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39 Things to Do in Taipei

Written by Becca

Updated on March 18th, 2024

With so many things to do in Taipei, we explored with the top tourism sites and also the best alternative and off-the-beaten path attractions like creative parks, night markets, the specialty cafe scene and free hiking trails.

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Posted in Taiwan

This to Do in Taipei

• Ximending Night Market
• ShiLin Night Market
• Rao He Street Night Market
• ShiDa Night Market (& nearby neighborhood)
• Danshui (Tamsui) Old Street
• Danshui (Tamsui) Wharf
• Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
• National Concert Hall
• Yangming Shan National Park, Miaopu Trail & Qixing Shan Peak
• Yongkang Street
• You Ci Temple
• Tao Zhu Yin Yuan Building
• Huashan 1914 Creative Park
• XiaHai City Temple
• DiHua Street
• Xiangshan Hiking Trail (Elephant Mountain)
• MOCA - Museum of Contemporary Art, Taipei
• Din Tai Fung
• Tian Jin Onion Pancake (天津蔥抓餅)
• Snow King Ice Cream (雪王冰淇淋)
• Taipei 101 Food Court
• Taipei coffee shops and cafes
• Taipei Food Tour with Taipei Eats
• Miramar Shopping Mall
• Jason’s Marketplace
• Breeze Nanjing
• Eslite Spectrum Taipei
• Family Mart
• Taipei 101 Mall
• Taipei City Mall
• Pacific SOGO Department Store (Fuxing)
• Maokong Tea Village
• Jiufen Traditional Town

From hiking to cultural institutions to markets, Taipei is full of colors, delicious food, a variety of temples, shopping malls and night markets. It’s one of my favorite cities in Asia, and I love it because it’s safe, beautiful, fascinating and constantly changing.

Between my first and second times in Taipei, I found things I really liked, and things I wanted to do again. With a more in-depth experience in the city when Dan and I spent some time living a local lifestyle there, we were able to explore more night markets, more things to do in the rain (and that was a lot of the time), more coffee shops and more historic landmarks.

What will you wind up doing in Taipei? Use this list for a little bit of everything, from the best local favorite spots for food, to museums, day trips and shopping. Let’s go!

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Best night markets in Taipei

Night markets are a must in Taipei, which is why everyone’s buzzing about them! Taipei’s night markets come in a variety of different sizes, in different parts of the city - some are permanent installations and some are in the streets with vendor stalls that leave. All night markets are a great way to experience Taipei’s famous pastime… eating!

Ximending Night Market

All of Ximending seems like a night market when you get there - the lights, the people, the things to buy. Past dark, you’ll see that smaller alleys turn into kiosk-to-kiosk labyrinths of food vendors, so save your appetite for fried seafood, grilled meat, desserts and other delights here.

ShiLin Night Market

ShiLin Night Market is the mother of all night markets and it is no secret at all. ShiLin Night Market itself is a massive covered indoor-outdoor building (you won’t get wet if it’s raining) with food, carnival games, arcade games and games involving live small animals (fish and turtles).

As you exit the covered building, you’ll be in a maze of streets where there’s even more food vendors selling every type of Taiwanese street food under the sun, shops selling clothes, 7-Elevens and small bars. Things start around 5 pm.

Rao He Street Night Market

Find it here: Raohe St, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105

We got an idea of Rao He Street Night Market on a holiday weekend, and experienced this night market in wall-to-wall crowds. It’s also Jess’s favorite; she went to five night markets and Raohe was the one she’d go back to.

There are food vendors, craft vendors, vendors selling bagged foods and pre-made drinks (but also made-to-order smoothies - yum!) and proper restaurants on the periphery. The market itself is four long blocks long and you can enter at either end or in the middle through the alleys.

ShiDa Night Market (& nearby neighborhood)

ShiDa was the first night market we went to, and it’s more of a nighttime shopping area than a market with stalls. The market is composed of several streets in a shopping district, and what we liked about the market was that the main crowd is students (ShiDa is a university nearby!).

We had fruit from a fresh juice and fruit shop, and looked at all the different types of trending styles in the clothing shops. Aside from the market itself, we really like the ShiDa neighborhood.

Best things to do in Taipei

Taipei has so much to see, but with the MRT, you’re never at a loss of how to get around. We found that locals were so helpful if we needed directions or ideas, and there’s generally lots of signage and a good amount of English.

Danshui (Tamsui) Old Street

Tamsui Old Street is, for many visitors, the main attraction of going to Tamsui. Tamsui is a town that retains a sort of seaside culture and is a relaxing getaway (for an afternoon) for many city people.

Danshui (Tamsui) Wharf

Danshui Wharf is a pedestrian promenade along the river in Danshui (Tamsui). There’s lots of street food for sale (fried seafood, and more!) and small carnival games.

Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

Probably “one of the #1” attractions in Taipei, this is not only a famous place to go, but it’s a beautiful one. Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall and the surrounding square, park and national buildings are symmetrically-arranged and have beautiful architecture.

Bring a tripod and camera, as this is a great photo op!

Look up timing for the changing of the guard in the memorial hall itself, as this was quite a special thing to do.

National Concert Hall

The National Concert Hall is a beautiful and colorful building located near Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall and in the same complex. The red columns and tiled roof are unique, and it’s hard to take a bad photo here.

Yangming Shan National Park, Miaopu Trail & Qixing Shan Peak

Yangming Shan National Park is Taipei’s famous natural park within the city limits. Here, you’ll feel like you’re far away from the city life (especially if you get stuck in the clouds like we did!).

We took a city bus to the park, but it turns out that the place is so big, our bus didn’t take us to the start of our hike exactly.

Fear not, though - public buses pick up and drop off to all the visitors centers and trail heads, so even though we hiked QiXing on the Miaopu trail and started from the visitors center, we ended at the start of the Xiaoyoukeng trail and were able to get on a bus back to the ShiLin or the city center from there.

Yongkang Street

Yongkang Street is a quintessential shopping street to visit in Taipei. This is where trendy young people go with friends to stop by cafes, boutique shops, dessert restaurants, bubble tea joints and some cafes that turn into bars later into the evening.

Be sure to check out the side streets that are on either side of Yongkang itself, as this is where you’ll find quiet cafes, smaller specialty restaurants and great opportunities for photography.

You Ci Temple

You Ci Temple is an awesome (and tall) temple that we accidentally wound up at while trying to reach the Rao He Night Market, as the two are next to each other. You Ci Temple looks fantastic at night when it’s lit up, and if you’re able to see some lanterns nearby, it completes a very pretty sight.

Da’An Park is a neighborhood park in the Da’An district of central Taipei, and it seems to be one of the largest city parks.

There’s a running path (note that it doesn’t connect in a circle, so if you’re jogging, you can either go back and forth on the path or cut across the walking paths in the park), playground for children, pond, grassy areas for picnics and connection to the Da’An Park MRT station.

Taipei 101 is really tall, and was once the tallest building in Asia! We did not have a chance to go up to the viewing platform, but we got to crane our necks up at it from the sidewalk and get some night views of it (it lights up at night).

Tao Zhu Yin Yuan Building

This wacky-looking new luxury residential building is a carbon-absorbing building that made the news when it was built in 2018. It has a twisty modern design, and from it, you can get a clear view of Taipei 101 (which we recommend doing after dark!).

It’s located between Xiangshan area and Taipei City Hall, and it’s a good stop for architecture enthusiasts. It’s a residential tower that, at the time of our writing, is not yet fully occupied.

For photography ideas, head past the building and try to find Taipei 101 framed by the building on one side.

Huashan 1914 Creative Park

This revitalized space was originally a winery during Japanese rule in the first half of the 20th century. It’s been turned into a creative park, a place for artists and nonprofits to showcase talent and hold cultural events.

The surrounding space is a park that fills with families and young people on weekends and holidays. It’s worth checking out, as it’s located near Da’An.

XiaHai City Temple

Xiahai City Temple gained fame recently for being mentioned in this CNN article as being a place where singles go to pray for love. While we can’t guarantee that you’ll find love if you come to this temple and pray to the god of love, you can definitely give it a shot.

DiHua Street

DiHua Street is a street we’re glad we were taken to during our Taipei Eats Tour . We liked the interesting architecture, which our guide told us was from the Japanese colonial period.

DiHua Street has traditional shops and new-wave boutique shops, so there was a good mix of things to see, from traditional basket-makers to specialty steamed rice cakes. We also liked trying all the samples of dried fruits and nuts as we walked on the sidewalks under the awnings.

Xiangshan Hiking Trail (Elephant Mountain)

This is the most accessible hike in Taipei, and on a clear day, you can have a great view of the city. We chose to treat this like a proper hike and wore running shoes (the path is made of stone steps, at least in the parts leading up to the views), and brought water, towels and snacks.

It was a good thing we came prepared, because there’s no chance to buy drinks nor snacks once you walk up the stairs. What we do wish we brought was some mosquito repellent!

To get to Xiangshan, take the MRT to the end of the red line, Xiangshan station. Then, follow signs for the Xiangshan hiking trail, and it’s about a 10-minute walk. You’ll see the steep steps going up, and that’s your start!

MOCA - Museum of Contemporary Art, Taipei

This museum is housed in a historic building in the downtown Datong district. You need about an hour here, as none of the exhibits are too big. Most exhibitions occupy a single room, with artistic themes coming from the Philippines, Taiwan and other places in Asia. Admission is 50 NTD. There is a cafe and shop near the entrance where you can buy tea, small desserts and craft beer.

Best food in Taipei

Taipei is known as a culinary destination. There are way too many places to eat at, so here are just a few!

Din Tai Fung

You may have even heard of or been recommended Din Tai Fung before even landing in Taiwan. Maybe you tried it in Hong Kong , Singapore or the West coast of the US. Din Tai Fung is the most famous eatery to come out of Taiwan, and for good reason - everything here is tasty, fast, attractive (swirly xiaolongbao!) and consistent.

When ordering at Din Tai Fung, you mark your orders on a sheet, and they’re brought out to you when they’re ready. Don’t expect to wait for everything to come at once, because it won’t. The service is fast because all the food is made without alteration, and it’s brilliant.

