Fang Wang
Let me be real with you. I've been guiding tours in Taipei for over seven years, and the biggest mistake I see visitors make is trying to cram too much in. Taipei isn't a city you conquer—it's a city you taste, one bowl of beef noodle soup at a time.
I remember this couple from Canada who followed a blog's "perfect 3-day itinerary" and ended up spending half their time queuing and the other half lost. That's why I designed this 5 days in Taipei plan: enough time to see the highlights and wander down a random alley for papaya milk.
Here's the thing: the secret to a great Taipei trip is timing. Hit the major spots at 7:30 AM (yes, that early), and you'll have them almost to yourself. By 10 AM it's a zoo. Below is the exact schedule I use with my own clients.
Day 1: Taipei 101, Elephant Mountain & Xinyi District
Why start with Xinyi?
Fight the jetlag by staying active. Lace up your walking shoes and head straight to Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) before 8 AM. The trail takes about 20 minutes to the top, and you'll get that classic Taipei 101-in-your-face photo without the midday haze.
After descending, grab breakfast at Yong He Soy Milk (No. 102, Section 2, Fuxing South Road) – their hot soy milk and youtiao (fried dough stick) are legendary. Costs about NT$50 total.
Next, Taipei 101 Observatory. Book tickets online via Klook or the official site – you'll save NT$100 and skip the ticket line. The express elevator (37 seconds) is an experience itself. Cost: NT$600 adult, NT$540 student. Spend an hour up there, then explore the luxury mall below if that's your thing. I'd rather walk to Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall (10 min) for the free changing of the guard at the top of each hour.
Lunch: Walk to Lin Dong Fang Beef Noodles (No. 2, Lane 42, Section 2, Bade Road) – the braised beef noodle soup is a dark, rich broth with tender chunks. Average NT$180. Expect a 15-min wait at noon.
Afternoon: Head to Daan Forest Park (take MRT to Daan Park station). It's Taipei's Central Park. Rent a YouBike or just nap on the grass. Then Yongkang Street for the famous Din Tai Fung (No. 129, Section 2, Xinyi Road). Yes, the queue is long (30-60 min), but the xiaolongbao are worth it. Or skip and try the lesser-known Kao Chi for steamed dumplings nearby.
Evening: Tonghua Night Market (Linjiang Street) – less touristy than Shilin. Must-eat: gua bao (braised pork belly bun) at stall 7, and the fried milk oysters. Don't miss the aiyu jelly dessert.
Day 2: National Palace Museum, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial & Shilin Night Market
The museum you need to plan around
The National Palace Museum houses over 700,000 artifacts. You can't see it all. Hit the Jade Cabbage and Meat-shaped Stone on the second floor, then browse the Ming dynasty ceramics. Book online or you'll queue 20-30 minutes. Admission NT$350. Opening hours: 9 AM to 5 PM (closed on Mondays). Take MRT to Shilin station, then bus R30 (15 min).
After the museum, take a taxi (NT$200) to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. The changing of the guard is on the hour until 5 PM. The sheer scale of the plaza is impressive. Walk through Liberty Square to the nearby Nanmen Market for lunch – try the braised pork rice at stall 23.
Late afternoon: Ximending – the youth district. It's like Taipei's Shibuya. Browse quirky shops, watch street performers, and grab a bubble tea from the original Chun Shui Tang (No. 28, Lane 6, Section 1, Hankou Street).
Dinner: Shilin Night Market – huge and chaotic. My picks: Hot Star Large Fried Chicken (size of your face), Oyster Omelet from stall 12, and Stinky Tofu from the corner of Wenlin Road (don't be scared, it's tastier than it smells).
Day 3: Jiufen, Yehliu Geopark & Keelung Night Market
Best day trip from Taipei
You'll need a full day for this. Take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle from Taipei Main Station (bus 1062) directly to Jiufen (1.5 hours, NT$101). Leave by 7:30 AM to avoid crowds.
Jiufen is the magical mountain town that inspired Spirited Away. Walk the old street before 10 AM when it's empty. Must-try: taro balls with sweet bean soup at Ah Gan Yi Taro Ball (No. 5, Lane 56, Jishan Street). Then hike up to the Shengping Theater (free, old Japanese cinema).
Take a local bus (788) or taxi (NT$300) from Jiufen to Yehliu Geopark (about 40 min). The unique rock formations are stunning, but beware – no shade. Wear a hat, bring water. Admission NT$120. Spend 1.5 hours, then bus back to Keelung.
Keelung Night Market starts around 5 PM. Famous for seafood. My go-to: fresh sashimi at stall 2-1 and the Nutty Shaved Ice (a mountain of ice with crushed peanuts and taro). Take the train back to Taipei (50 min, NT$50).
Day 4: Beitou Hot Springs & Maokong Gondola
Relax and recharge
Take MRT to Xinbeitou station. Walk to Beitou Public Hot Springs (NT$60 for the outdoor pool) or splurge at Spring City Resort (private spa, NT$1500 for 2 hours). The sulfuric water is heaven for sore muscles.
After soaking, grab lunch at Water Paper restaurant in the Beitou Library area. The tempura rice set (NT$280) is excellent.
