Taiwan is likely one of the most iconic journey locations in Asia. If you see a photograph of Taipei 101, you’ll instantly realize it’s Taiwan. However other than this constructing that was as soon as the tallest on the planet, Taiwan has loads to supply to vacationers. From wealthy cultural heritage, to trendy cityscape, to gorgeous pure landscapes, it attracts vacationers who’re occupied with totally different sorts of journey. Whether or not you’re seeking to hike via scenic trails, go to temples, or eat your coronary heart out at night time markets, this island will certainly offer you a visit to recollect.
Taiwan was our final vacation spot earlier than the pandemic unfold around the globe and earlier than nations closed their borders. In actual fact, we even acquired 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 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.
Word: This isn’t the precise itinerary we had for our journey. But when it’s your first time and also you need to expertise loads in Taipei, this itinerary is what we extremely suggest.
DAY 1: TAIPEI CITY CENTER
Arrival
- Landing Airport. If you land on the airport, you possibly can trade cash or withdraw Taiwan {dollars} from the ATM so you may have native foreign money immediately. You can even purchase a SIM card or choose one up when you pre-ordered on-line, so that you’re linked as quickly as you arrive. Listed below are two choices from Klook!
- Make your strategy to town middle. In case you’re on a DIY journey, you possibly can take the prepare or trip a bus to achieve your lodge. However when you’re with a much bigger group, touring with seniors, or simply desire a smoother journey, you possibly can e book a tour bundle with a good company in Taiwan like Edison Excursions, and even from the Philippines.
- Test in at lodge. In case you arrive too early to verify in, drop off your luggage on the lodge and begin exploring.
Because it’s your first time, it’s finest to see Taipei metropolis middle’s must-visit points of interest.
Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Corridor
Inbuilt 1976 to honor one in every of Taiwan’s most necessary 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 (Pink Line 2 or Inexperienced Line 3)
Open: Every day, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entrance Price: 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 good 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 Price: FREEWord: 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 high, there’s an observatory the place you possibly can get pleasure from breathtaking panoramic views of the capital.
You may safe your ticket upfront 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 (Pink Line 2)
Hours open: Every day, 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Entrance Price: NT$600
Elephant Mountain
Whereas the Taipei 101 Observatory gives 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 seemingly taken right here. The best time to go to is late afternoon so you possibly can benefit from the skyline by day, catch the sundown, and see town gentle up at night time. Simply take into account, it does require a little bit of a climb, so it won’t be appropriate for these with mobility considerations.
Path Head: Lane 150, Xinyi Highway, Part 5, Xinyi District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Nearest MRT Station: Xiàngshān Station (Pink Line 2)
Entrance Price: FREE
Ximending
Ximending is Taipei’s youth district, recognized for its vibrant leisure, eating, and buying scene. It actually comes alive at night time — 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 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 Price: FREE
DAY 2: NEW TAIPEI CITY
After exploring Taipei Metropolis, it’s time to move to New Taipei Metropolis. Although it’s a separate municipality, it’s usually grouped with Taipei Metropolis as a part of the Better Taipei Metropolitan Space. Because of an environment friendly transportation system and each cities being progressive, you won’t even discover that they’re totally different cities.
To 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
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. In case 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 gives 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 Price: Grownup, NT$120; Little one (6-12 y/o), NT$60
Jiufen Previous 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 environment of the animated world.
As soon as a gold mining city, Jiufen Previous Road is now well-known for its teahouse tradition and charming streets. It’s a pleasant place to discover. You may browse for souvenirs, get pleasure from tea or espresso in cozy cafés, or savor a meal in one in every of its quaint eating places. Well-liked spots embody Jiufen Previous Road, Shengping Theater, the Gold Mine Museum, Mount Keelung Path, and varied scenic viewpoints.
Location: Ruifang District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Learn how to Get to Jiufen: From Taipei Principal 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
In case you’re a cat lover, the Houtong Cat Village is a must-visit! Situated only a 15- to 20-minute drive from Jiufen, this former coal-mining city has remodeled right into a cat haven. In 2008, an area photographer captured the heartwarming sight of residents caring for deserted cats. Since then, the village has attracted cat fanatics from all around the globe.
