Taiwan is one of the most iconic travel destinations in Asia. When you see a photo of Taipei 101, you’ll immediately know it’s Taiwan. But aside from this building that was once the tallest in the world, Taiwan has a lot to offer to tourists. From rich cultural heritage, to modern cityscape, to stunning natural landscapes, it attracts travelers who are interested in different kinds of adventure. Whether you’re looking to hike through scenic trails, visit temples, or eat your heart out at night markets, this island will surely give you a trip to remember.
Taiwan was our last destination before the pandemic spread around the world and before countries closed their borders. In fact, we even got stranded here because of it! So when we felt that travel is going back to normal, it just felt right to make Taiwan our first out of the country destination.
And now, we’re sharing with you a sample itinerary that you can follow especially if it’s your first time in Taiwan.
Note: This isn’t the actual itinerary we had for our trip. But if it’s your first time and you want to experience a lot in Taipei, this itinerary is what we highly recommend.
DAY 1: TAIPEI CITY CENTER
Arrival
- Touchdown Airport. When you land at the airport, you can exchange money or withdraw Taiwan dollars from the ATM so you have local currency right away. You can also buy a SIM card or pick one up if you pre-ordered online, so you’re connected as soon as you arrive. Here are two options from Klook!
- Make your way to the city center. If you’re on a DIY trip, you can take the train or ride a bus to reach your hotel. But if you’re with a bigger group, traveling with seniors, or just want a smoother trip, you can book a tour package with a reputable agency in Taiwan like Edison Tours, or even from the Philippines.
- Check in at hotel. If you arrive too early to check in, drop off your bags at the hotel and start exploring.
Since it’s your first time, it’s best to see Taipei city center’s must-visit attractions.
Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall
Built in 1976 to honor one of Taiwan’s most important figures, the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall houses a giant statue of him in the main chamber, with a museum and library on the lower level.
Address: No.21, Zhongshan S. Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C)
Nearest MRT Station: Chiang Kai-shek (CKS) Memorial Hall Station (Red Line 2 or Green Line 3)
Open: Daily, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entrance Fee: FREE
Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
Another landmark built to honor one of Taiwan’s founding figures is the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. Sun Yat-sen is widely regarded as the Father of the Nation, and this site celebrates his legacy with a grand statue, exhibits, and spacious grounds perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Address: No. 505, Section 4, Ren’ai Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C)
Nearest MRT Station: Sun Yat-sen (SYS) Memorial Hall Station (Blue Line 5)
Open: Daily, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entrance Fee: FREENote: Since February 2024, the hall is temporarily closed for maintenance. It is expected to reopen in 2026.
Taipei 101
Taipei 101 is the most iconic attraction in Taipei. From 2004 to 2012, it held the title of the world’s tallest building until it was surpassed by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. At the top, there’s an observatory where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the capital.
You can secure your ticket in advance online through accredited booking sites like Klook!
✅ GET YOUR TAIPEI 101 TICKET HERE!
Address: No. 7, Section 5, Xinyi Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Nearest MRT Station: Taipei 101 Station (Red Line 2)
Hours open: Daily, 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Entrance Fee: NT$600
Elephant Mountain
While the Taipei 101 Observatory offers an incredible view of the city, the best vantage point is actually from Elephant Mountain. Many of the city’s iconic postcard shots were likely taken here. The ideal time to visit is late afternoon so you can enjoy the skyline by day, catch the sunset, and see the city light up at night. Just keep in mind, it does require a bit of a climb, so it might not be suitable for those with mobility concerns.
Trail Head: Lane 150, Xinyi Road, Section 5, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Nearest MRT Station: Xiàngshān Station (Red Line 2)
Entrance Fee: FREE
Ximending
Ximending is Taipei’s youth district, known for its vibrant entertainment, dining, and shopping scene. It really comes alive at night — bright, bustling, and full of energy. Think of it as Taipei’s version of Tokyo’s Harajuku. You’ll find global brand stores, bars, cafes, and clubs here.