We had fluffy shrimp fried rice with egg, steamed vegetable dumplings, steamed buns, sauteed greens and more. Din Tai Fung is a Taiwanese experience that can’t be missed, as this is a place loved by locals and visitors alike.

Tian Jin Onion Pancake (天津蔥抓餅)

Find it at: No. 1號, Lane 6, Yongkang St, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106

Our friend Jess from Remote Year , who spent a month in Taipei, recommends that any visitor to Taipei head for a Tian Jin onion pancake. It’s her favorite street food, a scallion egg pancake (I know it as a popular street food (cong you bing) in Mainland China!) and it’ll make your mouth water. Stop by this traditional little street vendor stand for one!

Snow King Ice Cream (雪王冰淇淋)

Find it at: 100, Taiwan, Taipei City, Zhongzheng District, Section 1, Wuchang St, 65號2樓

Jess says to stop at this ice cream shop for some sweet treats in Taipei. They have so many flavors, even “wasabi” and “Taiwan Beer!” It’s a retro-vintage place, with a long history. Definintely worth a stop if you like a unique stop on your itinerary.

Taipei 101 Food Court

If you’re out for a day sightseeing and then you get hungry, head to the basement-level (B1) food court at Taipei 101. This food court is SERIOUS: there is something for every taste, and a fantastic array of East Asian as well as international cuisines. The food court is always busy, with a ton of seating as well.

You can even search for your favorite restaurant or options, at the search option in the Taipei 101 website .

Taipei coffee shops and cafes

Taipei has lots of specialty cafes and coffee shops. Although Taiwan is originally a tea country that takes tea very seriously, recent generations have experienced the rise of the specialty cafe. For a full list of coffee shops worth visiting, check out my list of the best cafes in Taipei .

Best food tour in Taipei

Taipei food tour with taipei eats.

We had a great time on our tour with Taipei Eats . We tried so many foods that we typically would not have found on our own, and our guide Tina was super helpful in finding ways for us to find food we could eat on our vegetarian-preferred and gluten-free diets, respectively.

On the Dadaocheng route, we tried food in markets, in boutique shops, in old family-owned restaurants and from carts on the street. This was an excellent way to see into the Taipei food scene and to have all our questions answered.

Best markets and malls in Taipei

Taipei has shopping for everyone! Whether you want an umbrella, socks, souvenirs or luxury brands to bring home, there’s a mall or a market for what you need.

Miramar Shopping Mall

This shopping mall near Beitou is great for a rainy day, and also for a sunny day, because it has a Ferris Wheel on the top floor! Our favorite part was the movie theater, located on the upper floors, where we spent a rainy Sunday. Check out the food court in the basement level for Jason’s marketplace, an array of Japanese, Chinese and Korean eateries and a fresh juice place as well.

Jason’s Marketplace

Jason’s Marketplace is an upscale supermarket where you can find lots of Western brands and imported goods. The most impressive Jason’s we went to was in Taipei 101, where the selection of fruit, vegetables and sushi was excellent.

Wait until 7 pm when all the sushi prices are marked down 30% or more.

Breeze Nanjing

Breeze Nanjing is a shopping mall conveniently located in a busy area and not too far from Taipei Arena. This is where you can visit IKEA, MUJI, Uniqlo and other big global brands. The food court is smaller, located up a few floors from ground level.

Q Square is a very big shopping mall of many floors near Taipei Main, and that’s exactly why we found ourselves there. The plethora of shopping there was impressive, as was the system of escalators, variety of vendors and the size of the food court. We got lost a few times and ultimately wound up eating dinner there.

Eslite Spectrum Taipei

Eslite Spectrum Mall is in a busy shopping district, and the mall is aesthetically-pleasing to walk around. Low ceiling and lots of design made with wood make it feel warm and not so overwhelming.

Each floor has lots of independent designers who have their own kiosks and setups, and you can explore products from the bookstore level on floor 5 to the handmade bags, wallets and jewelry on other floors. The basement has a food court and it was one of our more ‘favorite’ food courts among malls in Taipei.

Wellcome is the supermarket that had the most familiarity to us in Taipei, so it’s where we shopped a few times for items we couldn’t find at our local neighborhood outdoor market. Having known about Wellcome from Hong Kong, we knew that we could get refrigerated goods, produce, dry goods and things like spices and household items at Wellcome. We went to the Wellcome between Yongkang Street and Shi Da.

Why are we mentioning 7-Eleven? It’s almost like 7-Elevens were reinvented for Taipei as a convenience store you actually want to go to. At 7-Eleven, our favorite things to buy were the freshly-roasted sweet potatoes, small sushi rolls, fresh single-serving fruit packages, sport drinks, tea eggs, big bottles of water (6L) to bring home and snacks like dried fruit or nuts. The choices seem endless. What’s more is you can get coffee at 7-Eleven and even sit down in the seating areas!

Family Mart

Family Mart is a close second to 7-Elevens in Taipei where you can find everything from some types of fresh food to regular convenience store items.

Taipei 101 Mall

The shopping mall at Taipei 101 is exceptionally upscale and consists of several floors of luxury shopping and a food court level. Given our constant hunger, the food court was our favorite part, and we had bubble tea from Happy Lemon and fries from McDonald’s (don’t judge - we needed a taste of home… or something!).

Our other favorite (how could we forget?) is Jason’s Marketplace , a supermarket on the fancy side that has loads of imported and Western goods. Our favorite part was the sushi counter.

Fresh sushi leftover from the day will go on sale after 7 pm, so you can enjoy your sushi at around 50% off.

Taipei City Mall

Taipei City Mall is not a modern mall, but rather, an urban underground shopping center with local stores, knock off goods, lots of clothes shopping (Taiwanese and Chinese styles) and toys. We couldn’t find anything we truly wanted to purchase, but it was worth seeing this very Taiwanese urban market.

Pacific SOGO Department Store (Fuxing)

SOGO is a shopping mall that is referred to as ‘department store’ in some instances. For speakers of American English, we consider a department store to be a single store under one name that has different departments, but in Taiwan, a department store refers to the mall itself. SOGO has lots of upscale brands and of course, a food court. Great for spending a rainy day.

Day trips from Taipei

There is so much to do in Taipei, but for a breath of fresh air, it’s easy to leave the city for some new sights and experiences.

Maokong Tea Village

The first time I went to Taipei, my friend Greg took me on a day trip to Maokong, the tea hills right outside the city. Jess also did a hike in Maokong and suggests taking the MRT to the zoo station. From there, you can take the gondola up to Maokong, and there’s plenty of trails to walk on!

Overall, Maokong (for me) felt like gliding over green tea plants and entering another world, which I really liked. After an afternoon sipping some authentic teas, it’s relatively quick to head back to the city and re-enter the hustle and bustle.

Jiufen Traditional Town

Jiufen is a gorgeous mountain town not too far from Taipei and is one of the most popular day trips. Here, you can see what a traditional northern Taiwanese town once looked like, and visit the Jiufen Old Street for some proper street food!

Taroko is further out from Taipei; in fact, it’s not in Taipei at all. If you’re keen on seeing gorgeous nature, consider that Taroko is worth it, but it’s a 3-hour drive. It is best to go with an organized group and that’s what Jess did. Check out a day tour like this one.

More things to do in Taipei

While we did have more than two weeks to explore Taipei, it rained a lot, so we didn’t have a chance to explore every outdoor place we had planned to. If we had had more time, we would’ve also checked out:

• Songshan Cultural Park
• Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall
• National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine
• Longshan Temple
• Bangka Temple
• Ningxia Street Night Market
• Grand Hotel
• Taipei Botanical Garden
• Linjiang Street (Tonghua) Night Market (Da’an)
• Huaxi Night Market

Looking for more things to do in Taipei? Check out our guide to Taipei’s best cafes for working with a laptop and our review of the Taipei Eats food tour.

Update: Looking for where to stay in Taipei? A friend just recommended Star Hostel Taipei , so if you’re looking for a great hostel, this is it. Check it out!

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Taipei, taiwan’s capital, has emerged as one of asia’s best-loved destinations. the rapidly developing city has restaurants and hotels that hold their own with the best in east asia, but remains more budget-friendly than tokyo or hong kong. visitors find strong taiwanese cultural heritage in places like snake alley and longshan temple, while just minutes away by mrt is the hyper-fashionable ximending district and the electronics bazaar of the guang hua digital plaza..

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27 Unmissable Things to Do in Taipei | Ultimate Taipei Travel Guide

Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by Christine Kaaloa

I spent 9 days in Taipei. Did I do everything? Not even close.

A fortune-telling street, a snake and toilet restaurant, night markets… as an international foodie capital, Taipei is a dynamic city you’ll want to put on your travel bucket list. Here’s a summarized Taipei Travel Guide of the top things to do in Taipei and how to get around the city.

