Taiwan is among the most iconic journey locations in Asia. While you see a photograph of Taipei 101, you’ll instantly understand it’s Taiwan. However apart from this constructing that was as soon as the tallest on the planet, Taiwan has so much to supply to vacationers. From wealthy cultural heritage, to fashionable cityscape, to beautiful pure landscapes, it attracts vacationers who’re fascinated about completely different sorts of journey. Whether or not you’re seeking to hike via scenic trails, go to temples, or eat your coronary heart out at evening markets, this island will certainly offer you a visit to recollect.
Taiwan was our final vacation spot earlier than the pandemic unfold world wide and earlier than nations closed their borders. In reality, we even bought stranded right here due to it! So after we felt that journey goes again to regular, it simply felt proper to make Taiwan our first overseas vacation spot.
And now, we’re sharing with you a pattern itinerary you could comply with particularly if it’s your first time in Taiwan.
Be aware: This isn’t the precise itinerary we had for our journey. But when it’s your first time and also you need to expertise so much in Taipei, this itinerary is what we extremely suggest.
DAY 1: TAIPEI CITY CENTER
Arrival
- Landing Airport. While you land on the airport, you’ll be able to alternate cash or withdraw Taiwan {dollars} from the ATM so you have got native forex instantly. You may also purchase a SIM card or choose one up if you happen to pre-ordered on-line, so that you’re related as quickly as you arrive. Listed below are two choices from Klook!
- Make your option to town heart. Should you’re on a DIY journey, you’ll be able to take the prepare or journey a bus to achieve your resort. However if you happen to’re with a much bigger group, touring with seniors, or simply need a smoother journey, you’ll be able to e book a tour package deal with a good company in Taiwan like Edison Excursions, and even from the Philippines.
- Test in at resort. Should you arrive too early to test in, drop off your luggage on the resort and begin exploring.
Because it’s your first time, it’s greatest to see Taipei metropolis heart’s must-visit sights.
Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Corridor
In-built 1976 to honor one in every of Taiwan’s most essential figures, the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Corridor homes a large statue of him in the principle chamber, with a museum and library on the decrease degree.
Tackle: No.21, Zhongshan S. Highway, Zhongzheng District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C)
Nearest MRT Station: Chiang Kai-shek (CKS) Memorial Corridor Station (Purple Line 2 or Inexperienced Line 3)
Open: Every day, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entrance Payment: FREE
Solar Yat-sen Memorial Corridor
One other landmark constructed to honor one in every of Taiwan’s founding figures is the Solar Yat-sen Memorial Corridor. Solar Yat-sen is broadly considered the Father of the Nation, and this website celebrates his legacy with a grand statue, displays, and spacious grounds excellent for a leisurely stroll.
Tackle: No. 505, Part 4, Ren’ai Highway, Xinyi District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C)
Nearest MRT Station: Solar Yat-sen (SYS) Memorial Corridor Station (Blue Line 5)
Open: Every day, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entrance Payment: FREEBe aware: Since February 2024, the corridor is briefly closed for upkeep. It’s anticipated to reopen in 2026.
Taipei 101
Taipei 101 is essentially the most iconic attraction in Taipei. From 2004 to 2012, it held the title of the world’s tallest constructing till it was surpassed by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. On the prime, there’s an observatory the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in breathtaking panoramic views of the capital.
You possibly can safe your ticket prematurely on-line via accredited reserving websites like Klook!
✅ GET YOUR TAIPEI 101 TICKET HERE!
Tackle: No. 7, Part 5, Xinyi Highway, Xinyi District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Nearest MRT Station: Taipei 101 Station (Purple Line 2)
Hours open: Every day, 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Entrance Payment: NT$600
Elephant Mountain
Whereas the Taipei 101 Observatory provides an unbelievable view of town, the very best vantage level is definitely from Elephant Mountain. Lots of the metropolis’s iconic postcard photographs have been doubtless taken right here. The best time to go to is late afternoon so you’ll be able to benefit from the skyline by day, catch the sundown, and see town gentle up at evening. Simply take into accout, it does require a little bit of a climb, so it may not be appropriate for these with mobility issues.
