Ultimate 4 Day Taipei Itinerary For First-Timers

I knew it would be good, I knew it would be underrated yet Taipei still knocked my socks off (figuratively of course, sandals only, Taipei was wayyy too hot to wear socks). Taiwan in general is often overlooked with tourists choosing nearby Japan and South Korea before they venture here. With so many incredible things to do in Taipei and across Taiwan, my prediction for the next few years is that Taiwan will no longer be overlooked. With its beautiful scenery, vibrant cities, rich culture, friendly locals, renowned food and affordable prices, who wouldn’t want to visit Taiwan? This 4 day Taipei itinerary for first-timers is the ultimate introduction to this fantastic country.

Taipei is the capital city of Taiwan, nestled in the north between mountains and sea. The city is not what I expected, I anticipated mostly skyscrapers but was pleasantly surprised to find a refreshing authenticity: weathered buildings with character, narrow alleys spilling with street stalls, motorbikes weaving through traffic, and pockets of lush greenery. At night is a whole other world when the city truly comes to life with energetic night markets, a hotchpotch of vibrant neon lights and exciting street food that fill the streets with scents of aromatic spices.

This 4 days in Taipei itinerary will be your handy guide for your trip. I have carefully curated each day optimised by route, experience and must visit cafes and restaurants. So, what even gives me the authority? I recently spent 3 months exploring Taiwan, basing myself in Taipei, I fell in love with the country and just want to share it with the world. I hope you enjoy this 4 day Taipei itinerary, I love walking and this itinerary has LOTS of it!

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Before diving into the day by day breakdown of this 4 day Taipei itinerary, here are some essentials to help you prepare for your trip

What To Know Before Visiting Taipei

Language

I was worried prior to arriving that due to my lack of Chinese I would not be able to speak to the majority of locals in Taiwan. Most Taiwanese people speak Chinese, however in Taipei you’ll find many are fluent in English. I learned a few Chinese phrases but mostly had to communicate in English and never had an issue. When speaking English wasn’t possible I reverted to Google Translate which was fine. Taiwanese people are incredibly helpful and friendly, I found I was only ever treated with patience and not like a nuisance. Make sure you download offline Google Translate to always have a pocket translator.

Many restaurants and cafes will have English below the Chinese description, and the subway will have signs and announcements in English.

Where To Stay In Taipei Depending On your Budget

Taipei is probably much larger than most people would expect. There is not a city centre as such rather many districts with their own unique appeal. All districts are easily accessible by Taipei’s vast MRT network which is both frequent and affordable. Additionally, due to all attractions being scattered around various parts of the city your choice will ultimately depend on your budget.

Budget (Under €100): Ximen, Datong + Zhongzheng

• Ximen is an excellent choice for first timers to Taipei, especially for those on a budget. Its a colourful lively, pedestrianised LGBTQ+ friendly district with many bars and a great night market. Recommend Hotels: Taipei Triple Tiger Inn & Hon Chou Hotel
• Datong is a historical district where streets are lined old-style buildings. It is where you can find the oldest street in Taipei – Dihua Street. It’s perfect for history buffs. Recommended Hotels: We Come Hostel & Guide Hotel.
• Zhongzheng is where many of the city’s historic sites such as Chiang-shek memorial hall, liberty arch, 228 peace park and museum. It’s central location makes it easy to move around to different parts of the city. Recommended Hotels: Taiwan Youth Hostel & Capsule Hotel & Hankou Inn

Mid-range (€100 – €150): Daan + Zhongshan

• Daan is my number one choice for where to stay in Taipei. Its central location offers convenient access to other Taipei areas. It also feels much more local with markets, street stalls and less glitzy buildings. Recommended Hotels: Chez Nous & Hej
• Zhongshan is the most trendy/hipster area in Taipei. It reminded me of Seoul in terms of aesthetic cafes, restaurants, and bars. It’s also another convenient location with Taipei Main Station for anyone looking to explore areas outside of Taipei along with the airport train.
  Recommended Hotels: CityInn Hotel Taipei Station Branch III & Tango Inn

Luxury (€150 + ): Xinyi

If you are seeking luxury then upscale Xinyi has it all. One of Taipei’s most modern districts with its many luxury shopping malls and skyscrapers. Taipei 101 is also located here, it is never too far from sight glimmering in the distance.There is also a good nightlife here, along with being walking distance of Xiangshan Mountain.

Hanns House overlooking Zhongshan Park offers the ultimate luxury stay with large elegantly designed rooms, a well equipped gym is also available. While W Taipei is super modern with bright vibrant rooms and seating area. Many rooms have incredible views of Taipei 101. There is also a large outdoor pool, spa and gym.

Best Time To Visit Taipei

One thing you need to know about Taipei is just how hot and humid it gets. It is effectively in a basin surrounded by mountains, expect to be a bit sweaty during your stay, honestly I forgot what it felt like to be dry (make of that what you will, it was not a cute situation). The hottest months are June, July, and August where temperatures reach the mid 30°C (86°F) and humidity levels average over 90%. These are also the wettest months with rainfall reaching up to 270mm and also typhoons are most likely to occur during this time which can severely impact your stay .