Except for 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 when you’re feeling hungry, there are many snack stalls to get pleasure from some native treats.
Location: Ruifang District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Learn how to Get to Houtong Cat Village: If coming from Jiufen, take the prepare to from Ruifang Station to Houtong Station. From Taipei Principal Station, take a prepare going to Ruifang Station. Then, switch to Pingxi Line to Houtong Station. One other method is to take a direct native prepare from Taipei Principal Station to Houtong Station.
Shifen Waterfall
This space can be an ideal lunch cease since there are many eating places and meals stalls round. However when you’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 primary viewing deck.
That’s why becoming a member of a tour is a great possibility, particularly when you’re touring with seniors or children. Tour buses can park nearer to the strolling path, making the journey a lot shorter and extra snug. 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 can 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 photographs. However for the very best angle, proceed alongside the path till you attain the important viewing platform for Shifen Falls. Simply take into account there are stairs, so it might not be appropriate for these with mobility considerations.
Location: Pingxi District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Learn how to Get to Shifen Waterfalls: From Taipei Principal 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 Previous Road
Shifen Previous Road is the place you’ll discover the iconic railway monitor that serves as the location for releasing sky lanterns. In case you resolve to attempt the exercise, you’ll begin by writing your needs or messages on the lantern. When you’re completed, a employees member will assist gentle it up, and you’ll watch it slowly rise and drift away with the wind.
The Pingxi District is legendary for its Sky Lantern Competition, held 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. In fact, it’s not for everybody. In case you are likely to surprise 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 get pleasure from, like looking for souvenirs or sampling snacks from the stalls that line the tracks.
Location: Pingxi District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Learn how to Get to Shifen Previous Road: From Taipei Principal Station, take a prepare going to Ruifang Station. Then, switch to Pingxi Line to Shifen Station. The railway tracks run alongside the Shifen Previous Road.
Raohe Evening Market
After the tour, it’s time to move again to town. For dinner, head to Raohe Evening Market, one of many oldest and most iconic night time 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 a very good worth.
We have been in a position to attempt two of them. Essentially the most well-known is the Fuzhou Black Pepper Buns, recognized for his or her crispy, charcoal-baked pork buns cooked in a standard brick oven. One other must-try is the Chen Dong Pork Ribs Medical Herbs Soup. It could appear like principally bones, however the meat is extremely tender and falls proper off. It’s heat, comforting, and flavorful. And whilst you’re right here, be courageous and take a look at the infamous pungent tofu, or snack on skewers from the various distributors. Then cap off your night time with a traditional 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 Price: 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 middle. Listed below are the attainable 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 mountaineering trails.
Most guests discover the western aspect of the park, which is essentially the most accessible and tourist-friendly. Considered one of its well-known landmarks is the flower clock, a favourite photograph spot. In case you’re hoping to see cherry blossoms, this is likely one of the finest locations in Taiwan. Simply ensure to go to throughout the correct season. The remainder of the 12 months, the park nonetheless bursts with colour — because of 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.)
Learn how to Get to Yangmingshan Nationwide Park: From Taipei Principal Station, take Bus 260 to Yangmingshan Nationwide Park Bus Station. It’s only a brief stroll to the customer middle, which additionally serves as the primary 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.
In case you select to go to one of many many public sizzling springs or spas, you possibly can take a soothing stroll via the park and soak within the environment — actually. In case you’re brief on time, no less than attempt the native tea eggs, a well-liked snack usually bought across the space. It’s a novel mixture of nature, wellness, and native taste multi function spot.
Location: Beitou District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Learn how to Get to Beitou Scorching Spring Park: Relying in your itinerary, you possibly can alight at any of those prepare stations in Beitou from Taipei Principal 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 remainder? Safely tucked away in vaults underneath tight safety.
