My 5-Day Taipei Itinerary (Flexible & First-Timer Friendly)

Thinking of visiting Taipei, but not quite sure what to do with 5 days in the city?

Taipei is easily one of the coolest cities I’ve ever been to—but I’ll be honest, figuring out what to do can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if it’s your first (or even second) visit. The city’s packed with historic landmarks, quirky neighborhoods, scenic hikes, and some of the best night markets I’ve come across anywhere in Asia.

After years of exploring the city, I’ve put together this flexible Taipei itinerary to make your planning easier. Whether you’re here for a quick stop or have a full 5 days in Taipei, this guide covers the must-see sights, a few personal favorites, and practical tips to help you make the most of your trip.

PS: If you’re only stopping over, I’ve also written a separate guide on how to see Taipei in just one day.

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How Many Days to Spend in Taipei + A Quick Itinerary Overview

You don’t need weeks in Taipei to see what makes it special—but a day or two really only scratches the surface. If you’ve got the time, I recommend spending at least 3 to 5 days here.

This itinerary covers a mix of top sights, cultural landmarks, and a few easy day trips just outside the city. It’s based on all the places I keep going back to and the kinds of experiences I think every first-time visitor should have.

Here’s a quick overview:

Day 1: Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall → Longshan Temple → Taipei 101 → Elephant Mountain → Raohe Night Market

Day 2: Dihua Street → North Gate → Ximending → Huashan 1914 Creative Park → Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall → Daan District

Day 3: National Palace Museum → Beitou Hot Springs → Tamsui → Shilin Night Market

Day 4: Yehliu Geopark → Shifen → Jiufen

Day 5: Taipei Zoo → Maokong → Taipei Fine Arts Museum → Addiction Aquatic Development

How to Get Around Taipei

Taipei is a great city for walking, but it’s also big, so having a plan for how to get around will save you time and effort. The good news? Public transport is cheap, reliable, and easy to use. Here’s how get around:

MRT:
Taipei’s subway system is one of the best in Asia. It’s fast, clean, and easy to navigate. You can buy single-journey tickets, but I recommend grabbing an EasyCard—it works on the MRT, buses, and some trains and makes everything quicker. You can view the metro map here, but I’d also recommend downloading the app, which makes planning routes and checking train times way easier. I’ve included it in my guide to the best travel apps for Taiwan.

Sightseeing Bus:
If you’re short on time or just want to get a feel for the layout of the city, the hop-on-hop-off bus covers all the major attractions. There are two routes. You can buy a ticket on the bus or book in advance online via Klook or KKday.

YouBike:
Taipei’s bike-sharing system is a fun (and cheap) way to explore the city at your own pace. Rides start at TWD 10 per 30 minutes. To register, you’ll need an EasyCard. If you don’t have one, you can also use a credit card. But note that it places a TWD 3,000 hold, which gets released after you return the bike.

Taxi:
You’ll find yellow cabs all over the city. Fares start at TWD 120 for the first 1.25 km, and go up by TWD 5 for every 200 meters. Rates are slightly higher between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Uber:
Uber works well in Taipei and is often cheaper than yellow taxis. Just be sure to download the app before your trip.

Where to Stay

If you’re looking for a quick answer, my top pick is Humble House. It’s hands-down my favorite hotel in Taipei—with skyline views, a rooftop pool, and a great location. I’ve also written a full guide on the best areas and hotels in Taipei, but here are a few more worth checking out:

• Luxury: W Taipei is the best luxury hotel in town. The 5-star property features beautiful, spacious rooms with great views—plus it’s just steps from Xinyi’s trendy bars, shops, and restaurants. [Check rates/ availability here.]
• Mid-range: Via Hotel combines comfort and design with a central location near Taipei Main Station. It’s a great base if you want easy access to shops, eats, and transport. [Check rates/ availability here.]
• Budget: Star Hostel is a stylish hostel offering private and dorm rooms at great prices. It’s just a short walk from Taipei Main Station and perfect for budget-conscious travelers. [Check rates/ availability here.]

My Perfect Taipei Itinerary for 5 Days

Day 1: Essential Taipei — Landmarks, Temples & Views

This is a packed day, but you’ll cover many of Taipei’s most iconic sights. You’ll start with culture and history in the city center, then make your way east for skyline views and wrap up with a street food feast. Wear comfy shoes—you’ll need them!

