one style tour taipei

Asia , Itineraries , Taiwan · November 17, 2020

A Local’s Taipei Itinerary: How to Spend 1-5 Days in Taipei

Taipei is a multifaceted city brimming with deep-rooted history, a pulsating culture, incredible architecture, and a fantastic food scene. But with so many layers to uncover, things to do, and street food to taste, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when planning a Taipei itinerary.

To help you figure out what to do and where to go, I’ve compiled this  fully flexible   itinerary in Taipei for 1-5 days . It’s packed with must-do activities, places to see, and top tips to make the most of your time during your 5-day stay.

Ready to find the absolute best things to do in Taipei and see all Taiwan’s colorful capital city has to offer? Let’s go! 

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Table of Contents

How many days to spend in Taipei

While one could easily spend weeks in Taipei, not everyone has the luxury of unlimited time in this megacity. With 1 or 2 days in Taipei, you’ll be able to see the city’s most iconic sights. However, to really uncover the city’s DNA, I recommend staying at least 3-5 days in Taipei. 

Plan Your Taipei Trip

Before you start your Taipei itinerary, read my detailed guides to help you better understand the city.

• Travel Tips for Taipei
• Where to Stay in Taipei
• Getting from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei
• Taipei Nightlife guide
• Solo Traveler’s Guide to Taipei
• Best Taipei Side Trips

In a rush? Pin this itinerary for Taipei to read later.

Taipei Itinerary Essentials

Want to maximize your time in Taipei? Here are a few essentials you’ll need for a stress-free 5 days Taipei itinerary. 

• Taipei has oodles of hotels and hostels. For the best prices,  search accommodation  at least 2-3 weeks in advance. Alternatively, see my insider’s guide on the best hotels & areas to stay in Taipei .
• Taipei has two airports, Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) and Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). While Songshan is closer to Taipei, Taoyuan is the main international gateway. Read my quick guide on how to get to Taipei from Taoyuan Airport . Alternatively, book a private transfer straight to your accommodation for a stress-free trip. 
• Grab a  Taipei Fun Pass  to see all the Taipei must-see sights at a discount. 
• While there are more than 4400 Wifi hotspots in Taiwan, it’s worth spending a few extra dollars on a local  4G Sim Card , Pocket Wifi , or this E-sim . By doing so, you can plan all your stops and access maps, schedules, and translations on the go. 
• Make sure to pack a  travel umbrella  as frequent downpours aren’t uncommon in Taipei. This guide on what to pack for Taiwan will also come in handy.
• Grab a  Lonely Planet guidebook  for more tips and things to do. It’s packed with awesome recommendations and insights into the culture, history, and more.
• Need travel insurance for your trip?  SafetyWing is my go-to travel insurance provider.

How to get around during your Itinerary in Taipei

Taipei is a sprawling city. While it is an exceptionally walkable city, an efficient transport network is ready to whizz you off to all corners. To maximize your 5 days in Taipei, use a mix of transport methods to access the best of Taipei’s attractions. Here’s how to get around during your 5-day stay.  

• MRT:  Taipei has an extensive subway system called the MRT. Tickets are cheap and you can buy them at any MRT station. However, to save time, grab Taiwan’s local top-up card, the  Easy Card . With this card, you can tap and go on the MRT, buses, and regional trains. See the metro map here . Also check out my guide on useful Taiwan travel apps to have on your phone.
• HOP ON HOP OFF BUS:  The Taipei sightseeing bus is a great way to get a well-rounded glimpse of the city while ticking off your Taipei must-visit list. The bus stops at all the major tourist attractions on this Taipei itinerary. It’s also a fun way to see the city from a different angle. There are two routes, and  9hr or 24hr passes  are available. 
• BY BIKE:  YouBike is an official bike sharing system in Taiwan. It allows you to rent a bike for as little as NT$10 per 30 minutes. You’ll find an endless supply of bicycle-sharing kiosks allover Taipei City, too. These are conveniently located outside MRT stations and tourist spots. Just a head’s up, you’ll need an  Easy Card  and a local number to register for this service. For single rent users, you’ll need to pay a NT$2000 deposit with your credit card. 
• TAXI:  Yellow taxis can be spotted and flagged down all over Taipei. They are reasonably priced, starting at around NT$120 for the first 1.25km and then increase with NT$5 for every 200m. Between 11 pm to 6 am, rates start at NT$140. 
• UBER:  Uber is a great and cheap alternative to get around Taipei quickly. Make sure to download the Uber app before you arrive. 

Best Hotels and Hostels to stay during an Itinerary for Taipei

Luxury: W Taipei  is the best luxury hotel in Taipei. The 5-star property features beautiful, spacious rooms accompanied by terrific views. But even on top of that, you’ll be steps from the trendy bars, shops, and restaurants of Xinyi.  Check rates/ availability here . 

Mid-Range: Via Hotel  is a 3-star hotel that combines comfort and design. It’s the perfect choice for mid-range travelers who want to be right in the city center. What’s more, it offers easy access to Taipei Main Station, as well as oodles of shops and eateries.  Check rates/ availability here .  

Budget:   Star Hostel  is a chic hostel offering both private and dorm rooms at great prices. Located mere steps from the Taipei Main Station, it’s the perfect base if you want to be close to the main transport hub.  Check rates/ availability here .  

Taipei Itinerary Quick Overview

Day 1 in Taipei:  Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall >> Longshan Temple >> Taipei 101 >> Elephant Mountain >> Raohe Night Market

Taipei Day 2:  Dihua Street >> North Gate >> Ximending >> Huashan 1914 Creative Park >> Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall >> Stroll the streets of Daan

Day 3 in Taipei:  National Palace Museum >> Beitou Hot Springs >> Tamsui >> Shilin Night Market

Taipei Day 4:  Yehliu Geopark >> Shifen >> Jiufen 

Day 5 in Taipei:  Taipei Zoo >> Maokong Mountain >> Taipei Fine Arts Museum >> Addiction Aquatic Development

Want to see the city’s best attractions without planning a thing? Check out this  city tour ,  night tour ,  walking tour , or this  popular sights private charter .

The Perfect Itinerary for Taipei: What to do in Taipei in 1-5 Days

Whether you have one day in Taipei or many, the city is jam-packed with places to see and fun things to do. 

Below you’ll find my top recommendations on how to spend up to 5 days in Taipei. I’ve included all the must-see attractions, iconic landmarks, and even a few hidden gems for those who’d like to experience Taipei’s quirky side! 

Throughout this Taipei itinerary, you’ll also get handy tips to help you experience the best of Taipei. With that said, though, feel free to mix things up as you see fit.

1 Day Taipei Itinerary

With only 1 day in Taipei, trying to figure out where to go and what to do in a megacity like Taipei can be challenging. While one day is not nearly enough to see all the city has to offer, it will allow ample time to get a taste of Taipei’s top attractions. Here are the best things to do in Taipei in 1 day. 

Oh, and travel tip – make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes . You have a lot of ground to cover on your first day! 

Get a glimpse into the past at Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

Kickstart your 1 day Taipei itinerary with a visit to the city’s most iconic square – Liberty Square ( 中正紀念堂廣場) .

Featuring neatly kept gardens, this sprawling area is home to the National Theater , the National Concert Hall , and of course, Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall (中正紀念堂).

Besides strolling the beautiful grounds and taking Instagrammable photos, it’s also a great spot to get a better understanding of Taiwan’s complex history. 

Within the main hall, browse the exhibitions and learn more about the country’s liberation struggles. Afterward, climb the 89 steps leading to the massive statue memorializing Chiang, Taiwan’s first president. It’s also worth watching the changing of the guards’ ceremony, which happens every hour on the hour. Entrance to Liberty Square, as well as Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, is free. 

Insider’s Tips:  If time permits, take a stroll over to the  Presidential Palace  (中華民國總統府). It was built during the Japanese Colonial era and has a gorgeous red brick exterior and large balconies. Today, it serves as the workplace of Taiwan’s president. Join the free guided tour (weekdays only) to get a glimpse of the inside. Afterward, take a stroll through the serene  2/28 Peace Memorial Park  (二二八和平公園). The park commemorates the victims of the anti-government uprising movement in 1947. Don’t miss the huge memorial monument at the center of the park! The nearby memorial museum also offers more insights into Taiwan’s turbulent past. 

Experience the Culture at Longshan Temple

Next up on your Taipei itinerary, head to Taipei’s most famous religious complex, Longshan Temple (龍山寺). Dating back to 1737, Longshan Temple is one of the most famous landmarks in Taiwan and a great place to get acquainted with Chinese folk religion. To this day, locals journey from near and far to make prayers and wish for good fortune in these incense-filled halls. 

Right near the entrance, you can relish in the local custom of throwing moon blocks . Make sure to throw these tiny blocks in unison. The way they fall will reveal whether the gods favor you or not. 

There is no entrance fee for Longshan Temple. But please remember to dress appropriately as this is still a place of worship. 

Insider’s Tips:  A short stroll from here, head to the  Bopiliao Historical Block  (剝皮寮歷史街區) where you’ll find stacks of 18th-century houses. To learn more about the area’s history, you can also join this free  walking tour . Afterward, browse the  Huaxi Street Market  (華西街觀光夜市) filled with weird and interesting traditional snacks. Or better yet, join this  fun food tour . Just a word of caution; this is Taipei’s red-light district and it can be a bit seedy at night. Although Taipei is a very safe city, I wouldn’t recommend visiting here late at night if you are a solo female traveler.  

Take in the Views Atop Taipei 101  

In Xinyi, often dubbed as the Times Square of Taipei, you’ll find one of Asia’s most iconic landmarks – Taipei 101 (台北101). 

This imposing bamboo-shaped skyscraper towers 509m above the city and showcases exceptional design inside and out. Taipei 101 also houses the world’s 3 rd fastest elevator, traveling at a speed of 1,010 meters per minute. It is the most prominent landmark in the city, rightly deserving a spot on your Taipei itinerary.

Within the tower, you can browse the world’s best luxury stores. These include the likes of Bvlgari, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Patek Philippe, to name just a few!

But arguably, the best thing to do here is get a bird’s-eye view over the entire city. Once you’re done browsing the stores, head to the Observation Deck. Besides taking in the excellent vistas, don’t miss getting a close-up look at the massive damper housed here. The damper weighs a whopping 660 tons and stabilizes the tower during strong winds or typhoons.

Just a word of warning – the Observation Deck’s lines are always long, and one could easily queue for hours. Grab a fast track pass to skip the lines. 

Insider’s Tips:  While here, don’t miss Taiwan’s very own Michelin Star restaurant  Din Tai Fung  (鼎泰豐). The eatery serves up the juiciest xiao long bao ever! If time permits, take a stroll through the lively  Att 4 Fun  (信義店) pedestrian area. Here you’ll find loads of trendy hangouts, hip bars, Taipei’s coolest clubs, and great shopping hotspots. A few blocks further, explore the  Breeze Songgao Store  (微風松高) filled with shops, hip food trucks, and restaurants. There’s a great vibe here, so don’t skip it! 

Catch the sunset at Elephant Mountain

Just one stop down the MRT Red Line is one of Taipei’s most Instagrammable places – Elephant Mountain (象山) 

Popular among sunset chasers and nature seekers alike, Elephant Mountain offers spectacular views over the entire city bowl. While it’s quite a steep trek to the view points, the sights along the way will be more than enough reward. 

Depending on your fitness level, it takes about 20 minutes to reach the first observation platform. For the best views, though, continue on a bit further. There you can scramble up on the boulders and snap an iconic selfie with the entire city as your backdrop.

Feast at Raohe Night Market

After a day out exploring all Taipei’s iconic sights, it’s time to sample some of the city’s best street food. And the best place to do just that is at Raohe Night Market (饒河街觀光夜市).

Raohe is one of the most famous night markets in Taiwan , and no Taipei itinerary would be complete without a visit here. The best part? There are loads of street food snacks to try. These include bubble milk tea, grilled squid, fried chicken steak, pepper pork buns, and stinky tofu. Prefer to visit with a guide? Here’s a great Raohe night market tour .

Besides filling up with all the delicious food, it’s also a great place to bargain hunt. You’ll find everything from clothes, cellphone accessories, bags, earrings, and more here! If you’re looking to squeeze in a bit of shopping, the nearby maze-like alleyways of  Wufenpu  (五分埔) is for you. Here you’ll find tons of cheap clothing stores selling the latest Korean and Japanese fashion trends. It’s also a great place to practice your haggling during your itinerary in Taipei. 

2 Day Taipei Itinerary

With 2 days in Taipei, you can get a closer look at the city’s quirky pop culture, visit a few more historical sites, and of course, relish in its bustling food scene. 

Follow my sample itinerary above, and then on day 2 check out these cool places in Taipei. 

Browse the historic Dihua Street 

Start your morning bright and early with a visit to one of the city’s best-preserved streets, Dihua (迪化街).

Right in the heart of Datong, you’ll find a bunch of restored buildings dating back to the 1800s. It’s a great place to stroll, people watch and of course, get acquainted with authentic Taipei. Don’t miss the bustling market that sells a mix of weird and wonderful food, teas, spices, as well as traditional Chinese medicinal products.

After taking in the sights and sounds of Dihua Street, make a quick photo stop at the impressive 19th century  North Gate  (臺北府城 北門), which was built as part of the city’s fortifications. 

Enjoy the vibe at Ximending Walking District

Next up, head over to the massive pedestrian walking street of Ximending (西門町).

Ximending is a bustling youth district on the western side of Taipei City, rightly nicknamed the Shibuya or Harajuku of Taipei. With hip clothing stores, brightly-lit billboards, themed cafes like Modern Toilet (便所主題餐廳 西門店), and alleyways dotted with the city’s best street art, it’s not hard to see why its such a firm favorite among tourists and locals alike. All in all, Ximending is a great place to stroll around, shop, eat, hunt for street art, and people watch.

Another noteworthy attraction to check out while here is the  Red House Theatre  (西門紅樓), which showcases cheap live performances.  Ningxia Night Market  (寧夏夜市) is also just around the corner and is another great Taipei night market. Join this cool Michelin night tour at Ningxia  to sample the best street food on offer here! 

Check out the Quirky Displays at Huashan 1914 Creative Park

Built in 1914, Huashan Creative Park (華山1914文化創意產業園區) has quite a unique history. It was once a Japanese sake brewery, and then later a camphor refinery. Today, the park is the city’s most prominent art center and a popular go-to spot among art lovers and those looking to escape Taipei’s concrete jungle. 

There are several buildings to browse filled with cute artisan shops, designer stores, bookshops, as well as several gourmet eateries and hipster hangouts. Don’t miss the cool outdoor art displays dotted around sprawling gardens. 

Stroll through Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall

After getting a taste of Taipei’s artsy side, head over to Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall (國立國父紀念館). It is one of Taipei’s most important historical buildings and another interesting place to learn a little about Taiwan’s history. 

The memorial hall was built in 1972 to honor Taiwan’s founding father, Sun Yat-sen. The main structure features intricate architecture and is surrounded by lovely gardens, which also house a massive fountain. Within its walls, you’ll find varied exhibitions offering insight into Sun’s life and his revolution efforts.

Insider’s tips:  Nearby, take a gentle stroll through the city’s largest park  Daan Forest Park  (大安森林公園). Alternatively, head over to  JenGuo Flower Market  or  Jianguo Jade Market  (建國玉市). Both are excellent places to shop for souvenirs and quirky trinkets. The buzzing alleyways jolting off from  Lane 137, Yanji Street  are just a stone’s throw from here and are chock-full with hipster hangouts, themed cafes, hidden izakayas, and posh international eateries. If you’re not hungry, it’s still an excellent place for a walkabout or to grab a cuppa. If you’re seeking a boozy cocktail, head out to the Instagrammable  Drunk Cafe  (爛醉咖啡). Alternatively, grab an ice-cold beer at the city’s best craft beer bar,  On Tap . 

Taipei 3 Days Itinerary

If you have 3 days in Taipei, you’ll have more than enough time to explore the far-flung corners of the city and get a closer look at a few more must-see attractions. Follow the steps above and on day 3 of your Taipei itinerary, head out to these places below. 

Browse the National Palace Museum 

Start your day early with a visit to one of the city’s most iconic museums, the National Palace Museum (國立故宮博物院).

Housing more than 700,000 pieces of ancient Chinese imperial artifacts, artworks, and relics, spanning over 8000 years of history, the museum holds the world’s most complete Chinese artifacts collection. The National Palace museum is a treasure trove for history buffs and art enthusiasts, rightly deserving a spot on any Taipei itinerary! 

The museum entrance fee is NT$350, but since the lines are always long, it’s worth grabbing a  discounted e-ticket here  in advance. 

Visit Beitou Hot Springs

Most visitors to Taipei don’t know that actual volcanoes are right within the city’s limits. So next up on your itinerary in Taipei, immerse yourself in nature with a visit to the steamy thermal pools of Beitou Hot Springs (北投溫泉).

Beitou  is one of Taipei’s most popular side trips, and it’s not hard to understand why. Surrounded by lush greenery and the allure of abundant hot springs is what really makes this Japanese-inspired retreat such a popular go-to spot among locals and those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of urban Taipei. This picture-perfect setting is perfect spot to unwind!

If you’re not checking in at one of the luxurious hot spring hotels, like  Grand View Resort , head out to one of the outdoor public baths to experience the geothermal activity like a local. 

Other things to do in Beitou include visiting the  Beitou Thermal Valley  or “Hell Valley” (地熱谷), the  Beitou Hot Spring Museum  (北投溫泉博物館), the  Beitou Museum  (北投文物館) and the  Xinbeitou Historic Station  (新北投車站).

