Taipei Itinerary: Guide to Accommodations, Food & Transport

Taipei is a vibrant city where traditional culture and modern life blend together seamlessly. From ancient temples and bustling night markets to futuristic skyscrapers and cozy tea houses, there’s something to spark every traveler’s interest. Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, nature lover, or just looking to explore a new place, Taipei has you covered.

Planning where to stay is a big part of making your trip smooth and stress-free. Luckily, Taipei offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Many options are conveniently located near public transportation, making it easy to get around the city.

Speaking of getting around, Taipei’s transportation system is one of the best in Asia. With the efficient MRT (subway), affordable buses, and plenty of taxis, navigating the city is simple even if it’s your first visit. Plus, many major attractions are located close to MRT stations, saving you time and energy.

Of course, no trip to Taipei would be complete without diving into its incredible food scene. From famous street foods like bubble tea and stinky tofu to world-class dumplings and beef noodle soup, your taste buds are in for a treat. Night markets such as Shilin and Raohe Street are must-visit spots for food lovers.

Get ready for a Taipei itinerary that includes plenty of history and tons of Taiwanese food! Taipei is a culturally rich city with much to enjoy, and a first trip to Taipei can be a little overwhelming.  Decide what kind of vacation is best for you, and use this Taipei itinerary to guide you to the best attractions in Taipei!

Taipei Travel Guide: A Taipei Itinerary to Help You Explore!

Get ready to visit Taipei! Having a good travel plan is one of the best ways to ensure that you have a great vacation. By deciding what you’d like to do before you arrive in Taiwan, you will already have a clear path set in front of you. And, even if you don’t follow your Taipei itinerary exactly, having a plan will give you a sense of confidence when you visit the city.

Taipei is known for its amazing night markets, beautiful cultural sights, wonderful people, and delicious food so, no matter what you choose to focus your time on, you’re sure to have a great time in Taipei.

While this Taipei itinerary can help you plan your trip and keep you on schedule, another way to ensure that you have a good trip is by booking some tours ahead of time. Taipei has a number of great food tours, so if you find that you enjoy visiting food sights, you can always opt to book a tour and let them take the lead.

Additionally, there are tours available for many of the major sights in Taipei. If you are looking to cram as many attractions into your trip as possible, it may be a good idea to let the professionals take the lead. However, if you enjoy experiencing different cultures and sometimes getting a little lost, Taipei is a fantastic city to have an adventure in. So, hop on the metro, and explore Taipei!

Check in to Smile Inn – Taipei Main Station, Step out to Chengzhong Market

Taipei Itinerary Tips | How to Enjoy a Stress-free Trip in Taipei

If you’ve never been to Taipei before, then you know that the city is large, full of people, and easy to get lost in. Fortunately, Taiwanese people are known for being kind! Here are a few tips to help you enjoy a stress-free vacation in Taipei:

• Bring comfortable shoes. Plan on doing a lot of walking in Taipei, and bring some comfy shoes. Taipei is a great city to see by foot and most of the attractions are going to require that you do some walking to get through them.
• Get ready to take the Metro in Taipei. The MRT (metro) in Taipei is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to get around the city, and it is also inexpensive. The signs are conveniently in English and Chinese, so navigating to the stops shouldn’t be much of a problem. Plan your route ahead of time to save even more time and give your travel confidence a boost!
• Choose accommodations that are close to the sights you want to see! Choosing the right neighborhood in Taipei means you save time on transit and are able to visit more sights. Additionally, some neighborhoods are more expensive than others, so it’s good to plan ahead and pick an area that works with your budget and is close to the sights. Also, be sure that your accommodations are close to a metro or bus station to make things even easier on yourself.
• Prepare to use a lot of cash! If you are planning on visiting any of the markets or night markets, or if you just enjoy shopping, you should know that Taipei is primarily a cash-based city, so many places will not take either debit or credit cards. There are ATMs available around the city, but you can save a little cash by bringing money with you from home (as most banks charge a service fee for overseas withdraws). Fortunately, Taipei isn’t the most expensive city in the world, so while you’ll be using a lot of cash, it won’t hurt your pocketbook too much. Here are a few tips on exchanging currency in Taipei.
  • You can exchange your cash at the airport. While you won’t get a rate as good as you would at home, you can exchange money at the airport. If you don’t have any cash, it’s good to make sure you get some before leaving the airport.
  • Only banks can exchange money in Taiwan, so watch out for banker’s hours! Banks are closed on weekends, holidays, and close early during weekdays, so if you are short on cash and need money exchanged, head out to a bank early in the day.
• If you are planning on using your cellphone, grab a Taiwanese SIM card. Unless you have a great plan at home, you can grab a Taiwanese SIM card for use when you’re in the city. They are inexpensive and can give you access to the internet while you’re in the city. Though there are plenty of WI-FI- hotspots around the city, you never know when you might need to use your cellphone!