The most popular area is Ximen Walker Street, always packed with both tourists and locals. There are also tons of food options around, making it a great place to grab dinner and wrap up your day.
Location: Ximending, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Nearest Station: Ximen Station (Blue Line 5 or Green Line 3)
Entrance Fee: FREE
DAY 2: NEW TAIPEI CITY
After exploring Taipei City, it’s time to head to New Taipei City. Though it’s a separate municipality, it’s often grouped with Taipei City as part of the Greater Taipei Metropolitan Area. Thanks to an efficient transportation system and both cities being progressive, you might not even notice that they’re different cities.
For your second day, let’s switch things up and escape the skyscrapers and shopping malls. Travel to the countryside, visiting the charming districts of Ruifang, Pingxi, and Wanli.
Yehliu Geopark
Located at the northernmost tip of Taiwan, the Yehliu Geopark is famous for its striking rock formations, set against the backdrop of powerful waves. It’s no surprise that this spot is a favorite for photographers and tourists alike.
However, it’s a bit out of the way compared to other attractions. If you’re doing it DIY-style, be mindful that the journey to the next stop could take around two hours. To save time, we recommend joining a tour, which minimizes transfer and waiting times. Without stops, it’s only about a 45-minute to one-hour drive to the next destination.
Klook offers a day tour that includes Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen, and Shifen, among others. This covers transportation, insurance, and an English-speaking guide.
✅ BOOK NEW TAIPEI DAY TOUR HERE!
For can also purchase your entrance ticket ahead of time online here:
✅ GET YOUR YEHLIU GEOPARK TICKET HERE!
Address: No. 167-1, Gangdong Road, Wanli District, New Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Entrance Fee: Adult, NT$120; Child (6-12 y/o), NT$60
Jiufen Old Street
This is like stepping into a scene from Spirited Away. While it wasn’t the actual inspiration for Hayao Miyazaki’s film, many say the town’s ambiance strongly evokes the enchanting atmosphere of the animated world.
Once a gold mining town, Jiufen Old Street is now famous for its teahouse culture and charming streets. It’s a delightful place to explore. You can browse for souvenirs, enjoy tea or coffee in cozy cafés, or savor a meal in one of its quaint restaurants. Popular spots include Jiufen Old Street, Shengping Theater, the Gold Mine Museum, Mount Keelung Trail, and various scenic viewpoints.
Location: Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
How to Get to Jiufen: From Taipei Main Station, take a train going to Ruifang Station. Along Mingdeng Road is a bus station (Local Residents Plaza) with routes heading toward Jiufen. Take bus Route 827 or 788. Going back to Taipei city, take bus Route 1062.
Houtong Cat Village
If you’re a cat lover, the Houtong Cat Village is a must-visit! Located just a 15- to 20-minute drive from Jiufen, this former coal-mining town has transformed into a cat haven. In 2008, a local photographer captured the heartwarming sight of residents caring for abandoned cats. Since then, the village has attracted cat enthusiasts from all over the globe.
Aside from the adorable cats, you’ll find statues and cat-themed souvenir shops. The village itself is beautifully scenic, nestled between a stream and a railway. And if you’re feeling hungry, there are plenty of snack stalls to enjoy some local treats.
Location: Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
How to Get to Houtong Cat Village: If coming from Jiufen, take the train to from Ruifang Station to Houtong Station. From Taipei Main Station, take a train going to Ruifang Station. Then, transfer to Pingxi Line to Houtong Station. Another way is to take a direct local train from Taipei Main Station to Houtong Station.
Shifen Waterfall
This area can also be a great lunch stop since there are plenty of restaurants and food stalls around. But if you’re doing a DIY trip, be ready for some walking. The nearest train stop is Shifen Station, which is about a 25-minute walk from the start of the trail. From there, it’s another 15 to 20 minutes to reach the main viewing deck.