For the most comfortable time to visit Taipei I recommend the Winter (November – February) and Spring (March -May). During the winter the temperatures are cooler hovering at around 16°C which is much more reasonable when sightseeing, cycling or hiking. This is also an excellent time for anyone on a budget as it’s Taiwan’s low season. Whereas the Spring is warmer with temperatures averaging mid 20°C’s (70°F’s), however humidity starts to increase and the days can feel muggy. Spring is also when the cherry blossoms bloom.

Getting Around Taipei

Taipei is large, although it is a walkable city in terms of pedestrian friendly paths and crossings, you will need to get transport to go from one district to the next. Maybe if you’re Usain Bolt you can go by foot, but for us mere mortals transport is essential.

The best way to get around Taipei is to use the MRT. It is frequent, air-conditioned, fast, clean and safe. Additionally, it is easy to navigate as an English speaker as signs are in English along with announcements. The first and last train depart at 6am and 12am.

It is best to get an EasyCard so you can just tap and go, but you can also purchase single tickets from stations (blue tokens). The cost is dependent on the distance. As an example, Taipei 101 to Ximen costs NT$25 ($.76/€.69/£.58).

Taxis are also affordable, Uber and LINE Taxi are widely used. With efficient transportation, you can easily access all the best things to do in Taipei without spending too much time in transit

With these tips in mind, you’re ready to make the most of this Taipei travel guide and experience everything that makes this city so special.

4 Day Itinerary Taipei

Day 1: Taipei Itinerary – Historical Sights

9 AM: Traditional Taiwanese Breakfast (1.5 hours)

Even if your accommodation provides breakfast, make sure you try a traditional Taiwanese breakfast at least once during your trip to Taipei. Breakfast is big deal in Taiwan, honestly I think it’s the only place in the world I’ve visited where breakfast is one of the most celebrated meals.

• Clay Oven Buns / shao bing (胡椒餅): flatbread sprinked with sesame seeds. Usually stuffed with a fried egg.
• Scallion Pancakes / Cong You Bing  (蔥油餅): crispy and flaky pancakes that have green onions throughout the dough. Often seasoned with Chinese 15-spice and served folded with fillings like egg, beef, or ham.
• Sticky Rice Balls / Fan Tuan (飯糰): these crunchy rolls of rice are typically filled with egg, meatfloss and vegetables.
• Steamed Buns (包子): these large round doughy buns with various fillings including savory options like pork or vegetable, and sweet varieties with red bean or taro.
• Fried Dough Sticks / Youtiao (油条): slightly salty and airy sticks of deep fried dough that are normally dunked into soy milk.
• Soy Milk / Dou Jiang (豆漿):available in both sweet and savory varieties. The savory version features a unique tanginess from rice vinegar. Try both for the complete experience!

In terms of where to go for breakfast in Taipei there are a few very famous ones. A good rule to follow is if you see lots of locals then it’s worth checking out. Yong He Soy Milk (西門町永和豆漿) in Ximen, 永和豆漿大王 仁愛店 in Da’an, Sihai Soy Milk in Datong, and Fuhang Soy Milk (阜杭豆漿) in Zhongzheng are all great places to start.

10:30 AM Liberty Square (Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall) (1.5 hours)

Liberty Square (自由廣場) spans an impressive 25,000 square meters and represents one of Taipei’s most significant cultural landmarks. This expansive plaza houses three iconic structures: the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, the National Theater, and the National Concert Hall, all set amid meticulously maintained gardens.

Among these landmarks Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (國立中正紀念堂) is one of the most important places to visit to understand Taiwan’s complex history. Opened in 1980 as a memorial for Chiang Kai-shek, Taiwan’s first president whose authoritarian leadership stood contrary to the values of freedom and democracy held in Taiwan today. Chiang was a member of the Nationalist Kuomintang (KMT) party and the commander-in-chief of the National Revolutionary Army (NRA) from 1926 until his death.

Its pristine white marble exterior is one of Taipei’s most recognisable monuments. You can climb the 89 steps on the memorial building, the number of steps represent Chiang Kai-shek’s age when he passed. The simplicity of the building’s white colour brings a sense of soberness and respect to a place honouring an authoritarian leader, contrary to Taiwans democratic beliefs.

Inside, there is a large 6.3 metre bronze statue of Chiang Kai-shek along with exhibitions that showcase Chiang Kai-sheks personal items, custom cars and photographs.

Starting at 9 AM there is a military guard changing ceremony every hour that lasts 15 minutes, with the last ceremony at 5 PM. This means you have 9 times to see it throughout the day.

Entrance is free, and visitors should expect to spend about 2 hours exploring the site. From here, it’s a 15-minute walk to the next stop on this 4-day Taipei itinerary.

