, Pingtung County [屏東縣恆春鎮南灣里南灣路154號] Operating hours: 8AM – 6PM (be there at 3PM latest)

Kenting National Park

As we chose only two activities from eight, we finished watersports relatively quickly. But that’s all good because that means we have more time to explore Kenting. After a quick rinse, we boarded the shuttle bus again to our next destination: Kenting National Park 墾丁國家公園 . Alight at Kenting stop.

Long Keng Cliff at Kenting

Kenting National Park is situated at the southernmost tip of Taiwan, famous for her stunning coastlines. Travelling on a scooter bike is perhaps the easiest and most convenient way to explore Kenting if you are not staying overnight, like us. It’s not difficult to spot scooter bike rental shops here.

We rented our battery-operated scooter bikes from Kenting Starry Sky — Space Capsule Hotel for NT$700 per bike. We even managed to deposit our heavy baggage at Starry Night Capsule Hotel, a relief for us all as there are no luggage deposit areas or lockers available in the Kenting area 😅

From the starting point at Kenting stop, a bike ride upwards to Eluanbi Lighthouse will take approximately one hour.

The southernmost point of Taiwan

Scenic spots along the way: – Sail Rock, or a.k.a “Richard Nixon’s Submerged Head” 船帆石 – Eluanbi Lighthouse 鵝鑾鼻燈塔 (Opening Hours: 8:30AM – 4PM; Admission: NT$40) – Taiwan Southernmost Point 台灣最南點 – Longpan Park 龍磐公園 – the southernmost point of Taiwan – Sail Rock, or a.k.a “Richard Nixon’s Submerged Head” 船帆石 – Eluanbi Lighthouse 鵝鑾鼻燈塔 (Opening Hours: 8:30AM – 4PM; Admission: NT$40) – Taiwan Southernmost Point 台灣最南點 – Longpan Park 龍磐公園

*Pro-tip: Do not be shy to ask shop owners if they allow bags storage for a couple of hours while you head out to explore Kenting National Park. Of course, it will be a lot easier if you ask the scooter rental shops you rent the bikes from.

Scooter bike rental/recommended accommodation: Kenting Starry Sky — Space Capsule Hotel , from S$44 per night

After the fun and carefree time we had biking around Kenting, it was time to get back to Kaohsiung then Taipei. First, we got onto the Express bus back to Kaohsiung (refer to bus timetable ). It’s a 2-hour bus ride back to Kaohsiung (Zuoying) HSR Station, the best time to take forty winks.

Then, take the northwards HSR from Zuoying to Taipei HSR Station.

And with that, we conclude our 8-day roundabout Taiwan trip. We hope we’ve shown that it’s not difficult nor expensive to travel and experience the lesser-known gems of Taiwan.

Budget Breakdown for 8 Days

Planning to visit many attractions? Get a Klook Pass to get a discount, up to 41%!

Transport: S$250 Accommodation: S$141 Activities: S$216 Food: $100 SIM Card: $13.50 Total: S$720.50 ( excl. flights )

*Pro-tip: Use code <THETRAVELINTERN> on Klook to get 5% off all items * with a min. spend of S$50 (discount cap at S$15). Apply the promo code at checkout. One-time use only. (* – see list of excluded activities )

Kickstart your adventures to Taiwan now! We’ve got what you need: – 4D3N Taipei Itinerary – Ultimate Food Guide: All Around Taiwan – Taipei Day Trip: Jiufen & Shifen – Underrated Things to do in Tainan – Food Guide: Shilin Night Market

Click here to check flights from Singapore to Taipei !

This article was brought to you by  Klook . 

Follow us on  Facebook ,  Instagram ,  YouTube , and Telegram  for more travel updates!

  A post shared by The Travel Intern (@thetravelintern) on Nov 6, 2017 at 7:10pm PST

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26 comments.

Hi, may i know which paragliding operator did you use in Puli? Planning to try out in a few weeks time. Did you book in advance? Thanks!

Here’s the operator we used. Very professional! https://www.klook.com/activity/703-nantou-paragliding-taichung/?aid=312

Love all your useful tips. Thank you!

Hello, is it possible to travel around Taichung, Nantou, and GaoMei Wetland without renting a car? Perhaps through public transportation or cabs?

Hi Charles, you can but there are limited timings. We went with a car rental because we wanted to be at the stand up boarding place very early. No busses run at that time and we didn’t want to incur a hefty taxi charge.

Wow! What a trip you’ve got here in Taiwan.=) Though I am curious, what’s your favorite city out of all?

Love them all!

Hi dear! Do you know if we can get to Hua Lien easily from Nantou/Tai Chung? 🙂 Thank you!

Hi Audrey, I think most trains will have to go back towards Taipei area before looping over to Hua Lien due to the mountains in the centre of Taiwan. If you want to go direct, your best bet is to either self drive or take a very expensive private car/cab.

Thank you for the informative entry, I could use this next time <3 I'm also an aspiring travel blogger and I often read your blog.. Keep inspiring people like me. 🙂 Love lots! – http://www.annebelo.com

All the best!

Hi! I’ll be visiting Taiwan for 10 days somewhere around the end of November. I’m planning to go for Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung and Hualien. How do you think the flow should go? Should I visit from the northern side to the southern side? Or what else do you suggest? Other than that, how many days do you suggest on visiting each area I mentioned earlier (Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung and Hualien)? Sorry for asking so much; I’m not quite a planner. Thanks in advance.

P.S. There’ll be two of us, so I guess buses and MRT are the best options for transport since that we have a budget.

Hi Alexandra, why not follow our plan and route?

Sorry to ask, where does the kenting express bus from Zuoying to Kenting ends at?

The last stop of the Kenting Express Bus is near Little Bay Beach 小灣沙灘 of Kenting.

The Kenting Express Bus route is as follows: Zuoying HSR 高鐵左營站 → Dapeng Bay 大鵬灣 → Fangliao 臺鐵枋寮站 → Checheng 車城 → South Baoli 南保力 → Hengchun Transfer Stn 恆春轉運站 → Nanwan 南灣 → Kenting 小灣(墾丁)

Hope this helps! 🙂 -Edelyn

Hi, What camera did you use? Planning to visit Taiwan Next Year.

Hi Niko! We used various cameras during this trip, from semi-pros to GoPro to mobile phones! Taiwan is beautiful no matter which device you capture moments on. We hope you’ll have a great time in Taiwan! 🙂 -Edelyn

it so nice to see the introduction about Taiwan.

Hi i really like your itinerary in taichung. Could you advise which car rental you have engage? And anyone that drives you around to all the places?

Hi Khoon, we rented our car from Chailease Car Rental (you can make your rental online: https://www.rentalcar.com.tw/ ) and picked up the car from Taichung THSR Station. It’s just a car rental so you’ll need an international driving license to drive in Taiwan.

Alternatively, you can book a private car charter service online: https://www.klook.com/en-SG/activity/8325-private-sightseeing-car-charter-for-central-taiwan-taichung/?aid=312 Thank you!

HI, how easy it is to find parking for all those places of attractions? Like the markets etc. Thanks.

Hi Amelia, as far as we can remember, there are big open-space carparks near both Fengchia and Ruifeng night markets. The other attractions do have parking spaces nearby too, but you might have to walk around Tainan’s Anping Old Street as the alleys are tight and crowded!

Hi do you know of other operators for the stand up paddling activity in sun moon lake?

I follow your link to klook but they are unavailable for booking at all

Hi Audemars, Seems like the operator we went to is sold out for now! Here are other SUP activities around Taiwan if you don’t mind other areas other than Sun Moon Lake: Yilan Hualien 1 Hualien 2 Hualien 3 Taipei Taipei Shenao Taipei Fulong Beach Taipei Yehliu Thank you!

I am planning to Taiwan with kids in Dec. Any best itinerary for travelling with kids? What’s the accommodations would u recommend?

Hi Care! We do general itineraries that are suitable for older children to active adults. Unfortunately we don’t have any in Taiwan (so far) for young children!

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TAIWAN ITINERARY 4D4N (Taipei, Taichung, & Kaohsiung) | DIY Taiwan Travel Guide 2018 + Travel Tips

TAIWAN ITINERARY 4D4N (Taipei, Taichung, & Kaohsiung) DIY Taiwan Travel Guide 2018

Contributed by: xzarriane lim.

4 DAYS 4 NIGHTS TAIWAN ITINERARY (TAIPEI, TAICHUNG, AND KAOHSIUNG)

DIY Taiwan Travel Guide Detailed Itinerary:

📍 day 1 (taipei).

(11:00PM-1:20PM)— NAIA-Taoyuan Airport (2:00AM-3:00AM)— Airport to Taipei Main Station (3:00AM-8:00AM)— Check in at Muiu Capsule Inn (8:00AM-9:00AM)— Prep/Breakfast at hotel (9:00AM-9:40AM)— Taipei Main Station to MRT Tamsui (9:40AM-10:00AM) — MRT Tamsui (Bus 26) to Fisherman’s Wharf (10:00AM-11:00AM) — Visit Fisherman’s Wharf (11:00AM-11:15AM) — Fisherman’s Wharf (Bus 26)-MRT Tamsui (11:15AM-11:30AM) — MRT Danshui-Xinbeitou Station (11:30AM-12:30NN)  — Lunch around Xinbeitou Station (12:30NN-1:30 PM) — Xinbeitou Station (Line 9 bus, line 108 ) to Yamingshan National Park (1:30PM-3:30 PM) — Visit Yamingshan National Park (3:30PM-4:30 PM — Bus from Yamingshan National Park to Jiantan Station (4:30-5:30 PM) — Visit Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall (5:30PM-6:00 PM) — MRT Chiang Kai Shek to MRT Ximen (6:00PM-9:00PM) — Foodtrip/Shop at Ximending (9:00PM-9:30PM) —Train from MRT Ximen to Taipei Main Station

📍 Day 2 (New Taipei)

📍 Day 3 (Taichung)

(5:00AM-6:00AM) — Prep/Breakfast/Check out (8:00AM-11:00AM) — Taipei Main Station-Taichung by bus (11:00AM-12:00N) — Car rental Rainbow Village (12:00NN-2:00PM) — Travel to Nantou (2:00PM-2:30PM) — Visit Old England (2:30PM-5:00PM) — Visit Qinjing Farm (5:00PM-6:30PM) — Drop off at Taichung Main Station (6:30PM-7:30PM) — Taichung to Kaohsiung City (Via High-Speed Train) (7:30-9:00PM) — Check-in/Rest (9:00PM-11:00PM) — Foodtrip/Shop at Liuhe Night Market

📍 Day 4 (Kaohsiung)

Breakdown of Expenses:

Taiwan Travel Tips:

• Where to stay?

TIPS FOR TAIPEI CITY, NEW TAIPEI, TAICHUNG, & KAOHSIUNG

• We visited Taiwan last March 5 and we’re supposed to go at Tianyuan temple to catch cherry blossoms there, pero wala pa daw cherry blossoms, so we ended up at Yangminshan.  DIY Taiwan Travel Guide

• Tips for Yangminshan Park

• Sobrang hirap sumakay ng bus papuntang Yangminshan, you have to wait for 15-30 mins bago may dumating na bus. Mali rin nababaan namin sa Yangminshan, you need to ride another bus para makapunta dun sa may mga fog. • We’re also supposed to go sa mga Meteor Garden loc, Longshan Temple and Taipei 101 pero kulang na sa time. So gumising ng maaga  🙂

• Medyo hassle papuntang Shifen, so make sure alam niyo talaga yung mga time ng train para hindi sayang waiting time. Ilang beses kaming naligaw dito and na-delay  🙂  Better to book na lang din through Klook para less hassle. • Must explore Shilin Market at night (Mas madami daw food dun)

📍  Day 4 (Kaoshiung)

WHAT TO READ NEXT

Taipei, Taiwan Travel Guide with Extreme Tight Budget: ₱5000 for 4D3N REVIEW: Taiwan Unlimited Data Sim Card | Where to Buy one? Taiwan Travel Guide: Taiwan Itinerary 6D5N + Expenses What to Do in Taipei: Taipei 101 and National Palace Museum via KKday

Jerny - Two Budget Travelers

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4 Days Taiwan Itinerary and Guide

As a kid, when I think about Taiwan, I often think about Meteor Garden. Cos who even missed the first Asianovela hit in the Philippines? But having to visit Taipei, Taiwan made me appreciate this country even more. Sharing our first-hand experience and 4 Days Taiwan Itinerary and guide ahead!

Arrival at Taoyuan Airport 

• Wi-Fi Pickup – Upon arrival, we went to Unite Traveler Booth to pick up our WiFi device. We availed our 4G WiFi for Taiwan device in advance through Klook. It was fast and can connect up to 5 devices.
• Easy Card – You may purchase your Easy Card in Taoyuan Airport MRT service booth. This easy card is used for Taiwan’s public transit and most convenient stores.
• Currency exchange – If you haven’t done it yet, you may exchange money at any currency exchange booth at the Airport. Taiwan’s official currency is NTD (New Taiwan Dollar).

Taoyuan Airport to Taipei Main Station

We rode the Express Train from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei Main Station. It only took roughly 35 to 40 minutes to get to our destination.

• From Terminal 1: Take the escalator south of Food Court (B1) going to A12 – Airport Terminal 1 Station.
• From Terminal 2: Take the pathway at the side of Food Court (B2) going to to A13 – Airport Terminal 2 Station.

Alight at A1 – Taipei Main Station.

Where to Stay in Taipei

The best place to stay in Taipei is either near Taipei Main Station or Ximending. Taipei Main Station is a good location as it’s very accessible with all subways and buses you need to hop to when touring around Taipei. While Ximending is just a few kilometers away from Taipei Main Station, many tourists would still prefer to stay here as it’s stylish and night life is so much alive.

We initially wanted to stay around Taipei Main Station but since this was a last minute-booking and most of the hotels in Taipei Main Station were fully-booked, we ended up staying at Ximending instead.

Inn Cube Ximen

Our room was booked at Inn Cube Ximen – Ximending through Agoda. We paid PHP 5,986.46 for 4 nights which is a reasonable price for us. We got the Twin Room with Shared Bathroom. It has a bunk bed and basic amenities we needed for our whole stay. Overall, this is a decent place to stay in. It’s clean and quiet – just enough for a good sleep. We didn’t bother the shared bathroom cos in the morning, it was mostly just the two of us using it.

4 Days Taiwan Itinerary

Day 1 – yangmingshan national park and shilin night market.

Our first order of business upon setting foot to Ximending was ofcourse, find a place to eat! Ximending is a good place to spot numerous cafes, street foods, restaurants and, fun shops. Since we were staying in Ximending, we figured, we just roam around the area some other time as we have other plans for our first day in Taiwan.

Yangmingshan National Park

After our late lunch, we went straight to Yangmingshan National Park . It was breezy and drizzling. It was definitely not a good choice to wear shorts and tank top from up there. lol Good thing, the weather started clearing and we were able to enjoy the scenic view of Yangmingshan National Park. The place was so beautiful and was so peaceful. It was just a chill tour for the both of us, as we didn’t want to pour so much energy on our first day in Taiwan.

Shilin Night Market

Our first night was spent in Shilin Night Market . This place is said to be one of the busiest and the biggest night markets in Taiwan. Taiwan’s street foods were found everywhere! I would want to try them all but I can only consume a few.

Day 2 – DIY Taipei City Tour

While our first day in Taiwan was more of a relaxed tour, our second day was entirely the opposite. This day had our legs almost given up and energy drained. But was it worth it? yes it is!

Our day started with a quick breakfast at 711. I know, I know, it wasn’t the most touristy breakfast to do in Taipei, but that would suffice. We then headed to our first stop of the day, a visit to Longshan Temple .

Longshan Temple

We saw locals praying and doing religious rituals inside the temple. It has a classic and Taiwanese intricate architecture which made it one of the most photographed temples in Taipei. We didn’t stay too long as we didn’t want to bother their ceremony.

We then hopped into our next stop which is just a few minutes away from Longshan Temple.

Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall

This place, Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall commemorates the “National Father” of the Republic of China. You will have a nice view of Taipei 101 from here just like my photo above. This place is huge and is surrounded by Zongshan Park.

228 Peace Memorial Park

We were supposed to be visiting Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall next from what we initially planned. However, we got lost and our feel brought us at 228 Peace Memorial Park instead. This was an accidental addition to our itinerary. After research, I learned that this place is dedicated to the 10,000 to 30,000 victims who died in the February 28, 1947 incident. This park remains one of the oldest parks in Taiwan.

Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall

As intended, we visited Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall next. This place is a stunner. It was windy and we just sat there while regaining our energy from the almost non-stop walk we did since morning. The place is very touristy but no wonder cos, this is such a beautiful place to be missed!

Elephant Mountain

Even how dead tired we were at this point, we didn’t think twice to still hike up to Elephant Mountain to see this panoramic view of Taipei. Who wouldn’t fall in love with this? My camera couldn’t give any justice of how majestic this really is in person.

Day 3 – National Palace Museum, Beitou and Tamsui

National palace museum.

Some tourists would skip National Palace Museum because you may find the location out of the way comparing to other attractions to visit. However, if you are a fan of museums, this is still definitely worth your time. This is by the name itself, looks like a Palace from its facade. It houses ancient Chinese artwork and artifacts. We skipped going inside but if you are interested, the entrance costs NTD 250 per person.

Beitou Thermal Valley

After taking lunch, we headed to Beitou Thermal Valley . There are so much more to see in this place such as Beitou Public Library, Millenium Hot Spring, Beitou Hot Spring Museum, and the steaming Hell Valley. We didn’t have the chance to explore all these places but some recommend to try their Hot Spring. I would definitely will next time!

Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf & Tamsui Lover’s Bridge

We rode a ferry going to Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf. It was drizzling and the waves were getting big. Tamsui Lover’s Bridge is already seen when we alight from the ferry. It was illuminating with transitioning colors.

Tamsui Old Street

We were already quite starving at this point so we headed to Tamsui Old Street to explore any street food finds at this place. This is popular for its wide variety of shops, Taiwanese classic food stalls, restaurants and, cafes.

Day 4 – Yehliu, Jiufen & Raohe Night Market

Our day 4 was spent mostly on bus rides! We initially planned to visit three destinations – Yehliu, Jiufen and, Shifen. But are you even doing DIY trip without getting lost? haha! We lost a couple of times while figuring out how to get from here and there. It was also raining non-stop the whole day which made it worse. As a result, we missed Shifen!

Yehliu Geopark

Because of its uniquely eroded rock formations, Yehliu Geopark is still one of the most popular tourist attractions to see in Taiwan. The entrance is NTD 80.

Jiufen Old Street

It was already 5:00 PM when we arrived at Jiufen Old Street . It was raining so heavy and it wasn’t the most comfortable weather to stroll around. I’ve seen so many great photos of this place from different blogs. Unfortunately, these are the only decent shots I had. Even with our raincoats on, our shoes and clothes were still wet. But like we normally do, we just enjoyed the place by trying out different foods this place had to offer. I’ll go back here, for sure.

Raohe Night Market

It’s time for dinner! Gladly, it stopped raining when we arrived at Raohe Night Market . This isn’t as big as Shilin Night Market but it’s still jam-packed with traditional street food stalls and retail shops which is still an ideal place for tourists like us! This was just the perfect place to end our whole 4 days Taiwan itinerary!

End of our 4 Days Taiwan Itinerary

That’s it! It’s time to say farewell to this beautiful country! We enjoyed our whole 4 days in Taiwan. It was a jam-packed trip and we visited so many places without breaking our banks. We only spent less than Php 15,000 each for everything including airfare, accommodation, foods, and pasalubong .

Watch: Here’s our Travel Taiwan Vlogs!

4 Days Taiwan Itinerary Travel Tips and Guide

• Wake up early for Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen tour. If you want to successfully squeeze in visiting Yehliu, Jiufen and, Shifen in one day, then make sure to wake up very early and catch the early bus ride around 6:30 AM so you can reach Yehliu as early as 8:00 AM. Better yet, arrange a tour package in advance through Klook or through any of your trusted travel agencies.
• Prepare your translation app. While locals are very friendly and accommodating, many of them don’t speak or hardly understand English. So make sure you have your translation app handy in your mobile phone.
• Bring the right power adaptors. The power plugs and sockets used in Taiwan are of type A and type B . 
• Reload your EasyCard . Your EasyCard will take you around Taiwan. It gives you discount on subways and it also allows you to buy in convenient stores like 7-11 and Family Mart.
• Money changers are limited. It’s still best to have your money changed from your home country or at the airport. Then change it one time big time as there is not much money changers available around the city.
• Wear comfortable footwear. Taiwan is a safe country and most of the tourist attractions are just near to each other. So expect you’ll do a lot of walking in the city.

For me, spending 4 days in Taiwan is enough to see places and try foods in this country. It’s not very tight as compared to a 3-day stay especially if you are travelling with a family consisting of kids or elders.

I hope this post has been helpful to anyone who plans to visit Taiwan soon!

I’d like to know your thoughts!

• Have you ever been to Taiwan? How was your experience? Any tips you want to share?
• Any Asian countries you’d like to visit soon? Or would want to recommend to our readers?
• What’s your favorite tourist attraction in Taiwan? See sample places from this post.

Related posts:

Author: Dianne

She graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering. A full time IT Specialist based in Singapore who enjoys designing, reading and blogging. She fuels her day with a cup of good coffee in the morning and concludes the night thinking about life.

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A Super Detailed Taipei & Taiwan Itinerary for 5 Days {2024}

There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission (for which I am deeply grateful) at no additional cost to you.

Searching for the perfect 5 days in Taiwan itinerary? In this post, a local travel expert who has lived in Taiwan for over a decade tells us how to plan the best 5-day Taipei and Taiwan itinerary. Read on!

Welcome to Taiwan , one of the most compelling, rewarding, and welcoming countries in East Asia ! Taiwan may look small on the map, but it has loads to offer for every kind of traveler, from foodies & budding historians to lovers of art and the great outdoors.

To be completely honest, five days in Taiwan is not enough. But if that’s what you’ve got, this article will prove to be an invaluable resource for making the absolute best of the time you do have in the country.

This Taiwan 5 day itinerary will begin with two sight-packed days in the capital, Taipei , followed by a choice of several day trips from the city. Next up, you’ll head down to Taichung City, Central Taiwan’s art & food-focused city, before finishing up at visually stunning Sun Moon Lake. 

Note: If you don’t have time to read this full itinerary or prefer that your trip be planned for you, consider booking this 5-day guided tour of Taiwan instead. The tour includes visits to top destinations like Sun Moon Lake, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Kenting, Taitung, the East Coast, Taroko, and more. Accommodations are provided at 5-star hotels throughout the journey.

If you prefer to adventure on your own, read on for the perfect 5 days in Taiwan itinerary!

Things to Know Before You Go To Taiwan

With only five days in Taiwan, you’ll want to plan your Taiwan trip to a tee in order to make maximum use of what little time you have.

