Are you traveling to Taipei for the first time? Then, don’t worry; we have got you covered. This city is the political, cultural, and economic hub of Taiwan. Spread across 271.7 km², it is home to numerous ancient shrines, historic museums, gigantic skyscrapers, and lively night markets. It is also the most populous Taiwanese city, boasting a population of 2.77 million. That being said, you can expect crowds in the majority of attractions. As a first-time visitor, you will also be unfamiliar with this city’s etiquette, culture, and dos/don’ts. Hence, we present this Itinerary in Taipei: A guide for first-timers.
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How Many Days Are Enough In Taipei?
Taipei is Taiwan’s capital and the largest city. It is a modern cosmopolitan metropolis with extravagant, lively, diversified faces. This city has everything from the country’s tallest building to the oldest shrine. The mix of modern and traditional attractions adds a fascinating contrast to its ever-increasing charm. Hence, it’s no wonder Taipei is among the top travel destinations worldwide. Here, the fun never ends; you will be engrossed in its chaotic environment and enjoy interacting with friendly locals.
This city hooks travelers’ hearts, making leaving after a single visit challenging. While you can’t always stay in Taipei, you can come back to visit it several times. Likewise, you can plan your Taipei itinerary based on your preferences. These also include how many days you plan to stay in the city. You can visit the must-see attractions in Taipei within two days. You can also stretch your visit to 3 days to take things slow. However, we recommend spending at least five days to experience everything this city offers. You will explore must-visit places and even enjoy day trips to neighboring districts.
Budgeting For Taipei Travel
First-time travelers often wonder if Taipei is expensive to visit. While it is Taiwan’s most expensive city, it also caters to budget-conscious travelers. Compared to Tokyo and Kyoto, this city is affordable. Visitors can expect to spend about $113 per day on average. But with careful planning, you can reduce expenses to $45 to $90 a day.
Accommodation
Taipei offers diverse accommodations, from 5-star hotels to motels, hostels, and inns. Luxurious hotels like Mandarin Oriental charges over $300 a night. However, you will find cheap hostels below $10 with tasteful amenities. Still, the average price for budget hotels is $36, and luxury hotels are $124 in Taipei. You can book a room in a cheap, mid-range, or expensive hotel based on your budget.
Transportation
The best way to travel around Taipei is by Metro (MRT). The Mass Rapid Transit is the cheapest and most convenient transport system. You can take the metro from the airport and to various sightseeing spots. The fare usually depends on distance. Still, a single journey ride costs from NT$20 to NT$25. You can save money by purchasing a day pass or unlimited pass.
Food
Taipei is known for its rich, delectable, mouth-watering, and nutritious cuisine. The best part is that the food is super affordable here. Food and drinks come in various price ranges, with street food costing even less. Visitors can expect to pay NT$40 to NT$100 daily for meals. Higher-end restaurants usually charge NT$500 – NT$1,000 per dish. Check out these street food recommendations at affordable rates.
Helpful Travel Tips For Your Taipei Trip
Taiwanese culture is far different than Western culture. Many things, including social and dining etiquette, are distinct from other countries. For instance, you must remove your shoes when entering someone’s home. You must consider many other dos and don’ts during your trip to Taipei.
- Travel Essentials: Buy a High-Speed Rail Pass, sim card, and travel insurance for convenience and safety.
- The Best times to Visit Taipei are spring (March-May) and Autumn (October-December).
- Best Area To Stay In Taipei: First-timers must choose Zhongzheng District. Wanhua, Xinyi, and Zhongshan districts are also good areas.
- Social Etiquette: Don’t tip staff, don’t express anger in public, avoid refusing gifts, don’t blink or wink at someone, and avoid discussing the China/Taiwan situation.
- Dining Etiquette: Use chopstick rests, don’t put chopsticks in a bowl, say Gan Bei before eating or drinking, and wait until everyone has been served before eating.
- Greeting: Taiwanese tend to be conservative, so avoid hugging at your first meeting. Always greet the oldest person first.
- Attire: You don’t have to dress conservatively, but always dress respectfully at the temples.
- Check Weather Forecast: Always check the weather forecast before planning your trip. Avoid mountainous areas in case of heavy rains.
5-Day Itinerary In Taipei – Day 1: Arrival And Exploring Central Taipei
First and foremost, book a plane ticket to Taipei. This city has two international airports: Taoyuan International Airport and Taipei Songshan Airport. After landing at the airport, you will begin your itinerary right away.
Visit The National Palace Museum
- Address: No. 221, Sec 2, Zhi Shan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Our first stop is the iconic National Palace Museum in the Shilin District. It is home to the world’s largest collection of precious Chinese art treasures. This museum displays nearly 700,000 artifacts, including 25,000 ceramic pieces, 13,000 jade works, and 200,000 rare books. Its most famous collection is the Jadeite Cabbage. This cabbage-head-resembling jadeite features semi-translucent leaves with a hidden small and a large grasshopper. Most of this museum’s collections are palace treasures of the Qing, Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties. You can also explore other Taipei museums, such as the Miniatures Museum of Taiwan, the National Taiwan Museum, the Taipei Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines.