For a unique experience, enjoy a traditional Japanese ceremony at the  Taiwan Folk Arts Museum  (北投文物館), visit the  Ketagalan Culture Center  (凱達格蘭文物館), or stop by one of the incense-filled temples like  Puji Temple  (北投普濟寺). 

Looking to get off the beaten path? Head out to one of Taipei’s best-hidden gems –  Wulai  (烏來). Wulai is an aboriginal village neatly tucked away in the mountains. Here you can soak in hot springs, hunt for waterfalls, eat traditional Atayal food, and take a fun ride on the cutest little train ever! Read my guide on  what to do in Wulai . 

Wander the streets of Tamsui

After enjoying a slice of nature, head out to Tamsui (淡水) – a scenic little town located on the Tamsui River banks right at the edge of Taipei City. 

Tamsui, also often spelled Danshui, has a lot going for it. From a bustling Old Street chock-full with cute artisan stores, souvenir shops, and vendors serving up the freshest seafood imaginable to several historical sites and a booming craft beer scene. But even on top of that, the star attraction here is the incredible sunset. 

While you can catch an epic sunset from anywhere along the boardwalk, the best spot to watch the sun melt away over the horizon is at Lover’s Bridge . It’s a popular spot among love birds and photographers, so expect it to fill up quickly!

Oh, and don’t miss stopping by the incredible Wuji Tianyuan Temple if you happen to visit Taipei during cherry blossom season.

Insider’s Tip: For those traveling between Hongshulin and Fishermen’s Wharf , the newly built Tamsui light rail line is a fun way to explore the area. The Blue Seaside Line, which will connect the Tamsui MRT and the Fisherman’s Wharf is scheduled to be completed in 2024.

Eat your way through Shilin Night Market

The last stop on your 3 days in Taipei itinerary is Shilin Night Market (士林夜市). 

Shilin is a bustling place jam-packed with food vendors and stalls selling all kinds of bits and bobs. What’s more, it is probably the best and most popular street food market in Taipei! It’s the perfect spot to sample local street snacks and authentic Taiwanese cuisine. 

Since the area really only comes alive at night, make sure to time your visit here. Whatever you do, though, come hungry, because there are lots to try! 

Taipei 4 Day itinerary

With so much to do in Taipei, it’s hard to get bored. But beyond the buzzing urban hub, there are a handful of must-see places worth a visit. So, on day 4 of your Taipei itinerary, it’s time to explore the city’s outskirts! Think quaint little towns, lush jungles dotted with waterfalls, epic ocean views, and great hiking opportunities! 

Visit the rock formations at Yehliu

Yehliu Geopark (野柳地質公園)   is a unique place along Taiwan’s north   coast that’s well worth a visit. Fringed by the Pacific Ocean, this massive geopark is home to cool fossils and the weirdest rock formations imaginable. Some of the most notable rock forms to look out for are the Queen’s Head, Fairy’s Shoe, Bean Curd, and Dragon Head. 

Yehliu is a great place to stroll around, take in the incredible ocean views and scenery, and of course, hunt for bizarre rock formations. Don’t forget your  camera , because you’ll want to take lots of photos of this alien-like wonderland! 

Insider’s Tips:  There is a small entrance fee (NT$120) to enter the park, but you can also grab an entry ticket online in advance. While it’s relatively straightforward to visit Yehliu independently, joining a day tour will save you the hassle of planning a thing. Another good option is this  tour which includes a pastry making sesh. If you have your own set of wheels, also check out the Twin Candlesticks and Shen’ao Elephant Rock nearby.

See Taiwan’s widest waterfall 

Just 32 kilometers northwest of Taipei City, lies Taiwan’s very own mini version of Niagara Falls measuring 40m in width – Shifen Falls (十分瀑布).

The waterfall is tucked away amid a lush jungle setting, and there are tons of lookout points covering all angles of the waterfall. It’s an incredibly scenic place to visit and the perfect choice for those wanting to spend a day immersed in nature.

I’ve written an extensive guide on Shifen , which includes absolutely everything you need to know about visiting this beautiful area – from how to easily get there to what to do in the quaint little town, as well as other cool places to check out nearby. If you prefer to join a guided tour,  this one  is a great half-day option. 

Wander the lantern-filled alleys of Jiufen

A visit to Taipei (or Taiwan as a matter of fact) would simply not be complete without a trip to Jiufen (九份). Located not too far from Shifen, this gorgeous little town is perched on a hillside and offers epic views over the ocean and mountains.

While the views are incredible and stand testament to Taiwan’s mind-blowing natural scenery, there is yet another reason to add Jiufen to your Taipei itinerary. Often touted as the inspiration to Miyazaki’s Spirited Away, Jiufen’s true charm lies in its rustic alleyways strewn with dangling red lanterns, charming traditional teahouses, hot spring hotels, and phenomenal food scene. 

While most people visit here on a half-day trip from Taipei, I highly recommend staying overnight if you can. The night view is absolutely breathtaking! And if you love photography, you could easily spend hours wandering through the little alleyways. Also read my guide on how to get from Taipei to Jiufen for the easiest routes there.

If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, hike up  Keelung Mountain  (雞籠山登山步道) or join this  Jiufen Village tour  to see other highlights like the  Golden Waterfall and the Ying Yan Sea  (陰陽海). 

Itinerary for Taipei 5 Days

On the final day of your Taipei 5 days itinerary, enjoy a different side of the city surrounded by greenery right in the heart of town. Pop by the zoo, take a thrilling gondola ride, and see some of the world’s finest artworks on display. Then, end your day with a massive feast at the city’s top seafood market. 

Meet furry friends at Taipei Zoo

If you’re visiting Taipei with kids, it’s worth stopping by the Taipei Zoo (臺北市立動物園). The zoo is the largest zoological garden in Taiwan, and is home to more than 2000 animals from various species, including pandas and koalas! 

While it is one of the city’s top attractions, the grounds are massive, making it quite easy to get away from the crowds and enjoy the varied animal life at your leisure. If you plan on spending several hours year, pack a picnic basket to enjoy on the grass. Grab a Taipei Zoo combo ticket here to skip the lines. 

Enjoy a tea ceremony at Maokong

After visiting the zoo’s furry friends, head over to the Maokong Gondola to  take a fun ride in a glass-bottom car  over the mountain tops. Besides enjoying the views below your feet, the views of the city’s skyscraper-studded skyline in the distance are just as magnificent. 

Once at the top, pop into cute coffee shops or tea houses offering  authentic tea ceremonies  and traditional Taiwanese fare with sprawling tea plantations at their doorstep.  

Browse Taipei Fine Arts Museum

If you still want to squeeze in another activity before dinner time, hop back on the MRT to Yuanshan Station and head over to the Taipei Fine Arts Museum (臺北市立美術館). 

Here you’ll find some of the best local and international artwork displayed in an impressive geometrical building. The museum showcases more than 5000 pieces of traditional and contemporary art, but I highly recommend checking out the photography section. The entrance fee is NT$30, and the museum is open until 20:30 on Saturdays. 

Insider’s Tips: If you’re looking for non-touristy things to do in Taipei, a stroll through the dreamy Floral Tunnel (花之隧道) or a visit to the Lin An Tai Historical House and Museum (林安泰古厝) should not be overlooked.

Enjoy the vibes at AAD

On the last night of your 5 days Taipei itinerary, head over to the city’s best indoor seafood market – Addiction Aquatic Development (上引水產). 

This massive complex is home to several eateries, dishing up everything from hot pot and barbecued skewers to melt-in-the-mouth sashimi, huge crabs and more. 

There’s also an incredible deli where you can buy all kinds of imported goods, tasty snacks, fresh seafood and Kobe beef. 

AAD gets quite lively at night, so don’t come too late. If the restaurants are packed, grab a few snacks at the deli instead. There are many seating areas scattered around the market where you can sit back and enjoy your food. Also, don’t miss the sangria! It’s the best you’ll find in the city! 

5 Days Itinerary in Taipei Conclusion

Taipei is truly a remarkable city with plenty to keep you busy. I hope this Taipei travel itinerary has helped you figure out what to do and where to go in Taipei!

That wraps up this Taipei itinerary for 5 days or less. Do you have any tips for fellow travelers planning an itinerary in Taipei? Feel free to share your top tips and epic things to do in Taipei below! 

Need More Help Planning a Taiwan Trip?

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• Taitung Travel Guide

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October 9, 2023 at

Hello I am still confused of what to see in Taiwan…ours is pure cultural no adventure no beach. Can u help…with an itinerary For 7 nites..with 1/2 free days to walk around. Thanks Wynoma de Faria

October 11, 2023 at

Hey Wynoma,

Even if you’re looking for a more culturally oriented itinerary, there’s loads to do in Taiwan. With seven nights, you’ll have more than enough time to venture outside of Taipei and see a bit more of the island. Here’s some inspo:

– Spend 2-3 days in Taipei and visit the museums and temples. Check out the National Palace Museum, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Longshan Temple, and Taipei 101. Also, be sure to visit some of the night markets like Shilin or Raohe. – Take a day trip from Taipei to Jiufen. – Spend a day in Tainan (Taiwan’s ancient capital city). Visit Chihkan Tower, Koxinga Shrine, Anping Old Street, and the Anping Tree House. – Travel to Kaohsiung for 1-2 days and visit the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center, the temples and pavilions at Lotus Pond, and the Pier 2 Art Center.

Of course, there are loads more to see and do, but if you’re not really into nature/ adventure, the spots above should tick your boxes. Hope this helps!

December 19, 2023 at

Hello, I’m planning to visit Yehliu Geopark, Shifen and Jiufen for a whole day. I plan to go in that order and travel by public transport/taxi if needed, can you recommend me some bus/mrt I should take to go those places.

January 19, 2024 at

Hey Wendy, it might be tough to squeeze all three places in on one day, but if you start super early and make use of taxis/Uber it might be doable.

You can catch Kuo-Kuan Bus 1815 from TPE Bus Station. The journey takes about 1h30. From there, I’d suggest getting a taxi/Uber to the Ruifang Train Station so that you can catch the train Shifen. You can check with the driver if he’s willing to take you all the way to Shifen but it’s quite rural and it will be pricy. From Shifen, you’ll need to catch the train back to Ruifang from where you’ll need to get a bus to Jiufen. There aren’t many taxis in Shifen, but just walk around and ask the locals. We got a taxi there once and it saved us the hassle of dealing with public transport. It was rather expensive though for such a short distance.

Google Maps works extremely well in TW and once you have an idea of your timings it will give you the best options on which buses/ trains to take. Just make sure you check the timings of the last bus/train. Here’s a link to the TRA website if you want to get a better idea of the train schedules in the meantime.

January 17, 2024 at

I am traveling alone to Taiwan for 7D, possible to purchase a local day trip to Jiufengand Sifen Falls, another day trip to Tainan, and the third day to Sun Moon Lake? Please give me your suggestion.

Hey Sue, Jiufen and Shifen are popular day trips from TPE and there are loads of guided tours that will get you there (check on Klook).

Tainan is accessible from Taipei and the HSR (bullet train) can get you there is less than 2hrs. Here’s my guide on how to get to Tainan from Taipei . For SML, the best way to get there is to first take the HSR to Taichung where you can catch the bus to SML. I’ve written a guide on that too, see here . Just a side note, Tainan and SML are both really great places to visit with lots to do, so I recommend spending at least 2D1N in each to make the most of your time there.

February 15, 2024 at

Hello, I’m planning to visit Yehliu Geopark, Shifen and Jiufen for a whole day with my wife and would like to take a private tour (so that we can be flexible with the timing etc). Can you recommend any reliable companies that offer private tours? Thank you very much.

Hey TH, thanks for stopping by.

My go-to provider for tours in Taiwan is Klook . They have a wide selection of tours, so it’s easy to find the right option that suits your schedule and budget. (Here’s my affiliate link to all the tours they have to Yehliu, Jiufen & Shifen )

Alternatively, you can also check out this tour on GetYourGuide which has an option for a private tour.

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The Best Guided Tours in Taipei – On Coach, Foot or Bike

The best way to learn about Taipei, these guided-tours will take you around many of Taipei’s most famous landmarks and districts, either from the comfort of a coach – or if you’re feeling more energetic – you can bike or walk around some of Taipei’s most beautiful scenic areas. Food tours will take you to some of Taipei’s best restaurants and night markets where you can sample some Taiwanese delicacies.

Click here to see all my ‘best of’ lists

Taipei City Tour with National Palace Museum Ticket

Din tai fung dinner & raohe street night market guided tour, taipei night market michelin food tour in ningxia night market, taipei bike, metro, and walking tour, classic one-day tour, free half-day tour.

A great tour for first-time visitors to Taipei who are keen to see many of the city’s most beautiful buildings. This fully guided-tour will take you to the Presidential Palace, the stunning Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Martyrs’ Shrine, the National Palace Museum, the Grand Hotel and Xingtian Temple, all from the comfort of a coach. You’ll also witness the change of guard at both the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and Martyrs’ Shrine, and get a special pass to see the Presidential Palace which is usually only open to the public a few days each years.

Click here to read more about the Presidential Palace Click here to read more about the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Click here to read more about Martyrs’ Shrine Click here to read more about the National Palace Museum Click here to read more about the Grand Hotel Click here to read more about Xingtian Temple

This is a great tour for foodies who are keen to sample some of the best food Taiwan has to offer. You’ll first get to sample some of Din Tai Fung’s sumptuous dishes, including their famous Xiaolongbao. Most importantly, you’ll also avoid the long queues there, which often exceed an hour. You’ll then be taken to Raohe Night Market, arguably the best in Taipei for food (including some found in the Michelin Guide). Finally, you’ll be taken the to famous Rainbow Bridge, then to Songshan Ciyou Temple.

Click here to read more about Raohe Night Market Click here to read more about Din Tai Fung

Ningxia Night Market is a local favourite, and has numerous food stalls offering a wide range of delicious food, including several found in the Michelin Guide. You could stick to some safer options such as deep-fried taro balls or braised pork rice, or try something more adventurous such as pig blood cake or oyster omelette. Along with the English-speaking tour guide, you’ll get 5 dishes included in the price. This tour is also suitable for vegetarians.

For those feeling more energetic, this 3-in-1 bike, metro, and walking guided-tour will take you around some of Taipei’s most beautiful spots. Starting at the huge Daan Forest Park, you’ll then cycle to the magnificent Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall before taking lunch at Yong Kang street, famed for its many local eateries. After a 45 minute metro ride, you’ll take a hike up Elephant Mountain to get some stunning views of Taipei 101. The tour will end up at Songshan Cultural and Creative Park where you can visit some of it’s unique design spaces.

Click here to read more about Daan Forest Park Click here to read more about the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Click here to read more about Yong Kang street Click here to read more about Songshan Cultural and Creative Park

Other Topics

This full-day guided tour has a choice of 2 routes that will take you around many of the top attractions and areas in Taipei. Both routes are equally excellent, taking you to some historic buildings and vibrant areas. Click the individual links below to find out more about each.

• Lungshan Temple , Herb Lane, Bopiliao Historical Block
• Grand Hotel
• Chiang Kai-Shek Shilin Residence
• National Palace Museum
• Martyrs’ Shrine
• Shilin Night Market
• Four Four South Village
• Yongkang Street
• Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
• Presidential Office Building

Occurring on Saturdays and Sundays only, this free guided tour will take you around some significant attractions in the Wanhua and Zhongzheng districts of the city. You’ll begin at Longshan Temple, then on to the Bopiliao Historical Block, the Red House in Ximending, the beautiful Peace Park before finishing at the magnificent Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall where you can spend the remainder of the afternoon if you please. Although the tour is free, you’ll be expected to tip the guide at least NT$100.

• Longshan Temple
• Bopiliao Historical Block
• The Red House
• 2/28 Peace Park

If you have found the information on this page helpful, please take a minute to share this post by clicking one of the links below. Your support would be greatly appreciated :)

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One Day in a City

24 Hour Travel Itineraries to Make the Most of a Day in a Destination

One Day in Taipei Itinerary

November 30, 2020 By Gina Posts on this site may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here .

A 1-Day Itinerary for the Perfect 24 Hours in Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, is undoubtedly one of Asia’s most dynamic destinations. Spending just one day in Taipei is certain to provide you with a tantalizing sample of life in this global city and incredible country. A heady mix of the modern and traditional combined with a unique local cuisine will leave you wanting more.

This One Day in Taipei itinerary will help you make the most of your time in the city so you can see the top attractions and taste the best cuisine even if you have less than 24 hours to do so.

Getting Around Taipei

Taipei offers both a modern metro system (MRT) and extensive bus network to help you reach all the main attractions.

However, for those with just one day in Taipei the MRT is the quickest and therefore best option. Each attraction highlighted below in this Taipei itinerary will have details on how to get there via the MRT.

Opened in 1996 and with a number of extensions over subsequent years, Taipei’s MRT system must be one of the world’s most modern and cleanest networks.

With areas clearly marked on each platform in which to queue it must also be one of the world’s most polite. No need for constant requests to allow people off the train first here! And with announcements in English as well as Mandarin you will be able to understand such requests.

Comprising 131 stations over six separate lines and open from 6 a.m. to midnight seven days a week, Taipei MRT provides visitors with ample opportunity to reach all parts of Taipei and its suburbs.

Taipei MRT Cost

With just one day in Taipei and a number of destinations to reach the only ticket option to plump for has to be the 24 hour pass. Providing unlimited travel across the network for NT$180 equivalent to around £5.00 or $6.00 this is fabulous value for money.

Now for our itinerary that will give you a cultural and fun day in Taipei!

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

The best way to start your one day in Taipei is to head to Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, Taiwan’s most significant national landmark.

Dedicated to and named after Taiwan’s first President, this impressive monument is situated in the south of the city. With its own MRT Station on both the green Songshan-Xindian and red Tamsui-Xinyi lines, it is easily accessible from across Taipei.