12:00 PM 228 Peace Park (40 mins)

Before I visited Taiwan, I was not in tune with the country’s dark history, although I knew bits and pieces, I had so much more to learn. One event I had no knowledge of was February 28, 1947, one of Taiwan’s most traumatic events in modern history. 228 Peace Park commemorates this incident.

The incident began when government agents confiscated goods from a cigarette vendor, which sparked protests that spread across Taiwan, where locals were frustrated by corruption and economic mismanagement. This led to a brutal military crackdown by the Kuomintang (KMT), targeting Taiwanese elites and civilians. An estimated 10,000-30,000 people were killed in the violence. Following this, Taiwan was placed under martial law for almost four decades, a period known as the “White Terror”. During this time there was widespread surveillance by secret police, arbitrary arrests, and Military tribunals.

Although the park was originally built in 1908 under Japanese rule as Taihoku New Park, it was only in 1996 that it was renamed as a memorial to the February 28 Incident, marking Taiwan’s growing willingness to confront its painful past.

One of the park’s most striking features is the vibrant Taipei 228 Memorial Pagoda, a multi-tiered structure with traditional Chinese architectural elements. With its bright red columns and curved roofs, the pagoda is a distinctive landmark within the park. Located near the pond, you can often see its vibrant reflection in the water. It’s a popular spot for both visitors and locals to take photos or simply sit in the shade during Taipei’s hot days.

12:40 PM Bopiliao Historical Block (20 mins)

Next on the Taipei itinerary is a short stop to the 200-year-old Bopiliao Historical Block that offers a glimpse into Taiwan’s past, with its brick lanes, creaky wooden shopfronts, and aged tile roofs. The stone paths are lined with southern Fujian style red brick buildings that once housed busy merchants but now houses to art installations, cultural exhibitions, and workshops where artisans keep traditional crafts alive.

Though not large, Bopiliao is absolutely worth visiting, especially with children who’ll enjoy the interactive installations throughout. You don’t need long here, but you can extend your time here by sipping a cup of oolong tea at one of the cute courtyard cafes while basking in the atmosphere of old Taipei.

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1:00 PM Lungshan Temple (1 hour)

A 4-minute walk from Bopiliao Block brings you to Lungshan Temple. Founded in 1738, Lungshan (also spelled Longshan) Temple stands as one of Taiwan’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples, housing over 100 gods and goddesses. Despite being destroyed multiple times by earthquakes and WWII bombings, many original elements have survived. While officially Buddhist, the temple actually serves as a mixed religious site blending Buddhism, Taoism, and folk religion.

The temple showcases stunning Southern Chinese architecture with intricate dragons, phoenixes, and mythological figures along the roofs and pillars in addition to detailed wood carvings, stone sculptures, and vibrant paintings throughout the grounds. As you enter, an impressive waterfall greets you, immediately setting a peaceful tone for your visit thanks to the sound of flowing water.

Despite being a popular tourist spot, Lungshan Temple somehow maintains its spiritual atmosphere. The air is thick with incense, locals pray soberly before different deities, and the gentle sound of chanting often fills the space. Even when crowded, there’s a sense of calm here that’s worth experiencing.

You should spend between 30 – 60 minutes here, then it is a 5 minute walk for a well-deserved lunch.

2 PM: Lunch: Yuan Fang Gua Bao (源芳刈包)(1 hour)

Located in Huaxi Street Night Market, this lesser visited night market has the best Gua Bao (刈包) I’ve had in Taipei. If its Michelin Bib star wasn’t enough indication, I knew it was going to be good when I saw not only the long queue of locals but also a gigantic stack of fresh bao buns waiting to be steamed.

A large chunk of tender and smokey marinated pork belly is placed in a light soft yet slightly chewy bao bun, it is then layered with cabbage, crunchy peanuts, and cilantro. The result is a sweet and savoury explosion of flavours and textures.

Another popular item on the menu is their Four God Soup (四神湯). Made with Chinese herbs such as yam, fox nuts, lotus seeds, and poria, it is then slow cooked with pork ribs, pork stomach, or intestines. The broth is light yet full of flavours. Yum!

You can sit in an area behind their stall or walk a few metres to a small outdoor park. Prices are reasonable at NT$60 per bun and NT$55 for the soup.

Want something different? Yi Jia Zi is an insanely popular Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant, located on the side of the street the queue can stretch to end of the road. Although practically famous for their guo bao they also have lots of authentic dishes such as Kong Rou Fan (braised pork rice) and fish ball soup.

From Huaxi Market we are going to take the Chong Qing main line bus from Zushi Temple to Yanping Changan Rd. Intersection. You can also take the number 9 from Zushi Temple to Nanjing W. Rd. Intersection. Both options take 15 minutes and should cost approximately NT$15.

3 PM: Dihua Old Street (2 hours)

Next up we are stepping back in time to Taiwan’s oldest and most well-preserved streets, Dihua Old Street, this street wears its 150 years with a proud authenticity. Dating back to the 19^th Century, merchants from mainland China, particularly the Fujian province, established businesses trading tea, Chinese medicinal herbs, fabrics, and other goods.

