Taiwan-6-day-itinerary

Taiwan Travel Itinerary (6 days)

Day 1: Taipei City

Places to Go:

  • National Palace Museum: World-renowned for its collection of Chinese art and artifacts.
  • Shilin Night Market: Experience the local street food, shopping, and nightlife.

Activities:

  • Visit the museum in the morning.
  • Explore Shilin Night Market in the evening for dinner.

Things to Know:

  • Taiwan uses the New Taiwan Dollar (NT$) as its currency. As of my last update, 1 USD is approximately equal to 27 NT$.
  • Taipei has a comprehensive public transportation system including buses and the metro. You can use your credit card or purchase an EasyCard for convenient travel.

Visa Requirements:

No visa required for citizens from many countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK. Check with your home country’s Taiwan embassy for the most up-to-date information.

Day 2: Taipei

Places to Go:

  • Elephant Mountain: Hike this mountain in the morning for panoramic views of the city.
  • Taipei 101: Visit the world’s tallest building when it was completed (for observation deck experience).
  • Ximending (also known as Ximending District): Explore Taipei’s most vibrant night market and fashion district.

Activities:

  • Hike Elephant Mountain early in the day for a city view.
  • Explore Taipei 101, including its shopping areas and dining options.
  • Spend your evening exploring Ximending for dinner and nightlife.

Things to Know:

  • The Taipei 101 Observatory offers panoramic views of the city from high up. It’s advisable to visit it during sunset or twilight for optimal viewing.

Day 3: Jiufen (Jiufen Old Street) and Yehliu Geopark

Places to Go:

  • Jiufen Old Street: A historic mining town turned into a scenic tourist destination, offering stunning coastal views.
  • Yehliu Geopark: Known for its unique geological formations.

Activities:

  • Spend your morning exploring Jiufen’s old street and trying local snacks or tea.
  • Visit Yehliu in the afternoon to see the famous “Queen’s Head” rock formation.

Things to Know:

  • Be respectful of the geopark by not touching any of the formations, as this can damage them over time.

Day 4: Taroko National Park

Places to Go:

  • Taroko Gorge: A stunning gorge carved out by the Liwu River and a popular spot for hiking.

Activities:

  • Explore the park’s trails. The most accessible trail is the Shakadang Trail, which is a gentle hike suitable for all ages.

Things to Know:

  • Taroko National Park offers various hiking trails of different difficulty levels. Choose one that suits your fitness level.
  • It’s advisable to visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak sun hours and crowds.

Day 5: Sun Moon Lake

Places to Go:

  • Sun Moon Lake: The largest freshwater lake in Taiwan, offering beautiful scenery.

Activities:

  • Take a boat ride across the lake.
  • Visit one of the surrounding national parks like Shuishe or Itashao for hiking.

Things to Know:

  • Check weather forecasts and lake conditions before visiting. Water levels can affect boat tours.

Day 6: Taipei (Back in the City)

Places to Go:

  • Shandong Market: For a last-minute shopping spree or trying local street food.
  • Dadaocheng (also known as Bopiliao Historical Block): A historic district that showcases Taipei’s cultural heritage.

Activities:

  • Spend your morning browsing Shandong Market for local goods and snacks.
  • Visit Dadaocheng in the afternoon to appreciate its historical architecture and vibe.

Things to Know:

  • Taiwan has a lot to offer beyond major attractions. Enjoy exploring any area you find interesting, as there’s always something new to discover.

Transportation:

Taiwan has an excellent public transportation system that includes buses and metro lines. Tourists can easily navigate the country using these services or by renting a scooter for greater flexibility. Taiwan also has high-speed rail (HSR) connecting major cities like Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung.

Final Tips:

  • Learn some basic Chinese phrases to communicate with locals.
  • Download local ride-hailing apps or use taxi services if you prefer private transportation.
  • Be respectful of cultural and religious practices in temples and historical sites.
  • Pack lightly and be prepared for the weather. Taiwan has a subtropical climate with significant temperature variations between the north (Taipei) and south.

Enjoy your time in Taiwan!