Path Head: Lane 150, Xinyi Highway, Part 5, Xinyi District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Nearest MRT Station: Xiàngshān Station (Purple Line 2)
Entrance Payment: FREE
Ximending
Ximending is Taipei’s youth district, recognized for its vibrant leisure, eating, and buying scene. It actually comes alive at evening — shiny, bustling, and filled with power. Consider it as Taipei’s model of Tokyo’s Harajuku. You’ll discover world model shops, bars, cafes, and golf equipment right here.
The preferred space is Ximen Walker Road, at all times full of each vacationers and locals. There are additionally tons of meals choices round, making it an ideal place to seize dinner and wrap up your day.
Location: Ximending, Wanhua District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Nearest Station: Ximen Station (Blue Line 5 or Inexperienced Line 3)
Entrance Payment: FREE
DAY 2: NEW TAIPEI CITY
After exploring Taipei Metropolis, it’s time to go to New Taipei Metropolis. Although it’s a separate municipality, it’s typically grouped with Taipei Metropolis as a part of the Higher Taipei Metropolitan Space. Due to an environment friendly transportation system and each cities being progressive, you may not even discover that they’re completely different cities.
In your second day, let’s change issues up and escape the skyscrapers and buying malls. Journey to the countryside, visiting the charming districts of Ruifang, Pingxi, and Wanli.
Yehliu Geopark
Positioned on the northernmost tip of Taiwan, the Yehliu Geopark is legendary for its putting rock formations, set towards the backdrop of highly effective waves. It’s no shock that this spot is a favourite for photographers and vacationers alike.
Nevertheless, it’s a bit out of the way in which in comparison with different sights. Should you’re doing it DIY-style, be aware that the journey to the subsequent cease might take round two hours. To avoid wasting time, we suggest becoming a member of a tour, which minimizes switch and ready occasions. With out stops, it’s solely a couple of 45-minute to one-hour drive to the subsequent vacation spot.
Klook provides a day tour that features Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen, and Shifen, amongst others. This covers transportation, insurance coverage, and an English-speaking information.
✅ BOOK NEW TAIPEI DAY TOUR HERE!
For can even buy your entrance ticket forward of time on-line right here:
✅ GET YOUR YEHLIU GEOPARK TICKET HERE!
Tackle: No. 167-1, Gangdong Highway, Wanli District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Entrance Payment: Grownup, NT$120; Little one (6-12 y/o), NT$60
Jiufen Outdated Road
That is like stepping right into a scene from Spirited Away. Whereas it wasn’t the precise inspiration for Hayao Miyazaki’s movie, many say the city’s ambiance strongly evokes the enchanting ambiance of the animated world.
As soon as a gold mining city, Jiufen Outdated Road is now well-known for its teahouse tradition and charming streets. It’s a pleasant place to discover. You possibly can browse for souvenirs, take pleasure in tea or espresso in cozy cafés, or savor a meal in one in every of its quaint eating places. Widespread spots embrace Jiufen Outdated Road, Shengping Theater, the Gold Mine Museum, Mount Keelung Path, and numerous scenic viewpoints.
Location: Ruifang District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Tips on how to Get to Jiufen: From Taipei Primary Station, take a prepare going to Ruifang Station. Alongside Mingdeng Highway is a bus station (Native Residents Plaza) with routes heading towards Jiufen. Take bus Route 827 or 788. Going again to Taipei metropolis, take bus Route 1062.
Houtong Cat Village
Should you’re a cat lover, the Houtong Cat Village is a must-visit! Positioned only a 15- to 20-minute drive from Jiufen, this former coal-mining city has reworked right into a cat haven. In 2008, an area photographer captured the heartwarming sight of residents caring for deserted cats. Since then, the village has attracted cat fanatics from everywhere in the globe.
Apart from the lovely cats, you’ll discover statues and cat-themed memento outlets. The village itself is superbly scenic, nestled between a stream and a railway. And if you happen to’re feeling hungry, there are many snack stalls to take pleasure in some native treats.
Location: Ruifang District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Tips on how to Get to Houtong Cat Village: If coming from Jiufen, take the prepare to from Ruifang Station to Houtong Station. From Taipei Primary Station, take a prepare going to Ruifang Station. Then, switch to Pingxi Line to Houtong Station. One other means is to take a direct native prepare from Taipei Primary Station to Houtong Station.