As you walk through the historical street you will notice South China and Japanese style buildings, with medicinal star anise and dried ginseng roots hanging in bundles, along with meticulous pyramids of stacked herbs. Although narrow, the buildings are deceptively long once you enter, many even contain hidden inner courtyards that were designed to provide natural lighting and ventilation while also maintaining privacy.

There are many nice teahouses and cafes, I recommend the velvety rose latte from SanFormosan. Additionally, ASW is a peaceful teahouse, that also serves cocktails,

Dihua Street hosts Taiwan’s largest and most famous Lunar New Year market (年貨大街), when the normally quiet street transforms into a bustling bazaar with hundreds of thousands of shoppers purchasing holiday goods.

5 PM: Ximendeng (4 hours)

The last place we are visiting on day 1 of this 4 day Taipei itinerary for first-timers is a 20 minute walk from Dihua Street, you’ve seen many historical sights throughout the day, now it’s time to see Taipei’s modern side. Dubbed as the Harajuku of Taipei, Ximendeng is a vibrant, trendy, and fun area to get lost in.

Every evening, the streets become an impromptu performance space. On my visit, I stumbled upon an incredible dance crew surrounded by a massive crowd, followed by a magician. Then on the next corner was a drummer providing an upbeat sound to the colourful streets. You do not know what you’re going to see here, but you know it will be good.

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Day 1 of our 4 day Taipei itinerary gives you a solid foundation in the city’s history and culture. Now let’s discover Taipei’s trendier side.

Day 2: Taipei Itinerary – Trendy Taipei

10 AM: Huashan 1914 Creative Park (1 hour)

Welcome to day 2, I hope you had a good sleep. We are starting today at Huashan Creative Park, the closest MRT is Shandao Temple. Huashan Park is a great example of how Taiwan transforms abandoned buildings, repurposing them to breathe new life into an area.

Originally built in 1914 during the Japanese colonial period, operating as a winery and sake brewery until 1987. It then became abandoned for years, until it was discovered by local artists in the late 1990s, who utilised the spacious complex turning it into performance and exhibition spaces. It officially reopened in 2005 as the Huashan Creative Park, with “1914” added as a nod to its original founding year. Today, the market is lively with many independent stalls selling handmade items such a Wooderful Life where you can find unique wooden toys, music boxes and clocks. There are also cafes, restaurants and pop-up exhibitions.

Although the park retains its original industrial character its added green spaces remove any sense of dullness associated with industrial sites, instead it feels serene. One of my favourite features of Huashan is how integrated the trees are into the parks design. The star is its large banyan tree but also many roots draping off the roofs of buildings.

In terms of food there are a handful of eateries, I visited the Bleu&Book cafe which I found over-priced for the quality. However, Taiwan Mama is highly rated with a menu of classic local dishes and small bites.

A few metres from Huashan is Simple Kaffa. This cafe came number 1 in Big 7 Travel’s ranking of “The 50 Best Coffee Shops In Asia” in 2019 and 2020.

11 AM: Explore Zhongshan (4 hours)

The second stop on day 2 of this Taipei itinerary is Zhongshan. The easiest way to get here is by walking 23-minutes. You can also take the number 52 bus from Changan Elementary School to Jieyunzhongshan Station, this will take 17 minutes.

Ximendeng might be the Harajuku of Taipei, I am going to name Zhongshan the Hongdae of Taipei. This is the trendiest area in Taipei, filled with many youngsters in the coolest outfits posing outside aesthetic cafes, shops and restaurants. Zhongshan was one of my favourite areas of the city, if you like to aimlessly wander cute alleys and find charming cafes and restaurants, you will love it here.

Centred around Zhongshan MRT station, it was once a residential area during the Japanese colonial period, the influence can still be seen today through the areas many izakayas and ramen bars.

Along with incredible food Xinzhongshan Linear Park located above the Zhongshan MRT is a must-visit. Many stalls line the park selling handmade items, cute jewellery and a food van or two. Additionally, below ground is the extensive underground Zhongshan Metro Shopping Mall with just about anything you can think of, bags, phone cases, jewellery, luggage, toys, clothing and of course many food stalls.

Zhongshan is beloved for its fantastic restaurants and cafes, here are a few I loved!

Another cool place to visit in Zhongshan is Taipei Film House. Formerly the US embassy in Republic of China, it is now an independent arthouse film site, with a specially curated film selection. Along with a small cinema, there is a cafe and a few small art shops.

After a few hours of eating and exploring all the cool sites of Zhongshan, it’s time to visit one of Taipei’s most impressive buildings, Grand Hotel Taipei. To get here you take the red line from Zhongshan to Jiantian, and then it is a 15 minute walk that includes some of the scenic Jiantanshan Trail.