Taipei Itinerary: Where to Stay in Taipei

• Ximending District: If it’s your first time staying in Taipei, then the Ximending District is a great area to stay in. Close to the metro, this area is full of attractions and makes for a convenient place to stay in Taipei. With great markets, lots of shops, delicious food, and movie theaters, there’s plenty to do in the Ximending District. With many attractions within walking distance, you can easily make your way around the neighborhood by foot, and as you do, be sure to stop by a food vendor or two and grab some snacks during your journey!
• Wanhua District: The Wanhua District is a great place to stay if you are interested in staying in a popular, up and coming neighborhood, and if you’re looking for inexpensive clothing, or pop culture activities, such as cabaret. This district is also home to the beautiful Longshan Temple and the Bopiliao Historic Block, so you’re also able to get a piece of history while staying in the Wanhua District. Be sure to also try the local Taiwanese foods that are available through the area as the Wanhua District is known for its yummy food!
• Da’an District: If you’re a fan of green spaces in urban areas, then the Da’an District great choice for you as it is home to the wonderful Da’an Forest Park, which is often compared to Central Park in New York City is in the district. The Da’an District is also known for its fantastic night markets, delicious street food, as well as great shopping and entertainment opportunities. If you’re looking to experience some arts and culture, Taiwanese cuisine, or the great outdoors, then the Da’an District is a great choice for your stay in Taipei.

Check in to Kimpton Da An Hotel, Step out to National Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

Taipei Itinerary: Narrow Down What Kind of Trip You Want in Taipei

If you are heading to Taipei, then one of the best things you can do to help ensure that you have a good trip is to plan out what kind of trip you want to take and what types of attractions you want to see. If you are expecting to do a lot of shopping and eating at night markets, then it would be wise to stay in an area that has easy access to markets. If you are looking to spend more time at historical sights, then staying in an area that features historical attractions would be a better fit for you. Doing a little research into the neighborhoods will go a long way towards making sure you have a great vacation and don’t waste time in areas that don’t suit your needs. The following Taipei itineraries can help you narrow down the kind of trip you want to take in Taipei and will give you some fun options for attractions to see in this great city.

A 3-Day Taipei Itinerary to Experience the Best Food in Taipei

Taipei is known for its amazing street food, but more than that, they also have a great restaurant culture in the city, so no matter what kind of foods you are looking for, you can find just about anything in Taipei. This three-day itinerary hones in on food-related attractions and will help to make sure that your mouth and stomach stay happy as you visit Taipei. Remember, sometimes you may see or experience foods that are outside of your comfort zone, but when traveling, it’s a good idea to do as the locals do and enjoy what they have to share. By trying something new, you are opening yourself up to an entire culinary world that you may not have experienced before, and isn’t the best part of traveling getting to experience new cultures and all the wondrous things they have to offer?

