Taiwan is without doubt one of the most iconic journey locations in Asia. Whenever 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 this planet, Taiwan has lots to supply to vacationers. From wealthy cultural heritage, to trendy cityscape, to beautiful pure landscapes, it attracts vacationers who’re keen on totally different sorts of journey. Whether or not you’re trying to hike by means of 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 all over the world and earlier than international locations closed their borders. Actually, we even obtained stranded right here due to it! So once we felt that journey goes again to regular, it simply felt proper to make Taiwan our first in a foreign country vacation spot.
And now, we’re sharing with you a pattern itinerary which you can observe particularly if it’s your first time in Taiwan.
Notice: This isn’t the precise itinerary we had for our journey. But when it’s your first time and also you need to expertise lots in Taipei, this itinerary is what we extremely advocate.
DAY 1: TAIPEI CITY CENTER
Arrival
- Landing Airport. Whenever you land on the airport, you may change cash or withdraw Taiwan {dollars} from the ATM so you may have native foreign money instantly. You can too purchase a SIM card or choose one up for those who pre-ordered on-line, so that you’re linked as quickly as you arrive. Listed here are two choices from Klook!
- Make your approach to the town heart. If you happen to’re on a DIY journey, you may take the prepare or trip a bus to succeed in your resort. However for those who’re with an even bigger group, touring with seniors, or simply desire a smoother journey, you may ebook a tour package deal with a good company in Taiwan like Edison Excursions, and even from the Philippines.
- Test in at resort. If you happen to arrive too early to verify in, drop off your baggage on the resort and begin exploring.
Because it’s your first time, it’s greatest to see Taipei metropolis heart’s must-visit points of interest.
Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Corridor
Inbuilt 1976 to honor considered one of Taiwan’s most vital figures, the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Corridor homes an enormous statue of him in the primary 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: Each day, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entrance Payment: FREE
Solar Yat-sen Memorial Corridor
One other landmark constructed to honor considered one of Taiwan’s founding figures is the Solar Yat-sen Memorial Corridor. Solar Yat-sen is extensively considered the Father of the Nation, and this web site celebrates his legacy with a grand statue, reveals, and spacious grounds excellent for a leisurely stroll.
Tackle: No. 505, Part 4, Ren’ai Highway, Xinyi District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C)
Nearest MRT Station: Solar Yat-sen (SYS) Memorial Corridor Station (Blue Line 5)
Open: Each day, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entrance Payment: FREENotice: Since February 2024, the corridor is quickly closed for upkeep. It’s anticipated to reopen in 2026.
Taipei 101
Taipei 101 is essentially the most iconic attraction in Taipei. From 2004 to 2012, it held the title of the world’s tallest constructing till it was surpassed by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. On the prime, there’s an observatory the place you may take pleasure in breathtaking panoramic views of the capital.
You may safe your ticket prematurely on-line by means of 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: Each day, 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Entrance Payment: NT$600
Elephant Mountain
Whereas the Taipei 101 Observatory provides an unbelievable view of the town, the very best vantage level is definitely from Elephant Mountain. Lots of the metropolis’s iconic postcard photographs have been possible taken right here. The perfect time to go to is late afternoon so you may benefit from the skyline by day, catch the sundown, and see the town mild up at evening. Simply have in mind, it does require a little bit of a climb, so it may not be appropriate for these with mobility considerations.
Path Head: Lane 150, Xinyi Highway, Part 5, Xinyi District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Nearest MRT Station: Xiàngshān Station (Purple Line 2)
Entrance Payment: FREE
Ximending
Ximending is Taipei’s youth district, identified for its vibrant leisure, eating, and buying scene. It actually comes alive at evening — brilliant, bustling, and filled with vitality. Consider it as Taipei’s model of Tokyo’s Harajuku. You’ll discover world model shops, bars, cafes, and golf equipment right here.
The preferred space is Ximen Walker Avenue, all the time filled with 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 totally different cities.
On your second day, let’s swap issues up and escape the skyscrapers and buying malls. Journey to the countryside, visiting the charming districts of Ruifang, Pingxi, and Wanli.