Table of Contents: 27 Unmissable Things to Do in Taipei | Ultimate Taipei Travel Guide

• 0.1 A Historical Summary of Taiwan
• 0.2 27 Unmissable Things to Do in Taipei
• 1.0.1 1. Chiang Kai Shek Memorial
• 1.0.2 2. Changing of the guards ( Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall )
• 1.0.3 3. Sun Yat Sen Memorial
• 1.0.4 4. National Palace Museum
• 1.0.5 5. Lonshan Temple
• 1.0.6 6. Taipei 101 building
• 2.0.1 7. Elephant Mountain
• 3.0.1 8. Fortune Telling Street
• 3.0.2 8. Cats & Cafe 1988
• 3.0.3 9. Modern Toilet
• 3.0.4 10. Tengfeng Fish Ball Museum
• 4.0.1 11. Shilin Night Market
• 4.0.2 12. Raohe Night Market
• 4.0.3 13. Huaxi Night Market | Snake Alley
• 4.0.4 14. Ningxia Night Market
• 4.0.5 15. Ximending Night Market
• 5.0.1 16. Songshan Cultural & Creative Park
• 5.0.2 17. Bubble Tea
• 5.0.3 18. Ximending
• 5.0.4 19. Taipei Metro Station Shopping
• 5.0.5 20. Free walking tours of Taipei
• 5.0.6 21. Food Tour with Taipei Eats
• 6.0.1 22.  Taipei Zoo  & Maokong Gondola
• 6.0.2 23. Danshui
• 6.0.3 24. Beitou Hot Springs
• 6.0.4 25. Houtong Cat Village
• 6.0.5 26.  Juifen and Northern Taiwan
• 6.0.6 27.  The Tofu Town of Daxi, Taoyuen
• 6.1 Must Try Foods to Eat in Taipei
• 6.2 Recommended Accommodations in Taipei
• 6.3 Getting from the Airport to Taipei
• 6.4.1 Metro | MRT
• 6.4.4 Bikes
• 6.4.5 Buy a Taiwanese SIM
• 6.4.6 Watch my “How I travel Taiwan” YouTube playlist
• 6.4.7 Related Posts

A Historical Summary of Taiwan

As the world’s 25th largest economy and its 13th most important trading nation, Taiwan is seems like an independent country; however, it’s not.  Once colonized by the Dutch, ruled by Japan and then overseen by the Republic of China (but ruled under the Chinese Nationalist Party – aka the KMT founded by Sun Yat Sen —  political tensions with mainland China are still strained and under a complex balance.  Taiwan is not a democratic country but continues to make dynamic changes in political, economical and social arenas.  Taiwanese see themselves as Chinese but recognize their lifestyle, political system and sensibilities as somewhat, independent.

27 Unmissable Things to Do in Taipei

As always, my Taipei Travel Guide video gives an inside peek into the experience as I report from that location.  The information between written post and video is made to complement each other. Some things can’t be said in words or in one photo. That’s where video comes in.

Historical Landmarks in Taipei

1. chiang kai shek memorial.

Chiang Kai Shek was the president of the Republic of China and general of the Kuomintang (which ruled over Taiwan) between 1928-1975. Thus, the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial is the center focus of a large pavillion called the Liberty Square. It’s flanked by the National Theater and National Concert Hall.  Hours:  9am- 6pm

Getting There: Take metro to   Chiang Kai Shek Memorial station

2. Changing of the guards ( Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall )

At the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial you’ll find two guards standing at the base of the memorial statue. They stand like stone statues. The guards change every hour and everything is choreographed and in sync with one another. Although I did catch a guard slip in his step. Hours: Last change is at 6pm.  The guards will leave, but make sure to go down to the base of the steps by the flagpole, as the ritual of lowering the flag continues there.

3. Sun Yat Sen Memorial

The Sun Yat Sen Memorial is a memorial to a doctor whose only been to Taiwan four times, but as one of the founding fathers of the Kuomintang (or KMT, the authoritarian rule of the Chinese Nationalist Party), his philosophy lives on in Taiwan’s political sensibilities today.  The plaza is a nice people-watching spot. You might see company teams practicing dance cheers for their company party, Tai Chi practitioners and you can get a decent view of the Taipei 101 building.

Getting There :Take the Banqiao Line to Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall Station.

4. National Palace Museum

The National Palace Museum houses artifacts from China’s emperors. It’s three floors of impressive artifacts from periods of Chinese rulership. You’ll find everything from jade collections to calligraphy art, Buddha sculptures and more. It’s the first museum I”ve seen of its kind with unique palace valuables.  If you love history, it’s worth a look. There are two wings, a children’s center and a garden. Recommended: Buy your e-tickets now and skip the line

Guided Tours: Chinese, English, and French guides are free. Audio headsets cost 200 NRT.   Note : You must store your bags and cameras in the lockers provided. You will need a 10NRT, but token will be returned to you upon bag retrieval.

Getting There: From Shilin MRT station, head out Exit 1 to Zhongzheng Rd to RT side of Main Street and catch R30 (red 30), minibus 18 or 19. It’s about 15 minutes to the museum.

5. Lonshan Temple

Longshan Temple is one of the most active temples in Taipei.  It’s next to the Huaxi Night market and the metro.  Worshippers go to pray but also to get their fortunes told, by throwing sticks. It’s a popular way of temple fortune telling for many Asian countries, where you’ll think of your question and throw the sticks. The sticks will have an interpretation and that’s your fortune.  Nearby the temple is the famous Fortune Telling Street (more information below).

Travel Tip: Book a Longshan Temple and a Bopiliao Historical Walking tour . Toss fortune sticks at the temple, drink a Taiwanese cup of tea and explore the Bopiliao Block area.

Getting There :  Next to the Huaxi Night Market and right outside Longshan MRT, you’ll find the Longshan Temple.  

6. Taipei 101 building

The Taipei 101 building is the most well-known landmark of Taipei as it used to be the highest tower in the world.  With time, that’s certainly changed, but it does at least still hold a record for having one of the fastest elevators of the world with rates up to 17 m/sec.  During New Year’s Eve, the city holds a light and fireworks show from it, inviting a different artist each year to design the light display. Get your advance e-tickets for the Observation Deck .

Admission: $15 USD   Getting There:  Take the Banquiao Line to Taipei City Hall Station. Exit 2 there is a free shuttle bus, but the line is often long and it is an easy walk. To walk: take Exit 3 and follow the sidewalk past the park.

Where to Hike in Taipei

7. elephant mountain.

If you want the best view of the city and Taipei 101 building , head out to Elephant Mountain . It’s a small mountain with at least four different trails (names of animals) to hike, with Elephant being the first view point.  This trail is easy to get to and takes around 20 minutes to hike.  The paved step trail is steep and you will break a sweat, so pace yourself.   Don’t settle for the first viewpoint you see, but keep going higher and you’ll find a few more options.  There will be maps along the way to show you what other trails you can take.It’s a perfect getaway from the city.

Travel Tip: If you’re an instagrammer, take a Instagram hiking tour of Elephant Mountain .

Getting There:  From Xiangshan MRT head to Exit 2 and follow the signs from there. Signs will direct you past a basketball court and condo area to the base of the mountain.

Quirky & Unusual Places in Taipei

If you didn’t know it, Taipei has several quirky museums, factory tours and modern theme cafes (i.e. Barbie cafe, Ninja & Hospital cafe, airplane restaurant, etc…).  I tried to seek many out. Unfortunately, half of these great ideas had closed, but a few continue to linger on… Here’s a few unusual places in Taipei that I experienced .

8. Fortune Telling Street

Fortune Telling Street is a line of fortune telling shops in an underpass at Longshan Temple. Each shop has got their own gimmick.  Getting There:   Longshan Temple MRT (Underpass) (龍山寺捷運站地下街)

8. Cats & Cafe 1988

As the original cat cafe of Taipei, Cats & Cafe 1988 claims to have the most cats of cat cafes. It’s also got two resident dogs and a bird. In order to experience the cafe, you need to order something on the menu. Most options cost.  Honestly, the cafe is not known for its food and is standard at most. More here .

Getting There: MRT Zhishan, immediately turn right.  The cafe front isn’t easy to notice and  the sign isn’t obvious but there’s an awning out front. .  The vertical sign is a sliver on the side of the building.  Address:  (129 Fuhua Rd, Shilin, MRT Zhishan, 02 2835 3335 

9. Modern Toilet

Modern Toilet is a restaurant with a theme around toilets. Located in the hip and popular Ximending district of Taipei, you’ll find the decor ranges from plumbing pipes, to toilet bowl seats, urinals, squat toilets and poo.  It’s a fun restaurant and the food is good.   Hours:  11a -10p    Location:  2F., No.7, Lane 50, Sining S. Rd., Wanhua District, Taipei City    Phone:  02-2311-8822

Directions  and more information, here .

10. Tengfeng Fish Ball Museum

Being that Taipei is a foodie’s country and fish balls are popular dish in Asia and Southeast Asia, I originally planned to visit the Teng Feng Fish Ball Museum. Call for hours as it is a working factory and may be closed on holidays and weekends.

Location: No. 117, Zhongzheng Rd, Tamsui District, New Taipei City, Ph:02 2629 3312.

Best Night Markets in Taipei

There are a handful of best night markets in Taipei:    Shilin, Raohe, Hua Xi,  Ningxia, Tonghua, Shia, Liaoning Street,  Guang Zhou Street, Wu Zhou Street… a lot .  You’ll find anything from food to clothes and home products.  The three I’ve listed are my favorite and happen to be the most popular.

11. Shilin Night Market

Shillin Market is one of the top night markets in Taipei. The biggest and most fashionable night market, food hawkers line the street entrance and you’ll find everything from stinky tofu, jelly drinks, deep fried squid, mochi balls and more.  Walking down the maze of streets, you can shop fashion boutiques, mobile accessory stores and bag shops.  In the heart of the area, there’s a covered area which sports carnival games for children.

Getting There: Opposite the Jian Tan MRT stop. Walk out the exit towards the large intersection.  That signals the entrance of the market.

12. Raohe Night Market

Raohe Night Market ( map here )  is Taipei’s oldest night market and was my other favorite. It’s clearly a foodie’s market and the dishes you’ll find there are what’s in vogue! Each hawkers does something a little different to make their dish unique in seasoning and sauce flavor. Tables and seats line the center of the street, as hawkers grill, fry  and boil foods around them. On crowded nights it can be hard to move.

Getting There: From MRT to Song Shan Station, take Exit #5 and take a right towards the temple.

13. Huaxi Night Market | Snake Alley

14. ningxia night market.

Highly Recommended: Take a Ningxia Night Market Food tour with a guide. Enrich your mind and palate by learning about the foods here and its history. 

15. Ximending Night Market

Ximending Night Market is in the huge trendy shopping district of Ximending and is right off the Ximen station in the area that is known as Taipei’s Times Square due to the fact it is has jumbotrons and the lights from the stores light it up like Manhattan’s Times Square . The last time I traveled Taipei, I visited Ximending strictly for to visit Modern Toilet (the themed toilet restaurant), but this time I explored the area a bit more. You’ll find a lot of trendy and fun foods shops here which sell Boba tea, various teas, deep fried chicken wings, etc… Definitely check out Ay-Chung Flour Rice Noodle for the best vermicelli noodles, thick and gooey and absolutely delish. For quick and cheap souvenirs check out Miniso and the various electronic shops which sell mobile accessories.

