Taiwan is likely one of the most iconic journey locations in Asia. Whenever you see a photograph of Taipei 101, you’ll instantly comprehend it’s Taiwan. However apart from this constructing that was as soon as the tallest on the planet, Taiwan has quite a bit to supply to vacationers. From wealthy cultural heritage, to trendy cityscape, to gorgeous pure landscapes, it attracts vacationers who’re excited by completely different sorts of journey. Whether or not you’re trying to hike by 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. 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 overseas vacation spot.
And now, we’re sharing with you a pattern itinerary that you could observe particularly if it’s your first time in Taiwan.
Observe: This isn’t the precise itinerary we had for our journey. But when it’s your first time and also you need to expertise quite a bit in Taipei, this itinerary is what we extremely suggest.
DAY 1: TAIPEI CITY CENTER
Arrival
- Landing Airport. Whenever you land on the airport, you’ll be able to alternate cash or withdraw Taiwan {dollars} from the ATM so you may have native foreign money instantly. You too can 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 here are two choices from Klook!
- Make your option to town heart. In case you’re on a DIY journey, you’ll be able to take the prepare or experience a bus to succeed in your lodge. However when you’re with an even bigger group, touring with seniors, or simply need a smoother journey, you’ll be able to guide a tour package deal with a good company in Taiwan like Edison Excursions, and even from the Philippines.
- Verify in at lodge. In case you arrive too early to examine in, drop off your baggage on the lodge 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 certainly one of Taiwan’s most necessary figures, the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Corridor homes an enormous statue of him in the principle chamber, with a museum and library on the decrease stage.
Deal with: No.21, Zhongshan S. Street, 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: Each day, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entrance Payment: FREE
Solar Yat-sen Memorial Corridor
One other landmark constructed to honor certainly 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, displays, and spacious grounds excellent for a leisurely stroll.
Deal with: No. 505, Part 4, Ren’ai Street, 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: FREEObserve: Since February 2024, the corridor is briefly closed for upkeep. It’s anticipated to reopen in 2026.
Taipei 101
Taipei 101 is probably 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’ll be able to take pleasure in breathtaking panoramic views of the capital.
You possibly can safe your ticket upfront on-line by accredited reserving websites like Klook!
✅ GET YOUR TAIPEI 101 TICKET HERE!
Deal with: No. 7, Part 5, Xinyi Street, Xinyi District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Nearest MRT Station: Taipei 101 Station (Pink Line 2)
Hours open: Each day, 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Entrance Payment: NT$600
Elephant Mountain
Whereas the Taipei 101 Observatory affords an unimaginable 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 Street, Part 5, Xinyi District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Nearest MRT Station: Xiàngshān Station (Pink Line 2)
Entrance Payment: FREE
Ximending
Ximending is Taipei’s youth district, recognized for its vibrant leisure, eating, and purchasing scene. It actually comes alive at evening — shiny, bustling, and stuffed 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 most well-liked space is Ximen Walker Avenue, at all times filled with each vacationers and locals. There are additionally tons of meals choices round, making it an incredible 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 usually grouped with Taipei Metropolis as a part of the Larger Taipei Metropolitan Space. Because of 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 swap issues up and escape the skyscrapers and purchasing 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 known for its placing rock formations, set in opposition to 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 best way in comparison with different sights. In case you’re doing it DIY-style, be conscious that the journey to the following cease may take round two hours. To avoid wasting time, we suggest becoming a member of a tour, which minimizes switch and ready instances. With out stops, it’s solely a couple of 45-minute to one-hour drive to the following vacation spot.
Klook affords 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 also can buy your entrance ticket forward of time on-line right here:
✅ GET YOUR YEHLIU GEOPARK TICKET HERE!
Deal with: No. 167-1, Gangdong Street, Wanli District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Entrance Payment: Grownup, NT$120; Baby (6-12 y/o), NT$60
Jiufen Previous 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 ambiance of the animated world.
As soon as a gold mining city, Jiufen Previous Avenue 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 certainly one of its quaint eating places. Common spots embrace Jiufen Previous Avenue, Shengping Theater, the Gold Mine Museum, Mount Keelung Path, and varied scenic viewpoints.
Location: Ruifang District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Find out how to Get to Jiufen: From Taipei Primary Station, take a prepare going to Ruifang Station. Alongside Mingdeng Street 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! Positioned only a 15- to 20-minute drive from Jiufen, this former coal-mining city has remodeled right into a cat haven. In 2008, a neighborhood photographer captured the heartwarming sight of residents caring for deserted cats. Since then, the village has attracted cat lovers from all around the globe.
Apart from the cute cats, you’ll discover statues and cat-themed memento retailers. The village itself is fantastically scenic, nestled between a stream and a railway. And when you’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.)
Find out 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 method is to take a direct native prepare from Taipei Primary Station to Houtong Station.
Shifen Waterfall
This space can be an incredible 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 succeed in the principle viewing deck.
That’s why becoming a member of a tour is a brilliant 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 comfy. Alongside the best way, you’ll move by stalls promoting snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. A number of the refreshments and bites you’ll discover are milk tea, lemon tea, contemporary fruits, and crowd pleasing atis (sugar apples) which are 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 essential 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.)
