taiwan day tour itinerary

A Detailed 7 Days in Taiwan Itinerary

Written By: Nick Kembel

City Guides , Taiwan

Updated On: December 27, 2022

There are more than a few compelling reasons to visit the East Asian island nation of Taiwan : super welcoming locals, the best night markets in Asia , excellent public transportation, alluring landscapes, and, recently, a commendable handling of the pandemic.

When noting Taiwan’s compact size on the map, you may think one week is enough.

However, once you start planning your trip, you’ll soon be overwhelmed with options and find yourself struggling to decide what to include or leave out.

Taiwan Itinerary – 7 Days

Below I’m going to cut to the chase and give you a 1 week Taiwan itinerary that takes in the best of the country’s cultural, historical, artistic, culinary, and scenic wonders in the most efficient way possible.

This is a tried-and-tested route that I’ve developed after over 10 years of living in and traveling around Taiwan.

From the steaming thermal waters of Beitou Hot Spring to an epic sunrise above a sea of clouds at Alishan National Scenic Area , you’ll have all the makings of the trip of a lifetime!  

Taiwan Itinerary Highlights

This Taiwan one-week itinerary assumes you’ll have seven complete days to work with.

• Days 1 and 2 are spent exploring the mesmerizing capital, Taipei City, while day 3 involves a multi-stop day trip from the city.
• Day 4 takes you down to artsy Taichung.
• From there, you’ll venture to stunning Sun Moon Lake on day 5.
• And on to the misty mountain resort of Alishan on days 6 and 7.

From there, you can circle back to Taipei, or head directly to Taoyuan Internation Airport. 

Day 1 – Taipei Itinerary and City Explorations

Welcome to Taiwan! Your first day in Taipei shall be devoted to covering some of the city’s must-visit attractions.

You’ll be relying entirely on the excellent MRT to get around Taipei.

Make sure to pick up an EasyCard at any MRT station for swiping in and out of all public transportation. You can get the TWD100 deposit back at the end of your trip.

Elephant Mountain & Taipei 101

To kick start your day and get oriented, you’re going to hike to the summit of Elephant Mountain in eastern Taipei City.

If that sounds daunting, put your worries aside! The trail entrance is a short walk from Xiangshan MRT Station, and it only takes about 20 minutes to reach the top.

Reaching the lookout point, your mouth will literally drop. This is hands-down the best view of Taipei, the place where postcards are shot.

Towering Taipei 101 dominates the view, but from here you can see all the way to neighboring New Taipei City. 

Once you’ve snapped enough photos, head back down the mountain and walk to the base of Taipei 101, once the world’s tallest skyscraper.

Ride the fastest elevator in the world to the 89 th \ to 91 st – floor Taipei 101 Observatory for another incredible, yet completely different perspective of Taipei.  

Need lunch in an air-conditioned setting? The food court on B1 of Taipei 101 has several decent options.

• Read: Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery of Hong Kong -Another epic View in Hong Kong

Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

A quick hop on the MRT will bring you to CKS Memorial Hall, the city’s most impressive historical landmark.

The enormous blue and white monument honors the first president of the Republic of China (Taiwan’s official name; it’s complicated…)

The monument stands in expansive Liberty Square, flanked by two classical Chinese buildings: National Concert Hall and National Theater.

Don’t miss the view from the Liberty Square Arch at the western end of the square.

Beitou Hot Spring

Now that you’ve done a fair share of walking, its time to kick back and soak in some thermal hot spring water.

Even if you’re visiting in the hotter months (May to September), press on, as there’s going to more to it than that.

Beitou is Taipei’s only hot spring, and the only one that is metro-accessible in all of Taiwan.

The hot spring was first developed by the Japanese during their colonial occupation of Taiwan (1895-1945), and today Beitou retains a thoroughly Japanese feel , with historical wooden bathhouses, a Japanese temple, and other landmarks harking back to the era.

Besides soaking in one of the many hot spring facilities, ranging from budget-friendly Beitou Public Hot Spring to high-end luxurious spas, you can also walk through Beitou Hot Spring Park, get enveloped in the mist at Beitou Thermal Valley, or learn about the area at Beitou Hot Spring Museum, housed in the original Japanese bathhouse.

Don’t leave without trying hot spring ramen and hot spring eggs!

Day 2 – Taipei Cool Neighborhoods and Attractions

There’s still a lot more to see in Taipei before you get out of the city. On day two you’ll round out your Taipei experience with some cultural attractions and cool neighborhoods.

Longshan Temple

Get up bright and early to witness the mesmerizing chanting ceremony at Longshan Temple, Taipei’s most famous temple, in Wanhua (the oldest section of Taipei). The ceremony begins at 6 a.m. and again at 8 a.m., with both lasting nearly an hour.

Serious temple aficionados can also track down other historic temples in Wanhua including Qingshan Temple, Qingshui Temple, and Taipei Tianhou Temple. 

North Gate & Dihua Street

Ride the MRT two stops from Longshan Temple to Beimen (North Gate) station. Take a moment to admire, and walk right under Beimen, the only of the original five historic gates to Taipei City that still looks like it did in the Qing Dynasty.

From there, walk a few blocks to Dihua Street in historical Dadaocheng neighborhood. The street is said to be the oldest in Taipei, and it remains a center of trade in traditional goods, just like it has been since the founding of Taipei.

Walk the entire length of the street, exploring ancient teashops, traditional Chinese medicine dispensers, fabric markets, temples, local food stalls, and more.

Ximending Youth Shopping District

Return to Beimen and walk (or backtrack one stop on the MRT) to Ximending.

We’ve purposely saved Taipei’s hippest neighborhood for later in the day, when things have started to get going.

Often called the “Shinjuku of Taipei”, the pedestrian-only neighborhood features cosplay cafés, claw machine arcades, bubble tea galore, an open air tattoo street, a toilet-themed restaurant, and some of the best street art in all of Taipei.

Pause for an afternoon cocktail at one of many patio bars beside Red House, a Japanese-era theater-cum-craft & design market. This patio bars are the center of the LGBTQ+ scene in Taipei. A fun craft market is also held here on weekends.

Raohe Night Market

While tourists usually make their way to Shilin Night Market, Taipei’s largest and most famous, you’ll be better off trying Raohe Night Market, with its more manageable size and local feel.

Besides all the incredible food on offer, including a few stalls featured in the Michelin Taipei Guide, you can also marvel at Songshan Ciyou Temple, one of the most beautiful and intricate temples in Taipei, near the eastern entrance to the night market.

5:00 is a great time to arrive at the market, before it gets too busy in the evening. 

Day 3 – Epic Day Trip from Taipei

Just like Taipei offers a staggering number of worthwhile sights and activities, there is also an endless number of day trip possibilities. Here you’ll learn how to combine four of the best ones in a single day trip from the city.

Shifen Waterfall

Shifen waterfall is the widest waterfall in Taiwan and is a sight to behold. Getting there is half the fun, too.

Ride the TRA train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang, where you’ll transfer onto the small-gauge Pingxi Line to Shifen station.

Many visitors like to set off sky lanterns with wishes written on them from the narrow station. From there, it’s a short walk to the waterfall. 

Jiufen and Jinguashi

Jiufen is a mountaintop former gold mining boomtown transformed into popular market street.

Here you’ll enjoy incredible views down to the sea, traditional teahouses, and local specialties such as taro and sweet potato balls. To get there from Shifen, ride the Pingxi train back to Ruifang then transfer onto a bus.

Just a few bus stops past Jiufen, Jinguashi Gold Ecological Center is the site of one of the original gold mines.

It’s a great and less crowded add-on to Jiufen, where you can learn all about gold mining and enjoy more breathtaking views. 

Keelung Night Market

Keelung is Northern Taiwan’s largest port, but the main reason you’re coming here is to have dinner at one of the best night markets in all of Taiwan.

The photogenic market is lined with yellow lanterns, and every stall has its specialty written in English.

To get there from Jinguashi, ride the bus back to Ruifang Station, then hop on a train bound for Badu, from where you’ll transfer to a Keelung train. After your night market feast and a stroll by the harbor, it’s an easy 40-minute train ride back to Taipei.

Day 4 – Taichung City

Taichung is the largest city in Central Taiwan, and a nice addition to your Taiwan itinerary for its artistic attractions, not to mention it is the stepping-off point for the attractions in the days to follow.

Rainbow Village

The top reason for coming to Taichung is Rainbow Village, a former military dependents village courtyard home that has been transformed into a psychedelically colorful outdoor museum.

“Rainbow Grandpa” an elderly ex-KMT soldier, painted the walls to save his home from being bulldozed, and he can still be seen there maintaining the walls today.

After visiting Rainbow Village, head to the Taichung Train Station area and explore the area on foot. Check out Animation Lane, Totoro Bus Stop, Miyahara Ice Cream, and Natural Way Six Arts Cultural Center.

Insider Tip: Rainbow Village is quite a ways from the Taichung City Center and Taichung Station. To save time, take the High Speed Rail (HSR) from Taipei to Taichung, which gets you there twice as fast, plus the HSR station is closer to Rainbow Village than the regular train station.

Gaomei Wetland

On the coast of Taichung, this wetland area has a series of boardwalks that provide access to tidal flats. Huge wind turbines add to the atmosphere. Try to time your visit with sunset, as they tend to be gorgeous here.

Feng Chia Night Market

Finish off your day at Taichung’s largest and most popular night market. 

Day 5 – Sun Moon Lake

The jewel of the Central Mountain Range is Sun Moon Lake. A bit of a tourist magnet, the lake is nevertheless stunningly and is home to one of Taiwan’s smallest aboriginal tribes.

Regular buses from various points in Taichung take 90 minutes to reach Sun Moon Lake. You’ll arrive at Shuishe, the main village on the lake, where most hotels are found. From there, you can catch a lakeside bus to the below sights. 

Wenwu Temple

The most beautiful views of Sun Moon Lake can be enjoyed from enormous Wenwu Temple. Climb up into the depths of the temple until you reach the best lookout point at the top; you won’t be disappointed.

Sun Moon Lake Ropeway

The Sun Moon Lake Cable Car ascends rapidly and givers riders unparalleled lake views.

At the top, it connects to a second cable car that descends the other side of the mountain to Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, an amusement park meets aboriginal culture center.

If you’re looking for an authentic aboriginal experience, give it a miss. In March, however, blooming cherry blossoms on site make it worth the visit.

Ita Thao Village

Another village on the lake is Ita Thao, home to the Thao aboriginal tribe, which only numbers around 600.

While this is a more interesting place to stay than Shuishe, you’ll probably want to stick to the latter so you can catch your early bus to Alishan tomorrow.   Ita Thao is less touristy than Shuishe, and there’s a great day and night market along the main road to the lake, featuring aboriginal delicacies and Taiwanese snacks.

Catch a performance at Thao Tribe Performance Center for a more authentic experience.

Insider Tip : Besides the bus, you can also ride a ferry between Shuishe and Ita Thao villages. There’s also a third ferry stop on the lake, Xuanguang Temple, from where you can see Lalu Island, a sacred aboriginal burial ground on the lake. 

Day 6 – Sun Moon Lake to Alishan National Scenic Area

You’ll need to get up a little early to catch the bus from Sun Moon Lake to Alishan. Don’t miss it, as there are only two per day!

Sun Moon Lake to Alishan Bus Ride

Minibuses depart from Shuishe village to Alishan only twice per day, at 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. You can usually buy tickets upon boarding, but it’s best to inquire the day before.

The ride to Alishan takes four hours. The drive is quite winding but also very scenic.

Alishan National Scenic Area

The final stop on this Taiwan seven-day itinerary is Alishan National Scenic Area, the country’s top mountain resort.

Alishan is famous for several things: sunrises, cherry blossom viewing in April, giant ancient cypress trees, and some of the best oolong tea in the world.

Check into your hotel, pick up a hiking map from the tourist center, then head out for an afternoon of hiking amongst the giant trees.

Yet another highlight is you get to ride the Alishan Forest Railway, a small train line originally built by the Japanese for logging the area.

When dining in the tourist village after your hike, make sure to try the locally grown fresh wasabi served with tofu.

It’s extremely flavorful and lacks the overpowering bite of the sushi wasabi you are probably used to. 

Insider tip: There are no hostels at Alishan, and a rather poor selection of regular hotels. Book far in advance to guarantee a room, especially if visiting on a weekend or holiday. During cherry blossom season (late March to early April), it can be almost impossible to get a room.  

Day 7 – Sunrise Above a Sea of Clouds

Set your alarm extra early to ride the Alishan Forest Railway up to the sunrise lookout point.

• You’ll need to reserve your tickets at the Alishan Railway Station the day before. Departure times change according to the time of the sunrise.

The reason everyone is willing to get up so early is for a chance to witness the spectacular phenomenon the sun rising above a sea of clouds in the valley below. You’ll need a bit of luck, though; out of a half dozen visits to Alishan, I’ve only seen it once.

Since you’ll be up so early, you’ll still have time to do some morning hiking before checking out of your hotel.

To get back to Taipei, the fastest option is to take a bus from Alishan to the Chiayi High Speed Rail station (four departures per day) and transfer to the HSR.

If you’re going directly to the airport, you can ride the HSR to Taoyuan station and transfer to the airport shuttle bus. 

The slower but cheaper option is to take a bus from Alishan to Chiayi Train Station (roughly every hour) and then take the regular train or bus to Taipei.

I hope you’ve found all the information for planning a fantastic one week in Taiwan. Let us know how it goes in the comments below!

Read About More Great Destinations in Asia

• 7 alternative Things to do in Taipei
• Things to do in Hong Kong – The Complete Travel Guide
• The best things to do in Beijing China
• 24 Top Things to Do in Shanghai, China in 2020
• The 35 Best Things to do in Tokyo, Japan
• 13 Things to do in Nanjing China – A Complete Guide to the Ancient Capital
• 25 Things to do in Suzhou China – All You Need to Know Before you Go

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Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

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Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About Nick Kembel

Nick Kembel is the author of Taiwan in the Eyes of a Foreigner and has penned Taiwan guides for CNN, National Geographic Traveller, Discover Taipei Magazine, and more. He went to Taiwan in 2008 with the intention of staying for a year, but that turned into 11 after he met his later-to-be wife on the Taipei MRT. He covers Taiwan extensively on his website Spiritual Travels. Follow Nick at NickKembel.com / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

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3 thoughts on “A Detailed 7 Days in Taiwan Itinerary”

Many thanks

I would love to travel to Taiwan!!!