A Foodie’s Dream: Day One

• Day One (morning): Today is your day to experience a traditional breakfast in Taipei! Many of the breakfast-style restaurants close earlier in the day, so be sure to get going as early as possible. Head out to the Zhongzheng District and over to the Chengzhong Market, here you can grab a great traditional Taiwanese breakfast that includes specialty soymilks, shaobing (unleavened flatbread), and youtai (fried bread like churros). Many places offer omelet style foods as well. This can be a pretty carb-heavy eating experience, but it’s good to try the local offerings at least once when you’re in the city. Knowing how delicious breakfast is in Taipei, you may find yourself going back again and again!
• After breakfast, spend some time in the Chengzhong Market and consider grabbing a few snacks or souvenirs as you explore the market. Enjoy being a part of the local vibe as you take in this lively and thriving area and then get ready to try more delicious foods for lunch!
• Day One (afternoon): Lunchtime! In the same area as the Chengzhong Market is a restaurant called Yongkang Beef Noodles–and you have to go here! This restaurant is known for being one of the city’s best for beef noodles and also one of the busiest, so expect a line before you get there, but the wait is worth it. Serving primarily beef noodle soup, enjoy thick cut noodles, dark or clear broth, and delicious cuts of beef that blend together for a taste that is distinctly its own! After you’re finished eating, head over to the **National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and appreciate this national monument (a beautiful landmark dedicated to the memory of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-Shek) as you work off your lunch.
• Day One (evening): Time for your first-night market experience in Taipei and you’re going to start with a bang by visiting the Shilin Night Market which is considered one of the biggest and most famous markets in Taipei. Don’t let the size frighten you. This night market is fantastic and known for its amazing foods, great shopping opportunities, and more. Head to the market and make your way towards the western edge as the food market is located underground in this area. Choose from traditional Taiwanese foods, such as stinky tofu, oyster vermicelli, fried buns, and more. Eat as much as you dare and don’t worry, the market is open late so you can stay and enjoy for a while. Once you’re done for the day, head back to your hotel and get some rest.

Check In to Wowhappy Taipei, Step Out to Shandao Temple

A Foodie’s Dream: Taipei Itinerary Day 2

• Day Two (morning): Get up early and get ready to eat some delicious food. Get out of bed around 6:30 am (early, but it’ll be worth it) and head over to the Chen Gen Zhao Cha restaurant in the Xinyi District and eat their egg pancakes. Choose from many delicious fillings, including ham, and bacon, and enjoy the crispy delicious taste of this Taiwanese breakfast. Expect this restaurant to be busy because it’s popular but definitely worth the wait.
• Day Two (afternoon): After breakfast, head over to the Taipei 101 skyscraper and head to the top! The building is open at 9 am, and here you can get an amazing view of the city while you work up some hunger for lunch. While you’re at Taipei 101, you can also get some shopping done in the attached mall, and then head for lunch at Din Tai Fung Chinese Taipei 101 Restaurant. This popular restaurant is known for its delicious Chinese food and Bib Gourmand recommendation in the 2019 Michelin Guide, so get ready to eat! Depending on the time of day you visit, there may be a line, so pack your patience as well.
• Day Two (evening): Once you’re finished with lunch, head over to the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park and spend some time basking in the lush beauty of this gorgeous park. Once a tobacco factory, this area is now lined creative shops, cafes, and galleries, which definitely make this park is worth a visit. After exploring, head over to the Raohe Street Night Market which is one of the oldest markets in the Songshan District, and enjoy the delicious street food and the amazing variety of merchants selling their wares. Make sure to try the black pepper buns when you’re at the market! When you’re done exploring, head back to your hotel to rest up for another day of adventures in Taipei.

Check In to Bouti Waterfront Hotel, Step Out to Puppetry Art Center of Taipei

Taipei Itinerary | A Foodie’s Dream: Day 3

• Day Three (morning and afternoon): Today is your day for a food tour! If you’ve been enjoying Taiwanese food so far, it’s a great idea to take a food tour in the city to make sure that you get a chance to try as man delicious foods as possible. Book a tour for today (or as your first day, if you want to start with a local), and head out on a 4-hour tour that will give you a great overview of Taiwanese food and Taipei. Taipei Eats offers a variety of food tours, though there are other opportunities for food tours in Taipei as well. Many of the food tours start a little later in the day or feature the night markets, so be sure to eat a delicious breakfast before heading out. Expect to spend about 4 hours on a tour, and plan your day accordingly.
• Day Three (evening): It’s time to treat yourself in Taipei. While Taipei is known for is amazing street food, it also has fantastic options for a fancier night out. Head to Le Blanc Taipei , which is located in the Da’an District, and enjoy its steak or lobster (both, preferably). Though the menu is limited, they really hone in and focus on what they do best. Once you’re finished with dinner, head over to the Tonghua Night Market and get some snacks and enjoy the ambiance before heading back to your hotel.