That’s why joining a tour is a smart option, especially if you’re traveling with seniors or kids. Tour buses can park closer to the walking trail, making the journey much shorter and more comfortable. Along the way, you’ll pass by stalls selling snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. Some of the refreshments and bites you’ll find are milk tea, lemon tea, fresh fruits, and eye-catching atis (sugar apples) that are surprisingly huge!
Once you resist all the food temptations, you’ll reach the first viewpoint near the cascade, which is perfect for photos. But for the best angle, continue along the trail until you reach the main viewing platform for Shifen Falls. Just keep in mind there are stairs, so it may not be suitable for those with mobility concerns.
Location: Pingxi District, New Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
How to Get to Shifen Waterfalls: From Taipei Main Station, take a train going to Ruifang Station. Then, transfer to Pingxi Line to Shifen Station. From there, you’ll reach the waterfalls in about 25 minutes on foot.
Shifen Old Street
Shifen Old Street is where you’ll find the iconic railway track that serves as the site for releasing sky lanterns. If you decide to try the activity, you’ll start by writing your wishes or messages on the lantern. Once you’re done, a staff member will help light it up, and you can watch it slowly rise and drift away with the wind.
The Pingxi District is famous for its Sky Lantern Festival, held during the first lunar month — usually in February. But you don’t have to wait for the festival to experience this! Visitors can release sky lanterns year-round for a fee. Of course, it’s not for everyone. If you tend to wonder where these lanterns end up after they fall, you might want to skip it. But there are still plenty of other things to enjoy, like shopping for souvenirs or sampling snacks from the stalls that line the tracks.
Location: Pingxi District, New Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
How to Get to Shifen Old Street: From Taipei Main Station, take a train going to Ruifang Station. Then, transfer to Pingxi Line to Shifen Station. The railway tracks run along the Shifen Old Street.
Raohe Night Market
After the tour, it’s time to head back to the city. For dinner, head to Raohe Night Market, one of the oldest and most iconic night markets in Taipei. As of writing, four food stalls here have Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition — an award given to eateries that serve great food at a good value.
We were able to try two of them. The most famous is the Fuzhou Black Pepper Buns, known for their crispy, charcoal-baked pork buns cooked in a traditional brick oven. Another must-try is the Chen Dong Pork Ribs Medical Herbs Soup. It may look like mostly bones, but the meat is incredibly tender and falls right off. It’s warm, comforting, and flavorful. And while you’re here, be brave and try the notorious stinky tofu, or snack on skewers from the many vendors. Then cap off your night with a classic Taiwanese milk tea!
Address: Raohe Street, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Nearest Station: Songshan Station (Green Line 3)
Open: Daily, 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Entrance Fee: FREE
DAY 3: NORTH TAIPEI TOUR
On the third day, let’s head north! This area is still within Taipei City, but it’s more on the countryside, away from the busy city center. Here are the possible stops.
Yangmingshan National Park
Straddling Taipei and New Taipei City, Yangmingshan is one of Taiwan’s nine national parks. It’s a great destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The park’s most iconic feature is Qixing Mountain, the tallest dormant volcano in Taiwan, surrounded by scenic hiking trails.
Most visitors explore the western side of the park, which is the most accessible and tourist-friendly. One of its famous landmarks is the flower clock, a favorite photo spot. If you’re hoping to see cherry blossoms, this is one of the best places in Taiwan. Just make sure to visit during the right season. The rest of the year, the park still bursts with color — thanks to peach blossoms, plum blossoms, azalea, and thorn apples.
Jump-off Point: Yangmingshan National Park Visitor Center, No. 1-20, Zhuzihu Road, Beitou District, Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
How to Get to Yangmingshan National Park: From Taipei Main Station, take Bus 260 to Yangmingshan National Park Bus Station. It’s just a short walk to the visitor center, which also serves as the main entrance to the park.
Beitou Hot Spring Park
Beitou District is a known hot springs hotspot. Tucked between its peaks are valleys where nutrient-rich, steamy waters bubble up from underground. It’s a scenic area, especially around Beitou Hot Spring Park, which often looks mystical when blanketed in steam.