What a great article you have here. This is very helpful! I haven’t visited Taiwan so I will add it on my bucket list! It looks like a beautiful place. When it’s safe to travel again, I really want to go there. I’ve heard a lot of great things to do there. Thanks for sharing your experience!

I lived in Taiwan too, back in the mid 70’s, very time I go back to Taiwan it’s like going home, Taiwan is a great place to travel I like Taiwan better than mainland China.

The Ultimate Taiwan Itinerary (2023)

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

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

Table of Contents

Taiwan Itinerary and Route

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

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

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

  Click here to reserve Taiwan Rail tickets!

Taiwan Route and Map

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

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

Click here for the Google map

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

Renting a car in Taiwan

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

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

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

Book your rental car with Klook!

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

Sim Card & Internet

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

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

  Click here to reserve a SIM card!

How long to spend in Taiwan

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

Best Time To Visit Taiwan

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

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

Daily Taiwan Itinerary

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

Days 1 to 4: Taipei

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

Click here for MRT tickets to Taipei

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

Buy your EasyCard now

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

Where to Stay in Taipei

There are many great accommodation options in Taipei.

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

Click here for the best Taipei hotel prices

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

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

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

Click here to book your Taipei 101 ticket

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

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

Click here to purchase Gondola tickets

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 4: Jiufen, Shifen and Yehliu Geopark

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to reserve shuttle bus tickets

Days 5 and 6: Taichung

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

Where to Stay in Taichung

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

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

Click here for the best Taichung hotel prices

How to get to Taichung

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

Click here to buy tickets to Taichung

Things to do in Taichung

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 7: Sun Moon Lake

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

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

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

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

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

Where to stay in Sun Moon Lake

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

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

Click here for the best Sun Moon Lake Hotel prices

Day 8: Alishan

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

Where to Stay in Alishan

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

Click here for the best Alishan Hotel prices

How to get to Alishan

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

Things to do in Alishan

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to reserve the Alishan House Hotel

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

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

Day 9: Kaohsiung

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

Where to stay in Kaohsiung 

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

Click here for the best Kaohsiung Hotel prices

How to get to Kaohsiung

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

Things to do in Kaohsiung

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

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

Day 10 and 11: Kenting

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

Where to stay in Kenting

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

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

Click here for the best Kenting Hotel prices

How to get to Kenting:

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

Things to do in Kenting

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

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

Day 12: Taitung

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

Where to stay in Taitung

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

Click here for the best Taitung hotel prices

How to get to Taitung:

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

Things to do in Taitung

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

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

Day 13 and 14: Taroko Gorge

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

Where to stay in Taroko Gorge

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

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

Click here for the best Taroko Gorge Hotel prices

How to get to Taroko Gorge:

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

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

Things to do in Taroko Gorge

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 15: Depart Taipei

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

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

For more on Taiwan

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

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

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

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

Have an awesome trip!

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

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

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

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

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

Hi Elizabeth

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

Have a great trip Elaine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Perfect Taiwan Itinerary And Complete Taiwan Travel Guide

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: March 5, 2024

Categories Taiwan

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

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

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

Taiwan itinerary

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

Itinerary for Taiwan and Taiwan travel map

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

Click here for the interactive map

The ultimate Taiwan itinerary

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

Important things to know when planning a trip to Taiwan

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

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

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

Taiwan travel tips

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

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

Buy an EasyCard

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

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

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

Pick up a Wifi router at the airport

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

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

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

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

Be prepared to use Google Translate a lot

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

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

Our Taiwan trip: facts and figures

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

Where to find great budget accommodation in Taiwan

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

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

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

How to spend a month in Taiwan

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

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

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

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

Day 1 – 3: Kaohsiung

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

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

My recommended activities for Kaohsiung are:

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

Book your Kaohsiung accommodation: 85 Good Time Hotel

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

Day 4 – 6: Kenting National Park

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

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

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

Some of the best places to visit in Kenting are:

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

Book your Kenting accommodation: Light Blue Bed & Breakfast

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

Day 7 – 9: Tainan

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

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

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

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

Book your Tainan accommodation: Tie Dao Hotel

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

Day 10 – 11: Taichung

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

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

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

Book your Taichung accommodation: Modern Inn

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

Day 12 – 13: Sun Moon Lake

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

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

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

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

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

Book your Sun Moon Lake accommodation: Itathao Motel

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

Day 14 – 19: Taipei (part I)

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

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

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

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

Admire the view from the iconic Taipei 101

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

Explore the National Palace Museum

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

Hike the Elephant Mountain trail

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

Visit Chang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

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

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

Eat your way around Shilin Night Market 

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

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

Take a day trip to Maokong

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

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

Book your Taipei accommodation: Comma Boutique Hotel

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

Day 20 – 23: Hualien and the Taroko Gorge

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

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

Some of the best things to do around Hualien are:

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

Book your Hualien accommodation: Honey B Trip B&B

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

Day 24-29: Taipei (part II)

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

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

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

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

Taiwan itinerary 5 days.

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

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

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

Taiwan itinerary 7 days

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

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

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

Taiwan itinerary 10 days

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

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

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

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

Taiwan 2 week itinerary

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

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

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

Taiwan 3 week itinerary

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

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

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

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

Planning a trip to Taiwan: in conclusion

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

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

This post was updated in November 2022.

ViaTravelers

Tuesday 7th of September 2021

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

Monday 4th of October 2021

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

Monday 18th of January 2021

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

Sunday 24th of January 2021

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

Sunday 3rd of January 2021

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

Sunday 10th of January 2021

Hi May Twu,

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

Stay safe and thanks again! Lotte

Tuesday 14th of May 2019

Hi. Thanks for the very informative itinerary!

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

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

Thursday 22nd of February 2018

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

Saturday 24th of February 2018

Thank you, Taiwan is amazing indeed:-)

Lists by Lukiih 🍀

Practical travel guides with less fluff

• 🧋 Taiwan Guide: 5-7 Day Itinerary + 20 Great Things To Do

Taiwan is an underrated island destination with breathtaking nature, accessible hot springs, and globally renowned street food markets.

Five to seven days is enough time  to thoroughly enjoy the capital city of Taipei and do a few day trips to other popular destinations.

I spent an extraordinary week in Taiwan, and here, I share amazing things to do and tips to optimize your trip itinerary . This post covers:

• ⭐️ Top things to do in Taiwan
• 🗓️ 5 to 7-day optimized itinerary
• 📍 Taiwan map with key places
• 🏠 Where to stay
• ✏️ Taiwan trip planner

Planning a trip? Here’s  what to know about Taiwan .

• Essential Tips
• 7-Day Itinerary
• 5-Day Itinerary
• 1. Elephant Mountain
• 3. Taiwanese Food
• 4. Taroko Gorge
• 5. Night Market
• 6. Lungshan Temple
• 7. Taipei 101
• 8. CKS Memorial Hall
• 9. Ximending District
• 10. Beitou Hot Springs

1. National Palace Museum

3. yangminshan national park, 4. yehliu geopark, 6. sun moon lake, 8. tainan city, 9. kaohsiung city, 10. kenting national park.

• Where To Stay

Taiwan Trip Planner

Lists By Lukiih is readers-supported. If you buy through an affiliate link on this post, I may earn a small commission. Thanks!

6 Essential Tips for Visiting Taiwan

My friend, Ella Park-Chan, lived in Taiwan for three years and provided these helpful Taiwan travel tips.

🧻 1. Bring toilet paper for bathrooms.

Many public bathrooms in Taiwan don’t provide toilet paper . I folded a few sheets of toilet paper and carried them in a Ziploc in my bag.

Many Taiwanese bathrooms are also squat toilets.

🚇 2. Ride Taiwan’s trains and visit their stations.

Taipei’s metro, known as the MRT, is punctual , clean, and well-maintained. The metro stations have everything, including clean bathrooms, water fountains, charging stations, and trash cans (street trash cans are uncommon in parts of Taiwan).

Taiwan’s train system , operated by the Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA), is also great and will take you to most places around the country. A high-speed rail can take you from northern to southern Taiwan in less than three hours.

See more tips on how to get around Taiwan .

🥞 3. Visit the Family Marts and 7-Eleven’s.

Unlike the convenience stores in the United States, the convenience stores in Taiwan (i.e., Family Mart, 7-Eleven) are well-maintained and clean.

They have a great selection of packaged meals , a clean place to eat and rest, reliable ATMs, and a convenient way to print.

🇯🇵 4. Be respectful and follow the rules.

Taiwan was colonized by Japan for 50 years in somewhat recent history between 1895 and 1945, so it has a strong Japanese influence.

One such influence is that the locals are polite and tend to follow the rules (e.g., they wait in line when boarding the metro and stand on the right side of the escalators to let others pass).

🦟 5. Bring mosquito repellent.

Mosquitoes in Taipei can spread the dengue virus , and you’ll see signs around the city encouraging you to protect yourself .

Although most people won’t have a severe reaction, if you’re a mosquito magnet (like me), bring mosquito repellent. I like to use a bug-repellent lotion since it protects me better than the spray alternatives.

Learn other practical tips when traveling to Taiwan .

💰 6. Carry cash.

While credit cards are sometimes accepted, Taiwan still primarily operates on cash, so bring some cash .

Note that USD is not widely accepted, so you need to exchange cash for Taiwan’s official currency, the New Taiwan dollar.

See my entire Taiwan trip budget .

Itinerary for Taiwan

Below is a great way to spend five to seven packed days in Taiwan, featuring the best things to do in the largest city, Taipei, and popular destinations nearby.

If you want to explore the southern and eastern parts of Taiwan , which are also amazing and more off-the-beaten-path, you’ll need more than a week or return after your first trip.

7-Day Itinerary Map for Taiwan

This map has all the  recommended places  in the seven-day Taiwan travel itinerary below.

7-Day Itinerary for Taiwan

With this itinerary, you’ll spend  two to three full days in Taipei  and visit  popular destinations outside the city . The destinations recommended here are often the highlights for visitors.

To help you plan efficiently, I’ve included  suggested times for each activity  based on my firsthand experience.

The Taiwan trip planner below has this seven-day itinerary prefilled.

5-Day Itinerary Map for Taiwan

This map has all the  recommended places  in the five-day Taiwan travel itinerary below.

5-Day Itinerary for Taiwan

With this itinerary, you’ll spend two full days in Taipei, visit Jiufen, and check out Taroko Gorge. The latter two are often highlights for visitors.

If you want to get out of Taipei and see Taiwan in five super-efficient days  without worrying about transportation or the language barrier, you can book an  all-inclusive guided tour  that takes you to the best places to visit around the small country.

With Less Time: What To Skip in Taiwan

If the above Taipei itineraries are too busy and you need more downtime, here are the things I would skip:

• Skip the National Palace Museum – The museum shows an impressive collection of artifacts, but its most prized artifact is a cabbage sculpture made of jade, which may only be exciting if you’re an art enthusiast.
• Skip the Maokong Gondola – The ride is very scenic but farther out of the city center. You can hike Elephant Mountain or visit Taipei 101 for scenic views closer to the city.
• If you can only do one day trip, choose between Jiufen and Taroko Gorge – They’re two very different day trips, so prioritize whichever interests you more (e.g., a picturesque village vs. a national park). I wouldn’t prioritize Sun Moon Lake as it’s significantly further out, and visitors don’t find it as unique as the other two.

10 Great Things To Do in Taipei

Having spent seven packed days in Taiwan, I share my recommendations and honest opinions on the top attractions and activities below, listed in rough order of priority.

All prices mentioned here are in USD 💵 .

1. Hike Up Elephant Mountain

🐘 Why : Elephant Mountain is a metro-accessible hike in Taipei that will give you a fantastic city view. The view includes Taipei 101, an iconic building that was the world’s tallest building until 2010.

🌟 Top Thing To Do : The main activity is to walk up Elephant Mountain’s ~600 steps to get a great view of Taipei. There are also several other hiking trails if you want to extend your stay.

The best place to take photos is at the overlooks on Elephant Mountain. The lookout point at the summit is not a great place to take photos, as it is blocked by trees.

🚇 Getting There : Ride the Taipei MRT to Xiangshan Train Station , take exit 2, and walk 10 minutes along the park until you see a set of steep stairs, which will be the start of Elephant Mountain .

You can also go on a biking tour that includes a hike up Elephant Mountain .

💰 Admission Fee : Free

⏰ Suggested Duration : 30 to 90 minutes, depending on hiking pace

🍀 Lukiih’s Take: Elephant Mountain is great if you want a metro-accessible activity that will get your heart rate up while rewarding you with a view. It was one of my favorite places in Taipei; you can’t get a better view this close to the city.

Return to itinerary ↑

2. Take a Day Trip to Jiufen

🍵 Why : Jiufen is a small, picturesque village in the mountains an hour east of Taipei. It’s known as the town that inspired Spirited Away, but director Miyazaki denies this. The atmospheric streets and traditional teahouses make it a popular destination.

🌟 Top Things To Do: In Jiufen, you can:

• Enjoy tea and snacks at a traditional teahouse with incredible mountain views
• Walk through the famous Jiufen Old Street, that’s filled with shops and local snacks
• Hike up Keeluung Mountain Trail for a view of Jiufen
• Visit several of Jiufen’s nearby attractions, including Golden Waterfall, Shifen Waterfall, and Teapot Mountain

Check out the great things to do in Jiufen in detail.

🚇 Getting There: You can get to Jiufen by taking public transportation or a taxi/Uber. This Jiufen guide breaks down how to get there without needing a rental car.

If you’re visiting by car or taxi, you can stop by the Golden Waterfall and/or hike up Teapot Mountain on the way from Taipei to Jiufen.

💰 Expected Cost : Jiufen has no entrance fee, but parking in Jiufen and Teapot Mountain costs about $3 each.

⏰ Suggested Duration : Half a day to a full day

🍀 Lukiih’s Take : Jiufen is a picturesque town worth visiting, especially if you can make the waterfall and mountain stop along the way. The tea house experience is incredibly unique and charming, albeit brief. Jiufen was one of my favorite places in Taiwan.

This Jiufen trip guide shares a detailed itinerary.

3. Eat Affordable, Local Taiwanese Food

🍚 Why : With its cheap, unique, and delicious food, Taiwan is often considered a foodie’s paradise.