Hop on the Maokong Gondola (MRT Taipei Zoo station) for a ride above the tea plantations. Crystal cabins with glass floors are same price. Round trip NT$240. At the top, walk through tea houses and try tieguanyin tea with a view of Taipei. Zhi Nan Temple nearby is worth a quick visit.
Evening: Head to Raohe Night Market (Songshan station). Don't miss the pepper buns (black pepper pork baked in a clay oven) at the entrance. Also the grilled squid and mochi skewers.
Day 5: Flexible Final Day
This day is for what you loved most. But I have a suggestion: Huashan 1914 Creative Park (MRT Zhongxiao Xinsheng) – a former brewery turned artsy complex with boutiques and cafes. Grab a coffee at Huashan Cafe (NT$150). Then walk to Songshan Cultural and Creative Park nearby.
If you're a museum lover, Miniatures Museum of Taipei (just off Zhongxiao East Road) is quirky and small (NT$200). Or do a cooking class at Taipei Cooking Academy (NT$2500, 3 hours).
Last evening: Dadaocheng Wharf (MRT Beimen) for a sunset stroll along the old riverside buildings. Dinner at Li Xue Restaurant for authentic Taiwanese home-style braised pork.
Where to Eat Like a Local
| Restaurant | Dish | Price (NT$) | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lin Dong Fang Beef Noodles | Braised beef noodle soup | 180 | No. 2, Lane 42, Sec. 2, Bade Rd. |
| Ah Gan Yi Taro Ball | Taro ball dessert | 60 | No. 5, Lane 56, Jishan St., Jiufen |
| Din Tai Fung (Yongkang) | Xiaolongbao | 250 | No. 129, Sec. 2, Xinyi Rd. |
| Hot Star Large Fried Chicken | Giant fried chicken cutlet | 80 | Shilin Night Market (Wenlin Rd. entrance) |
| Chun Shui Tang (Ximending) | Bubble tea | 60 | No. 28, Lane 6, Sec. 1, Hankou St. |
Where to Stay
For first-timers, choose Ximending (lively, street food, good transport) or Zhongzheng District (near MRT, museums).
| Hotel | Area | Price Range (NT$) | Why I Recommend |
|---|---|---|---|
| CityInn Hotel Plus Ximending | Ximending | 2000-3500/night | Great location, free beer hour, English-speaking staff |
| Homey Hostel | Taipei Main Station | 600-800 (dorm) | Clean, social, walking distance to night markets |
| Grand Hotel Taipei | Zhongshan | 4000-6000 | Iconic palace-style, amazing breakfast buffet |
| Via Hotel Taipei | Zhongzheng | 2500-4000 | Modern, close to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall |
Transport & Money-Saving Tips
- EasyCard – buy at any MRT station (NT$100 deposit, refundable). Covers MRT, buses, YouBike, even convenience stores.
- MRT runs 6 AM to midnight. Last train from most stations is around 12:20 AM. Plan accordingly.
- Uber & taxis – Uber is slightly pricier but easier for non-Chinese speakers. Taxis start at NT$70. Don't hail them during rain – impossible.
- YouBike – rent with EasyCard. First 30 mins free then NT$10 per 30 mins. Great for short hops.
- Cash is still king at night markets and small shops. International credit cards work at chain stores and hotels but not everywhere.
If you only read one article before visiting Taipei, make it this one. I’ve been living in Asia for years and even I discovered new things. The route for Day 4 (old streets and a hidden temple) was magical—no tourists, just locals burning incense. The restaurant recommendations were all hits, especially the braised pork rice stall. My only tiny complaint: a map would've been helpful, but the directions were clear enough. Will definitely use again for other cities if the author makes more.
Used this guide for a solo trip and it was perfect. The balance between famous landmarks (like Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall at sunset) and offbeat alleys was exactly what I needed. I especially appreciated the tip about taking the MRT instead of Uber during peak hours—saved me time and money. The only reason it's not a 5 is that I wished they included a short section on packing suggestions for Taipei's humidity. Otherwise, a solid resource that made my trip stress-free.
Honestly, I was a bit let down. The title promised 'skip the crowds' but Day 3 still put me in a packed area during lunch rush. And the 'local' food recommendations felt like they were pulled from a generic blog—I found better spots just wandering around. The writing style is fun but the practical execution didn't match my experience. Maybe it works better for first-time visitors? For seasoned travelers, a bit basic. Decent but not great.
I'm a big foodie and this article was a goldmine. The 'Eat Like a Local' part is no joke—tried the stinky tofu from the night market they suggested and it was life-changing (in a good way). My only complaint is that the walking times between stops felt a bit aggressive; I ended up skipping a few places. Also, the restaurant hours listed for one spot were outdated—it was closed on a Tuesday. Overall though, super useful and I'd still give it a 4.
This guide saved my trip! I’ve been to Taipei before and ended up stuck in long lines at touristy spots, but this time I followed the itinerary for Day 1 and 2. The early morning visit to Yongkang Street was genius—no crowds and I got to try the famous beef noodles without waiting. The local food tips were spot on, especially the hidden dumpling place near the market. Only wish they included more dessert recommendations. Still, highly recommend if you want the real Taipei experience without the hassle.