You won’t want to waste half a day figuring out what to do, where to go next, where to eat, and so on!

Let’s begin with some tips for planning five unforgettable days in Taiwan! 

When to Visit Taiwan

First, you’ll want to choose the right season to visit. Taiwan doesn’t have a distinct high or low season, so the best time for you to visit Taiwan is really going to depend on your interests and favorite kind of weather.

Winter has milder weather and is better for hot springs and flower viewing (hello cherry blossoms!), but Taipei in winter can be damp, chilly, and gray.

Summer is extremely hot and humid, by contrast, plus there’s a chance of encountering a typhoon.

Autumn and spring are probably the best times to visit, but you may want to avoid the mini rain season which usually comes in late May and early June, and typhoons can strike as late as October.

Getting Around Taiwan

As soon as you arrive at the Taoyuan International Airport, you can purchase an EasyCard at the airport’s MRT station.

This is the card all locals use to swipe onto the Taipei MRT, city buses in major cities across Taiwan, and short train rides between cities that don’t require seat reservations.

It’s faster than paying each time, and the fares are discounted.

Next, you can hop on the Airport MRT, which will get you to Taipei Main Station in 35 to 50 minutes, from where you can walk, take a taxi, or connect to another MRT line to reach your hotel.

During your stay in Taipei, you can use the MRT to get everywhere described in this itinerary. By the time you leave Taipei, you’ll seriously be in love with the MRT!

If you ever decide to take a taxi, you’ll find they are everywhere and are relatively cheap. The drivers mostly speak a little English, but there may be cases in which you’ll need to show them an address in Mandarin, so it’s best to have that ready.

If you follow this itinerary, you’ll also have a few transportation choices for getting out of Taipei. I’ll mention exactly how to do that in the relevant sections below.

In Taichung, you’ll rely more on buses. They’re totally free for short rides if you swipe with your EasyCard!     

The Perfect Taiwan 5 Day Itinerary

5 days in taiwan itinerary day 1: exploring taipei.

Good morning Taipei! On day one, it’s time to knock off some of the city’s top attractions.

For breakfast, you’ve got to try a local Taiwanese-style breakfast shop.

They’re literally everywhere, but if you want to seek out a particularly famous one, try Yonghe Soy Milk King near Da’An Park, or Yonghe Soy Milk in Taipei.

Go for steamed buns, scallion pancakes with egg & cheese, or flaky shao bing . But you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu!

Pro Tip: If you are a foodie, I suggest taking this Private Street Food Tour with locals which covers food culture and history all in one place. Sample up to 10 street food dishes and Taiwanese specialties + you get to receive personalized recommendations on where to eat in the city.

Next, early birds should visit one of the city’s many temples, which tend to be frequently by elderly worshippers in the early morning. Longshan Temple is Taipei’s most famous.

There you can witness a serene chanting ceremony at 6 a.m. (or again at 8 a.m.) Each one lasts nearly an hour, and visitors are always welcome to explore the temple even while the ceremony is taking place.

Other temples worth checking out include Xingtian Temple, which is incense-free and known for its fortune tellers in an underpass below the main road, and Taipei Tianhou Temple in Ximending, which is sandwiched between two buildings and easy to miss!

Later in the morning, visit Chiang Ka-Shek Memorial Hall, the city’s most impressive historical site.

There you’ll find an enormous square flanked by the National Concert Hall and National Theater, both classical Chinese-style buildings , the beautiful Liberty Square Arch, and the impressive blue & white memorial building itself.

Prefer a guided tour of the city? This classic landmarks day tour is a must-do!

Next, walk (or ride the MRT two stops) to Ximending for lunch. This is Taipei’s coolest neighborhood; some people call it the Harajuku of Taipei for its Japanese-like atmosphere.

It’s also home to Taipei’s largest LGBTQ+ district, which centers on a collection of outdoor bars beside the historic Red House, a former Japanese market & theater.

Stroll the pedestrian-only streets to check out the cute shops, open-air tattoo parlors, and claw-machine arcades.

Take your pick from local street food, Japanese & Korean cuisine , or visit a poo-themed Modern Toilet restaurant.

Tip: If you’d like to experience Taiwanese cuisine after dark, I suggest taking this night tour that will satisfy your appetite. You can then stroll around the lively Raohe Street Night Market, walk across Rainbow Bridge, and see the famous Songshan Ciyou Temple nearby.

In the afternoon, head to Huashan 1914 Creative Park. This former sake distillery dates to the days when Taiwan was a Japanese colony.

Today it is an arts complex featuring rotating exhibits & events, a few cafés & restaurants, cool graffiti, and the perfect lawn for a picnic.

Next up, make your way to Taipei 101 , the country’s most iconic attraction. The 510-meter bamboo stalk-shaped skyscraper was the tallest in the world for six years.

To visit the observation deck, you’ll probably need to wait in line for 15-60 minutes, then you’ll be whisked to the 89 th floor in the world’s fastest elevator.

If you want to avoid the line, purchase this skip-the-line ticket for the observatory in advance.

The 360-degree view from up there is of course mesmerizing. Also don’t miss the huge stabilizing ball in the middle, which prevents the building from toppling in earthquakes, as well as the small outdoor viewing deck on the 91 st floor.

After visiting Taipei 101, walk or ride the MRT one stop to Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain) station. From there it’s a short walk to the trail which leads up the eponymous mountain.

In less than 30 minutes of uphill stairs, you’ll be afforded the best view that Taipei City has to offer, with Taipei 101 towering right in front of you. The trail is very popular, especially at sunset, but there’s always room for one more.

Finally, it’s time to eat! After descending the mountain, take your choice from one of Taipei’s legendary night markets. Tonghua Night Market is within walking distance.

The other most famous ones include Shilin Night Market (the largest and most popular among tourists), Raohe (a favorite among locals), and Ningxia (great for oyster omelets, sweet potato balls, and shaved ice desserts).

Need more ideas? Check out our article on the top things to do in Taipei !

5 Days in Taiwan Day 2: Exploring Taipei Part 2

Now that you’ve covered the best of Taipei’s famous attractions , it’s time to get a little more off-the-beaten-path on day two.

For breakfast, you’ll likely be itching to get back into a local breakfast shop to try more items on offer.

Continue on by visiting two more impressive temples: Confucius Temple and its neighboring Dalongdong Bao’An Temple.

The former is completely different than typical Taiwanese temples; its design is simple and its large gardens are serene.

The latter is a gorgeous example of traditional design, with super intricate roof carvings; many believe it’s Taipei’s best.

Next, history lovers could try strolling Dihua Street, Taipei’s oldest street, which features still-running Chinese medicinal shops, teahouses, temples, and restaurants that date back to Taipei’s earliest days.

You can get there from Bao’An Temple on foot, by backtracking a little on the MRT, or by taking a short taxi ride (I’d go for the latter).

Dihua Street stretches from near Daqiaotou MRT station in the north to near Beimen MRT station in the south.

If you make it to the far southern end, make sure to see Beimen (North Gate) itself, the only remaining Old Taipei city wall gate that has been restored to its exact former look.

For lunch, head to Addiction Aquatic Development. The name sounds weird, but it’s an insanely cool high-end seafood market housed in what used to be a traditional fish market.

After peering at the largest crabs in the world (Japanese spider crabs) and other sea creatures in the many water tanks, enter the upscale grocery store where you can buy insanely fresh & delicious take-away trays of sashimi, or splurge on the stand-up sushi & oyster bar.

The closest MRT is Xingtian Temple, from where it’s a 15-minute walk.

Filled with sushi, it’s now time for a more relaxing afternoon activity: visiting Taipei’s only Japanese hot spring village.

Connect to the red line and take it for 30 minutes north to Beitou station. From there, connect to the one-stop pink line, which literally goes uphill and smells like hot springs.

If you prefer to go on a guided tour with an expert, we suggest booking this one right here , which takes you to the Beitou Hotsprings, Yangmingshan Volcano, and other noteworthy stops.

Beitou is a lovely neighborhood at the base of Yangmingshan, a dormant volcano.

It has touristy bits, such as the Beitou Hot Spring Museum (still worth a visit!), the outdoor Beitou Public Hot Spring (the cheapest hot spring bathing option; mixed-sex and bathing suits required) in Hot Spring Park, and Beitou Thermal Valley (a huge steaming hot spring).

You can also get off the beaten track by visiting the Japanese-built Puji Temple or the impressive Beitou Museum. You can walk (slightly uphill) for about 20 minutes to get to the latter, or ride bus 230 or S25.

There are also over a dozen hot spring hotels to choose from for a private soak, ranging from the oldest Japanese bathhouse (Longnice Hot Spring or 瀧乃湯) to ultra fancy & expensive options like Gaia Hotel. Heads up: most are nude only and sex-segregated.

While in town, don’t miss the hot spring ramen! There are two shops offering it: Man Lai Hot Spring Ramen (滿来温泉拉麵) near Xinbeitou MRT station, and Mankewu Taiwanese Style Ramen (滿客屋台式拉麵) near Puji Temple.

Finally, if you still have time, you can ride the MRT further north to Danshui and stroll along the riverside promenade. From there you can also take a bus or river ferry to Fisherman’s Wharf to see the sunset.

Alternatively, return to Taipei and have dinner at whichever night markets you missed on day 1.

For a non-touristy night market that serves amazing foods, visit Nanjichang Night Market. The Michelin-rated stinky tofu at Stinky Boss in the market is amazing!

5 Day Taiwan Itinerary Day 3: Day Trip from Taipei

After thoroughly covering Taipei on your first two days, it’s time to get out of the city!

Choosing a day trip from Taipei is not going to be easy, as there are just so many possibilities. I’m going to give you four different options!

1. The most popular day trip from Taipei

The most popular day trip from Taipei includes some or all of the following: Jiufen, Houtong, Shifen Waterfall, Yehliu, & Keelung. You may be able to squeeze them all in if you get an early start!

To begin, swipe your Easy Card to board a local train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang. From there, take the bus to Jiufen, a former gold mining boomtown built on the slope of a mountain.

Explore the atmospheric staircases, shops, & teahouses. Next, return to Ruifang and catch a train to Houtong, Taiwan’s famous “Cat Village”.

After that, catch the Pingxi Small Train to Shifen station for Shifen Waterfall, the widest waterfall in Taiwan.

Return to Ruifang, then take a local train to Keelung. If you have enough time, you can take a return bus to Yeliu Geopark, a coastal landscape with bizarre rock formations.

Otherwise, just stay in Keelung to eat at Keelung Night Market, one of the best night markets in Taiwan.

From there, it’s a 45-minute train ride back to Taipei. You can swipe your EasyCard for all the rides on this day trip.

Tip: If you prefer leaving the planning to the experts, I recommend this organized guided tour which takes you to top attractions like Yehliu Geological Park, Jiufen, and Pingxi. Having a knowledgeable local guide handle logistics allows you to simply focus on experiencing the best of northern Taiwan.

2. Off-the-beaten track

Culture enthusiasts can head southwest of Taipei to Sanxia, a district of New Taipei City famous for its restored Old Street and the incredibly beautiful Sanxia Temple (Zushi Temple).

You can get there by taking numerous local buses, depending on where you’re coming from in Taipei.

Next, hop in a taxi to the neighboring district of Yingge, the largest pottery center in Taiwan. Stroll the Yingge Old Street and its dozens of ceramics shops, try your hand at pottery making, or walk into historic kilns.

Don’t miss the impressive New Taipei City Yingge Ceramics Museum! It’s only 30 minutes back to Taipei by train.

For people interested in hiking, there are several amazing day hikes within easy reach of Taipei.

One of the best is the Caoling Historic Trail, which includes impressive coastal bluffs, and blooming silvergrass in November.

Another good one is Teapot Mountain, in which you can climb into a rocky peak that looks like a teapot.

It starts at Jinguashi Gold Ecological Village, which is near Jiufen (see #1 above) and is also worth visiting.

Yet another is Sandiaoling, which includes three waterfalls, one of which you can climb into a rocky overhang behind.

This one is near Houtong and Shifen (see #1), so it could also be combined with some of the places mentioned in #1.

4. Hot Springs

If you’re visiting in winter, you may want to try even more hot springs than Beitou in Taipei City. Moreover, the ones outside of Taipei City are generally cheaper.

The two best options within easy reach of Taipei are Wulai and Jiaoxi.

Wulai is an aboriginal village south of Taipei City. It has a market street with lots of yummy aboriginal food (try the mountain boar or bamboo tubes stuffed with sticky rice).

There are some free riverside hot spring pools that are rather decaying, or several private options to choose from (mostly private hot tub rooms with river views).

Alternatively, Jiaoxi Hot Spring in Yilan County is only an hour away by bus or local train. It has excellent spas with multi-colored hot spring waters, hot tubs with massage jets, and more.

Chuang Tang is one of the best, while Art Spa Hotel even has a tall hot water slide.

The town also has a hot spring park where you can drink local craft beer while you soak your feet, a few waterfall hikes.

5 days in Taiwan Itinerary Day 4: A Day in Taichung

On day four, it’s time to pack your bags and relocate to Taichung City, the largest city in Central Taiwan.

To maximize your time, you can hop on the High-Speed Rail (HSR), which only takes an hour and doesn’t even require a reservation; just buy a non-reserved ticket from one of the machines at the station and get on the train cars 10-12.

You can also ride the cheaper regular train (TRA), which takes two hours. You can try to reserve a seat, but if it’s fully booked, you’ll need to stand or sit on the floor between cars (many people do this).

One plus of the HSR is that it will get you closer to your first stop, Rainbow Village. From the station, grab a taxi or take bus #617; so long as your luggage isn’t too big, it shouldn’t be a problem.

Rainbow Village is one of Taiwan’s quirkiest attractions. Here a retired soldier painted his entire home in wild colors to save it from destruction. You may even meet the elderly man (“Rainbow Grandpa”) while you’re there!

Next, head into the city center to leave your luggage and/or check into your hotel.

After that, make your way to Chun Shui Tang, the supposed birthplace of pearl milk tea (bubble tea/boba)! They’ve also got decent food on offer.

Your tour of the city center can also include stops at Natural Way Six Arts Cultural Center (a beautifully restored Japanese martial arts hall), Painted Animation Lane, and Cultural Heritage Park.

For dinner, there’s no choice better than Feng Chia Night Market, the largest and best night market in Taichung.

Taiwan Itinerary Day 5: Sun Moon Lake

For the final stop on your Taiwan five day itinerary, you’re going to visit one of Taiwan’s most beautiful landscapes: Sun Moon Lake .

From Gancheng Station, Taichung Station, Daqing Station, or the Taichung High Speed Rail Station, you can catch the Sun Moon Lake shuttle bus, which takes around 90 minutes.

You’ll need to pay in cash for these tickets, or you can book them at any 7-Eleven iBon machine. It’s unusual for them to sell out.

Note: There is a cool tour from Taipei City that lets you explore Nantou and then spend time at the scenic Sun Moon Lake. You get to take in the lake’s mountainside vistas and visit landmarks in the region like Yidashao Wharf and Xuanguang Temple.

You’ll arrive at Shuishe, the main tourist village on the lake. From there, hop on the round-the-lake bus to the huge Wenwu Temple, which has the most stunning views looking down on the lake.

Continue on to the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway for more unbeatable views, and finally Ita Thao, an aboriginal village with an all-day market street offering the best food at Sun Moon Lake.

To return to Shuishe, take the bus back or a scenic boat rides across the lake. Buses back to Taichung leave roughly hourly, and the last one departs at 7:25 p.m.

Return to Taichung Station for the regular train back to Taipei, or the High Speed Rail Station for the fastest option.

If you want to head directly to Taoyuan International Airport, get off at Taoyuan Station and take the 10-minute shuttle bus.

Another Favorite Read: The Best Things to Do in Kaohsiung

In conclusion

Well, that sums up my whirlwind 5-day Taiwan itinerary. I hope you’ve got more than enough ideas for planning an unforgettable trip.

Trust me, after this, you’ll want to come back to Taiwan again as soon as possible!

This is a post by guest contributor, Nick Kembel.

Author’s Bio: Nick Kembel has lived in Taiwan for over 11 years and is the author of Taiwan in the Eyes of a Foreigner . He blogs about Taiwan at nickkembel.com and offers free Taiwan travel planning advice in this group .

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The PERFECT 3 Days in Taipei Itinerary [2024 Guide]

• Last Updated: February 5, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

Morning – Enjoy An Early Morning Stroll Around Tamsui

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

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

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

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

Day 1 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The calligraphy section is particularly impressive. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Again there is some particularly excellent food on offer.

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

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

Day 2 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 3 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beyond this is a number of other trails.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Taipei Travel Guide

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Accommodation in Taipei

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eating in Taiwan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Richard Barnes

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

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

Good Morning Team.

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

I will be reading your blog on KOREA AND JAPAN.

Thanks for the detailed information

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Alishan, Taiwan: The Ultimate Day Tour DIY Travel Guide

It’s my first time visiting Taiwan, and I decided to stay in the country for 12 days, during which I planned on visiting some iconic places in Taipei, the South, and the North. On my second day, I went straight to the south and stayed in Kaohsiung for 3 days since I purchased the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) Unlimited Tourist Pass for 3 days! Thus, I got a chance to explore the South for 3 days. 

Apparently, one of my main goals was to visit the Alishan National Scenic Area. I’ve always been fond of reconnecting with nature, and I felt like this was one of the best places to visit in Southern Taiwan. In fact, the Alishan National Scenic Area is definitely a must-visit destination in Taiwan. So if you’re planning to visit Taiwan soon, this should be on your bucket list! Here’s a DIY travel guide to Alishan; including things to expect and do in the area! 

Table of Contents

Understanding Alishan National Scenic Area

Alishan National Scenic Area, or Alishan National Park, is a stunning mountainous region located in Central Taiwan. It is one of Taiwan’s most famous and popular national parks, known for its breathtaking landscapes, ancient forests, unique flora and fauna, and captivating sunrise views. The park covers an area of approximately 415 square kilometers and is situated in Chiayi County.

The Alishan area is surrounded by mountains; thus, it has a cool climate with an average temperature of around 10 degrees Celsius. Alishan National Scenic Area offers great sunrise views, a sea of clouds, and an amazing railway experience! 

In addition, Alishan National Park is easily accessible from Chiayi, the nearest city, which is well-connected by trains and buses from major cities in Taiwan. Whether you’re a nature lover, hiker, or photography enthusiast, Alishan offers a memorable and picturesque experience that showcases the best of Taiwan’s natural beauty.

How to get to Alishan National Scenic Area? 

As mentioned above, Chiayi is the nearest city to Alishan National Park. Thus, getting to the national park is very accessible, whether you’re coming from Taipei City or the Southern part of Taiwan. There are actually different ways to get to Alishan, but here’s an easy way to get to Alishan National Scenic Area. (based on experience)

From Taipei

• From Taipei, take a TRA or THSR (Taiwan High Speed Railway) and board a train to Chiayi station.
• If you are taking the THSR, Then take a shuttle bus from Chiayi THSR Station. The first trip leaves at 9AM.
• From Chiayi station, it takes about 3 hours to get to Alishan National Park. 

From Kaoshiung 

• From Kaoshiung Station, take a TRA or THSR (Taiwan High Speed Railway) and get off at Chiayi Station. It only takes about 30 minutes to get here via THSR.
• Then take a shuttle bus from Chiayi THSR Station. The first bus trip leaves at 9AM.

Essential Travel Tips and Reminders 

• If you’re traveling on a day tour only (like me) , it’s highly recommended to take the high-speed railway to save time. 
• If you want to catch the sunrise, make sure to book accommodation nearby.
• Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Make sure to bring at least a jacket because the area has a cool temperature. 
• You may bring a bottle of water since there’s going to be a lot of walking! (Although there are some convenience stores within the area.)
• If traveling on a day tour, be mindful of the bus schedules going back to Chiayi. 
• Don’t bring too much stuff with you. (In case you were wondering, I brought my drone and a camera, which I didn’t use. It made it a little difficult to trek the mountains.)

Alishan Shuttle Bus Schedule (as of 2023)

Things to expect in alishan, taiwan.

Alishan Forest Railway 

The Alishan Forest Railway is an iconic narrow-gauge train that operates in the park, taking visitors on a scenic journey through lush forests, picturesque bridges, and tunnels. The railway is a popular way to reach the famous Alishan sunrise viewing platform.

Definitely one of the cutest old railways I’ve seen! It’s quite saddening that I didn’t get to take the train. Just a quick tip, if you don’t want to get exhausted hiking up the mountains or the Alishan area, you can consider taking the railway heading to the higher areas!

Alishan Sunrise

Watching the sunrise at Alishan is a bucket-list experience for many visitors. The best spot to witness the sunrise is Zhushan Station, where you can see the sea of clouds and the sun rising over the mountains. With that, it’s highly recommended to book accommodation nearby, especially if you’re planning to watch the sunrise early in the morning! 

In my case, since I only had a limited amount of time, I couldn’t get to watch the sunrise since I was only traveling the whole day. 

Ancient Giant Trees

Alishan is not just surrounded by mountains; it is also home to ancient trees, some of which are over 1,000 years old. The Alishan Sacred Tree Trail is a popular hiking trail where visitors can walk among these majestic giants. I was totally amazed at what the giant trees looked like! I literally enjoyed reading every description of the ancient trees I saw around the area. 

Sea of Clouds

If you’re planning to watch the sunrise, you’ll definitely get to experience the sea of clouds in Alishan. The sea of clouds often occurs in the early morning when clouds cover the valleys, creating a surreal and magical atmosphere.

Sister Ponds (Shoujhenxi)

 These two beautiful ponds are located within the park and offer serene and picturesque surroundings.

Alishan Cherry Blossoms

During the spring season, Alishan is adorned with cherry blossoms, attracting many visitors who come to witness the beautiful pink blooms. 

And yes! I was so grateful to have seen Alishan’s Cherry Blossom trees, and I even got to see the Cherry Blossom Tree that’s over a hundred years old!

Indigenous Culture 

Indigenous people live in the area surrounding Alishan National Park, and tourists can learn about their vibrant culture and traditions there.

Trails and Hiking

 There are numerous hiking trails of varying difficulty levels, offering visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of Alishan and its surroundings.

It’s important to note that Alishan’s weather can be changeable due to its high elevation, so visitors should be prepared for varying conditions. The park is well-equipped with visitor centers, accommodation options, and amenities to cater to tourists’ needs.

Expect a lot of walking and hiking around the area so make sure to wear comfortable clothes and bring a bottle of water since there’s going to be a lot of sweating!

My Thoughts on Visiting Alishan, Taiwan

When I arrived in Kaohsiung, I fell in love with the city at once, which gave me second thoughts about visiting Alishan National Park. I was even wondering if it was going to be worth visiting the national park since I’d only be there for a day. Upon consideration, I was so glad that I still pushed through going to Alishan. It was the best decision I’ve ever made! Well, that was the original plan, though. 

