Taiwan is without doubt one of the most iconic journey locations in Asia. If you see a photograph of Taipei 101, you’ll instantly realize it’s Taiwan. However other than this constructing that was as soon as the tallest on the earth, Taiwan has lots to supply to vacationers. From wealthy cultural heritage, to trendy cityscape, to beautiful pure landscapes, it attracts vacationers who’re focused on completely different sorts of journey. Whether or not you’re trying to hike by means of scenic trails, go to temples, or eat your coronary heart out at night time markets, this island will certainly offer you a visit to recollect.
Taiwan was our final vacation spot earlier than the pandemic unfold all over the world and earlier than nations closed their borders. The truth is, we even acquired stranded right here due to it! So once we felt that journey goes again to regular, it simply felt proper to make Taiwan our first overseas vacation spot.
And now, we’re sharing with you a pattern itinerary you could observe particularly if it’s your first time in Taiwan.
Be aware: This isn’t the precise itinerary we had for our journey. But when it’s your first time and also you wish to expertise lots in Taipei, this itinerary is what we extremely suggest.
DAY 1: TAIPEI CITY CENTER
Arrival
- Landing Airport. If you land on the airport, you possibly can alternate cash or withdraw Taiwan {dollars} from the ATM so you might have native foreign money instantly. It’s also possible to purchase a SIM card or decide one up in the event you pre-ordered on-line, so that you’re linked as quickly as you arrive. Listed here are two choices from Klook!
- Make your approach to the town heart. For those who’re on a DIY journey, you possibly can take the practice or journey a bus to succeed in your resort. However in the event you’re with an even bigger group, touring with seniors, or simply desire a smoother journey, you possibly can guide a tour package deal with a good company in Taiwan like Edison Excursions, and even from the Philippines.
- Test in at resort. For those who arrive too early to verify in, drop off your luggage on the resort and begin exploring.
Because it’s your first time, it’s finest to see Taipei metropolis heart’s must-visit sights.
Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Corridor
In-built 1976 to honor certainly one of Taiwan’s most essential figures, the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Corridor homes a large statue of him in the principle chamber, with a museum and library on the decrease stage.
Deal with: No.21, Zhongshan S. Highway, Zhongzheng District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C)
Nearest MRT Station: Chiang Kai-shek (CKS) Memorial Corridor Station (Crimson Line 2 or Inexperienced Line 3)
Open: Day by day, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entrance Charge: FREE
Solar Yat-sen Memorial Corridor
One other landmark constructed to honor certainly one of Taiwan’s founding figures is the Solar Yat-sen Memorial Corridor. Solar Yat-sen is extensively thought to be the Father of the Nation, and this website celebrates his legacy with a grand statue, displays, and spacious grounds good for a leisurely stroll.
Deal with: No. 505, Part 4, Ren’ai Highway, Xinyi District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C)
Nearest MRT Station: Solar Yat-sen (SYS) Memorial Corridor Station (Blue Line 5)
Open: Day by day, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entrance Charge: FREEBe aware: Since February 2024, the corridor is quickly closed for upkeep. It’s anticipated to reopen in 2026.
Taipei 101
Taipei 101 is essentially the most iconic attraction in Taipei. From 2004 to 2012, it held the title of the world’s tallest constructing till it was surpassed by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. On the prime, there’s an observatory the place you possibly can get pleasure from breathtaking panoramic views of the capital.
You possibly can safe your ticket upfront on-line by means of accredited reserving websites like Klook!
✅ GET YOUR TAIPEI 101 TICKET HERE!
Deal with: No. 7, Part 5, Xinyi Highway, Xinyi District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Nearest MRT Station: Taipei 101 Station (Crimson Line 2)
Hours open: Day by day, 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Entrance Charge: NT$600
Elephant Mountain
Whereas the Taipei 101 Observatory gives an unimaginable view of the town, the very best vantage level is definitely from Elephant Mountain. Most of the metropolis’s iconic postcard pictures had been seemingly taken right here. The best time to go to is late afternoon so you possibly can benefit from the skyline by day, catch the sundown, and see the town gentle up at night time. Simply be mindful, it does require a little bit of a climb, so it may not be appropriate for these with mobility issues.