Yehliu Geopark
Situated on the northernmost tip of Taiwan, the Yehliu Geopark is legendary for its hanging 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.
Nonetheless, it’s a bit out of the best way in comparison with different points of interest. If you happen to’re doing it DIY-style, be conscious that the journey to the subsequent cease may take round two hours. To avoid wasting time, we advocate becoming a member of a tour, which minimizes switch and ready occasions. With out stops, it’s solely a few 45-minute to one-hour drive to the 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 may also 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; Baby (6-12 y/o), NT$60
Jiufen Outdated Avenue
That is like stepping right into a scene from Spirited Away. Whereas it wasn’t the precise inspiration for Hayao Miyazaki’s movie, many say the city’s ambiance strongly evokes the enchanting environment of the animated world.
As soon as a gold mining city, Jiufen Outdated Avenue is now well-known for its teahouse tradition and charming streets. It’s a pleasant place to discover. You may browse for souvenirs, take pleasure in tea or espresso in cozy cafés, or savor a meal in considered one of its quaint eating places. Common spots embrace Jiufen Outdated Avenue, Shengping Theater, the Gold Mine Museum, Mount Keelung Path, and varied scenic viewpoints.
Location: Ruifang District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
The way to Get to Jiufen: From Taipei Foremost 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
If you happen to’re a cat lover, the Houtong Cat Village is a must-visit! Situated only a 15- to 20-minute drive from Jiufen, this former coal-mining city has 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 fans from everywhere in the globe.
Other than the lovely cats, you’ll discover statues and cat-themed memento retailers. The village itself is superbly scenic, nestled between a stream and a railway. And for those who’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.)
The way to Get to Houtong Cat Village: If coming from Jiufen, take the prepare to from Ruifang Station to Houtong Station. From Taipei Foremost Station, take a prepare going to Ruifang Station. Then, switch to Pingxi Line to Houtong Station. One other approach is to take a direct native prepare from Taipei Foremost 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 for those who’re doing a DIY journey, be prepared for some strolling. The closest prepare cease is Shifen Station, which is a few 25-minute stroll from the beginning of the path. From there, it’s one other 15 to twenty minutes to succeed in the primary viewing deck.
That’s why becoming a member of a tour is a brilliant possibility, particularly for those who’re touring with seniors or children. Tour buses can park nearer to the strolling path, making the journey a lot shorter and extra comfy. Alongside the best way, you’ll go by stalls promoting snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. A few of the refreshments and bites you’ll discover are milk tea, lemon tea, recent fruits, and crowd pleasing atis (sugar apples) which might be surprisingly big!
When you resist all of the meals temptations, you’ll attain the first viewpoint close to the cascade, which is ideal for photographs. However for the very best angle, proceed alongside the path till you attain the important viewing platform for Shifen Falls. Simply have in mind there are stairs, so it is probably not appropriate for these with mobility considerations.
Location: Pingxi District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
The way to Get to Shifen Waterfalls: From Taipei Foremost 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 Avenue
Shifen Outdated Avenue is the place you’ll discover the iconic railway observe that serves as the positioning for releasing sky lanterns. If you happen to determine to attempt the exercise, you’ll begin by writing your needs or messages on the lantern. When you’re carried out, a workers member will assist mild it up, and you may watch it slowly rise and drift away with the wind.
The Pingxi District is legendary for its Sky Lantern Competition, held throughout the first lunar month — often in February. However you don’t have to attend for the pageant to expertise this! Guests can launch sky lanterns year-round for a charge. After all, it’s not for everybody. If you happen to are inclined to surprise the place these lanterns find yourself after they fall, you may need to skip it. However there are nonetheless loads of different issues to take pleasure in, like searching for souvenirs or sampling snacks from the stalls that line the tracks.
Location: Pingxi District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
The way to Get to Shifen Outdated Avenue: From Taipei Foremost Station, take a prepare going to Ruifang Station. Then, switch to Pingxi Line to Shifen Station. The railway tracks run alongside the Shifen Outdated Avenue.
Raohe Night time Market
After the tour, it’s time to go again to the 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 worth.