The Alishan National Scenic Area surpassed my expectations. I really didn’t expect it to be so amazing! No wonder this has to be one of the best destinations in Taiwan. A place that shouldn’t be missed! Also, it was my first time seeing the cherry blossom trees, which made me even more happy to be there. I’d definitely want to go back here, to experience the winter season! 

Note: If you’re considering staying in Kaohsiung too, you may book your accommodation at Jia’s Inn .

Frequently Asked Questions About Alishan

How much is the entrance fee to alishan .

Here are the following admission fees to Alishan National Park: 

• Full fare Ticket – 300
• Standard Discount Ticket – 150
• Half fare Ticket – 150
• Discount Ticket – 10

When is the best time to visit Alishan?

You can visit Alishan National Park all year. But the most recommended time to visit Alishan is from November to April. Take note that it’s rainy season in Taiwan from July to August. 

Can I visit Alishan for a day tour?  

Definitely! It is possible to go on a day tour to Alishan. Just be mindful of the shuttle bus schedules so that you won’t miss the bus going back to Chiayi City. 

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A 2024 Taiwan Travel Guide for Planning Your Trip

Last updated on Apr. 10, 2024 by Nick Kembel

Taiwan is a small island nation that packs a serious punch. At only 36,193 km², it is about the size of Vancouver Island in my native Canada, but home to a staggering 23.9 million people.

Do not be fooled by its compact size, however. There are many reasons to visit Taiwan : the tallest mountains in Northeast Asia, rich history & culture, welcoming locals, some of the best night markets and street food in the world – the list goes on. To get a better idea, see my ever-growing list of things to do in Taiwan .

I’ve lived in Taiwan for over 10 years. I’m married to a Taiwanese, and my two kids were born and raised in Taiwan. I’ve written articles about Taiwan for CNN, National Geographic Traveller, Discover Taipei, and Taiwan Travel Magazine, as well as my book, Taiwan in the Eyes of a Foreigner , which has sold more than 7000 copies.

This Taiwan travel guide links out to all of my most useful articles for planning a Taiwan trip. Here on my Taiwan travel blog, Spiritual Travels, you’ll find some of the most comprehensive Taiwan travel information Taiwan tourism details available in English online, all based on years of on-the-ground research. 

Let the below be your personal guide to traveling in Taiwan. I’ll be covering a wide variety of topics below, so use the table of contents to jump to the info you need! If you prefer Q&A format, you can find all the same info in these FAQs about Taiwan .

Table of Contents

Travel restrictions and visas.

As of October 13, 2022, Taiwan is totally open for travel. All COVID-related  travel restrictions  are finished.  That brought to an end the 938 days total that Taiwan’s borders were closed to some or all international tourists!

Currently, you just need to find out if your country is eligible for visa-free entry  (most are), and for how many days. If you need a visa for Taiwan, or want to stay for longer than the visa-free period, you’ll need to apply at the Taiwan office in your country before coming. 

Besides the visa, there are no special forms, tests, vaccines (these were never needed) for entering Taiwan. You just need to fill in the normal arrival card when you arrive, or do it online before you come. Note that some people have reported not receiving an email confirmation after filling in the online form, so you may want to just do it when you arrive in Taiwan. You can stay in any hotel or accommodation you want, including hostels (these weren’t allowed until March 20, 2023). 

The outdoor mask mandate ended in late 2022 and the indoor mask mandate ended in early 2023. Now, you only need to wear masks in medical facilities in Taiwan. However, many locals are still wearing them in public.

Following the April 2024 Hualien Earthquake , Taroko Gorge in Hualien is totally closed to visitors for an estimated 6 months to 1 year. Everywhere else in Taiwan is open as normal and fine to visit. Here’s my list of things you can still do in Hualien besides Taroko Gorge .

If you ever have any questions about anything related to traveling in Taiwan, you can call the 24-hour English tourist hotline at 0800-011765 (from outside Taiwan dial 886-800-011765). For COVID-specific questions, dial 1922 (from outside Taiwan dial 886-800-001922). 

A Guide to Taiwan’s Quarantine Hotels and COVID Travel Restrictions

Taiwan travel planning group.

The absolute best place you can go for any questions about planning your Taiwan trip is my free Facebook group, Taiwan Travel Planning .

Literally any question you have about traveling in Taiwan or planning your Taiwan trip will be answered within 1-2 days by me or other members of the group. I’m also happy to look over your itinerary and give you suggestions. Because I do spend a lot of time every day in the group answering questions, I’ve created this Buy Me a Coffee account for anyone who wants to say thanks (my readers requested this!)

Take a Tour or DIY Travel?

The main purpose of this page, my website, and my Facebook group is to help you plan a DIY trip to Taiwan. Taiwan is an incredibly safe and easy country to travel around. However, this does require some advance planning, especially as trains and hotels in popular destinations in Taiwan often sell out. Generally, Taiwan is not a very suitable country for just showing up and figuring it out once you get there. Even more so since COVID, advance bookings for almost everything are the norm. 

If you’re looking for a luxury, fully customized tour of Taiwan, I recommend Life of Taiwan . Their team of experts are some of the most knowledgeable in the industry. They provide personalized tea, food, cultural, or family tours of Taiwan and put you up in some of the country’s most exquisite hotels. If you contact them, please let them know that Nick sent you over!

For a hiking or adventure-focused tour, I recommend Taiwan Outdoors . The affiliated Park Bus Taiwan also provides awesome hiking day trips from the city.

If you’re in a rush and just want to see the best of Taiwan in a short period, I recommend this Taiwan 5-day tour . It doesn’t include Taipei, which is best visited in a day or two on your own before or after the tour.

I describe these and other tours in Taiwan in more detail here.

What most visitors to Taiwan do, however, is plan their trip on their own. The country’s amazing TRA train (round-island) and High Speed Rail (down the west coast from Taipei to Kaohsiung) systems are actually faster than driving. 

Then, when you get to your destination city, you can hire drivers for the day or go on guided day trips only when necessary. This is a very common approach, and there are numerous popular day trips and drivers available on Klook (sign up with this link for a TWD 100 credit in your account). You’ll find that I recommend Klook tours, drivers, car/scooter rentals, discounted attraction tickets, train tickets, and more throughout my Taiwan articles. There are many good deals on there, so you can save a lot of money by using the platform for planning your Taiwan trip.

And for truly DIY or budget travelers, you can certainly do it all on your own, especially with all the articles you’ll find on my website, covering how to visit almost every corner of Taiwan.

Renting a car is also a great option – read my tips for driving in Taiwan here and why I rented my car with Klook .

One good idea is to try one of these free Taipei waking tours on Day 1, then take it on your own from there!

Before Your Trip: Flights, Insurance, Apps, Guidebooks

If you’re coming from a country in Asia, there are numerous budget flights to Taiwan. I’ve prepared this list of the cheapest budget flights to Taiwan .

I’ve tried many different flight websites for finding long haul flights to Taiwan (I live in Canada). My two favorites are Kiwi.com and WayAway . I usually try both these sites when booking my Taiwan flights. They are often (but not alway) cheaper than booking directly with the airlines.

What I like about Kiwi.com is special features like searching not only your departure point but other cities nearby and being able to enter “anywhere” as a destination, and “anytime” as a flying time. For flexible travelers, this allows you to find the cheapest possible flights and dates without searching a million times. Unlike other aggregate flight sites, Kiwi includes budget airlines (many of which fly to Taipei!) and routes combining multiple airlines that are not affiliated.

WayAway is an even newer site and is now my favorite. Like Kiwi, it includes budget airlines, plus it displays awesome calendars showing the price of flights on every day. But the really special feature on WayAway, which will appeal to frequent travelers, is WayAway Plus. Basically, for a small annual fee, you can get cashback (like real cash, deposited to your account) not just for your flights but also any hotels you book through their system. Sign up with this link and you’ll get 10% off WayAway Plus !

Having said that, there are benefits to going with the airline directly, such as being able to easily contact them when needed. rather than going through a third party. China Airlines and Eva Airlines (the one with the Hello Kitty planes!) are two of Taiwan’s largest carriers.

For travel insurance , it’s pretty much a must nowadays. I recommend SafetyWing  or Insubuy . Find more details about why in my guide to choosing travel insurance for Taiwan .

Which apps should you download for Taiwan? I’ve got you covered in this guide to the best Taiwan apps for travelers.

Last but not least, I may be old school, but I still love using travel guidebooks for planning my Taiwan trips. My favorite is and always has been the Taiwan Lonely Planet (I have about 5 different issues of it). I also recommend the Bradt Taiwan , written by long-term Taiwan resident Steven Crook. He also co-authored this amazing book covering the history of Taiwanese food, which I highly recommend.

Moving to Taiwan?

If you’re planning on moving to Taiwan for work, family reasons, or simply because Taiwan is an awesome place to live, then you should head over to my novella-sized guide to living in Taiwan . 

In that article, I focus more on visa issues, getting a job in Taiwan, finding an apartment, making friends, and all other aspects of daily life in Taiwan, whereas below, I’ll stick mainly to things you need to know for traveling around Taiwan.

Taiwanese History & Culture

How much do you know about Taiwan? Having lived in Taiwan for many years and married a Taiwanese, I know for a fact that many people around the world know little to nothing about Taiwan. Even some of my friends and family members back home think it is the same as Thailand. For this reasons, I’ve even written this article to explain the differences between Taiwan and Thailand  as this one to share some fun and interesting facts about Taiwan .

Taiwan is a small island nation in East Asia. Culturally, it is usually considered part of Northeast Asia, but geographically, some argue that it is closer to Southeast Asia. Taiwan was the original homeland of the Austronesian people, who went on to populate many islands of the Pacific in canoes. Today, their descendants include the 16 recognized aboriginal tribes of Taiwan .

Taiwan was briefly colonized by the Dutch and Spanish, while the Portuguese famously called it “Formosa”, or “beautiful island”, a name which stuck for centuries. Over the last 500 years, millions of people have migrated to Taiwan from China, especially Fujian province in the southeast. That’s why the local language of Taiwan, “Taiwanese” , is also called Minnan; it is the same as the Chinese dialect spoken in the Minnan region of Fujian. Taiwan remained on the fringe of Chinese imperial influence for centuries, then fell to Japanese occupation from 1895 to 1945.

In the Chinese Civil War, the nationalist KMT party of the Republic of China lost to the Communist Party in 1949 and fled to Taiwan, along with millions of Chinese soldiers and refugees from all over China, bringing their language (Mandarin), food, and culture. They thought they’d take back China someday, but they never did. That’s why Taiwan is still officially (and confusingly) called Republic of China, but their passports now finally say “Taiwan” in bigger letters . In 2000, the DPP were the first non-KMT party to win an election in Taiwan. Current President Tsai Ing-wen belongs to the independence-leaning DPP party.

The relationship between Taiwan and China remains complex and is the source of much tension. China claims that Taiwan is a province of China and bullies Taiwan from entering the UN and WHO, and from using the word “Taiwan” in international events like the Olympics (they have to call their team “Chinese Taipei”. But most Taiwanese consider Taiwan independent, and anyone who has been to both countries knows just how different they are. Few countries officially recognize Taiwan, but it acts as an independent country in virtually every way.

Today Taiwan is a modern, vibrant democracy with a free press. It is known for its welcoming people, efficiency, safety, and incredible street food. It has been chosen as the top country in the world for expats . It was also the first country in Asia to legalize equal (gay) marriage rights. Taiwan was one of the success stories in its handling of the COVID pandemic. Also read about some of the most famous people from Taiwan here .

Should you tip in Taiwan? Most often the answer is no. Learn all about Taiwan’s money and currency here .

Thailand vs. Taiwan: What’s the Difference?

Taiwanese food.

One of the great pleasures of visiting Taiwan is enjoying the country’s incredible food. Indeed, may travelers from Asian country’s come to Taiwan JUST for the food. Taiwanese is especially known for its incredible variety of cheap and delicious street food .

The best place to try Taiwanese street food is in night markets. Every city in the country has a night market (here are the best night markets across Taiwan ), while Taipei has more than 50. Here I introduce the best night markets in Taipei , night markets in Taichung ,  night markets in Tainan , and night markets in Kaohsiung . Also don’t miss my favorite night market in the country, Keelung Night Market !

Besides street food, some restaurant experiences you may want to enjoy in Taiwan are DIY barbecue joints, all-you-can-eat hot pot, quick fry (a kind of local eatery suitable for groups, and with lots of cheap dishes meant for sharing, with lots of beer), and Din Tai Fung, the country’s most famous restaurant, which specializes in xiaolongbao (soup dumplings). In this article, I recommend 80+ of my favorite restaurants in Taipei , arranged by style, and the best restaurants open all night in Taipei here !

Seafood lovers should also visit Addiction Aquatic Development , an upscale gourmet seafood market in Taipei, or consider visiting one of the country’s many port markets.

For vegetarians and vegans, I’ve got all the tips you need in my guide to being vegan or vegetarian in Taiwan , how to find vegetarian food in night markets , and the best vegetarian restaurants in Taipei .

Last but not least, don’t forget about Taiwanese snacks ! These make the perfect food souvenirs.

Besides all the articles below, I’ve got several newer food and night markets guides here  on my other website, TaiwanObsessed.

The Top 9 Night Markets in Kaohsiung (& what to eat at each one!)

A Guide to Feasting at Fengchia Night Market in Taichung

Ximending Food Guide: What to Eat & Best Restaurants (2024 updated)

20 Best Night Markets in Taipei (+ What To Eat at Each One!)

The 80 Best Restaurants in Taipei (by food type!)

The “Big 5” Night Markets in Taichung (+ What to Eat at Each One!)

How to Binge Eat Your Way Through Keelung Night Market

What to Eat at Addiction Aquatic Development, Taipei’s Seafood Mecca

Anping Old Street (& other things to do in Anping, Tainan)

The “Big Five” Night Markets in Tainan & What to Eat at Each One

Shenkeng Old Street: A Food Tour of Taipei’s Stinky Tofu Village

Yongkang Street, Taipei for Foodies: Best Teahouses, Mango Ice, and More

Taiwan Street Food Bucket List: 101 Taiwanese Foods To Try

A Food Tour of Burma Street in Zhonghe, New Taipei City

When to visit taiwan.

Deciding on a season or month for your trip to Taiwan is the first step to planning your Taiwan travels, and thus the first topic to cover in this Taiwan traveling guide. To make things easier, I’ve written this dedicated guide to the best time to visit Taiwan . In it, you’ll find a description of every season and month of the year in Taiwan, and links to my 12 individual guides for visiting Taiwan in every month of the year. I update these articles constantly to add upcoming events and Taiwan travel news.

To summarize that article for you here, there’s no real “high” or “low” season for travel to Taiwan; each season of the year comes with some ups and downs. Summer is extremely hot and humid and comes with the chance of typhoons, but it’s also the best time for Taiwan’s beaches , outlying islands , and water-based activities.

Meanwhile, winter can be gray and chilly, but is the best time for hot springs and seeing cherry blossoms. Be careful if planning a trip around Chinese New Year , as many things will close (see my list of attractions and what days they close ), and it can be really difficult to travel around when half the country is on the road. Spring has warm weather but also a mini rain season, while autumn is my personal favorite for these reasons .

Below you’ll also find my individual guides to each season in Taiwan. But don’t fret too much about it; if you can only visit at a certain time of the year, there’s really no bad time to be in Taiwan!

The Best Time to Visit Taiwan: A Month-by-Month Guide

2024 Chinese New Year in Taiwan: Tips for Visiting & Things to Do

Summer in Taiwan: Everything You Need to Know

Winter in Taiwan (Xmas, NYE, LNY & Where to See Snow!)

Spring in Taiwan: Everything You Need to Know

Autumn in Taiwan: Everything You Need to Know

Best taiwan travel deal.

Who doesn’t want to find a good deal when traveling to Taiwan? Here are some of the websites and services I regularly use for planning my Taiwan travels:

• Klook : Get big discounts on everything from High Speed Rail & attraction tickets to restaurant vouchers and guided tours. Sign up with this link to get a free TWD100 credit !
• KKday : While Klook is a Hong Kong compared, KKday is the Taiwan version of it. Some activities are the same as Klook, while some are unique. I prefer Klook because KKday sometimes has poor English, but I still sometimes use KKday for things that Klook doesn’t have. 
• Booking : My preferred site for finding the best hotel deals in Taiwan.
• Agoda : Some users say they find cheaper prices on Agoda for Asian destinations, including Taiwan.
• Cookly : Find the best cooking courses in Taiwan.

These are some examples of great travel deals you can find on Klook:

Taiwan Travel Passes

One way to save money on travel around the world nowadays is by using city travel passes. Taiwan has a few available, but in order for them to actually save you money, you have to understand how they work, and get the right one for your needs.

Here are some travel passes in Taiwan that you may consider getting:

Taiwan Fun Passes

These 1 to 3-day passes include all transportation in and around Taipei, entrance fees to a long list of attractions, and some tourist shuttle buses for day trips out of Taipei. The most popular one is the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass , which you can buy here .

Read my detailed review of all the Taipei Fun Passes to see how they work and determine if any of them will be worth it for your Taiwan trip. It only makes sense to get one if you plan to do a lot of sightseeing and MRT riding in Taipei in 1-3 days. Otherwise, I recommend just getting an EasyCard.

You’ll get a TWD 100 credit toward your Fun Pass if you sign up for Klook with this link first before booking!

I haven’t reviewed it yet, but there is a new Klook Taipei Pass . This one is for attractions only, but you have more time to use it, so it’s better for people who will have more time in the city.

Don’t confuse Taipei Fun Passes with the EasyCard , which is what everyone in Taipei uses to swipe onto the MRT and city buses. Read my detailed EasyCard guide for more info than I’ll provide here.

Taipei Fun Passes are designed for tourists, while the EasyCard is a reloadable card used by everyone else, including tourists who don’t get a Taipei Fun Pass. They cost TWD 100 (you can no longer get this deposit back), plus whatever money you load onto them. You can swipe them to ride the MRT in Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung, all city buses in Taiwan, some ferries, and to pay for taxis, items in convenience stores, and more. 

You can get an EasyCard from any MRT station, including the Taoyuan Airport MRT station, and load money onto it.  You can also order an EasyCard for pickup when you arrive in Taiwan . 

Sun Moon Lake Passes

The other place you will find travel passes in Taiwan is at Sun Moon Lake , one of the country’s most popular attractions (we’ll get to those below). There are numerous Sun Moon Lake passes to choose from, and you can buy them from 7-Eleven iBon machines or from train stations in Taichung, the nearest major city.

Like the Taipei Fun Passes, these only save you money if you use them for enough avtivities. Most also include transportation to and from Taichung.

Learn all about the passes and how to use them in my Sun Moon Lake Pass review . Note that these pass prices and what they include are often changing.

Taipei Fun Pass: Is it Worth the Money?

Sun Moon Lake Pass: Is it Worth the Money? (updated 2024)

Best sim card and wifi device.

There’s no doubt that having an Internet connection while traveling in Taiwan is super convenient. You can check GoogleMaps to find the way, communicate with hotels, find bus times, etc. Nowadays, it’s pretty much essential. 

A SIM card is the best idea in my opinion, but some people also go for an eSIM like this or pocket Wifi device . I compare all three in my guides to SIMs for Taiwan and eSIMs for Taiwan . 

I recommend pre-ordering your SIM card for pickup when you arrive at Taoyuan International Airport. If you go with a WiFi device, then I recommend this one . Note the pick up times – if you arrive in the middle of the night, you may have to pick one up in the city.

You’ll get a TWD 100 credit toward your Taiwan SIM card or WiFi device if you  sign up for Klook with this link  first before booking it.

Another option that I have yet to fully understand myself is  eSIMs for Taiwan  – especially considering that the newest iPhones don’t even have SIM card slots anymore. If you are tech-savvy, check them out!

Taipei: The Tantalizing Capital of Taiwan

In some countries, you want to get out of the capital as soon as you arrive. This is not the case with Taipei . For most visitors to Taiwan, I recommend budgeting at least two full days for Taipei City alone, plus add 1-2 more days for day trips from Taipei (even more if you can!)

Taipei is always buzzing with activity; by day, you’ve got atmospheric historical neighborhoods to explore, towering Taipei 101, landmark Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Beitou Hot Springs, Maokong Gondola, Longshan Temple , and hikes in the hills (and volcanoes!) surrounding the city. After the sun goes down, it’s time to eat ’til you drop in the city’s famed night markets : the most famous ones are Shilin, Raohe, Ningxia, Tonghua, Nanjichang, and Huaxi Night Market .

As if that weren’t enough, Taipei is incredibly safe, and getting around is a breeze on the MRT, one of the best metro systems in the world.

Things to Do & Taipei Itineraries

Here is the most popular article on my website: 50+ awesome things to do in Taipei . For the less famous spots, see my off-the-beaten-track guide to Taipei . Below I’ve also linked to all my Taipei articles.

Besides the below articles, I’ve also got guides to spending one day in Taipei and how to plan a Taipei layover on my other website, TaiwanObsessed.

50 Unmissable Things to Do in Taipei in 2024

How to Spend 2 Awesome Days in Taipei

How to Spend 3 Awesome Days in Taipei

How to Spend 4 Awesome Days in Taipei

The above itineraries will make things easier for those will little time for planning. But my recommendations for Taipei don’t stop there.

For people who want to dig a little deeper and further customize the Taipei portion of their Taiwan trip, here some useful resources that further explore how much Taipei has to offer, including its best temples , night markets , hikes , and beaches .

Also see the my post below for the best times of the year to visit Taipei; the weather of Taipei is quite different to that of other parts of Taiwan, so if your trip to Taiwan is mainly focused on Taipei, you’ll find this article more useful than my “Best time to visit Taiwan” article I linked to above.

The Best Time to Visit Taipei City: An Insider’s Guide

Hiking in Taipei: My 21 Favorite Taipei Hikes

The Best Cat Cafes in Taipei, the Birthplace of Cat Cafe Culture

30 Jaw-Dropping Temples in Taipei and New Taipei City

7 Beaches around Taipei You Can’t Miss

Coolest neighborhoods & where to stay.

Deciding where to stay in Taipei can be rather intimidating, as there are so many cool neighborhoods to choose from.

Let me make life easier for you by breaking it down to the best neighborhoods to stay in Taipei , with my hotel recommendations for each one. For each area of Taipei, I’ve included hotel recommendations for budget, mid-range, and luxury travelers, also pointing out which ones are suitable for travelers with kids. I’ve also got specific guides to the best hostels and luxury hotels in Taipei.

Besides my “where to stay in Taipei” article below, I’ve got detailed guides to some of my personal favorite neighborhoods in Taipei: Beitou for hot springs, historic Dadaocheng , and funky, gay-friendly Ximending . Start planning your walking tours with these guides!

If you have a very early or late flight, here are my recommended hotels in and around Taoyuan Airport .