Path Head: Lane 150, Xinyi Highway, Part 5, Xinyi District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Nearest MRT Station: Xiàngshān Station (Crimson Line 2)
Entrance Charge: FREE
Ximending
Ximending is Taipei’s youth district, recognized for its vibrant leisure, eating, and procuring scene. It actually comes alive at night time — vivid, bustling, and filled with vitality. Consider it as Taipei’s model of Tokyo’s Harajuku. You’ll discover international model shops, bars, cafes, and golf equipment right here.
The preferred space is Ximen Walker Avenue, at all times full of each vacationers and locals. There are additionally tons of meals choices round, making it a fantastic place to seize dinner and wrap up your day.
Location: Ximending, Wanhua District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Nearest Station: Ximen Station (Blue Line 5 or Inexperienced Line 3)
Entrance Charge: FREE
DAY 2: NEW TAIPEI CITY
After exploring Taipei Metropolis, it’s time to move to New Taipei Metropolis. Although it’s a separate municipality, it’s typically grouped with Taipei Metropolis as a part of the Larger Taipei Metropolitan Space. Due to an environment friendly transportation system and each cities being progressive, you may not even discover that they’re completely different cities.
On your second day, let’s swap issues up and escape the skyscrapers and procuring malls. Journey to the countryside, visiting the charming districts of Ruifang, Pingxi, and Wanli.
Yehliu Geopark
Situated on the northernmost tip of Taiwan, the Yehliu Geopark is legendary for its hanging rock formations, set towards the backdrop of highly effective waves. It’s no shock that this spot is a favourite for photographers and vacationers alike.
Nevertheless, it’s a bit out of the best way in comparison with different sights. For those who’re doing it DIY-style, be conscious that the journey to the following cease might take round two hours. To avoid wasting time, we suggest becoming a member of a tour, which minimizes switch and ready instances. With out stops, it’s solely a few 45-minute to one-hour drive to the following vacation spot.
Klook gives a day tour that features Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen, and Shifen, amongst others. This covers transportation, insurance coverage, and an English-speaking information.
✅ BOOK NEW TAIPEI DAY TOUR HERE!
For can even buy your entrance ticket forward of time on-line right here:
✅ GET YOUR YEHLIU GEOPARK TICKET HERE!
Deal with: No. 167-1, Gangdong Highway, Wanli District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Entrance Charge: Grownup, NT$120; Baby (6-12 y/o), NT$60
Jiufen Outdated Avenue
That is like stepping right into a scene from Spirited Away. Whereas it wasn’t the precise inspiration for Hayao Miyazaki’s movie, many say the city’s ambiance strongly evokes the enchanting ambiance of the animated world.
As soon as a gold mining city, Jiufen Outdated Avenue is now well-known for its teahouse tradition and charming streets. It’s a pleasant place to discover. You possibly can browse for souvenirs, get pleasure from tea or espresso in cozy cafés, or savor a meal in certainly one of its quaint eating places. Widespread spots embody Jiufen Outdated Avenue, Shengping Theater, the Gold Mine Museum, Mount Keelung Path, and numerous scenic viewpoints.
Location: Ruifang District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Find out how to Get to Jiufen: From Taipei Major Station, take a practice going to Ruifang Station. Alongside Mingdeng Highway is a bus station (Native Residents Plaza) with routes heading towards Jiufen. Take bus Route 827 or 788. Going again to Taipei metropolis, take bus Route 1062.
Houtong Cat Village
For those who’re a cat lover, the Houtong Cat Village is a must-visit! Situated only a 15- to 20-minute drive from Jiufen, this former coal-mining city has remodeled right into a cat haven. In 2008, an area photographer captured the heartwarming sight of residents caring for deserted cats. Since then, the village has attracted cat lovers from all around the globe.
Other than the cute cats, you’ll discover statues and cat-themed memento retailers. The village itself is fantastically scenic, nestled between a stream and a railway. And in the event you’re feeling hungry, there are many snack stalls to get pleasure from some native treats.
Location: Ruifang District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Find out how to Get to Houtong Cat Village: If coming from Jiufen, take the practice to from Ruifang Station to Houtong Station. From Taipei Major Station, take a practice going to Ruifang Station. Then, switch to Pingxi Line to Houtong Station. One other manner is to take a direct native practice from Taipei Major Station to Houtong Station.
Shifen Waterfall
This space will also be a fantastic lunch cease since there are many eating places and meals stalls round. However in the event you’re doing a DIY journey, be prepared for some strolling. The closest practice cease is Shifen Station, which is a few 25-minute stroll from the beginning of the path. From there, it’s one other 15 to twenty minutes to succeed in the principle viewing deck.
