Taiwan is likely one of the most iconic journey locations in Asia. While 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 planet, Taiwan has lots to supply to vacationers. From wealthy cultural heritage, to fashionable cityscape, to gorgeous pure landscapes, it attracts vacationers who’re concerned about totally different sorts of journey. Whether or not you’re seeking 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 around the globe and earlier than nations closed their borders. Actually, we even obtained 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 another country vacation spot.
And now, we’re sharing with you a pattern itinerary that you could comply with particularly if it’s your first time in Taiwan.
Notice: This isn’t the precise itinerary we had for our journey. But when it’s your first time and also you need to expertise lots 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 could have native forex straight away. You may also purchase a SIM card or decide one up if you happen to pre-ordered on-line, so that you’re linked as quickly as you arrive. Listed here are two choices from Klook!
- Make your solution to the town middle. In the event you’re on a DIY journey, you’ll be able to take the practice or experience a bus to achieve your lodge. However if you happen to’re with an even bigger group, touring with seniors, or simply desire a smoother journey, you’ll be able to e book a tour package deal with a good company in Taiwan like Edison Excursions, and even from the Philippines.
- Test in at lodge. In the event you arrive too early to verify in, drop off your luggage on the lodge and begin exploring.
Because it’s your first time, it’s finest to see Taipei metropolis middle’s must-visit points of interest.
Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Corridor
Inbuilt 1976 to honor one among Taiwan’s most vital 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 degree.
Handle: No.21, Zhongshan S. Street, 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: Each day, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entrance Price: FREE
Solar Yat-sen Memorial Corridor
One other landmark constructed to honor one among 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 good for a leisurely stroll.
Handle: No. 505, Part 4, Ren’ai Street, Xinyi District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C)
Nearest MRT Station: Solar Yat-sen (SYS) Memorial Corridor Station (Blue Line 5)
Open: Each day, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entrance Price: FREENotice: Since February 2024, the corridor is briefly closed for upkeep. It’s anticipated to reopen in 2026.
Taipei 101
Taipei 101 is probably 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’ll be able to take pleasure in breathtaking panoramic views of the capital.
You’ll be able to safe your ticket prematurely on-line via accredited reserving websites like Klook!
✅ GET YOUR TAIPEI 101 TICKET HERE!
Handle: No. 7, Part 5, Xinyi Street, Xinyi District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Nearest MRT Station: Taipei 101 Station (Pink Line 2)
Hours open: Each day, 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Entrance Price: NT$600
Elephant Mountain
Whereas the Taipei 101 Observatory presents an unimaginable view of the town, the most effective vantage level is definitely from Elephant Mountain. Most of the metropolis’s iconic postcard pictures have been doubtless 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 the town gentle up at evening. Simply take note, 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 Street, Part 5, Xinyi District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Nearest MRT Station: Xiàngshān Station (Pink Line 2)
Entrance Price: FREE
Ximending
Ximending is Taipei’s youth district, recognized for its vibrant leisure, eating, and buying scene. It actually comes alive at evening — vibrant, 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 filled with 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 Price: 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 totally different cities.
In 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
Situated on the northernmost tip of Taiwan, the Yehliu Geopark is legendary for its placing 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 points of interest. In the event you’re doing it DIY-style, be aware that the journey to the following cease may take round two hours. To avoid wasting time, we advocate 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 presents 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 Street, Wanli District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Entrance Price: 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 ambiance 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’ll be able to browse for souvenirs, take pleasure in tea or espresso in cozy cafés, or savor a meal in one among its quaint eating places. In style 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 one can Get to Jiufen: From Taipei Predominant Station, take a practice going to Ruifang Station. Alongside Mingdeng Street 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
In the event you’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 fans from all around the globe.
Except for the lovable cats, you’ll discover statues and cat-themed memento retailers. The village itself is superbly scenic, nestled between a stream and a railway. And if you happen to’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.)
How one can 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 means is to take a direct native practice from Taipei Predominant 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 if you happen to’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 if you happen to’re touring with seniors or youngsters. Tour buses can park nearer to the strolling path, making the journey a lot shorter and extra snug. Alongside the best way, you’ll move by stalls promoting snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. Among the refreshments and bites you’ll discover are milk tea, lemon tea, contemporary fruits, and crowd pleasing atis (sugar apples) which are surprisingly large!
When you resist all of the meals temptations, you’ll attain the first viewpoint close to the cascade, which is ideal for pictures. However for the most effective angle, proceed alongside the path till you attain the most important viewing platform for Shifen Falls. Simply take note 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 one can 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 Previous Avenue
Shifen Previous Avenue is the place you’ll discover the iconic railway observe that serves as the positioning for releasing sky lanterns. In the event you resolve to strive the exercise, you’ll begin by writing your needs or messages on the lantern. When you’re accomplished, a workers member will assist gentle it up, and you’ll 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 — often in February. However you don’t have to attend for the competition to expertise this! Guests can launch sky lanterns year-round for a payment. In fact, it’s not for everybody. In the event you are inclined 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 take pleasure in, like purchasing for souvenirs or sampling snacks from the stalls that line the tracks.
Location: Pingxi District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
How one can Get to Shifen Previous Avenue: 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 Previous Avenue.
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 an excellent worth.
We have been in a position to strive 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 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 check out the infamous pungent tofu, or snack on skewers from the numerous distributors. Then cap off your evening with a basic Taiwanese milk tea!
