Taiwan is among the most iconic journey locations in Asia. While you see a photograph of Taipei 101, you’ll instantly comprehend it’s Taiwan. However except for this constructing that was as soon as the tallest on this planet, Taiwan has quite a bit to supply to vacationers. From wealthy cultural heritage, to fashionable cityscape, to gorgeous pure landscapes, it attracts vacationers who’re considering completely different sorts of journey. Whether or not you’re trying to hike via 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 world wide and earlier than international locations closed their borders. In reality, we even bought 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 in a foreign country vacation spot.
And now, we’re sharing with you a pattern itinerary you can 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 need to expertise quite a bit in Taipei, this itinerary is what we extremely advocate.
DAY 1: TAIPEI CITY CENTER
Arrival
- Landing Airport. While you land on the airport, you’ll be able to change cash or withdraw Taiwan {dollars} from the ATM so you might have native forex straight away. You can too purchase a SIM card or choose one up when you pre-ordered on-line, so that you’re related as quickly as you arrive. Listed here are two choices from Klook!
- Make your method to town heart. Should you’re on a DIY journey, you’ll be able to take the prepare or trip a bus to achieve your lodge. However when you’re with an even bigger group, touring with seniors, or simply need a smoother journey, you’ll be able to guide a tour package deal with a good company in Taiwan like Edison Excursions, and even from the Philippines.
- Test in at lodge. Should you arrive too early to examine in, drop off your baggage on the lodge 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 considered one of Taiwan’s most necessary 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.
Tackle: No.21, Zhongshan S. Highway, Zhongzheng District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C)
Nearest MRT Station: Chiang Kai-shek (CKS) Memorial Corridor Station (Purple Line 2 or Inexperienced Line 3)
Open: Every day, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entrance Payment: FREE
Solar Yat-sen Memorial Corridor
One other landmark constructed to honor considered one 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 website celebrates his legacy with a grand statue, reveals, and spacious grounds excellent for a leisurely stroll.
Tackle: 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 Payment: 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’ll be able to get pleasure from breathtaking panoramic views of the capital.
You may safe your ticket prematurely on-line via accredited reserving websites like Klook!
✅ GET YOUR TAIPEI 101 TICKET HERE!
Tackle: No. 7, Part 5, Xinyi Highway, Xinyi District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Nearest MRT Station: Taipei 101 Station (Purple Line 2)
Hours open: Every day, 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Entrance Payment: NT$600
Elephant Mountain
Whereas the Taipei 101 Observatory provides an unbelievable view of town, the most effective vantage level is definitely from Elephant Mountain. Lots of the metropolis’s iconic postcard photographs had been seemingly taken right here. The perfect time to go to is late afternoon so you’ll be able to benefit from the skyline by day, catch the sundown, and see town mild up at evening. Simply have in mind, it does require a little bit of a climb, so it may not 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 (Purple Line 2)
Entrance Payment: FREE
Ximending
Ximending is Taipei’s youth district, recognized for its vibrant leisure, eating, and purchasing scene. It actually comes alive at evening — vivid, bustling, and filled with power. Consider it as Taipei’s model of Tokyo’s Harajuku. You’ll discover world model shops, bars, cafes, and golf equipment right here.
The preferred space is Ximen Walker Avenue, all the time full of each vacationers and locals. There are additionally tons of meals choices round, making it an important 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 Payment: 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 usually grouped with Taipei Metropolis as a part of the Higher 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.
To your second day, let’s swap issues up and escape the skyscrapers and purchasing 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 putting 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.
Nonetheless, it’s a bit out of the way in which in comparison with different sights. Should you’re doing it DIY-style, be aware that the journey to the following cease may take round two hours. To save lots of time, we advocate 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 may buy your entrance ticket forward of time on-line right here:
✅ GET YOUR YEHLIU GEOPARK TICKET HERE!