That’s why becoming a member of a tour is a great choice, particularly in the event you’re touring with seniors or children. Tour buses can park nearer to the strolling path, making the journey a lot shorter and extra comfy. Alongside the best way, you’ll cross by stalls promoting snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. Among the refreshments and bites you’ll discover are milk tea, lemon tea, contemporary fruits, and attention-grabbing atis (sugar apples) which can be surprisingly big!
When you resist all of the meals temptations, you’ll attain the first viewpoint close to the cascade, which is ideal for photographs. However for the very best angle, proceed alongside the path till you attain the most important viewing platform for Shifen Falls. Simply be mindful there are stairs, so it is probably not appropriate for these with mobility issues.
Location: Pingxi District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Find out how to Get to Shifen Waterfalls: From Taipei Major Station, take a practice going to Ruifang Station. Then, switch to Pingxi Line to Shifen Station. From there, you’ll attain the waterfalls in about 25 minutes on foot.
Shifen Outdated Avenue
Shifen Outdated Avenue is the place you’ll discover the iconic railway monitor that serves as the positioning for releasing sky lanterns. For those who determine to attempt the exercise, you’ll begin by writing your needs or messages on the lantern. When you’re performed, a employees member will assist gentle it up, and you may watch it slowly rise and drift away with the wind.
The Pingxi District is legendary for its Sky Lantern Pageant, held throughout the first lunar month — normally in February. However you don’t have to attend for the competition to expertise this! Guests can launch sky lanterns year-round for a price. After all, it’s not for everybody. For those who are inclined to marvel the place these lanterns find yourself after they fall, you may wish to skip it. However there are nonetheless loads of different issues to get pleasure from, like looking for souvenirs or sampling snacks from the stalls that line the tracks.
Location: Pingxi District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Find out how to Get to Shifen Outdated Avenue: From Taipei Major Station, take a practice going to Ruifang Station. Then, switch to Pingxi Line to Shifen Station. The railway tracks run alongside the Shifen Outdated Avenue.
Raohe Evening Market
After the tour, it’s time to move again to the town. For dinner, head to Raohe Evening Market, one of many oldest and most iconic night time markets in Taipei. As of writing, 4 meals stalls right here have Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition — an award given to eateries that serve nice meals at a superb worth.
We had been in a position to attempt two of them. Essentially the most well-known is the Fuzhou Black Pepper Buns, recognized for his or her crispy, charcoal-baked pork buns cooked in a conventional brick oven. One other must-try is the Chen Dong Pork Ribs Medical Herbs Soup. It could appear like largely bones, however the meat is extremely tender and falls proper off. It’s heat, comforting, and flavorful. And when you’re right here, be courageous and take a look at the infamous smelly tofu, or snack on skewers from the numerous distributors. Then cap off your night time with a basic Taiwanese milk tea!
Deal with: Raohe Avenue, Songshan District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Nearest Station: Songshan Station (Inexperienced Line 3)
Open: Day by day, 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Entrance Charge: FREE
DAY 3: NORTH TAIPEI TOUR
On the third day, let’s head north! This space is nonetheless inside Taipei Metropolis, but it surely’s extra on the countryside, away from the busy metropolis heart. Listed here are the doable stops.
Yangmingshan Nationwide Park
Straddling Taipei and New Taipei Metropolis, Yangmingshan is certainly one of Taiwan’s 9 nationwide parks. It’s a fantastic vacation spot for nature lovers and outside lovers. The park’s most iconic characteristic is Qixing Mountain, the tallest dormant volcano in Taiwan, surrounded by scenic mountain climbing trails.
Most guests discover the western facet of the park, which is essentially the most accessible and tourist-friendly. Certainly one of its well-known landmarks is the flower clock, a favourite photograph spot. For those who’re hoping to see cherry blossoms, this is without doubt one of the finest locations in Taiwan. Simply ensure that to go to throughout the best season. The remainder of the 12 months, the park nonetheless bursts with coloration — because of peach blossoms, plum blossoms, azalea, and thorn apples.
Leap-off Level: Yangmingshan Nationwide Park Customer Heart, No. 1-20, Zhuzihu Highway, Beitou District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Find out how to Get to Yangmingshan Nationwide Park: From Taipei Major Station, take Bus 260 to Yangmingshan Nationwide Park Bus Station. It’s only a brief stroll to the customer heart, which additionally serves as the principle entrance to the park.