Where to Stay in Taipei in 2024 (by area & budget)

The Ultimate Beitou Hot Spring Guide (2024 info!)

A Guide to Dihua Street in Dadaocheng, Taipei’s Oldest Street

30 Fun (& WEIRD) Things to Do in Ximending, Taipei

Day trips from taipei.

When deciding how long to stay in Taipei, you have to factor in that there some really incredible day trips from the city!

I normally recommend that, if you can, dedicate two full days to exploring Taipei, then another one or two days for day trips. If you only have one day in your Taiwan travel plan to do a day trip from Taipei, I would suggest that you plan it carefully. This way, you’ll be able to squeeze in several of my recommended 40 day trip ideas into one day.

The following five stops are some of the most popular day trips from Taipei, and since they are all fairly close together, you can combine them into one killer day trip from Taipei. There are even some shuttle buses deals like this that can make this even easier to accomplish.

• Jiufen : A former gold mining town on top of a mountain, famous for its atmospheric staircases and teahouses
• Shifen Waterfall : The widest in Taiwan, accessed from a cute train station where people set off sky lanterns
• Houtong : The “Cat Village”, literally a village full of cats
• Keelung : A harbor city with the best night market in Taiwan, forts, beach, and more
• Yehliu Geopark : Odd, wind-blown rock formations on the coast
• Tamsui : A popular riverside promenade with unique foods, beaches, and picturesque colonial forts

If you don’t want to drive or figure out public transportation, there’s an awesome English service called Parkbus Taiwan , which takes guests on day trips from the city for hiking and other activities. Use my discount code “ Spiritual10 ” at checkout to get 10% (may not be available for some events). 

There are practically unlimited day trip possibilities from Taipei. This is why myself and so many other expats love living in Taipei; you get the excitement of the city, but you can go somewhere different every weekend. Because Taiwan is so small, and thanks to its amazing transportation system and the High Speed Rail, you can go almost anywhere in Taiwan in a day or weekend trip. 

20+ Fun Things to Do in Keelung, Northern Taiwan’s Port City

40 Day Trips from Taipei You Can’t Miss

Getting from Taipei to Jiufen and Shifen (with pictures and times)

Jiufen Old Street: A 2024 Guide to this Classic Taipei Day Trip

Tamsui, Taiwan: Fishermen’s Wharf, Old Street, & other Things to Do

Wulai Hot Spring & Old Street: A 2024 Guide

Planning your trip around taiwan.

One of the hardest parts of planning a Taiwan trip is mapping out the perfect Taiwan travel itinerary .

What a lot of people do is book their trip first, and then realize they didn’t budget enough time for everything they want to see. Moreover, some of the best things to do in Taiwan are on opposite coasts, with 3000-meter mountains between them!

For example, many people only schedule around one week for their Taiwan trip. Then they decide they want to visit Taipei, Taroko Gorge on the east coast, and Sun Moon Lake and/or Alishan , which are in Central Taiwan but accessed from the west coast. On the map, these three top scenic attractions in Taiwan look fairly close together. But guess what? There are no buses that cross the Central Mountain Range of Taiwan. You can do it in a car, but the road is super winding and takes a long time.

So what I see a lot of visitors doing is going from Taipei to Taroko Gorge first (2.5 to 4 hours on the train, one way). Then they have to return to Taipei, and then travel a similar amount of time down the west coast to reach Sun Moon Lake and/or Alishan. It’s certainly possible, but it means you have to use up an entire day of your trip on the road.

How can you resolve this common Taiwan travel dilemma? I feel the answer is in planning your trip better before you book it, so that you can budget enough days to travel all the way around Taiwan and see everything that you want to without rushing. Which leads to the next important question: 

How Long Do I Need to Visit Taiwan?

With a week or less, you will probably only have time to visit Taipei, including some day trips, and perhaps do a 1 or 2-night trip to Taroko Gorge on the East Coast, or Taichung, Sun Moon Lake, and/or Alishan in Central Taiwan (and this would be really rushed).

If you want to do a full circle around Taiwan, these are the most obvious destinations along the way, going in a clockwise direction around Taiwan by riding the train: Taipei, Hualien (Taroko Gorge), Taitung, Kaohsiung, Tainan, Alishan, Sun Moon Lake, Taichung, and back to Taipei.

To do this, you are going to need two weeks or more . With exactly two weeks, you may even have to cut out one or two of the above stops, otherwise you’ll just be checking in and out of hotels every day or two.

With even more time, you can be less rushed, and potentially add more stops, such as the beaches of Kenting on the southern tip of the island (as a side trip from Kaohsiung), Lukang, spend more time in laid-back Taitung, or visit some of the offshore islands, like Green Island, Orchid Island, or Penghu. This is why I think 3 weeks is a great amount of time for visiting Taiwan, and if you can go even longer, all the better!

Taiwan Travel Itineraries

Here are my recommend itineraries for traveling around Taiwan.

The five-day itinerary is for a very short visit, while the second article provides Taiwan itineraries for 1, 2, or 3 weeks. These are tried-and-tested itineraries that I have done in some form or another several times, including with my kids (see more on that below)!

The itineraries for 2 weeks and up involve doing a full circle around Taiwan mostly by train, with a few buses as well. See the end of this article for more information on transportation options for getting around Taiwan.

A Taiwan Itinerary for 1, 2, or 3 weeks (Slow & Fast Options!)

A Simple Taipei & Taiwan 5 Day Itinerary

Visiting taiwan with kids.

My kids Sage and Lavender were born and spent the first handful of years of their life in Taiwan. They’ve seen more of the country than most visitors ever will!

Below are my super detailed guides to visiting Taipei with kids and how to plan a complete circle around Taiwan with kids . The latter article is very similar to my above Taiwan itinerary for 1-3 weeks, but with tweaks along the way to focus on sights that my kids loved the most, as well as recommendations for kid-friendly hotels in each stop along the way. On my other website, I have an even newer article, our favorite places to visit in Taiwan with our kids .

You may also be interested in the best amusement parks in Taiwan , where to see capybaras in Taiwan , and my guide to Yilan, the “kid-friendly county” .

Taiwan with Kids: How to Plan a Round-Island Trip

Taipei with Kids in 2024: Ideas from a Local Family

Best attractions around taiwan.

When trying to decide which destinations in Taiwan to include on your itinerary, it will be useful to take a deeper look at each of them to decide which ones are for you.

I’ll start with a list of some of the top scenic attractions. These five are the most common stops that people include on their Taiwan itineraries. I’ll follow that up with the best cities in Taiwan besides Taipei, best hot springs in Taiwan, best off-the-beaten track places to visit, and finally the  offshore islands of Taiwan . Again, these are described in clockwise order going around Taiwan.

Top Scenic Attractions in Taiwan

• Taroko Gorge : dramatic canyon in beautiful Hualien County  (currently closed indefinitely due to April 2024 earthquake)
• Taitung : Laid-back, rural corner of Taiwan, including the famous Brown Boulevard Cycling Path
• Kenting : Beaches on the southern tip of Taiwan
• Alishan : Mountain resort in Nantou famous for huge trees, high mountain tea, and sunrises above seas of clouds. Don’t miss the bamboo forests in Fenqihu and tea plantations in Shizhuo and Eryanping !
• Cingjing (Qingjing) Farm : A high mountain farm and resort village that looks like a slice of Europe in Taiwan
• Hehuanshan : The best place to see snow in Taiwan (usually possible in January to March)
• Yushan : Tallest mountain in Taiwan and Northeast Asia, requires permits and planning to climb
• Sun Moon Lake : Beautiful lake surrounded by mountains

Here are my extremely detailed guides to the ones that almost all visitors try to include on their Taiwan travel itinerary:

A 2024 Guide to Taroko Gorge and Taroko National Park

Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan: A 2024 Visitors’ Guide

A Guide to Chishang, Taitung and Cycling Brown Boulevard

Alishan, Taiwan: A Super Detailed 2024 Guide

40 Unmissable Things to Do in Hualien, Taiwan

30 Incredible Things to Do in Taitung, Southeastern Taiwan

Best cities in taiwan.

Besides Taipei, which is a given, city lovers are going to find there are a few other cities they may want to include on their Taiwan travel itinerary. You can see my above-linked Taiwan travel itineraries to see how to fit these cities into your schedule.

Since there is one only train line around Taiwan, you’ll have to pass through all of them anyway if doing a full circuit around Taiwan. Since most cities in Taiwan are located on the developed west coast, the below are in counter-clockwise order. The varying time to reach them depends on whether you take the regular train/bus or the much faster High Speed Rail.

• New Taipei City : Taiwan’s largest city literally surrounds Taipei and is home to many of the most popular day trips from Taipei .
• Taoyuan : Best known for the international airport, consider stopping here to visit the impressive Xpark Aquarium on the way to/from the airport.
• Taichung : 1 – 2 hours south of Taipei on the west coast and the largest city in central Taiwan. Known for its artistic attractions like Rainbow Village , Gaomei Wetland , and as the birthplace of pearl milk tea.
• Lukang : 2-3 hours south of Taipei. Historic city famous for its traditional culture, food, and Old Street, and home to one of the most important temples in the country.
• Tainan : 1.75 – 5 hours south of Taipei on the west coast of southern Taiwan. Former capital of Taiwan famous for its temples , night markets , and considered by locals as the food capital of Taiwan.
• Kaohsiung : 2 – 6 hours south of Taipei in the southwest of Taiwan and end of the High Speed Rail line. Port city known for its revitalized harbor front, night markets , street art and Pier 2 Art Center , and the largest Buddhist monastery in Taiwan, Foguangshan . Here are my recommended hotels in Kaohsiung .
• Hualien : 2.5 – 4 hours from Taipei, only major city on the wild, scenic east coast of Taiwan. Mostly people stay in the city to visit nearby Taroko Gorge, but the city has a good night market and opportunities to experience Taiwanese aboriginal culture, such as this aboriginal cooking course .
• Taitung : 3.5 – 6 hours from Taipei, small city known for its aboriginal culture and end-point of most road trips down the east coast of Taiwan

Lukang Old Street (& other Things to Do in Lukang, Taiwan)

Gaomei Wetlands in Taichung: A Detailed Visitor’s Guide

A Detailed Hualien Itinerary for 1-4 Days

Fo Guang Shan, Kaohsiung: How to Visit and Stay at Taiwan’s Biggest Monastery

70 Things to Do in Tainan, Taiwan’s Ancient Capital

Our Visit to Rainbow Village Taichung (before it was destroyed)

50+ Things to Do in Kaohsiung, Southern Taiwan

A Guide to Pier 2 Art Center in Kaohsiung City’s Harbor

25 Unique Things to Do in Taichung, Taiwan

20+ Awe-Inspiring Temples in Tainan, Taiwan

Best hot springs in taiwan.

I happen to be a hot spring lover. Because Taiwan sits on the meeting point of two major tectonic plates, the island is geologically active, with dormant volcanoes and over 100 major hot springs! The most famous is surely Beitou Hot Spring in Taipei , while Wulai , Jiaoxi , and Jinshan can be visited as day trips from Taipei.

Here is my detailed guide to the 20 best hot springs in Taiwan , including information on hot spring etiquette.

The 20 Best Hot Springs in Taiwan for a Blissful Winter Soak

Jiaoxi Hot Spring: A Guide to My Favorite Spa Village in Taiwan

Lovely Tai’an Hot Spring in Miaoli, Taiwan

Wenshan Hot Spring: Taroko Gorge’s Spectacular Secret

Off-the-beaten-track places to visit in taiwan.

Just to make things more difficult for you, besides the many must-see places to visit in Taiwan I mentioned above, which already require at least two weeks to visit, there are loads of off-the-beaten-path destinations that are just as worthwhile.

Serious off-the-beaten track travelers should head to my other site, where I’ve got guides to relatively unexplored cities and counties like Taoyuan , Hsinchu , Yilan , Miaoli , Changhua , Yunlin , and Pingtung . I’ve also got this guide to  off-the-beaten-track things to do in Taipei .

The below are articles cover some of the more remote or less visited (by foreign tourists) places in Taiwan. These are just the tip of the iceberg, but they are some of my personal favorites.

Depending on what kind of traveler you are, these may appeal to you more than the “must see” attractions I covered above!

The Stunning East Coast of Taiwan Part 1: Yilan to Hualien and Taroko Gorge

Is Sicao Green Tunnel in Tainan Worth the Trip?

Strawberry Picking at a Strawberry Farm in Dahu, Taiwan

The Stunning Qigu Salt Mountain and Jingzijiao Wapan Salt Fields in Tainan

50+ Fun Things to Do in Yilan, Taiwan (2024 Updated!)

Quirky Xitou Monster Village in Nantou, Taiwan

A Guide to Luye & the Taitung Hot Air Balloon Festival 2024

A Guide to Dulan, Taitung: Taiwan’s Coolest Beach Hangout

The Stunning East Coast of Taiwan Part 2: Hualien to Taitung and Kenting

Anping Tree House: How to Visit this Must-See Tainan Attraction

The offshore islands of taiwan.

Yet another list of places you’ll want to visit during your Taiwan travels is the offshore islands. However, a visit to any of the offshore islands is like a trip within a Taiwan trip; visiting most of them involves a little more planning and time. 

There are about half a dozen main ones to choose from. Also, the offshore islands are best visited in spring, summer (high season due to domestic tourists, but can be very hot), and early fall. In winter, they become very windy (especially Penghu) and/or many traveler’s services totally shut down (especially Orchid Island ).

The first four below are most commonly reached by ferry, with Xiao Liuqiu being the closest to the Taiwan mainland. Orchid Island also has the option of flights in very small airplanes from Taitung, while Penghu has regular flights from Taipei and other cities in Taiwan. Kinmen and Matsu are much closer to China than Taiwan (they are so close to it that you can see China from their shores), so they require flights.

Here are the small islands of Taiwan that you may want to visit someday.

• Green Island : Off Taitung’s coast, best for scenery and snorkeling or scuba diving, and a saltwater hot spring.
• Orchid Island : Harder to reach/plan, and home to Taiwan’s most remote aboriginal tribe.
• Xiao Liuqiu : Snorkeling with sea turtles, and easily done as a day trip from Kaohsiung. 
• Cijin : A long, skinny island protecting Kaohsiung’s huge harbor.
• Penghu : Best for beaches, sailing, island hopping and a fireworks festival.
• Kinmen : Much closer to China than Taiwan, known for military history and Kaohliang, a strong liquor.
• Matsu : Also very close to China, known for its tunnels and forts.

Orchid Island, Taiwan: A Detailed 2024 Guide

How to Visit Cijin Island in Kaohsiung City’s Port

A 2024 Guide to Xiaoliuqiu Island, a Turtle Spotting Hot Spot

A 2024 Guide to Penghu Islands, Taiwan’s Offshore Paradise

Transportation: how to get around taiwan.

Taiwan has an amazing transportation system, and getting around the country is a breeze thanks to its extremely reliable metros, buses, and railway systems.

It is still important to understand some things about getting around Taiwan, though, in order to avoid disruptions on your trip (like finding out all the trains to your next stop are sold out!)

If you follow my Taiwan itineraries, you’ll mostly be taking trains around Taiwan, with some exceptions. Getting to Alishan is more complicated, as it can involve a train, bus, or combination of the two. Sun Moon Lake and Kenting are also only accessed by bus. Luckily, you don’t need to book any of these bus rides in advance.

See here if you’d like to find a private driver in Taiwan .

Getting Around Taipei

Upon arriving at Taoyuan International Airport, you can takes a bus (TWD135, 1 hour), the new Airport MRT (TWD 165, 35-50 min), or a taxi (TWD1000-1500, 45 min to 1 hr) to Taipei.

I recommended  pre-booking a private transfer to your hotel , which is usually a little cheaper than taking a taxi. Also see my more detailed guide to getting from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei . If your flight is very early or late, stay in one of these airport hotels .

The MRT is the lifeline and pride of Taipei. It is considered one of the best metro systems in the world. You’ll love it, and use it to get almost everywhere you go in Taipei.

In order to ride the MRT, it’s best to get an EasyCard from any station (or order it before your trip ) and load some money onto it. This makes it easy to swipe in & out. You have to pay a TWD non-refundable deposit plus however much you want to load onto the card.

The EasyCard also works for buses and taxis in Taipei, ferries in Tamsui, and local buses in cities across the country. It can also be used on the Taichung and Kaohsiung MRT, and regular/local train tickets between cities that don’t require seat reservations. Note that for most long distance buses or trains, you won’t be able to use it.

Taxis are also cheap and plentiful in Taipei. Taipei has Uber, too, but it often isn’t any cheaper than taxis. Taxi drivers speak varying levels of English, and some not at all, so it’s a good idea to have your destination written in Mandarin when taking local taxis. Taxi drivers in Taiwan are honest and won’t try to scam you or rip you off.

Taking the Regular Train (TRA) around Taiwan

The regular (TRA) train does a full circle around Taiwan. Tickets can be booked online  up to exactly 28 days in advance (or 29 days for Saturday trips and 30 days for Sunday trips). See details and screenshots for how to book train tickets online or on the app .

Trains sell out in Taiwan very often, especially on weekends and holidays. Sometimes they even sell out minutes after they go on sale, such as for long weekends, or for very popular rides (like the express train from Taipei to Hualien/Taroko Gorge).

For this reason, it’s very important to book your tickets in advance. Note that 28 days in advance means the tickets go on sale at precisely 12:00 a.m. (midnight). For example, if you want to travel on September 28, you should try to book your ticket at 12:00 a.m. on September 1, which is actually the night of August 31, Taiwan time of course.

If your train sells out, don’t freak out. You can always buy standing tickets on most trains. A lot of people do this, and just stand in the aisle or sit on the floor between train cars (see which ones below). It’s not comfortable for a long ride, but at least you’ll get there. Another option is to try a different time, or take a bus (but beware that there are very few buses running down the east coast).

Note that you are allowed to eat and drink on trains in Taiwan, and they all have toilets on board. You can even discreetly drink a beer on Taiwan trains, although most train station 7-Elevens no longer sell them. But be warned that Taiwanese people tend to be very quiet (and often sleep) on buses and trains, and they don’t appreciate noisy passengers. To be respectful, keep talking to a whisper, or just don’t talk at all. I can’t say how many times we have been “shhed” just for having a conversation at a reasonable volume on buses or trains in Taiwan.

There are different types of TRA trains in Taiwan, and it’s useful to know the names of them when searching for train times. Here they are:

• Local Train (區間車): Slowest, stops at every small stop, cheapest, least comfortable, and you can sit or stand anywhere. Buy ticket at station or swipe with EasyCard.
• Chu Kuang Express (莒光號): Regular trains that circle around Taiwan. Reserved seats, but you can always buy standing tickets from the train station ticket window.
• Tze-Chiang (Express / 自強號 ): Same as the above, but faster and fewer stops. Standing tickets also possible.
• Taroko / Puyuma Express (太魯閣號): Super express train from Taipei to Taroko Gorge/Hualien. Reserved seats only, and always sells out very quickly.
• Tze Chiang Lmt. Express 3000 ( 自強EMU3000 ): A new express train that is also reserved seats only.

The High Speed Rail (HSR)

Taiwan has a Japanese-made high speed rail (HSR) sytem. The single line has 12 stops along the highly developed west coast of Taiwan, from Taipei city in the north to Kaohsiung city (called Zuoying Station) in the south. 

The first station in Taipei is Nangang, while Taipei Main Station is the most useful, and connects to the Taipei City MRT, regular (TRA) trains, and Airport MRT. Banqiao is located in New Taipei City (the large city that surrounds Taipei City), and Taoyuan is close to the Taoyuan International Airport. To get to Taoyuan HSR station from the airport, you have to ride the Airport MRT a few stops in the opposite direction from Taipei.

Generally speaking, HSR tickets costs about twice as much as the regular train, but get you there twice as fast.

It’s important to note, however, that in most cities, the HSR station is located outside of the city center, just like airports tend to be, so you have to factor in time (and money) to get to the city center once you arrive. This is the case for every stop except for Taipei.

In some cases, though, the location of the HSR station can be more useful. For example, in Taichung, the HSR station is closer to Rainbow Village, and has direct buses to Sun Moon Lake. Similarly, in Chiayi, you can catch a bus directly from the HSR station to Alishan, and thus avoid going into Chiayi City. In Kaohsiung, the HSR station is right beside Lotus Lake, one of the city’s top attractions. To get to the Kaohsiung City center, you just have to hop onto the KMRT.

You can buy HSR tickets online up to 28 days in advance, and buying them early usually gets you an early bird price. 

You can also buy discounted HSR tickets on Klook  – buying them here allows you to get the early bird discount even when you’ve missed it on the official site. Note that if you buy your tickets on Klook, you have to follow the instructions provided to actually book your seat after you receive the voucher. You can do this online or in person at the station. You’ll need to show your passport. Note that this Klook deal is for short term tourists only; residents/ARC-holders aren’t supposed to buy them.

Unlike TRA trains, the HSR has three cars (#10-12) of unreserved seats. This means you can show up at an HSR station anytime and buy an unreserved ticket at full price from one of the machines. These never sell out.

You aren’t guaranteed a seat, but you can often get one. The only time when demand is crazy high is Lunar New Year and on long weekends, and even then, we’ve always managed to get on without waiting too long.

Special Trains in Taiwan

Besides MRTs (city metros), TRA trains, and the HSR, there are a few special small-gauge train lines in Taiwan. Mostly these are restored old trains that run along former logging lines, built by the Japanese when they were logging during their colonial rule of Taiwan. They tend to be fun and highly scenic rides for tourists.

Here are some of these special small train lines that you may encounter or seek out on your trip:

• Pingxi Line : this small train line provides access to some of the most popular day trips from Taipei, including Houtong, Shifen, and Pingxi. Most people board it at Ruifang, which has direct connections to Taipei by bus or TRA train.
• Alishan Forest Railway : This is the most interesting way to get from the city of Chiayi to the mountain resort of Alishan. However, the final section was destroyed in a typhoon, so you have to take a bus for the final leg. There are also parts of the train line running to scenic spots within Alishan National Scenic Area. You can find all the relevant information in my guide to getting to Alishan .
• Neiwan, Jiji, and Bong Bong Lines : These are three more scenic small train lines that far few foreign tourists ever make it to. They are in Hsinchu, Changhua, and Yilan (on top of Taipingshan Mountain), respectively. 

Buses in Taiwan

There are some cases where you will need to take buses in Taiwan. Here are a few common routes that many visitors take: 

• In Taipei City, you’ll need to take buses for getting to Yangmingshan National Park or to National Palace Museum
• You’ll also need to ride buses to popular day trip places in New Taipei City, like for getting to Jiufen or Yehliu Geopark. You can swipe EasyCard for all of the above.
• Buses are the only direct way for getting from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake , Sun Moon Lake to Alishan , and Chiayi to Alishan . Click these links to find out how to book them.
• You’ll also need to ride the Kenting Express bus from Kaohsiung to Kenting National Park .
• Buses also run between all major cities on the west coast of Taiwan. They are cheaper but usually a little slower than the train. There are no buses from Taipei to Hualien on the east coast.

