A 5-day itinerary for Taipei allows you to experience the best of the city, from its historical landmarks, culture, nature, and modern attractions to vibrant markets, scenic views, and delicious food. Here’s a detailed itinerary to help you make the most of your 5 days in Taipei:
Day 1: Arrival and Free travel in Taipei
D1: Morning and Afternoon
Start your journey in the capital city, Taipei, which is full of exciting things to do and see.
▼ Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall (Taipei): Begin your exploration with this iconic landmark. It’s a symbol of Taiwan’s history and an important cultural site. The grounds are beautiful, and the changing of the guard ceremony is a must-see. Liberty Square: Surrounding the memorial, this area is grand and historic. You can walk around the beautiful gardens and take in the architecture.
▼ Elephant Mountain Hiking Trail (Xiangshan) (Taipei) : Take a short hike up Elephant Mountain for an even better view of the Taipei skyline. OR Hike up for a great sunset view of Taipei 101 and the city skyline.
▼ Taipei 101 Observatory (Taipei): Start your exploration with a visit to this iconic skyscraper. Head to the observation deck for a panoramic view of the city and surrounding mountains.
D1: Evening
▼ Xinyi Shopping District (Taipei)
▼ Raohe Street Night Market (Taipei): End the day with a visit to one of the city’s most popular night markets. Try local street food such as stinky tofu, bubble tea, fried chicken, and more delicious local street food.
Day 2: Free Travel in Taipei
D2: Breakfast
▼ Fuhang Soy Milk (Taipei): Wake up early and have breakfast at Fuhang Soy Milk, which opens at 5:30 am. Long queue as always, even on a weekday morning. (Close early after selling out) (Closed Mondays).
D2: Morning and Afternoon
▼ National Palace Museum (Taipei): Start the day by visiting one of the world’s most famous museums. This museum houses one of the world’s most important collections of Chinese artifacts, including ancient calligraphy, paintings, ceramics, and more.
▼ Longshan Temple (Taipei): After the museum, head to Longshan Temple, one of the oldest and most significant temples in Taipei. The temple’s intricate architecture and peaceful atmosphere offer a glimpse into Taiwan’s spiritual heritage.
▼Bopiliao Old Street: Visit this well-preserved historic area to get a feel for Taipei’s past with traditional architecture and local history.
▼ Dihua Street (Taipei): Dihua Street is located in Datong District, Taipei City, Taiwan. It was built in the 1850s and was an important distribution center for groceries, tea, Chinese medicinal materials and cloth in Taipei at that time. It is most festive old street in Taipei City.
Xia-Hai City God Temple : Xiahai City God Temple is a must-see for many people visiting Dihua Street and Dadaocheng. Xia-Hai City God Temple was built in 1856 and is located in Dadaocheng, a relatively developed port city in Taiwan at that time.
D2: Evening
▼ Dadaocheng Wharf Container Market (Taipei): The night at Dadaocheng Wharf Plaza is beautiful and lively. Especially the night market at the pier, which is full of exotic customs and strong local cultural atmosphere. There are a lot of foreign tourists here at night, and all kinds of delicious food and beer make this place lively. You can take a walk to Dadaocheng Wharf Plaza in the evening. Or you can enjoy delicious food, beer, cocktails and drinks at the food stalls in the square. You can enjoy the food while feeling the river breeze and night view.
▼ PX Mart, Carrefour: Buy Souvenirs and Snacks
Day 3: Day Tour in Taipei and Free Travel in New Taipei
D3: Breakfast
▼ Yong He Soy Milk Ximending or Congee
D3: Morning and Afternoon
▼ Yangmingshan National Park (Taipei): Spend the morning exploring this beautiful national park located just outside Taipei. Known for its hot springs, hiking trails, and vibrant flower gardens (especially in spring), it’s a perfect escape into nature. cherry blossoms (if in season).
▼ Beitou Hot Springs (Taipei): After enjoying Yangmingshan, head to Beitou for a relaxing soak in the hot springs. You can visit the Beitou Hot Springs Museum to learn about the area’s history and culture. Visit the hot spring village, especially if you want to relax in natural hot springs.