Find out 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 Previous Avenue
Shifen Previous Avenue is the place you’ll discover the iconic railway monitor that serves as the positioning for releasing sky lanterns. In case you determine to strive the exercise, you’ll begin by writing your needs or messages on the lantern. When you’re accomplished, a workers member will assist gentle it up, and you may watch it slowly rise and drift away with the wind.
The Pingxi District is known for its Sky Lantern Competition, held through the first lunar month — normally 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 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 searching for souvenirs or sampling snacks from the stalls that line the tracks.
Location: Pingxi District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Find out how to Get to Shifen Previous Avenue: 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 Previous Avenue.
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 a superb worth.
We have been in a position to strive 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 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 check out the infamous smelly tofu, or snack on skewers from the numerous distributors. Then cap off your evening with a traditional Taiwanese milk tea!
Deal with: 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, however it’s extra on the countryside, away from the busy metropolis heart. Listed here are the potential stops.
Yangmingshan Nationwide Park
Straddling Taipei and New Taipei Metropolis, Yangmingshan is certainly one of Taiwan’s 9 nationwide parks. It’s an incredible vacation spot for nature lovers and outside lovers. 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 probably the most accessible and tourist-friendly. One among its well-known landmarks is the flower clock, a favourite picture spot. In case you’re hoping to see cherry blossoms, this is likely one of the greatest locations in Taiwan. Simply make sure that to go to throughout the fitting season. The remainder of the 12 months, the park nonetheless bursts with shade — due to peach blossoms, plum blossoms, azalea, and thorn apples.
Bounce-off Level: Yangmingshan Nationwide Park Customer Middle, No. 1-20, Zhuzihu Street, Beitou District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Find out how to Get to Yangmingshan Nationwide Park: From Taipei Primary Station, take Bus 260 to Yangmingshan Nationwide Park Bus Station. It’s only a quick 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 frequently seems mystical when blanketed in steam.
In case you select to go to one of many many public sizzling springs or spas, you’ll be able to take a calming stroll by the park and soak within the environment — actually. In case you’re quick on time, at the least strive the native tea eggs, a well-liked snack usually offered across the space. It’s a singular mixture of nature, wellness, and native taste multi function spot.
Location: Beitou District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Find out 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 set of round 700,000 artifacts, some relationship again 1000’s of years! However right here’s the kicker — solely about 1% of that’s really on show. The remaining? Safely tucked away in vaults underneath tight safety.
The gathering is so huge that it’s arduous 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.
Deal with: 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: 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 most important evening market in Taipei. On the bottom flooring and close by alleys, you’ll principally discover memento retailers and attire shops.
However head right 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 hen tails, breaded hen, Taiwanese sausages, fried buns, and oyster omelette. Better of all, it’s conveniently situated proper subsequent to the MRT station.
Deal with: No. 101, Jihe Street, Shilin District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Nearest MRT Station: Jiantan Station (Pink Line – 2)
Finest 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 alternative. Actually, Taiwan boasts one of many highest concentrations of cafés on the 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, 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 attraction and sticking to its old-school roots with pleasure.
Deal with: No. 42, Chengdu Street, Wanhua District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Opening Hours: Each day, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Fashionable Bathroom
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 slightly bizarre), head to Fashionable Bathroom.
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 revel in ice cream served in a bathroom bowl. Yep, it’s bizarre…however it’s additionally a variety of enjoyable!
⚠️ Don’t preserve 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 unit
Some of the standard pasalubong objects from Taiwan is the long-lasting pineapple cake. On the Vigor Kobo Pineapple Cake Manufacturing unit, you are able to do extra than simply purchase a field. You possibly can really make your individual! They provide a enjoyable workshop the place you’ll be able to strive your hand at crafting these candy treats from scratch. No baking expertise? No downside! It’s easy, straightforward, and a good way to take residence a extra private memento.
Whereas ready on your desserts to bake, you’ll be able to discover the interactive museum to study extra concerning 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 searching for pasalubong, don’t overlook to benefit from the spotlight of the go to: tasting the pineapple cake you made, contemporary and heat from the oven.
Deal with: No. 87, Part 1, Chengtai Street, Wugu District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Opening Hours: Each day, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Ever Wealthy Obligation Free
In case you’re prepared for some critical purchasing, 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 every kind of treasures. Plus, you’ll discover some pop-up stalls outdoors including to the purchasing enjoyable!
And naturally, don’t overlook to control your flight time! Be sure you catch your aircraft!
Deal with: No. 129, Jinzhuang Street, 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 possibly can positively do that itinerary DIY-style. Nevertheless, Days 2 and three could 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, individuals with mobility issues, or when you simply need a extra relaxed, hassle-free journey, reserving a tour is a way more handy possibility.
You possibly can take a look at Edison Excursions, which is likely one of the hottest tour operators in Taiwan. They’ve been working for many years. To see their affords, you’ll be able to go to their web site.
In case you want to speak to Pinoys, listed below are a few of the journey businesses within the Philippines that you could 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.through.com
Landline: (+63 2) 8555-9444
E-mail: gross sales.ph@through.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 lodges and hostels we tried in Taipei:
Seek for extra Taipei Lodges!
Have Peace of Thoughts Whereas Touring!
Getting a journey insurance coverage is optionally available, however we extremely suggest this, particularly when touring overseas. Journey could be unpredictable, and although we hope we’ll by no means use it, having it offers 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 overlook to make use of WORTHIT for a particular reasonably priced fee.
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