Upon leaving the station, head first to the grand main gate, which is a fitting entrance to Liberty Square and the Memorial Hall itself.

Reached via two flights of 89 steps representing the age of Chiang Kai-Shek at the time of his death, the bright white Memorial Hall stands prominently against the blue sky beyond. The octagonal blue roof, a design similar to the modern Taipei 101 skyscraper (covered below), uses the symbolism of the number eight, a number in Chinese culture that is associated with good fortune.

Changing of the Guard

Before you leave the splendor of Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall you must see the unique Changing of the Guard ceremony. Held in the hall in front of the imposing statue of Chiang Kai-Shek himself, this ceremony takes place on the hour from midday to 5 p.m. each day.

Unlike its more famous London cousin, this Taiwanese version of the Changing of the Guard involves a lot more drama and theatrics. Two more guards bedecked in fine white uniforms enter the Hall accompanied by a senior officer. They don’t just walk or march though. Their leg and arm movements are very definite and abbreviated, a staccato display more akin to elaborate dance moves.

The next stop on your One Day in Taipei itinerary takes you from the grandeur of the Chiang-Shek Memorial Hall to a modern and world famous landmark: Taipei 101.

To get to Taipei 101, return to the MRT station and on the red line head west toward Xiangshan alighting at Taipei 101/World Trade Centre.

Taipei 101 was completed in 2004 and is one of the world’s tallest building with arguably the most beautiful skyscraper design. It has a blue-green facade rather than the more standard glass finish and a design echoing influences of Chinese culture.

Taipei 101 Observatory Deck

Taipei 101’s observatory deck situated between the 88th and 91st floors and is 382 meters high. It is the city’s most visited attraction.

Do what you can to time your one day in Taipei with a clear sunny day to enjoy the 360˚ panoramic views across the city to their fullest.

Taipei 101 Mass Damper

In a country such as Taiwan, any skyscraper design must withstand the power of earthquakes and typhoons. This is where the mass damper enters the fold.

This 5.5m wide, 660 tonne weight is suspended internally and is a popular attraction in its own right. It even has not just one but four mascots of its own.

The damper is incorporated within Taipei 101 to allow it to sway and move in accordance with the wind or ground tremors. In 2002 Taipei was hit by an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 and in 2015 a typhoon caused a one meter sway in the damper. Incredibly Taipei 101 suffered no damage after either incident.

Din Tai Fung Dumpling Restaurant

After experiencing two distinctly different Taipei attractions it is most definitely time for lunch.

Return to the ground floor of Taipei 101 and the four floor shopping center at its base. While the food court contains numerous fast food restaurants don’t consider anything other than the Din Tai Fung Restaurant.

Now boasting branches in countries across the world, Din Tai Fung is generally considered to be one of the world’s best restaurants.

Its most famous dish and Taiwan’s most popular is Beef Noodles Soup. Order one of these accompanied with a selection of dim sum and you can’t fail but be impressed. It’s a perfect meal choice to boost your energy levels before moving on to the rest of your one day in Taipei itinerary.

Elephant Mountain View of Taipei 101

To complete your visit to Taipei 101 you simply must head to Elephant Mountain. From here you’ll obtain the best view of the building itself.

The 15 to 20 minute walk east toward Xiangshan Station and the hiking trail beyond will also help you work off that hearty lunch you had! Which is also good because we’ve got more foodie deliciousness in store for you…

Raohe Street Food Market

Taiwan celebrates its cuisine and street food markets perhaps more than any other country in Asia, and Raohe Street Market is Taipei’s most famous.

To get there from Elephant Mountain and the glorious views of Taipei 101, return to the MRT network. Change at Daan on to the brown line and then Nanjing Fuxing on the green line; the journey to Songshan will take around 40 minutes. The entrance to the market is then just meters away.

Running for approximately 250 meters down Raohe Street, the market comprises two rows of stalls all offering a selection of delicious fast foods.

Highlights include fried chicken cutlets, served on the bone with a choice of toppings and some of the tastiest pork sausages you’ll come across anywhere.

Stinky Tofu

Amongst the many incredible foods and smells you will inevitably at some juncture be hit full force by the unique aroma of stinky tofu. This pungent odor is unmistakable and is unlikely reminiscent of any food item you’ve eaten before.

Stinky Tofu is one of Taiwan’s most popular ‘delicacies’, but was not a food experience we could bring ourselves to try, but maybe you’ll be more adventurous and want to give it a try!

After satisfying your appetite at Raohe Street the next and final stop on your one day in Taipei itinerary must be the district of Ximending.

Taipei’s shopping and entertainment district of Ximending is located in the west of the city and is similar to Tokyo’s Shibuya area.

From Songshan MRT Station head west on the green line, alight at Ximen Station and then leave via exit 6.

Ximending is Taipei’s first pedestrianized area, and it is the ideal spot to end your day with numerous shopping opportunities, theaters, concert venues, and bars.

Should you still be hungry or have changed your mind and want to sample some stinky tofu after all, Ximending is also home to Ximen Night Market.

Enjoy Your Day in Taipei

This One Day in Taipei itinerary is certain to tick off all the standard tourist boxes. The tradition and history of the Chiang-Shek Memorial Hall, modernity of Taipei 101, cuisine and local delicacies offered at both Din Tai Fung and the Raohe Street Food Market, and the vibrant, youthful district of Ximending will provide you with the best way to celebrate and look back on a truly fabulous day.

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About the Author: Paul is a blogger at thetwothatdo.com , which he runs with his wife Nicki, where they share travel stories, photographs, and experiences to help motivate you to strive for your own travel goals. You can follow them on Instagram and Pinterest .

I'm a former travel agency marketing director turned freelance travel writer. My editorial and copywriting work has been published on and in USA TODAY, Travel + Leisure, the Travel Channel Cities app, TripSavvy, and many more online and print publications. I especially love sharing my knowledge of traveling with limited vacation time, making the most of cruise ports of call, and vacationing with kids. I also enjoy sharing my favorite travel gear and products to make traveling easier!

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Home » Travel Guides » Taiwan » 15 Best Day Trips from Taipei

15 Best Day Trips from Taipei

Taipei is the sprawling, urban heartland of Taiwan, a city of intriguing Taiwanese culture, where modern and ancient customs and architecture fuse together in the light of a welcoming, local atmosphere that leaves international visitors looking to stay for longer and to uncover more of the mysteries of this eclectic destination.

Taipei’s location gives visitors staying in the city unprecedented access to a multitude of beautiful locations which are all just a day trip away, and if you ever tire of the city’s streets, then there are countless national parks and epic, natural locations to visit.

Just a short journey outside the city will bring you to the scenic vistas of the northern coastline, while on the edge of the suburbs are natural hot springs, quaint regional towns and traditional villages.

There are wide lakes, deep gorges and excellent hiking opportunities wherever you turn.

There are countless day trip opportunities from Taipei, but here are our favourites.

Jiufen was once an old Japanese mining town, built as an industrial centre during the late 19th century.

The mine has long since closed, and today, rather than the sooty, industrial town you may be imagining, Jiufen is, in fact, a quaint array of winding alleyways and colourful streets that reflect the vibrant Taiwanese culture.

It’s not far from Taipei, and offers a small town escape from the big city, while at the same time giving visitors a journey through the history of Jiufen, from Japanese colonisation to modern-day tourism.

There are beautiful sea views, rolling hills and an abundance of tea houses and small shops to explore.

Recommended tour: Juifen and Pingxi Day Tour

2. Beitou Hot Springs

The Beitou Hot Springs are found in the suburbs of Taipei and make for a relaxing day trip away from the city centre.

The Hot Springs are close enough to be accessible by the city’s public transport system, located close to an MRT station in the outskirts of Taipei.

This is a lovely green oasis in the urban confines of the city limits, and there are several bathing houses that channel water from natural hot springs.

The best one to visit is the Millenium Bath House, where there are several open-air bathing pools.

The Thermal Valley also needs to be visited, as this incredible hot spring is the source of the water in the bathing houses, although at this stage in its journey, the water is much too hot for bathing.

3. Yehliu Geopark

Yehliu Geopark is found near the coastal town of Yehliu to the north of Taipei, and it’s a spectacular place to spend the day.

This is a really beautiful area and a fine demonstration of the nature that’s waiting to be discovered so close to the capital.

The park is known for being the site of some really unusual geological rock formations, which are quite unlike anything else found anywhere else in the world.

The park extends for almost 2 kilometres from the mainland into the ocean, and along the length of it are strange and weirdly beautiful rocks, cliffs and other natural features.

Recommended tour : Private Full-Day Northern Taiwan Tour by Car from Taipei

4. Yangmingshan National Park

Yangmingshan National Park is one of Taiwan’s most loved areas of natural beauty.

The park is found to the north of Taipei, and as with much of the surrounding beauty, it’s just a short ride away from the city and easily accessible on public transport.

The close proximity to the city though, shouldn’t faze you, as this is an unbelievably spectacular place to see.

There is a multitude of hiking trails that work their way through the scenery and over the peaks and old volcanos that make up the landscape.

There are hot springs, cherry blossoms and much more to waiting to be seen at Yangmingshan National Park.

Suggested tour : Taipei Sunrise Excursion: Yangmingshan National Park

5. Jinguashi

Jinguashi is found close to the old mining town of Jiufen and has an equally intriguing history as an industrial centre set up by the Japanese.

It’s not quite as busy or as big as nearby Jiufen but offers an equally vibrant array of local history and culture.

It’s in spectacular surroundings too, and one of the best things to do here is to take on the Teapot Mountain hike, a trail which leads up to a nearby mountain peak from where you can enjoy vast vistas across the coast and the green landscapes that stretch endlessly into the distance.

Tamsui is a small town on the northern coastline of Taiwan that makes for a wonderful day trip from the city.

It’s not far at all, and Tamsui offers visitors a look at coastal life on the island, with a bustling old harbour and ramshackle streets that have stood here for generations.

Stop for some seafood, and stay for the sunset, because it’s said by locals that a sunset here, in the perfect position on the coast, is the best sunset that can be enjoyed in Taiwan.

Wulai is found in the mountains near Taipei, and it offers an intriguing look at Taiwan’s indigenous culture, much of which has over the years been unfortunately displaced by colonizers and mainland Chinese.

Wulai is home to a large group of Taiwan’s true locals and it’s a great place to learn more about this understated aspect of Taiwan’s history.

There are many shops and restaurants with an indigenous flair, while many visitors also travel here from the city to experience the cool mountain climes and the many natural hot springs.

Situated on the coast to the southeast of Taipei is Yilan, bordered on one side by rugged mountains and on the other by the open ocean.

It’s a stunning location and there is much to do here.

Explore the streets of Yilan City, visit the local markets, and as with everywhere in Taiwan, soak in the hot springs and baths.

Trek out to the countryside in search of the powerful Wufengchi Waterfall or take on one of the numerous hiking trails into the mountains.

9. Sun Moon Lake

Sun Moon Lake has the distinction of being Taiwan’s largest lake.

This beautiful area is found in the rolling hills of central Taiwan, and it makes for a long day trip from Taipei, but one you won’t regret.

There are hiking trails around the perimeter and into the mountains, while it’s easy to catch a ride on the ferries that travel across the water from one end to the next.

Included in : Best of Taiwan 5-Day Tour

10. Thousand Island Lake

A little closer to Taipei, the Thousand Island Lake is an equally unique and attractive destination to visit.

This isn’t really a lake, as such, but more a scenic panorama of the beautiful, turquoise waters of the river, which flow through a maze of inlets more reminiscent of a Norwegian fjord than a Taiwanese lake.

It’s a glorious sight, and the surrounding area is home to many tea plantations which can also be visited at the same time for a taste of culture and a refreshing drink.

11. Taroko Gorge

To the southeast of Taipei is Taroko Gorge, a spectacular natural sight that stretches for almost 20 kilometres through rugged landscapes.

The gorge is protected as a national park because it’s quite unlike anywhere else in Taiwan.

The gorge stretches to the coast from the inland mountains, and there is a vast array of forests, hills and cliffs to be explored in an ever-changing environment.

There are some great hikes, including many which traverse the river that flows through the canyon on breathtaking, but slightly nerve-wracking suspension bridges high above the water.

Pingxi is another rural Taiwanese town that owes its origins to heavy industry.

The coal here in the countryside was exploited by the Japanese, but in recent years, Pingxi has seen a real resurgence as a tourist destination.

While you will find coal museums here explaining this integral part of the town’s history, the real reason to visit now is to walk the old streets, to pop into little tea houses and cafes and to generally enjoy the rural ambience.

In the area, you can enjoy some great waterfalls too, including the dramatic Shifen falls, where a cascade of water flows over the wide rock face into a pool below.

Puli is a charming town in the mountains of central Taiwan, and the perfect place to visit to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city.

It’s a quiet city and a place that is well known for being the home of the Chung Tai Chan Monastery, where modern culture meets with ancient Buddhist traditions in an unusual setting.

There are many other temples here to visit too, and nearby there are of course plenty of hikes through the spectacular scenery of this mountainous region.

Lukang has long been an important trading hub on the west coast of Taiwan.

Overlooking the strategic Strait of Taiwan, the mainland is never too far away, and through its history it has seen many colonizers and trading powers landing in its natural harbour.

Although it is not as important as it used to be, it’s a great little town to visit to experience the many multicultural influences that have over the years shaped both Lukang and the rest of wider Taiwan.

15. Keelung City

Keelung City is a big coastal destination on the northeast coast of Taiwan, and not far from Taipei.

It’s not hugely popular with tourists and day-trippers because most people just presume that is simply an industrial harbour city.

Actually, there is a lot to do here, and there are plenty of night markets serving up great seafood and Taiwanese specialities, as well as several historic forts, museums and plenty of hikes.

15 Best Day Trips from Taipei:

• Beitou Hot Springs
• Yehliu Geopark
• Yangmingshan National Park
• Sun Moon Lake
• Thousand Island Lake
• Taroko Gorge
• Keelung City

One Day in Taipei: 8 Things to Do

If you’ve ever flown overseas, you may recall how incredibly boring and uncomfortable the trip can be. Hours on end sitting in one position is a nightmare, and it’s even worse when you must change planes on the way.

You can avoid that if you book a long layover. Get out of the airport, stretch your legs, and see a new place for a few hours.

When we flew through Taiwan, we scheduled close to an entire day in Taipei for our layover. That gave us time for a Taipei city tour and to sleep in a real bed. It was so worth it!

Where to stay near Taipei airport

Which brings us to the most essential part of a layover: getting some sleep. There are bazillions of places to stay in Taipei to choose from.

Here’s the thing: When catching some ZZs between flights, you need to book a room in or near the airport. Consider it added insurance against missing a flight because you’ve slept too long. At the very least, you won’t have to fight city traffic if you’re running late!

We chose to stay at Novotel Taipei for our layover because it’s next to Taoyuan International Airport. Super convenient location for a transit traveler, plus, they have a free shuttle! That’s a big bonus.

Taipei in one day

Taipei is one of the cities that offer a free sightseeing tour to transit or transfer passengers. Anyone transiting with a 7- to 24-hour layover is eligible.

That was our plan too … until a last-minute schedule change made us ineligible. The airline bumped us to a later flight out of Taipei, and we’d be in Taiwan for slightly more than 24 hours. And even though it wasn’t our fault, they wouldn’t bend the rule.

Not wanting to miss seeing the best Taipei tourist spots (and waste valuable sightseeing time), we had two options:

• Do-it-yourself sightseeing. Find a one-day itinerary, then use Taipei’s excellent public transportation to see a few of the must-see sights on our own.
• Take a guided tour. Pay a local to plan the route, handle the dining arrangements, and manage the transport.

Why we chose a guided tour of Taipei

The more we thought about it, the economical DIY option seemed less sensible. Tired travelers like ourselves might not navigate a new transit system efficiently. Omigosh – can you imagine the horror of realizing you’ve gone in the wrong direction or got off at the wrong stop? What a waste of time, money, and (limited) energy.

Besides, this might be our only opportunity to tour Taipei, which is Taiwan’s capital. Who knew when we might return? It’s better to see all the best places to visit in Taipei in one day, and then if we managed to make it back to Taiwan we could take day trips and see more of the country.

We didn’t want to spend our hard-earned money on a tour, but then again, it seemed that DIY sightseeing wasn’t as wise an idea as it had first sounded. “Penny wise and pound foolish,” as the Brits might say.

Anyway, we found a Taipei tour that would take us to 8 sights in the most time-efficient manner. Our guide introduced us to the most popular and worthwhile attractions in the city.

I don’t think we could have seen that much if we had done it on our own, especially as first-time visitors. Besides, it’s nice to have someone share their insights and sight details.

ⓘ PRO TIP:  If you’d prefer to see the natural side of Taiwan, head to Taroko Gorge .

What to see in Taipei in a day

Our first impression was that Taipei is perfect for first-time visitors to Asia. It’s got an east-meets-west vibe, plus it’s clean and safe enough for a solo female traveler.

1. Presidential Office Building and White Terror Memorial

We began our tour with a stop at the Presidential Office Building . The building was a governor’s mansion during Taiwan’s Japanese colonization. Now, it’s used as offices, so there’s nothing to see inside. Still, it’s an important building and nice for a couple of photos.

1a. White Terror Memorial

I was more interested in a nearby memorial that our guide did not point out. Since I had never heard of the White Terror, I asked about it. She gave us a two-sentence history lesson, so I looked it up myself.

Briefly, the White Terror was a long period of martial law in which the government suppressed political dissidents and others. Triggered by an anti-government uprising, it lasted for 38 years and 57 days. Obviously, they are not proud of this period of Taiwan’s history.

