Taipei itinerary for first-time visitors: 1 week in the city and surroundings

Serene temples, Taiwanese Opera, hunting for the best bubble tea and pineapple cake, and exploring national parks are just some of the things awaiting you in Taiwan’s capital city. I recently spent 1 week in Taipei and I managed to fit in all of this, plus day trips and a visit to Jiufen.

The detailed Taipei itinerary below is for 7 days, where you’ll spend 3 days exclusively in Taipei, do day trips to Wulai and Yangmingshan National Park, and have an overnight trip to Jiufen (instead of a day trip, to avoid crowds). 

(Here’s a list of all the top things to do in Taipei and best neighbourhoods to stay).

Taipei travel tips

Below is a complete list of Taiwan travel tips you’ll need for a successful, stress-free adventure.

• All the receipts in Taiwan come with lottery numbers, for the Uniform Invoice Lottery (統一發票) program. The purpose is to encourage people to always ask for receipts, as this helps to avoid tax evasion. Foreigners and tourists can play too.
• Get an EasyCard, a popular reloadable smartcard, which you can buy and top up at metro stations or convenience stores like 7-Eleven. You can use it at some shops, though it’s mostly used for public transport (mostly on TRA trains and some long-distance buses, but not on express cross-country trains).
  • Important notes about EasyCards:
    • Make sure to have cash to pay for the EasyCard.
    • When you buy the card, you’ll have to pay TWD 500, which includes a TWD 100 non-refundable deposit (about €2.70) and a TWD 400 (about €10) balance to use. 
• Always have some cash on hand, as some places don’t accept bank cards.
• If you don’t want to use cash or an EasyCard, use the app Line Pay for payment. It’s a popular mobile payment and digital wallet, mostly used by locals, but foreigners with a phone number can still access it from the LINE app and link foreign bank cards.
  • Note about Line Pay: you don’t absolutely need this, as it’s not the only available payment method, and lots of people found it challenging to use. You can just carry cash, or use bank cards or the EasyCard where accepted.
• Tipping is not customary in Taiwan, and can actually be offensive, so resist the urge to tip, even if you come from a country where it’s mandatory (more cultural tips and etiquette about Taiwan here).
• Public transport is really easy and convenient in Taiwan, so you can get around easily to major cities without needing to rent a car (but in case you need one to explore further, here are the best rates for car rental).
• Get an eSIM (a digital SIM card) before you land in Taiwan, to avoid scrambling around for the airport wifi or waiting in line at a SIM card shop. I use Airalo’s Unlimited eSIMs for convenience and peace of mind, but also because I really like the company and their values.

Taipei itinerary: 1 week to explore the city and surroundings

You can visit Taipei in just 3 days, but you need to add a few more days if you want to explore outside of the city. My Taipei itinerary is a full 7 days (excluding arrival and departure day), and includes a couple of day trips right outside of Taipei, and an overnight in Jiufen. 

Below is an itinerary organised by geographical proximity, for a more efficient and useful use of your time in Taipei.

Note: I based myself in Taipei the whole time aside from the overnight in Jiufen. I stayed in Zhongshan, a cute neighbourhood close to many of the main attractions and activities.

Day 1 in Taipei: temples and trendy neighbourhoods

Taipei Confucius Temple

I started day 1 of my Taipei itinerary at Taipei Confucius Temple. Built in 1879 during the Qing dynasty, Taipei Confucius Temple is dedicated to the Chinese philosopher Confucius, and stands out for its understated architecture. 

Unlike many other Taiwanese temples filled with beautiful colourful lanterns and incense, this one has an uncluttered feel that reflects Confucian ideals of balance and learning. It’s the best place to wander through the peaceful courtyards before the day’s sightseeing begins.

Important: 

Follow respectful temple etiquette:

• Don’t take photos without consent
• Keep voices down
• Remove shoes where needed
• Dress conservatively
• Avoid exuberant behaviour

Insider tip: It’s best to arrive early in the morning for the quietest atmosphere and softer light if you’re taking photos. Admission is free, and you’ll need around 30 minutes to explore at a relaxed pace.

Dalongdong Baoan Temple

Less than a five-minute walk from the Confucius Temple is Dalongdong Baoan Temple, one of Taipei’s most beautiful and historically significant temples. Dedicated to Baosheng Dadi, the Taoist God of Medicine, it’s renowned for its wood carvings, ceramic decorations, and painted ceilings. Even if you’ve already visited other temples in Taiwan, this one is worth the time purely for the craftsmanship.