Shifen Waterfall
This space will also be an ideal lunch cease since there are many eating places and meals stalls round. However if you happen to’re doing a DIY journey, be prepared for some strolling. The closest prepare cease is Shifen Station, which is a couple of 25-minute stroll from the beginning of the path. From there, it’s one other 15 to twenty minutes to achieve the principle viewing deck.
That’s why becoming a member of a tour is a great possibility, particularly if you happen to’re touring with seniors or youngsters. Tour buses can park nearer to the strolling path, making the journey a lot shorter and extra snug. Alongside the way in which, you’ll cross by stalls promoting snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. A number of the refreshments and bites you’ll discover are milk tea, lemon tea, recent fruits, and crowd pleasing atis (sugar apples) which might be surprisingly large!
When you resist all of the meals temptations, you’ll attain the first viewpoint close to the cascade, which is ideal for images. However for the very best angle, proceed alongside the path till you attain the fundamental viewing platform for Shifen Falls. Simply take into accout there are stairs, so it might not be appropriate for these with mobility issues.
Location: Pingxi District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Tips on how to Get to Shifen Waterfalls: From Taipei Primary Station, take a prepare going to Ruifang Station. Then, switch to Pingxi Line to Shifen Station. From there, you’ll attain the waterfalls in about 25 minutes on foot.
Shifen Outdated Road
Shifen Outdated Road is the place you’ll discover the iconic railway monitor that serves as the location for releasing sky lanterns. Should you determine to attempt the exercise, you’ll begin by writing your needs or messages on the lantern. When you’re achieved, a employees member will assist gentle it up, and you may watch it slowly rise and drift away with the wind.
The Pingxi District is legendary for its Sky Lantern Competition, held through the first lunar month — often in February. However you don’t have to attend for the competition to expertise this! Guests can launch sky lanterns year-round for a charge. After all, it’s not for everybody. Should you are inclined to marvel the place these lanterns find yourself after they fall, you would possibly need to skip it. However there are nonetheless loads of different issues to take pleasure in, like purchasing for souvenirs or sampling snacks from the stalls that line the tracks.
Location: Pingxi District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Tips on how to Get to Shifen Outdated Road: From Taipei Primary Station, take a prepare going to Ruifang Station. Then, switch to Pingxi Line to Shifen Station. The railway tracks run alongside the Shifen Outdated Road.
Raohe Night time Market
After the tour, it’s time to go again to town. For dinner, head to Raohe Night time Market, one of many oldest and most iconic evening markets in Taipei. As of writing, 4 meals stalls right here have Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition — an award given to eateries that serve nice meals at an excellent worth.
We have been in a position to attempt two of them. Probably the most well-known is the Fuzhou Black Pepper Buns, recognized for his or her crispy, charcoal-baked pork buns cooked in a conventional brick oven. One other must-try is the Chen Dong Pork Ribs Medical Herbs Soup. It could appear to be largely bones, however the meat is extremely tender and falls proper off. It’s heat, comforting, and flavorful. And whilst you’re right here, be courageous and check out the infamous pungent tofu, or snack on skewers from the various distributors. Then cap off your evening with a basic Taiwanese milk tea!
Tackle: Raohe Road, Songshan District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Nearest Station: Songshan Station (Inexperienced Line 3)
Open: Every day, 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Entrance Payment: FREE
DAY 3: NORTH TAIPEI TOUR
On the third day, let’s head north! This space is nonetheless inside Taipei Metropolis, however it’s extra on the countryside, away from the busy metropolis heart. Listed below are the potential stops.
Yangmingshan Nationwide Park
Straddling Taipei and New Taipei Metropolis, Yangmingshan is one in every of Taiwan’s 9 nationwide parks. It’s an ideal vacation spot for nature lovers and outside fanatics. The park’s most iconic function is Qixing Mountain, the tallest dormant volcano in Taiwan, surrounded by scenic climbing trails.
Most guests discover the western aspect of the park, which is essentially the most accessible and tourist-friendly. Certainly one of its well-known landmarks is the flower clock, a favourite photograph spot. Should you’re hoping to see cherry blossoms, this is among the greatest locations in Taiwan. Simply be sure that to go to throughout the best season. The remainder of the yr, the park nonetheless bursts with colour — due to peach blossoms, plum blossoms, azalea, and thorn apples.