Taipei Arts & Culture

16. songshan cultural & creative park.

Songshan Cultural & Creative Park used to be a tobacco factory but now it’s transformed into a cultural park area with a building housing innovative creative labs, artist workshop studios and restaurants. The artist workshop studios are open for public use and holds anything from crafted items to studios where you can learn how to blow glass, make clay sculpture, etc..  Hours：9:00~18:00 . Website

Getting There :Take the Banqiao Line to Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall Station. Exit through Exit 5 and walk for 550m to Yanchang Road (the intersection of Civic Boulevard and Guangfu South Road).    OR  Take the Banqiao Line to Taipei City Hall Station, and take Exit 1 or Exit 2  and walk for about 400m to Lane 553, Section 4, Zhongxiao East Road.

17. Bubble Tea

If Taiwan put one thing on the international foodie map, it’s Bubble Tea Drinks . This popular drink is part of the Taiwanese culture and lifestyle and you’ll find many bubble tea places around town.   The dark pearls inside are  chewy tapioca balls, making this a drink you can chew.   Popular bubble tea chain:   Coco but you can easily find a tea shop around town. If not, check out Ximending area.

18. Ximending

At Ximen station, you’ll find  Ximending , the trendiest and hippest area for those looking for food, fashion and people-watching.You can’t help but love it here. At night, it’s lit up like New York’s Times Square as the hub for strolling, shopping and eating. You’ll find the trendiest street foods and bubble teas, along with occasional street vendors or electronics shops spilling out to catch the eyes of pedestrian passerbys.  It is a milder form of Shilin Market and a tad more commercial with standard stores like H&M or UniQlo. The hottest area is near the station. Right outside the station, you’ll find Rainbow street, a popular new Instagram spot where the street is painting in a rainbow in celebration of the Gay Pride parade.

19. Taipei Metro Station Shopping

Taipei Metro Station isn’t only the main hub of the city (with access to Taipei Train Station, Taipei HSR Station , and Taipei Bus Station ). It  houses  underground shopping and eateries.  There’s one area dedicated to luggage and traveling, with older budget like vendors.  Other areas of the station offers a resting and gathering spot, where Taiwanese can hang out with friends. You can at boutique stores and grab  takeout bites from fast food shops.

The ground level offers a giant rest area with souvenir gift and snack shops. It’s great if you need to shop for last minute gifts for a weekend family visit.  If you take time to explore Taipei Metro Station, you’ll find it offers a lot of chill amusement and shopping.

Note: Buying bags in Taiwan can be cheap, but not necessarily made to last. I bought a backpack that didn’t last longer than a week.

20. Free walking tours of Taipei

Tour Me Away and Like it Formosa offer free walking tours of Taipei. It’s held by local volunteers and runs on donations. Both offer a couple of tour options for those who either want to get to know the city, meet people or enjoy a budget day tour.    I took a Chill Out Tour for a chance to learn about Taipei’s local lifestyle. It’s not a bad way to spend your afternoon and expect a casual tour.  Donations are encouraged by the volunteers as some of college students looking to make a few dollars for school.   Highly recommended if you have time!

In Taipei for a layover? Take a free airport layover tour

21. food tour with taipei eats.

Taiwan is a foodie’s country, with an endless and ongoing variety of street foods and small dishes. Taking a food tour with  Taipei Eats  was a highlight of my trip and one of the most informative food tours I’ve taken yet .

Easy Day Trips

22.  taipei zoo  & maokong gondola.

Taipei is said to have one of the largest zoos with the happiest animals. I never got a chance to see that in person, so if you get there, let me know. If you get the chance, take the  cable car from Taipei to Maokong  (aka Maokong gondola). It runs from Taipei Zoo Station (Brown Line 1) up the mountain to the top of  Maokong , a mountain-top tea destination.

 Admission: $60 NT for adults. Free admission to preschool children and handicapped. Hours: 9 am- 5pm.  A dditional directions here .

23. Danshui

Going out to Danshui can feel like a bit of a day trip. As a lakeside district of Taipei, it has it’s own feeling. It may take anywhere from 20-30 minutes by metro and offers a great neighborhood for shopping and food. Next to the lake, you can take a ferry ride out to the island of Bali (not to be confused with the Indonesian island ). It’s large lakeside park offers relaxation for those who want to hang out for a picnic.

Or you  can stroll down the boardwalk of souvenir shops, where you’ll see anything from street food hawkers and carnival gaming shops. Buy an ice cream cone or a plate of deep fried breaded squid.

At night, the walking street parallel to the boardwalk takes on the mood of a popular night market street where you can shop (there’s a Hello Kitty dessert shop & a type of Ripley’s Believe it or Not museum), eat and indulge a street bubbling with activity.

24. Beitou Hot Springs

Beitou   hot springs  has a handful of hot spring pools ranging from cheap public pools to more upscale types. Taking a taxi is recommended.  Ask the Tourist Information or your hotel for easy to get to destinations.  The nearest one (in front of Xinbeitou MRT) is  Millenium Hot Spring. Admission:   NT$40.

Getting There:  Take the Danshui MRT line to Xinbeitou Station.

25. Houtong Cat Village

About 45 minutes out from Taipei is Houtong Cat Village in Ruifang.  It is a lovely and small riverside town nestled in a picturesque valley (I went on a dreary and rainy day).  Originally a coal mining village, a local started caring for stray cats and taking them in and the towns people started to continue the tradition. Today, cats roam the area and are fed by locals and tourists.  You can still explore the coal mining area and its museum to understand its history. More here .

Getting There:  T ake a northbound train ( except  Keelung trains) to Ruifang Station.

26.  Juifen and Northern Taiwan

You can take easy day trip to  Juifen and Northern Taipei . Juifen is a small hillside town in Northeastern Taiwan. Its recognized in photos for its bright red lanterns, narrow street alleys and freshly made food. Snack shops and teahouses line its alleys selling all types of creative snacks, food souvenirs and street foods which will have you opening your purse and mouth more than once! There is a traditional theater in the town and nearby is the Gold Mine Museum in Jinguashi and the Golden Waterfalls. It’s worthwhile to hire a group tour to Juifen  or hire a car for the day to see the natural wonders in that area, such as Bitou Cape , the Yin and Yang seas and more!  Read my post on Northern Taiwan here .

27.  The Tofu Town of Daxi, Taoyuen

Just 40 minutes south of Taoyuan Airport and  Taipei , is one of the best kept secrets of Taoyuan~ the mountainous and beautifully historical town of  Daxi . Daxi is known for its unique historical architecture, its woodwork history, cultural preservation and for being a tofu town with a unique tofu specialty which makes tofu here, brown and firm.

Must Try Foods to Eat in Taipei

Pigs blood rice cake, Gua Bao, Stinky Tofu… If you’re a foodie and you want variety, then Taiwan is going to be your soulmate destination.

As an international foodie capital, Taipei is a dynamic city of modernity, street food and fusion foods. Virtually any type of diet will be  able a Taiwanese dish to tempt their tastebuds.

Read: 18 Must Try Foods of Taipei

Recommended Accommodations in Taipei

ColorMix Hostel & Hotel   What happens when you mix a hostel with a hotel? Apparently at ColorMix Hostel & Hotel you get a pod hotel! Small, compact and inexpensive, this was a budget friendly hotel was still on the luxurious side for me. I got an all inclusive hotel room the size of an officetel with bathroom ensuite. It literally had just enough room for me to do all the business I needed. Location convenient in Ximending, near three 7 Elevens, free wifi, highly recommended.

Backpackers Inn Taipei has convenient location, just 2-minute walk from the MRT. A 10-minute walk away from Taipei Main Station or Ximen Station.  I haven’t stayed here but this was one option I was considering based on friend recommendations. There are Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, the Presidential Palace and other famous attractions nearby.

Hotel Resonance Taipei, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is an elegant, modern four star hotel with a unique Cubist architectural design is just a stone’s throw from Taipei Main Station.

Book more accommodations options in the Taipei area here .

Getting from the Airport to Taipei

  Taoyuan International Airport (or the Taipei International Airport)  is 40 minutes north of Taipei. The airport  houses  a bus terminal, nearby  High Speed Rail  station and a  MRT link to Taipei. Take the high speed rail directly into Taipei via Taipei Station. Note: The walk from high speed rail station to Taipei Station takes around 8-10 minutes. Taipei station is large, so finding your platform will take time.

Public buses from the airport are available from both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Bus stations are labeled in English, and have LCD monitors where you can see the various destinations, schedules, and fares. A bus to Taipei Main Station is $NT 125.  It will drop you off at the Kuo-Kuang West Bus Terminal outside the Taipei Main Station. Travel Tip:  Pre-book a Taoyuan airport pickup .

Getting Around Taipei

Metro | mrt.

The heart vein of Taipei is the MRT system. The metro will get you to almost anywhere you need to go in a short amount of time. If you plan to use the metro a lot, you can buy an Easy Card. It will cost $100NT for the card and $400 for initial travel. You can reload it at any time in the future. The card will get you 20% off all Taipei MRT rides.  A single ride can cost from $15 -65 NT.

Taking the bus in Taipei is inexpensive; however, it’s not always easy.  Cost is approximately $15NT and it’s easy if you have an Easy Card (read above). Bus signs are mostly in Chinese. You may find occasional English translations at popular tourist stops. It’s a little tricky using the Easy Card. Swipe your Easy Card upwards if paying when you board the bus and swipe your card downward if you’re paying when you disembark the bus. I’ve only used the city bus once.

Taking a taxi in Taipei is inexpensive, compared to other cities.  It’s a yellow taxi cab and tipping is not normally expected but your choice.

You can rent UBikes to skirt around the city.  YouBike rental kiosks are walking distance from the MRT. Use a credit card with a chip or your Easy Card. The first 30 minutes of your rental are free and you can drop them off at any other kiosk location.

