Taiwan is likely one of the most iconic journey locations in Asia. If you see a photograph of Taipei 101, you’ll instantly understand it’s Taiwan. However apart from this constructing that was as soon as the tallest on this planet, Taiwan has loads to supply to vacationers. From wealthy cultural heritage, to trendy cityscape, to beautiful pure landscapes, it attracts vacationers who’re all for completely different sorts of journey. Whether or not you’re seeking to hike by way of scenic trails, go to temples, or eat your coronary heart out at evening markets, this island will certainly provide you with a visit to recollect.
Taiwan was our final vacation spot earlier than the pandemic unfold all over the world and earlier than international locations closed their borders. In actual fact, 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 that you may comply with particularly if it’s your first time in Taiwan.
Observe: This isn’t the precise itinerary we had for our journey. But when it’s your first time and also you need to expertise loads 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’ve got native foreign money instantly. You may as well 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 option to the town middle. When you’re on a DIY journey, you possibly can take the practice or journey a bus to achieve 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 bundle with a good company in Taiwan like Edison Excursions, and even from the Philippines.
- Examine in at resort. When you arrive too early to test in, drop off your baggage on the resort and begin exploring.
Because it’s your first time, it’s greatest to see Taipei metropolis middle’s must-visit sights.
Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Corridor
Inbuilt 1976 to honor one in every of Taiwan’s most vital figures, the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Corridor homes an enormous statue of him in the principle chamber, with a museum and library on the decrease degree.
Handle: No.21, Zhongshan S. Highway, Zhongzheng District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C)
Nearest MRT Station: Chiang Kai-shek (CKS) Memorial Corridor Station (Pink Line 2 or Inexperienced Line 3)
Open: Every day, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entrance Charge: FREE
Solar Yat-sen Memorial Corridor
One other landmark constructed to honor one in every of Taiwan’s founding figures is the Solar Yat-sen Memorial Corridor. Solar Yat-sen is broadly thought to be the Father of the Nation, and this web site celebrates his legacy with a grand statue, displays, and spacious grounds excellent for a leisurely stroll.
Handle: 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: Every day, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entrance Charge: FREEObserve: 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 high, there’s an observatory the place you possibly can take pleasure in breathtaking panoramic views of the capital.
You may safe your ticket prematurely on-line by way of accredited reserving websites like Klook!
✅ GET YOUR TAIPEI 101 TICKET HERE!
Handle: No. 7, Part 5, Xinyi Highway, Xinyi District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Nearest MRT Station: Taipei 101 Station (Pink Line 2)
Hours open: Every day, 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Entrance Charge: NT$600
Elephant Mountain
Whereas the Taipei 101 Observatory provides an unbelievable view of the town, one of the best vantage level is definitely from Elephant Mountain. Lots of the metropolis’s iconic postcard pictures had been probably 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 mild up at evening. Simply take into accout, it does require a little bit of a climb, so it won’t be appropriate for these with mobility considerations.
Path Head: Lane 150, Xinyi Highway, Part 5, Xinyi District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Nearest MRT Station: Xiàngshān Station (Pink Line 2)
Entrance Charge: FREE
Ximending
Ximending is Taipei’s youth district, identified for its vibrant leisure, eating, and buying scene. It actually comes alive at evening — brilliant, bustling, and filled with vitality. Consider it as Taipei’s model of Tokyo’s Harajuku. You’ll discover world model shops, bars, cafes, and golf equipment right here.
The most well-liked space is Ximen Walker Road, at all times full of each vacationers and locals. There are additionally tons of meals choices round, making it an ideal 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 go to New Taipei Metropolis. Although it’s a separate municipality, it’s usually grouped with Taipei Metropolis as a part of the Better Taipei Metropolitan Space. Because of an environment friendly transportation system and each cities being progressive, you won’t even discover that they’re completely different cities.
On your second day, let’s swap issues up and escape the skyscrapers and buying malls. Journey to the countryside, visiting the charming districts of Ruifang, Pingxi, and Wanli.
Yehliu Geopark
Positioned on the northernmost tip of Taiwan, the Yehliu Geopark is legendary for its hanging rock formations, set in opposition to 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 way in which in comparison with different sights. When you’re doing it DIY-style, be aware that the journey to the following cease might take round two hours. To save lots of time, we suggest becoming a member of a tour, which minimizes switch and ready occasions. With out stops, it’s solely a few 45-minute to one-hour drive to the following vacation spot.
Klook provides 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 also can buy your entrance ticket forward of time on-line right here:
✅ GET YOUR YEHLIU GEOPARK TICKET HERE!
