Qiang Huang
Quick Guide – What's Inside
I have been leading Taipei day trips for over a decade. And here is the catch — most online guides are written by people who never actually stood in line at Jiufen at 3pm or tried to buy a Maokong gondola ticket with only cash. I have. So let me save you the trouble.
Within the next 5 minutes, you will know exactly which Taipei day trips are worth your time, how to pay, where to skip the crowds, and what to do when it rains. This is the guide I wish I had when I first arrived.
Why Most Taipei Day Trip Guides Mislead You
Here is the thing — nearly every blog tells you to visit Jiufen at sunset. Great advice, except everyone does exactly that. You will be stuck on the old street with a thousand selfie sticks. I always tell my clients: go before 11am or after 7pm. The light is different, but the experience is real.
Another myth: you can easily hop between Shifen and Jiufen using public buses. Technically yes, but the bus only comes every 40 minutes and often leaves you at a stop that requires a 15-minute walk uphill. I lost count of how many tourists I saw panting under the sun. Instead, book a shared taxi (around NT$300 per person) — it cuts waiting time by half.
And the biggest headache? Payment. Many local vendors still do not take international credit cards. You need cash — and not just any cash: small bills. I have seen travelers walk away from a meal because they only had NT$1000 notes. So hit an ATM at Taipei Main Station before you depart.
Top 5 Taipei Day Trips (with Actionable Details)
1. Jiufen & Shifen – The classic, but with a twist
Best for: First-timers, culture lovers, photographers.
Route: Taipei Main Station → Ruifang (train, 45 min, NT$49) → bus to Jiufen (15 min, NT$15) → bus back to Ruifang → train to Shifen (1 stop, 10 min) → walk to waterfall (20 min). Total travel time: 2 hours each way.
Tickets & costs:
| Item | Price (Adult) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Train to Ruifang | NT$49 | Local train; buy at counter or use EasyCard |
| Jiufen bus | NT$15 | EasyCard accepted |
| Shifen sky lantern | NT$150–250 | Price depends on color; cash only |
| Shifen Waterfall | Free | Open 24h; path well-lit until 6pm |
My insider tip: Most visitors head straight to Jiufen Old Street. Instead, walk up the stairs beside the 7-Eleven to the Jiufen Tea House. Order a pot of Alishan oolong (NT$300) and sit on the balcony. That view of the mountains meeting the sea — that is the Jiufen you came for. No crowd, just peace. Then hit the old street at 10:30am when shops open and before the tour buses roll in.
Beware: The Shifen waterfall trail gets slippery after rain. Wear shoes with grip. Also, the sky lantern vendors will push you to write on a lantern — if you do, negotiate the price. I have seen the same lantern drop from NT$250 to NT$150.
2. Beitou & Yangmingshan – Hot springs and volcanic landscapes
Best for: Nature lovers, couples, hikers.
Route: Take MRT to Xinbeitou station (red line, 40 min from Taipei main). Then bus 230 or 108 to Yangmingshan visitor center (30 min).
Tickets & costs:
| Item | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beitou Public Hot Spring | NT$120 | Millennium hot spring; must bring own towel |
| Yangmingshan National Park | Free | No entry fee; some trails require registration on busy days |
| Bus 230/108 | NT$15–30 | EasyCard works |
My insider tip: Do not waste money on private hot spring hotels in Beitou — the public ones are excellent and cost only NT$120. But go early (before 9am) or after 8pm to avoid the local crowd. The water is naturally heated, rich in sulfur, and your skin will feel like silk afterward.
For Yangmingshan, skip the popular Xiaoyoukeng (it is always packed). Instead, take bus 108 to Qingtiangang grassland. That rolling green hills with grazing cattle? Perfect for a picnic. Plus, the bus stops right at the trailhead.
Heads-up: The MRT to Xinbeitou is actually a branch line — check the platform indicator. If you accidentally go to the main Beitou station, you have to change trains. And yes, I have done that too many times.
3. Maokong Gondola & Tea Plantations – A sky ride above Taipei
Best for: Families, tea drinkers, photographers.
Route: MRT brown line to Taipei Zoo station. Walk to the gondola station (3 min). The ride to Maokong takes about 30 minutes.
Tickets & costs:
| Item | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maokong Gondola round trip | NT$120 | Use EasyCard for NT$10 discount; crystal cabins cost same but wait longer |
| Tea tasting at a teahouse | NT$200–500 per pot | Most teahouses require minimum order; cash preferred |
My insider tip: The crystal cabin (glass bottom) is fun but the line can be 30 minutes longer. If you are not with kids, just take a regular cabin — the view is the same. Once you reach Maokong, do not stay at the first plaza. Walk 10 minutes up the road to Zhang Nai Tea House. Their Tieguanyin is superb and they have an English menu. Ask for the outdoor seats — you can see the Taipei 101 tower on a clear day.