The temple has also received international recognition through UNESCO’s Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation for restoration, which helps explain the beautiful preservation feel. 

Insider tip: Look up when you’re exploring Dalongdong Baoan Temple: some of the finest artwork is on the ceilings and roof beams, and it’s easy to miss if you’re focused only on the main altar. And if you’re visiting from April to June (depending on the year), you’ll get to witness the impressive Baosheng Emperor’s Parade held at the temple.

Dihua Street in the Dadaocheng district

From the temples, you can walk to Dihua Street, the historic heart of Dadaocheng and Taipei’s oldest commercial street. Dating back to the mid-19th century, it was once an important trading hub for tea, textiles, and traditional Chinese medicine. 

Today, you’ll find that the restored shophouses are home to everything from century-old tea merchants and herbal shops to modern independent boutiques, cafés, and galleries, making it one of my favourite neighbourhoods to explore on foot.

It’s also one of the best places in Taipei to shop for authentic Taiwanese souvenirs, especially loose-leaf tea, dried fruit, and locally made snacks.

Insider tip: Don’t rush straight down the main street. Some of the nicest cafés, courtyards, and design stores can be found along the narrow side lanes, so it’s worth allowing extra time to wander.

Lunch in the Zhongshan neighbourhood

The Zhongshan neighbourhood is where I stayed during my trip, and I definitely made the right choice. Not only is it a cute, trendy area with lots of cafes, stylish boutiques, bookstores, and some excellent places to eat, such as the famous dumplings at Din Tai Fung.

The Zhongshan area is also where you can find the award-winning pineapple cake, at Fong Da. Pineapple cakes originate from Taiwan, and they’re delicious treats that also make for a great present and souvenir.

Here’s the exact location of Fond Da: B2 Floor, Mitsukoshi department store. 

For dinner, I loved Chiyin Chicken Ramen, which specialises in a clear, flavourful chicken broth instead of the richer pork broth served at many ramen restaurants. So if you’re trying to find non-pork food, this is the place.

Insider tip: Department store food halls are one of the best places to buy food gifts in Taiwan. The quality is consistently high, everything is beautifully packaged, and many shops offer samples so you can try before you buy.

TaipEYE Opera 

Finish your first day at TaipeiEYE with a traditional Taiwanese opera show. The performances combine colourful costumes, live music, martial arts, dance, and acrobatics into an entertaining evening.

Insider tip: Try to arrive around 30 minutes before the performance starts. Before the show, there’s usually a demonstration where performers explain the elaborate costumes and makeup, and you’ll often have the chance to take photos with them after.

Day 2 in Taipei: Museums and night markets

Day 2 in Taipei is a slower pace after a busy first day, but the night market will make up for that with its crowds.

Taipei Astronomical Museum 

If you’re into space, or you’re travelling with young children, or you just enjoy interactive museums, the Taipei Astronomical Museum is one of the most fun museums in Taipei. 

The museum has several interactive exhibition halls covering astronomy, the solar system, and space exploration, making it much more engaging than your average science museum. The highlight for me was the 200-metre ride that takes you through the parts of the museum, combining moving vehicles, projections, and special effects to make you feel like you’re travelling through space.

Insider tip: Allow at least 2–3 hours if you want to explore the exhibitions as well as the Space Adventure ride. Some attractions require a separate ticket from the general admission, so it’s best to check what’s included when you buy your ticket.

Songshan Ciyou Temple before Raohe

Before heading to the popular Raohe Night Market next door, visit Songshan Ciyou Temple, which sits right beside the market entrance. Built in 1753, the temple is dedicated to Mazu, the goddess of the sea and one of Taiwan’s most widely worshipped deities. The ornate roof, intricate carvings, and colourful decorations make it one of Taipei’s most striking temples, and it’s especially atmospheric as lanterns begin to glow in the late afternoon.

Insider tip: Climb to the upper floor if it’s open. It’s usually much quieter than the ground level and gives you a closer look at the beautifully detailed roof decorations.

Raohe st night market 

Experience nightlife in Taipei at the night market. There are plenty of night markets to choose from in Taipei, and this is one of the most popular ones. It’s smaller (and hence easier to explore) than Shilin Night Market, with all stalls along a single street. But bear in mind that it gets very crowded, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays, especially between 7-10pm. Follow the direction of the crowd; most people tend to stick to the right. 