2. National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Next, we drove to the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, arguably the best-known landmark in all of Taiwan.

Built to honor the founder of the Republic of China, its main hall houses a bronze statue of the hero. Downstairs is a museum of Chiang’s life, complete with sedans and uniforms.

We arrived near the top of the hour, so we were able to watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Even if you aren’t into memorials, the synchronized rifle twirling is worth watching.

3. Longshan Temple

Longshan Temple is probably Taiwan’s best-known temple. Dating from 1738, it was built by settlers from Fujian province as a gathering place for Chinese immigrants. Since then it has been rebuilt many times, thanks to earthquakes, fires, and even an air raid.

As we approached, our guide pointed out the dragon guarding the right door and the tiger guarding the left. Dragons represent power, creativity, wisdom, and good fortune. Tigers are powerful animals, symbolize heroism, and are believed to protect people from misfortune.

Once inside, we found the temple crowded with worshippers. On the 1st and 15th day of each lunar month, regular visitors will come to the temple to worship and petition the gods for favor.

We had arrived while a ceremony was going on. The chanting and gonging added to the experience as we walked among the faithful.

Longshan Temple is Buddhist and has a central hall with a statue of Buddha. It is dedicated to Guan Yin, sometimes called the Goddess of Mercy, who represents compassion in the Buddhist faith.

There are also side rooms with statues and altars to other Chinese deities. It would be interesting to learn how it all fits together in the worshipers’ minds.

4. Taipei 101

Taipei 101 is so named because it is 101 stories tall. We were scheduled to have lunch there, but our guide first took a short detour. She knew we would want to photograph the landmark and knew just the place to do it.

Dan and I shared a laugh when we saw a couple posing with a photographer. It seems that wherever we go we run across couples posing for their upcoming weddings!

In many countries, it is customary to hire a photography/clothing/makeup team to immortalize the event. Taiwanese can spend thousands of dollars on this part of the wedding, because outfits and locations can be quite elaborate.

Of course, Dan couldn’t resist capturing a few shots of his own!

Finally, lunchtime arrived and we headed to Taipei 101, the city’s most iconic sight. Of course, we got photos of Taipei 101.

I was surprised to learn that Taipei 101 actually has more than 101 stories. There are five floors below ground level as well. I’d suppose it could easily have been named Taipei 106, but regardless, it is still one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers.

Our guide gave us an hour’s free time here. She suggested we either:

• purchase lunch in its (massive!) underground food court or
• visit the observation deck on the 89th floor.

ⓘ PRO TIP:   If the weather is hazy, don’t waste your money on a a ticket to the observation platform. The view is only good in clear weather.

Food always wins with us, so we opted for lunch. Besides, we wanted to try some of the local beef noodle soup. Taipei likes it so much that it has an annual festival of its own devoted to this one, single dish.

If you’re wondering, our restaurant wouldn’t win any awards in such a competition. It was bland.

5. Lin An Tai Historical House

After lunch we were brought to Lin An Tai Historical House . This open-air museum is about 200 years old, which makes it one of the oldest houses in Taipei. Lin An Tai is a very refined Fujianese-style home. It was built by successful immigrants from Fujian, who designed and oriented to have especially auspicious feng shui.

Maybe I’ve become jaded, but my first impression was that its front wasn’t particularly impressive. Or perhaps I don’t yet know how to appreciate empty space.

No matter, because once we passed over the threshold, I was enchanted. Please see our Lin An Tai gallery for close-ups; there are too many to share here.

The 25-building complex has a traditional Chinese courtyard behind that meh facade is amazing. You will find that it comes complete with a pond, arched bridge, stepping stones, intricate carvings, and several pavilions.

Lin An Tai House is so unique that when road construction threatened its existence, Taipei opted to move the house piece-by-piece rather than tear it down. Unfortunately, they rebuilt the house in a less auspicious location, so they needed to create an artificial mountain with a waterfall to compensate.

More wedding photos!

Yup here as well. Never would the builders have suspected that one day the Taiwanese would use it as a setting for wedding photos!

6. Beitou Hot Springs – Thermal Valley

Taiwan is a volcanic island. We next drove out to the Thermal Valley, where we spent an hour exploring the Beitou Springs area with our guide. The temperatures of the springs are in the range of 55° to 58° Celsius (131.0°-136.4° F).

Taiwan’s hot springs are very effective in healing dermatosis and arthritis. Judging from the many spas and hotels in the Thermal Valley, this looks like a popular place to go for a bit of R&R.

I made a mental “ Note to Self : as I soaked my tootsies. This would be a great weekend getaway! I could definitely spend some time here. Not sure if we could fit a visit into a half-day layover, but I did find a day trip, which was kind of nice to know about.

Here’s the tour I found , in case you were wondering.

Ha-ha … here we go again. Can you guess what they’re doing here? (Hint: Notice the changing tent and the white dress.)

7. National Palace Museum

If you have the time, don’t miss this museum. It’s wonderful!

When Chiang Kai-shek had to flee mainland China, he managed to bring many of the country’s historic treasures to Taipei with him. Our next-to-last stop was at the National Palace Museum to see many of these paintings, calligraphy, ceramics and bronzes.

This single museum is said to house 10 percent of all the cultural artifacts from 7,000 years of Chinese civilization! That’s pretty remarkable, wouldn’t you say? We began with its most famous treasures, including the jadeite cabbage, the meat-shaped stone (created from banded jasper) and the Mao Gong Ding cauldron.

We then spent some time exploring the museum on our own. If you’d like to see more of the museum, here’s the link to our photo gallery.

8. Shilin Night Market

Our day in Taipei ended at Shilin Night Market, the largest night market in Taipei. Believe me, there are more delicious food and shopping options here than you can possibly imagine! And some you wouldn’t even dream of.

Shilin Market was the drop-off point, so everyone could stay as long as they wished before making their own way back to their hotel or next sightseeing destination. (The Jintian metro station is nearby.) However, we had all toured Shilin Night Market the night before, so they kindly offered to drive us back to our airport hotel.

Plan your trip

After spending a day in Taiwan’s capital, we are comfortable with our conclusion: If you think you can see all of Taipei in a day or two, think again. Taipei City has so much to offer that you could easily spend a week there and still not get your fill of its experiences. Take it from us: don’t be surprised if you want to return for more.

• Taiwan Tourism Bureau is a great place to begin planning your own trip.
• Visas – Citizens of 62 countries and territories can enter Taiwan visa free for 30 or 90 days. Find out if you need a visa here.
• Transportation – Rome2Rio will help you get around the city on your own.
• For more sightseeing, you’ll enjoy our Taipei photo gallery.
• Scroll around Google’s satellite photo map  for a good aerial view.

Other things to do in Taipei

What if you don’t want to spend all day touring Taipei? Here are some other ideas to consider.

• Taipei: Private Half-Day Tour by Car
• Taipei: 3-Hour Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings

If you’re inspired to visit Taipei for a day, here are some related articles and books to fuel your wanderlust.

• Aussie on the Road shared his one day Taipei experience.
• True Nomads’ guide to what to do in Taipei has more ideas.
• Taipei In A Day Includes: Taiwan From A To Z, First Edition

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Written by Linda

Linda is multilingual and has been to over 50 countries. Her insatiable love of travel, cuisine, and foreign languages inspired her to create As We Saw It, where she documents her trips, shares practical itineraries, and offers insider tips. She’s passionate about helping fellow travelers save time, money, and hassle, and loves to discover new places to explore.

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8 thoughts on “one day in taipei: 8 things to do”.

Do you know where is the landmark that you guys detour to take Taipei 101 on the old street? Look awesome

Check out the Military Families Community Park, Sisi Nan Cun,四四南村, South Village #4-4. Take the MRT Red Line 2 (Xiangshan) to Taipei 101 station. Take Exit 2, continue walking straight, then turn left onto Zhuangjing Rd. The complex will be ahead on the left side.

How much did you spend for this one day trip to Taipei?

Thanks for your question, Dianne.

We booked the Ultimate Taipei Sightseeing Tour through Viator and it was about $100 per person.

After the fact, I learned that Get your Guide, offers a Private Day Tour by Car, at $50 per person.

Despite the price difference, both have excellent reviews, so you’ll be happy with whichever one you choose.

I would like to check the price of this tour on 4 Dec for 5 adult & 1 kid (11 years old).

Are you referring to the Private Day Tour by Car on Get Your Guide? It’s $60 per person and is a private tour.

The Ultimate Taipei Day Tour that I described in our article is $100 per person and is not a private tour.

We have no personal experience with the Get Your Guide tour, but they are a very reputable company and the reviews of this tour are excellent. Considering that it is $40 cheaper per person and a private tour, I think it is an excellent deal. We probably would have booked that one if we had known about it before our trip.

I am visiting Taipei in december. How can I buy the tour you have described”ultimate Taipei day tours”

Hello Shin, Here’s a link to the tour: https://www.partner.viator.com/en/21121/tours/Taipei/Ultimate-Taipei-Sightseeing-Tour/d5262-6279TPEULTIMATE .

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One Day in Taipei: The Perfect Layover in Under 24 Hours | 2024 Travel Blog

Do you have a layover or only one day to spend in Taipei? If you have 24 hours in Taipei or less, I have put together the perfect itinerary to make the most of your short visit.  My one day in Taipei itinerary includes the best things to do, where and what to eat and where to stay in Taipei.

1 Day in Taipei Itinerary

Getting Around Taipei in a Day

If exploring on your own, the Taipei Metro system (MRT) is the best way to get around Taipei. The MRT is clean, safe and easy to use with English signs. If you plan to take several rides on the MRT or buses, consider purchasing an EasyCard . The EasyCard allows you to touch on and off without buying tickets each time so you don’t have to worry about having the correct change for each ride. For short distances, walking is very pleasant. Taxis are metered and easy to hail and are also a good option for getting around.

If your time is short and you enjoy guided tours, there are several half and full day tours that can provide you with an overview of Taipei, including this half day cycling tour or this full day tour . You can also book a customized tour by a local to fit your schedule and interests.

Best Things to Do in Taipei in One Day

These the best things to do in Taipei if you have 24 hours or less.

If you are relatively fit, start your morning with a hike up Elephant Mountain for beautiful views of the Taipei skyline including Taipei 101. The hike is relatively easy but the uphill stairs can be challenging to some people. If you prefer, you can also visit right before sunset and catch the views in the day and in the evening.

The entrance of the trail is a 10-15 minute walk from the Xiangshan MRT station (take exit 2).

2) Taipei 101

Visit the observatories at Taipei 101 for a good city view from above. Taipei 101 is one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world (it used to hold the record for the tallest building in the world). It is named Taipei 101 because it has 101 floors.  There is an indoor observatory on the 89th floor with a 360 panoramic view of the city. To avoid a long line, you can purchase a skip the line ticket here .

There is also outdoor observatory on the 91st floor which can be reached by climbing stairs from the 89th floor.   Here is the view of Taipei from the outdoor observatory of Taipei 101:

The bottom floors of Taipei 101 have a food court and a mall so you can do some shopping or just browse (as most stores are fairly pricey). For more information on the Taipei 101 see the Taipei 101 website .

3) National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

The national monument and landmark was erected in memory of Chiang Kai-Shek  and there is a large statue of him in the main hall.

A changing of the guards ceremony takes place inside the Memorial Hall every hour. The Memorial Hall is right next to the National Theater and Concert Hall. The grounds are large so I recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. Chiang Kai-Shek Hall is easy to reach by MRT as it has its own Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall MRT station.

4) Have lunch at Din Tai Fung

Din Tai Fung is famous for its dumplings. Din Tai Fung has restaurants/outposts all over the world but the original location is on Xinyi Road in Taipei. There is a long line but there are a few other locations in Taipei including one in Taipei 101 that have a shorter wait.

5) Visit a Temple

Visiting temples is another popular and free thing to do in Taipei. Taipei has some interesting temples including Longshan Temple, Baoan Temple and the Confucius Temple.

Longshan (or Lungshan) Temple is a multi-denominational temple and is one of the oldest temples in Taipei. Longshan was crowded with worshippers praying during my visit and I even ran into a service. Longshan Temple is located right next to the Longshan MRT station so it is easy to visit.

While called a temple, the Confucius Temple is technically not a place of worship but rather an educational center honoring Confucius. Simplicity is the dominant characteristic of this temple because Confucius valued simplicity. The Confucius Temple is not as ornate as the other temples I saw but the temple and its grounds are a peaceful break from the city.

Dalongdong Baoan Temple also known as the Baoan Temple is right across the street from the Confucius Temple so both temples can be combined in a visit. Baoan was beautiful and ornate and it was my favorite of the three temples. The Confucius and Baoan temples are about an 8 minute walk from Yuanshan Station.

6) Visit a Night Market

Taiwan is a foodie paradise and one of the best things to do in Taipei is visit night markets. The great thing about eating at night markets is that you can walk around and sample a bit of everything.

There are many night markets in Taipei. The most famous and also the largest night market in Taipei is the Shilin Nightmarket but it does get very crowded. Conveniently located near Longshan Temple, Snake Alley (also known as Huahssi or Huaxi Night Market) is another interesting yet touristy choice which is most well known for its snake delicacies including snake soup.

What to Eat in Taipei

If there is one dish you must eat while in Taipei, it is beef noodle soup (referred to as Taiwan’s national dish).

Some Taiwanese foods I recommend you try at the night markets include oyster omelet, Taiwanese fried chicken and braised pork rice. If you are feeling adventurous, try some stinky tofu. Make sure to also drink some bubble milk tea (which was invented in Taiwan) and pick up some pineapple cake for dessert (buy a few as they make great souvenirs).

To taste as much of the local cuisine as possible, I recommend this private food tour to try 10 of the best food items beloved by the locals.

Where to Stay in Taipei

Taipei has no shortage of places to stay. These are my top picks for where to stay in Taipei:

W Taipei.   If you are looking for a luxury hotel, W Taipei is one of the best hotels in Taipei.  It is conveniently located near Taipei 101 and has a great outdoor pool. Click here to see the latest prices .

Dandy Hotel – Tianmu Branch is a good value hotel with great breakfast and clean rooms. Click here to see the latest prices .

Gloria Residence.  This is a great choice for families and those visiting long term. Has a full kitchen and washing machine.  Click here to see the latest prices .

Bouti Capsule Inn. Bouti Capsule Inn is a hostel that gets good reviews with a convenient location close to the Taipei Main Station and free breakfast.  Click here to see the latest prices .

For more hostels options, here are some of the  best hostels in Taipei.

These are my top choices for the best things to do in Taipei if you have only one day . Have you visited Taipei? If so what would you recommend first time visitors see if they only have a day?

Related Posts

savvyglobetrotter

It’s surprising how much you can do in a day! The beef noodle soup sounds so good!

Night market looks amazing. That would be first on my to do list!

I would be all over those famous dumplings, and the night market is a great idea – you have to make the most out of your short trip!

Loved these ideas! The night market and memorial hall look so interesting. It is nice knowing you can do so much in 24 hours!

Taipei is on my bucket list! So happy to learn more about it!

I really want to visit Taipei and this gives me some great ideas. I always enjoy heading up tall towers

If the weather is great Taipei 101 is amazing. We went during the winter and had to change our schedule to visit because, twice, the weather was a bit too cloudy.

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Home » Asia » Taiwan » Taipei

19 BEST Places to Visit in Taipei (2024 • MUST-SEE SIGHTS)

Taipei is the modern capital of Taiwan. The diverse city has a great infrastructure and it’s easy to explore the key places of interest in Taipei as well as travel to nearby cities and towns. From one of the tallest towers in the world and a globally renowned zoo to places of natural interest and terrific shopping, Taipei offers plenty for everyone.

Taipei doesn’t feature on many travellers’ radars, particularly people from outside of Asia, and is often overlooked in favour of other East Asian cities. It can be difficult to find information on what to see and do if you are planning a trip to Taipei, especially if you want to hit up more offbeat attractions and head off the beaten path.

With this ultimate list of the best places to visit in Taipei, you’ll be able to make sure to cover all the top attractions. No matter your age or travelling style you’ll find plenty of reasons to add Taipei to your travel wish list.

Warning: some of these best places to visit in Taipei are sure to surprise you!

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Taipei:

These are the best places to visit in taipei, faq on the best places to visit in taipei, final thoughts on the best places to visit in taipei.

Datong is the perfect place to stay if you are travelling on a shoestring budget. It is located just north of Zhongzheng and remains very central to explore Taipei’s many destinations.

• Take a look at the humble features of the Confucius Temple
• On the contrary, marvel at Bao’an Temple, one of Taipei’s most ornate temples
• Try some local delicacies at the Ningxia Night Market

And now onto the fun stuff … here are the best places to visit in Taipei:

Ready for the breakdown of Taipei’s must-see places? Don’t miss these gems. These are the top things to see for crafting the ultimate Taipei itinerary!

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#1 – Taipei 101 – One of the most amazing places in Taipei

• Eco-friendly structure
• Among the world’s tallest towers
• Rich symbolism
• Sweeping views

Why it’s awesome: This is top of the Taipei places to visit list for good reason. Up there, you feel top of the world! Shaped like a traditional pagoda and standing at 508 meters (1,667 feet) tall, the soaring Taipei 101 was once the world’s tallest tower. It’s is still said to be the biggest green building in the world, both because of the coloured glass on its facades and due to its many environmentally friendly features.

Steeped in symbolism, the impressive tower has 101 floors. One hundred is usually viewed as perfection, so this gleaming modern tower goes one step beyond being perfect! There’s a large and luxurious shopping mall next to the tower and inside there are various offices, an observation level, displays, a conference centre, and a VIP Club.

