Planning a trip to Taipei but not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered with this ultimate Taipei itinerary.
Taipei offers a bit of everything for all types of travelers – awesome food, historic temples, stunning hikes, and much more.
No matter how long you plan to spend in the city, this 1 to 5 day Taipei travel itinerary will help you hit all the must-see spots without feeling like you’re running a marathon.
TAIPEI ITINERARY: OVERVIEW
Let’s start this guide with a brief overview of what to expect in this itinerary for Taipei.
- Day 1: Elephant Mountain Hike, Taipei 101, Dihua Street, and more.
- Day 2: Lungshan Temple, Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, and more.
- Day 3: National Palace Museum, Beitou Hot Springs, Shilin Night Market.
- Day 4: Day Trip to Manyueyuan National Park
- Day 5: Day Trip to Jiuefen Old Town
HOW TO GET TO TAIPEI?
The best way to get to Taipei is to fly into Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), located about 1 hour from the downtown area.
It’s served by many major airlines like EVA Air, China Airlines, and Cathay Pacific, so you’ll find plenty of flights all year round.
If you’re coming from nearby destinations like Hong Kong, the Philippines, or Japan, low-cost carriers like Scoot and AirAsia are very budget-friendly.
Upon arrival, you can ride a train, bus, Uber, or taxi into the city to begin this itinerary for Taipei, which takes approximately 1 hour. The other option is to book a private transfer before you land, which is more convenient.
HOW TO GET AROUND TAIPEI?
Getting around Taipei is quick and easy with the public transportation system.
Grab an EasyCard before starting your Taiwan adventure and save time and money with discounts on MRT (subway), bus, and ferry rides. Plus you can pre-load it to skip the hassle of buying individual tickets.
Alternatively, taxis and Uber are fairly cheap but don’t expect much English from drivers – showing an address in Mandarin works well.
On the other hand, if you plan to travel around Taiwan, renting a car is the best way to explore at your own pace.
BEST TIME TO VISIT TAIPEI, TAIWAN?
The best time to visit Taipei is during the fall, from October to December. The weather is pleasant, with less rain compared to the summer months.
Spring from March to May is another great option when flowers bloom and the city looks beautiful, but be prepared for occasional rain showers.
If you love festivals, plan your trip around the Lunar New Year or the Lantern Festival for an unforgettable experience!
IS TAIPEI EXPENSIVE?
Taipei is surprisingly affordable for a big city. Accommodation options range from $15-$30 per night for a hostel, while luxury hotels can cost about $80 to $130 per night.
Just like in other parts of Asia, street food at night markets is a must-try and super cheap. You can grab a tasty meal for under $5.
Public transportation, like the MRT and buses, is efficient and won’t break the bank, with rides costing just $1 or so.
THE BEST TAIPEI TRAVEL ITINERARY FOR 1-5 DAYS
If you’re short on time and only have 1 day in Taipei, feel free to pick and choose the locations and activities from this itinerary for Taipei that interest you the most.
However, if you’re lucky enough to have multiple days in the city, you can follow this Taipei travel itinerary step-by-step to make the most of your time and experience everything Taipei has to offer!
DAY 1 TAIPEI ITINERARY
ELEPHANT MOUNTAIN HIKE – XIANGSHAN TRAIL
If you do one hike on this Taipei itinerary, make it the Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan Trail) for incredible Taipei city views.
This is a short hike, taking just 20 minutes or so to reach the top via concrete steps, though it’s a very steep incline so be prepared to work up a sweat.
Sunrise is a great time to visit, or late afternoon at sunset to catch the golden hour. Allow about 15 to 20 minutes after the sun has set to watch how the city lights up after dusk.
There are viewing platforms along the way, making it one of the best locations in the city to snap some photos of Taipei 101 and its surrounding jungle-like metropolis.
Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, pack plenty of drinking water, and bring your camera – you’ll love the experience!
DISCOVER DIHUA STREET
Next on this itinerary is a visit to Dihua Street which is like stepping into old-school Taipei. The historic buildings are packed with shops selling everything from Chinese herbs to quirky souvenirs.
It’s renowned for its historic straits Chinese shophouses with traditional Chinese medicine, dried goods, and costume jewelry shops.
It’s especially lively during Lunar New Year, but any time of year, it’s a nice place to stroll. You’ll find a mix of traditional vibes, trendy cafes, and street food vendors.
Got a camera? You’ll want it here – the mix of old and new makes for incredible photos.
Even if you’re not into photography, you will definitely appreciate the architecture and beautiful storefronts.