🍜 What To Eat and Where : Below are Taipei restaurants I tried and loved, recommended by my friend, Ella Park-Chan, who lived in Taiwan for three years.

• Din Tai Fung – This is the original location of the internationally renowned restaurant known for its excellent  soup dumplings . I also love their spicy noodles, pickled cucumber, and chocolate soup dumplings. Expect a long wait (about one hour) during peak lunch and dinner times.

• Fuhang Soy Milk – Locals consider this the #1 breakfast place . Their sweet soy milk was delicious, and their salty soy milk was one of the most unique things I’ve eaten. Get there before 8 am if you want to wait less than 30 minutes. This place is cash-only.

• Lao Shandong Homemade Noodles – Beef noodle soup is a must-have in Taiwan, and this local place serves it well without frills. This place is cash-only.

• CoCo (multiple locations) – Bubble tea originated in Taiwan, so you’ll easily find excellent bubble tea shops everywhere. CoCo is one of the popular chains, and I thought their tapioca pearls were fresh and chewy.

• Chia Te Bakery – Taiwan is famous for its pineapple cakes , and this bakery is known to serve some of the best ones. I enjoyed the different flavors of pineapple cake (e.g., salty egg yolk, red bean, melon) and packed a few to bring home.

• Orange – This upscale restaurant served some of the  best shabu shabu  I’ve ever had for a relatively affordable price. However, advanced reservations are required.

• Xiang Duck Taipei – If you’re craving Peking duck , this restaurant makes them with a delicious crispy skin. Their milk dessert is one of my favorite desserts in Taiwan.

🍀 Lukiih’s Take: It’s a loss if you don’t try some quintessential Taiwanese food because the price-to-quality ratio is unbeatable.

If you’re unfamiliar with Taiwanese food , you can go on a highly-rated private street food tour to learn and eat your way with a local guide.

4. Take a Trip to Taroko Gorge

⛰️ Why : Taroko Gorge, the hallmark of Taroko National Park, is one of Taiwan’s top scenic attractions, known for its marble mountains, shrines, and sky-blue river. It’s a popular destination for hikers and tourists.

🌟 Top Things To Do There : There are several sites to visit inside Taroko Gorge:

• Shakadang Trail – This is one of the most popular trails that runs along a beautiful blue river. Make sure to get there early to beat the traffic.
• Eternal Spring Shrine – This shrine, nestled inside a mountain, commemorates the more than 200 workers who died building the highway in the early 1900s.

• Bulowan Suspension Bridge – This is one of the highest suspension bridges in Taiwan and attracts a big crowd.

Taroko Gorge is near Hualien City. Hualien is quieter than Taipei but has a huge, lively night market called Dongdamen that I thought was better than many of Taipei’s night markets.

🚇 Getting There : To get to Taroko Gorge , you can do a day tour from Taipei or travel to Hualien by taking a train from the Taipei Main Station.

See how to get to Taroko Gorge from Taipei in detail.

💰 Expected Cost : Taroko National Park has no entrance fee. I paid $28 for the round-trip train to Hualien. My Hualien Airbnb was $40, split between two people, and my tour was $93, including tip. The tour was on the pricier end (larger groups are cheaper, and our tour only had three people).

⏰ Suggested Duration : 1 to 2 days (I did 2 days to also explore Hualien City)

🍀 Lukiih’s Take : If you have the time to get out of Taipei, Hualien feels like a great first-timer’s day trip that offers beautiful nature and one of the best night markets that outshine the ones in Taipei.

5. Eat at a Taiwanese Night Market

🍚 Why : Taiwan is famous for its bustling night markets and street foods. Night markets also allow you to try a variety of affordable local foods all in one area.

🌟 Where To Eat: These three are considered Taipei’s best night markets:

• Ningxia Night Market
• Raohe Night Market
• Shilin Night Market

My favorite night market was the Dongdamen Night Market in Hualien City due to its large size, food diversity, and quality.

🍜 What To Eat : Street food recommended to me by my Taiwanese friends that I think are worth trying include:

• Spicy scallion with fried egg – The sauce used on the spicy scallion is incredible. I ate this at three different night markets, but the ones in Dongdamen were much better than the ones I had in Taipei.
• Fried sweet potato balls – These are very good and not as heavy or oily as they look. I only saw them in the Ningxia and Raohe night markets.
• Oyster omelet – The oyster omelet is a unique Taiwanese dish worth trying.
• Grilled squid on a stick – These giant squids were much more tasty than I expected. The vendors know how to grill it to a good consistency, and the sauce has good flavor.
• Stinky tofu – Stinky tofu is a Taiwanese delicacy you might dislike, but it’s worth trying for fun.

If you need help navigating the night markets , you can also book a  private tour with a knowledgable guide to show you the best Taiwanese street food .

💰 Expected Cost : Night markets don’t have entrance fees. Expect to spend about $1 to $3 per food item. With some planning, you can eat a meal for less than $5 at Taiwan’s night markets.

⏰ Suggested Duration : You can spend one to three hours at a night market, depending on how long you want to wander around and how many food items you want to try.

Bring cash and small change for the night market, as many stalls are cash-only.

🍀 Lukiih’s Take : Taiwan is famous for its night markets. My local friend, Ella, summed it up best, “I feel like it would be weird if you don’t go to a night market while you’re in Taiwan.”

6. Catch the Morning Prayers at Lungshan Temple

🙏 Why : Lungshan Temple is a beautiful 300-year-old temple. The best time to get there is between 6 am and 8 am so you can observe the locals’ song-like prayers for the various Chinese deities.

🌟 What To Do There: While listening to the prayers, you can quietly walk around and admire the temple’s architectural details.

A 20-minute walk away from Lungshan Temple is the Taipei Tianhou Temple . Tianhou Temple is another ornate temple worth checking out if you want to temple hop.

🚇 Getting there: Lungshan Temple  is in Wanhua, Taipei’s oldest and most historic district.  You can take the MRT to Longshan Temple Station and take a short walk to the temple.

⏰ Suggested Duration : 30 to 60 minutes. Budget more time if you plan to walk around Wanhua District.

🍀 Lukiih’s Take : If you like observing peaceful spiritual ceremonies, catch the prayers at Lungshan Temple in the early morning. Otherwise, stop by at any time to admire the temple’s designs. Even if you don’t visit the temple, walking through Wanhua District is unique, as it has a much older atmosphere than other parts of Taipei.

7. Go Up to Taipei 101’s Observatory

⛅️ Why : Taipei 101 is one of the tallest buildings in the world and was the tallest until 2010. The building has a well-designed observatory with a great view of Taipei and many high-end shops that you can browse if you want to be indoors.

🌟 Top Things To Do : The best thing to do at Taipei 101 is to catch the sunset at the observation deck. While going up to the observatory, you will also get to ride one of the fastest elevators in the world (it was the fastest from 2004 to 2015). Taipei 101 also has many fun photo stations.

🚇 Getting There :  Take the MRT to  Taipei 101 Station  and walk a minute to the building. Book tickets on the 5th floor of  Taipei 101  to go up to the observation deck.

💰 Admission Fee : Starts at NT$600 (roughly $19)

You can get last-minute tickets to Taipei 101’s observatory. The only exception is during sunset when it’s very popular.

⏰ Suggested Duration : 30 to 60 minutes is sufficient to see all four sides of Taipei 101’s observatory and to take some photos. Budget more time if you plan to shop around as well.

🍀 Lukiih’s Take: I generally don’t find observatories impressive, but Taipei 101’s observation deck is the best one I’ve been to. The photo booths are fun, the mass damper exhibit is scientifically interesting, and the view is impressive at sunset.

8. Visit Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

🇹🇼 Why : Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is a national monument and a popular tourist spot. It’s surrounded by a pretty park where locals hang out, and the National Theater and Concert Hall are within a short walking distance.

🌟 Top Things To Do : Walk or run around the park and look at the three stunning buildings in the complex: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall , National Concert Hall , and National Theater . There’s also a changing of the guards in Chiang Kai-shek’s main hall every hour.

🚇 Getting There:  Take the Taipei MRT to  Chiang Kai-shek Station  and walk to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.

⏰ Suggested Duration: 60 to 90 minutes

🍀 Lukiih’s Take: If you’re tight on time or are not interested in going inside any of the buildings, the park surrounding the memorial hall is well-designed enough to warrant a visit. I also find it fascinating to watch the elderly locals at the park engaging in their active community exercises, which is not a sight I often see in the United States.

9. Explore Ximending District

👟 Why : Ximending District is a walkable district with shopping, food, street art, and Japanese culture. It’s also a very happening location, especially at night and early evening, where you might catch a few street performers.

🌟 Great Things To Do: Ximending is a great place to walk around and enjoy the lively atmosphere. You can:

• Check out the shops – The streets are lined with tattoo parlors, arcade games, trendy bubble tea flavor places, claw machine arcades, graffiti art, and more. I got a nice haircut here for $30, which included a tip.
• See street performers – They usually come out at night.
• Eat at a few food stalls – Pro tip: the Dian Dian Tea stall serves pawpaw smoothies, which are hard to get elsewhere.

🚇 Getting There : Take the Taipei MRT to Ximen Station and walk two minutes to the Ximending District .

⏰ Suggested Duration : 1 hour for a quick stroll to a full day of exploring

🍀 Lukiih’s Take : Ximending District is fun to check out if you want to be around a younger, busier, and more touristy area of Taipei. It’s also a great place to be at night.

10. Take a Dip in a Beitou Hot Springs

🌡️ Why : Beitou’s hot springs may not be the most beautiful, but its proximity to Taipei makes it a perfect place to relax and get away from the city for a few hours.

🌟 Where To Visit: There are several hot springs in the Beitou area, and they vary in different ways: distance from the MRT, public vs. private, mixed-sex vs. sex-segregated, and price point. I visited the hot spring at Spring City Resort because it was mixed-sex, and I wanted to be with my friends.

The most interesting thing offered at the Spring City Resort was a  hot marble stone  you could lay on and take a soothing nap.

🚇 Getting There : Take the MRT to Beitou Station and walk or take a shuttle to your preferred hot spring.

💰 Expected Cost : Hot springs’ prices range from budget to luxury. I paid $25 at Spring City Resort, which is considered mid-range. My ticket included a shower, locker, towel, shower cap, and sandals.

⏰ Suggested Duration : You’ll need at least three to four hours to visit a Beitou hot spring, including the 40 minutes required to get to the Beitou area from Taipei.

🍀 Lukiih’s Take: The hot springs in Beitou are not a must-visit. I think it’s only worth visiting if you want a relaxing experience only a metro ride away.

If you prefer more guidance or want to fit in many things in a short period of time, book a full-day custom tour that visits several of Taipei’s attractions mentioned above.

10 Great Things To Do in Taiwan

In rough order of closest to furthest away from Taipei, here are ten other popular things to do in Taiwan if you’re staying for a longer trip:

The National Palace Museum , located in the northern part of Taipei, has the world’s largest collection of Chinese artifacts and art . Its most famous work is the “Jaded Cabbage. ” The museum attracts visitors from all over the world for its historical significance and picturesque surroundings.

This museum is worth a visit if you’re an art enthusiast . Otherwise, it’s one of the first things my local friend tells people to skip if they have limited time in Taipei.

💰 Admission Fee : NT$350 (roughly $11) ⏰ Opening Hours: 9 am–5 pm; closed on Mondays 📍 Getting There From Taipei : 1 hour by MRT

Maokong is known as Taipei’s tea town because it used to be the biggest tea-growing area. You can ride a Maokong gondola for scenic views, explore mountain hiking trails, and visit the nearby Taipei Zoo.

💰 Gondola Price : Starts at NT$70 (roughly $2) ⏰ Opening Hours: Usually 9 am–9 pm 📍 Getting There From Taipei : 20 minutes by MRT

Yangmingshan National Park , located in New Taipei City, is home to hot springs, terraced ponds, and even a crater lake. You can visit Yangminshan’s top attractions with a half-day guided tour .

The park also features over 60 hiking trails , making it a very accessible hiking park near Taipei.

💰 Admission Fee : Free, but you need to pay for parking ⏰ Opening Hours: 8:30 am–4:30 pm 📍 Getting There From Taipei : 30 to 50 minutes by car

Yehliu Geopark , located in New Taipei City and sometimes coupled with a trip to Jiufen , is known for its unique rock formations . The sea has eroded the landscape, leaving a bunch of honeycomb and mushroom-shaped rocks.

💰 Admission Fee : Free, but you need to pay for parking ⏰ Opening Hours: 8:30 am–4:30 pm 📍 Getting There From Taipei : 30 to 60 minutes by car

Lukang is a town located on the west coast of Taiwan. It’s known for its traditional buildings and cultural heritage. Its historical charms draw in a lot of artists and creative people.

💰 Admission Fee : Several of Lukang’s temples have small admission fees 📍 Getting There From Taipei : 2 to 3 hours by TRA train

Sun Moon Lake , located in Central Taiwan, is the country’s  most famous lake . It’s a beautiful spot for swimming and boating, and the surrounding mountains offer stunning views.

📍 Getting There From Taipei : 4 hours by TRA train

Alishan , located in Central Taiwan, is famous for the Alishan National Scenic Area, which covers a vast area of mountain terrain. The area is also known for its tea plantations and many hiking trails ranging from easy to hard.

Alishan is also famous for its cherry blossoms , which bloom between late March and early April.

💰 Admission Fee for the Alisha Forest Railway : Starts at NT$300 (roughly $10) ⏰ Opening Hours: Open 24/7 📍 Getting There From Taipei : 5 hours by TRA train

Located in southern Taiwan, Tainan City is the country’s  oldest city  and the birthplace of many traditional Taiwanese foods. It is known for its ancient temples, local cuisine, and friendly residents.

📍 Getting There From Taipei : 3 to 4 hours by TRA train

Located in southern Taiwan, Kaohsiung City is the third-largest  city  and an economic hub. As such, It offers everything from lively night markets and art galleries to a scenic port and pond.

📍 Getting There From Taipei : 3 hours by TRA train

Kenting National Park , located on the southern tip of Taiwan, is famous for its beautiful beaches and lush vegetation. Many say that it’s a relaxing park, but thanks to its natural beauty, it’s often very crowded and touristy.