3 PM: Grand Hotel Taipei (1 hour)

Located north of Zhongshan is one of the most magnificent buildings I think I have ever seen. Grand Hotel Taipei (圓山大飯店) is perched on Yuanshan (Turtle Mountain) overlooking the entire city.

Built in 1952 by Chinese leader Chiang-shek for foreign state visitors, it stands at 14 stories tall, bright red octagonal shape with a gold roof, a symbol of Chinese culture embedded with traditional motifs, including dragons and phoenixes. The entrance features 12 giant red columns which represent the months of the year, each is carved with a dragon, a symbol of imperial power.

When you enter, the lobby is as grand as the exterior, carpeted in deep red, a large staircase is the centre piece leading to a golden photo of… Don’t forget to look up at the ornate wooden ceiling and colourful paintings of phoenixes around the bannisters. The hotel also does a famous all you can eat buffer at Songhe Hall, although we didn’t attend we had a peek and it looked delicious. Instead, we went to the cafe 第一夫人咖啡 on the ground floor which had nice views of Taipei and tasty coffee and cake.

The hotel reportedly contains secret underground passages and bunkers designed as escape routes and shelters for government officials during the Cold War era. You can explore some of these tunnels during your visit, but you will need to join a tour.

To get here from Grand Taipei Hotel you take the R30 from Jiantain Station 18 stops to National Palace Museum, the journey should take 25 minutes

If the Grand Hotel Taipei + Palace museum are not your thing, consider joining a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Taiwanese foods such as Xiao Long Bao, Braised Beef Noodle Soup, and Bubble Milk Tea.

4 PM: Palace Museum (2 hours)

Museum is closed every Monday

The National Palace Museum (國立故宮博物院) in Taipei houses one of the world’s largest collections of Chinese art and artefacts, spanning over 8,000 years of Chinese history. When the Chinese Civil War intensified in 1948-1949, the KMT led by Chiang Kai-shek moved approximately 600,000 of the most valuable artefacts to Taiwan to prevent them from falling into the hands of Communist forces, it is considered one of the greatest art relocations in history.

It is slightly cheaper to book your tickets online with Klook.

The museum building itself is a must see, with its green tiled roofs and stately Chinese palace design, a fitting home for such a remarkable collection.

I do love jewellery, especially those made from gemstones, the rings are breathtaking. Some of the highlights for me were the Jadeite Cabbage (a piece of jade carved to resemble a Chinese cabbage) and the Meat-shaped Stone (a piece of jasper carved to look like dongpo pork). Both pieces showcase the Chinese artistic tradition of finding beauty in everyday objects.

The museum remains a point of political tension between Taiwan and China, with Beijing considering the collection “stolen” national treasures that should be returned to mainland China. The main building was designed to resemble a Chinese palace.

The museum is also home to the beautiful Chinese style Zhishan Gardens with koi fish pond, wooden bridges, bamboo groves and ancient trees. Please note that the gardens are closed on Tuesdays.

There is a nice, albeit fancy, cafe on the to floor that do nice coffee and pastries for breakfast. We ordered the selection of pineapple cakes which came with handmade diamond sweets.

After exploring the Taiwanese royal jewels it’s now time to explore the country’s culinary jewels at Shilin Night Market.

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6 PM: Shilin Night Market (3+ hours)

Our final stop of the day is Taipei’s largest night market, Shilin. The easiest way to get here from the National Palace Museum is the R30 bus from outside the museum 12 stops (10 minutes) to Shilin District Administrative Centre.

One of the best things to do at night in Taiwan is traversing the night markets. Wandering the smokey dimly lit paths, with flickering neon signs, 3D Billboards, trying all the food while being led by the aroma of sizzling meat and of course the foreboding but tasty stinky tofu. Shilin is Taipei’s most well known night market, it’s huge and very lively.

Along with food there are many clothing stalls, bars, game arcades and Cixian Temple. You can spend hours exploring here. It is busy every night, but particularly the weekends are crowded. If you get here for 6 PM you should beat a few of the crowds.

Most of the vendors will only accept cash, make sure you have plenty of 100 and 200 notes as many items will cost below NT$100./

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You’re now halfway through this 4 day Taipei itinerary and have already experienced so much of what makes this city special. Day 3 will focus on modern Taipei and its stunning views.

Day 3: Taipei Itinerary – Modern Taipei & Views

10 AM: Yongkang Street (2 hours)

Kicking off day 3 of this 4 day Taipei itinerary is a visit to one of my favourite streets in Taipei, Yongkang Street, which ranks among the top things to do in Taipei for foodies, as one myself I kept coming back here. It was even voted the coolest street in Asia, along with the 4^th coolest street in the world! Although it’s similar to Zhongshan in terms of cafes and restaurant offerings, it has a more relaxed atmosphere.

There is so much to eat here, I advise coming with an empty belly. Considering it is morning, here are a few AM appropriate recommendations.

The closest metro to Yongkang Street is Dongmen Station, this is on the red and yellow line, with exit 4 leading you to the top of Yongkang Street. Alternatively, if you are interested in exploring Daan Park, you could get off the MRT one stop further, at Daan Park Station (red line only) and enjoy a scenic 15-minute walk to Yongkang Street.