RELATED GUIDE: Ultimate 10-Day Taiwan Itinerary
SCOOTER WATERFALL
The Scooter Waterfall is one of those “only-in-Taipei” moments. At rush hour, near Taipei Bridge, hundreds of scooters stream down a sloped road, and it looks like, well, a waterfall.
It’s chaotic and it’s definitely Instagram-worthy, and a cool place to add to your Taipei travel itinerary.
Check Google Maps to time it right, usually early morning or evening. You don’t need to spend a lot of time here, but it’s fun to watch the organized chaos and snap a few pics.
Just stay out of the traffic while you’re at it!
TAIPEI 101 OBSERVATION DECK
You can’t plan a trip to Taiwan’s capital and skip Taipei 101. The Observation Deck is a bucket-list spot for panoramic views of the city.
It’s the 11th tallest tower in the world, and it was the tallest from 2004 to 2010 before it was surpassed by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
At the top, enjoy the 360-degree views and take photos of the vast cityscape. Sunset is arguably the best time to visit, but honestly, it’s great anytime on a clear day.
Allow at least 2 hours for Taipei 101 as there are many attractions inside, so you definitely won’t be bored.
It’s best to book your tickets online in advance as they do sell out from time to time, and you’ll get to skip the queue!
DIN TAI FUNG DUMPLINGS
Din Tai Fung is the dumpling place you can’t miss and your Taipei itinerary wouldn’t be complete without it!
You might have the famous chain back home, but it originally comes from Taipei, and it guarantees an amazing meal.
There are several Din Tai Fung restaurants in the city, but we recommend the original, located on Xinyi Road, or the one on the ground floor inside the Taipei 101 building.
You’ll get to try the famous soup dumplings (xiao long bao). The flavors pack a punch and each bite is a mix of juicy filling and delicate dough. Of course, they have other goodies too, like noodles and fried rice.
It’s usually busy, so consider booking the Din Tai Fung Restaurant Experience online in advance.
RAOHE STREET NIGHT MARKET
One of the best ways to spend the evening in Taipei is at the Raohe Street Night Market, an unmissable place to indulge in street food and soak up the local vibe.
Right at the entrance, grab a Fuzhou pepper bun, they’re crispy, hot, and filled with juicy meat.
Keep walking, and you’ll find everything from grilled squid to stinky tofu (if you’re brave enough to try it), bubble tea, and sweet mochi.
Apart from food, there are also cheap clothes, gadgets, and fun souvenirs to check out.
The Songshan Ciyou Temple at the gate is very pretty with its lanterns, so make sure to stop here for a quick photo.
Show up hungry and be ready to eat a lot!
DAY 2 TAIPEI TRAVEL ITINERARY
CHIANG KAI-SHEK MEMORIAL HALL
Start the morning with a visit to Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall. The best part? It’s free, and definitely worth checking out.
Built in 1980 to honor Taiwan’s former leader Chiang Kai-Shek, the memorial hall symbolizes his leadership during WWII and Taiwan’s political journey. It features a traditional Chinese design, and it’s one of the most photogenic architecture in Taipei.
Over time, it’s become a hub for public events, reflecting Taiwan’s shift toward democracy.
The building is massive, bright white with a cool blue roof, and sits right in the middle of Liberty Square. We loved the setting, with gardens and big open spaces to wander around.
You can also climb up the big staircase where you’ll find a statue of Chiang Kai-Shek with soldiers doing a changing of the guard every hour.
Inside, there’s a small museum to learn a bit about Taiwan’s history and Chiang’s life if you’re into that.
I-RIDE TAIPEI FLYING CINEMA
I-Ride Taipei is a fun little break from sightseeing that gives you a tour of Taiwan without moving an inch.
It’s a 4D flying cinema with a computerized tour of the island that includes wind, mist, and different sounds to make it feel real.
This is a family-friendly experience, and the attraction only takes about 15 minutes of your day, so it’s quick but fun.
Be it with friends, family, or alone, this is a nice little pit stop to include on your list of things to do in Taipei.
LUNGSHAN TEMPLE
Lungshan Temple is one of the most-visited and oldest temples in the city. It was built in 1738 and many local people come here to pray and light incense for different purposes.
It’s very beautiful and worth seeing even if you don’t like temples because you can experience the traditional culture of Taiwan and feel a peaceful atmosphere.
The details are incredible, from the carvings to the colorful roofs, and it’s especially nice to visit at nighttime.
Getting here by train is simple, just hop off the MRT at Longshan Temple Station, or if coming by car, park in a nearby parking lot.
There’s no entrance fee, and you can take your time wandering around, discovering all the different deities of the temple.
