4 Days in TaipeiThis comprehensive 4-day Taipei itinerary for first-time visitors includes cultural landmarks, local experiences, scenic views and culinary delights, from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants.
For longer stays, venture outside Taipei to explore Taroko Gorge, Alishan, or a round-the-island trip—see the "7+ Days" section for details.
Day 1: Introduction to TaipeiMorning:
Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall & Liberty Square: Explore the impressive architecture and learn about Taiwan's history.
A visit to the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall offers a glimpse into Taiwan's rich Chinese architectural traditions and complex political heritage. The grand marble hall, with its striking blue roof, honors Chiang Kai-shek while reflecting on Taiwan's transition from authoritarian rule to democracy. Exhibits showcase artifacts from his life and Taiwan’s political evolution, while Liberty Square hosts cultural performances and public gatherings. This site uniquely blends historical reflection with cultural expression, making it a must-see for those interested in Taiwan's past and future.
If visiting at night, the illuminated Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall offers a stunning, photographic view.
Lunch:Din Tai Fung (Taipei 101): Enjoy world-famous xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at this Michelin-starred restaurant.
Afternoon:
Stop 1:
Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall: Explore Taiwan’s history, enjoy stunning architecture and learn about the founding father of the Republic of China Sun Yat-sen
Stop 2:
Taipei 101: Visit the observation deck for panoramic city views; arrive an hour before sunset to enjoy both daylight and night lights of the city.
Dinner:
Shin Yeh (Main): Experience traditional Taiwanese cuisine with a modern twist and stunning city views.
Evening:
Foot massage around the restaurant
Day 2: Cultural ImmersionMorning:
National Palace Museum: Explore one of the largest collections of Chinese art and artifacts.
The National Palace Museum, often dubbed the Louvre of Chinese history, houses over 700,000 artifacts and artworks that span more than 8,000 years of Chinese history. It is considered one of the top four museums in the world and is among the largest museums of its kind.
Don’t miss the Jadeite Cabbage, the Meat-shaped Stone, and the Ming Dynasty's "A Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains." Be sure to visit the souvenir shop for unique mementos.
Lunch:
Silks Palace: Dine on exquisite Taiwanese dishes inspired by the museum’s artifacts.
Afternoon:
Beitou Hot Springs: Relax in one of the hot spring resorts and visit the Beitou Hot Spring Museum.
Dinner:
Shilin Night Market: Try oyster omelets, fried chicken steak, and other local specialties like pepper buns, stinky tofu, and bubble tea.
Day 3: Modern & Traditional MixMorning:Dadaocheng Pier Plaza & Dihua Street: Explore this historic street known for its traditional shops and architecture. Don’t miss the Xia Hai Temple and tea houses in the area.
The Dadaocheng Visitor Center offers a free traditional clothing rental service, allowing visitors to wear period costumes and explore Taipei’s historic streets for an authentic experience. Reserve a spot
here.Lunch:
Yong Le MarketAfternoon:
Stop 1:
Bopiliao Historical Block: Discover the preserved historical street from the Qing Dynasty in 1760’s.
Stop 2:
Lungshan Temple: Visit this historic temple and experience Taiwanese spirituality.
Lungshan Temple, built in 1738, is a historic gem in Taipei. Key sights include the intricate carvings, the worship hall, and the golden statues. Major gods include Ma Zu, the sea goddess, and Guan Yin, the goddess of mercy. In the temple's rear hall, large crowds gather around Yue Lao, the elderly figure with a long beard, seeking his guidance for love and matchmaking, reflecting deep cultural beliefs in fate and romance. Remember to dress modestly, be respectful, and avoid loud noises.
Dinner:
Huaxi Street Night MarketEvening:
Ximending: Visit this vibrant area known for its street performances and lively atmosphere.Catch a street show or performance in Ximending.
Day 4: Historical Sites, Scenic River Views, and Coastal CharmMorning:
Tamsui, Fort San Domingo & Mangrove Ecology Trail: Explore this coastal town, visit Tamsui Old Street, and enjoy the scenic views. Take a peaceful stroll on Mangrove Ecology Trail to observe the mangroves, listen to the sounds of nature, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. Bring binoculars to spot species like egrets, herons, and kingfishers.