If you choose to visit one of the many public hot springs or spas, you can take a relaxing stroll through the park and soak in the surroundings — literally. If you’re short on time, at least try the local tea eggs, a popular snack often sold around the area. It’s a unique mix of nature, wellness, and local flavor all in one spot.
Location: Beitou District, Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
How to Get to Beitou Hot Spring Park: Depending on your itinerary, you can alight at any of these train stations in Beitou from Taipei Main Station: Beitou Station, Xinbeitou Station, Zhongyi Station, Qiyan Station, Fuxinggang Station, Guandu Station, Qilian Station, Mingde Station, and Shipai Station
National Palace Museum
The National Palace Museum holds a collection of around 700,000 artifacts, some dating back thousands of years! But here’s the kicker — only about 1% of that is actually on display. The rest? Safely tucked away in vaults under tight security.
The collection is so massive that it’s hard to wrap your head around. We’re talking about 6,000 bronze pieces, 3,000 calligraphy works, and countless gems, carvings, and textiles, among others. All of them showcase the depth and richness of Chinese culture and history. If you’re planning to dive deep, get ready to spend hours inside exploring.
Address: No. 221, Sec 2, Zhi Shan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan
Nearest MRT Station: Shilin Station (Red Line – 2), then take Bus R30 (NT$15)
Hours Open: Daily 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Entrance Fee: NT$350
Shilin Night Market
Spread across two levels, Shilin Night Market is the largest night market in Taipei. On the ground floor and nearby alleys, you’ll mostly find souvenir shops and apparel stores.
But head down to the basement, and get ready to feel hungry, even if you just ate. The mouthwatering aroma hits instantly. It’s a maze of about 540 food stalls and eateries offering local favorites like fried squid, grilled chicken tails, breaded chicken, Taiwanese sausages, fried buns, and oyster omelette. Best of all, it’s conveniently located right next to the MRT station.
Address: No. 101, Jihe Road, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Nearest MRT Station: Jiantan Station (Red Line – 2)
Best Time to Visit: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Entrance Fee: FREE
DAY 4: CHILLIN’ AND SHOPPIN’
Don’t skip Taipei’s café culture on your last day! While Taiwan is traditionally known for its tea, coffee has now taken the lead as the locals’ drink of choice. In fact, Taiwan boasts one of the highest concentrations of cafés in the world. You’ll definitely notice this in lively areas like Ximending, where cafés — both global chains and quirky specialty shops — seem to pop up on every corner.
Fong Da Coffee
One café you shouldn’t miss is Fong Da Coffee, said to be the first to serve iced coffee in Taiwan way back in 1956. While most cafés today aim for a trendy, Instagrammable vibe, it stands out by embracing its vintage charm and sticking to its old-school roots with pride.
Address: No. 42, Chengdu Road, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Modern Toilet
Of course, milk tea isn’t taking a backseat! Taiwan is the undisputed bubble tea capital of the world. Many of the most recognizable milk tea brands, like CoCo and ShareTea, were either born here or have their headquarters in the country. But if you’re looking for a milk tea experience that’s truly unforgettable (and a little weird), head to Modern Toilet.
This quirky café-restaurant has been dishing out hilariously “crappy” meals and drinks for years, and tourists can’t get enough! Everything is toilet-themed — from the chairs and tables to the decor and even the dishes. You can sip tea from a mini urinal and enjoy ice cream served in a toilet bowl. Yep, it’s weird…but it’s also a lot of fun!
Branches: Ximending and Shilin
Opening Hours: Ximending – Daily, 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM; Shilin – Daily, 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Vigor Kobo Pineapple Cake Factory
One of the most popular pasalubong items from Taiwan is the iconic pineapple cake. At the Vigor Kobo Pineapple Cake Factory, you can do more than just buy a box. You can actually make your own! They offer a fun workshop where you can try your hand at crafting these sweet treats from scratch. No baking experience? No problem! It’s simple, easy, and a great way to take home a more personal souvenir.