Read my complete guide to Yongkang Street’s best cafes and shops

12 PM: Ronjin Gorgeous Time (30 mins)

From Yongkang Street, we’re heading to Ronjin Gorgeous Time, a short 7 minute walk away. Originally a warehouse for a Japanese company called ‘Ronjin’ during the colonial period (1895-1945), Ronjin Gorgeous Time nestled in the Daan district, is a small piece of Japan in the heart of Taipei. Find Japanese-style cafes, restaurants and shops, in a small courtyard that feels like you are Kyoto with its wooden buildings and banyan trees.

There isn’t a huge amount to see here but it’s a nice spot to have a quick snoop around the shops or pick up a matcha! One standout spot is Kyomachi Yamamotoya, a Kyoto-style restaurant known for its authentic Japanese cuisine. Their menu not only features authentic matcha but includes classic Japanese dishes prepared with traditional techniques.

From Ronjin we’re walking 10 mins to Taipei Main Station taking the blue line to Zhongxiao Xinsheng where you will switch to the yellow line to Dongmen Station. From here it’s an 100 minute walk to Songshan Cultural Creative Park.

12:30 PM: Songshan Cultural and Creative Park (1.5 Hours)

Like yesterday’s Huashan Creative Park, Songshan is another place that has transformed from abandonment to a useful local amenity. Although both are worth checking out, I personally prefer Songshan to Huashan as there is a bit more to see here and it tends to be more peaceful.

Previously a tobacco factory, the large industrial brick building is now filled with temporary exhibitions, pop-up shops, boutiques and craft workshops. The Taiwan Design Museum is also located here and features rotating exhibits from both local and international designers. I highly recommend Vacanza for cute handmade jewellery that uses real flowers.

When you are finished with some retail therapy, the park’s has scenic grounds with a serene pond where you might see swans and turtles.

Although there are a few cafes within Songshan Park, I highly recommend you walk a few metres out of the park to Coffee by U co, a cute hole in the wall, ran by students raising money for their college fees.

Now it’s time for lunch and I’ve got the perfect place just a 15 minute walk away.

2 PM: Taipei 101 (1.5 hour)

No visit to Taipei would be complete without a stop at Taipei 101, arguably Taiwan’s most iconic landmark. Resembling a bamboo stalk, Taipei 101 towers 508 meters (1,667 feet) across 101 stories (hence the name). The buildings design features eight segments of eight floors each, the number 8 is important in Chinese culture, it symbolises prosperity and good fortune.

Take the worlds fastest elevator to the 89^th floor for panoramic views of Taipei, designed by Toshiba the elevator travels at 1,010 meters per minute (60.6 km/h or 37.7 mph). For an additional fee, you can also visit the indoor observation deck on the 101^st floor and stand on the roof at an outdoor observation deck above the 101^st floor called Skyline 460, though it closes during windy conditions or poor visibility.

I only visited the 89^th floor and was blown away by the views, you can see Taipei Dome, the Apple Store thats shaped like a large Mac, Agora Garden, Memorial Hall and Keelung River, on a clear day you can even see the mountains in the distant. Also, don’t miss the impressive 728-ton mass damper suspended between the 87^th and 92^nd floors. It an engineering feat that prevents excessive building movement during earthquakes and typhoons.

The upper levels feature various photographic art installations, cafés, and souvenir shops. On the ground floors you’ll find a large shopping mall primarily housing luxury brands, though the architecture itself is worth exploring and the food court in the basement is excellent.

Although many blogs suggest visiting at sunset, we’re going to an amazing sunset point later. 2 PM is also a much quieter time to visit, making it more relaxing.

From one amazing view to another, we are on our way to elephant mountain. But first we’ve a 2 short stops along the way. The first is a 7 minute walk from Taipei 101.

3 PM: 44 South Military Village (20 mins)

Stop number 1 is 44 South Military Village, a former residential community which housed soldiers and their families who moved from China with the KMT government after the Chinese Civil War in 1949. Approximately 2 million Chinese mainlanders fled to Taiwan during this time.

The village is small with narrow alleys lined with houses made of wood, bamboo, and corrugated metal. Today, the houses are shops, cafes and exhibition spaces.

You do not need to spend long here, one of the best things to do is to take a photo of Taipei 101, the contrast between the old village and the ultra-modern Taipei 101 makes for an interesting photo.

4 PM: “Secret” Photospot (20 mins)

The second stop is another photo one and it is not really a secret, but it’s also not common knowledge and not on most peoples Taipei itinerary. This was one of my favourite places to take a photo of Taipei 101.

At the top of a narrow alley is the cute Takemura Izakaya, with warm glowing lanterns hanging from its shopfront. From here you can see Taipei 101 poking out at the end of the alley.

After a nice photo in the bag it is just a 5 minute walk to the base of Elephant mountain for sunset.