ADDICTION AQUATIC DEVELOPMENT
For seafood lovers, Addiction Aquatic Development is the place to be for an evening meal. Inside feels like an equal split between a market and a fancy restaurant.
They have some of the freshest fish in town, with options such as sashimi, or sushi, or another popular favorite is the grilled seafood bowl. There are also oysters if you prefer those.
It’s good for all budgets – you can go big with a feast or eat on a budget with just a few pieces of sushi.
Even if you’re not hungry, Addiction Aquatic Development is fun to walk around and check out the live tanks and all the seafood displays.
DAY 3 ITINERARY FOR TAIPEI
NATIONAL PALACE MUSEUM
The National Palace Museum is another very popular attraction in Taipei.
It’s packed with some of the most interesting art and artifacts from Chinese history, like jade carvings, historical porcelain, and even an art piece shaped like a cabbage.
The museum is huge, but don’t feel like you’ve got to see it all at once. If you’ve been to the Louvre in France, it’s basically the same – It’s nearly impossible to see all of it in one day only.
The way it’s set up makes it easy to enjoy in a few hours, even if history’s not usually your thing. Plus, there’s a cute café where you can chill out with some tea or coffee.
It’s one of those places where you learn without feeling like you’re in school – just a good mix of art, stories, and culture.
ZHISHAN GARDEN
After visiting the National Palace Museum, make sure to check out the Zhishan Garden as it’s nearby.
There are ponds with koi fish, little bridges, and loads of greenery to enjoy. Sit by the water, watch the fish swim, or just wander the paths. It’s not huge or fancy, but that’s exactly what makes it so charming.
If you need a break from the crowds or just want to relax, this is the spot. It’s simple, peaceful, and just feels good to be there. There’s no entrance fee which is a nice addition.
BEITOU HOT SPRINGS
Beitou Hot Springs is the perfect spot if you’re looking to unwind. It’s about 25 minutes by car from the Zhishan Garden.
Choose from a public hot spring if you’re on a budget or treat yourself to a private one if you have the means.
Even if you don’t jump in the hot springs, it’s a nice area to walk around. There’s a cool little museum and a bunch of places to grab food.
If you’re feeling curious, try the hot spring eggs. They’re just eggs boiled in the hot springs, but somehow they taste amazing.
There are two things to note down:
- The dress code is strict: no beach or casual pants, sweat pants, jeans, underwear, or pants with pockets. Only one-piece bikinis for women and speedos for men are allowed, nothing else.
- The opening times aren’t consistent. They close for 30 minutes every 2 to 3 hours, so you might have to wait if you don’t come at the right time.
SHILIN NIGHT MARKET
What better way to end the third day of this Taipei itinerary than with yet another amazing night market?
Shilin Night Market is where you go to eat everything. It’s big, it’s loud, and it’s packed with food stalls selling all kinds of snacks. Fried chicken? Check. Bubble tea? Of course. Stinky tofu? They’ve got it!
The market is more than just food though, you’ll find little shops, games, and a buzzing vibe that makes it fun to wander around.
It’s a great way to spend your evening, soaking up the energy, and eating even more treats from Taiwan.
Don’t eat before you go as you’ll want to save room for all the good stuff. Shilin’s not fancy, but that’s why it’s so great, just pure fun and good eats.
BEST TOURS IN TAIPEI
DAY 4 TAIPEI ITINERARY
Day 4 on this Taipei itinerary is a day trip to Manyueyuan National Park, a more remote and authentic part of Taiwan. Click here to see the location on Google Maps
It’s a short 1-hour drive from Taipei and after visiting the national park, you can either stay overnight in this area or travel back to the capital.
We decided to stay the night because we wanted to experience the amazing Great Roots Forestry Spa Resort and its hot springs – highly recommend it!
HIKE THE MANYUEYUAN TRAIL
The Manyueyuan hiking trail is the main reason people visit this area. It’s an easy trail so even if you’re not much of a hiker, you will thoroughly enjoy the walk.
It’s 4.7 km long and it takes about 2 hours to complete. The best part is that the trail is never crowded which makes it feel like it’s an extra hidden gem.
Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and pack some drinking water and snacks.
Take my word, Manyueyuan is one of the most amazing places to include on your Taipei travel itinerary!
WHERE TO STAY IN MANYUEYUAN NATIONAL PARK
If you decide to stay the night, Manyueyuan National Park has several places to choose from. We’ve narrowed it down to a few of the best hotels to stay in to fit the needs of budget backpackers, luxury travelers, and everyone in between.