Check In to Folio Hotel Daan Taipei, Step Out to National Taiwan University.

A Historical Adventure: A Taipei Itinerary for History Buffs Traveling in Taipei

Taipei is a great city for people who are looking to experience a vivid and living history. Between its amazing cultural heritage, beautiful temples, and cavernous museums, there’s a lot to see and appreciate in Taipei. With a wide range of sights that include modern marvels, such as the skyscraper Taipei 101, to the National Palace Museum that has the world’s largest collection of Chinese artifacts and arts, to the National Taiwan Museum that has a total of five departments to explore, there are plenty of sights that are sure to thrill historical travelers! The following itinerary can help you choose some of the great attractions in Taipei and can keep you on track for visiting as many historical sights as you’d like.

Taipei Itinerary | A Historical Adventure: Day 1

Day One (morning): Start with some breakfast before heading over to the National Palace Museum (you’ll have to use a combination of metro and bus to get to the museum). This museum is huge and is home to the world’s largest collection of Chinese art and artifacts, so it’s worth a visit if you’re looking to experience the culture of the area. Additionally, the National Palace Museum is also home to a beautiful garden and lake that should not be missed when you are at the museum. Expect to spend about 4 hours at the National Palace Museum, which should give you enough time to appreciate both the exhibits and the grounds.

Day One (afternoon): Head back into the city and over to the Longshan Temple and visit this stunning attraction and appreciate the beautiful architecture of the temple (a temple has existed in this spot since 1738) as well as the amazing job the locals do, volunteering their time to manage the upkeep of this temple. There is no entrance fee, but they do appreciate donations. Remember to behave respectfully, as this is a place of worship.

Day One (evening): After finishing at the Longshan Temple, make your way to the Huaxi Street Market which is one of the more traditional street markets in Taipei. This market is known for its traditional snake soup and it is a delicacy that can only be eaten at the Huaxi Street Market. If you’re brave and adventurous, be sure to grab a bowl, otherwise, there are plenty of other snacks and shopping opportunities that are sure to keep you entertained before you return to your hotel for the night.

Check In to Energy Inn, Step Out to Ximending Shopping District

Taipei Itinerary | A Historical Adventure: Day 2

Day Two (morning and afternoon): Grab a bite to eat before heading over to the National Taiwan Museum. The National Taiwan Museum is the oldest museum in Taipei and holds a treasure trove of exhibits that are all waiting for you to explore. Broken up into 5 departments (anthropology, botany, zoology, humanitarian developments, and earth sciences), you can follow through Taiwan’s history by way of this amazing museum. This is a real cultural excursion that can teach you a lot about the history of the area, so expect to spend at least 4-hours at this museum (maybe longer, if you love museums). Fortunately, there are plenty of great places to eat in the Zhongzheng District, so once you’re finished either head out for a snack, or choose your meal option for the evening.

Day Two (evening): Stay in the Zhongzheng District, either make your way over to the Nanjichang Night Market and enjoy some delicious street eats or, if you’re looking for a local restaurant to enjoy, head over to the popular Auntie Xie’s that serves traditional Taiwanese fare – and there’s no menu! The meals are decided on during the day, so you get what they’re serving. If you’re adventurous and looking to experience some real Taiwanese foods, then be sure to check out this restaurant before heading back to your hotel for the night.

Check In to Hua Shan Din by Cosmos Creation, Step Out to Shandao Temple

Taipei Itinerary | A Historical Adventure: Day 3

Day Three (morning): Start your day off at the ShouXin Fang Cultural Center and get ready to experience some delicious local treats! This cultural center is actually a confectionary store and offers both food and experiences. You can book ahead and plan to take a class at the ShouXin Fang Cultural Center where they will teach you how to make some local confections. Otherwise, come hungry and expect to spend about an hour at this attraction.