You can take a boat cruise along the Tamsui River. This offers a different perspective of the mangrove forest and views of Taipei's skyline from the water.
Lunch:
Tamsui Seafood Restaurant: Taste fresh seafood in Tamsui.
Afternoon:
Ferry to Bali Left Bank & Shihsanhang Museum of Archaeology:
The Shihsanhang Museum of Archaeology showcases artifacts unearthed from the archaeology site, dating back over 1,800 years. Exhibits highlight the life of the Shihsanhang people*, their tools, pottery, and ancient burial practices.
Explore the outdoor excavation site where archaeologists discovered artifacts and enjoy scenic views and sunset from the museum.
*The Shihsanhang people were prehistoric residents of Taiwan who lived from around 1,800 to 350 years ago. They are thought to be the ancestors of the Ketagalan people of the Pingpu aboriginal tribe.
Dinner:
BadaSang Indigenous Restaurant: Try some Taiwanese tribal cuisines
Additional informationPerformance schedule and tickets (traditional opera, music or cultural show)
National Theater and Concert Hall,
The Taipei Chinese Orchestra ,
Taipei EYE, Taiwan Traditional Theatre CenterT
aipei Puppet Theater ,
Cloud Gate Dance Theater (contemporary dance)
Free Taipei Walk Tours, Tips Recommended
Like It Formosa,
Tour Me Away Dinner:
Michelin-starred Taiwanese restaurants Day Trips Around TaipeiOption 1: Northern CoastQianshuiwan Seaside Park, Laomei Green Reef, JhongJiao Bay, Dharma Drum Mountain World Center for Buddhist Education, Ju Ming Museum. Jinshan (If staying overnight, soak in the hot spring there.)
Option 2: NorthEastern Coast
Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen Village (Skip if you have bad knees), Jinguashih, LongDong Bay Park, Fulong Beach
Option 3: Yangmingshan National ParkYangmingshan National Park: Enjoy the hot springs, hiking trails, and lush scenery. Dine with a fantastic view of Taipei in a restaurant like “The Top”.
Option 4: Tea Culture Experiences Visit one of the two main tea-growing areas Moakong or Pinglin to explore tea culture near Taipei.
Outside of Taipei, explore Nantou (SunMoon Lake & Lugu) and Alishan areas for High Mountain Teas. See “Fun Fact” section for more information.
Here are several ways to explore tea culture in these tea-growing areas:
1. Visit Tea Plantations: Head to tea-growing regions like Maokong, Pinglin, or Alishan to tour tea plantations. You can witness the cultivation process, learn about different tea varieties, and participate in tea picking.
2. Attend a Traditional Tea Ceremony: Experience the art of tea making by joining a traditional Taiwanese tea ceremony, where you can learn the precise steps and etiquette of brewing Taiwan’s famous Oolong or Pouchong teas.
3. Visit the Tea Museum: Explore the Pinglin Tea Museum, one of the world’s largest tea museums, to delve into the history, cultivation, and varieties of Taiwanese tea.
4. Tea House Experience: Enjoy tea in a traditional teahouse in areas like Jiufen or Maokong. These teahouses offer scenic views and allow visitors to enjoy a relaxing atmosphere while sampling different tea flavors.
These experiences immerse visitors in Taiwan’s rich tea culture, offering both educational and sensory experiences.
Option 5: YilanHotel Royal Chiahsi (5-star wellness hotel), National Center for Traditional Arts, Kavalan Whiskey Distillery
UP 7+ Days in TaiwanFor tourists spending 7 or more days in Taiwan, it’s worth dedicating 1 or 2 days to exploring Taipei’s top attractions like Taipei 101, the National Palace Museum, and Lungshan Temple. Beyond Taipei, Taiwan’s stunning landscapes and national parks are a must-see. Consider visiting Taroko National Park, known for its breathtaking marble canyons, or Alishan, famous for its sunrise views and tea plantations. Sun Moon Lake offers serene beauty and cycling paths around the lake, while Yushan (Jade Mountain), Taiwan’s highest peak, is ideal for hikers. For coastal experiences, head to Kenting National Park in the south for beaches and marine activities, or explore the indigenous culture and natural beauty of Taitung and its rugged coastlines. Taipingshan is perfect for forest lovers, offering scenic trails and hot springs.