Beitou Scorching Spring Park
Beitou District is a recognized scorching springs hotspot. Tucked between its peaks are valleys the place nutrient-rich, steamy waters bubble up from underground. It’s a scenic space, particularly round Beitou Scorching Spring Park, which frequently appears mystical when blanketed in steam.
For those who select to go to one of many many public scorching springs or spas, you possibly can take a calming stroll by means of the park and soak within the environment — actually. For those who’re brief on time, a minimum of attempt the native tea eggs, a well-liked snack typically bought across the space. It’s a novel mixture of nature, wellness, and native taste multi functional spot.
Location: Beitou District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Find out how to Get to Beitou Scorching Spring Park: Relying in your itinerary, you possibly can alight at any of those practice stations in Beitou from Taipei Major Station: Beitou Station, Xinbeitou Station, Zhongyi Station, Qiyan Station, Fuxinggang Station, Guandu Station, Qilian Station, Mingde Station, and Shipai Station
Nationwide Palace Museum
The Nationwide Palace Museum holds a group of round 700,000 artifacts, some relationship again hundreds of years! However right here’s the kicker — solely about 1% of that’s truly on show. The remaining? Safely tucked away in vaults underneath tight safety.
The gathering is so large that it’s onerous to wrap your head round. We’re speaking about 6,000 bronze items, 3,000 calligraphy works, and numerous gems, carvings, and textiles, amongst others. All of them showcase the depth and richness of Chinese language tradition and historical past. For those who’re planning to dive deep, get able to spend hours inside exploring.
Deal with: No. 221, Sec 2, Zhi Shan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan
Nearest MRT Station: Shilin Station (Crimson Line – 2), then take Bus R30 (NT$15)
Hours Open: Day by day 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Entrance Charge: NT$350
Shilin Evening Market
Unfold throughout two ranges, Shilin Evening Market is the most important night time market in Taipei. On the bottom flooring and close by alleys, you’ll largely discover memento retailers and attire shops.
However head all the way down to the basement, and prepare to really feel hungry, even in the event you simply ate. The mouthwatering aroma hits immediately. It’s a maze of about 540 meals stalls and eateries providing native favorites like fried squid, grilled rooster tails, breaded rooster, Taiwanese sausages, fried buns, and oyster omelette. Better of all, it’s conveniently positioned proper subsequent to the MRT station.
Deal with: No. 101, Jihe Highway, Shilin District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Nearest MRT Station: Jiantan Station (Crimson Line – 2)
Greatest Time to Go to: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Entrance Charge: FREE
DAY 4: CHILLIN’ AND SHOPPIN’
Don’t skip Taipei’s café tradition in your final day! Whereas Taiwan is historically recognized for its tea, espresso has now taken the lead because the locals’ drink of alternative. The truth is, Taiwan boasts one of many highest concentrations of cafés on the earth. You’ll undoubtedly discover this in energetic areas like Ximending, the place cafés — each international chains and quirky specialty retailers — appear to pop up on each nook.
Fong Da Espresso
One café you shouldn’t miss is Fong Da Espresso, stated to be the primary to serve iced espresso in Taiwan manner again in 1956. Whereas most cafés as we speak goal for a stylish, Instagrammable vibe, it stands out by embracing its classic allure and sticking to its old-school roots with pleasure.
Deal with: No. 42, Chengdu Highway, Wanhua District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Opening Hours: Day by day, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Trendy Bathroom
After all, milk tea isn’t taking a backseat! Taiwan is the undisputed bubble tea capital of the world. Most of the most recognizable milk tea manufacturers, like CoCo and ShareTea, had been both born right here or have their headquarters within the nation. However in the event you’re in search of a milk tea expertise that’s really unforgettable (and slightly bizarre), head to Trendy Bathroom.
This quirky café-restaurant has been dispensing hilariously “crappy” meals and drinks for years, and vacationers can’t get sufficient! Every thing is toilet-themed — from the chairs and tables to the decor and even the dishes. You possibly can sip tea from a mini urinal and luxuriate in ice cream served in a bathroom bowl. Yep, it’s bizarre…but it surely’s additionally quite a lot of enjoyable!