Handle: No. 167-1, Gangdong Highway, Wanli District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Entrance Charge: Grownup, NT$120; Little one (6-12 y/o), NT$60
Jiufen Outdated Road
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 Road is now well-known for its teahouse tradition and charming streets. It’s a pleasant place to discover. You may browse for souvenirs, take pleasure in tea or espresso in cozy cafés, or savor a meal in one in every of its quaint eating places. Common spots embrace Jiufen Outdated Road, 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 Predominant 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
When you’re a cat lover, the Houtong Cat Village is a must-visit! Positioned only a 15- to 20-minute drive from Jiufen, this former coal-mining city has reworked right into a cat haven. In 2008, a neighborhood 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 outlets. 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 take pleasure in 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 Predominant Station, take a practice going to Ruifang Station. Then, switch to Pingxi Line to Houtong Station. One other method is to take a direct native practice from Taipei Predominant Station to Houtong Station.
Shifen Waterfall
This space will also be an ideal 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 achieve the principle viewing deck.
That’s why becoming a member of a tour is a great possibility, 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 snug. Alongside the way in which, you’ll move by stalls promoting snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. A few of the refreshments and bites you’ll discover are milk tea, lemon tea, recent 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 one of the best angle, proceed alongside the path till you attain the fundamental viewing platform for Shifen Falls. Simply take into accout there are stairs, so it will not be appropriate for these with mobility considerations.
Location: Pingxi District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Find out how to Get to Shifen Waterfalls: From Taipei Predominant 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 Road
Shifen Outdated Road is the place you’ll discover the iconic railway observe that serves as the location for releasing sky lanterns. When you determine to strive the exercise, you’ll begin by writing your needs or messages on the lantern. When you’re executed, a workers member will assist mild it up, and you may watch it slowly rise and drift away with the wind.
The Pingxi District is legendary for its Sky Lantern Competition, held in the course of the first lunar month — normally in February. However you don’t have to attend for the pageant to expertise this! Guests can launch sky lanterns year-round for a price. In fact, it’s not for everybody. When you are likely to marvel the place these lanterns find yourself after they fall, you may need to skip it. However there are nonetheless loads of different issues to take pleasure in, like searching 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 Road: From Taipei Predominant Station, take a practice going to Ruifang Station. Then, switch to Pingxi Line to Shifen Station. The railway tracks run alongside the Shifen Outdated Road.
Raohe Evening Market
After the tour, it’s time to go again to the town. For dinner, head to Raohe Evening Market, one of many oldest and most iconic evening 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 worth.
We had been in a position to strive two of them. Probably the most well-known is the Fuzhou Black Pepper Buns, identified for his or her crispy, charcoal-baked pork buns cooked in a standard brick oven. One other must-try is the Chen Dong Pork Ribs Medical Herbs Soup. It might 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 check out the infamous smelly tofu, or snack on skewers from the various distributors. Then cap off your evening with a traditional Taiwanese milk tea!
Handle: Raohe Road, Songshan District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Nearest Station: Songshan Station (Inexperienced Line 3)
Open: Every 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, nevertheless it’s extra on the countryside, away from the busy metropolis middle. Listed here are the potential stops.
Yangmingshan Nationwide Park
Straddling Taipei and New Taipei Metropolis, Yangmingshan is one in every of Taiwan’s 9 nationwide parks. It’s an ideal vacation spot for nature lovers and out of doors lovers. The park’s most iconic function is Qixing Mountain, the tallest dormant volcano in Taiwan, surrounded by scenic mountaineering trails.
Most guests discover the western aspect of the park, which is essentially the most accessible and tourist-friendly. Considered one of its well-known landmarks is the flower clock, a favourite photograph spot. When you’re hoping to see cherry blossoms, this is likely one of the greatest locations in Taiwan. Simply be sure that to go to throughout the appropriate season. The remainder of the 12 months, the park nonetheless bursts with shade — due to peach blossoms, plum blossoms, azalea, and thorn apples.
Soar-off Level: Yangmingshan Nationwide Park Customer Middle, No. 1-20, Zhuzihu Highway, Beitou District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Find out how to Get to Yangmingshan Nationwide Park: From Taipei Predominant Station, take Bus 260 to Yangmingshan Nationwide Park Bus Station. It’s only a brief stroll to the customer middle, which additionally serves as the principle entrance to the park.
Beitou Sizzling Spring Park
Beitou District is a identified sizzling 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 Sizzling Spring Park, which regularly seems to be mystical when blanketed in steam.
When you select to go to one of many many public sizzling springs or spas, you possibly can take a soothing stroll by way of the park and soak within the environment — actually. When you’re brief on time, at the least strive the native tea eggs, a preferred snack usually 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 Sizzling Spring Park: Relying in your itinerary, you possibly can alight at any of those practice stations in Beitou from Taipei Predominant 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 courting again 1000’s of years! However right here’s the kicker — solely about 1% of that’s truly on show. The remainder? Safely tucked away in vaults beneath tight safety.