Fill Your Stomach At Shilin Night Market
- Address: No. 101, Jihe Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 4 PM – 12 AM
- Social Media: Official Website
After a fruitful museum expedition, it’s time to explore Taipei’s top night market, Shilin Night Market. It is one of the oldest night markets, and its origin dates back to the late 1800s. This market has everything you need, from clothing to merchandise. It also boasts a rich culinary scene featuring mouthwatering street snacks like stinky tofu, braised pork rice, tempura, skewered squid, and pork liver soup. You can have your fill as much as you want, as these dishes are affordable.
Day 2: Exploring The West Side
While we only visited a few places on the first day, day 2 involves exploring the major attractions of West Taipei. You will go sightseeing, shop, and end the day with a trip to another one of Taipei’s top night markets.
Pray At Longshan Temple
- Address: No. 211, Guangzhou St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10853; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 6 AM – 9:30 PM
- Social Media: Official Website
What could be better than visiting a temple early in the morning? Longshan Temple is Taipei’s oldest temple, built in 1738 by settlers from Fujian. This shrine boasts impressive architectural elements, including painted murals, woodcarvings, dragon poles, and porcelain tile mosaics. It worships Guyanshiyin Buddha and other divine spirits, including Manjusri, Goddess Matzu, Lord Guan, Samantabhadra, and eighteen Arhats. In addition, the temple celebrates many festivals and folk activities like the Buddha Bathing Festival, the Bon Festival, and the lantern exhibition.
Learn About China’s First President At Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
- Address: 100, Taiwan, Taipei City, Zhongzheng District; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is one of Taipei’s famous landmarks. It honors the memory of the first president of the Republic of China, Chiang Kai-shek. China’s great leader was also a military commander and head of the Nationalist Kuomintang party. Chiang’s career and achievements are documented in a library and a museum. Furthermore, this memorial hall often hosts lectures, seminars, educational studies, and interactive teaching activities. It offers regular guided tours, group tours, audio guides, and Facebook Messenger voice guides.
Shop Till You Drop At Ximending
- Address: Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108; Google Map
- Things To Do: Shopping, Sightseeing, Exploring Nightlife
Next, it’s time for shopping. Ximen is Taipei’s largest shopping district, often compared to Shibuya and Harajuku. It houses hundreds of stores, including thrift shops, trendy boutiques, and clothing outlets. This neighborhood is a mecca for youth culture and boasts the latest fashion trends. You can find everything here, from clothes to accessories and high-brand items. Tired of shopping? Worry not; Ximending also offers exciting dining and nightlife options.
Enjoy Taiwanese Street Food At Ningxia Night Market
- Address: 103, Taiwan, Taipei City, Datong District, Ningxia Rd, 58號2樓; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 5 PM – 1 AM
- Things To Do: Window shopping, Shopping, Food Tours
Next, Ningxia Night Market is among the top five Taipei night markets. Its world-famous street food features Taiwanese classics like Ji Rou Fan, Lu Rou Fan Xiao Long Bao, and Stinky Tofu. Although tiny, this market houses hundreds of food stalls, stores, and restaurants. You can easily reach Ningxia Night Market from Dihua Street. Or, you can take the Taipei Metro Red Line to Shuanglian Station and walk to the market.
Day 3: East Taipei
The Eastern District of Taipei includes most of the Xinyi, Da’an, and Songshan Districts. It is also home to Taiwan’s tallest structure. Xinyi is Taipei’s financial hub, boasting luxurious living. On the other hand, Da’an District is a commercial and educational hub featuring colorful night markets and upscale shopping areas. Finally, Songshan District is a vibrant neighborhood often overlooked by tourists. It features many attractions, including the Rainbow Bridge.
Catch Panoramic Views From Taipei 101
- Address: No. 7, Section 5, Xinyi Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 9 PM
- Social Media: Official Website
Taipei 101 is Taiwan’s tallest building, at 508 m. It was named the world’s tallest structure from its opening in 2004 until 2007. This gigantic skyscraper offers breathtaking views of the city. From the observation tower, you can also see golden sunsets. Moreover, this building’s innovative design and architectural resilience against earthquakes are internationally recognized. It gets especially lively during New Year’s Eve. At that time, a massive fireworks display occurs to celebrate the start of the new year.
Hike To Elephant Mountain
- Address: No. 31, Alley 401, Lane 150, Section 5, Xinyi Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 24 hours
- Things To Do: Hiking, Sightseeing
After visiting Taipei 101, go for a quick hike to Elephant Mountain. The trail only takes 20-30 minutes and suits hikers of all levels. You will climb paved steps to reach the top. The way is a little steep, giving that extra challenge to an otherwise easy hike. After 500 steps, you will reach the viewing platform. It offers panoramic city views and is a photogenic stop. Next, you can climb back down or take 100 steps to reach the mountaintop. Don’t forget to bring enough water, wear sturdy shoes, and apply sunscreen to protect your skin.