Buy a Taiwanese SIM

There is much public wifi available in metro areas. However, the drawback is you need to take your passport and sign up for a password at the Tourism Information kiosk, conveniently located in some metro stations. However, it still might not work. I recommend buying a Taiwan SIM in advance . I had a friend get me a Taiwanese SIM in her neighborhood and we struggled a lot to get a signal or a working login and the language barrier made me feel helpless.

Watch my “How I travel Taiwan” YouTube playlist

Related posts.

7-Eleven in Taiwan Taipei Travel Guide | Best Things to Do Taipei (Part 1) Quirky Things to Do in Taipei (Part 2)  Taipei Culture Shock: Things to Love or Hate Top Must Try foods in Taiwan

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Asia , Itineraries , Taiwan · November 17, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

How many days to spend in Taipei

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

Plan Your Taipei Trip

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

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

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

Taipei Itinerary Essentials

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

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

How to get around during your Itinerary in Taipei

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

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

Best Hotels and Hostels to stay during an Itinerary for Taipei

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

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

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

Taipei Itinerary Quick Overview

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 Day Taipei Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Experience the Culture at Longshan Temple

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

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

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

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

Take in the Views Atop Taipei 101  

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

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

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

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

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

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

Catch the sunset at Elephant Mountain

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

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

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

Feast at Raohe Night Market

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

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

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

2 Day Taipei Itinerary

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

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

Browse the historic Dihua Street 

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

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

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

Enjoy the vibe at Ximending Walking District

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

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

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

Check out the Quirky Displays at Huashan 1914 Creative Park

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

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

Stroll through Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall

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

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

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

Taipei 3 Days Itinerary

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

Browse the National Palace Museum 

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

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

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

Visit Beitou Hot Springs

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wander the streets of Tamsui

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

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

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

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

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

Eat your way through Shilin Night Market

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

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

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

Taipei 4 Day itinerary

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

Visit the rock formations at Yehliu

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

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

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

See Taiwan’s widest waterfall 

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

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

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

Wander the lantern-filled alleys of Jiufen

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

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

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

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

Itinerary for Taipei 5 Days

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

Meet furry friends at Taipei Zoo

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

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

Enjoy a tea ceremony at Maokong

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

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

Browse Taipei Fine Arts Museum

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

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

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

Enjoy the vibes at AAD

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

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

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

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

5 Days Itinerary in Taipei Conclusion

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

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

Need More Help Planning a Taiwan Trip?

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

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October 9, 2023 at

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

October 11, 2023 at

Hey Wynoma,

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

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

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

December 19, 2023 at

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

January 19, 2024 at

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

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

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

January 17, 2024 at

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

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

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

February 15, 2024 at

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

Hey TH, thanks for stopping by.

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

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

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

October 14, 2023 by Bino 2 Comments

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

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

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

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

chiang kai shek memorial hall

Day 1 – Quintessential Taipei

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

national palace museum taipei by gary todd

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

artwork inside moca taipei by harry li

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

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

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

jinfeng braised pork rice

the gate to the chiang kai shek memorial hall

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

longshan temple

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

red house ximending

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

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

Day 2 – Excursion to Yehliu and Jiufen

yehliu geopark by bill so

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

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

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

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

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

raohe night market

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

Day 3 – Modern and Hipster Taipei

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

fujin street in taipei

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

huashan 1914 creative park by travel oriented

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

daan forest park mrt station

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

matcha canele at heiankyo in taipei

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

koo chen fu national library at national taiwan university

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

old buildings in dihua street by adam jones

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

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

Getting to Taipei from Taoyuan International Airport

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

Travel Tips for Taipei

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

Where to stay in Taipei

citizenm taipei hotel

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

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

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February 23, 2018 at 12:45 am

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

September 3, 2019 at 3:01 pm

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

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Where to go in taipei — 14+ must-see & best places to visit in taipei.

Traveling to Taipei is a trend in recent years. You can come here to visit, shop, study nature or enjoy food… All of them are wonderful because Taipei owns the wonderful things that only this city has. The following attractions you definitely must visit to make your Taipei trip perfect and complete! So, where to go in Taipei (where to go in Taiwan Taipei) and best places to go in Taipei? Let’s check it out our suggested places to visit in Taipei Taiwan with 14+ top places to visit in Taipei (Taipei top attractions) and best places to visit in Taipei including Taipei interesting places to visit, top ten places to visit in Taipei, Taipei places of interest… to find out the answer.

• Taipei itinerary 3 days — What to do in Taipei for 3 days?
• Where to shop in Taipei blog — 5 Cheap places to shop in Taipei & best shopping area in Taipei
• Taipei travel blog — The fullest Taipei city guide for first-timers
• Jiufen travel blog — Jiufen day trip from Taipei: How to spend 1 perfect day in Jiufen?
• Must eat food in Taipei — Top 23+ best street food in Taipei & best places to eat them

National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

When traveling to Taipei, we should also know about the history of the cities we have visited. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is one of the largest historic buildings in Taipei with great value, where almost any visitor must visit once. His life is closely linked to the destiny of traditional Chinese culture and forms a country rich in Chinese identity as we see it today.

Chiang Kai-shek National Memorial Hall is divided into 5 main parts:

• Chiang Kai-shek Memorial House (Main Hall)
• Chiang Kai-shek Statue.
• Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Park
• The National Theater and National Concert Hall
• The 1st floor of Memorial Hall

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is a very large square with a huge entry gate, the inside area is divided into 5 sections as mentioned above. The two sides of the main Memorial Hall are The National Theater and National Concert Hall which were built in the bold traditional style of the Chinese architecture, sophisticated and unique. The giant statue of Chiang Kai-shek is placed in a building with blue-roof, white walls and surrounded by galleries with large document storage about Taiwan’s history and culture. When you come here, you also have the opportunity to admire the serious guards in military uniform and the change of the guard is very solemn.

Address: No.21, Zhongshan S.Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei City 10048, Taiwan Phone: +886-2-2343-1100 Hours: 9AM–6PM Height: 76 m (249 ft) Admission: Free Url: https://en.cksmh.gov.tw/ Getting there: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is located in the Freedom Square Taipei (Zhongzheng District) in central Taipei so you can easily get here by bus or MRT (take the Red Line or Green Line).

National Palace Museum (#best places to visit in taipei)

With more than 700.000 artifacts still preserved or restored, the National Palace Museum is a huge art collection that in this trip to Taipei, you must visit to admire. The National Palace Museum of Taipei is also one of the largest museums in the world displaying royal artifacts and works of art, so you must definitely see the beauty of this museum once, from architecture in general to artifacts in particular.

There are artifacts of more than 10.000 years of age, from the Stone Age to the end of the Qing Dynasty. Really, it can be said that the National Palace Museum is huge and magical. In which, the paintings, calligraphy, jade statues, ceramics, jewelry and religious artifacts are displayed in abundance, each artifact has a separate story and document. You can spend the whole day admire each item carefully. The average visit time is about 3 hours.

Address: No. 221, Sec 2, Zhi Shan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111 Hours: 8:30AM–6:30PM / Friday & Saturday: 8:30AM–9PM Tickets: 250 TWD ($8.04) Founded: October 10, 1925 Phone: +886 2 2881 2021 Url: https://www.npm.gov.tw/en/ Getting there: Take the bus number 18, 19, 30, 255, 304, 805. You can catch these buses at Taipei station.

Almost every Taiwanese film has an image of this famous tower, a proud symbol of Taiwanese people, so no one visited Taipei but skipped the building. This is the second tallest tower in the world with 101 floors and is the busiest international commercial and financial center of Taipei. To visiting the entire of the building will takes 2 to 3 hours.

Inside the Taipei 101 is luxurious and sophisticated, from the 1st to 5th floor are the shopping malls, which gathers many famous brands around the world and famous Chinese-style restaurants, especially the extremely famous dimsum restaurant of Din Tai Fung (Read more: Visit Din Tai Fung Taipei Original (Din Tai Fung Xinyi) — Tasting the best dimsum at the best dimsum restaurant in the world ) .

At the 88th floor of the tower, you can view the whole of Taipei, a modern and magnificent picture, especially when the sunset gradually descends. Tickets to the 88th floor cost about 600 TWD ($19.30) and will be cheaper if you buy online in advance. In addition, you also have the world’s fastest elevator experience and see the world’s largest balancing sphere in the building. Besides, don’t forget to watch the documentary about the building process, very interesting.

On clear days, the weather is nice, many people line up to see the scenery at the 88th floor of Taipei 101. So you can go early, or go in the noon, to avoid have to queue too long.

Location: Xinyi Special District, Xinyi District; Taipei, Taiwan Address: No. 45 Shifu Road, Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan. Hours: 9 am – 10 pm Admission: Free. Tickets to the 88th floor are 600 TWD ($19.30)/person. Top floor: 439.2 m (1,441 ft) Cost: NT$ 58 billion; (US$1.934 billion) Url: https://www.taipei-101.com.tw Getting there: Take the MRT to World Trade Center station, EXIT 1. From here, you can take pictures of the building. After that, walk 200 meters to enter inside.

Zhongxiao Dunhua shopping street

If Taipei City Hall has luxury goods for the elite, Zhongxiao Dunhua has items with prices for everyone, especially budget or mid-range price fashion items like H&M, Zara, F21, Uniqlo, … Almost all Taipei tourists and even locals love shopping at stores in this area.

In addition, Zhongxiao Dunhua is also the place where all of delicious and “eye-catching” Taiwanese restaurants are gathered. The “popular” eateries has, luxury restaurants also. After freely shopping, then find a eatery to stop by for a break, recharge energy.

Location: Da’an District, Taipei, Taiwan. Opening hours: 24 hours Admission: Free Getting there: This neighborhood stretches from MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing to MRT Zhongxiao Dunhua, so you get off at MRT Zhongxiao Dunhua as the most convenient.

New Taipei City Hall (#where to go in taipei)

Taipei City Hall is very close to Taipei 101 so in your Taipei travel itinerary, when you visited Taipei 101, it is only a 5 – 10 minute walk to Taipei City Hall. The area is considered to be the most bustling and busiest place in Taipei when companies, shopping centers, restaurants and the most beautiful cafes concentrate here to raise the modernity and dynamism of city.