D3: Evening
▼ Tamsui Old Street (New Taipei): Head to the northern part of Taipei to explore Tamsui. At 5:30 pm you can walk to the Tamsui River to sit down and watch the sunset. The sunset on the river is so beautiful that everyone wants to admire it for a long time. Great place to view sunset. This historic district is located by the river and offers scenic views, especially at sunset. Walk along the Tamsui Old Street, where you can shop for souvenirs and try local snacks like fish balls and A-gei.
Day 4: Day Tour in New Taipei
D4: Breakfast
▼ Rice Ball Shop 飯糰霸: 06:00–19:30 (Closed Sundays)
D4: Morning and Afternoon
Take a day trip from Taipei to explore the charming towns of Jiufen and Shifen.
▼ Jiufen Old Street (New Taipei): Take a day trip to Jiufen, a charming mountain town about 1.5 hours from Taipei. This historic town was once a gold mining area and is now famous for its narrow streets, teahouses, and scenic views. A picturesque old mining town known for narrow alleys, teahouses, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Make sure to stop by the famous A-Mei Tea House for tea with a view. Don’t forget to try the local snack, taro balls.
▼ Shifen Old Street and Sky Lantern Experience (New Taipei): Head to Shifen to see the Shifen Waterfall . You can also experience the fun tradition of releasing a Sky Lantern on the railway tracks, which is a popular activity in the area.
▼ Yehliu Geopark (New Taipei): Yehliu is a famous geological park in northern Taiwan, located in Wanli District, New Taipei City. It is a narrow 1,700-meter-long cape on the northern coast of Taiwan. It is mainly famous for its strange rocks formed by weathering and sea erosion, among which the most famous are Queen’s Head Rock and Candle Rocks in Yehliu. These geological wonders have been eroded by wind and rain for a long time, forming the amazing landscape we see today.
These three towns are perfect for day trips from Taipei, offering scenic views, historical charm, and traditional culture.
D4: Evening
▼ Ximending (Taipei) + The Red House (Taipei) : In the evening, explore Ximending, Taipei’s bustling shopping and entertainment district. It’s often compared to Tokyo’s Harajuku and is a great spot for dinner and shopping. Head to Ximending for a fun and lively vibe. It’s full of shops, street food, and youthful energy. A popular shopping and entertainment district, great for people-watching and youth culture.
Day 5: Day Tour in Taichung or Nantou
D5: Breakfast
Scallion Pancake or Egg Crepe
D5: Morning and Afternoon
▼ Day Tour Gaomei Wetlands (Taichung), Sun Moon Lake (Nantou) or Zhang Mei Ama Farm (Yilan)
D5: Evening
▼ Maokong Gondola (Taipei)
Additional Tips:
Transportation
Taipei has an excellent MRT (metro) system, which is the most convenient way to get around the city. Taxis and buses are also widely available. Taiwan’s rail system is highly efficient. The High-Speed Rail (HSR) is ideal for traveling between major cities like Taipei, Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Taichung. Trains are also a good option for places like Hualien.
Language
Mandarin is the primary language, but many people in the tourist industry speak some English. Basic phrases like “hello” (你好, nǐ hǎo) and “thank you” (谢谢, xièxiè) can be helpful.
Weather: The weather in Taipei can be hot and humid in the summer, so pack light and breathable clothing. In winter, the temperatures are cooler, so bring layers. Be sure to check the weather, especially in mountainous areas like Taroko Gorge, as conditions can change rapidly.
Currency
The currency in Taiwan is the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD). Cash is still widely used, though credit cards are accepted in many places.
Accommodation
There are plenty of hotels and guesthouses across Taiwan, from budget options to luxury stays. Book in advance, especially during peak seasons (such as cherry blossom season).
This 5-day itinerary covers the best of Taipei, blending cultural highlights, natural beauty, and local experiences. You’ll get to see the modern side of the city as well as some charming, historical spots nearby. Enjoy your trip to Taipei!