💰 Admission Fee : Mostly free except a few areas ⏰ Opening Hours: Varies by area, but typically open 24/7 📍 Getting There From Taipei : 5.5 hours by TRA train

Where To Stay in Taipei

Here’s some guidance on where to stay in Taipei.

🏠 What To Consider

When choosing accommodation in Taipei, consider the following things:

• Proximity to an MRT station – You’ll likely rely on Taipei’s excellent public transportation, so it’s convenient to stay within a 5 to 15-minute walking distance of an MRT station.
• The neighborhood – Taipei, like many other cities, has distinct neighborhoods. Staying in Ximending , which is more tourist-friendly, will have restaurants opened later and be noisier than a neighborhood like Daan , which is much more residential and local.
• Mid-range pricing – Taipei offers a wide range of accommodations. If you plan to spend minimal time in your accommodation like I did, paying for accommodation that’s roughly $50 per night is very reasonable.

🏠 Where I Stayed

I stayed at two hotels in distinct neighborhoods during my one-week trip to Taipei. Here are my honest thoughts on the accommodations.

🏠 Hotel #1: I stayed at CHECK Inn Express in Daan District, where I paid $36 per person per night.

• 👍 Pros – The hotel was relatively local, with enough shops, attractions, and restaurants within walking distance. It was a straightforward accommodation with no extra frills or amenities.
• 👎 Cons – The rooms are tiny (e.g., there’s no space to open your carry-on luggage), and housekeeping isn’t included. For around the same price, you can stay at a much more happening place, which is why I stayed in a second hotel.

🏠 Hotel #2: I also stayed at  Amba  in Ximending District, where I paid $40 per person per night.

• 👍 Pros – Ximending is a happening place with many attractions and food options at night. The rooms were nice, and the included breakfast had many options.
• 👎 Cons – This is nit-picky, but the gap under the entrance door was fairly wide. I could hear hallway noises, and I suspect that’s how mosquitoes kept entering the room.

To make your travel planning easier , download the trip planner below and use it as a starting point. The planner has country-specific travel information, an itinerary, a packing list, and a map with key places pinned.

The trip planner is built on Notion, which I use for all my travel planning (I genuinely love this tool). If you don’t have Notion, creating an account is free .

If you have any questions or thoughts, feel free to leave a comment below.

Taiwan Travel Guides

• 🇹🇼 Planning a Trip to Taiwan: 11 Practical Things To Know
• 💰 My 2024 Taiwan Trip Cost: A Budget Breakdown
• 🏮 Jiufen Day Trip From Taipei: 9 Great Things To Do + Itinerary
• 🍃 How to Plan a Taroko Gorge Day Trip from Taipei

Lists by Lukiih is Readers-Supported

If you find my travel tips helpful, say thanks with a bubble tea 🧋!

Hi Thank you for this! Is it possible to do all this by staying in 1 hotel ximending area?

Hey Mae, it is possible to do everything from 1 hotel in the Ximending area. The only thing that might be a bit difficult is doing a day trip to Hualien/Taroko Gorge; you’ll have to get up really early and get back later if you’re staying in Taipei. Have fun on your trip!

This guide was extremely helpful in planning my trip as I used it for my base! Thank you so much!

Glad to hear it, Jennifer! Feel free to DM me if you have any feedback on the guide.

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Travel, Health & Lifestyle Blog

Namaste to Nihao

travel, HEALTH & lifestyle blog

Travel, Health & Lifestyle blog

We're Jade & Deeshen — travel & lifestyle bloggers and writers. We're here to help you make your life nourished with travel, health rituals, and joy. We are seekers on a F.I.R.E. journey who are passionate about travel, food, and health. As a couple, we value creating authentic relationships and building a genuine community around the world to help people like you grow in life holistically. We prefer exploring cities and nature at sunrise when it's peaceful, empty and magical.  Join us on the journey to fall in love with travel, food and health as a life long learner!

Learn more about us

Taiwan Itinerary for 7 or 10 Days with 48 Top Must do things

February 13, 2024

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Visiting Taiwan for a week but have no clue what are the best things to do? Still largely undiscovered by travelers, Taiwan is one of the best and safest places to travel in all of Asia . We have traveled extensively in Taiwan and recently came back from a Taiwan trip where we experienced the area’s best hikes, nature spots, food, hot springs, tourist attractions, and spiritual spots to visit. Nestled in the Pacific Ocean, Taiwan has some of the best hikes in Northeast Asia, rich culture, welcoming locals, best night markets in the world, origin of Boba Milk Tea, world class beaches, and home to the world’s most diverse butterflies discovered (over 400+ butterfly specifies). Home to one of Asia’s highest mountains, Jade Mountain, Sun Moon Lake, lush hikes and lakes, white sand beaches in Kenting, vibrant city and night market life… it’s no wonder Taiwan was named “Formosa”, meaning beautiful, by Portuguese explorers and is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. If you’re looking the perfect destination to visit and nourish your spirit in Asia, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we share our ultimate 7-day or 10-day itinerary and the most soulful spots this enchanting island country has to offer. Consider this our love letter to Taiwan, and our way of giving back so you can fall in love in Taiwan too!

🌟 My Top Taiwan Recommendations Before we dive into this guide, here are a few things you can’t miss on your trip to  Taiwan!

🏙️ Enjoy skyline views from Taipei 101: Taipei 101, one of the world’s tallest buildings, is one of the best places to see Taipei city views. Do not miss the opportunity to see one of the most beautiful architectures in the world that merges modern and traditional culture! Book your Taipei 101 ticket .

🧖‍♀️ Soak in Beitou’s Thermal Hot Springs: Soak in Beitou’s natural white sulphur hot springs to soothe your body and mind. Do not miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! This is one of the best hot springs that allow mixed sex which is perfect for couples, families, and friends. Best Beitou hot spring .

🍜 Dine at Din Tai Fung: Eat quintessential Taiwanese dumplings at Michelin Star restaurant Din Tai Fung. Try all 8 types of Xiao Long Bao dumplings. Best Din Tai Fung deal .

🌿 Relax with a Pressure Point Massage: Unwind after a long day of walking and exploration with a Villa.Like Massage and Spa experience. Start with a free foot massage along with your Oriental Pressure Point body massage. Best Massage in Taipei .

🚄 Take the High Speed Rail to Explore Taiwan: Taiwan is so much more than just Taipei. Travel to Kaohsiung, Tainan, Chiayi, Taichung in a matter of hours . Pre-book your high speed rail ticket in advance or get a multi-day unlimited HSR pass at a steal of a price! The ticket is valid for up to 90 days after booking so if you need to change your reservation, you can easily do it online.

👨‍✈️ Hire a Private Car Charter: The best way to explore Taipei is by private car charters . Experienced car charters will take you to wherever you want to go, save you time, and are much more comfortable than a taxi or a large tour bus. This option is perfect if you have 2 or more people in your group as a family, friends or couple. You can choose a preferred language of English, Korea, Japanese of Chinese, and even ask your driver for attraction and food recommendations. Best private car charter in Taipei and to Yilan and Qingshui Geothermal Park .

🌃 Where to Stay: A panoramic city view with resort amenities at the Taipei Marriott Hotel , a luxury mountain view suite conveniently located nearby Taipei’s biggest night market, Shilin Night Market at Tango Taipei Hotel Shilin, or a downtown friendly hotel suite with gorgeous avant-garde design ambiance near Ximending shopping area at citizenM Taipei , or book a VRBO vacation home near Taipei main station.

Table of Contents

• • Taipei Taoyuan Airport (TPE) Ultimate Guide – Where to get ATM Cash, SIM Card, Pocket Wifi & Car Transfer
• • Taipei Hotels | Where to stay in Taipei
• • Day 1 in Taiwan: Hike Pingxi Crags, fly a sky lantern in Pingxi Old Town, and eat Taiwan food
• • Day 2: Hike Taipei’s Elephant Mountain, Taiwan Tea, and and Shilin Night Market
• • Day 3: Visit Keelung Mountain, Jiufen Old Town, Houtong Cat Village, Long Shan Temple, and Chang Kai Shek Memorial Hall
• • Day 4: Beitou Hot Springs, Teapot Mountain Hike, and Best Taipei Vegan Food
• • Day 5: Lao di fang Taipei hike, best breakfast in Taipei, and HSR bullet train to Kaohsiung
• • How to take the Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR) bullet train from Taipei to Kaohsiung
• • Day 6: Kaohsiung attractions – Nature Retreat, Vegan Food, and Shopping in Kaohsiung
• • Day 7: Fo Guang Shan, Nature, Relaxation, and Culinary Delights in Kaohsiung and Taiwan Hot Springs
• • 7 or 10 Days Itinerary in Taiwan
• • Final Thoughts: Taiwan Travel Guide: 7 Day Taiwan Itinerary with 46 Best Things to do in Taiwan

Taipei Taoyuan Airport (TPE) Tips – ATM Cash, SIM Card, Pocket Wifi, Car Transfer

Upon your arrival in the vibrant island of Taiwan, your journey begins at the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE airport) in Taipei, the primary gateway to this captivating destination. To ensure a smooth start to your adventure, follow these essential steps.

• ✈️ Arriving at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE): The moment you step off the plane, the modern and efficient Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport welcomes you! Navigate through the well-designed terminals, shops and facilities , Taiwan airport lounges such as Plaza premium lounge, and take in the warm hospitality that sets the tone for your visit.
• 🏧 Currency Convenience: After you grab your luggage, head straight to the nearest ATM to easily obtain local currency. This ensures you’re ready for any spontaneous discoveries or transactions during your stay. Taiwan’s vibrant night markets, local Taiwanese cuisine, and unique tourist attractions will beckon, and having local currency on hand enhances your experience. As the saying goes “Cash is King” and many shops and night market vendors are cash only. Travel Tip: We always recommend opening an Charles Schwab Investor Checking Account (no monthly fees) as the holy grail of travel debit cards, because it offers UNLIMITED ATM fee refunds. You never have to worry about an ATM fee again. Always, always,  always choose to be charged in the local currency of the country you’re in . If a Taiwan ATM asks if you want to be charged in USD, say no. Don’t let the machine do your currency conversion.
• 🌐 Stay Connected with a Sim Card or Pocket Wifi: Get connected right as you land by pre-booking a Taiwan 4G SIM card with internet capabilities for your phone, or a pocket wifi to connect multiple devices. The friendly staff will help you set up your sim card in less than 3 minutes. The sim card comes preloaded with some credits for outgoing calls, and all incoming calls are free. This not only keeps you in touch with loved ones but also enables you to access maps and travel apps on-the-go. Convenience at your fingertips is key to unlocking the best experiences in Taiwan. Not sure whether to go with the SIM card or pocket wifi? We prefer to get a SIM card as your phone battery will likely outlast any pocket wifi. With a pocket wifi, you have to keep switching the internet on and off to save battery as they only last 6 hours.
• 🚌 Pickup an Easy-card: Pre-book your EasyCard and pickup as soon as you land at the airport. An Easy Card is like an electronic wallet and is a must-have companion to pay for your transportation in Taiwan. Whether you are taking the MRT, bus, Taiwan Railways, High-Speed Rail, ferries, public bike rentals, or using it to pay for food at convenience stores – you can use the Easy card for that!
• 🚖 Book Your Car Transfer in Advance: The best way to reach your hotel is to pre-book a private car transfer to get to your hotel . The cars and drivers are always top notch and pre-vetted. We always recommend to pre-book your transfer to save time so you can get out and spend more time exploring Taipei and the night markets! It’s the same cost as a taxi, but much more comfortable. Pre-book at least 3 days in advance.
• 🌃 Get to Taipei Hotel: With currency sorted and your phone connected, head from TPE airport to your pre-arranged hotel. Whether it’s nestled in the heart of Taipei or tucked away in a scenic corner, your accommodation sets the stage for a memorable stay.

Taipei Hotels | Where to stay in Taipei

We recommend to base yourself in Taipei for your first time in Taiwan. Taipei, the vibrant capital, serves as the quintessential introduction to Taiwan’s captivating blend of tradition and modernity. Taipei pulses with energy day and night, inviting exploration of its bustling night markets, savory street food, and captivating art, cultural scenes, and day trips within awe inspiring views. From its the iconic Taipei 101 to its historic temples, Taipei offers a seamless fusion of the old and the new, embodying the essence of Taiwan’s rich cultural history. Taipei travel is extremely safe, as is all of Taiwan. Learn about safety precautions in Taiwan from out insider tips. Where to Stay: A panoramic city view with resort amenities at the Taipei Marriott Hotel , a luxury mountain view suite conveniently located nearby Taipei’s biggest night market, Shilin Night Market at Tango Taipei Hotel Shilin, or a downtown friendly hotel suite with gorgeous avant-garde design ambiance near Ximending shopping area at citizenM Taipei , or book a VRBO vacation home near Taipei main station. Many other bloggers will recommend that you stay in hotels near Taipei Main Station, however we do not. Taipei Main Station is the busiest and largest MRT subway station in Taiwan, and so every time you head out/return, you’ll be faced with a sea of people. Our go-to hotel when we visit Taipei is Tango Taipei Hotel Shilin, near Shilin Night Market. It’s tucked away in a quiet locals corner, near the MRT station on the main red line, steps away from the best night market in Taipei, Shilin Night Market, and one of the best morning hikes in Taipei, JianTanShan (with famous views of laodifang). Want more Taipei hotel options? Use the map below to find hotels and vacation rentals in Taipei, Taiwan:

Now on to the best things to do on your Taiwan vacation and Taipei Travel!

Day 1 in Taiwan: Hike Pingxi Crags, fly a sky lantern in Pingxi Old Town, and eat Taiwan food

1. hike at pingxi crags (xiaozi shan).

Start your first day in Taiwan with a thrilling adventure to Pingxi Crags Hike, also known as Xiaozi shan (平溪小三尖). With its jaw dropping vertical cliff faces and three peaks to climb, it’s one of the best hikes in Taiwan. It was great fun hauling ourselves up there! At first sight it does not look easy to climb but there are plenty of footholds, railing, and ropes to grab at. It was very safe, and we even saw plenty of fit elders climbing later in the day as well. Witness breathtaking views at the top of the 3 peaks, serene buddha statues, and kickstart your journey surrounded by the beautiful Taiwan views!

2. Explore Pingxi Old Street

After an invigorating Pingxi Crags hike, immerse yourself in the charm of Pingxi Old Street , a mere 10 minute walk away from the trailhead. Explore the narrow lanes filled with traditional shops, local crafts, and the distinctive atmosphere of this historic area. It’s also much quieter than the tourist packed Shifen Old Street.