Tackle: No. 167-1, Gangdong Highway, Wanli District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Entrance Payment: Grownup, NT$120; Youngster (6-12 y/o), NT$60
Jiufen Previous 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 environment of the animated world.
As soon as a gold mining city, Jiufen Previous Avenue is now well-known for its teahouse tradition and charming streets. It’s a pleasant place to discover. You may browse for souvenirs, get pleasure from tea or espresso in cozy cafés, or savor a meal in considered one of its quaint eating places. Common spots embrace Jiufen Previous Avenue, Shengping Theater, the Gold Mine Museum, Mount Keelung Path, and varied scenic viewpoints.
Location: Ruifang District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
How you can Get to Jiufen: From Taipei Most important Station, take a prepare 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
Should 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 everywhere in the globe.
Apart from 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 when 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.)
How you can Get to Houtong Cat Village: If coming from Jiufen, take the prepare to from Ruifang Station to Houtong Station. From Taipei Most important Station, take a prepare going to Ruifang Station. Then, switch to Pingxi Line to Houtong Station. One other approach is to take a direct native prepare from Taipei Most important Station to Houtong Station.
Shifen Waterfall
This space can be an important lunch cease since there are many eating places and meals stalls round. However when you’re doing a DIY journey, be prepared for some strolling. The closest prepare 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 brilliant possibility, particularly when 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 way in which, you’ll cross 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 are 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 most effective angle, proceed alongside the path till you attain the predominant viewing platform for Shifen Falls. Simply have in mind there are stairs, so it is probably not appropriate for these with mobility considerations.
Location: Pingxi District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
How you can Get to Shifen Waterfalls: From Taipei Most important Station, take a prepare 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 Previous Avenue
Shifen Previous Avenue is the place you’ll discover the iconic railway observe that serves as the positioning for releasing sky lanterns. Should you determine to attempt the exercise, you’ll begin by writing your needs or messages on the lantern. When you’re carried out, a workers member will assist mild it up, and you’ll watch it slowly rise and drift away with the wind.
The Pingxi District is legendary for its Sky Lantern Pageant, held through 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 payment. After all, it’s not for everybody. Should you are likely to marvel the place these lanterns find yourself after they fall, you would possibly need to skip it. However there are nonetheless loads of different issues to get pleasure from, like searching for souvenirs or sampling snacks from the stalls that line the tracks.
Location: Pingxi District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
How you can Get to Shifen Previous Avenue: From Taipei Most important Station, take a prepare going to Ruifang Station. Then, switch to Pingxi Line to Shifen Station. The railway tracks run alongside the Shifen Previous Avenue.
Raohe Evening Market
After the tour, it’s time to move again to 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 a great 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 standard brick oven. One other must-try is the Chen Dong Pork Ribs Medical Herbs Soup. It could appear like principally 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 pungent tofu, or snack on skewers from the numerous distributors. Then cap off your evening with a basic Taiwanese milk tea!
Tackle: Raohe Avenue, 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 Payment: 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 attainable stops.
Yangmingshan Nationwide Park
Straddling Taipei and New Taipei Metropolis, Yangmingshan is considered one of Taiwan’s 9 nationwide parks. It’s an important 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. Certainly one of its well-known landmarks is the flower clock, a favourite picture spot. Should you’re hoping to see cherry blossoms, this is among the finest locations in Taiwan. Simply make certain to go to throughout the appropriate season. The remainder of the 12 months, the park nonetheless bursts with colour — because of peach blossoms, plum blossoms, azalea, and thorn apples.
Leap-off Level: Yangmingshan Nationwide Park Customer Middle, No. 1-20, Zhuzihu Highway, Beitou District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
How you can Get to Yangmingshan Nationwide Park: From Taipei Most important 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 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 Scorching Spring Park, which frequently seems to be mystical when blanketed in steam.