We have been capable of attempt two of them. Essentially the most well-known is the Fuzhou Black Pepper Buns, identified 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 might appear to be principally bones, however the meat is extremely tender and falls proper off. It’s heat, comforting, and flavorful. And when you’re right here, be courageous and take a look at the infamous smelly tofu, or snack on skewers from the numerous distributors. Then cap off your evening with a traditional Taiwanese milk tea!
Tackle: Raohe Avenue, Songshan District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Nearest Station: Songshan Station (Inexperienced Line 3)
Open: Each day, 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Entrance Payment: FREE
DAY 3: NORTH TAIPEI TOUR
On the third day, let’s head north! This space is nonetheless inside Taipei Metropolis, but it surely’s extra on the countryside, away from the busy metropolis heart. Listed here are the attainable stops.
Yangmingshan Nationwide Park
Straddling Taipei and New Taipei Metropolis, Yangmingshan is considered one of Taiwan’s 9 nationwide parks. It’s an ideal vacation spot for nature lovers and out of doors fans. The park’s most iconic function is Qixing Mountain, the tallest dormant volcano in Taiwan, surrounded by scenic mountain climbing trails.
Most guests discover the western facet of the park, which is essentially the most accessible and tourist-friendly. One among its well-known landmarks is the flower clock, a favourite picture spot. If you happen to’re hoping to see cherry blossoms, this is without doubt one of the greatest locations in Taiwan. Simply be certain to go to throughout the fitting season. The remainder of the 12 months, the park nonetheless bursts with colour — due to peach blossoms, plum blossoms, azalea, and thorn apples.
Bounce-off Level: Yangmingshan Nationwide Park Customer Middle, No. 1-20, Zhuzihu Highway, Beitou District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
The way to Get to Yangmingshan Nationwide Park: From Taipei Foremost 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 primary entrance to the park.
Beitou Scorching Spring Park
Beitou District is a identified scorching 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 appears mystical when blanketed in steam.
If you happen to select to go to one of many many public scorching springs or spas, you may take a soothing stroll by means of the park and soak within the environment — actually. If you happen to’re brief on time, not less than attempt the native tea eggs, a preferred snack typically offered 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.)
The way to Get to Beitou Scorching Spring Park: Relying in your itinerary, you may alight at any of those prepare stations in Beitou from Taipei Foremost Station: Beitou Station, Xinbeitou Station, Zhongyi Station, Qiyan Station, Fuxinggang Station, Guandu Station, Qilian Station, Mingde Station, and Shipai Station
Nationwide Palace Museum
The Nationwide Palace Museum holds a set of round 700,000 artifacts, some courting again hundreds of years! However right here’s the kicker — solely about 1% of that’s truly on show. The remaining? Safely tucked away in vaults beneath tight safety.
The gathering is so 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. If you happen to’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: Each 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 flooring and close by alleys, you’ll principally discover memento retailers and attire shops.
However head all the way down to the basement, and prepare to really feel hungry, even for those who 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 identified for its tea, espresso has now taken the lead because the locals’ drink of alternative. Actually, Taiwan boasts one of many highest concentrations of cafés on this planet. You’ll positively discover this in vigorous areas like Ximending, the place cafés — each world chains and quirky specialty retailers — appear to pop up on each nook.
Fong Da Espresso
One café you shouldn’t miss is Fong Da Espresso, mentioned to be the primary to serve iced espresso in Taiwan approach again in 1956. Whereas most cafés right now goal for a stylish, Instagrammable vibe, it stands out by embracing its classic attraction and sticking to its old-school roots with pleasure.
Tackle: No. 42, Chengdu Highway, Wanhua District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Opening Hours: Each 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 for those who’re in search of a milk tea expertise that’s really unforgettable (and just a little bizarre), head to Trendy Rest room.
This quirky café-restaurant has been meting out hilariously “crappy” meals and drinks for years, and vacationers can’t get sufficient! All the things is toilet-themed — from the chairs and tables to the decor and even the dishes. You may sip tea from a mini urinal and luxuriate in ice cream served in a rest room bowl. Yep, it’s bizarre…but it surely’s additionally a number of enjoyable!