For a taste of local Taiwanese cuisine, dine at the little blue restaurant called 平溪祖傳切仔麵 nestled at the beginning of Pingxi Old Street. Do not miss this restaurant – it was one of the best Taiwanese food meals we had in Taiwan! Pro-Tip: Use our Daily Google Maps guides. Some must-eats restaurants and best Taiwan tourist attractions in Taiwan are only available in Mandarin Chinese names on Google maps. Don’t worry if you can’t read Chinese because we’ve created a free daily google maps guide at the end of every section with all the Taiwan attractions for that day for you! You’ll thank us later as you indulge in authentic Taiwanese food, savoring the rich and diverse flavors that will leave your taste buds delighted and body nourished. Check out our in-depth guides on all the things you should to do at Pingxi old street and what to eat in Pingxi, Taiwan !

As you continue your culinary exploration, don’t miss the chance to try Yu Yuan, featuring taro and sweet potato balls, and indulge in a delightful peanut ice cream at 平溪橋頭花生捲冰淇淋. These sweet treats are a perfect blend of traditional Taiwanese flavors.

3. Pingxi – Fly a Sky Lantern

Make your day magical by participating in the tradition of releasing sky lanterns in Taiwan.Write your wishes and intentions on all sides of the lantern, and release them spiritually to the universe! Add a touch of romance with a red date drink as you marvel at the lanterns illuminating the sky. Read our sky lantern experience gu ide to learn where to fly a sky lantern in Taiwan, and the prices in Pingxi.

Pro Tip: You can go to Pingxi during February for the sky lantern festival, but we recommend going any other time of the year (in early mornings) to have the place to yourselves.

4. Best Massage at Like.Villa in Taipei

After a long flight and a day filled with adventure, unwind and pamper yourself at Like.Villa Massage. Relax your senses and rejuvenate for the exciting days ahead. Relax with a Pressure Point Massage: Unwind after a long day of walking and exploration with a Villa.Like Massage and spa experience. This is our favorite massage spot in Taipei with multiple locations all over the city, we went to the Renai location. Start with a free foot massage followed by your full body Oriental Pressure Point massage. Book the best massage in Taipei .

End your day with a delightful meal at a local restaurant, savoring the diverse and mouthwatering dishes that Taiwan has to offer. Reflect on the day’s experiences and look forward to more unforgettable moments on your Taiwan journey. Day 1 sets the tone for an incredible adventure – full of exploration, flavors, and cultural wonders.

Day 2: Hike Taipei’s Elephant Mountain, Taiwan Tea, and and Shilin Night Market

1. hike elephant mountain in taipei (xiang shan) and the four beasts peaks.

Begin your second day in Taipei with a hike to the majestic Elephant Mountain (Xiang Shan). The trailhead starts at Daitiandian Lingyun Temple, leading you to the iconic Xiangshan Six Boulders Observation Deck. Marvel at the breathtaking views of Elephant Peak and explore the interconnected peaks of the Four Beasts Scenic Area, including Lion Mountain, Leopard Mountain, and Tiger Mountain.

Escape the crowds as you follow the trails that connect these peaks, offering a serene experience amidst nature’s beauty. Opt for the Elephant Mountain trail to Guanyin Pavilion, continuing north to Lion Mountain and connecting to Leopard Mountain Trail. This scenic route takes you past stone carvings, small colorful temples, and offers panoramic views of Taipei 101 , culminating in a descent to Yongchun MRT. Access the MRT using your pre-booked EasyCard , the easiest way to pay for transportation in Taiwan.

Recharge with a delectable meal at Bafang Dumpling with its multiple locations across Taipei, savoring the flavors of authentic Taiwanese dumplings.

2. Explore Taiwan’s tea heritage in Pinglin Tea Plantation

In the afternoon, head to Pinglin for a traditional Taiwanese tea ceremony experience with this Shiding and Pinglin Tea Plantation Tour . Explore Pinglin Old Street, immerse yourself in the rich tea culture of the region. Visit the Pinglin Tea Museum to deepen your understanding of Taiwan’s tea heritage.

3. Taipei 101 Sunset and Evening Views

The tour ends and drops you off right in front of Taipei 101, where you can catch the spectacular night views of Taipei. Taipei 101, one of the world’s tallest buildings, is one of the best places to see Taipei city views. Do not miss the opportunity to see one of the most beautiful architectures in the world that merges modern and traditional culture! Highly recommend to pre-book your Taipei 101 ticket , skip the line, and save time for night market exploration afterwards!

4. Eat the best Taiwan food and snacks at Shilin Night Market, including Stinky Tofu

After the dreamy views at Taipei 101, take the MRT metro to Shilin Night Market, a paradise for food enthusiasts. Indulge in the iconic Taiwanese stinky tofu, refreshing papaya milk, flavorful Taiwanese cold noodles, and the delightful Oyster Vermicelli or Oyster Misua! And yes, we love stinky tofu! 🙂 The vibrant atmosphere and diverse array of street food will make this night market experience truly unforgettable. How to get to Shilin Night Market from Taipei 101 ? From Taipei 101, take the MRT directly from Taipei 101 station to Jiantan MRT Station. The Shilin Night Market is just one minute walk from Jiantan station.

Other famous night markets in Taiwan are Feng Chia Night Market in Taichung, and Raohe Street Night Market in Taipei. Day 2 combines the best of nature with a culinary journey through Taipei’s iconic peaks and flavors. Enjoy every moment as you uncover the beauty and taste of Taiwan.

Day 3: Visit Keelung Mountain, Jiufen Old Town, Houtong Cat Village, Long Shan Temple, and Chang Kai Shek Memorial Hall

1. keelung mountain trail for the taiwan best hikes in near taipei.

Kick off your third day in Taiwan with a magical sunrise hike at Keelung Mountain Trail , a personal favorite Taiwan hike of ours. Let the morning hues paint the sky as you immerse yourself in the breathtaking sunrise views from this picturesque trail.

2. Jiufen Old Street for the best tea house and food

Next, venture to the enchanting town of Jiufen Old Street for a food heaven adventure! This is our favorite town to eat in Taiwan. Don’t miss our Jiufen Food Guide on all the best eats and our favorite tea house 芋仔蕃薯! (They’re the earliest open tea house which is perfect after a sunrise hike! Dive into the culinary delights, savoring the Misty Cake puff pastries, yuyuan, taro pastries, and peanut ice cream that Jiufen Old Street is famous for. Jiufen used to be a gold mining town so you’ll see lots of rich history around every unique corner. Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow streets, absorbing the charming atmosphere.

Be sure to save our best souvenirs to buy in Taiwan . (there’s so many!) You can get all your food souvenirs, gifts, and mandatory personal food stash 😊 at Jiufen and at amazing prices!

3. Houtong Cat Village

Houtong Cat Village , in Taiwan is the a perfect day trip from Taipei for couples, travelers, and cat lovers! Continue your day with a visit to this meow-gical town where over a hundred adorable feline friends roam freely and explore the cat themed shops. Explore the Ruisan Coal Transportation Bridge and enjoy scenic views along the Keelung River. This charming cat village in Taiwan is one of the best things to do in Taiwan. Be warmed, it will steal your heart!

4. Longshan Temple

Whether you seek spiritual solace, cultural enrichment, or simply a moment of quiet reflection, Long Shan Temple welcomes you with open arms. Longshan temple is an incredible temple with a sacred ambiance, making it a must-visit destination in Taipei. If you go early in the morning, you’ll catch the locals and monks chanting their morning prayers.

5. Visit Chang Kai Shek Memorial Hall

Head to Chang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, a must-visit tourist attraction to see the national monument built in memory of Chiang Kai-shek, former President of Taiwan. The monument, surrounded by the most beautiful park in Taipei, stands at the east end of Memorial Hall Square. The memorial park also houses a beautiful grand arch entrance, The National Theater, National Concert Hall, beautiful flower grounds. Be sure to walk around the upper exterior of the National Theater and National Concert Hall, where you can observe the cultural scene and local gatherings. These groups include young and old people gather to practice Taichi, Taichi Sword, Stretching, hip hop dance and more. The locals are very friendly, and some will even welcome you to join in! It’s a perfect way to observe local traditions and culminate your day of cultural exploration.

6. Dinner at Yuan Vegetarian Buffet Restaurant 原素食府

End your day with a culinary extravaganza at the Yuan Vegetarian Buffet Restaurant 原素食府 in Banqiao! Here, you can try over 70+ vegetarian dishes, ranging from traditional Taiwanese food, dim sum, herbal soups, bao buns, cakes, to international cuisines. The buffet is located just outside of the MRT station. Reservations are required so be sure to call or book a reservation on Open Table app .

Not into buffets? Eat world famous Taiwanese dumplings at Michelin Star restaurant Din Tai Fung . Try all 8 types of Xiao Long Bao dumplings with this Din Tai Fung meal deal that also helps you to skip the 1.5 hour wait time. Day 3 promises a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and the warmth of Taiwanese hospitality. Enjoy the diverse experiences as you create lasting memories in Taiwan.

Day 4: Beitou Hot Springs, Teapot Mountain Hike, and Best Taipei Vegan Food

1. brunch at nationwide healthy vegetarian buffet.

Start your day with a delightful Nationwide Healthy Vegetarian Buffet where for around 100 NTD ($3 USD). The best part is you get to enjoy over 25+ vegetarian and tofu dishes. Moreover, can enjoy unlimited bowls of soup, rice and porridge. We went to the location at the Zhongshan Jinxing Branch, but they are a renowned chain all across Taiwan. We were super impressed with all the offerings vegan, vegetarian and protein options! Indulge in a variety of healthy and delicious vegetarian dishes to fuel your energy for the day ahead.

2. Explore Beitou Hot Springs Resort, Beitou Library, Thermal Valley, and Beitou Hot Spring Museum

Embark on a journey to Beitou District, known for its natural hot springs and historical charm. Begin with a visit to Thermal Valley, Beitou Library and the Beitou Hot Spring Museum. Both experiences are free and a serene haven for cultural enthusiasts. Visit one of the our favorite Beitou hot spring resort , and soak in soothe your body and mind. Do not miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience a natural white sulphur hot spring! Spring City Resort is one of the best hot springs in Taipei that allow mixed genders, which is perfect for couples, families, and friends.

Meditate on the naturally heated stones in the Thermal Valley and witness mother nature show off the hot springs! Note, the Thermal Valley is boiling hot, and not safe for swimming.

End your night at the local Beitou night market, a 5 minute walk from Xin Beitou MRT Station.

3. Adventure to Teapot Mountain Trail and Qitang Old Street

Next, embark on the Teapot Mountain Trail in Ruifang. Challenge yourself with this invigorating hike, rewarded by panoramic views at the summit. After conquering Teapot Mountain, dive into the historical charm of Qitang Old Street. Visit the Chuen Ji Hall Temple, adorned with a captivating dragon and phoenix statue. Capture colorful moments at the Rainbow Steps (彩虹階梯). Explore charming cafes like Cafe & Me or 金瓜石 祈堂小巷 景觀CAFE館. Rainbow steps is different than Rainbow Village in Taichung city.

Immerse yourself in the remnants of Taiwan’s mining history, and cap off your journey with a well-earned meal at one of the local eateries.

4. Visit a Tea house in Jiufen Old Street in the evening

As the day transitions to evening, take an Uber to the nearby Jiufen Old Street for a delightful exploration of evening snacks, tea, and dinner. Conclude your day with dinner at our favorite Jiufen Tea house 芋仔蕃薯 , where you can savor the unique flavors of Jiufen’s culinary delights in a tranquil tea house setting. Trust us when we say, you’ll want to dine here both in the morning and in the evenings! The views in the morning are absolutely stunning with sea to mountain views, and the vibe at night with the lanterns is gorgeous!

Day 4 promises a perfect blend of adventure, history, and culinary exploration. Enjoy the diverse experiences as you continue to uncover the wonders of Taiwan. Be sure to save our best souvenirs to buy in Taiwan for all the must-buy gifts and personal food stash 😊!

Day 5: Lao di fang Taipei hike, best breakfast in Taipei, and HSR bullet train to Kaohsiung

1. morning bliss at jiantanshan trailhead, one of the best hikes in taipei.

Embark on an invigorating start to your fifth day in Taiwan with a visit to the Jiantanshan trailhead in Shilin, Taipei. On the way up, you’ll pass many spots where elders gather and sing karaoke, and working out to their morning exercise routines. The locals are extremely friendly so feel free to join in on their morning exercise. We were even invited to share a cup of tea with elders! Watch for signs to visit the two most two best viewpoints below.

From Jiantanshan, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Taipei, Songshan Airport, and the iconic Yuanshan Grand Hotel Taipei where you can also do a traditional qipao experience or take a tour of Grand Hotel’s secret passages . Don’t miss the detour to 北眼平台 (White North Eye Platform), a pretty white sphere lookout offering one of the best views of Taipei, planes flying off, and a unique perspective of this wonderful city. The climax of the trail awaits at the Plane Spotting Platform, also known as Laodifang Lookout. From the North Eye Platform, keep hiking another 30 minutes to Laodifang (老地方 aka Old Plane Airplane Observation Deck). While there are not many official trail signs on this trail, there are many handmade signs by hikers that point you in the right direction to Laodifang (老地方觀機平台). Along the way, you’ll see all types of beautiful butterflies and friendly little lizards.

From Laodifang, instead of hiking back the same way you came from, hike down easefully to Tongbei St. There you’ll find a peaceful residential area and a Family Mart as a pit stop before heading to breakfast. Pick up some freshly steamed sweet potatoes at Family Mart, our favorite delicious and healthy snack after a good Taipei hike!

2. Best Taiwanese Breakfast in Taipei at Sihai Soy Milk

Head to Sihai Soy Milk for the best Taiwanese breakfast, a perfect way to fuel up for the rest of the day. Do not miss this must-eat Taiwanese breakfast spot! At Sihai Soy Milk, we highly recommend the shaobing yuotiao 燒餅油條 the most iconic breakfast item in Taiwan and vegetarian friendly, along with the freshest soy milk squeezed daily. Shaobing  also called huoshao, is a type of baked, unleavened, layered flatbread in Taiwanese cuisine. Jade also loved the Xiao Long Bao and Shaobing with green onion pancake.