Takemura Izakaya is not only known for its amazing location but also its food. Try Japanese classics like Okonomiyaki, yakitori and plenty of fish.

4:30 PM: SUNSET – Elephant Mountain (2.5 hours)

One of the best things to do in Taipei is undoubtedly climbing Elephant Mountain (also known as Xiangshan 象山), especially for sunset.

Part of the Nangang Mountain Range, Elephant Mountain is one of the 4 Beast Peaks alongside Leopard, Tiger, and Lion Mountain. On a less tight schedule, I’d normally recommend exploring beyond just Elephant Mountain, as the other peaks offer equally spectacular views but receive far fewer visitors.

The trail begins directly across from % ARABICA cafe. You’ll follow a stone stairway with approximately 700 steps that starts relatively easy but grows steeper and more challenging as you ascend. While trees provide some shade, the humidity can significantly increase the intensity of the climb. I usually listen to music on hikes, but for this one, my soundtrack was my own laboured breathing.

It takes at least 20 minutes to reach the top, though this varies depending on your fitness level and pace. The most important thing is to enjoy yourself and take breaks when needed.

At the summit, you’ll find the famous “Six Giant Rocks” viewing platform offering sprawling views of Taipei, with TAIPEI 101 taking center stage. Many visitors climb on the rocks for a photo despite signs requesting otherwise. If you walk another 2 minutes beyond this area, you’ll discover a cute heart installation perfectly framing Taipei 101.

The descent typically takes about 15 minutes. My legs were extremely shaky after the climb!

The closest MRT is Xiangshan Station, a 13-minute walk from the trailhead. After working up an appetite with this climb, you’ll likely be starving, so next up is dinner. I have two delicious options for you!

7 PM: Dinner

Option 1: Raohe Night Market

With a length of 600 metres, this may not be as big as the previous night’s Shilin Market, but Raohe is considered by many locals to be among the best night markets in Taipei, with high-quality stalls squeezed into it, many of which are Michelin guide recommended. Most of my favourite food stalls are located here and I tell everyone to come to this night market.

This is the most organised night market I visited in Taiwan. It has a one-way system that people actually adhere to which makes it so much easier to see everything and not miss out on any of the amazing stalls.

Why not explore Raohe with a local who will not only take you to the best stalls but it’s also a fun way to meet other travellers and learn about local culture.

Option 2: Restaurants

After 3 days of exploring you might want to sit down and have a more relaxed meal rather than walking around a market. Depending on where your hotel is, here are some great restaurants I recommend.

Overwhelmed by Taipei’s incredible food scene? Skip the research and let experts guide you to the city’s lesser known authentic local favourites that might be difficult to find on your own with this food tour.

With three days of our 4 day Taipei itinerary for first-timers complete, you’ve seen the historical, trendy, and modern sides of the city. For your final day, it’s time to explore beyond the city limits.

Day 4: Taipei Itinerary – Day Trip

On our final day in Taipei we are taking a day trip to 3 incredible places outside the city centre. You can either do this self-guided or join a tour group. If you do it on your own, then it involves a lot of public transport but is totally doable, you will just need to get up early. I suggest being at the bus stop for 7 AM to travel to the first location.

Short on time or prefer convenience? This tour takes you to the 3 locations I am suggesting along with a pastry making class.

9 AM: Yehliu Geopark (2 hours)

UNESCO’s Yehliu Geopark is one of Taiwan’s most interesting natural wonders. This peninsula features uniquely shaped yellow rock formations that were created from longterm sea erosion, stretching about 1,700 meters into the ocean. Some rocks resemble people and objects – for example the Queen’s Head is said to resemble Queen Elizabeth I, Ginger Rocks are likened to ginger roots, Elephant Rock appears like an elephant dipping into the sea and Fairy’s Shoe is shaped like a high heel.

Yehliu Geopark is a delicate natural wonder, is believed that the rocks are eroding at a rate of 1 -3 cm per year, a stark reminder of how precarious natural phenomenon can be and how we must enjoy it before it’s too late.

The rocks can get slippery from the spray from the ocean, therefore make sure you are wearing appropriate footwear. You also won’t find much shade here so a UV protection umbrella is a must along with water and a fan.

The park opens at 8AM and cost NT$120 per person which you can book online. You will spend approximately 90 minutes here.

Getting there: Take bus 1815/1815A from Taipei Station (East Exit 3) OR the 953 shuttle bus from National Taipei University of Technology (Zhongxiao) to Gandong. The journey takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes. From there, it’s a 7-minute walk to the entrance.

12:30 PM Shifen (3 hours)

Shifen is built along an active railway with shops, restaurants, and street stalls lining both sides. It’s a smaller, less chaotic version of Hanoi’s famous train street. A popular thing to do here is to set off a lantern or firework. The tradition of setting off a lantern goes back to the gold mining years when the miners would set off lanterns signalling to their family that they are safe. For NT$150-200, you can paint your own lantern with dreams and wishes before watching it float into the sky.