The gathering is so large that it’s laborious to wrap your head round. We’re speaking about 6,000 bronze items, 3,000 calligraphy works, and numerous gems, carvings, and textiles, amongst others. All of them showcase the depth and richness of Chinese language tradition and historical past. In case 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 (Pink Line – 2), then take Bus R30 (NT$15)
Hours Open: Every day 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Entrance Price: NT$350
Shilin Evening Market
Unfold throughout two ranges, Shilin Evening Market is the most important night time market in Taipei. On the bottom flooring and close by alleys, you’ll principally discover memento outlets and attire shops.
However head all the way down to the basement, and prepare to really feel hungry, even when you 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 rooster tails, breaded rooster, Taiwanese sausages, fried buns, and oyster omelette. Better of all, it’s conveniently positioned proper subsequent to the MRT station.
Tackle: No. 101, Jihe Highway, Shilin District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Nearest MRT Station: Jiantan Station (Pink Line – 2)
Greatest Time to Go to: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Entrance Price: FREE
DAY 4: CHILLIN’ AND SHOPPIN’
Don’t skip Taipei’s café tradition in your final day! Whereas Taiwan is historically recognized for its tea, espresso has now taken the lead because the locals’ drink of alternative. In actual fact, Taiwan boasts one of many highest concentrations of cafés on the planet. You’ll positively discover this in energetic 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, stated to be the primary to serve iced espresso in Taiwan method again in 1956. Whereas most cafés at the moment goal for a classy, Instagrammable vibe, it stands out by embracing its classic allure and sticking to its old-school roots with delight.
Tackle: No. 42, Chengdu Highway, Wanhua District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Opening Hours: Every day, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Fashionable Rest room
In fact, 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 when you’re on the lookout for a milk tea expertise that’s actually unforgettable (and a little bit bizarre), head to Fashionable Rest room.
This quirky café-restaurant has been shelling out hilariously “crappy” meals and drinks for years, and vacationers can’t get sufficient! All the pieces is toilet-themed — from the chairs and tables to the decor and even the dishes. You may sip tea from a mini urinal and revel in ice cream served in a bathroom bowl. Yep, it’s bizarre…but it surely’s additionally loads of enjoyable!
⚠️ Don’t hold 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 – Every day, 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM; Shilin – Every day, 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Vigor Kobo Pineapple Cake Manufacturing unit
One of the standard pasalubong gadgets from Taiwan is the enduring pineapple cake. On the Vigor Kobo Pineapple Cake Manufacturing unit, 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 possibly can attempt your hand at crafting these candy treats from scratch. No baking expertise? No drawback! It’s easy, simple, and a good way to take house a extra private memento.
Whereas ready on your desserts to bake, you possibly can discover the interactive museum to study 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 looking 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 Obligation Free
In case you’re prepared for some severe buying, Ever Wealthy Obligation Free is the place to be. They’ve quite a few shops throughout Taipei, even within the airports, however we headed to their large flagship retailer in Neihu District. Unfold throughout 5 flooring, it’s full of all types of treasures. Plus, you’ll discover some pop-up stalls exterior including to the buying enjoyable!
And naturally, don’t neglect to regulate your flight time! Be sure to catch your aircraft!
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 may positively do that itinerary DIY-style. Nonetheless, Days 2 and three might be difficult when you rely solely on public transportation, because the schedule of buses and trains wants cautious timing. In case you’re touring with a bunch, seniors, folks with mobility considerations, or when you simply desire a extra relaxed, hassle-free journey, reserving a tour is a way more handy possibility.
You may try Edison Excursions, which is likely one of the hottest tour operators in Taiwan. They’ve been working for many years. To see their gives, you possibly can go to their web site.
In case 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.by way of.com
Landline: (+63 2) 8555-9444
E-mail: gross sales.ph@by way of.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 a listing of the accommodations and hostels we tried in Taipei:
Seek for extra Taipei Motels!
Have Peace of Thoughts Whereas Touring!
Getting a journey insurance coverage is elective, 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 offers us peace of thoughts in case of surprising delays, cancellations, or emergencies.
For worldwide locations, think about PGA Sompo’s TravelJOY Plus insurance coverage. You may GET IT HERE. Don’t neglect to make use of WORTHIT for a particular reasonably priced price.
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