See Liberty Square & the Changing of the Guards

Begin your day at Liberty Square, one of Taipei’s most recognizable landmarks. The plaza is home to the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, the National Theater, and the Concert Hall. And while the buildings are certainly impressive,  it’s also just a lovely, calm place to start your morning. If you’re here early, you’ll mostly have it to yourself.

Inside the main hall of Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, you’ll find a giant seated statue of Chiang. Try to catch the changing of the guards on the hour—it’s one of the classic things to see in Taipei. Beneath the hall, there’s a small museum about his life and Taiwan’s history, and the entire site is free to visit.

If you’ve got extra time, walk over to the Presidential Office Building, with its striking red-brick exterior and colonial-era architecture. Built during the Japanese era, it now houses the office of Taiwan’s president. Free weekday tours are available if you want a peek inside.

Visit Longshan Temple

Next is Longshan Temple, one of the city’s oldest and most iconic temples. It dates back to 1737 and blends Buddhist, Taoist, and folk traditions. Locals come here to pray for everything from health to romance to exam results, so expect a mix of incense, chanting, and rituals.

If you’re up for it, one of the most common customs is tossing moon blocks. Take a walk around and you’ll probably spot people throwing small red crescent-shaped blocks onto the ground—it’s how locals ask the gods yes-or-no questions. The way they land reveals if your wish will be granted (or not). It’s fun to try—even if you’re just curious.

Entry is free, and even if you’re not spiritual, it’s a beautiful, culturally rich space to explore. Just remember to dress respectfully—it’s still an active place of worship.

Walk along Bopiliao Historical Block

Just a short walk from Longshan Temple, you’ll find Bopiliao Historical Block. This restored street of red-brick buildings dates back to the Qing Dynasty and it’s a nice little detour if you’re curious about what old Taipei looked like. You can stroll through for free, and a few of the buildings house small exhibits on the city’s past.

If you want more context, there’s also a free Taipei Historic Route walking tour that stops here and dives deeper into the area’s history.

Walk Through Huaxi Street (Optional Stop)

Also, just a few minutes’ walk from Longshan Temple is Huaxi Street, one of Taipei’s oldest markets. It’s known for traditional Chinese medicine shops, street food, and a few—let’s say—unusual local specialties, like snake soup and snake blood. If you’re curious, swing by during the day when it feels a bit less sketchy. And if you’d rather explore with others, this food tour might be right up your alley.

That said, Huaxi Street is not for everyone. The area edges into Taipei’s old red-light district, and while Taiwan (and Taipei in general) is very safe—even for solo female travelers—I’ll be honest: this is one of the few places I won’t walk around alone at night.

It’s not exactly a must-see in my opinion, and there are definitely better night markets in town. So if you’re short on time, feel free to skip it.

See the City from Taipei 101

I always take friends and family to Taipei 101 when they visit—it’s the best view in the city. The bamboo-shaped tower dominates the skyline, and it even held the title of the tallest building in the world for a while.

Of course, the real highlight is heading up to the observatory. The high-speed elevator whisks you up in under 40 seconds, where you’ll get sweeping views over Taipei and the mountains beyond. Inside, you can also see the building’s 660-ton wind damper—a massive golden ball that helps stabilize the tower during typhoons.

Tip: The lines are always long, so it’s worth booking a skip-the-line ticket on Klook or KKday in advance.

Since you’re already in the area, stop by Din Tai Fung for their famous xiao long bao (soup dumplings). Just remember to make a reservation or be ready to wait. If you’ve got more time, the nearby ATT 4 FUN and Breeze Songgao complexes are packed with shops, bars, food trucks, and cafés worth checking out.

Hike Up Elephant Mountain

Just one MRT stop from Taipei 101, Elephant Mountain is the spot for that classic city skyline shot—especially at sunset.

The trail is short but steep, and I won’t lie: it’s basically all stairs. Give yourself at least 20–30 minutes to reach the main lookout (longer if you’re taking it slow). Bring water, wear decent shoes, and prep for a sweaty little workout—especially if you’re visiting Taiwan in summer. But once you’re at the top, the views are more than worth it.

