Taipei 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Taipei’s City Center

  • Morning: Start your day at Taipei Main Station (Taipei Metro), a massive transportation hub with over 20 train lines connecting the city. Visit the nearby Taipei City Hall (free admission) to see the beautiful architecture and learn about the city’s history.
  • Lunch: Head to Shilin Night Market (closed on Monday, but you can visit on Tuesday instead) for a local street food experience. Try some stinky tofu, oyster omelets, or braised pork belly buns.
  • Afternoon: Visit the National Palace Museum (free admission), which houses one of the world’s largest and most impressive collections of Chinese art and artifacts. The museum is particularly famous for its jade burial suits and ancient ceramics.
  • Evening: Explore Ximending, Taipei’s first night market, established in 1987. It’s a bustling area with shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Accommodation: Stay at the Hotel D’Vine (3-star), which offers modern rooms and is located near Taipei Main Station. Alternatively, consider The Tango Inn (3-star) for its cozy atmosphere and proximity to Ximending.

Day 2: Explore Taipei’s Culture and History

  • Morning: Visit the Taipei 101 Observation Deck (ticket price around NT$ 600) for panoramic views of the city from the world’s tallest building when completed in 2004. You can also explore the surrounding area, which features a beautiful park with walking paths and scenic views.
  • Lunch: Head to Raohe Street Night Market (closed on Monday), which offers a variety of street food, including popular Taiwanese dishes like beef noodle soup and oyster omelets.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Bopiliao Historical Block, a preserved old street that showcases Taipei’s rich cultural heritage. The area features traditional architecture, shops, and restaurants serving local cuisine.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Taiwanese performance at the National Concert Hall (free admission), which hosts various concerts and events throughout the year.

Day 3: Explore Taipei’s Natural Beauty

  • Morning: Visit the Taipei Botanical Garden, a beautiful park featuring over 500 species of plants, trees, and flowers. The garden is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and even a small monkey population.
  • Lunch: Head to Shilin Market (closed on Monday), which offers a wide range of local food options, including traditional Taiwanese dishes like braised pork belly and stinky tofu.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Yangmingshan National Park, a beautiful mountain area featuring hot springs, hiking trails, and scenic views. You can also visit the Taipei Zoo (ticket price around NT$ 60), which is home to over 500 species of animals.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Dadaocheng, a historic neighborhood known for its traditional Taiwanese architecture and local cuisine.

Day 4: Explore Taipei’s Night Markets

  • Morning: Visit the Shilin Night Market (closed on Monday, but you can visit on Tuesday instead), which offers a wide range of street food options, including popular Taiwanese dishes like beef noodle soup and oyster omelets.
  • Lunch: Head to Raohe Street Night Market (closed on Monday), which features a variety of local food options, including traditional Taiwanese dishes like braised pork belly and stinky tofu.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Ximending Night Market, which is known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options. You can also visit the nearby Zhongshan Gift Center, which offers a wide range of local souvenirs.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Dadaocheng, a historic neighborhood known for its traditional Taiwanese architecture and local cuisine.

Day 5: Explore Taipei’s Northern Coast

  • Morning: Visit the YehLiu Geopark, a beautiful coastal area featuring unique rock formations, hiking trails, and scenic views. You can also visit the nearby Fishing Port (free admission), which offers a variety of local seafood options.
  • Lunch: Head to Jiufen Old Street, a historic neighborhood known for its traditional Taiwanese architecture and local cuisine.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Keelong Coast, a beautiful coastal area featuring scenic views, hiking trails, and unique rock formations. You can also visit the nearby Fisherman’s Wharf (free admission), which offers a variety of local seafood options.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Dadaocheng, a historic neighborhood known for its traditional Taiwanese architecture and local cuisine.

Tips and Transportation

  • Getting Around Taipei: The city has an extensive public transportation system, including buses and the metro. You can also use taxis or ride-sharing services like Uber.
  • Language: While many locals speak English, it’s still helpful to learn basic Chinese phrases like “hello” (nǐ hǎo) and “thank you” (xiè xiè).
  • Weather: Taipei has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. The best time to visit is during the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November).
  • Safety: Taipei is generally a safe city, but be mindful of your belongings and avoid walking alone in dimly lit areas at night.
  • Currency: Taiwan’s currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (NT$). You can exchange your money at banks, currency exchange centers, or use ATMs.

Additional Recommendations

  • Try local cuisine: Taipei is famous for its street food and traditional Taiwanese dishes like beef noodle soup, oyster omelets, and stinky tofu.
  • Visit night markets: Taipei’s night markets are a must-visit attraction, offering a wide range of local food options and unique shopping experiences.
  • Explore cultural attractions: Taipei has a rich cultural heritage, with many historical sites and museums to explore, including the National Palace Museum and Bopiliao Historical Block.
  • Enjoy scenic views: Taipei offers many scenic views, from the Taipei 101 Observation Deck to the YehLiu Geopark and Keelong Coast.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Taipei!