The market’s Main (Eastern) Entrance Gate is right by the Ciyou Temple. Take a second to admire the entrance gate, an iconic landmark in Taipei. 

Despite knowing it would be super crowded, there were specific food items I read about that I wanted to try. Here’s the list below, organised in order, starting from the main entrance gate after passing and taking the right (north) side lane into the night market.

• Keelung Miaokou tempura fish cake
• Stinky Tofu Fries (they’re actually not stinky at all)
• Mochi Baby (Michelin star) – best to eat them immediately
• Lao Yu Zai’s Taro Balls
• Little Master’s Big Chicken Cutlet (it’s a huge piece, it’s best to share with someone)
• Master An’s Fire & Ice Pineapple Buns (these buns don’t actually have any pineapple; the name comes from the texture)

Note: I skipped the famous Fuzhou Black Pepper Buns right by the main entrance, as I don’t eat pork. 

Insider tip: the night market is cash only, so head to an ATM before going there. 

Day 3 in Taipei: sightseeing and culture

Longshan Temple

Start your 3rd day in Taipei at Longshan Temple, one of the city’s oldest and most important religious sites. Originally built in the 18th century and rebuilt multiple times due to earthquakes and damage, the temple today is a layered mix of Buddhist, Taoist, and folk religious traditions. 

Insider tip: Visit earlier in the day if possible. It’s quieter, and you’ll get a better feel for the rhythm of local worship without the heavier crowds that gather later on. Just remember to move respectfully around prayer areas and avoid standing directly in front of people praying, and definitely do not take photos of anyone without consent.

Have breakfast at the famous Fu Hang Soy Milk for breakfast

After visiting Longshan Temple, head over to Fu Hang Soy Milk, a famous spot for a traditional Taiwanese breakfast. It’s located in a food court on the second floor of Huashan Market, and the lines can get long and can take between 20 minutes to 1.5 hours. Many people wake up really early to ensure they don’t spend so long in line. 

Insider tip: there’s a mix of sweet and savoury buns and flatbreads to try. If you’re into sweet treats, try the caramel bun. If you prefer savoury, the Sesame Flat Bread with Scrambled Egg is a crowd favourite. The easiest way to order efficiently is to say the number of the item you want, rather than try to pronounce the name in Mandarin.

National Taiwan Museum & 228 Peace Memorial Park

The National Taiwan Museum is Taiwan’s oldest museum, and was founded in 1908 during the Japanese colonial era. It has neoclassical architecture with a grand dome interior, and focuses on natural history, anthropology, and Taiwan’s cultural development. 

It’s located inside the 228 Peace Memorial Park, a large green space that offers a quieter contrast to the busy city of Taipei. It’s a reflective place with shaded walking paths, ponds, and memorials that commemorate a difficult chapter in Taiwan’s modern history.

Tea Ceremony Experience (Taipei)

The best way to experience a traditional tea house in Taipei is by combining it with the cable car, the Maokong Gondola, which takes you to the oolong tea plantations. Get off at the last station, Maokong Station, and visit the Visitor’s Information Center to ask about Tea Houses, most of which can be reached within a 15-minute walk. Most tea houses also serve food, making it a perfect stop if you’re hungry. 

Tea tasting and ceremonies are social affairs, and most tea houses are aimed at groups. However, if you’re travelling alone, here are the two best tea houses in Maokong to visit that sell individual packages:

• Ice Climber (great for sweet treats too)
• Shiao Mu Teahouse

Traditional tea houses in Taipei

• Shiao Mu Teahouse in Maokong
• Ice Climber in Maokong
• Redwood Tea House in Maokong
• Lazy Day Cafe in Maokong
• Yaoyue Teahouse (Moon Inviting) in Maokong
• Qingtian tea house 
• Liuyu tea house in Wanhua
• Xiaoyin Tea Temple Dongmen 
• Eighty-eightea Ribansyo (currently closed for renovations)
• Wistaria tea house (closed for renovations, will reopen in 2028)

Day 4: day trip to Wulai

Less than an hour from central Taipei, Wulai makes one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips if you’re craving nature and culture, particularly if you’re keen to learn about the Indigenous people of Taiwan, who sadly only make up 3% of the population today. 

Known for its hot springs, mountain scenery, and Atayal Indigenous heritage, it’s the perfect change of pace after a few days in the city. Everything in the main visitor area is within walking distance, so you can comfortably explore without rushing, but still wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes, and bring a rain jacket just in case. Most of the activities are outdoors. 