The boulder lookout is the most popular photo spot and absolutely gorgeous at sunset—but it’s also super busy. Expect tripods, influencers, and a crowd. If you want it (and the skyline) to yourself, you might be better off coming back in the morning.

Eat Your Way Through Raohe Night Market

After a full day of exploring, it’s time to eat—and Raohe Night Market is one of my favorites. It’s compact, easy to get around, and packed with street food.

The must-try dish here is the famous pepper pork buns—they’re baked in a clay oven, super juicy inside, and always have a queue (but it moves fast and is totally worth it). From there, grab some grilled squid, scallion pancakes, a fried chicken steak, or a classic bubble tea. And if you’re feeling brave, try the stinky tofu. It smells intense, but it’s a local favorite for a reason.

If you’d rather skip the guesswork, this Raohe Night Market food tour is a fun way to find the best stalls and sample more with a local guide.

Even if you’re not hungry, it’s still fun to walk through. Songshan Ciyou Temple marks the entrance and is worth a quick look—especially when it’s all lit up at night. And if you’re up for a bit of shopping after eating, the nearby Wufenpu Garment Wholesale Area is a maze of alleys filled with bargain fashion.

Day 2 —Old Streets, Youth Culture & Creative Spaces

Day 2 dives into a different side of Taipei. You’ll start in one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, stroll through local markets, visit famous Ximending, and hang out at one of the city’s top creative parks.

Browse Historic Dihua Street 

Start your day in Datong with a walk down Dihua Street, one of Taipei’s oldest and most atmospheric roads.

It’s lined with restored 19th-century shophouses, tea shops, and herb stores. While some have been modernized, many still sell traditional Chinese medicine, dried goods, teas, and local snacks.

If you visit in the morning, expect to see locals shopping for dried seafood and medicinal herbs. Tucked between it all are quirky souvenir shops and cozy cafés.

Tip: On your way to the next stop, swing by the nearby North Gate (Beimen)—one of the few parts of Taipei’s original city wall still standing. It’s a quick photo stop but a cool little glimpse into the city’s past.

Check out Ximending Walking District

Next up is Ximending, one of Taipei’s liveliest neighborhoods and a favorite with the city’s younger crowd. The whole area is pedestrian-friendly and packed with shops, food stalls, street performers, and plenty of energy.

You’ll find everything from street art and themed cafés to boutique stores selling anime merch, fashion, and K-beauty products. It’s a fun place to stroll, snack, and people-watch—especially on weekends when things really get busy.

While you’re here, swing by the Red House Theater, just a few steps from the main square. The building itself is worth a look, and there are often small markets or exhibitions happening inside.

If you’re still around in the evening, Ningxia Night Market is not too far away. It’s smaller than the other night markets, but it has some of the best street food in the city, and you can even join a Michelin food tour here.

Hang Out at Huashan 1914 Creative Park

Ask any expat in Taiwan what their favorite creative park in Taipei is, and odds are they’ll say Huashan.

Built in 1914, this old Japanese sake factory turned camphor refinery is now a hub for local creatives—home to art exhibits, indie boutiques, bookstores, and pop-up installations tucked inside industrial-style warehouses.

It’s a great spot to grab a coffee, browse quirky shops, or catch a design fair or performance. Even if you’re not an “art person,” it’s worth a wander for the vibe alone. After a few days of temples and historic sights, Huashan is a refreshing change of pace—and an easy place to hang out for a bit.

Pop by Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall

Just a 9-minute walk from Huashan 1914 Creative Park, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall is another key landmark—and worth a stop if you’re curious about Taiwan’s history.

The massive hall and surrounding gardens were built to honor Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of the Republic of China. The building itself is pretty striking, with bold architecture and a huge central fountain. There’s also a small museum inside with rotating exhibits, but even just walking through the gardens is worth it—especially if the weather’s good.

Explore Daan (Optional)

If you’ve still got some energy—or just feel like exploring a bit more—the area around Daan Forest Park is a nice detour. You can take a stroll through the park, pop into the Jianguo Flower or Jade Markets (open on weekends), or wander the nearby alleys off Yanji Street.

Lane 137 is one of my favorites. It’s packed with cozy cafés, hidden izakayas, and little eateries serving everything from Italian to Cantonese. Drunk Cafe is a fun (and very Instagrammable) spot to grab a cocktail, and On Tap is a longtime favorite among expats if you’re after a beer.