The gathering is so huge that it’s laborious 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. When you’re planning to dive deep, get able to spend hours inside exploring.
Handle: No. 221, Sec 2, Zhi Shan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan
Nearest MRT Station: Shilin Station (Pink Line – 2), then take Bus R30 (NT$15)
Hours Open: Every day 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Entrance Charge: NT$350
Shilin Evening Market
Unfold throughout two ranges, Shilin Evening Market is the biggest evening market in Taipei. On the bottom flooring and close by alleys, you’ll largely discover memento outlets and attire shops.
However head right 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 hen tails, breaded hen, Taiwanese sausages, fried buns, and oyster omelette. Better of all, it’s conveniently positioned proper subsequent to the MRT station.
Handle: No. 101, Jihe Highway, Shilin District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Nearest MRT Station: Jiantan Station (Pink 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 identified for its tea, espresso has now taken the lead because the locals’ drink of selection. In actual fact, Taiwan boasts one of many highest concentrations of cafés on this planet. You’ll undoubtedly discover this in energetic areas like Ximending, the place cafés — each world chains and quirky specialty outlets — 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 method again in 1956. Whereas most cafés in the present day purpose for a classy, Instagrammable vibe, it stands out by embracing its classic attraction and sticking to its old-school roots with satisfaction.
Handle: No. 42, Chengdu Highway, Wanhua District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Opening Hours: Every day, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Fashionable Rest room
In fact, milk tea isn’t taking a backseat! Taiwan is the undisputed bubble tea capital of the world. Lots 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 a bit bizarre), head to Fashionable Rest room.
This quirky café-restaurant has been dispensing hilariously “crappy” meals and drinks for years, and vacationers can’t get sufficient! All the things is toilet-themed — from the chairs and tables to the decor and even the dishes. You may sip tea from a mini urinal and revel in ice cream served in a bathroom bowl. Yep, it’s bizarre…nevertheless it’s additionally plenty of enjoyable!
Branches: Ximending and Shilin
Opening Hours: Ximending – Every day, 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM; Shilin – Every day, 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Vigor Kobo Pineapple Cake Manufacturing unit
One of the well-liked pasalubong gadgets from Taiwan is the long-lasting pineapple cake. On the Vigor Kobo Pineapple Cake Manufacturing unit, you are able to do extra than simply purchase a field. You may truly make your individual! They provide a enjoyable workshop the place you possibly can strive your hand at crafting these candy treats from scratch. No baking expertise? No downside! It’s easy, simple, and an effective way to take dwelling a extra private memento.
Whereas ready in your muffins to bake, you possibly can discover the interactive museum to be taught extra in regards to the historical past of pineapple muffins 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 searching for pasalubong, don’t overlook to benefit from the spotlight of the go to: tasting the pineapple cake you made, recent and heat from the oven.
Handle: No. 87, Part 1, Chengtai Highway, Wugu District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Opening Hours: Every day, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Ever Wealthy Responsibility Free
When you’re prepared for some critical buying, Ever Wealthy Responsibility Free is the place to be. They’ve quite a few shops throughout Taipei, even within the airports, however we headed to their huge 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 buying enjoyable!
And naturally, don’t overlook to regulate your flight time! Be sure you catch your airplane!
Handle: No. 129, Jinzhuang Highway, Neihu District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Opening Hours: Every day, 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
D-I-Y vs Reserving a Tour
You may 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. When you’re touring with a bunch, seniors, folks with mobility considerations, or in the event you simply desire a extra relaxed, hassle-free journey, reserving a tour is a way more handy possibility.
You may take a look at Edison Excursions, which is likely one of the hottest tour operators in Taiwan. They’ve been working for many years. To see their provides, you possibly can go to their web site.
When you desire to speak to Pinoys, listed here are a few of the journey companies within the Philippines that you may ask about Taipei tour packages.
- Constellation Travels Inc.
Web site: www.constellationtravels.com.ph
Cellular: +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 Categorical 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
Cellular: +63 917 879 7525
E-mail: levytravelandtours@gmail.com
The place to Keep in Taipei
Right here’s an inventory of the motels 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 provides us peace of thoughts in case of sudden delays, cancellations, or emergencies.
For worldwide locations, take into account PGA Sompo’s TravelJOY Plus insurance coverage. You may GET IT HERE. Don’t overlook to make use of WORTHIT for a particular inexpensive charge.
Updates Log
2025 6 18 – First uploaded
