Day 1: Taipei – Start with the Capital
Arrive in Taiwan and head straight to Taipei. It’s where most international flights land, making it your natural starting point.
Begin your day with breakfast at a traditional Taiwanese breakfast shop. Order some you tiao (fried dough) and soy milk to get a taste of local flavors.
Afterward, make your way to Taipei 101. You can either visit the observation deck for city views or explore the nearby shopping area.
If you’re into history, head over to the National Palace Museum. It’s home to an impressive Chinese art collection, with many exhibits rotating throughout the year.
For lunch, try the famous Din Tai Fung restaurant near Taipei 101. Their soup dumplings (xiao long bao) are a must-try.
In the afternoon, visit the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. The architecture, beautiful gardens, and changing of the guard ceremony are highlights here.
End your day at Shilin Night Market. It’s one of the biggest and most popular in Taiwan. Grab a bite of stinky tofu or bubble tea and roam the stalls for souvenirs.
Where to Stay in Taipei
Look for accommodation near MRT stations for easy access to the metro. Zhongshan and Ximending are good locations for nightlife and restaurants.
Day 2: Beitou & Yangmingshan National Park
Start your morning by heading to Beitou. It’s known for its hot springs, so you can relax after yesterday’s city tour. Consider stopping by the Beitou Hot Spring Museum for a little history before dipping into the springs yourself.
After a soak, take a stroll through Beitou Park. It’s a peaceful area to enjoy nature within the city.
Next, head towards Yangmingshan National Park. It’s great for outdoor lovers who want to explore trails without leaving Taipei. The park is filled with thermal valleys, waterfalls, and hiking paths.
If you’re up for a hike, the Xiaoyoukeng trail offers an easy-to-moderate walk with views of fumaroles and sulphur vents. Keep things simple or spend a few hours exploring.
After your nature fix, head back to Taipei and visit Ximending. It’s a shopping district with a young, vibrant vibe. You’ll find street performers, shops, and many food stalls. Grab dinner here!
Where to Stay in Beitou
Beitou has several stylish hot spring resorts. Or, if you’d prefer to stay in Taipei and just visit Beitou, that works too.
Day 3: Day Trip to Jiufen & Shifen
Leave the city for a short trip to Jiufen and Shifen. Both are about an hour away by train or bus, but you can easily do them both in a day.
Start in Jiufen, a mountain town known for its old streets and tea houses. The views from the cliffs here are beautiful, especially early in the morning.
Wander through the narrow lanes, exploring local shops and snacks. You might recognize the area from the movie “Spirited Away.”
For lunch, sit down in one of the tea houses and enjoy the classic Taiwanese tea experience.
Afterward, head to Shifen, famous for its railway and sky lanterns. You can buy a paper lantern, write your wishes on it, and release it into the sky. It’s a fun, cultural experience.
Don’t leave Shifen without visiting Shifen Waterfall. It’s often called “Taiwan’s Niagara Falls” due to its shape and size. It’s a short walk from the town center.
Head back to Taipei in the evening.
How to Get to Jiufen & Shifen
Combine the two using the train from Taipei Main Station. Alternatively, there are several tours that cover both spots in one day.
Day 4: Taichung & Sun Moon Lake
Take the early High-Speed Rail (HSR) to Taichung, located in central Taiwan. The ride only takes around an hour, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore the city and nearby attractions.
Once you arrive, head to Rainbow Village. It’s a small area where an elderly man painted the entire village with colorful murals. It’s definitely a unique photo spot.
Next, make your way to Gaomei Wetlands, a beautiful wind farm area with scenic boardwalk trails extending into the water. Time your visit for sunset for epic views.
In the afternoon, take the bus to Sun Moon Lake. This natural lake is surrounded by scenic mountains and is ideal for a relaxing boat ride or cycling along the lake shore.
Once there, explore Wenwu Temple, one of the larger temples overlooking the lake. It’s a peaceful spot with amazing architecture and views.
Cap off the day with a relaxing stay at one of the lakeside accommodations for a true nature escape.
Where to Stay Near Sun Moon Lake
Consider staying at a guesthouse or hotel near the lake to make the most of your visit. Being close means you can enjoy sunrise at the lake and local morning markets.
Day 5: Tainan – A Taste of History
On your last day, take a short train ride from Taichung to Tainan, Taiwan’s oldest city and the heart of its history. It’s a big change from the fast-paced vibe of Taipei.
Start by visiting Anping Old Street, one of the most popular heritage sites. Anping Fort is also nearby with exhibitions that provide insight into Taiwan’s colonial past.
Make sure to stop at the Chihkan Tower, an old fort that dates back to Taiwan’s Dutch colonial period.
For lunch, grab a bowl of dan zai noodles. It’s a Tainan specialty, usually topped with shrimp and minced pork.
Afterward, make your way to the Confucius Temple. It’s a peaceful site to end your Tainan tour with a bit of cultural heritage.
If you have time left in the evening, walk around the Tainan Flower Night Market, one of the largest and busiest in southern Taiwan.
Where to Stay in Tainan
If you’re staying in the city, book a hotel in the Anping District to be close to all the historical sites.
Additional Travel Tips
Use EasyCard for the MRT in Taipei and for buses and trains elsewhere in Taiwan. You can load it easily at any convenience store.
Most ATMs in Taiwan accept international cards, but check fees before taking out cash. Credit cards are widely accepted in cities but less so in more rural areas.
English is commonly understood in cities, especially Taipei, but it’s useful to know a few basic Mandarin phrases to make things smoother.
Taiwan has a robust train network, with high-speed trains between Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung. Regular trains run to smaller cities like Jiufen and Tainan, making them easy to reach.
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