Planning a trip to Taipei? This complete travel guide covers the best areas to stay, a 5-day itinerary, must-see attractions, restaurants, shopping, and essential travel tips.
🏨 Best Areas to Stay in Taipei
- Ximending – A lively area known for shopping, street food, and youth culture.
- Da’an District – Best for luxury stays, cafes, and proximity to Taipei 101.
- Zhongshan District – Central location with easy access to museums and night markets.
- Shilin District – Great for families and close to the famous Shilin Night Market.
- Beitou – Best for hot springs and a relaxing getaway.
Pro Tip: Stay near an MRT station for convenient city travel.
🚆 Transportation Tips
- Taipei MRT – The most efficient and clean way to travel.
- YouBike – Rent a bike for short city trips.
- Taxis & Uber – Affordable and widely available.
- Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) – Ideal for day trips to other cities.
Tip: Get an EasyCard for cashless MRT, bus, and YouBike rides.
🗓️ 5-Day Taipei Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Day 1: Iconic Taipei Sights
- Visit Taipei 101, one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world.
- Explore Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall for a glimpse into Taiwan’s history.
- Wander through Da’an Park, Taipei’s largest green space.
- Dinner: Din Tai Fung – World-famous xiaolongbao (soup dumplings).
Day 2: Cultural & Historic Taipei
- Start at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall for the changing of the guard.
- Visit Longshan Temple, the city’s most famous temple.
- Stroll through Bopiliao Old Street for historical charm.
- Dinner: Shin Yeh – Traditional Taiwanese cuisine.
Day 3: Shopping & Night Markets
- Shop at Ximending, Taipei’s vibrant shopping district.
- Visit Eslite Spectrum Songyan, a bookstore and creative mall.
- Indulge at Shilin Night Market – Taiwan’s biggest night market.
- Dinner: Street food – Try stinky tofu, oyster omelet, and bubble tea.
Day 4: Nature & Hot Springs
- Take the MRT to Beitou Hot Springs for a relaxing soak.
- Hike Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain) for breathtaking city views.
- Explore Tamsui Old Street, a waterfront district with street snacks.
- Dinner: Fisherman’s Wharf – Seafood by the river.
Day 5: Day Trips & Hidden Gems
- Take a day trip to Jiufen, a charming mountain village.
- Visit Shifen Waterfall and release a sky lantern at Shifen Old Street.
- End the trip with a scenic sunset at Maokong Gondola.
- Dinner: Chengdu Sichuan Restaurant – Famous for spicy hot pot.
🏛️ Must-See Attractions in Taipei
- Taipei 101 – The city’s iconic landmark.
- Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall – A tribute to Taiwan’s former leader.
- Longshan Temple – A beautifully preserved Buddhist temple.
- Elephant Mountain – Best spot for skyline photography.
- Tamsui Old Street – A scenic waterfront district.
- Jiufen – A picturesque old town with tea houses and stunning views.
- Shifen Waterfall – Taiwan’s “Little Niagara Falls.”
🛍️ Top Shopping Spots
- Ximending – Best for streetwear and youth culture.
- Taipei 101 Mall – Luxury shopping and designer brands.
- Raohe Night Market – Great for souvenirs and food.
- Shilin Night Market – The largest and most famous night market.
- Eslite Bookstore – A paradise for book lovers.
🍽️ 10 Must-Try Restaurants in Taipei
- Din Tai Fung – The best soup dumplings in the world.
- Shin Yeh – Traditional Taiwanese dishes.
- RAW – Michelin-starred modern Taiwanese cuisine.
- Kao Chi – Famous for pan-fried soup dumplings.
- Ay-Chung Flour Rice Noodle – A must-visit street food spot.
- Fuhang Soy Milk – The best traditional Taiwanese breakfast.
- Mala Hotpot – One of the best hotpot experiences in Taipei.
- Addiction Aquatic Development – Premium seafood market dining.
- Modern Toilet Restaurant – A quirky, bathroom-themed eatery.
- Bubble Tea Shops (50 Lan, Chun Shui Tang, Tiger Sugar) – Taiwan’s famous drink.
🎡 Top 5 Family-Friendly Activities
- Taipei Zoo – Home to pandas and exotic animals.
- Maokong Gondola – Scenic cable car ride to tea plantations.
- National Palace Museum – Houses ancient Chinese artifacts.
- Taipei Children’s Amusement Park – A fun-filled park for kids.
- Shilin Night Market – Family-friendly games and food stalls.
❤️ Top 5 Romantic Experiences for Couples
- Sunset at Fisherman’s Wharf – Stunning waterfront views.
- Jiufen Tea Houses – A dreamy setting with mountain views.
- Hot Spring Retreat in Beitou – A perfect relaxation spot.
- Maokong Gondola & Tea Tasting – A peaceful experience above the hills.
- Fine Dining at RAW – A Michelin-starred romantic dinner.
🎫 Taipei Passes & Discounts
- EasyCard – Cashless payments for MRT, buses, and stores.
- Taipei Fun Pass – Unlimited transport + free entry to attractions.
- Taipei 101 Observatory Combo Ticket – Includes priority access.
- Taiwan High-Speed Rail Pass – Ideal for long-distance travel.
🎒 Essential Travel Tips
- Public Transport – The MRT is the best way to get around.
- Weather – Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit.
- Local Etiquette – Bow slightly when greeting locals, and avoid loud conversations in public.
- Cash vs. Cards – Many small shops prefer cash; ATMs are widely available.
🌏 Taipei Awaits!
From towering skyscrapers to bustling night markets and tranquil temples, Taipei is a city of contrasts waiting to be explored. Follow this guide to make the most of your 5-day adventure!
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TaipeiTravel, TaiwanTrip, ExploreTaipei, TaipeiItinerary, VisitTaiwan, TaipeiFood, TaipeiNightMarkets, ThingsToDoInTaipei, TravelGuide, AsiaTravel