Soar-off Level: Yangmingshan Nationwide Park Customer Heart, No. 1-20, Zhuzihu Highway, Beitou District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Tips on how to Get to Yangmingshan Nationwide Park: From Taipei Primary Station, take Bus 260 to Yangmingshan Nationwide Park Bus Station. It’s only a brief stroll to the customer heart, which additionally serves as the principle entrance to the park.
Beitou Scorching Spring Park
Beitou District is a recognized sizzling springs hotspot. Tucked between its peaks are valleys the place nutrient-rich, steamy waters bubble up from underground. It’s a scenic space, particularly round Beitou Scorching Spring Park, which regularly seems mystical when blanketed in steam.
Should you select to go to one of many many public sizzling springs or spas, you’ll be able to take a calming stroll via the park and soak within the environment — actually. Should you’re brief on time, at the very least attempt the native tea eggs, a well-liked snack typically bought across the space. It’s a novel mixture of nature, wellness, and native taste multi functional spot.
Location: Beitou District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Tips on how to Get to Beitou Scorching Spring Park: Relying in your itinerary, you’ll be able to alight at any of those prepare stations in Beitou from Taipei Primary Station: Beitou Station, Xinbeitou Station, Zhongyi Station, Qiyan Station, Fuxinggang Station, Guandu Station, Qilian Station, Mingde Station, and Shipai Station
Nationwide Palace Museum
The Nationwide Palace Museum holds a group of round 700,000 artifacts, some relationship again 1000’s of years! However right here’s the kicker — solely about 1% of that’s truly on show. The remaining? Safely tucked away in vaults underneath tight safety.
The gathering is so huge that it’s exhausting to wrap your head round. We’re speaking about 6,000 bronze items, 3,000 calligraphy works, and numerous gems, carvings, and textiles, amongst others. All of them showcase the depth and richness of Chinese language tradition and historical past. Should you’re planning to dive deep, get able to spend hours inside exploring.
Tackle: No. 221, Sec 2, Zhi Shan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan
Nearest MRT Station: Shilin Station (Purple Line – 2), then take Bus R30 (NT$15)
Hours Open: Every day 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Entrance Payment: NT$350
Shilin Night time Market
Unfold throughout two ranges, Shilin Night time Market is the biggest evening market in Taipei. On the bottom ground and close by alleys, you’ll largely discover memento outlets and attire shops.
However head all the way down to the basement, and prepare to really feel hungry, even if you happen to simply ate. The mouthwatering aroma hits immediately. It’s a maze of about 540 meals stalls and eateries providing native favorites like fried squid, grilled hen tails, breaded hen, Taiwanese sausages, fried buns, and oyster omelette. Better of all, it’s conveniently situated proper subsequent to the MRT station.
Tackle: No. 101, Jihe Highway, Shilin District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Nearest MRT Station: Jiantan Station (Purple Line – 2)
Greatest Time to Go to: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Entrance Payment: FREE
DAY 4: CHILLIN’ AND SHOPPIN’
Don’t skip Taipei’s café tradition in your final day! Whereas Taiwan is historically recognized for its tea, espresso has now taken the lead because the locals’ drink of selection. In reality, Taiwan boasts one of many highest concentrations of cafés on the planet. You’ll undoubtedly discover this in full of life areas like Ximending, the place cafés — each world chains and quirky specialty outlets — appear to pop up on each nook.
Fong Da Espresso
One café you shouldn’t miss is Fong Da Espresso, mentioned to be the primary to serve iced espresso in Taiwan means again in 1956. Whereas most cafés at present intention for a stylish, Instagrammable vibe, it stands out by embracing its classic attraction and sticking to its old-school roots with satisfaction.
Tackle: No. 42, Chengdu Highway, Wanhua District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Opening Hours: Every day, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Trendy Rest room
After all, milk tea isn’t taking a backseat! Taiwan is the undisputed bubble tea capital of the world. Lots of the most recognizable milk tea manufacturers, like CoCo and ShareTea, have been both born right here or have their headquarters within the nation. However if you happen to’re on the lookout for a milk tea expertise that’s actually unforgettable (and just a little bizarre), head to Trendy Rest room.
This quirky café-restaurant has been shelling out hilariously “crappy” meals and drinks for years, and vacationers can’t get sufficient! The whole lot is toilet-themed — from the chairs and tables to the decor and even the dishes. You possibly can sip tea from a mini urinal and luxuriate in ice cream served in a bathroom bowl. Yep, it’s bizarre…however it’s additionally plenty of enjoyable!