Drop By Songshan Cultural And Creative Park
- Address: No. 133號, Guangfu S Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 11072; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 8 AM – 10 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Our next stop is Taipei’s creative hub, the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park. Originally a Japanese-built tobacco factory, it has become a thriving cultural hub. This park aims to nurture creative talents and energy and hosts many creative, artistic, and cultural events now and then. These include fashion shows, film shootings, design exhibitions, symposiums, award ceremonies, and product launches. Visitors can also explore the complex’s coffee shops, galleries, and craft shops.
Have Late-Night Snacks At Raohe Street Night Market
- Address: Raohe St, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 5 PM – 11 PM
- Things To Do: Shopping, Dining, Taking Pictures
Day 3 also includes a visit to Taipei’s night market. This time, it’s the touristy Raohe Street Night Market. It has 400 food stalls and restaurants, including 6 Michelin-awarded food stalls. They also sell famous Taiwanese street snacks like oyster noodles, beef noodles, stinky tofu, and braised pork ribs. The must-have dish here is pork pepper buns. These delicious buns made from pepper and minced pork have a crispy texture and a savory taste.
Day 4: Day Trips From Taipei
After exploring the must-visit attractions, it’s time to venture a bit farther from Taipei. You should go for a day trip from bustling city life to somewhere peaceful and quiet. The nearby neighborhoods are perfect for exploring and will squeeze well into your itinerary.
Enjoy A Refreshing Morning At Yangmingshan National Park
- Address: Taiwan; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 24 hours
- Social Media: Official Website
Yangmingshan National Park covers both Taipei and New Taipei City. It is one of nine Taiwanese national parks known for its volcanic geography and hot springs. You can spend half or a whole day exploring the park’s recreational areas and must-visit places, including Flower Clock, Xiaoyoukeng, and Lengshuikeng. The best thing to do here is hiking. This park is home to ten hikeable peaks, all of which you can cover within 11 to 12 hours. You can also choose from short and easy hikes. If you visit during spring, you can enjoy the best cherry blossom views at Flower Clock.
Soak In Beitou Hot Springs
- Address: Taipei City, Taiwan 112; Google Map
- Things To Do: Hot Springs Bath, Sightseeing
Next, you will explore the Beitou Hot Spring area at the base of Yangmingshan. Beitou District’s stunning volcanic geological features and abundant hot springs make it a famous holiday retreat. The hot springs carry many medicinal values and offer relaxation. You can explore the Thermal Valley and drop by the Beitou Hot Spring Museum to learn about hot springs. While in the hot spring, you must always abide by hot spring etiquette. These include wearing swimsuits and caps in public hot springs, avoiding taking photos or recording videos, and cleaning up before entering the pool.
Alternative Day Trips: Yehliu, Jiufen, And Pingxi
There are many day trip options available in Taipei. You can cover Yangmingshan and Beitou in a single day or plan a day trip covering Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen Village, and Pingxi District. The trip’s first stop will be Yehliu Geopark, home to unique rock formations. Here, you will marvel at these natural wonders and take beautiful pictures for keepsakes. Next, you will head to the hillside village, Jiufen, known for its narrow alleyways and historical atmosphere. You will explore its traditional shops, buy souvenirs, and rest at a charming tea house. Afterward comes Shifen Waterfall in Pingxi District. You can also experience the traditional sky lantern ritual.
Day 5: Maokong And Pinglin Tea Plantation
Our final day in Taipei will include an exciting gondola ride and a stroll through tea plantations in Pinglin. You will learn about tea cultivation and how to brew Taiwanese tea. Afterward, it’s back to the airport for a flight back to your country.
Enjoy A Scenic Maokong Gondola Ride
- Address: No. 8, Section 2, Xinguang Rd, Wenshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 116; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 9 PM
- Social Media: Official Website
Begin your morning with a scenic Maokong Gondola ride. These cable car rides are usually 20 to 30 minutes long and transport riders to amazing heights. You will pass over many terrains and enjoy breathtaking landscape views. The surrounding mountains and greeneries look more beautiful, especially in autumn. At that time, they will feature colorful leaves, from pale yellow to vibrant red. You can ride a gondola after a quick trip to the Taipei Zoo. This family-friendly attraction is home to diverse species of animals, mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Visit Tea Plantations And Tea Houses Of Pinglin
Tea holds a very special place in Taiwanese culture. Taiwan is also known for its high-quality tea, including the world-famous oolong tea. Hence, our final stop will be Pinglin District in New Taipei City. It features many tea plantations that produce Bao Zhong Oolong/Pouchong Tea. Over 80% of residents of this district are involved in the tea business. You will explore these plantations and quickly travel to the Pinglin Tea Museum to see tea-related displays. After learning about Taiwanese tea culture and tasting local tea, our 5-day itinerary in Taipei ends. Next, you will drive to the airport and fly back home.
Our 5-day itinerary in Taipei is about exploring the city’s must-visit attractions. Add or substitute our recommended must-visit places with other famous areas, such as Taipei Zoo, Bao’an Temple, Presidential Office Building, Red House, and TaipeiEYE. Furthermore, Taipei’s nightlife scene is impeccable, and its clubs and bars are worth checking out. In addition to our listed night markets, several others offer quieter and more intimate settings. You can explore those markets as well. Travel at your pace, explore things that suit your interests, and make many memories.