⚠️ Don’t hold your hopes up taste-wise. That is good just for the novelty of its theme. There are a lot better-tasting milk tea locations in Taipei like 50 Lan! We’ll be making a separate article for our meals suggestions.
Branches: Ximending and Shilin
Opening Hours: Ximending – Day by day, 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM; Shilin – Day by day, 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Vigor Kobo Pineapple Cake Manufacturing facility
One of the crucial well-liked pasalubong gadgets from Taiwan is the long-lasting pineapple cake. On the Vigor Kobo Pineapple Cake Manufacturing facility, you are able to do extra than simply purchase a field. You possibly can truly make your personal! They provide a enjoyable workshop the place you possibly can attempt your hand at crafting these candy treats from scratch. No baking expertise? No drawback! It’s easy, straightforward, and a good way to take dwelling a extra private memento.
Whereas ready on your desserts to bake, you possibly can discover the interactive museum to be taught extra concerning the historical past of pineapple desserts and the way they’re made. One of many enjoyable options right here is the disappearing dandelion wall — give it a contact, and the flowers magically vanish! After looking for pasalubong, don’t overlook to benefit from the spotlight of the go to: tasting the pineapple cake you made, contemporary and heat from the oven.
Deal with: No. 87, Part 1, Chengtai Highway, Wugu District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Opening Hours: Day by day, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Ever Wealthy Obligation Free
For those who’re prepared for some severe procuring, Ever Wealthy Obligation Free is the place to be. They’ve quite a few shops throughout Taipei, even within the airports, however we headed to their large flagship retailer in Neihu District. Unfold throughout 5 flooring, it’s full of every kind of treasures. Plus, you’ll discover some pop-up stalls outdoors including to the procuring enjoyable!
And naturally, don’t overlook to keep watch over your flight time! Be sure you catch your airplane!
Deal with: No. 129, Jinzhuang Highway, Neihu District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Opening Hours: Day by day, 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
D-I-Y vs Reserving a Tour
You possibly can undoubtedly do that itinerary DIY-style. Nevertheless, Days 2 and three could be difficult in the event you rely solely on public transportation, because the schedule of buses and trains wants cautious timing. For those who’re touring with a bunch, seniors, individuals with mobility issues, or in the event you simply desire a extra relaxed, hassle-free journey, reserving a tour is a way more handy choice.
You possibly can take a look at Edison Excursions, which is without doubt one of the hottest tour operators in Taiwan. They’ve been working for many years. To see their gives, you possibly can go to their web site.
For those who choose to speak to Pinoys, listed here are among the journey businesses within the Philippines you could ask about Taipei tour packages.
- Constellation Travels Inc.
Web site: www.constellationtravels.com.ph
Cell: +63 956 660 0693 - Journey Warehouse Inc.
Web site: www.twi.com.ph - VIA
Web site: https://ph.through.com
Landline: (+63 2) 8555-9444
E-mail: gross sales.ph@through.com - Ark Journey Specific Inc.
Web site: www.arktravelexpress.com
Landline: (+63 2) 8810-4520 / (+63 2) 8528-0933 - North Star Worldwide Journey Inc.
Web site: www.northstar-travel.com.ph
Landline: (+63 2) 3485-7272
E-mail: inquiry@northstar-travel.com.ph - Ricson Crown Journey & Excursions
Landline: (+63 2) 8352-0797
E-mail: ricsontrvl@yahoo.com - Iloilo Skyways Journey & Excursions
Web site: www.iloiloskywaystravel.com
Landline: (+63 33) 508-0909
E-mail: skyways1995@gmail.com - Levy Journey and Excursions
Landline: (+63 2) 8775-7436 / (+63 2) 8518-8801 / (+63 2) 8579-7215
Cell: +63 917 879 7525
E-mail: levytravelandtours@gmail.com
The place to Keep in Taipei
Right here’s an inventory of the inns and hostels we tried in Taipei:
Seek for extra Taipei Motels!
Have Peace of Thoughts Whereas Touring!
Getting a journey insurance coverage is non-obligatory, however we extremely suggest this, particularly when touring overseas. Journey could be unpredictable, and although we hope we’ll by no means use it, having it offers us peace of thoughts in case of sudden delays, cancellations, or emergencies.
For worldwide locations, think about PGA Sompo’s TravelJOY Plus insurance coverage. You possibly can GET IT HERE. Don’t overlook to make use of WORTHIT for a particular reasonably priced fee.
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2025 6 18 – First uploaded