How to get to Wulai

The most affordable, but also efficient option to Wulai from Taipei is to take the bus. The ride takes about 30-45 minutes and costs about NT$15 (about €0.50) one way, and you’ll need to pay with cash. Keep in mind that the bus can get crowded on weekends.

• From Taipei, take the MRT (subway) to the last stop on the Green Line, which is Xindian. 
• At Xindian, take Bus 849. 
• The bus stop is right outside Xindian station. You can get off at the main bus station in Wulai, or one stop before at Tourism Bridge for more views.

How to explore Wulai

This route below minimizes backtracking and follows the natural layout of Wulai, with each stop flowing into the next.

1. Wulai Suspension Bridge: this is your first stop when you get off the bus, and you’ll get views of the Nanshi River and mountains.
2. Stop at Wulai Atayal Museum to learn about the Indigenous community: the exhibits cover traditional weaving, hunting culture, clothing, and the history of the local community, adding valuable context before you explore the rest of Wulai. Admission is free, and the museum isn’t particularly large, so around 30–45 minutes is usually enough for a visit.
3. Walk along Wulai Old street for snacks and shops.
4. Cross the Wulai Lansheng Bridge and walk uphill to Wulai Mini Log Cart station, to take the log cart (also known as the scenic train), which I do recommend taking. It’s a great way to rest your feet while enjoying the scenery, and it costs around 50 NTD (€1.50) one way. Bring cash.
5. The log cart ride takes you to Wulai Waterfall. If you skip the cart ride, you can walk from the log station; it takes about 20 minutes.
   1. Note about Wulai Waterfall: while it’s one of the tallest waterfalls in Northern Taiwan (about 80 m or 260 ft), it’s not a powerful cascade of water that flows into a natural pool. It’s just a light stream of water by the roadside, and you might be disappointed, especially if you’ve already seen more majestic waterfalls like the ones in Iceland. 
6. There are a few cafes along the road where you can enjoy direct views of the waterfalls, like Tonyx Cafe.
7. If you’re into cable cars, you can take a short ride to Yun Hsien Resort for more scenic views of Wulai Waterfall.
8. You can also row a boat along Yun Hsien lake for a relaxing time among beautiful trees, though rowing will require some muscle effort.
9. Dip into a hot spring before returning to Taipei. Locals say it boosts metabolism and removes old skin. There’s a variety of hot springs to choose from, including public and private options. Always follow proper etiquette beforehand, such as rinsing off before entering, and not wearing any clothes including swimwear (yes this means you’ll be naked). For more privacy, several hotels offer private hot spring rooms that can be booked by the hour.

Day 5: Shifen and Jiufen

Time to get out of Taipei and spend the night elsewhere. Jiufen makes for the perfect overnight visit, because it’s close enough to not require a long journey, and it’s best to avoid a day trip, which would mean dealing with huge crowds. This is also better for the local economy in Jiufen, making staying overnight a more sustainable option. 

If you’re short on time and can only do a day trip, here are the best options for an organised day trip to Jiufen from Taipei, including other stops like Shifen. 

Shifen

Before we reach Jiufen, we have an interesting stop along the way: Shifen, known for its traditional streets, waterfall, and sky lantern release tradition.

How to get to Shifen

• Take the train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station (it takes about 45 minutes)
• Get off at Platform 1 or 2
• Transfer to Pingxi Line at Platform 3
• Take the southbound to Shifen Station (this train only leaves once every hour, and takes about 30 minutes to reach Shifen)

What to see in Shifen

While many visitors come to release a lantern carrying their wishes (even during daylight), the town itself is worth exploring at a slower pace. Walking through the old street, browsing the small local shops, visiting the waterfall, and enjoying the surrounding mountain scenery gives you a glimpse of a quieter side of Taiwan. 

Important: The lanterns eventually fall back to the ground, even though organised clean-up efforts are in place. For a more responsible and sustainable experience, it’s best to avoid releasing a lantern and instead just enjoy the atmosphere.

Jiufen

Once you’ve finished exploring Shifen, return to Ruifang Station by train, and catch the local bus 1062 to Jiufen, which takes around 15 minutes, and pay using EasyPass. Or if you’d rather skip Shifen, you can take the bus 1062 at Zhongxiao Fuxing Station in Taipei directly to Jiufen, getting off at Jiufen Old Street bus stop. It takes about an hour from Taipei. Here’s the bus schedule.

Jiufen is a cute hillside town overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Once a prosperous gold-mining settlement during the Japanese colonial era, it’s now famous for its narrow alleyways, traditional teahouses, red lanterns, and sea views.