What to do there: Ride in the super-fast elevators to reach the observation levels, with both indoor and outdoor viewing areas to enjoy. Feast your eyes on the sweeping city views and see interesting displays related to the tower’s construction, use, and symbolism. Spot various symbolic features around the tower and see many of the best places in Taipei from a completely different perspective.

#2 – Taipei Zoo – Awesome place to visit in Taipei with kids

• Beautiful landscaping
• Home to diverse creatures
• Educational exhibits

Why it’s awesome: The largest zoo in Asia and one of the biggest zoos in the world, the modern and well-kept Taipei Zoo is often said to be among the best zoos on the planet. Spread over a large area, the zoo is home to an abundance of interesting species from across the globe.

Admission costs are low and it’s a fantastic place to spend a fun-filled day with the kids. Indeed, it’s one of the best places in Taipei for a family outing. There are various places to eat and drink throughout the zoo and the terrain is stroller friendly. Lush gardens, wide, open spaces, and educational displays add to the appeal.

What to do there: Plan to spend at least half a day (if not a whole day) exploring the large zoo. Seeing the cute pandas is often a highlight for many visitors, though don’t be disappointed if they are resting in the air conditioning! The children’s theatre, insectarium, and nocturnal animal house are also often popular with younger visitors.

#3 – Shilin Night Market – A must-see in Taipei for foodies!

• Array of items
• Lively vibe
• Lots of street food
• Popular with locals and tourists

Why it’s awesome: Large and lively, Shilin Night Market draws many locals and tourists alike every day of the week. Stalls spread through a maze of streets, and you’ll find a great selection of local goods and international brands, usually at discount prices.

Some places have fixed prices and there are somewhere you can haggle so make sure you perfect your haggling skills . It’s especially worth asking for discounts if you’re buying in bulk. It’s not only a great place for shopping, though; Shilin Night Market is also one of the top spots in Taipei for delicious street food. It’s veritable foodie heaven!

What to do there: Stroll along the streets, letting your senses guide you as you sample a huge selection of local cuisine. Inhale the rich aromas, watch as vendors cook up dishes on the spot, and see an exciting array of delicacies set out to tempt the hungry.

Sink your teeth into things like fried buns, dim sum, stinky tofu, tempura, grilled meats, oyster omelet, and much, much more. Once you think it couldn’t get any better, pop into the underground Shilin Night Market Food Court for even more mouth-watering treats! It really is one of the best places to eat in Taipei.

Another famous night market in Taipei if you liked the Shilin Night Market is the Ningxia Night Market which is another great place to try some street food.

#4 – Longshan Temple – One of the most religious places to see in Taipei

• Long history
• Gorgeous architecture
• Spiritual ambience
• Ornate statues

Why it’s awesome: Built in the late 1730s by people from Fujian, Taipei’s Longshan Temple became a major spiritual and community centre for settlers from mainland China; it was built in honour of an ancient temple in their home province.

Still an active place of worship today, it is also one of the most significant religious landmarks in Taipei. The Longshan Temple features ornate and colourful details and the vibe is tranquil and serene. It’s a place to go in Taipei to have a breather from the city.

What to do there: Admire the striking building from the outside, feasting your eyes on the decorative pillars and roof, statues, and grand doorways. Step inside, where you’ll likely see people praying and making merit, inhale the sweet smells of incense, and see even more spiritual statues and artwork.

Wander through the grand halls and pause to take in the details of the various altars. There are shrines to various Chinese gods and goddesses as well as to the Lord Buddha. As far as cultural places in Taipei go, this is one of the best.

#5 – Danshui River Mangrove Nature Reserve – One of the most underrated places to see in Taipei

• Interesting wildlife
• Pretty views
• Free attraction

Why it’s awesome: A short train ride from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, Danshui River Mangrove Nature Reserve is an interesting and peaceful outdoor spot.

One of the coolest lesser-visited attractions in Taipei, there is no charge to explore the nature reserve. Also known as Tamsui River Mangrove Nature Reserve, the area protects the large Hongshulin mangrove swamp as well as all the creatures that call the salty swamp home.

What to do there: Step into the small but informative education centre to learn more about the swamp and its eco-diversity before wandering along the boardwalk. Peer into the mangroves to spot an array of flora and fauna. Some of the most unusual creatures to look out for are the curious mudskippers – fish that can walk on land.

You’re also likely to see crabs and many types of birds. The ambiance is calm and there are great views of city life in the distance.

#6 – Jiufen – A very cool place in Taipei to go for a day

• Great shopping
• Plenty of photo opportunities
• Stunning vistas
• Historical vibe

Why it’s awesome: Jiufen is an old gold mining town in the wider Taipei area. Built by the Japanese, it is perched on the craggy mountainside near the coast. Easy to reach by road and rail from the heart of the city, it’s one of the most picturesque places of interest in Taipei.

There’s an olde-worlde vibe and plenty to see and do. The covered shopping area is especially popular and the views are beautiful. The town has featured in a number of movies and TV shows and if you’re backpacking Taiwan , be sure to include Jiufen on your itinerary.

What to do there: Visit the ornate Chinese temple and soak up the sense of spirituality and stand at the nearby observation point to enjoy beautiful views out over the water. Explore the two main hillside pedestrian streets of Shuchi Street and Jishan Street, pausing to look in the assortment of shops filled with an array of goods.

Stop for refreshments in a charming tea house and refuel in one of the traditional restaurants.

Although no longer open to visitors, you can see the outside of the historic Taiyang Co. Ruifang mining Operation Office and the now-derelict Jiufen Shingpeng Theatre, which was one of the earliest theatres in Taiwan. Feeling active? Go hiking up Mount Jilong and enjoy the terrific vistas!

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

#7 – National Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall – Possibly one of the most important places to visit in Taipei

• Magnificent building
• Interesting and educational displays
• Traditional guards
• Beautiful grounds

Why it’s awesome: Among the most famous places in Taiwan, the National Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall is a well-known city landmark and a popular tourist attraction. Located at one end of the large Liberty Square, the iconic blue and white building is an attractive sight.

Open since 1980, it was constructed to honour the memory of the late president. Inside there is a large bronze statue of Chiang Kai Shek, guarded by solemn-looking soldiers in ceremonial uniforms, as well as educational displays and a library.

What to do there: Climb the 89 steps that lead to the upper level of the memorial hall, noting that the number of steps represents the age at which the former leader died. See the large statue of the late leader and snap some pictures of the smartly dressed guards. Descend back to ground level to learn more about the leader and Taiwan’s history in the museum.

There are many interesting objects and artifacts and comprehensive information is provided in English as well as Chinese languages. It’s one of the best places to visit in Taipei to get more of a sense of the culture and history of Taiwan.

#8 – Fort San Domingo – One of Taipei’s coolest historical sites

• One of Taiwan’s oldest buildings
• Controlled by various powers throughout history
• Informative displays
• Pleasant gardens

Why it’s awesome: Located in Tamsui, the striking red-colored fortress of San Domingo stands on the site of an earlier wooden fort. The original fortress was built by the Spanish, while the present building was constructed in the 1640s by the Dutch. It was later expanded and fortified further by the Qing regime and served as the British consulate from 1868.

It was occupied by the Japanese during the Pacific War, then later passed back to British control. One of the oldest buildings in Taiwan, today it is a National Historic Site and among the most popular tourist attractions in Taipei’s district of Tamsui.

What to do there: Pay the reasonable admission fee and climb the shaded steps to reach the entrance to the historic fortress. See the flag flying proudly above before following the sightseeing route through the fortress’s diverse areas.

In addition to the red fort, the site also has the original gate that was constructed during the Qing era, leafy gardens, and the English-style former residence of the British Consul. You can learn more about Taiwan’s history and see varied displays, period furnishings, and artifacts.

#9 – Houtong – Quite the quirky place to visit in Taipei!

• Former mining town
• Home to many cats
• Unusual features

Why it’s awesome: A short train ride from the heart of Taipei brings you to Houtong, an old coal-mining town built by the Japanese that is now known for its many felines. The hillside town was abandoned when the mines dried up, leaving cats to roam free, multiply, and claim the space as their own.

Today, Houtong is a Taipei must-see for any animal lover, particularly those with a penchant for cats. Volunteers care for the animals and have created many cool and quirky cat-themed attractions. I dunno about you, but this is my personal best place to visit in Taipei!

What to do there: Get up close and personal with the friendly cats that call Houtong home. You can buy food to pamper the kitties, but don’t feed them human treats as it can make them sick.

See the feline-themed artworks that adorn many walls, spot the small houses built to afford shelter to the strays, and enjoy snacks and drinks in one of the quaint cafes. There are plenty of great photo opportunities and you can purchase a range of cat-themed memorabilia.

Cat town: top sight in Taipei!

#10 – Beitou – Great place to visit in Taipei for couples

• Unusual sights
• Diverse museums
• Places of natural interest in Taipei

Why it’s awesome: Although soaking in hot springs may not be the most obvious choice of things to do when experiencing hot and humid conditions, taking a dip is surprisingly relaxing and soothing. Beitou Hot Springs has a number of well-maintained and clean hot springs, with private changing areas and lockers.

Signs clearly state the temperature of each pool. It’s one of the best public hot springs around the city, though you will also find some private hot springs if you want a more exclusive experience. Beitou also boasts stunning geothermal features and several interesting attractions.

What to do there: Melt your problems away! If you’re looking for things to do in Taipei to take your mind off all those measly problems you left back home, this is the place to go!

Marvel at the milky blue steaming waters of Beitou Thermal Valley, also known as Hell Valley (closed on Mondays), set in beautiful natural surroundings. Discover more about the area at Beitou Hot Spring Museum, Ketagalan Culture Center, and Beitou Library. Stroll through the scenic Beitou Hot Spring Park and Plum Garden, visit the small and secluded Puji Temple, and soothe away any aches and pains in the hot springs.

#11 – Ximending – A great place in Taipei if you love to shop!

• Youthful vibe
• Energetic at night time
• Japanese influence

Why it’s awesome: Ximending is one of the best places to visit in Taipei if you’re looking for cool shopping with a trendy and youthful vibe. Lively by day and by night, it has a wealth of recreational and leisure options too. Made popular when there was a heavy Japanese presence in Taiwan , it has gone from strength to strength since the 1980s.

It’s easy to spot the Japanese influences still today, though there is also a strong local feeling too. Brimming with clothes shops and accessory stores, the area also has cool karaoke joints, cinemas, and eateries.

What to do there: Spend hours browsing in a large variety of stores in Ximending, trying not to get swept away in the exuberant crowds. It’s an especially great place to shop in Taipei for alternative styles and items generally associated with various sub-cultures. Try out new fashions and perhaps add some funky pieces to your wardrobe. Stop for a bite to eat in one of the local restaurants and, as night falls, sing your heart out in one of the KTVs.

#12 – Ghost Mask Museum – One of the more unique places to visit in Taipei

• Quirky attraction
• Cultural and spiritual insights
• Hand-made items
• Lesser-visited museum

Why it’s awesome: The Ghost Mask Museum started life as one man’s private collection of hand-made ghostly masks. Nestled down a quiet alley, visitors can peer at some 1,500 unusual masks, with some that are rather grotesque and others that border on the comedic. Seeing the creepy collection of masks is definitely among the most unusual things to do in Taipei!

What to do there: Gaze in curiosity at the large collection of masks created by sculptor Wu Jyh Chyang and appreciate the effort and passion that must have gone into painstakingly creating each item by hand. Some masks are embellished with various items, including animal hair, cigarette butts, and scraps of cloth.

The museum provides insights into local ghost beliefs and some seek to teach valuable life lessons and warn of punishments that await one in the afterlife if people fail to live a righteous life. This may not be the top must-see in Taipei for those with a deep-seated fear of their own mortality… but I think it’s awesome!

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#13 – Taipei Botanical Garden – One of the nicer places in Taipei to sightsee!

• Centre for botanical research
• Pleasant walking trails
• Various gardens
• Wide selection of plants

Why it’s awesome:   Switching gears from Taipei’s more morbid attractions, the Taipei Botanical Garden is home to some 1,500 species of plants… and super pretty! Established as a botanical garden by the Japanese in the early 1920s, there has been a garden at the same place for many decades. The pretty and peaceful garden is split between 17 different areas, with historical buildings, sparkling ponds, and well-maintained footpaths too.

What to do there: Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque botanical garden, admiring a wide range of plants and flowers from different parts of the world. There are species native to the island of Taiwan, as well as those from neighbouring nations and farther afield. Some species are rare and there’s good information provided about the various flora.

#14 – Taipei Fine Arts Museum – A great place to visit in Taipei if you are alone/traveling solo

• Lovely building
• Interesting art works
• Activities for kids
• Learning opportunities

Why it’s awesome: The Fine Arts Museum is a Taipei must-do for anyone interested in art. A great place for solo travellers to immerse themselves in visual creativity, the museum has been capturing people’s interest since 1983. It was Taiwan’s first art museum to focus on contemporary and modern art. Now located at Taipei Expo Park, it’s a cool place to go in Taipei to escape the heat and enjoy a few hours in air-conditioned comfort.

The building has interesting architectural elements and there are many thought-provoking and stimulating art pieces to enjoy. There are regularly changing temporary displays in addition to the permanent exhibits, and the museum often hosts a range of special events.

What to do there: Wander along the tube-like suspended corridors, soaking up the Chinese influences, peer out through the gigantic windows to see nearby landmarks and open spaces, and, of course, feast your eyes on an abundance of fascinating art. Pieces span from the start of the twentieth century to the present day and there are works by both local and international artists.

Aiming to take visitors through the history of art in Taiwan, the museum also houses a number of antiques alongside modern works. If you’re visiting Taipei with children, don’t miss popping into the Children’s Art Education Centre too because kids love museums of fine art!

If you want to visit some more sites in the area, the Taipei Confucius Temple is just a ten-minute walk away and is a really stunning Chinese temple that doesn’t take too long to see.

#15 – Yehliu Geopark – A beautiful outdoor place to visit in Taipei

• Natural attraction
• Splendid views
• Brilliant photo opportunities
• Coastal setting

Why it’s awesome: Yehliu Geopark is a fascinating natural attraction to add to your bucket list when you travel to Taipei. Although fairly remote, it is easy to reach by bus, making it an ideal day trip from Taipei. There are many interesting geological formations, created by the mighty powers of Mother Nature over thousands of years. The unusual landscapes are photogenic and there are amazing views out over the ocean so make sure you bring your camera !

What to do there: Walk along the coast, soaking up the views and marvelling at the unusual rocky landscapes. The cape runs for around 1,700 metres (5,577 feet), and highlights include features named the Kissing Rock, Sea Candles, Ice Cream Rock, Elephant Rock, Fairy Shoe, and Ginger Rocks. Take plenty of pictures of the stunning Queen’s Head. You can also pay a visit to the nearby Yehliu Ocean World where you can observe an interesting selection of aquatic creatures.

#16 – Dahu Park – A cool place to see in Taipei with friends

• Enjoy being outdoors
• Lake and mountain vistas
• Varied activities
• Home to local wildlife

Why it’s awesome: Located in the Neihu District of Taipei, Dahu Park was established in 1979. One of the city’s prettiest parks, it is known for its large and scenic lake. The park sits in the shadow of Mt. Bailushi. There are various leisure options and it’s one of the best Taipei vacation ideas for families and groups of friends looking for somewhere to unwind in nature.

Combining natural and man-made features, there’s plenty to keep you occupied for several hours and it’s also one of the best places to stay in Taipei . If you visit Taipei on the weekend you’ll likely find the park teeming with local families, but if you go on a weekday you can enjoy a quieter ambiance.

What to do there: Cross the pretty Jindai Bridge that spans the large Egret Lake and enjoy the views of the lake and the surrounding nature.

Follow nature trails through the park and spot diverse flora and fauna, relax in the traditional Chinese-style pagoda next to the water’s edge, have a go at fishing, unwind in the heated swimming pool, and enjoy a little TLC in the sauna and steam room. If you’re feeling active, climb Mt. Bailushi for terrific views over the area.

#17 – Taipei City Mall – The Underground Mall in Taipei

• A great place to shop for boutique clothing and souveniers
• Easily connected to Taipei Main Station
• The oldest market in Taipei
• A cool place to pass the time

Why it’s awesome: Taipei City Mall is an underground mall between the Daan and Zhongzheng districts in Taipei City. It was the first underground market to open in Taipei City though it’s had its share of history. In the 90s, the government decided to knock down the original market and build a new one. It opened in the year 2000, eight years later, and provided shops for the 810 market stalls that originally stood there.

Now, the 825-meter long underground mall is composed of modern shops, filled with boutique brands and traditional stalls intertwined. It connects to Taipei Main Station and the metro, which is right underneath the mall. So it’s pretty easy to get to.

What to do there: shop until you drop! It’s a mall, so of course, it’s the place to be to buy clothing and souvenirs. You can find contemporary brands or something a little more traditional, or you can find a cafe or restaurant to relax in and enjoy some good food.

#18 – Yangmingshan National Park – The Most Beautiful National Park in Taipei

• One of the 9 National Parks in Taiwan
• A great place to enjoy nature and being outdoors
• Hiking and wildlife activities available
• A quiet place to escape the busy city center

Why it’s awesome: The Yangmingshan National Park is one of nine national parks in Taiwan and is conveniently located between Taipei and New Taipei City. 

Historically referred to as Caoshan (which means Green Mountain in English) the national park is a breath of fresh air away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are some nice scenic spots in the park to enjoy a nice picnic or you can just enjoy being out in nature.

You’ll find hiking trails that take you through stunning gardens, over rolling landscapes and past the hot springs. If you are staying in Taipei City for more than a week I would definitely recommend taking the trip up here.

