Fang Wang
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Let me guess — you've booked your flight, but now staring at a million blog posts all claiming the "perfect" Taipei itinerary. I've been guiding first-timers here for years, and honestly, most online plans will either exhaust you or bankrupt you. So I stripped it down to what actually works.
Here's the catch: Taipei's weather is unpredictable (think sudden downpours even in dry season), and many tourist spots get flooded by 10 AM. My itinerary builds in backup plans and timing to dodge the worst crowds. Plus, I'll tell you exactly which attractions are worth paying for and which you can skip.
Day 1: Core Taipei — Temples, Highs & Night Market
8:00 AM – Longshan Temple
Start early to beat the tour groups. Address: 211 Guangzhou Street, Wanhua District. Nearest MRT: Longshan Temple Station (Exit 1), 3-min walk. Free entry, but dress modestly (no shorts above knee). Spend 45 minutes. I always tell my clients: light incense at the main hall for good luck — locals do it too.
9:30 AM – Bopiliao Historical Block
A 5-min walk from Longshan. This restored Qing-era street is Instagram gold. No entry fee. Best photos near the red brick walls. Avoid midday sun; morning light is softer. Spend 30 minutes.
10:30 AM – Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Take MRT to CKS Memorial Hall Station (Exit 5). Free entry. The massive square and blue-roofed hall are iconic. Catch the guard changing ceremony at the top of each hour. Visit the exhibition hall in the basement to escape the heat. Spend 45-60 minutes.
12:00 PM – Lunch at Yongkang Street
From CKS, walk 15 min or take a bus (O East). I recommend Din Tai Fung (No. 1, Lane 8, Yongkang Street) for soup dumplings. Yes, it's a chain, but the original branch is still my favorite. Expect a 20-30 min wait at noon. Price: about NT$400-600 per person. They have English menu and accept credit cards.
1:30 PM – Taipei 101 & Elephant Mountain
Skip the 101 observatory (NT$600/adult). Instead, head to Elephant Mountain trail (Xiangshan). MRT: Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station, Exit 2, then walk 10 min to the trailhead. The climb takes 20 min to the best photo spot — sweat a bit, but you'll capture the iconic shot of 101 over the city. Best time: 3:30 PM to catch golden hour light. Avoid 10 AM-2 PM when it's baking hot.
5:00 PM – Shilin Night Market
Take MRT to Jiantan Station (Exit 1). This is the largest night market. Must-try: Hot Star Large Fried Chicken (NT$80), Oyster Omelet, and Papaya Milk. My personal favorite: the pepper buns at the alley near the main entrance. Beware: the card-only payment zone — many stalls accept only cash or Line Pay. Bring NT$500-800 for snacks. Avoid dining 7-8 PM (peak chaos).
Day 2: Northern Coast — Jiufen & Yehliu
8:30 AM – Depart for Yehliu Geopark
From Taipei Main Station, take Kuo-Kuang bus (Route 1815) to Yehliu (about 1.5 hr). Fare: NT$96 one way. Or book a shared minibus (around NT$400/person) if you want comfort. Yehliu entry: NT$120/adult, open 8 AM-5 PM. The famous Queen's Head rock is crowded after 10 AM. I suggest heading straight to the far end first, then circle back. Wear hat and sunscreen — zero shade.
12:00 PM – Lunch at Yehliu Fishing Port
Walk 10 min from the park to the port area. Try Yehliu Seafood Restaurant (No. 6-1, Gangdong Road). Their fried squid and seafood soup are decent. Price: NT$300-500 per person. Pay cash only.
1:30 PM – Jiufen Old Street
Take bus 856 or taxi (about 30 min) from Yehliu to Jiufen. This mountain town inspired Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away. The old street is packed with teahouses, souvenir shops, and food stalls. Must-try: taro balls (NT$50) and peanut ice cream roll (NT$40). Visit the A-Mei Tea House (No. 126, Jishan Street) for a break — their oolong tea with a view is amazing (NT$200). Spend 2-3 hours.