Jiufen is a very popular day trip from Taipei, so you can expect large crowds during the day. To experience it without the chaos, spend the night in Jiufen and explore in the early in the morning or late in the evening. 

What to see in Jiufen

• Jiufen’s old street
  • Try the famous chewy taro balls at Lai Ah Po Taro Balls or A-Gan-Yi Taro Ball
  • Try the peanut ice cream rolls at A-Zhu Peanut Ice Cream Roll
• Jiufen’s famous stone stairway
• A-Mei Tea House: this is Jiufen’s most recognisable building, thanks to its traditional architecture and rows of glowing red lanterns (it looks very similar to Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away movie). It gets very crowded, so go early if you want to enjoy tea from here
• Skyline Tea House for views of A-Mei tea house and mountains, also very popular
• Jiufen Teahouse (more traditional vibes)
• Shuqi Road: the famous stepped street with red lanterns hanging above the stone staircases

Insider tip: Wear comfortable shoes with good grip. Jiufen’s streets can be uneven and often slippery after rain, especially on the stone steps.

Day 6: Jiufen in the morning and Taipei photoshoots in the evening

Enjoy Jiufen in the morning without crowds and daytrippers, walk through the staircases and alleyways; it’s the best time for photos.

Take the bus back to Taipei, and in the afternoon head to Huanan Park for one of the best views of Taipei 101, without having to hike. Here, Taipei 101 rises above the surrounding skyline, creating a fantastic photo opportunity. It’s also a lovely spot to sit for a while and watch daily life unfold in the neighbourhood.

Another gorgeous (but well-known spot) for views of Taipei 101 is next to Zhucun Izakaya, a cosy Japanese-style pub that my Taiwanese friend recommended. I didn’t end up eating there, but I walked around the area for views of Taipei 101. 

Day 7 in Taipei: natural landscapes

For my last day in Taipei, I knew I wanted to do something related to nature and get out of the cityscape for a bit. I was debating between hiking the popular Elephant Mountain for views of Taipei and the Taipei 101 building, or going a bit further out of the city to a national park nearby, and chose the latter.

So, if, like me, you’re willing to allocate one full day to a national park from Taipei, I’d recommend Yangmingshan National Park. It encompasses the Datun Volcanic Range, and offers steaming fumaroles, volcanic landscapes, rolling grasslands, forested hiking trails, waterfalls, and the famous Beitou hot springs just outside the park.

Insider tip: The fastest and most stress-free option is to book an organised day trip, though it’s also doable via public transport (bus) if you’re willing to spend a portion of the time getting there. Note that buses tend to get quite packed.

What did I skip in Taipei and why?

• Animal cafes: There are plenty of animal cafes in Taipei where you can interact with animals like capybara, or cat cafes where you can go and pet kitties. I actively avoid these types of cafes because it’s rarely beneficial to the animals, meaning they’re essentially being exploited for tourism and profits. Also, some animals should not be in such close contact with humans (e.g., capybaras), while some domesticated ones don’t necessarily want to be around humans (e.g., cats and even some dogs). The only animal cafes I visit are those that help strays and encourage adoption. 
• Taipei Zoo: Animals shouldn’t be kept in captivity, unless it’s for rehabilitation purposes, but zoos are rarely about rehabilitation and conservation (even when they say they are). I checked about the pandas and other animals, and the reviews say that the enclosures are too small, and the pandas (who are generally happy animals) seem sad and bored.
• Museums and halls (mostly due to lack of time)
  • National Palace Museum
  • Taipei Fine Arts Museum
  • Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
  • Xinyi Public Assembly Hall
  • National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall for the Changing of the Guard ceremony
• A few of the parks in Taipei: I love visiting gardens and parks, but I just didn’t have enough time

FAQs

How long do you need to visit Taipei?

Three days are enough to visit Taipei, if you’re sticking to the city only. If you intend to explore a bit further out, and without rushing, the ideal number of days for Taipei is around 6-7 days. 

Is Taipei safe to visit?

Taipei is known as a safe place to visit, especially for solo female travellers. But as always, with any destination, use caution and common sense by avoiding dark alleys, exploring alone after dark in remote areas, accepting drinks from strangers, etc. 

Should you stay overnight in Jiufen?

For a more serene, crowd-free experience, it’s absolutely recommended to spend the night in Jiufen. Only do a day trip there from Taipei if you’re short on time.