Warning: The gondola stops running at 9pm (10pm on weekends). Do not miss the last ride down, or you will be stuck on the mountain with no taxis. I have bailed out a couple of panicked tourists who did exactly that.
4. Keelung Night Market & Yehliu Geopark – Sea, rocks, and food
Best for: Foodies, geology enthusiasts, night owls.
Route: Take a bus from Taipei Main Station to Yehliu (bus 1815, 1 hour, NT$100). Then bus 862 or 790 to Keelung (30 min, NT$30).
Tickets & costs:
| Item | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yehliu Geopark | NT$120 | Free for seniors over 65 (ID required) |
| Keelung Night Market | Free entry | Average meal NT$100–200; bring cash |
| Bus 1815 | NT$100 | Pay with EasyCard or cash |
My insider tip: Visit Yehliu first in the late morning (around 10am) to avoid the cruise ship crowds. The famous Queen's Head rock is best photographed from a low angle to avoid the fence. Afternoon, head to Keelung. Do not even think about eating before you arrive — Keelung Night Market is legendary. I always start at the stall #16 (fried skate) and #22 (nutty rice pudding). The dumplings at #18 are also killer. Most stalls close by midnight, so arrive by 6pm to have time for everything.
Pain point: The bus from Keelung back to Taipei can be packed at 9pm. If you miss the direct bus, take a train from Keelung Station to Taipei Main — it is faster and runs until 11pm.
5. Wulai – Aboriginal village and waterfalls
Best for: Nature lovers, hot spring seekers, cultural tours.
Route: Take MRT green line to Xindian station. Then bus 849 to Wulai (40 min, NT$30).
Tickets & costs:
| Item | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wulai Waterfall | Free | View from the bridge; cable car to top costs NT$100 |
| Atayal Museum | NT$50 | Small but informative; closed on Mondays |
| Hot spring foot bath | Free | Public area near the waterfall; bring own towel |
My insider tip: Wulai is less crowded than Beitou but equally beautiful. The public foot bath on the riverside is completely free and very hot — soak your feet for 15 minutes, then dip them in the cold stream. It is a local ritual. For lunch, skip the tourist restaurants and go to the street food market beside the parking lot. The grilled wild boar sausage (NT$50) and millet mochi (NT$30) are fantastic.
One more thing: The bus 849 can be very crowded on weekends. If you have to stand, hold on tight — the mountain roads are winding. I always take the first bus at 8:30am to beat the rush.
How to Choose the Right Day Trip for You
Here is a quick decision framework based on what I have seen work best for different types of travelers:
- If you have only one day: Jiufen + Shifen. It is the most iconic and offers a mix of culture, history, and scenery. Start at 7am, you can do both comfortably.
- If you hate crowds: Wulai or Maokong on a weekday. You will almost have the place to yourself.
- If you love hiking: Yangmingshan Quingtiangang loop (easy 2-hour walk) and then Beitou hot springs to relax your legs.
- If you are a foodie: Keelung night market. Come with an empty stomach and NT$500. You will be stuffed.
- If it is raining: Beitou hot springs or Yehliu Geopark (the rocks look great in wet weather, but be careful of slippery paths).
My personal favorite: If I had to pick one, I would choose Maokong. The gondola ride over the jungle, the tea, the view of Taipei from above — it captures the magic of Taiwan in a single afternoon. Just bring cash for the teahouse and an umbrella for sudden showers.
FAQ: Common Questions About Taipei Day Trips
Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team.
As someone who hates tourist traps, this guide changed my Taipei experience. The alternative hiking trail near Xiangshan they suggested gave me a completely different view of Taipei 101 without the selfie stick chaos. Felt like a local. I’ll be using these itineraries every time I visit. Truly five stars!
Honestly, I was skeptical about another 'crowd-beating' guide, but this one delivers. The Beitou hot spring itinerary was incredibly relaxing and we never waited in line. The map references and transportation tips were super accurate. Exactly what I needed as a solo traveler on a budget. Highly recommend!
This article saved our trip! We followed the Maokong Gondola + tea houses route and had the whole place to ourselves in the early morning. The insider advice about catching the first gondola is gold. I’ve already shared it with three friends planning their Taipei trips. Perfect mix of nature and culture.
Solid read if you’re short on time and want a no-fuss plan. The Jiufen and Shifen itinerary worked great for our family, though I wish there were more food recommendations. The timing tips actually helped us avoid the worst of the crowds. Worth a look.
I was hoping for more hidden gems, but this guide mostly points you to the same places every travel blog recommends. The itineraries are well-structured and easy to follow, just not as 'insider' as the title promises. Still saved me some planning time, so it’s okay.