Final Thoughts on Planning a Taiwan Trip

Well, I hope you’ve found more than enough information in my Taiwan travel blog for planning your trip. Taiwan remains largely closed to international visitors for the time being, but hopefully big changes are on the horizon.

Please feel free to check back again, as I’m constantly updating my Taiwan travel content to reflect the current situation. And if you’ve got any questions, please join my Taiwan Travel Planning group and I’ll answer them there!

TAIPEI TAIWAN TRAVEL GUIDE with Budget Itinerary

When people ask me what my favorite destinations are, I have a difficult time responding. To me, a “favorite destination” can mean many things. It can mean a place that I totally fell in love with during my visit. But it can also mean a place where I would want to stay for a looong time or maybe for good. There’s no thin line between these two favorites. For example, the most memorable trip I ever had was in the Australian Outback, but I don’t think I would enjoy staying a month, much less spending the rest of my life there.

In my library of travel experiences, filed under where-I-want-to-settle is Taiwan. It was a surprising addition to a very short list previously occupied only by Thailand and Japan. Taiwan was never in my bucket list, but as early as my first day in Taipei, I realized it was a travesty not wanting to see this island. I had been to Taiwan twice since then, and we’re geared to return on two different occasions this year!

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

Understanding Taipei

Taipei City is the capital and the political and economic center of Taiwan. Situated near the northern tip of the island, it is completely surrounded by New Taipei City. (I know this can be confusing, but these are two separate units.) Together with Keelung, Taipei and New Taipei form Taiwan’s largest metropolitan area, which is home to over 7 million people.

For the longest time, tourism was not a major economic driver in Taipei or Taiwan in general. Just like the Philippines, Taiwan is on the so-called “wrong side” of the South China Sea. Most Asia-bound travelers head for Thailand and then travel by bus or train to other parts of the ASEAN peninsula. Taiwan requires plane tickets, which means additional budget and effort. But you know what they say, those who go the extra mile get the reward, or something like that. Hahaha. (Is there such a saying? Let’s make it a thing.)

However, tourism has grown significantly over the past several years! Taiwan has been so aggressive in promoting destinations internationally that immigration policies have been relaxed in many countries.

Other info you need to know:

• Language: Mandarin. Standard Chinese and Taiwanese Mandarin are mostly mutually intelligible. But Hakka and Formosan languages are also recognized national languages. Street signs are written in Chinese characters with English translations. The metro stops are announced in Mandarin, English, Taiwanese Hokkien and Hakka.
• Currency: New Taiwan Dollar (NT$, TWD). NT$ 100 is around USD 3.25, EUR 2.83, SGD 4.5, PHP 175 (as of September 2018).
• Modes of payment: Most establishments prefer cash payment, but many of them also accept credit card transactions.

Taiwan Visa-Free Requirements

If you’re carrying a Philippine passport , no need for a visa or a travel authorization certificate. You may enter Taiwan VISA-FREE until July 31, 2020 , provided that your visit is no longer than 14 days , that you’re visiting as a tourist, that you have no criminal record in Taiwan, and that you meet the following requirements.

• Passport with at least 6 months validity
• A return ticket or onward ticket (to your next destination and a visa for that destination)
• A proof of accommodation. It may be hotel booking or host’s contact information or tour arrangements
• Sufficient travel funds. This can be in the form of cash, credit cards, travelers checks, etc.

Where to Stay in Taipei

Hmmmm. The thing with Taipei is that it’s so convenient to get around and daily commute doesn’t go as crazy as Tokyo (or Manila). Their MRT system isn’t complicated at all. Most tourist spots are located along the Red (2) and Green (3) lines so when it comes to choosing accommodations, as long as you’re staying somewhere near a red or green station, you’re good!

In particular, the Ximending area is an ideal place to stay because of its energy and high concentration of budget dining and lodging options, especially those catering to backpackers. Many tours also start and end here. It also has its own MRT station, Ximen Station .

In addition, the areas surrounding the following MRT stations are great options:

• Taipei Main Station . Main MRT and bus terminal, so transportation won’t be a problem especially if your flight is set to arrive past midnight. There are also malls around.
• ZhongXiao Fuxing Station . Also a big station, where Lines 1 and 5 connect.
• Taipower Building station . Near Shida Night Market.

Top Budget Hotels in Taipei

If you have limited budget for accommodations, here are the top budget hotels according to Agoda users.

• Apartment 10F . Check Rates & Availability!
• Meander 1948 . Check Rates & Availability!
• Bouti City Capsule Inn . Check Rates & Availability!
• miniinn . Check Rates & Availability!
• Via Hotel Taipei Station . Check Rates & Availability!
• Click Hotel – Taipei Main station branch . Check Rates & Availability!
• HATAGO+ HOTEL . Check Rates & Availability .
• Cho Hotel . Check Rates & Availability

Top Taipei Hostels

• Taipei Sunny Hostel. Check Rates & Availability!
• Star Hostel Taipei Main Station. Check Rates & Availability!
• Taiwan Youth Hostel & Capsule Hotel. Check Rates & Availability!
• Flip Flop Hostel – Garden. Check Rates & Availability!
• Ximen Wow Hostel. Check Rates & Availability!
• Meander Taipei Hostel. Check Rates & Availability!

Search for more: Taipei Hotels

Pocket wifi rental and data sim in taipei.

You can make your life easier during your trip by staying connected to the Internet. You have two options: rent a pocket wifi or purchase a local data SIM.

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

You can also buy a Welldone 4G SIM Card that will give you unlimited data without worrying about roaming costs. Each sim also allows unlimited incoming calls. It also includes calling credits (NT$300 credit for 5 days, NT$150 credit for 7 days, NT$100 credit for 10 days). If you buy online, you can pick it up at the airpot when you arrive.

How to Get to Taipei

The Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is the primary gateway to the island and the 11th busiest airport in the world. It is also hub of China Airlines and EVA Air.

Manila to Taipei

If you’re coming from Manila, AirAsia offers the cheapest year-round ticket, sometimes as low as USD33 for a seat. Other airlines don’t even come close. (In case you’re wondering: This post is NOT sponsored by AirAsia. Price comparison websites just reveal they offer the lowest fares.)

If you’re coming from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, AirAsia shares the budget crown with Scoot and JetStar. However, some flights require transfers in another ASEAN city.

Taipei Taoyuan Airport to City Center

Located in Taoyuan County, Taoyuan Airport is less than an hour away from Taipei City. The two efficient modes of transportation are the Taoyuan Airport MRT and the bus. (Taxis are available too, but they’re expensive so let’s pretend they don’t exist. Haha.)

By Train/Metro

Both Terminals 1 and 2 have their own station: A12 Station for Terminal 1 and A13 for Terminal 2.

• Operating hours: 6am to 11pm
• Travel time: 37 minutes (if Express)
• Fare: NT$160

Several bus companies ply various routes from the airport. If you have decided where to stay, you may ask the hotel/hostel staff in advance what bus number you should take. For more info, check out: Taoyuan Airport Bus Info

To book a ticket, go to the Bus Counters near the Arrival section of the terminal. You’ll find it easily. There are a lot of bus signs around the airport. Fare varies depending on bus company, but it’s within the NT$125-145 range.

However, the Taoyuan MRT and most of the buses do NOT operate 24 hours a day. Last trip of these carriers are usually between 11pm and 1am.

If your flight is scheduled to arrive outside these hours, your only choice is Bus 1819, operated by Kuo-Kuang Motor Transport. Bus 1819 terminates at Taipei Main Station. From here, you may take a taxi to your hotel. Travel Time : 55 minutes Fare : NT$125

Taipei Tours

Traditional Chinese : 台北101觀景台 Simplified Chinese : 台北101观景台 Nearest MRT Station : Taipei 101 station (Red Line 2) Operating Hours : Daily 9am-10pm Entrance Fee : NT$600

You can get a bit of a discount and skip the lines if you book in advance with Klook.

• National Palace Museum

Traditional : 國立故宮博物院 Simplified : 国立故宫博物院 Nearest MRT Station : Shilin station (Red Line – 2), then take Bus R30 (NT$15) Hours Open : Daily 8:30am-6:30pm Entrance Fee : NT$350

You can skip lines if you book with Klook!

Taipei City Tour

Taipei’s map is dotted with historic shrines and other interesting sites. Here are some of them:

• Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall
• Martyrs’ Shrine

There are many ways to do this: DIY-style, by double-decker bus, and by guided tour.

• DIY Tour. Most of the key attractions are located near an MRT Station so it won’t be that hard. If you want to explore Taipei City on your own, check out the Places to Visit section below. I indicated the nearest stations, admission fees, opening hours, and even the Chinese translations.
• By Double-Decker Bus. It stops at most major landmarks in Taipei. This is great if you’re traveling with kids or seniors because it’s more convenient. The double-decker bus also offers FREE wifi and headset commentary so you won’t need a guide for the most part.
• By Guided Tour. Best option if you want better understanding of and insights into each sight because you will have a tour guide. Most guided tours take half-a-day.

Jiufen, Shifen and Yehliu Geopark Tour

This is one of the best-selling tours on Klook. This is NOT a guided tour but a shuttle bus service that will follow a full day Taipei itinerary and will take you to some of the best day trip destinations from Taipei including the following:

• Yehliu Geopark
• Ying Yang Sea
• 13 Layer Remains
• Golden Waterfall

The meeting point is at Ximen Station (often at GaKuDen Bakery near Exit 4, but confirm before the trip to be sure).

Yangmingshan National Park Tour

Traditional: 陽明山 Simplified: 阳明山 How to get there: From Jiantan Station (Red Line 2), take the City Bus R5 or small bus S15 or S17 to Yangmingshan station. Fare: NT$15 Entrance Fee: FREE

If you’re after convenience, you can book a tour online. The tour usually includes coach transportation with hotel pickup and drop off. The tour also includes a visit to the hot springs !

Jiufen Village & The Northeast Coast

This tour will allow you to explore the following sites. Coach transportation and hotel pickup are included in the package:

• Jiufen Town, famous for its unique teahouse culture
• Pitou Cape and its caves and sea cliffs
• Rock formations at Nanya

Other Day Tours from Taipei

You might also want to consider a day tour of any of these destinations:

• Wulai Atayal Aboriginal Village and Hot Springs 烏來 How to get there: Make your way to Xindian Station (Green Line 3), walk to Bus Stop B along Beiyi Road, and take Bus route 849 going to Wulai. Get off the last station. Fare: NT$15
• Beitou Hot Springs (Xinbeitou) 北投溫泉 How to get there: From Beitou Station (Red Line 2), transfer to a train bound for Xinbeitou.
• Fulong Beach 福隆 How to Get There: Make your way to Taipei Main Station, Nangang Station (MRT Blue Line 5), or Songshan Station (MRT Green Line 3). Then, board a train to Fulong Station.

FREE Places to Visit in Taipei

Here are some of the top places to visit in Taipei. I have also included translations so you could easily show this to a local in case you get lost, the operating hours, the nearest MRT stations, and the admission fees. But as you will see, most attractions in Taipei can be enjoyed for FREE.

Martyrs’ Shrine

Traditional : 國民革命忠烈祠 Simplified : 国民革命忠烈祠 How to get there : From Jiantan Station (Red Line 2), take Bus 267, 556, or 902. Open : Daily 9am-5pm Entrance Fee: FREE

Don’t miss the changing of the guards, which happens hourly from 9am to 4pm and at 4:45pm.

Elephant Mountain

Chinese : 象山 (Xiàngshān) Nearest MRT Station : Xiàngshān station (Red Line 2) Entrance Fee : FREE

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Chinese : 中正纪念堂 Nearest MRT Station : Chiang Kai-shek (CKS) Memorial Hall (Red Line 2 or Green Line 3) Open : Daily 9am-6pm Entrance Fee : FREE

Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

Traditional : 國父紀念館 Simplified: 国父纪念馆 Nearest MRT Station : Sun Yat-sen (SYS) Memorial Hall Station (Blue Line 5) Open : Daily 9am-6pm Entrance Fee : FREE

Dalongdong Bao’an Temple

Traditional : 大龍峒保安宮 Simplified: 大龙峒保安宫 Nearest MRT Station : Yuanshan Station (Red Line – 2) Open : Daily 6:30am-10:30pm Entrance Fee : FREE

Shilin Night Market

Chinese : 士林夜市 Nearest MRT Station : Jiantan Station (Red Line – 2) Best Time to Visit : 5pm-1am Entrance Fee : FREE

Other attractions to visit:

• Presidential Office Building 总统府 Nearest MRT Station: NTU Hospital Station (Red Line 2) Open: Daily, 9am-11:30am NO Entrance Fee (with passport)
• Longshan Temple 龍山寺 Nearest MRT Station: Longshan Temple Station (Blue Line 5) Open: Daily, 6am-10pm NO Entrance Fee
• Ximending Youth Shopping District 西門町 Nearest Station: Ximen (Blue Line 5 or Green Line 3) NO Entrance Fee
• Shida Night Market 師大夜市 Nearest Station: Taipower Building Station (Green Line 3) Open: 12pm-12am NO Entrance Fee
• Raohe St. Night Market 饒河街觀光夜市 Nearest Station: Songshan (Green Line 3) Open: 5pm-11pm NO Entrance Fee

Sample Taipei Itinerary

Here’s a sample 3-day 2-night Taipei itinerary. Note that this assumes you’re staying near Taipei Main Station or Ximen Station.

Feel free to tweak to match your preferences and flight schedule.

This itinerary will set you back NT$3300 (USD107, EUR93, SGD147, PHP5770) , excluding airfare and hotel.

If you manage to book a room or a bed for only NT$500 per night, this Taipei itinerary will cost you NT$4300 (USD140, SGD192, PHP7520, EUR120) , excluding plane tickets.

Inter-city travel is fast and convenient in Taiwan so I always recommend seeing other parts of the island like Hualien and Taichung. Here are more sample itineraries that would allow you to visit these other cities: Taiwan Itineraries

More Tips for the Poor Traveler

• There are lockers at many MRT stations . If you’re coming from other parts of Taiwan and you wish to explore Taipei on a day tour, you can leave your bags inside a locker and wander around the city baggage-free. I’ve tried this myself. Most lockers will give you a small printout of the code. Take a photo of the code immediately just in case you lose it. Rate: NT$20 per hour.
• Have NTD or USD before coming to Taiwan . Only banks and/or licensed stores are allowed to do currency exchanges, and they don’t accept peso. If you fail to bring NTDs, you can exchange at the airport or withdraw from ATM. (contributed by: Andrew Del Pilar) . We prefer withdrawing from ATM.
• Taipei is a very walkable city . It’s clean and safe, and there are wide sidewalks. If your destination isn’t that far, travel on foot! For example, the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall is just a few blocks from Taipei 101, which is also not too far from Elephant Mountain.
• Get a Metro Pass or Easy Card if you feel like you’re going to take the train often. Taipei’s MRT system is easy to use (much less complicated than the bus system) and there is often an MRT station near key tourist spots. Having a Metro Pass or Easy Card will allow you to skip getting single-journey tickets every ride. There are many types available depending on validity duration. A 24-hour pass is at NTD180, 48-hour pass at NTD280, and 72-hour pass at NTD380. You can get one at the Information Counter of any MRT Station.
• Prepare for language barrier . Many locals, including many taxi drivers, do not understand English at all. Make sure you have a Translation app on your phone or ask hotel staff to write down the name of the destination for you.
• Some of our readers commented that they found Taipei not budget-friendly because of expensive food. Hmmmm, they probably ate at restaurants a lot. I don’t think Taipei food is costly at all. If you’re looking for good but inexpensive places to eat, try Gongguan St., which is located near a university so meals are at student price. I also found small eateries in many parts of the city that serve cheap pre-cooked food. They usually have small trays which they fill with dishes that you want. You’re expected to have 2-3 dishes per tray. And they’re super cheap, like NTD70 per full meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit taipei.

Quick answer: autumn. November is ideal. But I wouldn’t mind going in winter. The last thing I want is for the rain or typhoons to ruin my plans, and they are least likely to make a mess from November to March.

Taipei enjoys a humid subtropical climate that is heavily influenced by the monsoon. This means that although people keep referring to the four seasons, they are not as pronounced as in temperate countries like Japan or Korea.

• Summer (June-September) is hot, reaching as high as 35C, and wet, sometimes bringing powerful typhoons.
• Autumn (September-November) is pleasant. October marks the end of the typhoon season, and precipitation drops significantly (although you’ll never know these days). The temperature is also comfortable, playing between 22 and 28C in October, and 19 and 24C in November.
• Winter (December-February) is mild, rarely dipping below 10C. But it is the driest period.
• Spring (March-May) has comfortable temperatures but are unpredictable in terms of rainfall.

Is Taipei safe?

Yes, Taipei is very safe generally. But as in other places, follow the rules and don’t leave your things unattended.

What is tipping policy in Taipei?

Tipping is NOT mandatory or expected in Taipei. At restaurants, a 10% service charge is usually already added to the bill so no tips necessary. Taxi drivers don’t expect to be tipped either, but you can just round off the meter.

The only exception is the hotel bellman, whom you can pay 1 USD per bag. The housekeeper is also usually not tipped, but feel free to leave a dollar if you enjoyed their service.

Where to exchange money in Taipei?

If you’re carrying US dollars or another major currency, you can exchange at banks or licensed stores.

If you’re carrying Philippine peso, it will be hard to find one that accepts peso. If you can, buy NTD before your trip so you’re covered. If you fail to bring NTDs, you can exchange at the airport or withdraw from ATM.

What is the power socket used in Taipei?

110V, 60Hz. Type A sockets are most common. Plugs have two flat pins. Type B, with an extra hole for a grounding prong, is also usual.

Do I need a visa to visit Taiwan?

• Your passport must have at least 6 months validity.
• A proof of accommodation. It may be hotel reservation or your host’s contact information or tour arrangements
• Enough travel funds. This can be in the form of cash, credit cards, travelers checks, etc.

Nationals of Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam need to get an ROC Travel Authorization Certificate (aka Visa-Free Certificate).

• It is valid for 90 days.
• Each stay must be not longer than 30 days.
• It can be used for multiple entries.
• It is FREE.

The whole process takes 5-10 minutes. Here’s how to get one: Travel Authorization Certificate .

2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣0️⃣ • 1️⃣ • 1️⃣7️⃣ (updated) 2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣7️⃣ • 5️⃣ • 1️⃣3️⃣ (first up)

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Amazing information, guys. Thank you so much for your passion and advice. Looking forward to Taipei in October.

Hi is taiwan a kid friendly zone? And how much would it cost for staying in a hotel thanks!

Dear Drew We would like to know how long you stayed and was it an organised tour or did you travel round on your own. We are planning to go for about a week at the beginning of October. Thank you Jean

Hi, thanks for the information you have provided but I was curious as to why it is preferred to withdraw money at an ATM over exchanging at the airport?

Hi! I am planning to travel with my family for Sept 2018. If its not too much to ask, can you please share your full itinerary?

Very nice blog. Informative and helpful. I’ll be visiting Taiwan this June. I’m done booking my flight when I’ve read that June is its rainy season. I should start praying that it wont rain on my travel dates. :) :) :) Anyways, looking forward to hearing more tips and hope to you see all soon in Taiwan.

Thanks too for visiting our blog! :) Have a great time planning your Taiwan trip!

Hi! Very nice information…

Can I ask for a 2 Days best Itinerary pretty please., I only have 2 days to visit the Best Place in Taiwan because this is my only free day. I am planning to go by 3rd week of July 2018. Also can I ask If I really need to book an Hotel if I dont really dont have exact place to visit?? Please help need your advise..

Are childred aged 7years old allowed on hostels and inns?

I would like to know because there is no policy posted on their online page.

Depends on the property. Best to contact them directly.

Hello po tanong ko lang po im plan po naman ng friend ko mg tour sa taiwan sa dec..ang arrival po sa kaohsiung taiwan airport..free visa din po ang mga pinoy dun?tnx po

HI! A friend and I were lucky enough to score a ticket to Taiwan on Feb 19, 2019, just in time for the Pingxi Lantern Festival. We will be arriving Feb 19 around 1am. We already booked a 2 night stay at Juifen and a 7 night stay in Taipei, all free to cancel. We plan to check in first in Taipei to have a place for luggage then onward to Juifen. Just wondering it is best to keep the 7 nights stay or look for a 4 night stay in Taipei and just look for a locker that can accomodate 2 days? is there a Juifen-Shifen-Yehliu tour coming from Juifen? All I see are coming from Taipei. Sorry for a lot of questions. Thanks!

Is it best to keep the 7 nights stay or look for a 4 night stay in Taipei and just look for a locker that can accommodate 2 days? — Your Jiufen stop isn’t sandwiched by your days in Taipei? Kasi if Taipei-Jiufen-Taipei ung mga hotels mo, I think you can ask the hotel staff to keep the luggage for you for the next two days since you’ll return naman after two days and you’re booked with them. Kasi yung lockers lang na naaalala ko, nasa NT$20 per hour, so ang mahal nun if 2 days kayo mawawala. Di ko alam if merong per day ang charge.

Is there a Juifen-Shifen-Yehliu tour coming from Juifen? —- Wala akong alam pero feeling ko merong tours from Jiufen mismo.

Thank you so much for the information, I’ll be in Taiwan this coming March 2019 and staying there for 6 days. Im doing solo travel since nagbackout yung kasama ko (huhuhu due to work-related reason). Can I get an advice from you guys for Solo traveler, It would be my first in taiwan and first ko din magbyahe ng abroad mag.isa. Hoping to hear from you guys.

Hi! Could you update us on your experience? I’m planning to do this next year. I’m a female solo traveler (not sure if it matters). First time din mag solo.

Thank you! =)

Hi Anton, tip #1 namin if you’re traveling alone is to stay in a hostel so you get to meet other solo travelers and may kasama ka mag-explore. :)

Hi, ask ko lang san exact pwede mag apply ng tourist visa for 2 persons (dalawa kami ng baby ko). Plan ko kasi mag stay kami dun ng 3 weeks (visit ng hubby ko nagwork dun) This January kasi alis namin. 2nd visit na namin, last time nung January din kaso mejo nabitin kami sa 14 days na stay… May iba pa kaya akong need gawin maliban sa pag apply ng visa? Thank you so much & Merry Christmas…

Hi Jessie, naku, di po namin alam pag longer than 14 days. :(

Hi! Thank you po rito! Sobrang helpful! Ask ko lang po kung nasubukan niyo ng magtravel sa taiwan ng Chinese New Year? Feeling ko po magiging madugo ang itinerary sa buwan na yon. Thanks!

Hi Jaymee, ako personally, hindi pa. Di ko kasi gusto ung madaming tao masyado, hehe. Pero oo mukhang madugo pag yan ung travel dates.

Hi! I’m sure Taiwan is cheaper than Japan but malaki be difference?