⚠️ Don’t maintain your hopes up taste-wise. That is good just for the novelty of its theme. There are a lot better-tasting milk tea locations in Taipei like 50 Lan! We’ll be making a separate article for our meals suggestions.
Branches: Ximending and Shilin
Opening Hours: Ximending – Each day, 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM; Shilin – Each day, 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Vigor Kobo Pineapple Cake Manufacturing facility
Some of the well-liked pasalubong objects from Taiwan is the long-lasting pineapple cake. On the Vigor Kobo Pineapple Cake Manufacturing facility, you are able to do extra than simply purchase a field. You may truly make your personal! They provide a enjoyable workshop the place you may attempt your hand at crafting these candy treats from scratch. No baking expertise? No downside! It’s easy, simple, and a good way to take house a extra private memento.
Whereas ready to your truffles to bake, you may discover the interactive museum to be taught extra in regards to the historical past of pineapple truffles and the way they’re made. One of many enjoyable options right here is the disappearing dandelion wall — give it a contact, and the flowers magically vanish! After searching for pasalubong, don’t neglect to benefit from the spotlight of the go to: tasting the pineapple cake you made, recent and heat from the oven.
Tackle: No. 87, Part 1, Chengtai Highway, Wugu District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Opening Hours: Each day, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Ever Wealthy Obligation Free
If you happen to’re prepared for some critical buying, Ever Wealthy Obligation Free is the place to be. They’ve quite a few shops throughout Taipei, even within the airports, however we headed to their huge flagship retailer in Neihu District. Unfold throughout 5 flooring, it’s filled with all types of treasures. Plus, you’ll discover some pop-up stalls outdoors including to the buying enjoyable!
And naturally, don’t neglect to control your flight time! Ensure you catch your airplane!
Tackle: No. 129, Jinzhuang Highway, Neihu District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Opening Hours: Each day, 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
D-I-Y vs Reserving a Tour
You may positively do that itinerary DIY-style. Nonetheless, Days 2 and three might be difficult for those who rely solely on public transportation, because the schedule of buses and trains wants cautious timing. If you happen to’re touring with a gaggle, seniors, folks with mobility considerations, or for those who simply desire a extra relaxed, hassle-free journey, reserving a tour is a way more handy possibility.
You may try Edison Excursions, which is without doubt one of the hottest tour operators in Taiwan. They’ve been working for many years. To see their provides, you may go to their web site.
If you happen to desire to speak to Pinoys, listed below are among the journey companies within the Philippines which you can ask about Taipei tour packages.
- Constellation Travels Inc.
Web site: www.constellationtravels.com.ph
Cellular: +63 956 660 0693 - Journey Warehouse Inc.
Web site: www.twi.com.ph - VIA
Web site: https://ph.by way of.com
Landline: (+63 2) 8555-9444
E-mail: gross sales.ph@by way of.com - Ark Journey Categorical Inc.
Web site: www.arktravelexpress.com
Landline: (+63 2) 8810-4520 / (+63 2) 8528-0933 - North Star Worldwide Journey Inc.
Web site: www.northstar-travel.com.ph
Landline: (+63 2) 3485-7272
E-mail: inquiry@northstar-travel.com.ph - Ricson Crown Journey & Excursions
Landline: (+63 2) 8352-0797
E-mail: ricsontrvl@yahoo.com - Iloilo Skyways Journey & Excursions
Web site: www.iloiloskywaystravel.com
Landline: (+63 33) 508-0909
E-mail: skyways1995@gmail.com - Levy Journey and Excursions
Landline: (+63 2) 8775-7436 / (+63 2) 8518-8801 / (+63 2) 8579-7215
Cellular: +63 917 879 7525
E-mail: levytravelandtours@gmail.com
The place to Keep in Taipei
Right here’s a listing of the inns and hostels we tried in Taipei:
Seek for extra Taipei Lodges!
Have Peace of Thoughts Whereas Touring!
Getting a journey insurance coverage is non-compulsory, however we extremely advocate 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, contemplate PGA Sompo’s TravelJOY Plus insurance coverage. You may GET IT HERE. Don’t neglect to make use of WORTHIT for a particular inexpensive fee.
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