The world-class fashion brands, famous restaurants and even the most sophisticated craft shops are present on the streets. When night falls, Taipei City Hall lights up, everything will be spectacular. All your needs about travel and shopping in Taipei will be met in this area.

Ximending Night Market

If you want to enjoy delicious, nutritious, cheap food, stop by the Ximending night market. Tourist cities that have night markets almost always bring a more youthful and bustling feel than cities that don’t. Any night market also attracts visitors by popular goods, diverse street food. Even without shopping, you can still take a walk, admiring the bustling scene of the night market. Cheap fashion items such as clothes, jewelry, shoes and bags, even handicrafts can also be found at this Ximending night market.

In addition, Taipei also has other famous and crowded night markets such as Raohe Night Market, Shilin Night Market, Fuhe Flea Market …

• Ximending food blog: Ximending street food — What to eat in Ximending, Taipei ?
• Taipei night market food — Top 18 best Taipei street food night market you should try
• Top night markets in Taiwan — Top 11 best night markets in Taiwan .

Address: No. 177 Xining South Street, Wanhua District, Taipei, Taiwan. Opening hours: 11AM–11PM Admission: Free entrance

Huashan 1914 Creative Park (#where to visit in taipei)

The source of energy, enthusiasm and creativity of Taiwanese youth are mostly concentrated in this park. From a wine factory, the government has turned this place into an innovative park for young people, art lovers and street entertainment activities.

Continued reading…

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One Day in Taipei: The Perfect Itinerary Plus Tips!

There’s so much to love about Taiwan’s capital city, Taipei — from the modern streets and efficient metro system to heritage temples, lively night markets, and delicious food. If you’re here on a short vacation or a layover, you can spend one day in Taipei and still have a fantastic time! Here’s a suggested itinerary so you can explore the best parts of the city.

P.S. Don’t forget to read our First-Timer’s Guide to Taiwan .

Walking tour

Lungshan temple, elephant mountain, night market, taipei travel tips, book a taipei day tour, where to stay in taipei city, what to read next:, one day in taipei itinerary.

Here’s the summary of the 1-day itinerary in Taipei. More details can be found below.

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Start the perfect day with a traditional Taiwanese breakfast.

Based on my experience, a lot of restaurants in Taipei open at 9AM or later, but there are breakfast eateries and bakeries where you can grab local breakfast staple.

Some of the Taiwanese breakfast food you should try are congee and egg, bread and soy milk, Taiwanese egg crepe and sticky rice roll, and noodles.

The good breakfast restaurants often have a long line of locals, so look out for those! You may find that a lot of these restaurants have menus written in Mandarin Chinese, but there are pictures to help you choose. I also recommend looking up an eatery in Google Maps before you go so you’ll have an idea on what to order.

Another place you can have breakfast is the 7-11 convenience store. Before you raise your eyebrows, hear me out. The 7-11 stores in Taipei City are different from what you’re probably familiar with. It’s located everywhere and they offer delicious yet budget-friendly rice meals, bread, and coffee. It was one of my go-to places for early and even late-night snacks.

The great thing about Taipei City is that you can explore it by foot.

Start your walking tour in Taipei City at Ximending District (or Ximen for short). Just outside Exit 6 of Ximen Metro Station, you will find a rainbow crossing with TAIPEI painted on it. This is a good place to take souvenir photos. Take note though that it is usually crowded and there are occasional cars passing by this road, so be considerate and look around before you take photos. I was lucky because there weren’t many people around when I came here.

Across the rainbow crossing, you will find the Red House Theater . This was an important art & cultural center during the Japanese era. Today, the theater serves as an artisinal shop that sells items from local artists. In the afternoon, you can see stalls set up outside the theater and at night it transforms into a party area.

From the Red House Theater, walk towards the Presidential Office Building . This is a Renaissance-Baroque building that served as a governor’s mansion during the Japanese period. Today, it’s used as the office for the president of Taiwan. There is really nothing much to do here — just take photos of the outside building and then go.

The next stop is Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall . This is a national monument erected in honor or Chiang Kai Shek, the founder of Republic of China (Taiwan). The hall is located in Liberty Square, with ample grounds and beautiful architecture. At the entrance of the park, you will see the Gate of Integrity. Inside you will find three buildings: National Concert Hall, National Theater, and the Main Hall. The Main Hall is the one at the center. You need to climb up the 89 steps to see the bronze statue of Chiang Kai Shek.

From Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, walk to the MRT and then ride the train to Longshan Temple Station. From there it’s just walking distance to Lungshan Temple.

Lungshan Temple is one of the oldest temples in the Taipei City. It was established in 1738 by settlers from Fujian Province in China. It’s a religious temple that is home to Guanyin, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, as well as other Buddhist and Taoist deities. You can take pictures of the exterior of the temple and walk inside the courtyard to observe people praying. Remember to be respectful and quiet as much as possible.

This temple is probably one of my favorite stops in Taipei City. I haven’t been to a lot of temples in Asia yet and so it was interesting to see the locals pray earnestly. It feels so authentic.

From Longshan Temple Station, ride the train to Taipei 101 Station.

Taipei 101 is an iconic skyscraper in Taipei City. It used to be the tallest building in the world, until its world record was surpassed by Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Here are some things you can do in Taipei 101.

First, have lunch at Din Tai Fung located at the ground floor of Taipei 101. Din Tai Fung is a Michelin-starred restaurant famous for their xiaolongbao (steamed buns). They also have other items in their menu like fried rice and noodles. I liked the food here — the xiaolongbao definitely lived up to expectations. It’s reasonably priced as well.

After lunch, climb up the 89th floor of the building to get to the Taipei 101 Observatory . This offers a 360-view of the surrounding metropolis. There is also a rooftop on the next floor which you can visit.

Book an advanced Taipei 101 Observatory e-Ticket here.

On hazy days, fog covers up the view from above. So if you visit on a rainy or hazy weather, it might not be worth going up the observatory.

It was clear when I visited the Taipei 101 Observatory. It’s nice seeing the surrounding cityscape and knowing that you’re on top of a building. I also went to the rooftop, although it was too foggy to see anything. Just before I left, fog had already started sweeping up the city, so I was incredibly lucky that I was able to get here when the visibility was still good.

After the observatory, you can go down the 35th floor and enjoy coffee at Starbucks . This Starbucks is the highest branch in the world. Prior 1-day reservation is required and there is a smart-casual dress code. If you still have enough time, you can also explore the shopping mall and surrounding areas in the Xinyi District.

After your visit at Taipei 101, you can either walk to the jump-off point to the Elephant Mountain or ride the MRT station to Xiangshan Station.

Elephant Mountain (locally known as Xiangshan) is a popular spot for sunset viewing. You will need to trek for about 20-30 minutes to reach its view deck depending on your pace, where you can see the Taipei 101 building and the rest of the city skyline. The trek is established and is mostly walking stairs, so it’s tiring. Make sure that you’re wearing good shoes and bringing a bottle of water.

At night, head to a night market. There are a handful of night markets in Taipei City. Shilin Night Market is one of the best and it has wide choices of street food and local dishes. It also has budget souvenirs for take home.

Other night markets you might want to consider are Raohe Night Market , the largest night market in Taipei, and Ximending Night Market , a colorful night market in Ximending District with food and shopping stalls.

Food tripping is the perfect way to end this one day itinerary in Taipei City.

Here are some important tips when exploring Taipei City.

• It is easy to explore Taipei because it has an efficient transport system. There are also sufficient signs written in English so you won’t get lost. To commute, it’s best to buy a multi-day pass or Easy Card for use on trains and buses.
• You can explore Taipei City on your own. You can also join free walking tours around Taipei — this is a great way to know more about the spots you’re visiting and also an opportunity to meet fellow travelers!
• It’s easier and cheaper to book tickets to Taipei 101 in advance .
• There are so many places to see and things to do in Taipei City. If you have more days to spend, make sure to visit other landmarks such as the National Palace Museum.

It is easy to do a DIY tour of Taipei, but for those who would like a more convenient option, you can book an affordable Taipei City Day Tour via Klook .

Here are some recommended stays:

Taipei Main Station:

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

Has this itinerary for one day in Taipei been helpful to you? If you have any questions or comments, let me know in the comment section below!

Planning a trip to Taiwan? Here are important guides:

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

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

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Thank you for this post. This was a godsend and led to a fabulous layover in Taipei.

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A Travel Guide to New Taipei City, the City of Day Trips

New Taipei City (新北市 or xinbeishi ) is the largest city in Taiwan by population. Not to be confused with the capital, Taipei , New Taipei City is a city of its own, and it totally surrounds the capital.

In New Taipei City, you’ll find some of Taiwan’s most famous attractions, like Jiufen Old Street, Shifen Old Street sky lanterns , Shifen Waterfall , Yehliu Geopark, Yangmingshan National Park, Tamsui, and Wulai Hot Spring. Many of the most popular day trips from Taipei City are to areas in New Taipei City.

Although I usually tell people I live in Taipei, because that’s the city they’ve heard of, New Taipei City has actually been my home for over 10 years . I spent half that time in Banqiao district before moving in with my wife’s family, then getting a place of our own, both in Xinzhuang district.

In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know about visiting New Taipei City, including transportation, hotels, attractions, tours, itinerary planning, food, and events.   

Table of Contents

New Taipei City Introduction

From 1945 to 2010, this area was called Taipei County (台北縣). The county seat was in Banqiao district. In 2010, the county was elevated to the status of a city, so it now has a mayor, along with all the other things that come with being a city.

New Taipei City spans a vast area (over 2000 km 2 ), but it is still not the largest city in Taiwan. Taichung and Kaohsiung cities, which also used to be counties until they were merged with their capital cities, are now even larger.

New Taipei City has 4 million residents , more than any other city in Taiwan. Also, if we consider Taipei City, New Taipei City, and Keelung to be one mega city, called Greater Taipei , it is surely the largest city in Taiwan, with a total population of 7 million, or 30% of Taiwan’s population.

Today, New Taipei City has 29 districts . These encompass countless beaches, fishing ports, hot springs, hikes, volcanoes, tea plantations, towns, markets, old streets, and more. I’ll cover some of the most visit-worthy districts in the “things to do” section below.