Handle: Raohe Avenue, Songshan District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Nearest Station: Songshan Station (Inexperienced Line 3)
Open: Each day, 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Entrance Price: FREE
DAY 3: NORTH TAIPEI TOUR
On the third day, let’s head north! This space is nonetheless inside Taipei Metropolis, however 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 among Taiwan’s 9 nationwide parks. It’s a fantastic vacation spot for nature lovers and out of doors fans. The park’s most iconic characteristic is Qixing Mountain, the tallest dormant volcano in Taiwan, surrounded by scenic climbing trails.
Most guests discover the western aspect of the park, which is probably the most accessible and tourist-friendly. Considered one of its well-known landmarks is the flower clock, a favourite picture spot. In the event you’re hoping to see cherry blossoms, this is likely one of the finest 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 Heart, No. 1-20, Zhuzihu Street, Beitou District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
How one can Get to Yangmingshan Nationwide Park: From Taipei Predominant Station, take Bus 260 to Yangmingshan Nationwide Park Bus Station. It’s only a quick stroll to the customer middle, 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.
In the event you select to go to one of many many public sizzling springs or spas, you’ll be able to take a calming stroll via the park and soak within the environment — actually. In the event you’re quick on time, no less than strive the native tea eggs, a preferred snack usually offered across the space. It’s a singular mixture of nature, wellness, and native taste multi functional spot.
Location: Beitou District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
How one can Get to Beitou Scorching Spring Park: Relying in your itinerary, you’ll be able to 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 relationship again 1000’s of years! However right here’s the kicker — solely about 1% of that’s really on show. The remainder? Safely tucked away in vaults below tight safety.
The gathering is so large 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. In the event 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: Each day 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Entrance Price: NT$350
Shilin Evening Market
Unfold throughout two ranges, Shilin Evening Market is the most important evening market in Taipei. On the bottom ground and close by alleys, you’ll principally discover memento retailers and attire shops.
However head right down to the basement, and prepare to really feel hungry, even if you happen to 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.
Handle: No. 101, Jihe Street, Shilin District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Nearest MRT Station: Jiantan Station (Pink Line – 2)
Finest Time to Go to: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Entrance Price: 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 selection. Actually, Taiwan boasts one of many highest concentrations of cafés on the planet. You’ll positively discover this in vigorous 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, mentioned to be the primary to serve iced espresso in Taiwan means again in 1956. Whereas most cafés right now goal for a classy, Instagrammable vibe, it stands out by embracing its classic allure and sticking to its old-school roots with pleasure.
Handle: No. 42, Chengdu Street, Wanhua District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Opening Hours: Each day, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Fashionable Bathroom
In fact, 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, have been both born right here or have their headquarters within the nation. However if you happen to’re in search of a milk tea expertise that’s actually unforgettable (and a bit of bizarre), head to Fashionable Bathroom.
This quirky café-restaurant has been shelling out hilariously “crappy” meals and drinks for years, and vacationers can’t get sufficient! All the pieces is toilet-themed — from the chairs and tables to the decor and even the dishes. You’ll be able to sip tea from a mini urinal and revel in ice cream served in a bathroom bowl. Yep, it’s bizarre…however it’s additionally loads of enjoyable!
⚠️ Don’t maintain 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 – Each day, 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM; Shilin – Each day, 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Vigor Kobo Pineapple Cake Manufacturing facility
One of the fashionable pasalubong objects from Taiwan is the enduring pineapple cake. On the Vigor Kobo Pineapple Cake Manufacturing facility, you are able to do extra than simply purchase a field. You’ll be able to really make your personal! They provide a enjoyable workshop the place you’ll be able to strive your hand at crafting these candy treats from scratch. No baking expertise? No drawback! It’s easy, simple, and a good way to take residence a extra private memento.
Whereas ready in your muffins to bake, you’ll be able to discover the interactive museum to study extra concerning 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 purchasing for pasalubong, don’t neglect to benefit from the spotlight of the go to: tasting the pineapple cake you made, contemporary and heat from the oven.
Handle: No. 87, Part 1, Chengtai Street, Wugu District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Opening Hours: Each day, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Ever Wealthy Obligation Free
In the event you’re prepared for some severe buying, 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 filled with every kind of treasures. Plus, you’ll discover some pop-up stalls exterior including to the buying enjoyable!
And naturally, don’t neglect to regulate your flight time! Be sure to catch your aircraft!
Handle: No. 129, Jinzhuang Street, Neihu District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Opening Hours: Each day, 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
D-I-Y vs Reserving a Tour
You’ll be able to positively do that itinerary DIY-style. Nevertheless, Days 2 and three could be difficult if you happen to rely solely on public transportation, because the schedule of buses and trains wants cautious timing. In the event you’re touring with a gaggle, seniors, individuals with mobility considerations, or if you happen to simply desire a extra relaxed, hassle-free journey, reserving a tour is a way more handy possibility.
You’ll be able to 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 presents, you’ll be able to go to their web site.
In the event you desire to speak to Pinoys, listed below are among the journey businesses within the Philippines that 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.by way of.com
Landline: (+63 2) 8555-9444
E-mail: gross sales.ph@by way of.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
Cell: +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 Lodges!
Have Peace of Thoughts Whereas Touring!
Getting a journey insurance coverage is non-obligatory, 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 provides us peace of thoughts in case of surprising delays, cancellations, or emergencies.
For worldwide locations, take into account PGA Sompo’s TravelJOY Plus insurance coverage. You’ll be able to GET IT HERE. Don’t neglect to make use of WORTHIT for a particular reasonably priced fee.
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2025 6 18 – First uploaded