Day 3 — Culture, Hot Springs & Sunsets

Today’s itinerary mixes culture with a bit of fun—start with history at the National Palace Museum, then unwind in the hot springs of Beitou, catch the sunset in Tamsui, and finish the day with dinner at Shilin Night Market.

Browse the National Palace Museum 

Start your morning at the National Palace Museum, one of Taipei’s top cultural stops. The museum houses over 700,000 imperial artifacts, artworks, and relics covering more than 8,000 years of Chinese history, making it the most comprehensive collection of its kind in the world.

Tickets cost TWD 350 per person, and it’s a good idea to buy an e-ticket online in advance via Klook or KKday to avoid the queues.

Visit Beitou Hot Springs

Beitou is one of the easiest places to experience Taipei’s hot spring culture. It’s just a short ride on the MRT, and the Japanese-era influence, steaming thermal pools, and green surroundings make it a nice change of scenery from the rest of the city.

If you’re not staying at a hot spring hotel like Grand View Resort, you can still soak at one of the public outdoor baths. There are also a few other spots worth checking out while you’re here:

• Thermal Valley – a sulfur-heavy pool that constantly steams
• Beitou Hot Spring Museum – small, free, and inside a restored bathhouse
• Beitou Museum – set in a Japanese-era wooden building
• Xinbeitou Historic Station – a nicely restored wooden train station
• Ketagalan Culture Center – exhibits on Indigenous history and culture
• Puji Temple – a small temple with nice details if you’re walking past

Looking to get off the beaten path? Head out to one of Taipei’s best-hidden gems – Wulai (烏來). Wulai is an aboriginal village neatly tucked away in the mountains, offering hot springs, waterfalls, traditional Atayal food, and a cute mini train! Read my guide on what to do in Wulai. 

Wander the Streets of Tamsui

After soaking in Beitou, make your way to Tamsui—a laidback riverside town right at the edge of Taipei City.

Tamsui (sometimes spelled Danshui) has a bit of everything and is easily one of my favorite places to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon. There’s an old street packed with snack stalls and souvenir shops, a few historic sites, and plenty of seafood if you’re hungry. It can get touristy, especially on weekends, but the boardwalk has wide views over the water and is a lovely place to just wander around.

If you’re coming for the sunset, the best spot to watch it is Lover’s Bridge. And if you’re in Taipei during cherry blossom season, try to squeeze in a detour to Wuji Tianyuan Temple. It’s not right in town, but the cherry blossoms here are some of the best near the city.

Grab Dinner at Shilin Night Market

The last stop on day 3 of your 5-day itinerary in Taipei is Shilin Night Market.

It’s one of the busiest and most famous night markets in the city, with rows of food stalls and vendors selling everything from cheap clothes and handbags to phone cases. Most of the food is the same as you’ll find at other night markets, but the one thing you can’t leave without ordering is the Hot-Star fried chicken steak. It’s huge, crispy, and one of the best street snacks you’ll have in Taipei.

Day 4 — Take a Day Trip

Taipei makes a great base for exploring northern Taiwan, and there are plenty of easy day trips you can do by train, bus, or tour. If you’re ready to get out of the city, here’s how to make the most of your fourth day.

See the Rock Formations at Yehliu

Yehliu Geopark sits along Taiwan’s north coast and is one of the more unusual places you’ll visit on the island. The park is home to a collection of strange rock formations shaped by sea erosion and wind — some of the most famous include the Queen’s Head, Fairy’s Shoe, Bean Curd, and Dragon Head.

It’s a fun spot to wander around and snap a few photos, especially with the Pacific Ocean as the backdrop. Entry costs TWD 120, and you can book a ticket online to skip the queue.

You can visit Yehliu on your own, but if you’d rather skip the planning, there are also day tours that combine Yehliu with nearby spots. Some even include extras like a pastry-making workshop, which is a nice bonus.

If you’re driving, it’s also worth swinging by Twin Candlesticks and what used to be Shen’ao Elephant Trunk Rock. The “trunk” collapsed a few years ago, so it’s now called Capybara Rock—but the coastal views are still just as good.