If you don’t have a lot of time and you want to see some nature, consider checking out the Elephant Mountain hike. The Elephant Mountain is located within the city close to the Xiangshan MRT Station.

What to do there: As it’s a national park, the best thing to do here is to unwind in nature and just stroll around the hills and gardens. 

If you’re visiting on a weekend, you can only get to the national park by bus. From Taipei Main Station, take the 260 bus or the Red 30/208 from Jiantan MRT Station. These buses will drop you off at Yangmingshan bus station where it’s just a 700 meter walk to the park entrance.

#19 – National Palace Museum – The Largest Collection of Chinese Artifacts in The World

• Largest collection of Chinese artefacts in the world
• In a gorgeous building that’s worthy of Instagram photos
• Located in the Shilin district, perfect for those who want street food after
• A nice, quiet indoor activity to do when it rains

Why it’s awesome: The National Palace Museum is known for its permanent collection of nearly 700,000 pieces of Chinese artwork, relics, and artifacts. This is the largest collection of its type in the world. 

Spanning 8,000 years of Chinese history, mostly from the Ming and Qing dynasty, but also dating as far back as the neolithic age. The collection of high-quality pieces was usually collected by Chinese emperors, and they are now on display for public viewing. 

Many of the artifacts used to be housed in the Forbidden City in Beijing, but during the Civil War in China, many items were moved to Taipei to protect them from getting destroyed in the conflict.

A total of 2,972 crates of artifacts were moved from the Forbidden City, which was only 22% of the original number of crates due to be sent here, but it is said that the pieces that made it to the National Palace Museum represented some of the very best of the collection.

What to do there: Walk around and enjoy the incredible artifacts, from pottery and ceramics, weapons, paintings, clothing, and tools. There’s so much to see here, it could easily take you a whole day. 

The exterior is also one of the most beautiful buildings in Taipei City. You should take your time to admire the outside as well as inside. It’s also located in the Shilin District, so if you go in the afternoon, you can head to the night market for some food after.

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Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Taipei

What is a free place to visit in Taipei?

The Danshui River Mangrove Nature Reserve is free to visit and a beautiful area in Taipei.

How many days should I spend in Taipei?

Taipei is a city you can see in a long weekend. 2 or 3 days is enough to see all the main highlights, but you might want to hang around longer if you want to do the hikes too.

What is Taipei famous for?

Taipei is famous for being the capital of Taiwan and the birthplace to bubble tea.

Is Taipei an expensive place to visit?

Yes, Taipei is generally quite expensive. However, it is still cheaper than Japan.

So, Taiwan is awesome and so is the capital; Taipei is filled with beautiful places to see indulging in rich culture and vibrant history.

I’d even say that Taiwan is criminally unexplored when compared to its other East Asian neighbours.

There’s no shortage of secrets in the city if you’re aching to break away from Taipei’s tourist attractions. Even if you stick to visiting Taipei’s popular places, you’re still going to have an awesome time!

Taiwan is a fantastic little island and another gem of East Asia with its own unique history.

When you get there, make sure you soak it up. Go to some places, hit up Taipei’s best destinations, and, most of all, eat yourself into that mother of all food comas at one of the incredible night markets, because there are so many. Whether you go to the Shilin Night Markets, Raohe Night Markets or Ningxia Night Market, don’t be afraid to try some BBQ.

And, most of all, have a blast!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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I want to buy a large paper map of Taipei that has the street names written in pinyin. Do you know where I can buy this kind of map?

I’m curious but I’ve read that the Ghost Mask Museum now has been closed. Do you know anything about this?

We haven’t heard about this. We don’t have anybody on the ground to go and check so if you find anything, please do let us know!

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A Simple 1 Day Taipei Itinerary – How to Spend 24 Hours in the City

So, you’ve only got one day in Taipei and you’re wondering how to pack it all in.

Taipei’s top attractions are spread out all over the city. Which ones should you hit or miss, and what’s the fastest way to travel between them?

In this article, I’ll tell you exactly what to see in Taipei in one day. You’ll take in the best sights and foods that the awesome Taiwanese capital has to offer, all in one attraction-packed day.

For this one-day Taipei itinerary, I’m going to assume you have one full day in Taipei and you’re spending the night. If you’re visiting on a stop at the airport and have even less than 1 day in Taipei, I suggest you head over to my Taipei layover guide instead.

Now, the clock is ticking, so let’s jump right into it!

Table of Contents

Getting to Taipei

If you’re landing at Taoyuan International Airport in Taoyuan city , your first step will be to get to Taipei city ASAP. Budget about one hour from landing to get through the airport. See my guide to navigating Taoyuan Airport like a boss .

The Airport MRT is your fastest option. It will take you 36 to 53 minutes to reach Taipei Main Station , depending on which airport terminal you arrive at and whether you happen to catch an express train (every second one) or slightly slower commuter train.

You can buy an MRT token with cash or an EasyCard (with option to add the best Taiwan SIM card ) and swipe in. Read my EasyCard user’s guide for all the deets on how this handy smartcard works.

You will arrive at the Taipei Main Station Airport MRT station located here . It is 150 meters west of Taipei Main Station (the large train station building here ) and Taipei Main Station MRT station here .

When you arrive, if you want to connect to the Taipei MRT, it will actually be easier to follow the underground signs to Beimen MRT station on the green line, rather than the further (and much more disorienting) Taipei Main Station MRT station.

For other a few other options to get into the city, including how to get there if you arrive in the middle of the night, see my guide to getting from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei .

If you’re coming from elsewhere in Taiwan, you will most likely arrive at Taipei Main Station as well.

What to Do with Your Luggage

If you’re arriving early in the morning, you’ll have the pesky problem of what to do with your luggage. I’ve got this whole guide to storing luggage at Taoyuan Airport or in Taipei . To sum it up here:

Very few hotels in Taipei allow early check in. Amba Hotel in Ximending (see on Booking / Agoda ), which I highly recommend, allows 9 AM check-in for an additional half-day price.

If you’ll be going back to the airport, you can stash your luggage in a locker or at Pelican Express baggage center, which has a location at each airport terminal.

If you won’t be going back to the airport, you can put your luggage in a locker inside Taipei Main Station (TWD 50 per 3 hours) or at the Taipei Main baggage center (better for multiple days or very large items) just outside the station, then pick it up when you’re ready to check in to your hotel.

Taipei One-Day Itinerary

Starting early in the morning, here’s how to make the best use of your 24 hours in Taipei.

Stop 1: Taiwanese Breakfast

Start off by fueling up for the busy day of sightseeing before you. Taiwanese breakfast shops are a glorious thing, and you really shouldn’t miss the chance to experience one. Here I introduce some of the most famous breakfast spots in Taipei and how to order Taiwanese breakfast foods .

There are several breakfast shops around Taipei Main Station and in popular Ximending neighborhood , which are both conveniently located close to where we will be heading next.

If you’re willing to invest a whole hour waiting in line, Fu Hang Soy Milk ( 阜杭豆漿 ) is the Taipei’s most famous breakfast shop.

It opens at 5:30 AM (closed Monday), and there will already be a long line before that. It’s a 10-minute walk east of Taipei Main Station or you can ride the MRT 1 stop to Shandao Temple. See my guide to visiting Fu Hang Soy Milk .

Stop 2: Longshan Temple

With your tummy now satisfied, it’s time to switch into serious sightseeing mode. I highly recommend starting your Taipei one day itinerary at Longshan Temple (龍山寺), Taipei’s most famous and important temple (find out how to pray for love in my Longshan Temple guide !)

To get here, ride the MRT Blue Line two stops from Taipei Main Station to Longshan Temple stop or one stop on the MRT Green Line from Beimen to Ximen, then transfer to the blue line and ride one more stop to Longshan Temple.

Longshan Temple is buzzing with activity early in the morning, especially local elderly worshippers. From around 6:00 to 6:45 AM, 8:00 to 8:45 AM, and 3:45 to 5:00 PM a daily worship ceremony takes place in the temple.

If you visit during this time, the temple will be filled with the sound of sacred chanting, performed by a group of (usually) women in front of the main altar. You are still welcome and free explore the temple at this time.

Before leaving, take note of the groups of elderly men playing Chinese chess in Bangka Park across from the temple. Also take a moment to stroll down Herb Lane (青草巷), running beside the temple, where shops sell various Chinese herbs and traditional ingredients.

Stop 3: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

With those sacred mantras still reverberating in your soul, it’s time to move on to one of Taipei’s most notable landmarks: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (國立中正紀念堂).

There are a few options for getting there. The fastest would be to just hop in a taxi. Second fastest would be to ride the MRT. You’ll need to ride one stop to Ximen on the blue line, then transfer to the green line and ride it two stops to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall station.

The third but slowest (and most scenic) option would be to walk. This would take 30 minutes, or slightly longer if you visit Bopiliao Historical Block (剝皮寮歷史街區) and Little South Gate (臺北府城小南門), one of the Taipei Old City Gates, on the way.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is an impressive blue-and-white monument to the former president and dictator of Taiwan. It occupies a huge square, which also has two commanding classical Chinese buildings ( National Theater and National Concert Hall ), stunning gate ( Liberty Square Arch ), and beautiful ponds.

Watch for the Changing of the Guards ceremony in the Hall (every hour on the hour). If you happen to be visiting in February, you can even see cherry blossoms beside the Hall.

Stop 3: Lunchtime

Are you hungry yet? It’s time to make some tough choices, as you will have tons of great options for lunch.

If you want to try Taiwan’s famous soup dumplings (小籠包 or xiaolongbao ), but you don’t want to wait in the long line for Din Tai Fung (see below), there are two great xiaolongbao shops right next to CKS Memorial Hall.

They are Hangzhou Xiaolongbao (opens 11 AM) and Shengyuan Xiaolongbao (both open at 11 AM). Xiaolongbao are not vegetarian, but both shops do have some veggie dishes as well.

Another option is to walk (10 minutes) or ride the MRT one stop to Dongmen MRT, where you can access Yongkang Street (see my Yongkang Street foodie guide ), a street with several famous restaurants.

Some of the best choices include the original Din Tai Fung original location , Yongkang Beef Noodles, or Space Bao for vegan dumplings. For dessert, you really can’t miss mango shaved ice at Smoothie House (one bowl is big enough for 2-3 people!)

If you feel like you have an hour to spare, experience traditional Taiwanese tea ceremony at this gorgeous teahouse before leaving.

Alternatively, if you need a breath of fresh air before moving on, take a stroll in nearby Da’an Forest Park, the largest in the city. Check out the wide array of local birds at the park’s large ecological pond.

Stop 4: Taipei 101 Observatory

Welcome to Taipei’s (and Taiwan’s) most recognizable landmark! You’ll need to set aside at least a couple hours for visiting this iconic skyscraper’s observatory, or even more if you’d like to further explore the building and perhaps do some shopping in the area. Find out how to plan your visit in my Taipei 101 post .

From Dongmen or Da’an Park MRT, 3 or 4 stops to Taipei 101/World Trade Center station . From there, follow the signs to Taipei 101 and find your way up to the 5 th floor, where you’ll need to check in for the observatory.

Buy your Taipei 101 tickets online . 89F ticket is the normal observatory, which actually includes floors 89 and a small outdoor lookout on floor 91. Choose 89F + 101F ticket if you also want to gain access to the 101F lookout (similar free through windows but higher), which is on the actual roof of Taipei 101.

Choose Fast Track Entry ticket if you want to skip the line (which is usually 30 min to 1 hr) and access the 89-91F only. For the most exhilarating experience, buy a Skyline 460 ticket , which includes an outdoor terrace on the actual top of Taipei 110, plus access to all the other floors AND skip-the-line entry (read about my Skyline 460 experience ).

The 89F observatory includes a ride in one of the world’s fastest elevators, 360-degree city views, a café, excellent souvenir shop, and the impressive earthquake damping ball.

If you’d like to further explore Taipei 101, there’s a great food court in B1 and tons of shopping in B1 to 5F. Simple Kaffa Sola is a café on the 88F with amazing views. Book a window-side table here (minimum spend TWD 3000, 7 days in advance) or join the queue in the café’s check in (1F) for one of the tables further back.

Around Taipei 101, there are several upscale department stores . You can also take a wild ride on i-Ride Taipei in an adjacent building. More off-the-beaten-track is 44 South Military Village (四四南村 or sisinan cun ), a cute art village housed in former KMT army barracks.

Stop 5: Elephant Mountain

Depending on your time, energy level, and the weather, you may also want to climb Elephant Mountain before leaving the Taipei 101 area. And if you prefer nature to indoors experiences, you may even just do this instead of Taipei 101 Observatory.

Elephant Mountain is one of the “ Four Beasts ”, four connected mountains rising right next to Taipei 101. The trailhead is a 15-minute walk from Taipei 101 or 10-minute walk from Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain) MRT Station. Find all the details and a trail map I made in my Elephant Mountain hiking guide .

It only takes about 20 minutes of climbing (uphill, stairs) to reach the most famous lookout point in the city. From here you can take your picture postcard shots in Taipei, with Taipei 101 dominating the view right in front of you.

Sunset is by far the most popular time to be at this lookout point. Expect big crowds if you’re there at this time. If you don’t love crowds, see my guide to many other great Taipei 101 viewpoints in the city .

If hiking is your thing, you can continue past this point to a vast network of trails on the Four Beasts, with the city views changing as you go. You could even finish at the northern end of the trails and walk to Yongchun or Houshanpi MRT Blue Line stations.

Otherwise, just make your way back to Xiangshan Station on the Red Line before continuing to the next stop.

Stop 6: Night Market Dinner

After taking in the sunset from either Taipei 101 or Elephant Mountain, you’re bound to be starving. Taipei’s legendary night markets are just now coming to life. The only hard part is choosing which one!

If you are absolutely starving and need to food in your belly NOW, go for Tonghua Night Market (also sometimes called Linjiang Street Night Market). You could walk here in 20/30 minutes from Taipei 101/Elephant Mountain trailhead, or just ride a few stops on the MRT to Xinyi Anhe Station.

Tonghua is known for having a decent assortment of very traditional Taiwanese street foods, despite its proximity to ultra-modern Taipei 101 area.

Serious foodies, however, may want to travel further to reach Raohe Night Market (40-minute walk or 10-minute taxi ride), considered by many to be the city’s best.

Another option would be Ningxia Night Market (a close second behind Raohe), Shilin Night Market (the largest one), or Nanjichang Night Market (the most local one).  

Stop 7: Ximending

For this “Taipei in one day” itinerary, I’ve decided to leave this famous Taipei neighborhood for nighttime, even though we were very close to it earlier in the day. Chances are that you might even be staying in Ximending, as it is one of the city’s most popular neighborhoods, especially for budget travelers.

Ximending is Taipei’s answer to Tokyo’s Shinjuku – super cool, neon lights, street art, people watching, and loads of quirky things to see, do, and eat. This is also a great spot to pick up some last-minute souvenirs in Taiwan .

Although GoogleMaps calls it “Ximending Night Market”, this is not a night market but a pedestrian-only shopping district, with only a few food stalls. To fully explore the neighborhood, see my guides to eating in Ximending and other cool things to do in Ximending .

Cap the night off with a drink on one the many bar patios beside Red Theater, the center of Taipei’s LGBTQ+ scene . For craft beer lovers, Ximen Beer Bar, The 58 Bar, or Driftwood (a taphouse of Taihu brewery).

Yet another fun option is Hankou 60 , a secret/hidden cocktail bar that is set up to look like a movie theater – it’s located on Ximending’s Cinema Street. There’s even a creamy cocktail that comes hidden inside a box of popcorn!

If you need a late-night snack before bed, see my list of 24-hour restaurants in Taipei !

And there you have it – one epic day in Taipei that you’ll be sure to remember for a lifetime!

The 15 Finest Luxury Hotels in Taiwan in 2024

Should you visit huaxi night market, taipei’s sketchiest market, 6 thoughts on “a simple 1 day taipei itinerary – how to spend 24 hours in the city”.

Hi Nick 🤗, I’ve just stumbled on your lovely website.

Just like you, we’re also a fan of Lonely Planet and my bf bought one for our Taiwan trip in March next year.

Here’s our “rough” itineray:

Day 1: Late afteroon arrival + Taipei (Beef noodle soup for dinner & night pics of Taipei)

Day 2: Alishan Forest Railway + hiking (overnight stay at Fenqihu)

Day 3: Alishan (sunrise) + Taipei (lunch at Din Tai Fung, Free Walking Tour afternoon session, dinner at Raohe/Shilin night market)

Day 4: Day Trip (Xinbeitou, Tamsui with sunset, private room hot spring at Xinbeitou and dinner at Raohe/Shilin night market)

Day 5: Day Trip ( Yehliu Geopark, Shifen, Jiufen with sunset and dinner at Keelung night market)

Day 6: Taroko Gorge National Park (overnight stay at Hualien)

Day 7: Hualien + Taipei

Day 8: Day trip – Yangmingshan National Park + hiking (with private driver)

Day 9: 1pm return flight

We might do some adjustments to our itinerary after reading some of your articles.

Kind regards,

Hi, sorry about this late reply. First, if you want to ride the Alishan Forest Railway from Chiayi to Fenqihu, you will need to get there very early in the morning. The train to Fenqihu leaves at 9 AM. If you go by HSR to Chiayi, you’ll need at least 30 mins to get from HSR station to train station in the city center. If you want to stay overnight in Fenqihu, you can do some hiking there, but you won’t be able to see the sunrise at Alishan the next morning. The only way to see sunrise at Alishan is to sleep at Alishan. Make sure to include enough time for getting back to Taipei in your itinerary. That’s 2.5 hours from Alishan to Chiayi HSR and 1.5 hours back to taipei, plus time to check in at hotel. It’s likely you won’t make it back in time for lunch. The rest sounds good though!