Branches: Ximending and Shilin
Opening Hours: Ximending – Every day, 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM; Shilin – Every day, 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Vigor Kobo Pineapple Cake Manufacturing facility
One of the standard pasalubong gadgets from Taiwan is the long-lasting pineapple cake. On the Vigor Kobo Pineapple Cake Manufacturing facility, you are able to do extra than simply purchase a field. You possibly can truly make your personal! They provide a enjoyable workshop the place you’ll be able to attempt your hand at crafting these candy treats from scratch. No baking expertise? No downside! It’s easy, simple, and an effective way to take dwelling a extra private memento.
Whereas ready to your desserts to bake, you’ll be able to discover the interactive museum to be taught extra in regards to the historical past of pineapple desserts and the way they’re made. One of many enjoyable options right here is the disappearing dandelion wall — give it a contact, and the flowers magically vanish! After purchasing for pasalubong, don’t neglect to benefit from the spotlight of the go to: tasting the pineapple cake you made, recent and heat from the oven.
Tackle: No. 87, Part 1, Chengtai Highway, Wugu District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Opening Hours: Every day, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Ever Wealthy Responsibility Free
Should you’re prepared for some severe buying, Ever Wealthy Responsibility Free is the place to be. They’ve quite a few shops throughout Taipei, even within the airports, however we headed to their huge flagship retailer in Neihu District. Unfold throughout 5 flooring, it’s full of all types of treasures. Plus, you’ll discover some pop-up stalls outdoors including to the buying enjoyable!
And naturally, don’t neglect to keep watch over your flight time! Ensure you catch your aircraft!
Tackle: No. 129, Jinzhuang Highway, Neihu District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Opening Hours: Every day, 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
D-I-Y vs Reserving a Tour
You possibly can undoubtedly do that itinerary DIY-style. Nevertheless, Days 2 and three might be difficult if you happen to rely solely on public transportation, because the schedule of buses and trains wants cautious timing. Should you’re touring with a bunch, seniors, folks with mobility issues, or if you happen to simply need a extra relaxed, hassle-free journey, reserving a tour is a way more handy possibility.
You possibly can try Edison Excursions, which is among the hottest tour operators in Taiwan. They’ve been working for many years. To see their provides, you’ll be able to go to their web site.
Should you desire to speak to Pinoys, listed below are among the journey businesses within the Philippines you could ask about Taipei tour packages.
- Constellation Travels Inc.
Web site: www.constellationtravels.com.ph
Cell: +63 956 660 0693 - Journey Warehouse Inc.
Web site: www.twi.com.ph - VIA
Web site: https://ph.through.com
Landline: (+63 2) 8555-9444
E-mail: gross sales.ph@through.com - Ark Journey Specific Inc.
Web site: www.arktravelexpress.com
Landline: (+63 2) 8810-4520 / (+63 2) 8528-0933 - North Star Worldwide Journey Inc.
Web site: www.northstar-travel.com.ph
Landline: (+63 2) 3485-7272
E-mail: inquiry@northstar-travel.com.ph - Ricson Crown Journey & Excursions
Landline: (+63 2) 8352-0797
E-mail: ricsontrvl@yahoo.com - Iloilo Skyways Journey & Excursions
Web site: www.iloiloskywaystravel.com
Landline: (+63 33) 508-0909
E-mail: skyways1995@gmail.com - Levy Journey and Excursions
Landline: (+63 2) 8775-7436 / (+63 2) 8518-8801 / (+63 2) 8579-7215
Cell: +63 917 879 7525
E-mail: levytravelandtours@gmail.com
The place to Keep in Taipei
Right here’s an inventory of the resorts and hostels we tried in Taipei:
Seek for extra Taipei Resorts!
Have Peace of Thoughts Whereas Touring!
Getting a journey insurance coverage is non-compulsory, however we extremely suggest this, particularly when touring overseas. Journey might be unpredictable, and although we hope we’ll by no means use it, having it provides us peace of thoughts in case of sudden delays, cancellations, or emergencies.
For worldwide locations, take into account PGA Sompo’s TravelJOY Plus insurance coverage. You possibly can GET IT HERE. Don’t neglect to make use of WORTHIT for a particular inexpensive price.
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