Visit Taiwan’s Widest Waterfall 

Shifen Falls is just 32km from Taipei and is often called Taiwan’s Niagara Falls. It’s not quite that dramatic, but the 40-meter-wide cascade is still one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country.

The walk to the falls is scenic, and there are several viewing platforms with good angles of the waterfall. If you’re looking for a quick escape into nature, this is a solid option.

I’ve written a full guide on how to visit Shifen, including transport tips and what else to do in the area. You can also join a guided tour if you’re short on time or don’t want to deal with the logistics. 

Wander the Lantern-Filled Alleys of Jiufen

No Taipei itinerary is complete without visiting Jiufen, a small hillside town known for its red lanterns, narrow alleys, and epic mountain and ocean views.

While Jiufen is often marketed as the inspiration for Spirited Away, what really makes it worth visiting is the vibe. It’s a great place to snack your way through food stalls, duck into old teahouses, and just get a little lost. For something unique, you can even rent a qipao and explore the lanes in traditional dress.

Most people visit Jiufen on a half-day trip from Taipei, but if you have time, it’s worth staying the night. The crowds disappear after dark, and the views are even better with the lanterns lit. I’ve also written a guide on how to get from Taipei to Jiufen with the easiest routes.

If you’re up for some hiking, you can walk up Keelung Mountain for sweeping views over the coast. Or join a small-group Jiufen village tour that includes nearby sights like the Golden Waterfall and the Ying Yan Sea.

Day 5—Nature, Art & Seafood

On the final day of your 5-day Taipei itinerary, stay in the city but mix it up with a few low-key spots. Visit the zoo, take the gondola up to Maokong, stop by an art museum if you’ve got time, and wrap things up with a seafood dinner.

Visit Taipei Zoo

If you’re visiting Taipei with kids (or just love animals), it’s worth stopping by the Taipei Zoo. It’s the largest zoo in Taiwan and home to more than 2,000 animals, including pandas, koalas, and other regional species.

The zoo covers a huge area, so even though it’s a popular spot, it doesn’t feel overly crowded. If you’re planning to stay a while, bring a picnic—there’s plenty of open space to sit and relax.

Entry is cheap, and you can grab a ticket online via Klook or KKday. If you’re heading up to Maokong after, look out for the zoo + gondola combo pass.

Take the Maokong Gondola

Right next to the zoo is the Maokong Gondola—a fun cable car that runs up into the tea-growing hills of southern Taipei.

The ride takes around 20–30 minutes, and if you’re up for it, hop into one of the glass-bottom cabins for full views under your feet. The skyline views are great too, especially on a clear day.

At the top, you’ll find teahouses, cafes, and small restaurants with views over the plantations. Some offer tea tastings or simple Taiwanese meals.

Browse Taipei Fine Arts Museum (Optional)

If you’re back in town with some time before dinner, make your way to Taipei Fine Arts Museum near Yuanshan MRT Station.

Inside, you’ll find a good mix of more than 5000 pieces of Taiwanese and international art—both classic and contemporary. The photography exhibitions are usually quite good, and the building itself is worth a look if you’re into architecture.

Entry is just TWD 30, and the museum stays open until 8:30 pm if you happen to be in town on a Saturday.

Eat Seafood at Addiction Aquatic Development

To wrap up your 5 days in Taipei, head to Addiction Aquatic Development—a seafood market with some of the best fresh seafood in the city.

Inside, you’ll find sushi bars, hot pot counters, and grilled seafood stands, plus a deli packed with sashimi, oysters, snacks, and even Kobe beef. AAD is a popular dinner spot, so if you can’t get a seat at one of the restaurants, just grab a few things from the deli instead. There’s plenty of seating tucked around the complex, so you can still enjoy a proper meal without a reservation.

Also, get the sangria. It’s absolutely delish—and probably the last thing you’d expect to find at a seafood market in Taipei.

Final Thoughts: Is 5 Days in Taipei Enough?

Five days in Taipei is definitely enough time to see the major sights, try loads of food, and take a few day trips—but I can almost guarantee you’ll wish you had more time.

Hopefully, this itinerary gave you a good mix of city life, culture, and nature—and helped you figure out how to make the most of your time in Taiwan’s capital.

That’s my take on spending 5 days in Taipei. If you’re planning your own trip and still figuring things out, feel free to ask questions or browse my other Taipei guides for more ideas.

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