How to take the Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR) bullet train from Taipei to Kaohsiung

Taiwan is so much more than just Taipei. A trip to Taiwan is not complete without visiting multiple cities! After breakfast, take the High-Speed Rail (HSR) to Kaohsiung in Southwest Taiwan. How do you book an HSR trail ticket in Taiwan? Travel to Kaohsiung, Tainan, Chiayi, Taichung in a matter of 1-2 hours by pre-book your high speed rail ticket in advance or get a multi-day unlimited HSR pass at a steal of a price! By pre-booking, you’ll get 20% off your ticket. The ticket is valid for up to 90 days after booking so if you need to change your reservation, you can easily do it online. How do you get to the highspeed rail HSR in Taipei? Navigate to HSR Taipei Station on Uber and ask your driver for a convenient drop-off inside the parking garage, the closet stop to the HSR. This is the closet drop off spot next to the HSR, and will save you so much time and energy if you have luggage. If the driver won’t go inside the parking garage, ask for a drop off near the HSR Taipei Station M1 & M2 exit entrances, which are the closest entrances to the high speed rail HRR. How far in advance do you have to arrive at Taipei Main Station before your high speed rail (HSR) departure time? Be sure to arrive at least 1.5-2 hours before your departure time as Taipei Main Station is the largest and busiest train stations in Taipei. The trains are very punctual and there is assigned seating. There is also plenty of shopping and good eats in Taipei Main Station. They do sell food on the train, however we prefer the bentos and baked breads sold at Taipei Main Station as you have a lot more options. Is there a place to put luggage on the HSR train? There are compartments at the back and front of every train block, however the space usually only holds 4 large luggage so if you have large luggage, we highly recommend to arrive at least 20 minutes to get in line. Upon arrival at Kaohsiung Zuoying Train Station, secure your luggage in lockers. If the lockers inside the station are full (which we found often to be the case), head outside the station towards the shopping mall next door where you’ll find a large 7/11 storefront. Right before entering the 7/11, you’ll find large lockers on the left hand side. The lockers are indoors right before the escalators leading upstairs to the mall and Uniqlo. Follow the provided map link for ease of navigation. It was around 60 NTD (2 USD) for 3 hours, which was very reasonable and a better rate and more spacious than the lockers inside Zuoying train station.

4. Visit Dragon & Tiger Pagodas, Lotus Pond, and Drink Milk Tea Boba

Continue your exploration in Kaohsiung with a visit to the nearby Dragon and Tiger Pagodas and Lotus Pond Scenic Area. Don’t miss the Dragon Tiger Tower, a must-see attraction in Kaohsiung. The appearance is truly unique, and it is spectacular to see from a distance! There is a belief that entering through the dragon’s throat and exiting through the tiger’s mouth, turns bad luck into good fortune. After soaking in the cultural and scenic beauty, treat yourself to some boba at 嚮茶 Shiny Tea, where you’ll find some of the freshest and chewiest boba in Taiwan.

Conclude your day with some leisurely by heading back to Zuoying Station for some shopping at Uniqlo and Air Space Lady where you can find trendy and comfortable clothing options for both men and women. After shopping and dinner, pickup your luggage and head to your hotel in Kaohsiung.

Day 5 promises a dynamic mix of trail adventures, delectable breakfast, and a smooth transition to the vibrant city of Kaohsiung. Enjoy the journey!

Day 6: Kaohsiung attractions – Nature Retreat, Vegan Food, Shou Shan Hiking, and Shopping in Kaohsiung

1. nature retreat at golden lion lake butterfly gardens.

Start your sixth day in Taiwan with a delightful Taiwanese breakfast, savoring the traditional rice ball, Fan Tuan, shaobing, and soy milk to kickstart your day with local flavors. You’ll find Taiwanese breakfast available in every local neighborhood, by simply looking on google maps or asking around. With plenty of vegetarians in Taiwan, you’ll also find at least 1-2 vegetarian Taiwanese restaurants in every neighborhood.

Embark on a nature retreat at Jinshih Lake Butterfly Garden and Golden Lion Lake Butterfly Garden . Here you’ll see over 100+ types of butterfly species in its outdoor flower garden and 3 indoor gardens. You’ll also get to see the life cycle of caterpillars as they crystalize to turn into a majestic butterfly. This is a completely free activity, perfect for couples and families. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of these beautiful spots using the provided map link for easy navigation.

2. Eat like a local at this 綠饌食 Vegan Taiwanese restaurant in Kaohsiung

For lunch, indulge in a delightful vegan experience at a local restaurant called 綠饌食, where you can eat traditional Taiwanese food such as fragrant mushroom rice (vegan luruofan), dan dan noodles, sweet and sour soup, small plates, and more. Follow the provided map link to discover this hidden gem that offers a diverse range of tasty plant-based delights.

3. Hike at Shou Shan Hiking Trail and meet Monkeys

In the afternoon, challenge yourself with a hike along the Shou Shan Hiking Trail. The Shou Shan Hiking Trail is famous for monkey spotting, and it doesn’t disappoint! As soon as you enter the parking lot and start the hike, you can see a families of local resident monkeys, along with mama and baby monkeys.

We spotted over 100+ monkeys on our hike and some very playful ones hopping from one car to the others in the parking lot! The monkeys here were bold but super friendly and non-aggressive. It was surreal to see monkeys so up close and personal. Brace yourself for adorable encounters with playful monkeys as you explore the scenic beauty of this trail. One of our favorite memories in Kaohsiung, Taiwan was observing baby monkeys eating pink flowers at Shou Shan hiking trail! Be sure to keep loose belonging, snacks, sunglasses, and food in the car.

4. Shopping at Uniqlo Taiwan in Kaohsiung Gangshan

After a day of outdoor adventures, take a break for some more shopping at UNIQLO Kaohsiung Gangshan Store and Air Space Lady. The Gangshan stores are much bigger and have a larger section, which is also where we did most of our shopping in Taiwan. You might be wondering – is the Uniqlo in Taiwan any different than Japan or US stores? We found we loved the men’s section in Taiwan as it had cloths more suitable for warm weather, versus the one in Japan had more cloths suitable for winter. This big shopping area offers a plethora of options, and ample parking space is available for your convenience. Deeshen loved shopping at Uniqlo in Taiwan! Jade absolutely loved shopping at Air Space Lady, with beautiful women’s dresses and tons of unique pink outfits. We basically did all her shopping for the next year there!

Day 6 promises a perfect blend of nature exploration, culinary delights, and leisurely shopping in Kaohsiung. Enjoy every moment as you continue to uncover the diverse experiences Taiwan has to offer. Use the map link for a hassle-free journey.

Day 7: Fo Guang Shan, Nature, Relaxation, and Culinary Delights in Kaohsiung and Taiwan Hot Springs

1. visit the majestic fo guang shan buddha museum in taiwan.

Commence your seventh day in Taiwan with a journey to Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum (佛光山寺), also known as Buddha’s Light Mountain Monastery. Fo Guang Shan, located in Kaohsiung, is the largest Buddhist monastery in Taiwan, and a must-visit destination that adds cultural richness to any Taiwan itinerary. The museum stands as a testament to Buddhist art and philosophy, featuring a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the history and teachings of Buddhism. Its stunning architecture, garden grounds, and the towering Fo Guang Big Buddha that measures 5 meters tall, creates a serene and spiritual atmosphere that captivates any visitor. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of this temple using the provided map link for easy navigation.

What time should I reach Fo Guang Shan by? We recommend reaching Fo Guang Shan at least 20 minutes before opening at 9am, so that you can enjoy the temple peacefully and also head to Tainan afterwards to enjoy amazing hot springs in Taiwan! Visiting Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum was one of the BEST things we did in Taiwan, and it’s one of the unmissable top attractions in Kaohsiung.

2. Rejuvenation at Joy Day Villa with Hot Springs and Healing Therapies

After a morning of temple exploration, indulge in ultimate relaxation at Joy Day Villa in Tainan. There are no hot springs in Kaohsiung, however one of the best things things locals love to do in Kaohsiung, is to go up to Tainan to enjoy the best hot springs in Taiwan! Enjoy a rejuvenating experience with over a variety of hot springs, free natural face masks, and the unique Doctor Fish therapy. Joy Day Villa offers one of the most unique hot spring experiences in Taiwan, where you get to bathe in 20+ different hot springs in all temperatures, electromagnetic waves, herbal bath, cold plunge, water massage, and more.

3. Must-eat in Taiwan: Stinky Tofu

As you drive back to your Kaohsiung hotel, stop by the locals favorite stinky tofu 台南六故乡鄉味關東 open til 10pm for a taste of authentic stinky tofu with a side of Taiwanese pickled cabbage. Delight your taste buds with the unique flavors that Taiwan has to offer. Plan to fly out of Kaohsiung International Airport in the late evening or the next day.

Day 7 promises a perfect blend of nature, relaxation, and culinary delights in Tainan. Enjoy the diverse experiences as you savor the final moments of your Taiwan journey. Navigate using the provided map link for a hassle-free journey. The soothing waters and natural treatments revive your senses!

We absolutely loved spending the afternoon at Joy Day Villa, and our skin felt so soft after their green tea and apple clay face masks! Many locals even bring their own ramen to eat in between hot spring sessions. You can pick a variety of ramen up at 7 Eleven and Joy Day Villa has hot water machines along with large eating areas.

7 or 10 Days Itinerary in Taiwan

Here’s a brief outline of the itinerary we just covered in this article and a 10 day version. Since so many visitors only visit Taiwan for a few days or a week, and try to squeeze in as much as you can. We’re providing options for both a slower 10 day version (recommended!) and a more rushed itinerary (7 day). Taiwan is so much more than just Sun Moon Lake and Taroko Gorge! Did you know that you can’t even swim in Sun Moon Lake? We’ve shown you the most scenic places, must-do attractions in Taiwan, cultural scenes, must-do attractions in Taiwan, and hikes that any person in average shape can do. We’ve only include one tour on this entire itinerary. Why? We believe Taiwan is best experienced without masses of tourists. Taiwan is easily accessible by public transportation, Uber or hiring a private car charter in Taipei .

Taiwan in 1 Week: Nature/City/Culture-Focused

• Days 1-4: Taipei and day trips from Taipei. Include from these: Jiufen Old Town, Houtong Cat Village, Pinglin tea plantation, Beitou hot springs, Scenic hikes, and more
• Days 5: Lao di fang hike in Taipei, sample Taiwanese breakfast, and take HSR to Kaohsiung
• Day 6: Kaohsiung
• Day 7: Kaohsiung and Tainan, stay overnight for next day morning flight directly from Kaohsiung International Airport

Taiwan in 10 days: Relaxed Pace

If you are able to spend more than a week in Taiwan, you can visit all the main stops I mentioned above. But add an extra night at each for a more relaxed pace.

• Day 5-7: Kaohsiung
• Day 8-9: Tainan or Kenting
• Day 10: Back to Taipei or directly to Taoyuan Airport or Kaohsiung Airport

Taiwan Itinerary Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is 1 week enough for taiwan.

In one week, you can travel a lot of ground in Taiwan, even though you can’t see “everywhere” in that time. If you’re itching for a journey that’s more urban, divide your time between Taipei and Kaohsiung, using the Taiwan High Speed Railway (THSR) to get to places along the way. If not, spend a few days in Taipei and then take a road trip through the picturesque counties of Yilan, Hualien, Taitung, and Pingtung along Taiwan’s east coast. We’re certain you’ll fall in love with Taiwan, and will want to come back over and over!

How many days is enough for Taiwan?

In general, you ought to visit Taiwan for as many days as possible. On the other hand, I think it’s a good idea to allow yourself at least two weeks if you want to go on extensive vacations. Even with a week to spare in Taiwan, you will still need to make some selections.

What to do in Taipei for a week?

You can get a taste of what it’s like to live in Taiwan’s capital in just one week in Taipei. Get a hotel in a central district such as Shilin (our favorite hotel is Tango Taipei Hotel Shilin ), Da’an, Wanhua, or Zhongzheng, and use the remaining time to explore day trips from Taipei to Jiufen, Houtong Cat Village, Pinglin, and the nature hikes outlined in our guide.

What other places not mentioned on this list that I should consider visiting?

Taiwan is so beautiful and every city has its own natural charm. The most famous places in Taiwan are Jiufen, Taroko Gorge, Sun Moon Lake, and Kenting, however we found these places quite touristy and recommend visiting other cities that we shared. We’ll be creating a Kenting guide in the future so stay tuned!

Is it worth it to visit Rainbow Village in Taichung City?

I visited Rainbow Village over 10 years ago, and it was so colorful and vibrant. We no longer recommend to visit Rainbow Village. The reason is because much of the village has been sadly destroyed by new development and vandalism since 2023, and Rainbow Grandpa passed away in 2024. (Rest in Peace) However, we know that there’s so many new beautiful things will surely sprout up here in the future and am grateful for the beautiful memories that Rainbow Village has served others for over 2 decades.

Do you need a visa to visit Taiwan?

Depending on the country you are traveling from, you may or may not need a visa to visit Taiwan. Check Taiwan’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website for the latest visitor visa info. United States citizens can visit Taiwan without a visitor visa for up to 90 days, and Did you know that citizens from India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Lao can get a free and instant travel authorization certification (acts as a visa)? Apply here online ? It’s free, official, and allows stays for up to 14 days in Taiwan. It was a very easy process! Don’t miss our Taiwan safety guide to learn about how safe Taiwan is, and safety tips.

Final Thoughts: Taiwan 7 Day Itinerary Travel Guide & Tips

We hope this article has helped you narrow down your options for the best attractions and travel spots in Taiwan, Taipei and Kaohsiung.

If you’re looking for stunning nature, delicious Taiwanese food, and rich cultural heritage, you won’t be disappointed by any of the attractions on this list. As your incredible journey through Taiwan comes to an end, you’ve experienced the diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and mouthwatering cuisine that make this island country truly special. From flying sky lanterns in enchanting Pingxi, to eating delectable Taiwanese food, to walking down the mesmerizing lantern-lit streets of Jiufen old street, to climbing the trails of Keelung Mountain, each day brings new serendipitous adventures and discoveries. We hope you love Taiwan as much we do!

If you’ve spent time in Taiwan, we’re curious about which Taiwan activity is your favorite. Let us know in the comments.