Yep, malaking malaki. :)

Your blogs are always reliable and complete!!! Thanks guys for this awesome blog!

Thanks, Len! Happy to help always!

Hi help me nmn po kasi magtravel ako taiwan this feb 5 anu po kaya requirements na kailangan ko dalin kc kinuhanan po ako ng asawa ko ng invitation letter nagwowork po kasi xa sa taiwan.. Yung requirements po na kailangan patunayan ko n mag asawa kami Bukod sa marriage cert anu pa po mga requirements?thank you pls help me po

Hi Jessica, ivivisit nyo po yung asawa nyo sa Taiwan?

Sa Taiwan Immigration, need nila makita ang contact details ng asawa nyo po and return ticket nyo pabalik ng Pinas.

Sa PH Immigration, pwede na ung marriage certificate to prove relationship. Minsan pwede sila humingi ng proof na nagwowork nga dun asawa nyo, so prepare na rin po yun (copy of contract, etc).

Okay din ang invitation letter.

Hello. Very informative, thank you for sharing it. Is taipei and the attraction you mentioned in your sample itinerary, wheelchair friendly? My parents and I plan to visit taipei this holy week, april 2019, for a 4d3n trip. Naka wheelchair na ang father ko, so i need to do some research. Another question, since visa free, pwede na ako magpurchase ng airfare ticket, provided pagdating sa immigration complete ako sa requirement?

Hmmm di ko sure. Di ko masyado napansin kung may elevators or mga ramps when we were there. Pero when we asked the members of our Support Group for destinations na sa tingin nila ay senior friendly, kasama ang taipei sa Top 10.

Regarding immigration, yep, basta complete ung requirements mo and yung travel date mo is before July 31, 2019.

I love this guide! Planning on visiting Taiwan this year and will definitely use this post.

Thanks, Stephen!

thank you po sa travel guide..planning to visit taiwan this coming april ..tanong ko lang po, pano po yung “no criminal record” san po kukuha nun?thanks po..

Thanks for the guide sir!

I went with the 3 day itinerary. It feels a bit short organized and efficient. I would suggest going 5 days if you really want to enjoy shopping and exploring more areas.

Nevertheless, I really enjoy the country, the people and their street foods and would like to return with my friends next time.

Like someone said earlier in the comments, we can withdraw using our bpi debit card on atms (i tried it only on the one at 7-11 branches), there’s a service fee of 100ntd.

Thanks for sharing! :)

No need for papers po for that. Basta wala po kayong criminal record sa Taiwan, okay na yun. Machecheck nila un sa record nila.

My wife and I are planning to visit Taiwan this coming May, and as I’ve heard many many times now, Taiwan is Visa-free until July 2019. The simplistic side of me says that , “oh, ok then, let’s go then”, but the control freak in my wants proof that Taiwan doesn’t really need Pinoy’s to have visa to enter. Are there website (except Rappler) that documents this?

Moreover, do you have any heads up for people travelling to Taiwan during Spring time aside from the unpredictable rains?

Regards, Kevin B

The official website of the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in PH also has this information: roc-taiwan.org/ph_en/post/2950.html

TECO is the Taiwanese government’s equivalent for an embassy/consulate.

Hi! thanks for this informative guidelines. My friends and 1 are heading to Taipei this June for 3 days and 2 nights and to my surprise your sample itinerary is almost the same as what i’ve been planning so far. Our hostel is really close to the Main Station as well, again just as you’ve recommended. I guess my biggest concern is the currency exchange. would you recommend to exchange your entire budget or half of your budget (Peso to NTD) at Taoyuan Airport before you go exploring? I just get the sense that it will be hard to get a hold of cash once you ran out, especially if you’re there for the weekend. Also is it better to have PHP exchanged to USD before going to Taiwan or it’s better to exchange PHP to NTD once you get there? Thanks!

Exchange while you’re here in the Philippines. :)

Don’t exchange to USD then to NTD. You’ll lose some from double conversion. Convert directly from PHP to NTD.

HELLO. kelangan pa ba magdala ng adapter para sa phone/ tablet chargers? o nagpo-provide na hotels sa taiwan? 2nd question, advisable ba na sa Taiwan ATM na magwithdraw ng pera? Thanks.

Magdala na lang kayo ng adapter.

And if kaya nyo na magpapalit dito pa lang sa Pinas, mas okay.

Amazing information, guys. such a beautiful and long content explaining the minute things to take care about our selves during travel times

Great post guys!! This is basically our itinerary when we went this February 2019! We’re going back on my bday – July 2019. We super enjoyed our first time, PLUS huling hirit before paid visa hehe. Any suggestions to go to with the super hot weather?

Hi Tricia, will you be staying in Taipei or are you open to exploring other cities/destinations in Taiwan?

Do “Financial Statement” really a requirement po in the Immigration?? Or basic docs lang just like travelling in other visa-free countries? (Passport, Flight Itinerary, Hotel Booking, Departure Card)

Please advise.

Hi Kristine, we’re still trying to get answers regarding Financial Statement. We’ll update this post as soon as we can.

Hello! Is it advisable to travel night time to taichung or nantou para hindi masayang ang daytime na ilaan na lang for other tours?

hi po//my husband and I and some of our friends plan to visit taiwan this coming april 2019..nagtatalo pa kmi kung mag diy or avail kami ng tour package…mas cheaper ba pag diy..dba nkakatamad at ubos oras…

Hi Evanrose, nasa travel style nyo po kasi yun. If you asked us 5 years ago, we would have said DIY in a heartbeat. But ngayon na medyo tumatanda na kami (hahaha) and ayaw na naming napapagod masyado, mas preferred na namin ang group tour.

Pero yes, cheaper talaga pag DIY. Pero ang OK naman sa guided tour, may insights bawat stop so mas naaappreciate yung lugar.

Hello! Thanks for the guide. :) I just have some few quesitons tho. Uhm, dun po sa pag book niyo ng flight kasi I find it weird lang when I was filling out the guest details it says “For guests with single names (i.e. ‘Kristianto’), please enter ‘FNU’ (First Name Unknown) in the GIVEN NAME field and your name in the FAMILY NAME/SURNAME field.”

so for example, if my name is Sara Lim, the field should be, Given Name: FNU Surname: Sara Lim

Ganyan po ba dapat? And, I actually tried to book without a passport yet, okay lang po ba yun? Will wait for your response. Thanks much :)

Hi Sara, hala, hindi po.

If first name mo ay Sara, sulat mo sa Given Name/First Name ay SARA.

If last name mo ay LIM, sulat mo sa Family Name/Surname ay LIM.

Pano po kapag wala nmn work pero may ng support naman ng fund para s travel niya may possibilities po ba na ma hold s immigration meron nmn ticket n balikan

Hi kiel, may risk pa rin talaga na ma-offload sa Pilipinas pa lang kapag unemployed. Lagi namang may risk, pero mas malaki lang ang risk ng mga unemployed.

More info here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2014/03/offloaded-philippine-immigration-rules-requirements-airport/

Nice article. The place looks lovely. I will visit the place.

If Mag book kami ng friend q through travel agency my chance pa rin ba ma offload kht complete requirements na

Yep. Lagi namang may ganung chance.

wow, thanks for this. I’ll be visiting the country next month and meron na akong idea to get around the area, this helps alot. yong itinerary na lang need ma plot ng mabuti. thank you

Enjoy Taiwan! :)

Thanks for sharing! :D

Is it better to withdraw NTD at airport than buying USD from bank in PH then exchange at airport? I’m slightly scared of leaving the country penniless so I’m thinking of buying USD in PH. Withdrawing money from an ATM at the airport will incur my local bank’s fee + international bank fee.. Am I right?

Is smoking strictly prohibited in Taiwan (Ximending area)? Or are there areas where smokers can freely do what they want? Thank you!

hello po. i’m planning to travel next year. spend 3 days in taiwan and proceed to south korea for the rest of the vacation. ask ko lng po is english ba immigration nla or yung in authorities? bakja kc di ako matuloy ng korea dahil lng sa language barrier. thank you po

Hello. Ano pong difference ng Terminal 1 & Terminal 2 ng Taoyuan Airport? Di ko rin kasi kita ang details sa flight itinerary namin hehe. Was about to book a Klook 4G Wifi kaso i was being asked about the pick-up location, Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 but I honestly don’t know which to pick. Thank you!

Hi po Interested po sana ako mag travel Taiwan pero yung gusto ko pong dates ay July 29 – Aug 2,2020 since yun lang date na di gaano busy sa work. Pero yung Visa Free nila til July31, 2020 lang po. Okay lang po ba yun?

Thanks for your information…..

Thank you for sharing the information. That helps me so much

Taipei, the capital of Taiwan. a city full of sky scrappers. It is one of the best places to visit in Asia.Thanks for exploring such a nice place.

Wow! I envy you. After this pandemic I’m planning to do good travel in Taiwan. Now I have your writeup wouldn’t look for any other things about the country.

is still visa free this 2022?

hi! I impulsively booked cheap flights to Taiwan for July without considering the weather conditions. Would it still be worth it? Do you know anyone who have been there during summer?

Can you use your credit card directly tapping in and out in (contacless) in their Bus and Train?

Informative as always! As a foodie, I’ve done my own research on must-try Taiwanese food (and there are a lot!). I wonder if you have any favorites? For exampe,I still dream of Hong Kong’s egg tarts and Japan’s beef bowls :)

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Taiwan 4 Days 3 Nights DIY Itinerary

Just like other Filipino travelers, we took advantage of Taiwan’s visa-free entry that started last November 2017.

Here’s a sample Taiwan do-it-yourself itinerary for four days and three nights.

Table of Contents

Day 0: Arrival in Taipei – Things to Do at the Airport

Arrival at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. Check-in at the hotel/airbnb.

Take Airport Shuttle Bus 1819

If you’re arriving in Taipei during the wee hours, take the airport shuttle bus 1819 to Taipei Main Station. From there, just take a taxi to your hotel since MRT runs until 12 midnight only.

Fare: TWD140 (TWD130 using the Easycard)

Exchange Currency, Get New Taiwan Dollar (NTD)

Bank of Taiwan offers a 24-hour foreign currency exchange at the airport.

Buy Easycard

It is recommended to buy an Easycard that you can use when you ride the airport shuttle bus, MRT and city buses while touring around. You can also use the Easycard when buying in convenience stores and eating in some restaurants. Make sure to put load in the card the first time you buy it because it is empty.

Easycard – NTD100 (Card Only)

Rent Pocket Wi-fi

Renting a pocket wi-fi is a sure lifesaver when touring around. You can get one in the airport as well.

Pocket Wi-fi Rental Fee:

1 Day – NTD188 3 Days – NTD 500 5 Days – NTD800 10-14 Days – NTD1400 15-30 Days – NTD1800

If you’re renting for 4 days, just add the cost for 1 Day and 3 Days. So total cost for 4-day rental is NTD188 + NTD500 = NTD688.

Day 1: Yangmingshan National Park + Shilin Night Market 

Yangmingshan National Park

Yangmingshan National Park is one of Taiwan’s beautiful national parks located in Northern Taipei City. The 125-hectare park offers different attractions like lovely flower gardens, scenic hiking trails, and rejuvenating hot springs. It also has a unique volcanic geography where you can see fumaroles – vents or openings emitting volcanic gases.

What to See in Yangmingshan National Park

Xiaoyoukeng

Xiaoyoukeng is a dormant volcano which some people referred to as fire mountain. The area encompasses volcanic geological landscape. Just be ready with an intense sulfur smell everywhere.

Popular for its calla lillies, Zhuzihu used to be a barrier lake but became a farming village after the water receded.

Qingtiangang

Qingtiangang provides one of the most amazing views in Yangmingshan National Park. Its vast grassland is a sure nature retreat.

Others: Yangming Park, Qixing Park, Datun Nature Park, Arrow Bamboo Trail, Erziping, Mt. Shiti, Menghuan Pond, and Jinbaoli Trail

How to Go to Yangmingshan National Park

Option 1: Take the Bus 260 outside Taipei Main Station (near Kuo-Kuang Motor Transport) to Yangmingshan Bus Station.

Option 2: Take Bus 230 – MRT Beitou Station to Yangmingshan Bus Station.

Option 3: Red #5 (Connects to MRT at Jiantan MRT Station) – Jiantan MRT Station to Yangmingshan Bus Station

Travel Tips

There are shuttle buses going around Yangmingshan National Park where you can hop on from one scenic spot to another (Easycard is accepted). Go early and decide which of the locations in the park you wanted to visit. People lining up for buses at the stations can get really long. You can also hire a car for convenience (but more expensive). There are also taxis going around the park.

Shilin Night Market

End the day with a food trip at Shilin Night Market.  You can also find affordable souvenirs here.

How to Go to Shilin Night Market

Ride MRT Red Line and alight at Jiantan Station (NOT Xilin Station).

Day 2: Yehliu Geopark, Shifen, and Jiufen

Visit Yehliu, Shifen, and Jiufen in a day.

Yehliu Geopark

Yehliu is located at Wanli of New Taipei City. Consisting of a stunning cape, the place is decorated with unique rock formations like Mushroom Rocks, Candle Rocks, Ginger Rocks and the most popular, Queen’s Head.

How to Go to Yehliu Geopark

Take a bus in Taipei West Bus Station Terminal A (near Taipei Main Station MRT). Purchase a ticket to Yehliu Geopark but you can also pay with your Easycard. Travel time is around 90 minutes. Get off at the designated bus stop along the main road and walk (around 10 minutes) until you reach the park entrance.

The Queen’s Head is the most popular rock formation that a line to get a photo with it gets really long. Go early or avoid the weekend to skip waiting.

Shifen Old Street is a foodie hub and the site for the famous lantern flying activity. Shifen Waterfall is also a must-see which is considered as the Little Niagara of Taiwan.

How to Go to  Shifen from Yehliu Geopark

From Yehliu Geopark, you can hire a taxi to go to Shifen which is the fastest option. There are a lot of taxis just outside Yehliu Geopark and usually they have fare matrix going to Shifen and other sites nearby.

When taking the taxi from Yehliu Geopark to Shifen, try to ask for discount.

Jiufen is built on the side of a hill where you can get a nice city view. You’ll be amazed by its picturesque, narrow streets decorated by red lanterns. Two things you’ll surely enjoy here: shopping and food trip!

How to Go to Jiufen from Shifen

You can take a train from Shifen to Jiufen (you can use Easycard). Walk straight at the old railway in Shifen until you reach Shifen Station (Pingxi Line). Get off at Ruifang Station. Upon exiting the station (you will see Wellcome Supermarket across the street), turn left to Mingdeng Road. You will pass by a police station and next to it is the bus station. Ride Bus 1062 going to Jiufen.

Day 3: Taipei City Tour

With Taiwan’s efficient train system, getting around the city is just a piece of cake.

What to See

Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall

The memorial hall dedicated to Chiang Kai Shek is surrounded by a beautifully landscaped garden. Catch the Changing of the Guards ceremony that happens every hour until 5PM.

How to Get There: Ride the MRT Green or Red line and get off at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial. Go to Exit 5.

Long Shan Temple

Longshan Temple is one of the largest and oldest temples in Taiwan located in Wanhua District. It is really a busy place with many people actively worshipping and giving their offerings.

How to Get There: Ride the MRT Blue Line and take Exit 1.

Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall

Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall was built in 1972 as a tribute to Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the father of the Republic of China.

How to Get There: Ride the MRT Blue Line and get off at S.Y.S Memorial Hall station. Take Exit 4.

National Palace Museum

The National Palace Museum in Taipei is one of the most visited museums in the world. It has the largest collection of Chinese art spread over four floors.

How to Get There: Ride the MRT Red Line and alight at Shilin Station. Walk a little towards the highway and ride Bus 18.

Holding a world record for the fastest elevator in the world, Taipei 101 is no doubt Taiwan’s most photographed landmark.

How to Get There: Ride the MRT Red Line and alight at Taipei 101 station.

Elephant Mountain

Hike the concrete pathway of Elephant Mountain and get an amazing view of the city! There are several vantage points where you can take cool photos.

How to Get There: Ride the MRT Red Line and alight at Xiangshan station. Take Exit 2. You will see a park outside the station and just follow the signage going to Elephant Mountain.

When going around the city, make sure to buy an Easycard because MRT fare is cheaper using it. You can also use it when riding buses.

Day 4: Departure from Taipei

The most convenient way to travel from Taipei to Taoyuan International Airport is via the Airport MRT (leaving from Taipei Main Station). You can choose to ride the express train that can take you to either Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 for around 35 minutes. Fare is TWD160. You can use the Easycard or buy a ticket at the machine.

There is also an option for the normal train service which will pass by all stations. TPE Airport – Terminal 1 is the 12th station and TPE Airport – Terminal 2 is the 13th station from Taipei Main Station.

Arrianne Guzman

Arrianne Guzman is the founder of Go Travel First. She has explored 67/82 Philippine provinces and 4/7 continents. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Computer Science degree but her love for writing never died. Combining her passion for traveling and photography, she writes her adventures to inspire people to see the world despite of a busy life. If not doing her IT related job, she wants to be a barista or a safari tour guide.

2 thoughts on “ Taiwan 4 Days 3 Nights DIY Itinerary ”

thank you for the tips, very helpful

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Taiwan itinerary 3 days — how to spend 3 days 2 nights in taiwan & what to do in taiwan for 3 days perfectly.

Taiwan is a beautiful island with everything for you to ‘playing and exploring’. From the majestic scenery, unique and delicious street food and unique cultural activities, blending modern and traditional architecture. But with 3 days how could you to fully explore Taiwan? Rest assured that Living Nomads has provided you with a super detailed and full of joy itinerary below. How many days in Taipei is enough? I think 5 days in Taipei is enough but even with 3 days you can visit Taiwan. If you have more time you can spend 6 days , 7 days , 10 days or even 11 days in Taiwan . So, what to do in Taiwan for 3 days and how to spend 3 days in Taiwan (3 days 2 nights in Taiwan)? Let’s check out our suggested Taiwan itinerary 3 days 2 nights (Taiwan itinerary for 3 days, Taiwan travel itinerary 3 days) to find out the answer!

• Taiwan itinerary 6 days — The itinerary of a trip to Taipei – Hualien – Kaohsiung for 6 days 5 nights
• Taiwan solo travel blog — The suggested Taiwan solo travel itinerary on how to spend 5 days in Taiwan perfectly?
• Taiwan food trip — 24 hour culinary experience in Taiwan
• Taipei blog. The latest guide to Taipei
• Taiwan itinerary 6 days 5 nights. How to spend 6 days in Taiwan with new destinations

Taiwan itinerary 3 days 2 nights — Day 1: Explore the city’s tourist attractions icons and night market

Once you visited Taipei, you definitely must visit the city’s iconic destinations as well as explore the bustling night markets with colorful culture! Living Nomads will list the top attractions in the city for you to choose from.

National Palace Museum

The National Palace Museum boasts own one of the largest collections of Chinese art in the world, including calligraphy, ceramics and paintings… There are often many exhibitions held concurrently with various collections, so there is always something new for you to explore. After a short walk, you’ll reach the Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines – its collection showing the highlights the lives of fourteen recognized indigenous tribes in Taiwan. With the diversity of festivals, cultural and artistic traditions of these tribes, if you are passionate about culture and history, this will definitely be a place not to be missed.

TIP: The National Palace Museum will have free English tours at 10 am and 3 pm (you need to reserve here ) and Shung Ye Museum has free tours at 2 pm every weekend (no reservation required).

Address: No. 221, Sec 2, Zhi Shan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111 Opening hours: 8:30 am to 6:30 pm from Sunday to Thursday (until 9:00 pm on Friday and Saturday) Getting there: Nearest MRT Station: Red Line Shilin Sation (士林)

Book National Palace Museum E-Ticket or National Palace & Shung Ye Museum Ticket here .

National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

This Memorial Hall was built in 1975 to commemorate the former President of the Republic of China, General Chiang Kai-shek, and is considered a prominent historical landmark in Taiwan.

The eight sides of the octagonal shaped memorial building represent the number 8, symbolizing wealth, prosperity according to the Chinese concept. Meanwhile, two white stairs, each stair has 89 steps, symbolizing the age of Chiang Kai-shek. One of the special features here is the hourly change of the guards on either side of the Chiang Kai-shek statue.

Address: No. 221, Sec 2, Zhi Shan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111 Free admission Opening hours: 9am to 5pm daily Getting there: Nearest MRT station: Red Line or Green Line to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Station

Maokong Gondola

The mountain village of Maokong is a great place in Taipei to give you a breathtaking panoramic view of the city – and enjoy a variety of local teas. To get to this village, you have to take the 4-km Maokong cable car. With the Crystal Cabins cable car system or the glass bottom cable car, you will admire the wonderful scenery when across the Zhinan River when you are on the way to Maokong (about 30 minutes riding).

Location: Wenshan, Taipei, Taiwan Opening hours: 9am to 9pm on Tuesdays to Thursdays, 9am to 10pm on Fridays, 8:30 am to 10am on Saturdays and 8:30 am to 9pm on Sundays (note that Opening hours subject to weather conditions) Getting there: Nearest MRT station: Brown line to the last station, Taipei Zoo

Taipei 101 Tower

Your trip to Taipei is definitely not complete without visiting Taipei 101 , which is the tallest tower in the world until the Burj Khalifa tower in Dubai was completed in 2010. On a clear day, you can see some of the most beautiful views in Asia and look down to the Taiwan Strait, as well as get a better view of the mountains of this beautiful island. Moreover, you can reach the top of the tower by one of the fastest elevators in the world, reaching the top in just 37 seconds! Considered an engineering feat, this superstar structure is stabilized by a huge 730 tons damper sphere.

Address: No. 7, Section 5, Xinyi Road, Xinyi District Opening hours: 9am to 10pm Getting there: Nearest MRT station: Red Line (Xiangshan MRT) to Taipei 101 station or Blue Line to Taipei City Hall Station

You can book tickets to Taipei 101 tower for a discount here.

Raohe Night Market

This is considered to be Taipei’s oldest night market with a 600m long pedestrian walkway, stretching along Raohe Road between the two gates. Here, you will find a variety of stalls serving food, snacks, buble milk tea and other items.

In addition to eating, you can also shop for clothes if you pass by the nearby Clothing Shopping Outlet in Wufenpu or you can also visit the Ciyou Temple at the end of the night market to the east.

Address: Raohe Street, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105 Free admission Opening hours: 5 pm to midnight Getting there: Nearest MRT station: Green Line to Songshan station

If you still have time in Taipei on the first day, you can considering check out the following locations:

Presidential office building.

This building was built and operated as the Governor’s Office during colonial Japan, was restored after its demolition during World War II. By the end of the Chinese Civil War, it served as the Presidential Office Building of the KMT (Kuomintang) party leader of the city. As such, this is a great place to stop if you want to learn more about the country’s past in political development.