New Taipei City also hosts some big-name events like the Pingxi Mass Lantern Release, Fulong International Sand Sculpture Festival, Hohaiyan Rock Music Festival, and Christmasland.  

The current mayor of New Taipei City, Hou Yu-ih , was a candidate for the 2024 presidential election in Taiwan. Fun fact: some of the most famous people from Taiwan were born in New Taipei City, including Jay Chou, Jolin Tsai, Shu Qi, and Terry Gou.

Getting to New Taipei City

Because New Taipei City is a very large city that totally surrounds Taipei City, how to get there will really depend on exactly where you want to go. You can swipe your EasyCard ( order here ) for most bus, train, and MRT rides to New Taipei City.

Heading north , the Taipei MRT Red Line terminates at Tamsui in New Taipei City. From there, you can take a taxi or bus around the northern tip of Taiwan. For Yangmingshan National Park , which is half in Taipei and half in New Taipei, buses or private cars are the best option – see my Yangmingshan transportation guide .

Going east , regular (TRA) trains are your best bet for getting to Keelung (a city of its own), Ruifang (for accessing Jiufen or the Pingxi train line ), or Fulong Beach. Find out how to buy your train tickets here .

There are also direct buses going east from Taipei to destinations like Shenkeng Stinky Tofu Village, Jiufen Old Street, Shifen Old Street, and more.

To the south , you can ride the Taipei MRT Orange Line to Zhonghe and Yonghe districts, which have a few off-the-beaten-track attractions , or the Green Line to Xindian in New Taipei City. From Xindian, you can catch buses to Pinglin (for tea plantations) or Wulai (for hot springs).

To the west , the districts of Banqiao, Xinzhuang, and Tucheng are highly developed and connected to the Taipei MRT system. From Tucheng, you can take a bus to Sanxia (for its Old Street) or Yingge (a pottery town).

Where to Stay in New Taipei City

Most people visit New Taipei City as a day trip from Taipei. However, there are a few places in New Taipei City that you may enjoy enough to spend the night.

You can consider to stay in Banqiao as a cheaper alternative to Taipei. Banqiao is only 12 minutes from Taipei Main Station on the Taipei MRT Blue Line, so it’s practically in Taipei.

For example, at Caesar Park Hotel (see on Booking / Agoda) or Hilton Sinban (see on Booking / Agoda ), you get a hotel with a rooftop swimming pool for a price that would be tough to find in Taipei. But if you’re looking for low-budget accommodation, stick to Ximending area in Taipei City.

Some tourists stay in Jiufen to enjoy the village at night when the lanterns are lit up and all the tourists go home. In Jiufen, from cheapest to most luxurious, I recommend On My Way Hostel (see on Booking / Agoda ), Sunshine B&B (see on Booking / Agoda ), Dosun B&B (see on Booking / Agoda ), or Something Easy Inn (see on Booking / Agoda ).

A small number of tourists also spend a night in Shifen so they can enjoy releasing sky lanterns after dark without rushing back to Taipei after. However, most shops selling the lanterns close around 7, and the town is extremely quiet after that.

If you do spend the night in Shifen, I recommend Very Happy Homestay (see on Booking / Agoda ). It’s about halfway between Shifen Train Station and Shifen Waterfall, so you’ll need to walk about 15 minutes to get there from either.

For a hot spring staycation, consider the popular Yangmingshan Tienlai Resort & Spa (see on Booking / Agoda ).

If you want to stay on the beach, there are options at several beaches in New Taipei City, but we especially enjoyed our weekend family getaway at Fullon Hotel Fulong (see on Booking / Agoda ) on Fulong Beach, the prettiest beach in New Taipei City.

Top Things to Do in New Taipei City

There are nearly endless places to visit and things to do in New Taipei City. I will just summarize some of the highlights below.

Northern New Taipei City

Tamsui district is a very popular half-day trip from Taipei. Go there to walk the seaside promenade, visit Santo Domingo Fort , and take a ferry to Fisherman’s Wharf to see the sunset from Lover’s Bridge.

You can also take a ferry across the river to Bali district, which has a less tourist riverside promenade of its own.

In February and March, don’t miss the cherry blossoms at Tianyuan Temple in Tamsui. See my guide to Taiwan’s cherry blossom hotspots for more info.

From Tamsui, catch a bus to beaches on the North Coast like Qianshuiwan and Baishawan . Also visit the northern tip of Taiwan at Fugui Cape and the stunning Laomei Green Reef beside it.

For off-the-beaten-path attractions , consider Yuandao Guanyin Temple (緣道觀音廟) and Fudingshan Shell and Coral Temple (福頂山寺/貝殼廟) by car or scooter.

From Keelung city, access attractions on the northeastern coast like Juming Museum , Yehliu Geopark , Guihou Fishing Harbor (for fresh seafood), the unusual UFO Futuro Houses on Wanli Beach, and Dawulun Beach .

Yangmingshan National Park is shared by Taipei City and New Taipei City. Top attractions there include cherry blossoms at Flower Clock (late February to early March), calla lily viewing at Zhuzihu (April), hot springs (Lengshuikeng), volcanic fumaroles at Xiaoyoukeng, and numerous great hikes. Most of these are actually in the Taipei side of the park, though.

Eastern New Taipei City

Some of the hottest destinations in the Greater Taipei Area lie in Eastern New Taipei City. Chief among them is Jiufen Old Street , an atmospheric former gold mining village. Amei Teahouse is the most popular stop there.

Near Jiufen, Jinguashi Gold Ecological Park , the original mine is fun to explore. It is also the starting point for the excellent Teapot Mountain Hike . Golden Waterfall , 13 th floor ruins (水湳洞選煉廠遺址), Yinyang Sea (陰陽海), Nanya Rock , and Bitoujiao Lighthouse are also nearby.

Ruifang is the main transportation hub for the area. Besides catching buses to Jiufen, you can also board the Pingxi Railway Line there. This train line gives access to several very popular spots, including Shen’ao Rail Bike , Houtong Cat Village , and Shifen.

Shifen is an extremely popular spot. Tourists flock there to set off Sky Lanterns beside the train tracks on Shifen Old Street and to walk to nearby Shifen Waterfall , the largest waterfall in Taiwan .

Off-the-beaten-track stops on the Pingxi Small Train Line include the Sandiaoling Waterfall Hike , Lingjiao Waterfall , Pingxi Crags hike at Pingxi Station, and the cute Jingtong Old Street . Many visitor’s also enjoy the DIY noodle making class at Hsu’s Pulled Noodles , but you need a car to get there.

At the southeastern corner of New Taipei City, Fulong Beach is one of the prettiest beaches in Taiwan . It’s also the starting point of the popular Caoling Historic Trail , which connects to Yilan county.

Closer to Taipei, Shenkeng district is famous for its Stinky Tofu Old Street , where you can try all types of stinky tofu and other tofu-based snacks.

Huangdidian is a difficult but rewarding hike in the area.

Southern New Taipei City

Going south from Taipei, Pinglin and Wulai districts are two excellent day trips that see relatively few tourists. Each one takes about an hour to reach by bus from Xindian MRT Station.

Pinglin (坪林) is especially known for its tea plantations. The view of Thousand Island Lake (千島湖, actually one of Taipei’s water reservoirs) from Bagua Tea Plantation (八卦茶園) is one of the country’s most beautiful. It’s possible but a little tough to get there on your own, while tours like this one are more popular.

Pinglin’s town center is a small village with several teashops and restaurants serving tea-infused foods. Pinglin Tea Museum is excellent. I also recommend renting a bike and cycling past the tea fields south of Pinglin Riverside Park.

Wulai (烏來) is the closest aboriginal village to Taipei and is famous for its hot springs. You can taste aboriginal foods and millet wine on Wulai Old Street , take a soak in one of the many private hot spring spas, or ride the gondola over Wulai Waterfall .

You can also ride a different MRT south of Taipei, the Orange Line, to Yonghe and Zhonghe . These two crowded districts have a few off-the-beaten-track spots like Museum of World Religions , Lehua Night Market , Zhonghe Myanmar Street , and the giant Earth God statue at Hongludi Nanshan Fude Temple.

Western New Taipei City

The most developed part of New Taipei City is the western portion, between Taipei City and Taoyuan City .

Banqiao (板橋) is the seat of the New Taipei City government and feels very similar to Taipei City. It’s on the Taipei City MRT, TRC , and HSR lines. A few attractions worth considering in Banqiao are Lin Family Mansion and Garden (a popular spot for taking photos in traditional hanfu or qipao ), Banqiao 435 Art Zone , and Nanya Night Market .

There aren’t many reasons to visit Tucheng , but the chance to see capybaras at Capybara Knight Café is one of them. Access is from Tucheng MRT station.

Sanxia (三峽) district is worth visiting for the excellent Sanxia Old Street , Sanxia Qingshui Zushi Temple , and the exceptionally thrilling Wuliaojian Trail .

Nearby Yingge (鶯歌) is all about pottery and ceramics, with the excellent Yingge Ceramics Museum and Yingge Ceramics Street .

Last but not least, Xinzhuang (新莊) is where I’ve lived for more than half of my years in Taiwan. Travelers understandably almost never make it out to this mostly industrial district. Xinzhuang Temple Street (新莊廟街夜市) is an off-the-beaten-track night market with several old temples. Xinzhuang Dizang Temple nearby is also impressive.

Crescent Bridge connects Xinzhuang Temple Street to Banqiao District’s Banqiao 435 Zone. The pedestrian-only bridge looks lovely when lit up like a rainbow at night.

How to Plan Your New Taipei City Itinerary

It is unlikely that you will plan a trip around New Taipei City. What’s more likely is that you will visit individual places in New Taipei City on day tours from Taipei .

The most popular option is a day trip to Eastern New Taipei City which includes around four of the following: Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen Old Street, Jinguashi, Golden Waterfall, Houtong Cat Village , Shifen Old Street, Shifen Waterfall, and Keelung Night Market.

While it’s possible to do the above by public transportation if you go quickly and plan it well, most visitors opt for a day tour (see next section).

