There are many exciting day trips from Taipei, as well as day tours that will acquaint visitors with the diverse beauty of Taiwan. Travelers who choose to explore areas outside of the metropolis will find unique towns, celebrated night markets, mountain vistas, waterfalls, beaches, and a myriad of other attractions. The capital of Taiwan, Taipei, boasts a wealth of cultural and historic attractions. It’s a world-class city that boasts museums, galleries, restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and high-rise hotels. However, after enjoying its attractions, many visitors want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city to explore places that are further afield, and Taiwan offers a plethora of captivating options.
Imagine, for instance, a soothing escape to Beitou, where geothermal hot springs offer a respite from urban fatigue, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural warmth and therapeutic waters, a stark contrast to the city’s concrete jungle. Then there’s Keelung, a bustling port city, where the vibrant night market spills onto the harbor, offering a feast of fresh seafood and local delicacies, a sensory explosion distinct from Taipei’s refined dining scene. For those seeking a deeper connection with Taiwan’s natural splendor, a journey to Sun Moon Lake provides breathtaking vistas of serene waters framed by verdant mountains, a tranquil oasis far removed from the city’s frenetic pace.
Alternatively, a trip to Lukang offers a glimpse into Taiwan’s rich history, where ancient temples and traditional architecture evoke a sense of bygone eras, showcasing the island’s cultural heritage beyond Taipei’s contemporary facade. These day excursions aren’t just about escaping the city; they’re about enriching your understanding of Taiwan’s multifaceted identity. From the therapeutic warmth of Beitou’s hot springs to the historical whispers of Lukang’s alleyways, each destination offers a unique and unforgettable chapter in your Taiwanese adventure. These journeys provide a deeper connection to the island’s natural beauty, historical significance, and local customs, creating lasting memories that extend far beyond the confines of Taipei’s urban landscape.
1. Day Trips from Taipei | Beitou Hot Springs
After exploring the streets of Taipei, travelers might want to head to Beitou, a mountainous suburb, to enjoy its many spas and resorts. This beautiful area of Taiwan also features outdoor public hot springs where visitors can relax in both hot and cool-water pools. As a popular spa region, Beitou attracts many tourists, so travelers will find a myriad of hotels and inns in the region. Beitou is just 30 minutes from Taipei, which makes it an ideal day trip for visitors who want to get out of Taipei without traveling too far from the city.
2. Day Trips from Taipei | Yangmingshan National Park
Taiwan is home to nine national parks and Yangmingshan National Park is among its most popular. The park includes the districts of Shilin and Beitou and is celebrated for its outstanding hiking hot springs, and picturesque flora like its springtime cherry blossoms. Visitors should note that the park is one of Taiwan’s wild places. Venturing off the trails could be dangerous as there are poisonous snakes that tenant the park. On the other hand, this exciting Taipei day trip is also home to a dormant volcano, Seven Star Mountain, that is exciting to explore. A nature-based day tour from Taipei will invariably include sites associated with this majestic national park.
3. Day Trips from Taipei | Keelung Night Market
The Keelung Night Market has a reputation of being one of the best of its kind in all of Taiwan. Keelung is a famous shipping port and, as such, is a hub for trade. Large ships bring in a myriad of wares, many of which are sold by vendors in at the night market. Many tourists visit Keelung especially for its shopping and great seafood. The night market is located in the center of Keelung around a temple. Vendors sell a wide array of merchandise that includes clothing, cosmetics, accessories, handicrafts, and much more. The night market is also famous for its food vendors. While Taipei boasts many great shopping venues, Keelung attracts travelers with its maritime charms and vibrant marketplace.
4. Day Trips from Taipei | Wulai
Located near the border of Taipei, the town of Wulai is a popular day-trip for visitors in search of hot springs, mountain vistas, and scenic rivers. The area is also home to indigenous Atayal people. Wulai is a popular day trip from Taipei because it’s only an hour away from the city and getting there is easy via public transportation. Although Wulai is relatively small, day tours from Taipei have a lot of scenic attractions to share with travelers. National hot springs, waterfalls, and lush mountains promise visitors a chance to witness thrilling natural attractions. Wulai also boasts many spas, resorts, and restaurants.
Popular Wulai Spas
- Full Moon Spa
- The Garden Spa
Step out to Wulai
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5. Day Trips from Taipei | Sun Moon Lake
A major attraction in the mountains of Nantou, Sun Moon Lake is a phenomenal day trip from Taipei. It takes about three hours depending on traffic to reach Sun Moon Lake by express bus. A longer stay is popular with many tourists who want to spend more than just a day or two in this enchanting part of Taiwan. Sun Moon Lake is famous for its dazzling blue water and picturesque mountain backdrop. The area is especially popular during the Mid-Autumn Festival and is also a hot spot for honeymooners, owing to its immense natural beauty. Once there, travelers can take a boat tour of the lake or visit villages like Ita Thao.