Address: No. 122, Section 1, Chongqing South Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100 Free admission Opening hours: 9:00 am to 11:30 am Monday to Friday Getting there: Nearest MRT Station: Red Line to NTU Hospital Station (exit 1)

Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall

Once you enter the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall, you’ll find images of his achievements lasting from the revolution during and after the fall of the Qing Dynasty. It is also often used for various performances and exhibitions. You can also immerse yourself in nature in Zhongshan Park with lush gardens.

Address: No. 505, Section 4, Ren’ai Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110 Free admission Opening hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm daily Getting there: Nearest MRT station: Blue Line to Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall Station

Martyrs’ Shrine

This shrine, with its full name is National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine, is a memorial to the nearly 400,000 soldiers who died in the war against communism in mainland China. This place was built in 1969, is a typical feature of the palace architecture of the northern region which was popularized during Chiang Kai-shek era.

For most tourists, like the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, the Martyrs’ shrine is known for the changing of guards or the soldiers at the main gate. This change takes place every hour until 5 pm and lasts about 20 minutes.

Address: No. 139, Beian Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10491 Free admission Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily Getting there: Nearest MRT station: Jiantan station

Dalongdong Bao’an Temple

This is a Taiwanese Taoist temple that has received a UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for preserving temple rituals and festivals. Built to worship Baosheng Dadi, this 900m2 temple has a delicate structure typical of traditional art. If you have a trip from March to June, you can witness the Baoshen Cultural Festival with parades, walking rituals, lion and dragon dance, Taiwanese opera performances, and other traditional activities. For an accurate schedule of events, check out the temple’s website .

Address: No. 61, Hami Street, Datong District, Taipei City, Taiwan 103 Free admission Opening hours: 7am to 10pm daily Getting there: Nearest MRT station: Red line to Yuanshan station

Elephant Mountain (Mount Xiangshan)

This is a great place to get a panoramic view of Taipei. Also known as the Nangang District Hiking Trail or Xiangshan, the Elephant Mountain hiking trail is near Xinyi shopping area and Taipei 101. It will take you about 15-20 minutes to climb here.

Free admission Hours: It’s best not to come here on weekends because it can be very crowded. You should hike in the late afternoon to enjoy the daytime, sunset and night views of Taipei. Getting there: Nearest MRT Station: Red Line to Xiangshan Station (or if you’re in Taipei 101, walk to the east of Xinyi Road to Xiangshan Station within 15 minutes)

Huahsi (or Huaxi) Night Market

Also known as a “snake alley”, offers a wide variety of dishes, but the most famous are dishes made from snakes and turtles. If you are brave enough to try a strange dish, try snake soup! If not, try the famous Tainan dan-dan noodles.

Address: Huaxi Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108 Free admission Opening hours: 4 pm to midnight Getting there: Nearest MRT station: Blue Line to Longshan Temple Station

Shilin Night Market

This is one of the largest and most famous night markets in Taiwan, attracting many visitors. With lots of alleys, you can find a wide variety of local, traditional and international goods – including local dishes, of course. Some of the dishes you should try are: oysters vermicelli, fried pork buns, stinky tofu and oyster omelette..

Location: Shilin, Taipei, Taiwan Free admission Opening hours: 4 pm to midnight Nearest MRT station: Red Line to Jiantan station

Taiwan travel itinerary 3 days — Day 2: Discover the city’s ancient and modern

Ximending youth shopping district.

This is one of the famous tourist destinations not only in Taiwan but also in Asia with countless fashion stores of all styles, sparkling accessory stores and extremely rich goods. Considered as a paradise for shopping lovers, when strolling along Ximending street, visitors can find all the favorite items and products from many countries such as China and Japan and other Western countries. In addition, Ximending is also home to many types of entertainment, mainly aimed at the needs of young people. Another area that is equally attractive is the food court with lots of different local dishes.

Hours: Open all day and night; but the best time to go will start from 5pm to the midnight. Getting there: Nearest MRT station: Blue Line or Green Line to Ximen Station.

Jiufen Village and the North East Coast

The northeastern coast of Taiwan is home to majestic scenery, exotic villages and fascinating geology, attracting a large number of visitors during the day. Take time to get to Pitou’s cape with the beautiful caves and concave cliffs blessed by nature. On the way to Nanya, you’ll see the area’s erosion and extreme weather create a true sculpture garden, with the rocks creating a beautiful stripe pattern caused by oxidation.

The Jiufen Ancient Village is the next destination on the journey. This gold mine from 1890 has become an ancient village you see today. The Jiufen is famous for its sweets such as Taro Balls Sweets and Ah Zhu Peanut Ice Cream Rolls. Make sure you try these, it’s not too difficult to buy.

Tips: Jiufen Old Street is the inspiration for Studio Ghibli’s “Spirited Away” movie. If you are a fan of the movie, look for jewelry and snacks like in the movie. Look for some similarities to the movie of the buildings, you will surely find a lot.

Book a tour to Jiufen and the North east coast

3 days in Taiwan — Day3: Discover the natural beauty of Taiwan

Alishan or “Alishan Mountain” is a national park attracting the most tourists in Taiwan. Located at a special height, you will find interesting flora with many giant 2,000-year-old Taiwan cypress trees. The area also has a cool but a bit of an unusual climate so you can experience a cloudless morning with haze or thicker fog later in the day, and a downpour at the end day (so remember to bring your umbrella and jacket).

If you take the famous Alishan train, you can also visit some important places in the national park through 3 lines: Sacred Tree Line, Zhushan Line and Mianyuei Line. For hikers, there are some great trails that you can trek in this location such as the path to the giant tree of Mt. Shuishan (the oldest tree in the garden at the age of 2700).

Book a tour to Alishan here.

Moreover, if you have more days in Taiwan, check out some of the other activities below:

Visiting yangmingshan national park and hot springs.

Yangmingshan is the only park in Taiwan that surprises you with its volcanic terrain and hot spring bath experience. This 300-hectare park is designed in a classic Chinese style so you can enjoy the tranquility and relaxation when escape the city. Mount Shamao offers visitors a beautiful place for mind, body and soul. Surrounded by breathtaking forests, the volcanic geology of this area forms a source of hot springs, believed to have many healing properties. If soaked in warm water, all your stress will disappear immediately.

You can book tour to Yangmingshan National Park and Hot Springs at attractive discounted prices to enjoy this exciting journey:

• Shuttle bus at the hotel
• English, Mandarin and Japanese speaking guides
• Tickets to the hot springs and towels

Tips: Use Klook discount codes to save even more.

Check out Klook’s National Park and Hot Spring Tour of Klook

Visiting Sun Moon Lake

Sun Moon Lake will not disappoint you with the tranquil, fresh scenery of the water and the surrounding mountains and hills. Take time to cruise on the boat to admire the scenery and then experience the Sun Moon Lake cable car trip to see the whole scene. You can also explore this place by wandering along the trail around the lake, before ending the exciting journey with a visit to the Wenwu Temple.

You can book a Klook tour for the most unforgettable experience in Sun Moon Lake:

• Pick up at the hotel
• Lunch and insurance
• Take a boat tour around the lake and visit Syuanguang temple and Ida Thao
• Walk around the lake, and enjoy the nature around you, visit the Wenwu temple or wander into the market to buy some souvenirs.

Book One day tour in Sun Moon Lake here.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Taipei you can refer to

• Taoyuan Airport Private Transfers (TPE) for Taipei
• Sedan Taoyuan Airport Transfers (TPE) for Taipei
• [SALE] Taoyuan Airport MRT Ticket & Exclusive Shopping Coupon
• Taipei Free Walking Tour Historic Route
• Taipei Double Decker Bus Tour
• Taipei Popular Sightseeing Private Car Charter : Jiufen, Pingxi, and North Coast (Chinese/English/Korean)
• Northeast Coast Scenic Day Tour
• Jiufen Shuttle Bus from Ximen
• Yehliu, Shifen, and Jiufen Day Tour with Korean and English Speaking Guides
• [10% Off + 1 Extra Free Day] 4G SIM Card (TW Airport Pick Up) for Taiwan from Chunghwa Telecom
• 4G SIM Card (TPE Airport Pick Up) for Taiwan from Far EasTone Telecom
• 4G WiFi (TW Airport Pick Up) for Taiwan
• [Sale – Taiwan Food Promo] Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) Discounted Ticket from Taipei
• Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) Consecutive Unlimited Pass (2 or 3 Days)
• Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) Discounted Ticket from Taoyuan
• THSR Exclusive Discount One Way Ticket from Taoyuan (Two Tickets for the Price of One)

Are you finding more top things to do in Taipei: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Taipei travel blog — The fullest Taipei city guide for a wonderful trip to Taipei for the first-timers.

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TAIPEI TRAVEL GUIDE (Budget + Itinerary) 2019

by thepinay solobackpacker | Jul 3, 2019 | Featured , TAIPEI , TAIWAN , Travel Guide | 48 comments

Taipei, Taiwan was never on my bucketlist despite its proximity to the Philippines.  But because applying for a Taiwan tourist visa is more relaxed these days, I decided to travel to this city, which is roughly an hour and a half away by air.  Little did I know, that in my short visit in Taipei, it will win me over, reason why I was excited to blog this Taipei Travel Guide.

Taipei is the thriving capital of Taiwan, standing on a basin surrounded by mountains and the New Taipei City.  Interestingly, just like our country, it is deeply religious – largely dominated by Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism, among others.  Upon arrival in downtown Taipei, I was greeted by neon lights with Mandarin characters, towering buildings, upscale shopping malls, electronic centers, intricate temples, purring scooters and the mouthwatering smell of Taiwanese food sold at a busy night market.

TRAVEL BLOG CONTENTS

TAIPEI TAIWAN TRAVEL GUIDE 

How to get a taiwan visa in the philippines, *update: filipinos/philippine passport holders can enjoy visa-free entry to taiwan (tourism, business, visiting relatives) for a duration of up to 14 days until july 31, 2020., visa- free requirements for filipinos:.

1: Passport must have at least 6 months remaining validity from the date of entry (Diplomatic & official passport holders are not eligible for visa-free treatment.

2. A return ticket or on onward ticket to the next destination (and a visa for the traveler’s next destination if visa is required).

3. Must have no criminal record in Taiwan.

4. A proof of accomodation, such as hotel bookings or host/sonsor’s contact information/or arrangements of tour, travel. visa, events and meeting.

*Important: If you plan to stay in Taiwan for more than 14 days for the purpose of study, work, missionary, employment and other gainful activities are still required to obtain visa before entering Taiwan.

BEST TIME TO VISIT TAIPEI

When is the best time / month to visit Taipei?  Because Taipei is located on Northern Taiwan, it has a subtropical weather with an average temperature of 22 degrees Celsius. So you won’t really experience four distinct seasons here.  The best season to visit Taipei is during fall around November to early spring in April because of lesser rainfall.   Typhoon season in Taipei ends around October.  So you may want to avoid traveling here in May to August.

You may also want to avoid the Chinese New Year, which falls roughly around the end of January to early February when visiting Taipei.  This is peak season, so prices of hotels are more expensive, not to mention most restaurants and shops are closed because of the holiday.

WINTER IN TAIWAN is December to February, but the coldest months are January to March.

SPRING IN TAIWAN is from March to May but take note that May to June is also rainy season. I visited in May and it’s almost always raining (especially in the afternoon) in Taipei.

SUMMER IN TAIWAN is June to August and mind you, Taipei can be as hot and humid as Manila! But expect some typhoons during this season.

AUTUMN IN TAIWAN is September to November.

WHERE TO STAY IN TAIPEI

For those asking where to stay in Taipei and where to stay in Taiwan on a budget, I recommend booking a hotel nearby MRT stations like Ximen Station, Taipei 101, Dingxi Station or Taipei Main Station, etc. for convenience.  Here’s a list of budget Taipei hotels.

TAIPEI BUDGET HOTELS

CHECK ROOM RATES HERE

CHECK ROOM RATES HERE 

TAIPEI CURRENCY AND MONEY EXCHANGE

Taipei uses New Taipei Dollar (NTD) with an exchange rate of NTD 1 = USD 0.03 / PHP 1.66.  Take note that you can only exchange money at the airport or at banks, so if you are traveling to Taipei on a weekend, exchange your money at Taiwan Airport, before leaving the Philippines or withdraw from the ATMs scattered around Taipei.  You can also exchange money at your hotel, but the exchange rate is really low.

TAIPEI WI-FI/ INTERNET

Pocket wi-fi rental.

Although Taipei City offers free Wi-Fi, I find it unreliable, sometimes the connection can get real slow and oftentimes I get a security warning (unsecured connection) that keeps on popping up on my phone.  Thus, I highly recommend getting a portable Wi-Fi router when traveling in Taipei.  You can rent pocket Wi-Fi at the airport, but devices may ran out quickly, so to make sure, I suggest to RENT POCKET WIFI HERE  and just claim it once you arrive at Taiwan Airport (Taoyuan International Airport ).  You get a 4G unlimited Wi-Fi with roughly 8 hours battery life and it is dirt cheap!

TAIWAN SIMCARD

But if you really insist on getting a Taiwan sim card, better to BUY SIMCARD HERE   and just pick it up at Taiwan Airport (Taoyuan International Airport).   Purchasing in advance online is still cheaper and you can pick from 3, 7 or 10 days connection.

HOW TO GET TO TAIPEI FROM MANILA, PHILIPPINES

My recent trip to Taipei was sponsored by a group of hotels and hostels in Taiwan.  I spent 8 days in Taiwan (stayed 3 days in Taipei).  I flew via Cebu Pacific from Manila and my return trip was via Philippine Airlines (PAL).  Other airlines flying to Taiwan include Jetstar, Airasia, China Air and Eva Air . You can check out the official website of these airlines to compare rates. Flight to Taiwan from the Philippines is quite cheap, cheaper than flying to Batanes !

My friend and I was also able to snag a cheap roundtrip ticket to Taiwan from Manila, Philippines for only PHP 4,000 (with 15 kg checked-in baggage) for June via Cebu Pacific.  Do watch out for seat sales and travel fares!

At NAIA Terminal 3, I was asked to pay for PHP 1, 620 / USD 33 for the travel tax, the terminal fee for PHP 600 / USD 12 was already included in my ticket.

HOW TO GET TO TAIPEI CITY FROM TAIPEI AIRPORT

Taipei has two airports: Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport and Songshan Airport .  Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport caters mostly to international flights, so if you are coming from Manila, Philippines, you will most likely land here.  Meanwhile, Songshan Airport located in downtown Taipei serves mostly domestic flights and trips to Japan and China.  I’ve been to both since I landed in Taoyuan International Airport and the taxi driver made a mistake of sending me to Songshan Airport instead of Songshan Train Station (talk about language barrier).

There are 3 options to get to Taipei City from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport: by train (Metro Transit Rail / MTR), by bus or by renting a car.

BY TRAIN / METRO RAIL TRANSIT

The fastest way to get to Taipei, New Taipei City and Taoyuan from Taiwan Airport (Taoyuan International Airport)  is by train – the Taiwan Airport MRT .   The rapid transit has Express and Commuter trains.   Taiwan MRT Airport fare is NTD 160 / PHP 265 / USD 9 for Express Train.  Operating hours is from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

The Express Train caters to airport passengers.  If you are heading to Taiwan Airport Terminal 1, you will alight at the 4 th stop – A12 Station / Terminal 1 .  But if you are bound for Terminal 2, alight at the 5 th stop – A13/ Terminal 2 .  Travel time for Express Taiwan Airport Train is about 38 minutes.

If you are taking the Commuter Train , it has more stops, so you will alight at the 12 th station – A12 Station if you are going to Terminal 1 and 13th stop – A13/ Terminal 2. Travel time is way longer – 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Taiwan has 4 rechargeable IC Cards: Easy Card, Happy Card, Icash and IPass .  I bought the Easy Card and I was able to use it on MRT/trains and buses in Taipei and Kaohsiung.

At Taiwan Airport, there’s a wealth of buses to choose from that can take you to Taipei City center. More information HERE .    Bus fare is NTD 125 / PHP 207 / USD 4.16 to NTD 145 / PHP 240 / USD 5.   However, the last trip is usually until midnight.

So if you are arriving in Taiwan Airport after midnight, you can take the Airport Shuttle Bus 1819 to Taipei Main Station and from there, just take a taxi to your hotel since the Taipei MRT only runs until 12 midnight.   Or if you are staying near Songshan Train Station or you are headed to Songshan Airport , ride the Airport Shuttle Bus 1840 .  Travel time is approximately 55 minutes and bus fare is around NTD 125 / PHP 205 / USD 14.  Buses leave every 15- 20 minutes and they operate 24 hours a day.

If you are arriving in Taiwan around 11:00 PM to 07:00 AM and you missed the last airport bus or airport train, you can also  RESERVE AIPORT TRANSFER HERE Pick up at Taoyuan International Airport and hassle-free transfer to Taipei and New Taipei City.  Fare is about NTD 299 / PHP 500 / USD 10.

You can also choose a private car Taiwan airport transfer, good for 4 persons.  Fare is around PHP 1,379 (TWD 825/USD 27/ SGD 37), good for 4 persons.   BOOK PRIVATE AIRPORT TRANSFER HERE

GETTING AROUND IN TAIPEI, TAIWAN

By hop on/ hop off bus.

Taipei has just recently offered the hop on/hop off tour bus that covers the top attractions in Taipei. You can RESERVE BUS TICKET HERE

BY TRAIN (MRT)

Taipei Metro Rail Train is dub as one of the best in the world and it’s easy to understand why.  Unlike the complex subways in Japan, Taipei’s train system is pretty easy to use because there are only 5 lines.  And it is super convenient since most of Taipei’s attractions are located near the MRT/ train stations.  MRT fares usually costs NTD 20/ PHP 33 / USD 0.67   – NTD 50 /PHP 183/USD 83.  Here’s a photo of the Taipei MRT Map, take note that the boxed numbers are the train fares (e.g. 20, 25, 35).

I highly recommend purchasing a rechargeable IC Card such as Easy Card , Happy Card, ICash and IPass so you don’t have to buy train tickets for every ride.  You can also use the IC card in many buses across Taipei and even at neighboring cities like Kaohsiung.    Plus if you use the IC Card, you get a discounted fare, I noticed the usually NTD 20 / PHP 33 / USD 0.67 fare becomes NTD 16 / PHP 27 / USD 0.53 whenever I use my Easy Card.

By the way, you can purchase a 24 hour pass for the MRT at NTD 180 / PHP 298 / USD 6, 48 hour pass costs NTD 280 / PHP 464 / USD 9 and a 72 hour pass will set you back NTD 380 / PHP 630 / USD 13.

To top up the IC Card, you can top at the train station or at convenience stores like 7Eleven.

You can also ask for an MRT Map at the Information Counter of any MRT stations in Taipei and you can get a Taipei Travel Map at Taipei Main Station.  If you are a first-timer in Taipei and you want to make sure you are on the right track, you can also download the Taipei Metro App on Google Play.

Taipei MRT has lockers in case you need to leave your luggage. Also, eating and drinking beyond the yellow line (prior to entering the MRT) is not allowed.

BY CAR RENTAL

For hassle-free tour around Taipei, you can rent a car rental from 2 days to 7 days including Taiwan Airport pick up.   RENT A CAR HERE

TOP PLACES TO SEE IN TAIPEI

Chiang kai-shek memorial hall ( 中正紀念堂 ).

CHIANG KAI-SHEK MEMORIAL HALL

One of the top attractions in Taipei is the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall and this place is surrounded by a beautiful manicured garden.  Here, you’ll also find the National Theater and the National Concert Hall .  But the most photographed is the Memorial Hall itself for Chiang Kai Shek, the former President of Taiwan (Republic of China) from 1928 to 1975.  The iconic white building is octagonal-shaped with blue roof and two stairs leading to its main hall where a massive statue of Chiang Kai Shek is sitting.  If you are lucky enough, you can witness the changing of the guards here which happens every hour until 5:00 PM.

Entrance Fee: Free

Open Hours: 09:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, except for Chinese New Year Eve & Chinese New Year.

Address: No. 21, Zhongshan South Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100

How to get to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall:

Take the MRT green or red line and alight at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial (中正紀念堂).

SUN-YAT SEN MEMORIAL HALL ( 國父紀念館 )

Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall may not as grandiose as the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall but definitely  it’s worth a visit, after all this place is dedicated to Dr. Sun Yat Sen, father of Republic of China (Taiwan).  The memorial hall is surrounded by a beautifully manicured park known as Zongshan Park.  Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall is located near Taipei 101.   I was able to witness the changing of the guards here around 5: 00 PM.

Open Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, daily, except for Chinese New Year Eve & Chinese New Year.

Address: No. 505, Section 4, Ren’ai Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110

How to get to Sun Yat Memorial Hall ( 國父紀念館 ):

Ride the MRT Blue Line and get off at S.Y.S Memorial Hall.

TAIPEI 101 ( 台北 101)

Taipei 101 (台北101) is Taiwan’s most famous and most photographed landmark.  This soaring building was once named as the tallest building in the world. Tourists going to Taipei for the first-time make it a point to see this icon.  Taipei 101 houses an upscale shopping mall and boast of the Guinness World of Record fastest elevator in the world.  Imagine it can take guests on top for only 37 seconds.

Tourists can tour inside Taipei 101 and climb the Observatory on the 89 th Floor via the elevator to get a 360 degree view of Taipei.  Observatory entrance is at Level 5.  Entrance fee to Taipei 101 is NTD 600 / PHP 994 / USD 20, Student is NTD 540 / PHP 895/ USD 18 and Child (115 cm) free. But you can BOOK DISCOUNTED TICKET HERE.   Don’t miss the museum inside. And while you are in the area, you can also go shopping at Xinyi Shopping District ( 信義區 ) .

Taipei 101 Open Hours:

Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM

Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM -10:00 PM

Sunday – 11:00 AM -9:30 PM

How to get to Taipei 101:

Ride the train on the Red Line 2 (Xiangshan Train) to Taipei 101 Station.  You can also take the Blue Line 5 to Taipei City Hall Station located below the Hankyu Department Store, head south to Xinyi Shopping District towards Taipei 101.

ELEPHANT MOUNTAIN ( 象山 )

Undoubtedly, the Elephant Mountain has one of the best views of the city but be prepared to hike up the summit with a lot of stairs!  Visit during the late afternoon and catch the sunset here, wait for the blue hour and early evening to take photo of Taipei.  

How to get Elephant Mountain:

Alight at Xiangshan Station (象山) and take Exit 2.  Follow the right path and walk along the side of the park until you get to the end of the road.  Here, you’ll see a temple on the hill. Turn left and the entrance to Xiangshan Hiking Trail (象山登山步道) is just a few steps away. The hike should take about 20 – 30 minutes depending on your stamina.

NATIONAL PALACE MUSEUM / GuGong ( 國立故宮博物院 )

One of the most beautiful museums I’ve visited is the National Palace Museum in Taipei, Taiwan.  It houses a large number of ancient Chinese artifacts and artworks. As the name suggest, the building looks like a palace. The ticket here includes access to the adjacent Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines and the Zhishan Garden next door.