Day Three (afternoon): During the afternoon, stop by Liberty Square and the National Theater and Concert Hall and explore. There are often showings at the National Theater and Concert Hall, so make sure to check and see if anything is happening when you visit. Otherwise, explore the Liberty Square area. Liberty Square is home to 5 historical gates and is often a meeting place for locals during holidays. Be sure to check to see if any holidays are coming up during your stay!

Day Three (evening): Finish your day off with a trip to the Taipei 101 skyscraper and take in the beautiful night view of Taipei as you visit this attraction. The Taipei 101 skyscraper was once the tallest building in the world and it is certainly one of the most architecturally interesting creations in the city. After you’re done at the observatory, step out to the Liaoning Street Night Market, which is more popular with locals than tourists, and spend your last night enjoying wonderful Taiwanese food amongst the people and the culture.

Check In to CHECK inn Taipei Nanjing, Step Out to Miniatures Museum of Taiwan

Quick Day Trips from Taipei to Consider if You Have an Extra Day or Two

If you’re looking for a quick getaway to add to your Taipei itinerary, then choose from one of these great day trips.

• Beitou Hot Springs: Actually located in Taipei, Beitou is located at the bottom of the Yangming Mountain and is the home of Taipei volcanic hot springs. If you’re looking to spend a day relaxing, Beitou is a great option – and the surrounding area is a lovely sight to see as well.
• Keelung City: Located about an hour away from Taipei, Keelung City is right on the ocean and has a great night market. Keelung City isn’t as touristy as many other places in the area, which is great if you’re looking to get away from the throngs of tourists. Be sure to stop by the Miaokou Night Market as it is considered one of the best in Taiwan.

Transportation Options in Taipei

Transportation in Taipei is relatively simple and convenient. Taipei has an amazing metro system (sometimes called the Taipei MRT) that can take you all over the city and, if the metro can’t take you there, the public bus system can take you the rest of the way. The metro has signage that is conveniently in English, so you should have no trouble finding your stop and, as the metro is cheap, clean, and efficient, most people in Taipei will travel this way. In addition to the bus and metro, Taipei also has a great regional train service that can take you from the city to other areas around the country (both on regular trains and high-speed trains), which is great to remember if you want to take any day trips outside of Taipei. If you’re traveling by transit in Taipei, here are a few tips that will help you get on your way:

• Watch out for peak hours! If you are taking public transit during the day, be sure to watch out for rush hour in the morning and the evening, otherwise, you may find that the metro cars and buses are rather full. If you can, avoid traveling on public transit during peak hours, or just pack your patience.
• Plan where you want to go ahead of time. If you’re not familiar with Taipei, then it’s a great idea to plan your route ahead of time. Know which metro stations you need to get off and on at, and know how to get back to your hotel once you’re finished with your day. Planning ahead will help keep you from getting lost or wasting time on transit when you could be at the sights.
• Purchase a Taipei Pass if you’re planning on using transit. If you are going to be in the city for a few days and plan on taking public transit (either bus or metro), then get a Taipei Pass. This car allows for unlimited trips on public transport, and eliminates the need for change or having to purchasing a ticket for each trip. The Taipei Pass is sold to accommodate different time periods (either one, two, three, or five days) and helps to make using the public transit system in Taipei easy.
• Know when to pay for the bus! Some buses will charge you when you get on the bus and some will charge you when you depart. In order to tell the difference, you need to look above the drivers head and see what is indicated for the bus. If this character 上 (Chinese for on) is displayed, then you are required to pay when you enter the bus. If you look and see that the bus is displaying this character 下 (Chinese for off), then you need to swipe your Taipei Pass (or insert change) when you exit the bus.
• Bike rentals are offered all over the city! Though it might not be a great idea to ride a bike in traffic unless you’re familiar with the city, bike rentals are offered all over Taipei and with many public parks and biking areas, they can be a fun way to get around the city and give your feet a little break.
• You can always ask for help. The Taiwanese people are known for being friendly and kind, so don’t be afraid to ask for help (especially in touristy areas, as you are more likely to find someone who speaks English). Additionally, the concierge or guest services at your hotel can offer suggestions for transport options around the city if you’re ever unsure.

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