While waiting for your cakes to bake, you can explore the interactive museum to learn more about the history of pineapple cakes and how they’re made. One of the fun features here is the disappearing dandelion wall — give it a touch, and the flowers magically vanish! After shopping for pasalubong, don’t forget to enjoy the highlight of the visit: tasting the pineapple cake you made, fresh and warm from the oven.
Address: No. 87, Section 1, Chengtai Road, Wugu District, New Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Opening Hours: Daily, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Ever Rich Duty Free
If you’re ready for some serious shopping, Ever Rich Duty Free is the place to be. They have numerous stores all over Taipei, even in the airports, but we headed to their massive flagship store in Neihu District. Spread across five floors, it’s packed with all kinds of treasures. Plus, you’ll find some pop-up stalls outside adding to the shopping fun!
And of course, don’t forget to keep an eye on your flight time! Make sure you catch your plane!
Address: No. 129, Jinzhuang Road, Neihu District, Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
D-I-Y vs Booking a Tour
You can definitely do this itinerary DIY-style. However, Days 2 and 3 can be challenging if you rely solely on public transportation, as the schedule of buses and trains needs careful timing. If you’re traveling with a group, seniors, people with mobility concerns, or if you just want a more relaxed, hassle-free trip, booking a tour is a much more convenient option.
You can check out Edison Tours, which is one of the most popular tour operators in Taiwan. They have been operating for decades. To see their offers, you can visit their website.
If you prefer to talk to Pinoys, here are some of the travel agencies in the Philippines that you can ask about Taipei tour packages.
- Constellation Travels Inc.
Website: www.constellationtravels.com.ph
Mobile: +63 956 660 0693 - Travel Warehouse Inc.
Website: www.twi.com.ph - VIA
Website: https://ph.via.com
Landline: (+63 2) 8555-9444
E-mail: sales.ph@via.com - Ark Travel Express Inc.
Website: www.arktravelexpress.com
Landline: (+63 2) 8810-4520 / (+63 2) 8528-0933 - North Star International Travel Inc.
Website: www.northstar-travel.com.ph
Landline: (+63 2) 3485-7272
E-mail: inquiry@northstar-travel.com.ph - Ricson Crown Travel & Tours
Landline: (+63 2) 8352-0797
E-mail: ricsontrvl@yahoo.com - Iloilo Skyways Travel & Tours
Website: www.iloiloskywaystravel.com
Landline: (+63 33) 508-0909
E-mail: skyways1995@gmail.com - Levy Travel and Tours
Landline: (+63 2) 8775-7436 / (+63 2) 8518-8801 / (+63 2) 8579-7215
Mobile: +63 917 879 7525
E-mail: levytravelandtours@gmail.com
Where to Stay in Taipei
Here’s a list of the hotels and hostels we tried in Taipei:
- Walker Hotel Ximen, very close to MRT Ximen Station and Ximending main area. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
- Hotel Attic, also in Ximending area. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
- Just Sleep at NTU, close to MRT Gongguan Station and across the Gongguan Night Market. It’s a university area so lots of affordable options. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
- K Hotels Linsen, near convenience stores and attractions in Zhongshan District; 12-minute walk from the nearest MRT Station. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
- Hotel Cham Cham, mid-range hotel in Banquiao district with good food options, close to MRT Banquiao Station. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
Search for more Taipei Hotels!
Have Peace of Mind While Traveling!
Getting a travel insurance is optional, but we highly recommend this, especially when traveling abroad. Travel can be unpredictable, and though we hope we’ll never use it, having it gives us peace of mind in case of unexpected delays, cancellations, or emergencies.
For international destinations, consider PGA Sompo’s TravelJOY Plus insurance. You can GET IT HERE. Don’t forget to use WORTHIT for a special affordable rate.
Updates Log
2025 6 18 – First uploaded