Should you select to go to one of many many public sizzling springs or spas, you’ll be able to take a soothing stroll via the park and soak within the environment — actually. Should you’re brief on time, at the very least attempt the native tea eggs, a well-liked snack usually offered across the space. It’s a novel mixture of nature, wellness, and native taste multi function spot.
Location: Beitou District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
How you can Get to Beitou Scorching Spring Park: Relying in your itinerary, you’ll be able to alight at any of those prepare stations in Beitou from Taipei Most important 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 set of round 700,000 artifacts, some relationship again 1000’s of years! However right here’s the kicker — solely about 1% of that’s truly on show. The remaining? Safely tucked away in vaults beneath 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. Should you’re planning to dive deep, get able to spend hours inside exploring.
Tackle: No. 221, Sec 2, Zhi Shan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan
Nearest MRT Station: Shilin Station (Purple Line – 2), then take Bus R30 (NT$15)
Hours Open: Every day 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Entrance Payment: NT$350
Shilin Evening Market
Unfold throughout two ranges, Shilin Evening Market is the most important evening market in Taipei. On the bottom flooring and close by alleys, you’ll principally discover memento outlets and attire shops.
However head all the way down to the basement, and prepare to really feel hungry, even when 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 situated proper subsequent to the MRT station.
Tackle: No. 101, Jihe Highway, Shilin District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Nearest MRT Station: Jiantan Station (Purple Line – 2)
Greatest Time to Go to: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Entrance Payment: 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. In reality, Taiwan boasts one of many highest concentrations of cafés on this planet. You’ll undoubtedly discover this in full of life 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 approach again in 1956. Whereas most cafés at this time intention for a stylish, Instagrammable vibe, it stands out by embracing its classic appeal and sticking to its old-school roots with pleasure.
Tackle: No. 42, Chengdu Highway, Wanhua District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Opening Hours: Every day, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Fashionable Bathroom
After all, 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 when you’re searching for a milk tea expertise that’s really unforgettable (and a bit bizarre), head to Fashionable Bathroom.
This quirky café-restaurant has been dispensing hilariously “crappy” meals and drinks for years, and vacationers can’t get sufficient! Every little thing 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…but it surely’s additionally numerous 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 facility
One of the vital fashionable pasalubong objects 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 may truly make your personal! They provide a enjoyable workshop the place you’ll be able to attempt your hand at crafting these candy treats from scratch. No baking expertise? No downside! It’s easy, straightforward, and a good way to take residence a extra private memento.
Whereas ready on your truffles to bake, you’ll be able to discover the interactive museum to study extra concerning the historical past of pineapple truffles 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 neglect to benefit from the spotlight of the go to: tasting the pineapple cake you made, recent and heat from the oven.
Tackle: 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 Obligation Free
Should you’re prepared for some severe purchasing, 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 exterior including to the purchasing enjoyable!
And naturally, don’t neglect to control your flight time! Be sure to catch your aircraft!
Tackle: 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. Nonetheless, Days 2 and three could be difficult when you rely solely on public transportation, because the schedule of buses and trains wants cautious timing. Should you’re touring with a gaggle, seniors, folks with mobility considerations, or when you simply need 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 among the hottest tour operators in Taiwan. They’ve been working for many years. To see their provides, you’ll be able to go to their web site.
Should you choose to speak to Pinoys, listed here are among the journey companies within the Philippines you can 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.by way of.com
Landline: (+63 2) 8555-9444
E-mail: gross sales.ph@by way of.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
Cellular: +63 917 879 7525
E-mail: levytravelandtours@gmail.com
The place to Keep in Taipei
Right here’s a listing of the lodges and hostels we tried in Taipei:
Seek for extra Taipei Inns!
Have Peace of Thoughts Whereas Touring!
Getting a journey insurance coverage is optionally available, however we extremely advocate 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, take into account PGA Sompo’s TravelJOY Plus insurance coverage. You may GET IT HERE. Don’t neglect to make use of WORTHIT for a particular inexpensive charge.
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2025 6 18 – First uploaded