6. Day Trips from Taipei | Jinguashih (Gold Ecological Park)
A popular Taipei day trip to experience natural and cultural attractions, the town of Jinguashih (Gold Ecological Park) in Ruifang District has long been known for its gold and copper mines as well as its extraordinary northern Taiwanese landscapes. There are various sites to tour when visiting Jinguashih like the Golden Waterfall, Qitang Old Street, and Yin Yang Sea. Many visitors also take time to explore Teapot Mountain and its arresting vistas. If time permits, travelers may also want to visit other towns that are situated in the region.
7. Day Trips from Taipei | Yilan
A county in northern Taiwan, Yilan features a wealth of attractions, which makes it an ideal Taipei day tour. Yilan attracts nature enthusiasts with its mountains on one side and open ocean on the other. Travelers who want to tour Yilan City will have vibrant markets and restaurants to look forward to, while the mountains boast numerous hiking trails and the picturesque Wufengchi Waterfall. Like other northern Taiwan locations, Yilan is home to natural hot springs and spas. When designing a day tour of Yilan, try to include popular sites like Guishan Island, Taiping Mountain, Jiaoxi Hot Springs Park, and the Luodong Forestry Culture Park. If you’re interested in getting out onto the water, Yilan is a good destination for dolphin and whale-watching tours.
Step out to Yilan
8. Day Trips from Taipei | Shiding Thousand Island Lake
Shiding Thousand Island Lake isn’t technically a lake, but it is actually a river that features a multitude of submerged mountains with peaks that spring up from the water to form lush islands. The area is dotted with tea farms and beautiful landscapes that have made this area increasingly popular for tourism. The beauty of the region and its quiet atmosphere make it a popular day trip from Taipei. Aside from the natural attractions of the region, there are also small towns like Shiding that are great places to visit to enjoy the local cuisine.
9. Day Trips from Taipei | Lukang
As a famous small tourist town, Lukang is a popular Taipei day trip. The town is home to more than 200 temples. When visiting, travelers will want to spend time exploring Lukang Old Street that features old Taiwanese houses and cultural attractions. As a historic port town, Lukang is famed for its fresh seafood and seafood cuisine. Some of Lukang’s eateries specialize in local favorite foods like duck meatballs, fried oysters, and oyster omelets. Lukang is also a fun place to purchase souvenirs like paper lanterns, traditional toys, and various handicrafts made by local peoples.
10. Day Trips from Taipei | Taroko National Park
Taroko Gorge (Tailuge Xia) and the surrounding Taroko National Park lies to the southeast of Taipei. It features rugged terrain like coastal cliffs and forested canyons. Its subtropical forests attract many outdoor enthusiasts who visit to hike or witness its spectacular flora and fauna. There are also tours of the area for visitors who prefer to witness the park’s splendors with a guide. A highlight of the park is, of course, the Taroko Gorge. This dramatic mountain gorge stretches for nearly 20 kilometers through the park. If you’re looking for a particularly exciting adventure, traverse one of the suspension bridges that lie over the river that runs through the canyon.
11. Day Trips from Taipei | Yehliu Geopark
Famous for its rock formations, Yehliu Geopark is one of the more popular day trips from Taipei. An ecology reserve, Yehliu Geopark is also Taiwan’s first marine park. Upon visiting Yehliu Geopark, visitors will want to see or photograph some of its most spectacular rock formations like Mushroom Rocks, Fairy Shoe, and Sea Candles. With its 360-degree ocean views from its clifftop, Yehliu Geopark brims with scenic splendor. Travel from Taipei to this area is also known for its amazing view of landscapes.
12. Day Trips from Taipei | Puli
A gorgeous mountain town, Puli is a popular destination for eco-tourism. Puli is a base for many outdoor activities like mountain hiking. Both visitors and locals alike enjoy witnessing the beauty of the lakes and visiting its various monasteries. The trip from Taipei to Puli is typically under four hours. Many visitors do elect to stay in one of the area’s hotels or resorts because of the distance. When planning your Puli travel itinerary, be sure to visit attractions like the New Era Art Resort & Spa or Carp Lake (Liyu Lake). There are also guided tours of the area and some of its major attractions.
Step Out to Puli
13. Day Trips from Taipei | Tamsui
Tamsui is situated on Taiwan’s northern coast. With its wharf and Old Street, Tamsui is a popular tourist destination and day-trip from Taipei. The town is only a forty-minute trip from Taipei Main Station. When visiting, travelers will certainly want to visit the waterfront to enjoy its cafes and restaurants, some of which specialize in bean curd-filled crystal noodles, a celebrated local dish. Along Tamsui (Danshui) Old Street, visitors to Tamsui will find many vendors and stalls filled with wares like locally-made handicrafts. Visitors who don’t want to travel too far from Taipei will certainly want to consider a trip to this town, which is so rich with colonial history.
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