Along with lanterns, Shifen Waterfall also deserves a visit. It is 20 metres high, and if you are lucky to visit on a sunny day, you can see a rainbow that forms from the mist. The waterfall is truly spectacular, just a 20-minute walk from Shifen Old Street that includes many suspension bridges.

I recommend spending 3 hours in Shifen. To leave you need to take the local train to Ruifang Station for 30 mins, from here the 785 / 1062 / F802 bus will bring you to the final stop of the day, Jiufen.

Getting there from Yehliu: Take the 1815 bus and transfer to the F825 bus at Ziqiang Bridge. These connections aren’t frequent, aim for the 10:50 AM bus from Yehliu. Travel time is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

4:30 PM Jiufen (4 + hours)

As the evening creeps in, step back in time to Jiufen old town, a scenic mountainous town where time has stood still. Jiufen (九份) is widely known as the town that inspired the animated film ‘Spirited Away’, although the director has debunked this, the resemblance is uncanny. Buildings cling on to the side of the cliffs, dark alleys are illuminated with warm red lanterns and teahouses offer you sprawling ocean views.

A former gold mining town, it truly transforms after dark making it worth staying into the evening. I wrote a more detailed guide to Jiufen here. I spent a fun 2 nights here, although I think a few hours is definitely enough to see it all.

Getting there from Shifen: Take the local train to Ruifang Station (30 minutes), then catch bus 785/1062/F802 to Jiufen.

Returning to Taipei: The 965 bus runs directly to Taipei Main Station (NT$90) with departures every hour until 8:30 PM. The journey takes about 90 minutes. Alternatively, take bus 1062 or 788 to Ruifang Station and catch the fast local train to Taipei (37 minutes).

Alternative Activities – 4 Days In Taipei

Have an additional day, or one of the days in this 4 day Taipei itinerary not really appeal to you?

Beitou Hot Springs

Dating back to Japanese colonial era, when the area was first developed as a spa destination, due to the Japanese strong hot spring bathing culture. The thermal waters originate from the nearby Yangmingshan volcanic range, with the sulfur-rich springs flowing down from Qixing Mountain, Taiwan’s highest dormant volcano. You can actually notice the faint scent of sulfur and steam rising from the thermal valley.

In terms of baths you’ve got many options here. I went to Beitou Public Hot Spring first (affordable at only NT$80!) which has cool tiered pools at different temperatures. However please note it is currently closed for renovation and should be reopened at the end of 2025. However, if you want to splurge you can book a private hot spring at one of the Japanese-style hotels such as Radium Kagaya Hotel or Marshal Zen Garden.

The hot springs water has a milky, jade-green colour that’s leaves your skin feeling soft. Plus, after weeks of walking 20,000 steps daily around Taipei, my tired muscles were breathing a sigh of relief. The water is rich in minerals that can ease muscle tension, improve circulation, and heal skin conditions. Surrounded by lush hillsides, taking a dip in these therapeutic baths is a soothing experience.

Did you know: Before becoming a popular tourist destination, Beitou had a more notorious reputation as a red-light district, before being transformed in the 1990’s as a cultural and wellness attraction that celebrates its unique geological features and colonial architecture.

Don’t just hit the springs and leave though, there’s so much more to see in Beitou! I spent about an hour at the Hot Spring Museum (it’s free!) which is in a stunning wooden Japanese-style building. You can also follow the hot spring creek uphill to Thermal Valley, locally known as “Hell Valley,” where steam rises from an emerald pool of 90°C water, this may be too hot for bathing but fascinating to witness. The area’s volcanic activity has shaped not only the landscape but also the local cuisine; don’t leave without trying eggs cooked in the hot spring water or vegetables steamed using the natural heat.

If you’re feeling burned out from city exploring then Beitou is the perfect day trip. I only did a day visit, but next time I’m definitely staying overnight at one of the hot spring hotels.

Maokong Gondola

Maokong sits atop a hill at 299.3 metres, overlooking Taipei. It is one the largest tea growing areas in Taipei, established when immigrants from China’s Fujian province brought their tea farming prowess to Taiwan, making it the epicenter of Tieguanyin and Baozhong tea production. The most popular way to reach Maokong is by a 15-minute gondola ride.

The Gondola goes 4.3 kilometres between Taipei Zoo and Maokong Village, making stops at the scenic Zhinan Temple. You can pay for the gondola with your EasyCard or simply book in advance. Choose between a regular cabin or a see-through glass cabin. I was just not brave enough to ride the transparent one, I just didn’t like the idea of floating. The regular gondola was thrilling enough for me, the views were beautiful.

What To Do In Maokong

If you are too tired to walk I’ve got good news, there is a tour bus which you can use your Gondola ticket on. If you don’t take the gondola you can pay by EasyCard.

4 Days In Taipei FAQ

I hope this Taipei travel guide has inspired you to visit this incredible city! Here are some frequently asked questions to help you plan your trip:

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