Entrance Fee: Adult: NTD 250 / PHP 414 / USD 8, Student NTD 150 / PHP 248 / USD 5

Open Hours:

Monday – Thursday: 8:30 AM -6:30 PM

Friday – Saturday: 8:30 AM -9:00 PM

Sunday: 8:30 AM -6:30 PM

Address: No. 221, Section 2, Zhishan Road, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111

How to get to National Palace Museum/ Gugong ( 國立故宮博物院 ):

Ride MRT Red Line and alight at Shilin Station (士林). Exit and walk towards the highway, look for the bus stop and ride Bus R30 to National Palace Museum.  Fare is NTD 17 / PHP 28/ USD 0.56. Take note of the last trip for the bus – 6:55 PM. Going back, you can drop by at the Shilin Night Market. Take the MRT at Shilin station and alight at Jiantian Station.

NIGHT MARKETS

A visit to Taipei will not be complete without trying the food on one of its many night markets.  The most popular and most touristy is Shilin Night Market ( 士林夜市 ) .

How to get to Shilin Night Market

Ride MRT Red Line and alight at Jiantan Station (not Xilin Station).

DALONGDONG BA-ON TEMPLE (大龙峒保安宫)

Dalongdong Bao’an Temple (大龙峒保安宫) is one of Taipei’s most stunning temples dedicated to the saint Baosheng Dadi. It is no surprise it was inducted into UNESCO for Cultural Heritage Conservation.

TAIPEI CONFUCIUS TEMPLE (台北市孔廟)

Standing across the Dalongdong Bao’an Temple is the Taipei Confucius Temple.

Entrance Fee: Free but donations are highly encouraged

Daily 5:00 Am to 10:00 PM

How to get to Dalongdong Ba-On Temple and Taipei Confucius Temple:

Ride MRT Red Line 2 to Yuanshan Station.  Take Exit 2 and walk towards Kulun Street.  Turn right at the Dalong Street intersection and head straight until you see the Taipei Confucius Temple.  If you want to visit Dalong Baoan Temple, turn left on Hami Street.

LONGSHAN TEMPLE ( 龙山寺 )

One of the most photographed temples in Taipei, Longshan Temple. This Buddhist Temple in honor for Guanyin was constructed by the immigrants from Fujian province sometime in 1738.

How to get to Longshan Temple:

Ride the MRT Blue Line 5 and get off at Longshan Temple.  Take Exit 1 where you can find Longshan Temple north of the station plaza.

XIMENDING YOUTH SHOPPING DISTRICT

Ximending Youth Shopping District is walking distance from my hotel.  This shopping haven was established during the Japanese colonial period as recreation area.  Today, it is packed with shops and restaurants and is the go to place of Taipei youths. While in the area, make time to visit the Read House Theater and Zongshan Hall.

                                                     How to get to Ximending Youth Shopping District: Ride   MRT Blue or Green Line to Ximen.

RED HOUSE THEATER (西門紅樓)

This was the first attraction I searched in Taipei because it was a few minutes away from my hotel according to the map, I didn’t realize I was already standing in front of it because it was under construction.  This is right in front of Ximen Station adjacent to the Police Station.  The Red House Theater is the main LGBT district in Taipei, surrounded by shops, cafes and restaurants.  It was constructed in 1908 and home to Taipei’s creative and culture trade.

How to get to Red House Theater:

Take MRT Blue or Green Line and alight at Ximen Station. Head towards Exit 1. The Red House Theater is just in front of Ximen Station.

TAIPEI TIANHOU TEMPLE ( 天后宮 )

I stumbled on Tianhou Temple a block away from my hotel in Ximending District . This temple is dedicated to Mazu, the sea goddess and also known as “Ximending Mazu Temple”.  It is one of the 3 major temples in Taiwan during the Qing Era along with Longshan Temple.

Entrance Fee: Free, but donations are highly encouraged.

6:00 AM to 10:00 PM

How to get to Taipei Tianhou Temple

Ride MRT Blue or Green Line and walk towards Exit 6.  Head towards Chengdu Road, the temple is standing on the right side beside rows of shops.

CHEAP TAIPEI DAY TOURS

 jiufen village & the northeast coast.

• Explore the once prosperous town of Jiufen, an interesting historical destination with a unique teahouse culture
• Visit Pitou Cape with its coastline mottled with caves and sea cliffs
• Explore the fascinating shoreline and amazing rock formations at Nanya
• Inclusive of comfortable coach transportation including hotel pick up and drop off
• Tour with a company with over 25 years of experience and excellent reputation

Tour includes a visit to Jiufen Village, Chinkuashih Village, Pitou Cape, Nanya Rock FormationsBay of Two Colors(Ying Yang Sea).

Tour is inclusive of:

Hotel pick up & drop off (from downtown Taipei City hotels) All transportation & driver fees Services of an English-speaking guide

RESERVE TOUR HERE

If you don’t want to join the tour package, and just want to do a DIY tour of Jiufen, you can RESERVE SHUTTLE BUS HERE

This is inclusive of: Round trip shuttle bus from Ximen → Shifen → Jiufen → Ximen Experienced driver (with very basic English) Tolls and parking fees

Morning trip departs at 8:45 AM and ends at around 3:45 PM in Ximen.  Noon Tour starts at 1:15 PM and ends around 8:15 PM

TAIWAN NORTH COAST TOUR

Tour includes a visit to Bitou Cape Park, Nanya rock formations, Beiguan Tidal Parka and Sandiao Cape Lighthouse. RESERVE TOUR HERE

All transportation and driver fees Chinese speaking driver/guide (if you prefer an English or Japanese speaking driver/guide, kindly book at least 7 days before your preferred travel date and please indicate your preference at check out) Lunch Insurance provided by the operator

YAMINGSHAN NATIONAL PARK TOUR

Tour includes a visit to Yangmingshan National Park and Kawayu Hot Spring Bath. RESERVE TOUR HERE

Inclusive of: Hotel pick up & drop off (from downtown Taipei City hotels). Pick up from 1:00 – 2:00 PM All transportation & driver fees Services of an English-speaking guide Hot springs admission & towel

THOUSAND ISLAND LAKE AND PINGLIN TEA PLANTATION TAIPEI

The tour starts around 7:30 AM to 8:00 AM and ends around 12:30 PM. It includes a visit to Thousand Isalnd Lake, Pinglin Tea Plantation, Pinglin Tea Museum (closed the first Monday of each month; visit to Pinglin Old Street instead) and Wen Mountain Pouchong tea tasting. RESERVE TOUR HERE

DIY DAY TRIPS FROM TAIPEI

YAMINGSHAN NATIONAL PARK ( 阳明山 )

Yangmishan National Park is pretty much interesting any season.  Visit here from January to March for its cherry blossoms. Meanwhile, calla lilies are sprinkled everywhere from April to May and azaleas are in full bloom from May to October.  Silver glass dominates the landscape during October to November. The park is also known for its wealth of hot springs around Xingyi and Beitou Road. Buy a 1 day bus ticket for unlimited rides to famous attractions around Yamingshan National Park.

How to get to Yamingshan National Park

Take MRT and alight at Jiantan Station Exit 1.  Head towards the left to the bus station.  Look for north-bound buses like R5 or S15 or S17 to Yangmigshan Station.  You can use cash or your IC Card like Easy Card for the bus fare.

Alternatively, you can also take Bus 260 from Taipei Main Station and just purchase the unlimited rides on shuttle 108 for NTD 60 / PHP 99 / USD 2.

YEHLIU GEOPARK ( 野柳地質公園 )

Situated in Wanli District in New Taipei, Taiwan, Yehliu Geopark is a popular day trip excursion for tourists visiting Taipei.  This area known for its rock formations including the hoodoo stones sprinkled around its coast.

How to get to Yehliu Geopark

Option 1: There is a shuttle bus that leaves for Yehliu daily around 9:00 AM and returns around 5:45 PM.  The shuttle bus will take you to Yiang Yang Seam 13 Layer remains, Golden Waterfall, Shifen Old Streets and Jiufen. RESERVE SHUTTLE BUS HERE

Option 2:   Look for the North Coast Shuttle Bus at MRT Tamsui Station or Keelung Station. Bus fare (unlimited rides) is NTD 200 / PHP 331/ USD 7.

JIUFEN ( 九份 )

Jiufen was an erstwhile mining town, now turned a poular tourist destination because of its charming tea houses and scenic view of the Pacific Ocean.  It is also the setting of popular period movies like Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away and Hou Hsiao-hsien’s film A City of Sadness (which won the Golden Lion award at the 1989 Venice Film Festival).

How to get to Jiufen ( 九份 ):

Option 1 (Recommnded): At Ximen, there is a shuttle bus that leaves for Jiufen daily around 9:00 AM and returns around 5:45 PM.  The shuttle bus will take you to Yiang Yang Seam 13 Layer remains, Golden Waterfall, Shifen Old Streets and Yehliu Geopark.         for a hassle-free tour  of Yehliu , Shifen and Jifen.    It’s a roundtrip shuttle bus from Ximen → Yehliu → Yiang Yang Sea → 13 Layers → Golden Waterfall → Jiufen → Shifen → Ximen.  So in one day, you’ll be able to visit  Jiufen and Shifen.  Rountrip fare is around NTD 460 / PHP 770 / USD 15. You’ll save a lot!   RESERVE SHUTTLE BUS HERE

If you also want to visit Yehliu Geopark, might as well RESERVE SHUTTLE BUS HERE

Option 2: Take the train en route to Ruifang Station at Taipei Main Station. Walk towards the exit facing the Wellcome Supermarket and turn left towards Mingdeng Road.  Look for Local Resident Plaza, which is the bus station.  Bus with route 827 and route 788 goes to Jiufen.  The bus stop next to the police station is the bus stop for buses en route to Jiufen, while the one across the police station is the bus stop for buses en route to Taipei.  Make sure you are boarding the bus towards Jiufen, when in doubt, ask the locals.

Option 3:   Take Exit 1 at MRT Zhongxia Fuxing. Ride Bus Route 1062 (Keelung Bus) to Jinguashi.  Get off at Jiufen.  Bus fare is roughly 1 hour and fare is about NTD 102 / PHP 169 / USD 3.39.

SHIFEN OLD STREET AND SHIFEN WATERFALL ( 十分老街 )

This popular road beckons tourists because of its sky lanterns, restaurants and shops.  Catch the train running on Shifen Railway Station and also check out the Jingan Suspension Bridge at the back of Shifen Station connecting Shifen village with Nanshan village. Don’t miss the beautiful Shifen Waterfall, about 20 minute walk from Shifen Old Street.

HOW TO GET TO SHIFEN  FROM TAIPEI

  Ride the shuttle bus to Shifen. RESERVE SHUTTLE HERE

PINGXI ( 平溪 )

Pingxi comes alive during Lantern Festival and Chinese New Year because visitors can release into the sky Chinese lanterns. Visitors also go here to see the Pingxi Old Street, a market area constructed on a hill with a railway. This place is peppered with age old shop houses.

Option 1: Ride the shuttle bus to Shifen at Ximen. It has daily trips around 9:00 AM and returns around 5:45 PM.  .  So in one day, you’ll be able to visit  Jiufen and Shifen.  Roundtrip fare is around NTD 460 / PHP 770 / USD 15. You’ll save a lot!   RESERVE SHUTTLE BUS HERE (includes Jiufen + Shifen)

Option 2:  At MRT Muzha Station, ride Bus 1076 en route to Pingxi.

Wulai District ( 乌来区 )

Wulai District is home to the original inhabitants of Taiwan – the Yúanzhùmín and the closest aboriginal village to Taipei.  It is also famous for its natural hot springs, the Wulai Falls, Wulai Gondola and Wulai scenic train.

How to get to Wulai District

Take MRT Green Line 3 and alight at Xindian Station. Exit to Bus Stop B along Beiyi Road and ride Bus 849 en route to Wulai.  Get off at the last station. You can pay in cash or your IC Card.

TAMSUI FISHERMAN’S WHARF ( 渔人码头 )

Known for its Lover Bridge, party boats, beautiful sunsets and seafood.

How to get to Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf

Ride MRT Red Line 2 and alight at Tamsui Station.  Transfer to bus 26, 837 or 836 to Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf.

WHERE TO EAT IN TAIPEI

YONGKANG STREET and DIN TAI FUNG RESTAURANT

Yongkang Street is Taiwan’s food mecca. You’ll find the original Din Tai Fung (鼎泰丰) Restaurant here opened in 1949 along Xinyi Road.  It is famous for its soup dumpling.  But if you are visiting Taipei 101, you can also look for Din Tai Fung at B1.

Honestly, everywhere I buy, I like the food being served to me in Taipei.  Night markets are a great way to taste local food in Taipei, and some of the best are Shilin Night Market, Raohe Street Night market, Tainan Flowers Night Market, Huayuan Night Market, Feng Chia Night Market and Keelung Miaokou Night Market.

FOOD TO TRY IN TAIPEI

Beef noodles

Soup dumplings

ô-á-chian 蚵仔煎 (oyster omelet)

Ba-luah e 麻辣鍋 (spicy hotpot)

Pigs blood rice cake 豬血糕 (ti-huih-ko)

Stinky tofu

Pineapple cake

Môa-chî 麻糍 (moachi)

Boabing (shaved ice mountain)

O’ahping (shaved taro ice cream)

DRINKS TO TRY IN TAIPEI

Bubble tea 珍珠奶茶

Sian-chháu 仙草 (grass jelly)

TAIPEI ITINERARY (4 Days /3 Nights)

Here’s my sample Taipei itinerary for 4 days 3 nights with budget, feel free to  modify depending on your travel schedule.  You can also do Yehliu, Shifen and Jifen in 1 day if you BOOK A SHUTTLE HERE   (includes Shifen + Jiufen).  It’s a round trip shuttle bus from Ximen → Yehliu → Yiang Yang Sea → 13 Layers → Golden Waterfall → Jiufen → Shifen → Ximen.  So in one day, you’ll be able to visit  Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen and Shifen.  Roundtrip fare is around NTD 680 / PHP 1,133 / USD 23.

ALSO READ: SAMPLE TAIWAN ITINERARIES ( 5 DAYS)

  taipei trip budget.

People often ask, how much money to bring when traveling to Taipei? It’s a tricky question as it depends on your spending habits, where you are staying and how long you are staying. But Taipei is inexpensive, and meals usually start at NTD 60 / PHP 99 / USD 1.99 up.  Accommodations can go as low as NTD 700/ PHP 1,157 / USD 23.25 per night.  Water and drinks starts at NTD 15 / PHP 25 / USD .50.  A budget of NTD 1,500 / PHP 2,478 / USD 50 would be safe (excluding accommodation).   Most of the tourist attractions in Taipei are free anyway, save for The Palace Museum and Taipei 101 Observatory.

Here’s a sample list of my Taipei trip expenses and budget for a 4 days, 3 night stay.  I spent around PHP 8,189 / NTD 4,954 / USD 166.50.

TAIPEI TAIWAN TRAVEL TIPS

For hassle-free atour  of Yehliu , Shifen and Jifen, BOOK SHUTTLE BUS HERE.    It’s a roundtrip shuttle bus from Ximen → Yehliu → Yiang Yang Sea → 13 Layers → Golden Waterfall → Jiufen → Shifen → Ximen.  So in one day, you’ll be able to visit  Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen and Shifen.  Roundtrip fare is around NTD 680 / PHP 1,133 / USD 23. You’ll save a lot!

Purchase a rechargeable IC Card such as Easy Card, Happy Card, Icash and IPass.  I bought the Easy Card and I was able to use it on MRT/trains and buses in Taipei and Kaohsiung.

Get a tourist map at the Taipei Main Station. You can ask for MRT maps at any MRT stations. You can also just take a photo of the map at the MRT stations. Otherwise, download the Taipei Metro App on Google Play.

Expect language barrier, so prepare your Google translate.

Rent a pocket Wi-Fi at the airport. Cheaper if you RESERVE POCKET WIFI HERE   and just pick it up at the airport.

The more famous night markets sells more expensive food, you can buy your food at hawker stalls or eateries sprinkled around the city if you want to save.

There are vending machines at the airport for drinks, buy their instead of buying at airport restaurants, you will save a lot!

TAIWAN BEST BUDGET HOTELS

Hualien travel guide (budget + itinerary), hualien things to do blog, top kaoshiung attractions and how to get there.

About the Blogger : Gael is a Filipina travel blogger. Her work has appeared in local and international publications.

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48 comments.

Thank you for this. It is very comprehensive and useful to me because me and mom are going to Taipei on July. This article is very much complete. I hope we can also follow your guidelines.

Thanks for dropping by, Janna! Have fun! 🙂

This is so helpful! Will follow these travel guide on my first solo backpacking. 🙂

I am going to Taipei with my mom this coming July. Both of us were first timers to travel abroad. We are a bit nervous about the immigration thing. May I ask what questions they usually ask?Thanks

They didn’t ask me anything! Just the name of the hotel! Don’t fret, usually they are lenient sa family na nagta travel. 🙂

Hello po, in addition sa tanong, wala ba silang hinahanap na other docs maliban sa visa and passport? thanks in advance

Yung ROC Certificate lang

Hi, thank you for this.. this is so helpful ! .. Me and my sister are going to Taiwan this coming October. We will surely consider your tips. 🙂

This was so helpful! Thank you! I normally just wing things when I travel, it’s nice to be prepared for a change. Keep posting, please! 🙂

Hello, we are 1 week away to our trip in Taipei. We are planning to have a 3 days DIY itinerary. Which card is better to use the Easy Card or Taipei Pass?

I used Easy Card 🙂

Do you happen to know any pocket wifi rentals within Longshan area? I wanted to book the ones at the airport but they close at 1AM and my flight will arrive at 2AM.

I was thinking of getting the pocket wifi in the city already once I reached the hotel. Or, you know of any wifi rentals in the airport open 24hrs?

Thanks much and more power!

No, I’m sorry. You can buy simcard if you want

This will help us!!, we are going to Taiwan this coming Dec. Thanks for all the tips!! God Bless!!!

Hi po. Now that it’s visa free to go to Taiwan for Filipinos, so wala napo kaming kailangan ihanda na other documents? Like same lang po going to HK? I just want to clarify kasi baka magkaproblema kami sa immigration.

Hi Irene, I have mentioned some documents required like return tickets and hotel reservations. It’s visa free. 🙂

hi what if we don’t have a hotel reservations? what will we do? but i have a brother there.. is it possible if i used the address of my brother instead?

You can use his address instead

Nice. Very detailed. Will be useful for our July 2018 4D3N trip. 😄

Enjoy your trip! 🙂

Just want to thank you because this blog is an answer to most of our inquiries.were travelling tom and excited to explore taiwan..screenshots all your directions to the monumentals places.thank you so much

Welcome, Timmie. Enjoy Taiwan! 🙂

your itinerray was great i’ll definitely used this in my upcoming trip to taipei

Welcome. Have fun! 🙂

I also have the same problem, ill be arriving at Taoyuan Airport past 1am so im looking for pocket wifi rental in the city. But this is sooo helpful though! Thank you for sharing your itinerary! 🙂

Buy a simcard instead. 🙂

That is such a wonderful article that you shared. Thanks for that.

Also, could you tell me as to what things that can be purchased from Taipei, including beauty products?

Ack, not sure about beauty products. But there’s a lot of facial masks there

Sir, How to avail the ROC?

Hi, I really enjoyed reading your travel experience to Taiwan. Makes me wanna start planning and go immediately. Thank you for the comprehensive reviews. It makes travelling to Taiwan so easy. Those days we used to travel with tour groups and its touch and go on the places. Nowadays, with the internet and helpful site like yours make DIY travelling doable and affordable.

Just for save up!

Good am! Ask ko lang po kung anong tinatanong sa immigration kapag first timer? Solo lang po akong aalis pero pupuntahan ko po yung boyfriend ko. He’s working at Taiwan po.

Hi, have booked our flight on July31,2018 and will stay there until Aug4, can I just confirm that I can still travel there on July31 visa free since no extension has been announced yet? Thanks

Extended until July 31, 2019 daw po

great detailed information ~

HI! Your blog is sooo helpful but may I know why you didn’t take the hop on hop off bus for the 4days and 3nights?? Thanks! 😊

Thank you! So helpful!!!

welcome, have fun!

Hello maam.pupunta po sana ako ng taiwan to visit my husband don din po sa dorm nya ako tutuloy. Bibili nalang po ba ng ticket diretso airpot? Ano pong kelangan at pano po ba maam? Salamat

Please read the blog

Thank you once again Ms Gael.

My 16 yr old son just took off this morning to Taipei from Perth, WA “to have a wander around for 2 days and 3 nights ” with a very short notice. He’s got this itchy feet and travel bug within him that he can’t wait to take off as soon as payday comes. I dropped by here to see and read insights from your recent travel and alas, just what I need at this very moment. It would be too late to fly out now but this is a very handy reference should winter skies will clear for us to fly soon and enjoy the Taipei vibes ourselves.

Hi Sarah, hope your son enjoys his trip. Thanks for dropping by. Safe travels! 🙂

How about the vaccinations? do we need to get any prior to our travel

Not required

Saving this for my future reference. Big help. Thanks!

welcome, enjoy Taiwan!

will be travelling there in sept 2019…would you know if the visas have to be acquired beforehand or can be given there at entry?

Taiwan visa-free extended until JUly 31, 2020. 🙂

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10 free things to do in taipei, taiwan + diy itinerary this 2023.

What to do in Taipei this 2023, when you're on a tight budget?

10 free things to do in taipei, taiwan this 2023, 1. visit chiang kai shek memorial hall.

2. Witness the Changing of the Guards

3. Explore Shilin Official Residence

4. Visit the Martyrs' Shrine

5. Visit a Temple

6. Witness the daily devotion of the locals at Longshan Temple

7. Visit the National Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

8. Take a selfie with the Taipei 101

A post shared by Pinoy Adventurista (Mervz) 🇵🇭 (@pinoyadventurista) on Nov 21, 2017 at 12:23am PST

9. Climb Elephant Mountain

10. Soak up the atmosphere of Taipei's Night Markets

There you have it! My 10 Best FREE Things to do in Taipei! Enjoy, have fun and discover the best of Taipei on a budget!

One-day taipei diy itinerary, where to stay in taipei, [ click here to see the list of top-rated hotels in taipei ].

• Taipei, Taiwan Travel Guide
• Hotels and Hostels in Taipei, Taiwan
• Sample Taiwan DIY Itineraries

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Looking for Budget Travel Guide Blogs, Hotel Reviews, and Sample DIY Itineraries? Welcome to Pinoy Adventurista, "Your Next Ultimate Adventure Starts Here!" Pinoy Adventurista is one of the Top Travel Blogs in the Philippines and the World. In 2013, he visited all the 81 provinces in the Philippines.