If you’re planning an upcoming Taiwan trip, be sure to take a look at my other Taiwan and Taipei travel guides so you don’t miss our favorite hidden gems! We’ve no doubt that Taiwan will leave a life changing mark on your journey! ★ Is Taiwan safe to travel right now? Taiwan is one of the safest countries in the world for solo travelers, women, Americans, foreigners and more. Nonetheless, there are a few possible risks, both natural and man-made. Learn about these in advance to increase the safety of your travel to Taiwan!

★ Houtong Cat Village : Immerse yourself in the adorable world of cats in this charming village. ★ Jiufen Food Heaven : Delve into the gastronomic delights of Jiufen, exploring its culinary treasures. ★ Pingxi Food Guide : Dive deeper into the culinary wonders of Pingxi with this dedicated blog on local food delights. ★ Pingxi Sky Lantern : Relive the magic of releasing sky lanterns in Pingxi and discover the beauty of this traditional festival.

★ Exploring Pinglin, Taiwan : Uncover the charm of Pinglin with its tea plantations and rich cultural heritage.

★ Choosing Between Keelung Mountain and Teapot Mountain : If you found yourself torn between two scenic trails, this blog helps you decide between Keelung Mountain and Teapot Mountain.

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Have a trip coming up soon?   There are a lot of travel companies out there, but some are better than others. After traveling to dozens of countries and short term living abroad on several continents, here are some of our favorite websites and resources for planning unforgettable trips. ♥️

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What a great list of things to do in Taipei and a full itinerary. I’d love the Elephant Mountain hike with those great views of Taipei 101!

What a wealth of information! I enjoyed a quick trip to Taipei years ago but look forward to savouring slowly. Saving this blog post for then!

This is such a comprehensive list. My favorite on your list is the Shou Shan Hiking Trail with monkey spotting. I hope to be able to visit.

Your photos are really stunning. It looks so beautiful. Unfortunately I have only been to the airport in Taipei but look forward to a proper visit someday soon. Thank you so much for all the wonderful information you have provided.

Absolutely in love with this guide! I love, love, love that you include recommendations to avoid the busy tourist crowds! Saving this for when I cross Taiwan off my list!

This is such an amazing guide! I absolutely LOVE the photos. I’d love to visit Taiwan as soon as possible!

Wow, great guide! This was super useful, thank you!

This is incredible!! So much useful information for my upcoming trip to Taiwan. Just wanted to say thank you for all the tips!

Very interesting post! I have never been to Taiwan, but would love to visit now, especially to see Taipei 101, Dragon and Tiger Pagodas and Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum.

Wow, this is such an amazing guide! I’ve been dreaming of going to Taiwan for a little over a year now. I think I’ll finally pull the trigger for next autumn, and will definitely be referencing this. Thank you for sharing so many great spots!!

Wow, you are amazing!! What a wonderful and detailed post and the photos are divine!! I will def keep this for planning my trip to Taiwan!!

This is such a great list of a trip to Taiwan. I have friends who have visited and just love it.

The Taipei 101 tower is truly a beautiful architectural building. I would love to do the hikes for the beautiful views. My son loves cats, so we would definitelu visit Houton Cat Village.

My bestie and I have dreeeamed of going to Taiwan together for so long so I love this. The temples, hot springs, mountains, and… Everything all look amazing! Also, appreciate where you’ve noted there are good vegan options

Stinky tofu sounds scary, but the rest of Taiwan looks amazing! :). Wonderfully detailed information! I’m saving and hopefully can visit soon.

This is such an awesome collection of spots – it’s making me miss Taiwan so much!! ❤️❤️❤️

Amaaaaazing post! I would love to visit Taiwan. My two favourite things on holiday are hiking and food – and Taiwan looks incredible for both of those! Oh and hot springs, and you mentioned them too!

I really love the modern architecture that retains a distinctive cultural twist like Taipei 101.

Such an in-depth and helpful guide! The Joy Day hot-springs look like the perfect place to relax after a few days of hiking and exploring. Will save this for when I get to go!

Gorgeous photos! I love how detailed this list is for a trip to Taiwan across 7 to 10 days. I’ll be saving this for a future trip. Thanks for sharing your recommendations!

Loving all the places listed and as an animal lover, what really caught my eye was the cat village! Your photos are great and it was like I was on vacation with you guys.

20 Comments on Taiwan Itinerary for 7 or 10 Days with 48 Top Must do things

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7 Days Taiwan Itinerary With All the BEST Sights

Posted on Last updated: March 26, 2024

If you only have 1 week in Taiwan, consider this the ultimate 7 days Taiwan itinerary that will immerse you into the best of the country, including historic destinations, foodie havens, and natural wonders.

As someone who lived in Taiwan for two years and explored most of it, I’m sharing my personal travel experiences, including tips on how to get around, where to go, and even where to eat!

Because while it looks like a tiny island, it’s easy to jam-pack a 7 day itinerary in Taiwan. Regardless, if you only have a week, this guide will ensure you have one amazing trip!

In this guide, we’ll cover general tips about traveling in Taiwan, the best areas to stay in, and the top activities to do in each location.

Useful Information For 1 Week in Taiwan

Easycard/ipass:.

First things first, get an EasyCard or iPass.

It’s what you’ll need to take local transport, including buses and the metro. And if you enjoy city biking, you can use it to register for YouBike, Taiwan’s public bike share system.

You can buy one at the airport, but they come in a huge variety. I suggest waiting to get into the city and check out 7/11 or Family Mart to find a unique and cute card.

Having a data connection is SO useful while you’re out and about and perhaps need to check transit times, etc. All plans in Taiwan have unlimited data, and you can buy a package at the Taoyuan airport.

Get your SIM at the airport because the prices you pay are the same as you would pay at the store. Plus, while you can get a SIM in the city, it’s inconvenient to have to find a store.

Public Bike Share:

Taiwan does super well with its public bike sharing, especially in cities like Taipei, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. When you get your SIM, you’ll have a phone number that you can use to activate your YouBike membership.

It’s worth mentioning I’ve had issues registering before, as my phone number wouldn’t work. It was strange as I’ve never had the issue before.

Anyways, whatever you do, try to sign up for YouBike as it’s such a convenient way to get around and enjoy Taiwan.

How to Get Around During Your 7 Days Taiwan Itinerary:

You’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn Taiwan is very convenient with nationwide transportation.

Whether you plan to rent a car or solely rely on public transportation, you can get almost anywhere you need in Taiwan.

From personal experience, I suggest using public transport (especially trains), for the majority of traveling around Taiwan. In the cities, having a car is a burden when it comes to traffic and parking. Plus, public transit in the cities is much cheaper!

As for destinations in nature and along the East Coast, while I’ve only traveled there by public transit, I suggest a car if you do want more freedom and ease of movement.

How to Take the Train in Taiwan & What to Know

If you romanticize traveling beautiful scenery, peering out the window from a cozy train seat, then Taiwan is the place to make that happen!

I’ve traveled around the country by train, and the views around Taiwan never disappoint, from the massive mountains to flowing rivers.

Plus, taking the train in Taiwan is easy! Let’s cover the two types of trains and how to plan your route.

Taiwan Rail (Slower & Cheaper)

The Taiwan Rail is for those who want to sit back and enjoy the ride (& travel the East Coast of Taiwan).

To plan your trip with the Taiwan Rail, you can use Google and the official website to plan your trip.

I usually start with Google Maps and take note of the train stops provided by Google, as you’ll need to know them for booking your tickets. From here, go to the official website and use the search to look up the route as it will show all the times available.

In order to purchase the ticket, you can reserve it online (& pay for and pick it up at 7/11). It’s that easy!

You can also use the 7/11 kiosk to book your train tickets, but there isn’t English available on the Kiosk.

Taiwan High-Speed Rail (Faster & More Expensive)

While tickets for the high-speed rail are more costly than the regular train in Taiwan, the high-speed rail is a great choice for traveling the West Coast, connecting cities including Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and all the way to Kaohsiung.

In order to book your tickets for the high speed rail, download the app where you can search dates and times.

Once again, like the regular train, you can reserve your ticket, pay for it, and receive it at 7/11 or pick it up at the train station.

Renting a Car in Taiwan

If you plan to travel to the East Coast of Taiwan or want to visit any parts of Taiwan that are truly off the path of public transit, renting a car can give you a lot more control and freedom.

For this guide, though, we’ll be sticking to destinations accessible by public transit, although when a car is more useful, we’ll mention it!

Taking the Bus in Taiwan

When traveling from city to city in Taiwan (for example, Taipei to Taichung), I wouldn’t recommend a bus. But if you happen to be visiting places such as Alishan National Park, then a bus is ideal as there’s no train that will take you there.

Luckily, it’s easy to discover bus routes using Google Maps search.

You can also check out the official Tourist Shuttle website for route and time information in regards to reaching popular tourist destinations in Taiwan by this tourist service.

Days 1-3 of 7 Days Taiwan Itinerary: Taipei & Surrounding Areas

Where to Stay in Taipei:

My favorite area to stay in is Ximen, as it’s loaded with hotels and hostels and is close to public transit as well as Taipei Main Station. Plus, the area has lots to do and plenty of food to eat!

Budget Option: ColorMix Hotel & Hostel

Mid-Range Option: Art’otel Ximending Taipei

Splurge Option: citizenM Taipei North Gate

Day 1: Arrival in Taipei

Woohoo! We’ve arrived in Taiwan. For the first day, we’ll keep it short in case you arrive on Day 1 and are settling in, or still adapting to the new time zone.

Wander Around Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall is one of the must-visit places in Taipei during your 7 days in Taiwan to learn about the founding of Taiwan. Chiang Kai-Shek, former president of Taiwan, is the man the monument was constructed to honor.

It’s free to explore the grounds and museum, and you’ll learn not just about him and the birth of Taiwan but also how Taiwan has grown through time into the democracy it is today!

Eat & Play at Night Markets: Shilin or Raohe

Taiwan is a foodie heaven! This means there’s no better way to kick off your trip with a visit to the night market! There are loads of night markets throughout the city but I’m going to share two of my favorites (that also happen to be touristy).

Or, you can dive in deep into night market scene and sign up for a night market tour with a knowledgeable guide!

Located in the North of Taipei off Jiantan Station, the Shilin Night Market boast games, food, claw games, and shopping. If you come to this market, one of the most famous foods to try is the grilled king oyster mushrooms!

Be sure to enjoy some night market games here as well, as this night market seems to have one of the largest selections I’ve seen in Taipei.

Located off Songshan Station, Raohe night market is one of my favorites for the food! It’s touristy, but you’ll find some delicious gems here. Be sure to try the pork pepper buns (located on the East end of the market).

Day 2: A Day Exploring Taipei City

Now that we’ve acclimated ourselves to some of the food and history of Taiwan, it’s time to explore Taipei! On day 2 of this 7 days Taiwan Itinerary we will discover Taipei’s best natural scenery, cultural sites, and more food!

I suggest setting up an account to rent a YouBike because while you can use the MRT to travel long distances, some of the locations below are within walkable and/or bikeable distances.

Morning Hike at Elephant Mountain

If you love a good hike, start your day at Elephant Mountain. While not a long hike (it takes maybe 20 minutes to reach the viewpoint), it’s quite steep, so be prepared to work those legs!

Offering amazing views over the city skyline, Elephant Mountain is just off Xiangshan Station and the perfect way to start your day looking out over the city.

Check Out Taipei 101

After you’ve descended Elephant Mountain, take a stroll over to Taipei 101, a tall skyscraper in the city. After seeing a viewpoint in nature, head up to the 89th floor of Taipei 101 to the observation deck to get another viewpoint surrounded by the sprawling city. Grab your e-ticket in advance online.

Visit Sun Yat-Sen Commemorative Hall

Zhongshan Park and the Sun Yat-Sen Commemorative Hall are lovely places to visit after Taipei 101, and only about a 15-minute walk from Taipei 101.

The gardens are pristine for wandering, and the Sun Yat-Sen Commemorative Hall is one unique building to admire. On top of the overall ambiance, every hour, there is a changing of the guards that guests can witness.

Admire Longshan Temple

After spending the morning/afternoon in the Xinyi area of Taipei, it’s time to head to the west of the city, near Ximen. By now, you’ve likely seen the majestic and intricate temples around Taipei, but Longshan Temple is a must-visit.

Located off Longshan Station, this massive temple was built in 1738 by settlers from Fujian province, China.

Today, practitioners of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism all actively practice here, making this a unique stop not only to appreciate the intricate architecture but also to see how locals practice their beliefs.

Take a Photo at the North Gate

After spending time at Longshan Temple, it’s time to check out another historic place in Taipei: the North Gate. To get here, you can catch a bus, the train, or ride a YouBike.

There are a total of five gates around Taipei, but this one is the best preserved. Plus, with its cool architecture, it’s a great photo op!

Enjoy the Evening at Ximending/The Red House

From the North Gate, it’s easy to wander on over to Ximending and the Red House area.

On Ximending Walking Street, you can enjoy a variety of street foods, catch street performances, shop, and immerse yourself in the overall energetic ambiance.

Just above the walking street is Red House, where you can check out cool bars to finish the night, and sometimes there are festivals and vendors set up here.

Day 3 : Take a Day Trip from Taipei (Two Options)

For day 3 of our 1 week Taiwan itinerary, I recommend a day trip from Taiwan. I have two favorite options for you to choose from below:

Day Trip Option 1: Jiufen and/or Houtong Cat Village

Our first day trip option takes us East of Taipei to two iconic towns: Jiufen and Houtong. Located near each other, you can use public transit to get between these small towns, or you can sign up for a whole-day tour that visits these two towns as well as Shifen, Shifen Waterfall, and YehLiu Geopark.

If you opt for public transport, be sure to use Google maps to plan your route and check other information such as the TRA online schedule.

Jiufen: Lantern-Lined Former Mining Town

Jiufen is a classic destination on any 7 days in Taiwan itinerary. This old gold mining town was revived by tourism, and visitors are drawn here for the ‘Spirited Away’ appearance as red lanterns line the alleys and stairways.

Be sure to stop at a tea shop here for mountain and ocean views.

Jiufen Travel tip:

If you plan to go to Hualien from here, you can take the train to Ruifeng Station (just outside Jiufen), and store your luggage before taking the bus to Jiufen.

If you plan to return to Taipei, it’s faster to take the 1062 bus from Taipei to Jiufen.

