Taipei, Taiwan: 3-Days Travel Guide
Day 1: Taipei’s Heart and Soul
- Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Taipei 101 & Xinyi Shopping District
- Location: No. 7, Section 5, Xinyi Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City
- Time Allocation: 3 hours
- Cost: Observation deck entrance fee is around NT$600 per person.
- Description: Start your Taipei adventure with the iconic Taipei 101, once the world’s tallest building. Its observation deck offers breathtaking views of the city. The surrounding Xinyi District is perfect for shopping and exploring modern Taipei.
- Lunch (12:00 PM – 1:30 PM): Din Tai Fung
- Location: Multiple locations, but one is inside Taipei 101.
- Time Allocation: 1.5 hours
- Cost: Around NT$300-600 per person.
- Description: Experience Taipei’s famous xiao long bao (soup dumplings) at Din Tai Fung. It’s not just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that represents Taiwan’s rich food culture.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM): National Palace Museum
- Location: No. 221, Section 2, Zhishan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City
- Time Allocation: 3 hours
- Cost: NT$350 per person for adults.
- Description: Home to one of the largest collections of Chinese imperial artifacts in the world, the National Palace Museum offers a deep dive into Chinese history and culture.
- Evening (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM): Shilin Night Market
- Location: No. 101, Jihe Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City
- Time Allocation: 2 hours
- Cost: Varies, but set aside NT$200-500 for food and shopping.
- Description: Cap off your day with a visit to Shilin Night Market. It’s a culinary adventure where you can try various street foods, from bubble tea to fried chicken and beyond.
Day 2: Nature and Culture
- Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Yangmingshan National Park
- Location: Taipei City
- Time Allocation: 3 hours
- Cost: Free for most areas, but transportation costs may vary.
- Description: A short trip from the city, Yangmingshan National Park offers stunning landscapes, hot springs, and hiking trails. It’s a refreshing escape into nature.
- Lunch (12:30 PM – 2:00 PM): Beitou Hot Springs Area
- Location: Beitou District, Taipei City
- Time Allocation: 1.5 hours
- Cost: NT$100-600 for public hot spring baths.
- Description: Enjoy a relaxing soak in Beitou’s hot springs, followed by a delicious local meal. The area is known for its thermal baths and lush scenery.
- Afternoon (2:30 PM – 5:30 PM): Tamsui Old Street & Fisherman’s Wharf
- Location: Tamsui District, New Taipei City
- Time Allocation: 3 hours
- Cost: Free to explore, various costs for snacks and attractions.
- Description: Explore the charming streets of Tamsui, taste local snacks, and walk along the river to Fisherman’s Wharf. The Tamsui Sunset is a must-see.
- Evening (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM): Raohe Street Night Market
- Location: Raohe St, Songshan District, Taipei City
- Time Allocation: 2 hours
- Cost: Varies, but set aside NT$200-500 for food and shopping.
- Description: Experience another facet of Taipei’s night market scene with a visit to Raohe Street. The pepper buns are a local favorite.
Day 3: Historical Exploration
- Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
- Location: No. 21, Zhongshan S Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City
- Time Allocation: 3 hours
- Cost: Free
- Description: Start with a visit to this monumental tribute to Taiwan’s former President. The grand architecture and changing of the guards are highlights.
- Lunch (12:30 PM – 2:00 PM): Yongkang Street
- Location: Yongkang Street, Da’an District, Taipei City
- Time Allocation: 1.5 hours
- Cost: Varies, but many options under NT$300.
- Description: Famous for its diverse food options, including the original Din Tai Fung restaurant and mango shaved ice.
- Afternoon (2:30 PM – 6:00 PM): Huashan 1914 Creative Park & Songshan Cultural and Creative Park
- Location: Various locations in Taipei City
- Time Allocation: 3.5 hours
- Cost: Free for entry, some exhibitions may charge.
- Description: Explore Taipei’s vibrant arts scene with visits to these creative parks. They host a mix of art, design, and cultural exhibitions.
General Tips:
- Transportation: Get an EasyCard for convenient travel on buses and the MRT.
- Weather: Check the forecast and dress accordingly. Taipei can be hot and humid in summer, cooler and rainy in winter.
- Language: English is widely understood in tourist areas, but learning a few Mandarin phrases can enhance your experience.
This itinerary combines Taipei’s modernity with its rich history and natural beauty, ensuring a well-rounded visit to Taiwan’s capital.