Each destination provides a unique glimpse into Taiwan’s natural beauty, making your visit well-rounded and unforgettable.
Top 10 outdoor activities in Taiwan:
Explore Taiwan's rich natural environment, from mountains to ocean
1. Hiking or Mountaineering: Taiwan is known for its mountainous terrain. Popular hikes include Yushan (Jade Mountain), Taroko Gorge and Alishan, offering stunning views and a range of difficulty levels.
2. Cycling: Taiwan has well-maintained cycling routes, such as the Sun Moon Lake loop and East Coast routes, making it a cyclist’s paradise.
3. Surfing: Beaches along the east coast, especially Jinzun, JhongJiao Bay, Fulong Beach, are top spots for surfing, with waves suited for both beginners and pros.
4. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling: Taiwan’s surrounding waters offer excellent diving experiences, particularly around Kenting National Park and Green Island, known for coral reefs and diverse marine life.
5. Paragliding: Wufengqi in Yilan and the coastal area of Dapeng Bay offer exhilarating paragliding experiences with views of Taiwan’s landscapes.
6. Hot Spring Bathing: Taiwan has natural hot springs scattered across the island, with Beitou and Wulai in Taipei being popular destinations for outdoor spring baths.
7. River Tracing or White Water Rafting: This adventure sport involves climbing and swimming along rivers and waterfalls, with Hualien and Taroko Gorge being favorite spots for thrill-seekers.
8. Kayaking or SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboard): The Liyu Lake (Hualien) and Sun Moon Lake (Nanto) areas provide scenic spots for kayaking with peaceful waters surrounded by nature. Watch the sunrise on a SUP in the Hualien and Taroko areas(Ching-Shui Cliff, Qixingtan Beach, Jici Beach, Liyu Lake).
9. Rock Climbing: Taiwan’s mountainous regions, particularly the Long Dong Cliffs on the northeast coast, are perfect for outdoor rock climbing enthusiasts.
10. Whale Watching: The coastal waters of Hualien and Yilan are ideal for whale and dolphin watching, especially from spring to autumn when these marine creatures are more active.
Top 3 indoor activities beyond museums, Taipei 101, hot springs and shopping:
1. Karaoke (KTV): Experience Taiwan's karaoke culture at places like PartyWorld or Cashbox, where you can rent private rooms to sing popular songs with friends or family.
2. Indoor Theme Parks and VR Centers: E7PLAY in Taipei or VR arcades such as Viveland offer indoor amusement parks, arcades, and virtual reality experiences. Explore family-friendly indoor parks like E-DA Theme Park in Kaohsiung or Baby Boss in Taipei, where kids can role-play various professions and activities.
3. Night Market Arcade Games: Taiwan’s night markets often feature indoor arcades with claw machines, basketball hoops, and classic games—perfect for a fun break between meals.
Top 5 cultural activities to experience in Taiwan:
1. Taiwanese Tea Ceremony: Join a traditional tea ceremony and learn about Taiwan’s rich tea culture, particularly in places like Maokong or Jiufen. Learn the art of brewing tea and the importance of tea in Taiwanese culture.
2. Taiwanese Opera (Gezai Opera): Watch a performance of Gezai opera, a traditional form of opera combining music, acting, and martial arts. This is especially popular during festivals like the Lunar New Year.
3. Aboriginal Culture Experiences: Visit indigenous villages in places like Wulai to experience Taiwan’s aboriginal cultures. You can watch traditional dances, listen to music, and try indigenous cuisine.
4. Temple Visits and Festivals: Explore Taiwan's many temples, such as Lungshan Temple in Taipei. Witness religious festivals like the Mazu Pilgrimage or the Lantern Festival, which are deeply rooted in Taiwanese culture and spirituality.
5. Traditional Taiwanese Puppet Shows (Budaixi): Attend a Budaixi performance, a form of traditional puppet theater that tells epic stories using intricately designed puppets and skilled puppetry techniques.
Additional InformationOfficial Tourism Information , National Park Service,
Taroko National Park,
Alishan Forest,
Surfline: surf spots in Taiwan
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