I recommend arriving past 10 AM. I arrived too early, and while it was nice and quiet, shops didn’t open up fully until around 11 or so. Or simply sign up for the tour, which will plan timings well.

Houtong Cat Village

From Jiufen, you can take the the local bus and train to reach Houtong. It will take about 40 minutes assuming your transfer goes quickly.

If you’re a cat lover, you’ve got to visit Houtong! This town, just like Jiufen, was once a mining town revived by tourism.

In this case, the story is that a woman was documenting the local stray cat population in Houtong, which garnered online attention.

Today, the town and cats are supported by those who come to visit. You’ll see plenty of cats, there’s cat themed souvenirs, and shops and cafes.

End of Day: Head to Hualien or Return to Taipei

At the end of the day, I recommend you head to Hualien.

This means you can return to Taipei at the end of the day and catch train out, or if you stored your luggage at Ruifeng Station, you can catch a train to Hualien from there.

You can also return for the night to Taipei and catch an early train to Hualien.

Day Trip Option 2: Beitou Hot Springs

Beitou hot springs.

If you’re seeking a relaxing day surrounded by greenery, a visit to the Beitou Hot Springs is just what you need!

In the district, you can visit the museum, eat, and, of course, enjoy the hot springs! Located just an hour North of Taipei, it’s easy to reach by MRT, bus, or day tour that will also take you to 7-8 more awesome stops in the area. Needless to say, we recommend the day tour below!

Since Beitou is on the North West Side of Taipei, you have to return to Taipei before moving onwards. With this, you can return to Taipei and stay the night or return to Taipei and catch a late train to Hualien.

If you want to catch a train to Hualien that night, you can store your luggage at Taipei Main or Songshan station in the morning, so you can easily grab your luggage and catch your train.

Day 4 of 7 Day Taiwan Itinerary: Taroko Gorge & Qing Shui Cliffs

The East Coast of Taiwan is a gem and worth visiting for the incredible nature and culture. Depending on your route around Taiwan, here’s a few suggestions on how to visit Taroko Gorge and Qing Shui Cliffs below.

Best Areas to Stay In Hualien:

If you’ll stay overnight in Hualien, anywhere near the Hualien Train Station is a good choice for the easiest travel.

Budget Option: KID Hualien Hostel or Light Hostel Hualien (also has affordable private rooms)

Mid-Range: Kindness Hotel

Splurge Option: W House

Explore the Taroko Gorge

The Taroko Gorge is one of the most popular natural beauties to visit in Taiwan. The canyon is home to hiking trails and epic natural scenery, attracting visitors from around the globe.

Below are some ideas on how to navigate your Taroko Gorge visit.

If you arrive in Hualien the night before:

If you decided to travel to Hualien the night before this day, we suggest you rent a car, take the tourist shuttle bus (the cheapest option), or go on a guided tour from Hualien.

If you leave Taipei in the morning to Hualien (Same Day):

If you decide to arrive in Hualien in the morning, even if you catch the earliest train, you might not arrive early enough to catch a tour from Hualien.

In this case, your best bet is to rent a car when you arrive in Hualien or use the tourist shuttle. If you rent a car, you can keep your luggage with you, and if you take the shuttle, you can store your luggage at the Hualian train station.

If you plan to come back to Taipei and travel to Taichung or Alishan:

Planning to visit places like Taichung or Sun Moon Lake on the West side of Taiwan? Then I recommend a Taroko Gorge day trip from Taipei. You can most easily do a day trip from Taipei on a guided tour and not have. toleave hote Taipei hotel for another day.

View the Qing Shui Cliffs

Another natural wonder in Taiwan is the Qing Shui Cliffs, located South of Taroko Gorge. They’re a must-see if you travel the East Coast!

If you take a guided tour, be sure to confirm you’ll get to visit the cliffs. If you’re driving or taking public transit, carve out time in your travel plans to stop by. They are a beautiful sight to see during your 7 days in Taiwan itinerary.

Head back to Hualien or Taipei

Tonight, you’ll either need to head back to Taipei, or stay the night in Hualien.

If you plan to visit destinations such as Taichung or Sun Moon Lake, catch the train back to Taipei (or if you took a guided tour from Taipei, they’ll just bring you back!)

If you want to visit cities like Kaohsiung and Tainan, stay in Hualien for the night.

Day s 5-7 Taiwan Itinerary: Kaohsiung & Tainan (Option 1)

On your final few days of this 7 days Taiwan itinerary, here are the best ways to immerse yourself into two of Taiwan’s best cities (IMO). Option 1 involves more city and foodie adventures, and Option 2 leans more on the nature and mountains side. Check out both options and choose your favorite!

Day 5: Head to Kaohsiung, A Port City in the South

Best Areas to Stay In Kaohsiung:

When it comes to places to stay in Kaohsiung, there are lots of good areas to stay in, but because traveling by the MRT will be useful, it’s best to stay near one of the MRT stations.

Personally, I recommend staying near Central Park as a lot of attractions are easy to reach from here.

Budget Option: Papo’a Hotel – super cheap and cute!

Mid-Range Option: Fulton Poshtel

Splurge Option: Hotel Indigo Kaohsiung Central Park

Travel During the Day

Day 5 is a travel day! Be sure to check your accommodation location when booking your ticket, as you’ll have to take the local train to Kaohsiung, and there are stops throughout the city.

And while the train ride from Hualien to Kaohsiung does take a bit of time (about 4 hours, plus one transfer in Taitung), it’s one of the most gorgeous stretches along Taiwan.

If you plan to drive, I suggest stopping along the way to take in the coastal views and stop somewhere like this restaurant to enjoy aboriginal food.

Kaohsiung Night Market

Once you’ve settled into your accommodation, night markets await you to indulge. There are three night markets I suggest checking out.

Liuhe Night Market

Located steps away from Formosa Boulevard Station, the Liuhe night market is a small tourist night market serving the quintessential Taiwan night market foods. While not too big, it’s a great place to go if you’re staying nearby.

I recommend trying the Taiwanese hot dog here (it’s my favorite I’ve had in Taiwan!)

Ruifeng Night Market

Ruifeng, located in the North of Koahsiung is the largest tourist night market in Kaohsiung with food, games, and shopping. It’s the night market to go to if you want endless food options as there are aisles of stands.

It can be VERY busy, so I recommend visiting on a weekday. Also, if you head to this night market, you can easily walk over to the Tiger & Dragon Pagoda.

Lingya Night Market

The Lingya night market has a more local feeling than the two markets mentioned above. When I lived in Kaohsiung, sometimes I’d just stumble into this market, and I always enjoyed it.

The streets are hectic, there’s lots of great food, and it’s truly a gem to visit if you want an experience off the beaten path in Kaohsiung.

Day 6: Explore Kaohsiung City

Check out formosa boulevard station.

A train station might seem like a weird place to visit on an itinerary for 7 days in Taiwan, but this train station is unlike anything you’ve seen before. In Kaohsiung, the public transit takes its creativity seriously.

Their mascot is a cat, they have anime girl characters called the KRT girls, and do collaborations with other brands.

Around Formosa Boulevard Station, you’ll find themed photo booths, branded souvenirs, and the largest glass artwork in the world!

Bike Along the Arts District

Assuming you’ve set up a YouBike account, pick up a YouBike from nearby the Kaohsiung Music Center and cruise the Pier 2 Art District. There’s lots of amazing art, food, and shops along the area.

Plus you can lock your YouBike if you want to hop off for any stops.

Catch the Sunset at the Beach and Eat at the Cijin Island Night Market

As you cruise along on your YouBike, you’ll get closer to the Gushan Ferry Park. Here, you can park your YouBike and hop on the ferry to Cijin Island.

On Cijin Island, you can enjoy the beach (yes, you can swim here!) and enjoy lots of seafood. This is a great place to catch the sunset from, wander the street vendors, and grab a drink at one of the beach bars.

Day 7: Tainan

On your final day in Taiwan, it’s time to explore one of the most historic and charming cities ever: Tainan! For a day here, there’s lots to cover, and lots to eat!

Where to Stay in Tainan:

I always stay in the West Central District of Tainan near Hai’An Road. There’s plenty of cute hotels and hostels to stay at.

One of the best spots I recommend that works both as budget hostel and a cute boutique hotel is the U.I.J Hotel & Hostel – book a dorm on the cheap (which are super cool pods with curtains) or a private room for mid/splurge, and enjoy the amazing common areas.

It’s nearby lots of food-filled streets, cafes, and street art, and is very walkable. Oh yeah, and it’s not too far from Tainan Station.

Head to Tainan

Since Kaohsiung and Tainan are close, you can catch a morning train to Tainan.

From Xin Zouying (or another local train station near your accommodation), catch the local train to Tainan.

While the HSR does go to Tainan, you need to transfer to another train to reach the center of Tainan, ultimately taking you a bit more time.

Grab Lunch/Snack Your Way Through the GuoHua Street

Located a few blocks off of Hai’An Road is one of the most famous little streets with lots of food! Wander this street and try anything that tickles your fancy.

Aside from this street, the whole West Central area has lots of amazing food, so don’t be shy to wander.

Wander Anping District

The Anping District is full of history and food! Head there in the late afternoon (maybe around 3 PM) to visit attractions such as the Anping Fort and Anping Treehouse before they close.

Once dinner time hits, Anping Old Street is full of amazing food for you to indulge in. If you eat meat, then check out A-Cai which serves the most incredible beef soup.

For dessert, go here for the best tofu pudding topped with mung or red bean.

Shop at Shennong Street

I gotta say, I absolutely adore this street in Tainan! It’s touristy, but so charming with the artistic lanterns and old buildings.

There are lots of shops selling clothes and creative souvenirs, so if you’re looking for some unique Taiwan souvenirs, this is the place to get them!

Days 5-7 Taiwan Itinerary: Taichung & Sun Moon Lake (Option 2)

If you are more into smaller villages, mountains, and views than cities, markets, and foodie spots, you should choose option 2 to finish out your 7 days in Taiwan. OR, you can extend to 10 days in Taiwan and do it all!

Day 5: Taichung City

I’ll admit it; I’m not a huge fan of Taichung. I’ve only been a few times, and I always am relying on my friend with a car to get us around.

With that said, there are still some gems in Taichung to check out, so if you don’t mind taking Ubers or using public transit, you’ll get by just fine.

Where to Stay in Taichung

Since we’ll be passing through Taichung in our 7 days Taiwan itinerary, it’s ideal to find accommodation near the HSR Station.

Head to Taichung in the AM

First things first, leave Taipei and head on over to Taichung! You can take the HSR from Taipei and it takes about an hour.

You can also take a local train to save money but I recommend the HSR because it’s not only faster, but better to find accommodation near the HSR Station.

Explore the Rainbow Village

After storing your luggage at your accommodation (or at the HSR Station), you can take a bus to the Rainbow Village. Painted by one man, it’s a cute place to stop for photos, admire the artwork, and learn about a story of resilience in Taiwan.

Eat at Feng Chia Night Market

Located in the North of Taichung, save space in your stomach for dinner at the Feng Chia Night Market. This is the largest and most popular night market in Taichung.

Day 6-7: Sun Moon Lake

Where to stay in sun moon lake.

There are two busy areas around Sun Moon Lake ideal to stay, including Shuishe and Ita Thao.

While I recommend one of these areas for ease of getting around, you can check out many unique accommodations around the lake.

Budget Option: 貓頭鷹旅店 – awesome hostel with King Bed Pods

Mid Range: Ace House or Sun Moon Lake Blue Sky Bay B&B

Splurge: The Richforest Hotel- Sun Moon Lake – AMAZING Lake Views

Sun Moon Lake Early Arrival

It’s time to head into the mountains of on this 7 days Taiwan itinerary and visit one of the most popular tourist destinations: Sun Moon Lake!

And luckily, it’s quite easy to get here by bus from Taichung as there are buses that leave from the Taichung HSR Station direct to Sun Moon Lake.

Check out this website for the bus timetable, and remember you can check Google maps for route information as it’s usually quite accurate. Head there early so you can enjoy all the things to do from the get go!

Sun Moon Lake Ropeway

Sun Moon Lake is an area with some epic views, and the best way to experience them is along the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway, providing panoramic views from the cable cars.

Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village

Once you reach the peak of the ropeway, you’ll arrive at the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, an amusement park with rides, food, and aspects of Taiwan’s aboriginal culture to appreciate and learn about.

The cost to enter is a bit pricey, but if you wanna let loose and have fun while still immersing yourself into a cultural experience, this is the place for it!

Try the Street Foods in Ita Thao

On the one side of the lake is Ita Thao (you might even be staying here!), and the street foods are a must-eat!

Sun Moon Lake is known for its black tea production, so you’ll find famous foods such as tea eggs boiled with locally grown tea leaves. There are also other treats to try, such as the taro balls.

Day 7: Head Back to Taichung

Reach the top of ci’en pagoda.

If you’ve ever seen photos of Sun Moon Lake, there’s a chance you’ve seen this towering pagoda. If you come to Sun Moon Lake, it’s a must-visit.

While it’s a bit of a physically challenging hike to get there, it’s well worth making the trip to see this beautiful and detailed pagoda in person and say you’ve climbed to the top of it!

Take the Bus Back to Taichung:

It’s almost time to say goodbye to Taiwan! Take the bus back to Taichung, where you can take the HSR to the airport, or you can stay overnight and then take the HSR to the airport the next day.

Other Options (besides Sun Moon Lake):

Experience magnificent alishan:.

In my opinion, Alishan Park, while pretty great, is a bit overrated. But if you’re determined to make it, an extra day in Taiwan is ideal.

It takes about 4 hours to get there from Taichung, including a train and bus ride. With this, it’s best to leave as early as possible from Taichung to explore the park, stay a night, and catch the sunrise.

After sunrise, you can then take the bus back if you need to catch your flight, or you can enjoy the park a bit more and leave when it’s convenient for you.

Finish Your 7 Days Taiwan Itinerary By Eating Your Way Through Tainan:

Tainan is one of the easiest places to visit after Taichung because you can take a train straight there.

I’ve already discussed Tainan in this article, so please refer to here for how to spend your last of your 7 days in Taiwan itinerary in the foodie capital of Taiwan.

That’s it for your 1 week in Taiwan (or have I convinced you to spend 10 days in Taiwan?) Let us know which options you chose in the comments below!

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