Hi Nick, Thanks for a lot of useful information. Flying out next week for 7 days, mainly in Taipei. I plan to go to Shifen for the lantern festival… Do you recommend taking the train or the bus there? Am a little confused about the options. I’m looking for the easiest way there (time and cost is secondary). Thoughts about bus 795? Thanks. Best regards Jan

No matter which way you go (train or special shuttle buses they will offer), it’s going to be very busy and taker longer than usual. Personally, I would choose the shuttle bus, as the trains have no limit, so people will just squeeze in like sardines. Please see my lantern festival guide on this website for the different shuttle bus options and where they depart from.

Hi again. Back home. I ended up taking the shuttle bus from Taipei Zoo. 50TWD for a return. Left around 10.30AM and it took little over 1 hr. The bus was not crowded going there. Had plenty of time to see the town, the waterfall and eat lunch. Got a great stand very close to the lantern launch area and some great pics and videos of 5 waves in total. It wasnt too crowded – less than I expected. Took the same bus back and only waited for a couple of minutes for standing space on the bus (left around 8.30PM). Again not crowded. Very well organized overall! I noticed that the waiting Line for the bus to Muzha was very long, maybe 1000 people, so I guess I made the right choice. Again, Thanks for a lot of useful info, I had a great time in Taipei – Even took a cooking Class of soup dumplings and beef noodles. Best regards, Jan

Sounds great, and thanks so much for the update!

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1 Week Taipei Itinerary: Top 25 Things to Do

What to do in Taipei?

Have you chosen to  visit Taipei , the  capital of Taiwan ?

Excellent choice!

To help you organize your stay, I have prepared  a comprehensive guide to the 25 best things to do in Taipei . Very practical, you will find  all the must-see places of interest  in Taipei and the surrounding area!

And that’s not all, in addition to  my advice and tips , I have also concocted  itineraries for you to visit Taipei in 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 days.

And as usual, at the end of the article, I give you my selection of the  best hotels in town according to your budget.

So  what to do and see in Taipei? 

Table of Contents

Visit Taipei: the must-sees

1. taipei 101 tower.

I start with the  must-see tourist site in Taipei  and which quickly became its emblem:  Tower 101.

Completed in 2004, at  509 meters high , it was  the tallest tower in the world at the time.  It will be necessary to wait until 2010 for it to be  dethroned by the Burj Khalifa  which is located in  Dubai  and which measures 828 meters!

Tower 101 is an  architectural marvel , it was designed to  withstand the worst natural disasters such  as typhoons and earthquakes, which are quite recurrent on the island.

Thanks to an ingenious system, a  steel ball of 660 tons in suspension  and able to absorb 40% of shocks, the tower is one of  the most stable buildings in the world.

Last peculiarity: the building has been certified as  the largest eco-construction in the world  thanks to its optimized management of water and electricity.

Like all the most famous towers in the world, Tower 101 has  panoramic observation decks  : one  indoors, on the 89th floor  and the other  outdoors, on the 91st floor.

From up there, you can enjoy a  360° view of the entire city  and the surrounding mountains.

To reach the first platform, you will take one of  the fastest elevators in the world  which reaches a  speed of 60km/h  and which will take you from the  5th floor to the 89th  in just 37 seconds!

Tower 101 is one  of Taipei’s most visited landmarks .

I really recommend that you book your ticket in advance  so as not to queue and avoid the hordes of Chinese tourists.

You have to buy  it by clicking on the button below: Reserve my ticket for tower 101 now!

There is also  a “VIP” ticket  so you don’t have to wait to take the elevators there and back.  Available by clicking here!

Some practical information  for visiting Taipei 101:

• Open daily from  9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Elevator access for the 89th floor is on the  5th floor of Taipei 101 Mall
• I advise you to  go up just before sunset  to have the day and night view
• To get to the tower: take the subway red line to Taipei 101 station, exit 4.

2. Elephant Mountain

The Elephant Mountain  is the best place to go in Taipei to  admire the view of the 101 tower and the city center . It is this view that is found on many postcards of Taipei.

But I prefer to warn you that the panorama is a little deserved and that you will have to work your calves a lot to climb to the top of the elephant  hill .

Count about  20 to 25 minutes  of climbing  only on stairs  and quite steep to get there. Lots of people stop at the  first viewpoint  where there is a big rock where everyone is queuing up to get their picture on Instagram.

There are even  special tours  where a local guide takes you to discover  the most beautiful photo spots  on the mountain.  Book here! 

I advise you to  continue a little higher , there are other  even nicer places to contemplate the view  and they are less crowded.

For the return, you can go back down the same way or walk a little more towards the left side of the mountain and go down again by other paths.

To reach the  start of the stairs for Elephant Mountain  : take the metro (red line) to  Xiangshan station  + cross the park following  the “Xiangshan Trail” signs .

The best time  to climb to the top of Elephant Mountain and enjoy the view is  at sunset. 

Remember to bring water  because there is nothing all along the way.

3. The National Palace Museum

During your  trip to Taipei,  I recommend you to  visit the National Palace Museum.

It houses an  impressive collection of Chinese art . No less than  690,000 pieces , most of which come directly from  the imperial palace in the Forbidden City of  Beijing . 

Of these 600,000 pieces, only  15,000 are on display , the rest would be kept in the galleries dug directly into the mountain behind.

You can admire a large number  of ceramics, jades or bronzes  from the most famous Chinese dynasties (Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing, the last dynasty of the Middle Kingdom). There are also many  calligraphies ,  old books  and  paintings.

Admission to the Palace Museum is included in  the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass .

If you don’t have it, I advise you to  book your ticket in advance using the following link: Reserve my ticket for the National Palace Museum now!

Practical information  for your visit to the National Palace Museum:

• Open every day:  Sunday to Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Friday/Saturday until 9 p.m.
• Free guided tour  every day at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. in English
• Audio guide available in French
• Count  2 hours of visit.

To reach the museum,  you have 3 solutions:

• Subway Red Line  to  Shilin Station , Exit 1 +  Bus R30 / 255 / M1 / ​​815 / S18 /304 / S19 / 300  (around 15-25 minutes ride)
• Brown line  to  Jiannan Road Station , Exit 1 +  Bus BL 7 or BR 20  (10 minute ride)
• Brown line  to  Dazhi Station , Exit 3 +  Bus BR 13  (15 minutes ride).

If you want to visit some of the  places of interest in Taipei,  including the National Palace Museum, and you have little time, I advise you to book  a half-day guided tour.

Lasting  4 hours,  it includes a visit  to the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial  (see below),  the Martyrs’ Shrine , a  visit to the Palace Museum  and a visit to the  Xingtian Temple.

Pick  -up in  front of your hotel,  transport  and an English-  speaking guide  are  included in the price.

Book your half-day  guided tour in Taipei by clicking here: Book my Taipei guided tour now!

4. The Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial

I continue my tourist guide of Taipei by  the memorial of Chiang Kai-Shek.

The memorial, an impressive building in size, was erected in honor of the  first president of the Republic of  China  who ruled Taiwan  from 1950 to 1975.

In  the main hall  of the memorial, you can observe  a large bronze statue  representing him and  watch the changing of the guard.  It takes place  every day and every hour  from 11am. Try to be there a bit early to get a seat at the front as it gets crowded.

Upstairs,  there is a small  exhibition retracing the life of Chiang Kai-Shek.

The memorial is located on  Place de la Liberté , a large esplanade bounded by  the Porte de la Démocratie  and bordered on one side by  the National Theater  and on the other by  the Concert Hall,  2 very beautiful Chinese-style buildings.

To access it, you just need to  exit at the Chiang Kai metro station  and you will be directly in the square.

5. The Confucius Temple

During your  stay in Taipei , do not miss to visit  the Confucius Temple.

Its architecture is  directly inspired by the largest temple of Confucius  which is located in  his hometown in China.

Confucius was  a sage and a philosopher  known for  his precepts  which influenced all Chinese  culture and civilization .  Confucianism advocated  ethics and morality.

To teach it to as many people as possible,  Confucius and his disciples  traveled for nearly 14 years. His students mainly studied  “6 arts”:  rites  ( ceremonies and cults),  music ,  archery ,  horse riding ,  writing  and  mathematics. 

During your  visit to the Confucius Temple , which actually consists of several buildings in addition to the temple, you can  discover his 6 precepts in detail.  There is a lot of documentation.

The site also houses  a small cinema  which shows  2 different 4D films  every 30 minutes: one on  the history of the temple  and the other dedicated to the 6 arts in the form of a cartoon.

Next to the main temple, there is also  a small workshop  where a gentleman  writes free cards  on which you can choose what you want to write.

 Practical information:

• The temple is  open Tuesday through Saturday  from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday  until 5 p.m.
• It is  closed on Mondays.
• Admission is free , as is access to the cinema .
• A brochure is available in French.
• To get there: take the subway to  Yuanshan station  + 10 minutes walk.

6. Longshan Temple

Longshan Temple  is also one of the must-see temples  in Taipei.

It is  the most famous temple in Taiwan  but also  one of the oldest and largest  on the whole island.

Built in 1738 , it has suffered a  lot of damage over the centuries  and wars but has  always been restored by the local community  and even enlarged afterwards.

The locals are very proud to point out that it is only thanks to their donations that the work has been financed each time. They are also  very numerous to come to meditate there every day  and to make offerings.

The atmosphere there is fervent  and truly typical.

Small peculiarity, the temple is not dedicated to a single religion. There are  Taoist and Buddhist altars.

Free entry.

To reach Longshan Temple, take the  blue subway line  to  Longshan Temple Station , Exit 1.

Not far from the temple,  you can also discover:

• The Guangzhou Street Night Market,  an authentic night market with many food stalls and fairground games.
• Bopiliao Old Street,  one of the oldest streets in Taipei where there are several historical buildings.

7. Other temples to see in Taipei

In addition to the temple of Confucius and Longshan, I advise you to take advantage of your  circuit in Taipei  to  discover the other temples of the city.

Here is a selection of my favorites:

• Baoan Temple,  a very nice temple located right next to the Confucius Temple. It is classified as a national historical monument.
• Qingshui Temple:  a very small temple that doesn’t look much from the outside but I found the interior really unique and traditional.
• Songshan Ciyou Temple,  very popular with local people, there are a lot of people making offerings. It is dedicated to the goddess of the sea, Mazu. Located next to Raohe Night Market.
• Taipei Tianhou Temple,  another beautiful temple located in Ximending district
• Xingtian Temple,  dedicated to an ancient Chinese general, Guanyu known for his bravery in battle. Many people make offerings to him in order to improve their careers.

8. Ximending District

To continue to do some sightseeing in Taipei, I now suggest you join  the Ximending district.

It is one of  the most lively and trendy areas  of the city where you can strongly feel  a Japanese influence  in the style of the shops.

There are plenty of  original and trendy shops  and many areas with  the famous lint-catching machines  that the Taiwanese love.

You can also eat in a somewhat special restaurant:  the Modern Toilet Restaurant . Here it’s all  about the toilets  and what you do there: you’ll be served  your food in toilet bowls  and you can  drink from a urinal .

On the other hand, I prefer to warn you, this is not where you will eat the best meal of your stay! Personally, I haven’t tried it but if you want to test an original concept, why not!

To  reach Ximending , take the  Blue  Subway Line to  Ximen Station,  Exit 6.

In the Ximending district, you will also have the opportunity to  discover the Red House . This large octagon-shaped  red brick building was built in 1908. It housed a large market when the Japanese occupied the island before it was turned into a cinema.

Today, the place hosts  several designer boutiques  and  a famous tea house.

Around the Red House there are several bars and shops for the LGBT community.

9. Maokong Gondola

This is one of the most popular  Taipei tourist attractions :  Maokong Gondola.

This  gondola , whose journey is  more than 4 km  and takes  about 30 minutes , allows you to contemplate a  very beautiful view all along the route  over the jungle and the city in the distance.

Attention to those who have vertigo because the climb is quite steep to reach  300 meters of altitude on arrival . Especially since you can choose (for the same price) to go up with a normal cabin or in  a cabin with a glass floor , to make it even more impressive.

Arrived at the top, you will find  several restaurants and tea houses,  the surrounding valley being famous for its plantations. Several houses also offer an  introduction to the tea ceremony.

There are also several  walks to do on foot.

Just next to the arrival of the gondola,  buses take you to the start of the trails  and also allow you to  discover the main sites of interest  in Maokong:

• The Right Line  takes you past Plantations, Camphor Tree Trail, Zhangshan Temple, Apricot Garden, or Taipei City Viewpoint.
• The Left Line  to discover Zhinan Temple, Monkey Mountain, Maokong Pothole and Tea Promotion Center.

I advise  you to get the explanatory leaflet  of the site at the start or arrival of the gondola. Everything is well detailed.

Practical information:

• Depart from Maokong Gondola right next to  Taipei Zoo subway station.
• The gondola operates from  Tuesday to Sunday  from 9am to 9pm or 10pm. Closed on Mondays.
• The round trip is included with  the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass.

10. Taipei Zoo

If you’re wondering  what to do in Taipei with kids , then head to the zoo!

It’s true that zoos in Asia have a rather bad reputation, but the one in Taipei is  well laid out  and  the decor is very natural , without cages and bars.

There are  several areas to discover:

• The Formosan Animal Area, dedicated to  endemic animals  of the island such as  bears, leopards and deer.
• An insectarium
• The Tropical Rainforest Area  :  elephants, orangutans, Bengal tigers.
• Australia Animal Area:  koalas, kangourous
• African Animal Area:  giraffes, rhinos, lions, hippos
• Bird World for  birds.

But  the stars of the Taipei Zoo  are undoubtedly  the giant pandas!  To be seen in the Giant Panda House.

The zoo being huge,  count between 3 to 4 hours of visit . There are restrooms and food stalls everywhere and the tour is well suited for pushchairs and wheelchairs, although it is quite steep.

You can also  take the little train to the top of the zoo and then walk back down.

Please note that the zoo closes at 5 p.m.  Don’t get there just an hour before closing or you won’t be able to see everything!

11. Taipei Night Markets

Want to know  what to do in Taipei at night ?

Easy! I suggest you discover  the many night markets in  the city. It is the ideal place to  test the culinary specialties  during your  road trip to Taiwan . All offer  many food stalls  and there is something for everyone.

On some, especially the more touristy ones, you will also find  clothes and souvenirs.

Small selection of the  best night markets in Taipei:

• Shilin Night Market,  the best known in the city. In addition to the stalls outside, check out the food court in the basement. Subway Red Line / Jiantan Station, Exit 1
• Raohe Night Market,  one of the oldest. Metro Green Line / Songshan Station, Exit 5
• Huaxi Street Night Market,    one of the most traditional. Metro blue line / Longshan Station, Exit 1.
• Guangzhou Street Night Market,  authentic and local. Subway blue line / Longshan Station, Exit 1

Continuing your  trip to Taiwan,  you will find that  each city has its night market.  Very practical, if you want to taste everything and are too lazy to look for a restaurant.

12. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial

Going to Taipei also means taking the time to  discover its history.

For this, I suggest you  visit the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial . The place is dedicated to the  founder of the Republic of China ,  Doctor Sun Yat-Sen.

This man,  a revolutionary,  played a big role in the  overthrow of the Qing dynasty  which allowed  the emergence of Modern China . He is known for his  “3 Principles of the People”:  nationalism, democracy and the welfare of the people.

These principles and the doctor, strongly  influenced the Taiwanese nationalist movement  and truly shaped the politics of the island.

In the memorial, you can discover  an exhibition retracing his life and his influence  on Taiwan.

The pavilion also houses  a large statue  representing him, where  the changing of the guard takes place every hour.

The building is  open daily from 9 a.m. to 6  p.m. Free entry.

Access by subway, get off at Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall Station.

13. From Tai Fung

Din Tai Fung  is considered  one of the best dim sum restaurants in Taipei.

It’s a  real institution  and has acquired  an international reputation  that I advise you to try during your stay in Taipei!

And rest assured, although the restaurant has been awarded   a star in the Michelin Guide,  the bill will not cost you an arm, the prices are really reasonable.

The  must-try specialty  at Din Tai Fung is  the Xiao Long Bao,  steamed dumplings stuffed with broth and meat.

I also particularly advise you to  take the braised eggplants  as a starter and to  test the shrimp and pork Wongton  which I found really delicious!

The restaurant is a victim of its success and there is at all hours of the day  at least 1 hour of waiting . It is  impossible to book,  you must take  a ticket with a number  to be able to have a table.

You will be given the menu at the same time to tick off everything you want to eat while waiting for your table. No need to stand in front of the restaurant, you can  follow the waiting time in real time on the internet or the dedicated application. 

There are  several Din Tai Fung restaurants  in Taipei. You have  the addresses by clicking here.

To avoid waiting , you can also book a Din Tai Fung  voucher in advance .  This will save you from queuing but on the other  hand the menu is imposed.

You will have all the details by clicking on the following link: Book my meal at Din Tai Fung now!

14. Miramar Ferris Wheel

Another  fun activity to do in Taipei  to admire the city from another angle:  a Ferris wheel ride.

Small particularity for that of Taipei which is located squarely  on the roof of a shopping center.  The tour, which lasts  about 1/4 hour,  allows  you to admire the view of all of Taipei  and the 101 tower by climbing  100 meters high.

I recommend you  do it at night  to see the city lit up, it’s much prettier and more impressive.

For more sensations, you can also  borrow one of the cabins with glass floors.

Jiannan Road Station  subway stop .

15. Miniature Museum

For a  somewhat unusual visit  and if you are wondering  what to do in Taipei when it rains , I recommend that you discover  the miniature museum.