LUXURY: The Great Roots Forestry Spa Resort
MID-RANGE: Moonshine Inn
BUDGET: Xanadu Hostel
FOR MORE HOTEL OPTIONS IN MANYUEYUAN, SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
DAY 5 TAIPEI TRAVEL ITINERARY
The final stop on this Taipei itinerary is another day trip to the enchanting Jiufen Old Town, a place that feels like stepping into another world.
Once a gold mining town, Jiufen has transformed into a must-visit destination famous for its vibrant lantern-lit atmosphere, traditional teahouses, delicious street food, and breathtaking views of the coast.
Located on the northern tip of Taiwan, Jiufen is a 40-minute drive from Taipei City. Click here to see the location on Google Maps.
To truly experience the magic of Jiufen, consider spending the night here – the village comes to life in the evening with its glowing lanterns and nostalgic charm.
Staying overnight means you won’t have to travel back to Taipei at night, allowing you to enjoy a relaxed evening in Jiufen and head back to Taipei the next day for your departure flight.
EXPLORE JIUFEN OLD STREET AT NIGHT
As mentioned above, Jiufen Old Street truly comes alive at night, transforming into a magical scene straight out of a movie.
As the red lanterns glow against the narrow alleyways and staircases, the entire village takes on an otherworldly charm that’s perfect for wandering and soaking up the atmosphere.
The lantern-lit stairways are ideal for street photography, so have your camera ready to capture the magic. You’ll find food stalls, cozy teahouses, and quaint shops tucked along the winding streets, offering plenty to explore.
Don’t miss the chance to sample Jiufen’s famous taro balls, bubble tea, and peanut ice cream rolls – all of which are local favorites.
And for anime fans, Jiufen’s nostalgic setting is said to have inspired the iconic visuals in Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away.
WHERE TO STAY IN JIUFEN
If you decide to stay the night, Jiufen has countless accommodation options to choose from. We’ve narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to fit the needs of budget backpackers, luxury travelers, and everyone in between.
LUXURY: Something Easy Inn
MID-RANGE: H& Jiufen The Dragon Inn
BUDGET: Slowly B&B
FOR MORE HOTEL OPTIONS IN JIUFEN, SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
TAIWAN TRAVEL TIPS
Now that we’ve covered an in-depth itinerary for Taipei, here are some useful travel tips and things to know before you go!
WHERE TO STAY IN TAIPEI?
Taipei has countless accommodation options to choose from, so we’ve narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to fit the needs of budget backpackers, luxury travelers, and everyone in between.
LUXURY: Eslite Hotel
MID-RANGE: Pacific Business Hotel
BUDGET: Just Inn Xin Yi
FOR MORE HOTEL OPTIONS IN TAIPEI, SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
CURRENCY IN TAIWAN
The currency in Taiwan is the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD), often written as TWD. You’ll find coins in smaller amounts (1, 5, 10, and 50) and banknotes for larger sums (100, 500, 1000).
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities, especially at hotels, malls, and larger restaurants, but smaller shops, night markets, and street vendors usually prefer cash.
ATMs are everywhere, and many accept international cards. It’s a good idea to keep some cash on hand for small purchases.
LANGUAGE IN TAIWAN
The main language spoken in Taiwan is Mandarin Chinese, which most locals use in daily life. You’ll also hear Taiwanese Hokkien and other regional languages, especially among older generations or in smaller towns.
English is not as widely spoken, but younger people and those working in tourism, like hotel staff, can usually understand the basics.
Most signs in cities, public transport, and tourist areas have English translations, making it easier to get around. Learning a few basic Mandarin phrases, like “hello” (nǐ hǎo) or “thank you” (xiè xiè), can go a long way and is often appreciated.
IS TAIWAN SAFE?
Yes, Taiwan is considered one of the safest countries in the world, making it a fantastic destination for all types of travelers.
Crime rates are low, and violent crime is extremely rare. You can feel comfortable walking around cities and towns, even at night, and even as a solo female traveler.
Public transport is reliable and secure, and Taiwanese people are known for their friendliness and helpfulness. That said, it’s always smart to stay alert for pickpockets in crowded areas like night markets or busy stations.
FINAL THOUGHTS – TAIPEI TRAVEL ITINERARY
Taipei is such a cool city, and there’s so much to love! The mix of old temples, great night markets, relaxing hot springs, and epic city views. This Taipei itinerary covers a bit of everything, so you can get a good feel for what makes Taipei special.
We hope you enjoyed reading this Taipei travel itinerary, and if you have any questions, please leave a comment below this post and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
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