5:30 PM – Return to Taipei
Take the local bus (Route 1062) directly to Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT (about 1 hr). Last bus around 9 PM. If you're tired, share a taxi (about NT$1000).
7:30 PM – Dinner at Raohe Night Market
MRT: Songshan Station, Exit 5. Smaller than Shilin but more authentic. My must-order: pepper buns (NT$60) from the stall at the entrance — worth the 15-min wait. Also, the mochi ice cream is a great dessert.
Day 3: South Taipei — Tea, Tech & A Night to Remember
9:00 AM – Maokong Gondola
MRT: Taipei Zoo Station, then follow signs to the gondola. Round trip: NT$240/adult (use EasyCard for 20% discount). The ride offers stunning views over hills. Get off at the final stop (Maokong). Visit a tea house — my pick is Zhangjia Ban Tea House (No. 43, Lane 19, Section 3, Zhinan Road). Free tea tasting if you buy a small pack (NT$200). Spend 2 hours including gondola.
11:30 AM – Lunch near Taipei Zoo
No need to go to the zoo (unless you love pandas). Instead, eat at Xiang Shang Vegetarian (No. 2, Lane 99, Section 2, Xinhai Road) — cheap buffet, NT$150 per person. Cash only.
1:00 PM – Zhongxiao Fuxing Shopping District
MRT: Zhongxiao Fuxing Station. Perfect for afternoon shopping. Check out Eslite Bookstore (No. 19, Lane 45, Section 4, Zhongxiao East Road) — a huge bookstore open 24 hours. Nearby, Breeze Center has mid-range shops. If you want electronics, head to Guanghua Digital Plaza (15 min walk).
4:30 PM – Huashan 1914 Creative Park
From Zhongxiao Fuxing, walk 10 min. A former brewery turned art park. Free to wander. Rotating exhibitions: NT$200-400. I love the café inside (Café Huashan) for a cold brew. Great spot to rest your feet.
6:30 PM – Final Dinner at Ningxia Night Market
MRT: Shuanglian Station, Exit 1, then 8-min walk. Small but packed with foodies. Must-eat: Liu's Shrimp Roll (NT$70) and Rong's Sliced Noodles (NT$80). The oyster pancake here is the best I've had. Spend NT$300-500. This night market closes earlier (around midnight), so don't delay.
Where to Stay in Taipei
| Area | Hotel Recommedation | Price Range (per night) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ximending | Fun Inn Taipei (No. 28, Section 1, Zhonghua Road) |
NT$1,500-2,500 | Solo travelers, nightlife lovers |
| Zhongzheng (near Taipei Main) | Caesar Park Hotel Taipei (No. 38, Section 1, Zhonghua Road) |
NT$3,000-5,000 | Families, convenience |
| Da'an (near Yongkang St) | Dandy Hotel – Daan (No. 52, Lane 25, Section 1, Jianguo South Road) |
NT$2,500-4,000 | Couples, foodies |
| Beitou (hot springs) | Spring City Resort (No. 18, Lane 19, Zhonghe Street) |
NT$4,000-7,000 | Relaxation seekers |
Important note: Most mid-range hotels have stable WiFi and English-speaking front desk. But budget hostels may require cash deposit. Also, check if they accept international credit cards — some small inns only take Chinese card or cash.
Money-Saving Tips for First-Timers
- Get an EasyCard: Buy it at any convenience store (NT$100 deposit). Works on MRT, buses, and even some shops. Saves you fumbling with cash.
- Eat at night markets: Skip tourist restaurants near major attractions. Night market meals are 50% cheaper and far more authentic.
- Use Google Maps for public transport: Taipei MRT is well connected. A single ride: NT$20-50. Taxis start at NT$70 but can add up.
- Free walking tours: Check out Taipei Walking Tour (operated by local volunteers) — tip-based, great for orientation.
- Avoid bottled water at convenience stores: Carry a reusable bottle. Many MRT stations have water refill stations.
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