You can admire several  miniature reproductions of famous monuments such  as  Buckingham Palace  in  London  or  the Palace of Versailles  in  Paris . There are also several reproductions of  scenes of life and old houses.

A part is also reserved for tales with  miniatures of Pinocchio, Snow White or Dinotopia. 

The museum is  very well done  and the reproductions really meticulous. It is one of the largest of its type in the world.

• Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed every Monday.
• Free visit with  the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass. 
• Tickets on sale here  if you don’t have the Taipei Pass
• The museum is located in the basement of a building: building B1, No. 96 JianGuo Road
• Access by metro –  Sangjiang Nanjing Station, Exit 5.

16. National Taiwan Museum

To continue on the list of  museums to visit in Taipei , you can also go to  the National Taiwan Museum  (not to be confused with the National Palace Museum!).

The museum is made up of  2 buildings:

• The main building  which hosts a permanent exhibition on the archaeological discoveries made on the island
• The Land Bank  and its exhibition dedicated to dinosaurs.

The National Museum is  open Tuesday through Sunday  from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Mondays. Entrance at NT$30.

Access by subway  red line,  NTU Hospital Station , Exit 4 or by  blue line ,  Taipei Railway Station,  Exit 5.

17. Huashan 1914 Creative Park

While vacationing in Taipei, you can also drop by  Huashan Creative Park .

During your  tour in Taiwan , you will see that almost every major city has this kind of  cultural park.  Some are more or less successful and interesting than others but it seems to please the Taiwanese who flock there.

The concept is always the same: we take  a former abandoned industrial site  whose buildings we rehabilitate to  host exhibitions  and  designer shops .

The place also includes  art or craft galleries as  well as  trendy cafes and restaurants.

The one in Taipei is  one of the biggest and best laid out  we saw during our stay in Taiwan.

Access by the  yellow  metro line,  Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station.

18. Di Hua Street / Dadaocheng

Dadaocheng  is one of  the oldest districts  in Taipei.

Walking around Dadaocheng means discovering  historic buildings , small  traditional houses  and  typical stalls  selling all kinds of  herbal medicines .

Don’t miss  Di Hua Street,  which is  the most authentic  in the district. You will find  sellers of tea, Chinese medicinal herbs  or  dehydrated fruits , as well as  coffee shops  and small restaurants.

Access to the yellow metro line,  Daqiaotou Station .

Northwest of the city center , in New Taipei, you can also go for a walk in  Tamsui.

The area is known for its  beautiful promenade that runs along the river  where you will also find many  seafood or fresh fish vendors. 

Also worth seeing  is Fort San Domingo , which dates from 1637 and now houses a museum:  the Tamsui Historical Museum . Admission is included with the  Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass . 

From Tamsui,  I also recommend  taking the ferry  (also included in the Taipei Pass) that takes you to  Fisherman’s Wharf .

This is where  the  Lover’s Bridge is located, one of the  best places to enjoy the romantic sunset !

To get to Tamsui, take the  subway red line  to the terminus,  Tamsui Station. 

From Tamsui, you can also easily get to  Wuji Tianyuan Temple  by taking  bus #875.

If you are lucky enough to be in Taiwan in March or April, this is  the best place to enjoy cherry blossoms  near Taipei!

20. Go shopping in Taipei

Don’t know  what to visit in Taipei ?

Why not take the opportunity to  do some shopping  in one of the  many malls:

• At the Taipei City Mall:  an underground shopping mall located below the Main Station.
• Chongqing North Road Street Section 1  and Taiwan Road, above the Taipei City mall: a very nice area with lots of shops
• The Ximending district  that I mentioned in point 8 of this top things to see in Taipei
• Bellavita Shopping Mall  for its luxury boutiques: Armani, Vera Wang, Tyffany & Co
• ATT 4 Fun  and its international brands: Zara, Gap, H&M, Forever 21
• Breeze Center Mall,  more luxury brands: Cartier, Gucci, Vuitton, Jimmy Choo
• Miramar Entertainment Park  and its cosmetics and accessories shops
• Taipei 101 Shopping Mall,  specializing in luxury: Versace, French Connection, Armani Exchange
• Wufenpu Shopping District  and its cheap clothes “made in Taiwan”
• Guang Hua Digital Plaza  for all things electronics
• Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Mall , for high-end shopping
• Far Easter SOGO  and its 14 floors of clothing stores for the whole family.

What to do around Taipei?

Now that you know what to see in Taipei, I suggest you  discover the surroundings.

From Taipei,  there are  several places to visit easily accessible  by bus, train or through organized excursions. Of course, if you have rented a car and plan to make a  trip to Taiwan , it’s even easier and faster to get there!

For your  car hire in Taiwan , check out the offers on  Rentalcars.com.  And don’t forget to get your international driving license!

Here is my selection of the  most beautiful places to visit around Taipei:

21. Beitou Hot Spring

Beitou Hot Spring  is the closest  hot springs to bathe  in around Taipei. 

You can even  reach them directly by metro. 

There are  several types of establishments  for bathing in Beitou, from the  classic public bath  to  rooms with private baths  in hotels.

For  Japanese-style public baths , women and men are separated and must  bathe naked.  For those of  Taiwanese style , everyone bathes in the same place and bathing  suits + bathing caps are compulsory.

As for the private bath, you can do whatever you want!

Here are some of the  best places to try hot springs in Beitou  (click on the links in orange to book):

• Spring City Resort Beitou Hot Spring Spa:  a hotel with several small outdoor swimming pools, including one reserved for families.  By buying your ticket directly here , you will even be entitled to a free shuttle between the metro and the hotel.
• The Gaia Hotel Private Bathhouse Hot Spring  for a private session or  in a public bath
• Beitou Hot Spring Experience at Marshal Zen Garden
• Millennium Hot Spring:  the most popular and cheapest public bathhouse with entry at NT$40. Mixed swimming + swimsuit.
• Longnice Hot Spring:  the oldest settlement in Beitou. Men and women separated and all naked! Entrance at 150$NT.

22. Le parc national de Yangmingshan

Around Taipei , I also recommend that you plan a day for  Yangmingshan National Park.

It is located about  30 km north of the city .

You can  go hiking  there and discover  the largest volcanic area of ​​the island .

• Qingtiangang Grassland,   a large volcanic plateau formed as a result of an eruption
• Yangming Park,   a landscaped garden full of flowers and fruit trees
• The village of Zhuzihu   with its rice terraces and its fields of Calla, a typical flower resembling a lily

If you don’t have a car to get there, you can:

1) Take the “Beitou Zhuzihu Route” shuttle  from  Beitou metro station  and then pass by the  main points of interest in the park.

Round trip is included in  the Taipei Fun Pass.  Route and timetable information  here.

2) Leave with an organized excursion.

3) Opt for a private tour with a driver  at your disposal all day.

To book using the button below: Book my private Yangmingshan tour now!

23. Yehliu Geopark

This is one of the most popular  tourist spots to see around Taipei:  the Yehliu Geopark.

The park is known for its  incongruous rock formations , the most famous of which, which is now  Yehliu’s emblem,  represents  the head of Queen Nefertiti  (Queen’s Head). You will even have to queue to photograph it!

The  geological site  also features  rocks in the shape of giant mushrooms , candles or fairy shoes. Yes, you read correctly…

If you have the  Taipei Fun Pass,  admission is included  in it and you can also  take the shuttle  from Taipei to Yehliu for free. Its name is the  “Crown Northern Coast Shuttle Bus.” 

There is also a  public bus, No. 1815  (Kuo Kang Bus) that  departs from Taipei Main Station,  east gate 3.

Without a car or without the Pass, I advise you to choose  an organized excursion with transport and guide  included. It’s really convenient as you will be  picked up directly from your hotel in Taipei.

To book here: Book my excursion to Yehliu now!

And for  private transportation , this is the tour for you:  Private Northern Taiwan Tour by Car. 

Jiufen  is one of the typical small  villages  not to be missed near Taipei.

To see in and around Jiufen:

• Jiufen Old Street  for its small stalls and food stalls
• At the end of the street, enjoy a magnificent panorama of Taiwan
• Ah Mei Tea House,  a very famous tea house. If you want to enjoy a tea there, it is better to  book right here!
• The Golden Museum  (the gold museum) to visit the old gold mine –  Free admission with the Taipei Fun Pass. 
• The Golden Waterfall,  a waterfall where tiny deposits of gold settle on the rock.

To  get to Jiufen , if you haven’t rented a car, you can take the  Gold Fulong Shuttle Bus.  The journey is  free with the Fun Pass.

In terms  of organized excursions,  I recommend this one: Book my Jiufen tour now!

Not far from Taipei, I also suggest you  visit Shifen , another  small traditional village.

Here too, the main street,  Shifen Old Street , is lined with  small shops.  Most sell  paper lanterns  because tradition dictates that you write a wish on it before letting it fly off into the sky.

A little after the village,  a 20-minute walk,  you can also see  the Shifen waterfall,  the largest in Taiwan. With its horseshoe shape, it is often compared to Niagara Falls in  Toronto ,  Canada  but it is still much smaller.

To go to Shifen from Taipei,  you have several solutions:

• The “Muzha Pingxi Shuttle Bus”  which is free with the Taipei Fun Pass.
• The train: the Pingxi Line  is an old railway line built under the Japanese occupation to transport coal. It is still in operation and makes it possible to reach Shifen via the mountains.

Visit Taipei with the family

To  organize your stay in Taipei with your family , I summarize here  the best things to do with your children  and I complete with some new ideas:

• Discover the many temples  of the city: colorful and lively, they will definitely like it
• The Ximending district with its lint-catching machines and the Modern Toilet Restaurant where they can eat a poo-shaped ice cream
• Taipei Zoo:  Animals are always a hit!
• Night markets  for atmosphere and entertainment
• The Miramar Ferris wheel
• The National Taiwan Museum  for the dinosaur exhibit
• Taipei Children’s Amusement Park:  an amusement park just for them. Included in the Taipei Fun Pass.
• Leofoo Village Theme Park  : a theme park with areas on Africa, the Pacific or Arabia. There is also a zoo and a water park.
• Core Pacific Living Mall  with its indoor playground and go-kart track.

How many days to visit Taipei?

I recommend that you allow  at least 3 days to visit Taipei.

There are a  lot of things to see  in the Taiwanese capital and as it will surely be the  starting point of your stay  in Taiwan, it will also allow  you to recover from the jet lag  before starting the tour of the island.

If you have planned  a longer stay  in Taipei (4, 5 days or 1 week), don’t worry, you will always find things to do and you will have time to  visit the surroundings.

I explain  how to visit Taipei in 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 days  just below:

Don’t forget that the  best way to save money  when  visiting Taipei  is  to buy the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass.

Admission is included to  16 attractions  and you can  use unlimited public transport  and shuttles to explore the surrounding area. Which is very convenient because you will mainly travel by metro.

If you  only want a transport card,  you have several solutions:

• The EasyCard  which gives access to the metro, bus, airport MRT and taxi. You will need to put money on the card to load it and it will count down with each ride.  Information and purchase online here.
• Transport Passes only for the metro:  One day pass / 24hr Pass / 48hr Pass / 72hr Pass – To be purchased only at the counter in the metro.

1 day in Taipei

If you have  a day to visit Taipei,  here is the program I suggest:

• Discover  Longshan  Temple and  Qingshui Temple
• Walk in  the Ximending district
• Photo stop at  the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial
• Elephant Mountain  Viewpoint
• Climb the  Taipei 101 Tower  Observatory
• Eat at  a night market  or at  the Din Tai Fung restaurant  located in Tower 101.

If you do  n’t want to travel by metro , to get an overview of the city, you can also  take the hop-on hop-off bus . Tickets can be  reserved here.

Another option  can also be to  book a car with driver  for the day. He will pick you up directly in front of your accommodation and the itinerary is fully customizable. Book your private day tour of Taipei by clicking here.

And if you are just  stopping over in Taipei for a few hours , I recommend  booking the half-day tour  with private driver. It is specially designed to discover  the must-sees of Taipei in a short time .

The driver will meet you at the airport and bring you back at the end of the tour. Book your private Taipei tour with airport pickup and drop-off. 

2 days in Taipei

Here is my suggested  itinerary for a weekend in Taipei:

• Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial
• Le  temple de Longshan  et le  temple de Qingshui
• Quartier de Ximending
• Your choice: Shopping at  Taipei City Mall  and the surrounding area or  Visiting the National Taiwan Museum
• District of Dadaocheng  and Di Hua Street
• Shilin Night Market
• Visit of  the miniature museum
• Promenade au  Huashan 1914 Creative Park
• Sun  Yat-Sen Memorial
• Ascent to  Elephant Mountain
• Taipei 101 Tower  to take in the view
• Dinner at  Din Tai Fung

3 days in Taipei

Are you going  to leave for 3 days in Taipei?

Repeat the  program of the previous 2 days  and for  the third day, add:

• Confucius  Temple and nearby  Dalongdong Baoan Temple
• Visit to  the National Palace Museum
• Ride on the  Miramar Ferris Wheel
• Wander the alleys of the  Wupenfu Shopping District
• Raohe Night Market

4 days in Taipei

For a  4-day stay in Taipei,  you have  2 options:

1) Take the Maokong Gondola  and discover the tea plantations and places of interest once you reach the top.

In the afternoon, visit  the Taipei Zoo.

2) Visit the Tamsui district :  the riverside promenade, Fort San Domingo, the lovers’ bridge and why not enjoy one of the adjacent beaches?

5 days or 1 week in Taipei

If you are lucky enough to take  a 5-day trip to Taipei  or even  go to the capital  of Taiwan for a week, take my  program for 4 days.

On other days  you will have time to explore the surroundings. A choice:

• 1 day in Beitou Hot Spring
• 1 day at Yangmingshan National Park
• Visit Yehliu
• Discovery of Jiufen
• Walk in Shifen
• 1 day excursion to Yehliu + Jiufen + Shifen

Where to stay in Taipei

There are  hundreds of hotels to stay in Taipei  and you can quickly find yourself lost when it comes to  choosing accommodation in the  Taiwanese capital.

A word of advice: always choose a hotel  near a metro station  so that you can get around easily.

I also recommend that you  book as far in advance as possible  to get the best price.

To help you decide, I have prepared  my selection of the best hotels to sleep in Taipei:

• Flip Flop Hostel – Garden:  Hostel located close to Zongshan Metro and Taipei Main Station, in the center of Taipei. Dormitory bed from €20, breakfast included. Most: very clean, comfort, location.  An excellent choice for cheap accommodation in Taipei. 
• MOSHAMANLA Hotel-Main Station  : located 600 meters from the subway and 10 minutes from Ximending. Double room from 45€. Most: the central location, the availability of staff, provision of washing machine and dryer free of charge.  A very good value for money for this hotel in Taipei.
• Horizon Inn:  located 10 minutes walk from the metro and 700 meters from the Museum of Miniatures. Modern and very clean double room from 75€, breakfast included. The pluses: the windowless rooms are super quiet, without any noise from the road, the varied breakfast, the friendliness of the staff.
• Chill Roof Hotel:  located 500 meters from the metro. Double room with refined decoration from 95€. Most: the decor, helpful staff, cleanliness, location.
• The Grand Hotel:  Iconic hotel in Taipei for its architecture inspired by a Chinese palace. Double room with balcony and view of the mountains from €140. Most: the swimming pool, the view, the setting, the free shuttle to the metro.  This is our recommendation for an upscale stay in Taipei. 

And a small  special luxury hotel section  for those who wish to treat themselves to a very nice hotel during their trip to Taipei:

• Caesar Park Hotel Banqiao:  5* hotel located next to Banqiao Station. Elegant and contemporary double room from €250, breakfast at €22. Most: the magnificent pool area with a view of the city, the very comfortable rooms, the excellent breakfast buffet.  One of the best luxury hotels to stay in Taipei. 
• W Taipei:  located just 5 minutes from the metro and 10 minutes on foot from the 101 tower. Double room with living area and large bay windows with a view of the city or the 101 tower from 370€, breakfast at 29 €. Most: the swimming pool on the roof, the delicious breakfast, the caring staff, the excellent bedding.  This is our recommendation for a luxury stay in Taipei.
• Mandarin Oriental Taipei:  This sublime hotel is located 300 meters from 2 metro stations. It offers elegant rooms decorated in an oriental but very modern style from 400€, breakfast at 33€. The pluses: the Spa, the outdoor area with its swimming pool, the refinement of the hotel.  Ideal for a romantic stay!

Where to eat in Taipei

Apart from  the Din Tai Fung restaurant  that I mentioned earlier in this Taipei guide, I don’t really have any specific restaurant recommendations for you.

There are  hundreds of restaurants, street stalls and plenty of night markets  spread all over the city. You will always find  something to eat at any time  of the day, no matter where you are.

On the other hand, there is a place that I really liked to eat:  Yongkang Street . It has lots of  small traditional restaurants  in addition to the famous Din Tai Fung. I’ve tried several and enjoyed each time.

Among my favorites,  I recommend:

• The Jin Ji Yuan:  their xia long bao are just as delicious as those of Din Tai Fung and there is no line!
• The Yongkang Beef Noodles  renowned for their beef noodle soup. Recognizable by the queue that stretches along the sidewalk.
• Bobii Frutii  for their bubble tea which is a bit out of the ordinary.

To get to Yongkang Street, take the  red or orange  subway line to  Dongmen Station, Exit 4 or 5. 

Taipei tourist map

To help you visualize the city a little better, I made you a   tourist map of Taipei  listing the places to visit that I talk about in this top 25 things to do in Taipei. You can display the map legend by clicking on the top left button with a small arrow.

And you, what are you planning to do in Taipei?

Jennifer Bringardner

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