Other popular half-day or full-day trips from Taipei include Tamsui (3-4 hours is enough), Yangmingshan National Park (choose a hike and go by bus, or hire a driver for visiting multiple spots in one day), Pinglin and Wulai (half-day to a full-day each), or Sanxia and Yingge (half-day each or combined for a full-day trip).

If you’re planning to head to Yilan or Hualien /Taroko Gorge after Taipei, then consider to stop at Ruifang and spend a night at Jiufen on the way. You can then continue by train from Ruifang to Yilan or Hualien.

Best New Taipei City Tours

Since most visitors don’t budget enough time for New Taipei City, they often end up taking day tours to squeeze in as much of it as they can.

This day tour to Yehliu, Jiufen, Shifen , and Golden Waterfall is extremely popular and efficient. There are other variations of the tour like this one and this one .

Hiring a private driver for a day is another popular way to achieve the same thing but in a more customized way.

Yangmingshan National Park can be visited on this popular day tour which includes Beitou Hot Spring in Taipei, or with a private driver .

To see Pinglin’s tea plantations , try this day tour or this Pinglin day tour or this private car deal .

What to Eat in New Taipei City

There is a whole lot of good eating to be had in New Taipei City. Here are some specific places that stand out for their food. if you’re vegetarian or vegan, see my Taiwan vegetarian and vegan food guide .

Tamsui’s riverside promenade features treats like Turkish ice cream, grilled squid, and iron eggs. Tamsui is also known for agei (阿给), a Taiwanese food that was invented there.

For super fresh seafood, head to one of the several seafood markets or restaurants at Guihou Fishing Harbor , which is close to Yehliu Geopark.  

On Jiufen Old Street , taro and sweet potato balls (芋圓 and 地瓜圓) are a famous local specialty – enjoy them hot or over ice. Also try the cilantro and peanut brittle ice cream wraps (花生冰淇淋卷). The tea sets at Amei Teahouse are extremely popular.

Keelung Night Market is one of the best night markets in Taiwan . It’s in Keelung City, not New Taipei City, but I mention it here because it’s easy to combine with your visit to places like Yehliu, Jiufen, or Shifen in Eastern New Taipei City. Finish your day trip at the market before heading back to Taipei.

On Shenkeng Old Street , try some of the best stinky tofu in Taiwan. You can find the stewed (麻辣臭豆腐), grilled (串燒臭豆腐), and deep fried (臭豆腐) kinds of stinky tofu. Also try tofu ice cream, douhua (豆花), and other traditional snacks.

In Pinglin tea area , it’s all about baozhong tea (包種茶), a light, subtly melon-flavored oolong tea. Small restaurants there also served tea-infused dishes like tea oil noodles and deep fried tealeaves.

On Wulai Old Street , you can try all kinds of aboriginal foods, like bamboo tubes filled with sticky rice, mountain greens, betel nut flowers, fried river shrimps, tiger lily soup, and millet wine (小米酒).

Banqiao has more restaurants than I could cover here, but if you’re looking for a quick answer, there’s a Din Tai Fung and a strangely excellent food court in B1 of Mega Mall beside Banqiao Station. The food court is designed to look like an old-fashioned market street.

New Taipei City Events

A couple huge events commonly associated with Taipei actually take place in New Taipei City.

The Pingxi Lantern Festival is one of Taiwan’s most popular (and crowded!) events. This is when masses of sky lanterns are released at timed intervals – don’t confuse it with the many other events associated with Lantern Festival around Taiwan. The event usually takes place on the two Saturdays closest to Lantern Festival (the 15 th day of the Lunar New Year).

From January to March, you can see cherry blossoms at Wulai, Yangmingshan, and Tianyuan Temple in Tamsui. Also see tung blossoms in Tucheng in April to May, calla lilies in Yangmingshan in April, hydrangeas in Yangmingshan in May, and silvergrass in Yangmingshan and Caoling Historic Trail in November.

From early summer to mid-autumn, Fulong Beach hosts the impressive Fulong International Sand Sculpture Festival . Throughout the festival, you can see enormous and very impressive sand sculptures on the beach.

Fulong also hosts the free Hohaiyan Rock Music Festival , usually sometime in August.

From late November to early January, Christmasland takes places in Banqiao City Hall Plaza behind Banqiao Train Station. It is an over-the-top display of Christmas lights, with tunnels of lights, fake snow, concerts, and more. It is very popular and crowded.

The 15 Best Hostels in Taipei (experienced traveler reviews!)

Taiwan visa requirements: do you need a visa to go to taiwan, 2 thoughts on “a travel guide to new taipei city, the city of day trips”.

Thank you for such detailed information. I’m thinking that it might be better staying in New Taipei City and doing a day trip to Taipei. What is your take on this?

New Taipei City is huge, so it really depends on many factors, like which part you plan to stay in, why you chose it, what you want to see in Taipei, how many days total your trip is, etc.

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Taipei has been many things, from a Qing-dynasty walled city to a Japanese colonial command post. Today, this island metropolis of 2.51 million strikes a near-perfect balance between embracing the future and cherishing its past. Heading to the city for a weekend getaway? We’ve curated the perfect two-day itinerary for your travels.

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What to see and do

Landmarks Looming over the eastern half of the city is Taipei 101 . While the former tallest building on Earth no longer makes the top 10, it remains an impressive example of earthquake-proof engineering and is an incredible point to take in sweeping views of the city. For the best sights head to the the 89th-floor observatory or the 91st-floor deck — be sure to pick a day with clear weather conditions for the best viewing experience.  

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Temples Taipei’s skyscrapers are far outnumbered by its halls of worship, at least two of which should be on your itinerary. 

The 286-year-old Mengjia Lungshan Temple , like many local shrines, is a multifaith establishment where Taoism and folk traditions complement Buddhism. Guanyin, the goddess of mercy, has pride of place, while many Gen Y/Z worshippers direct prayers to the Old Man Under the Moon, hoping this matchmaker deity can find them a partner.

Meanwhile, the quieter Dalongdong Baoan Temple boasts sublime art. Dusk is an especially good time to appreciate all of its carvings and images; the enthralling murals that decorate the exterior of the central shrine were executed by Pan Li-shui (1914–1995), one of Taiwan’s most accomplished temple artists.

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Museums Taipei’s roster of museums includes exhibition spaces dedicated to contemporary art, astronomy, railways, and drinking water. But in terms of scale and wow-factor, none compare to the National Palace Museum (NPM), home to a world-class collection of bronzes, ceramics, ink paintings, works of calligraphy, and jade treasures. Sign up for the morning guided tour (at no extra cost) then spend the rest of the day revisiting any exhibits that caught your eye at your own speed.

Just down the road from the NPM, Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines presents artefacts from several of Taiwan’s 16 Austronesian indigenous tribes. Save money — and explore more Taiwanese culture — with a joint NPM-Shung Ye Museum ticket .

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Alternative activities Japanese rule in Taiwan brought with it onsen culture, which you can indulge in at Beitou’s hot springs . If it’s too hot to soak or to join one of the city’s walking tours, consider a cooking class or a tea tasting-blending session instead – there are plenty available to book online. Travelling with kids? Ride the Maokong Gondola to Taipei’s spacious zoo.

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Day trips from Taipei

History has made its mark on the riverfront town of Tamsui, located just a short 45-minute drive from Taipei. The Dutch booted out the Spanish in 1642 and rebuilt the latter’s stockade as a mini castle. Now called Fort San Domingo, it’s open to the public, as is the adjacent two-storey landmark added 250 years later when the entire site served as the British consulate. Nearby buildings were occupied by 19th-century missionaries and tea traders. 

40-minutes south of Taipei, Wulai is a scenic outpost of the indigenous Atayal people. Hot springs, waterfalls and hiking trails abound in the Neidong Forest Recreation Area . If you prefer a more leisurely outing, stick to the Old Street and its Austronesian culinary surprises. Ice cream flavoured with maqaw (lemony peppercorn), anyone?

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Where to eat

Few foods are as comforting as Taiwanese beef noodle soup, so it’s no surprise that Taipei’s best beef noodle eateries draw big crowds. Xiao Wu Beef Noodles — at 45-11 Luoyang Street — manages to be delicious, affordable, and lively without being too busy. Among the usual condiments on each table, you’ll find a tub of butter; regulars say that adding a dab would make the soup even more satisfying.

At two locations on Dihua Street, Tongan Le celebrates the long local history of the Chen clan, serving traditional dishes typical at family gatherings. Mains are constructed around stewed or braised pork, sweet potato, taro, clams, shrimps, and scallops, ensuring something for everyone. Don’t miss the fried pork onion roll: wrapped in caul fat rather than the tofu skin preferred by 21st-century chefs, it’s legitimately old school.

Not far from Dihua Street, the after-dark foodie magnet that is Ningxia Night Market has vendors specialising in sugarcane juice, pork liver soup, and a hundred delectables in between. Brace yourself for crowds.

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Where to shop

Taipei has plenty of malls and department stores, but for local character try the shops along Dihua Street and markets such as the flower-vendor and jade-dealer gathering on Jianguo South Road Section 1 every weekend. You don’t have to be an oolong connoisseur to find Wang Tea a fascinatingly historic business.

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Where to stay

If the authenticity of Wanhua District appeals to you more than the glitz of Xinyi District — and you want a place geared to the needs of families — you can’t do better than the family-friendly Caesar Metro hotel.

Alternatively, drawing a younger clientele, the chic and well located W Taipei embodies the city’s style and self-confidence. It also boasts a top-notch watering hole, Woobar.

There’s much more to Palais de Chine than its renowned triple Michelin starred restaurant. The hotel blends old-world European opulence with retro-themed Shanghai decor, transporting guests back in time as they step through the hotel’s doors.

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Getting around 

Get a stored value EasyCard on arrival so the Taipei Metro can whisk you directly to Lungshan Temple, Taipei 101, or Tamsui. For other attractions, notably the NPM and Wulai, buses are a good last-mile solution. And YouBikes (both conventional and electric-assisted) provide a two-wheeled eco-friendly option for exploring the city.