Taiwan · duration itinerary
Taipei 2 weeks
Taipei, a vibrant metropolis where ancient traditions meet cutting-edge modernity, offers an unforgettable two-week adventure. This city truly shines with its incredible food scene, from Michelin-starred restaurants to bustling night markets offering affordable delicacies like gua bao and oyster omelets. Beyond the culinary delights, explore the lush green spaces of Yangmingshan National Park, delve into the rich history at the National Palace Museum, and soak in the panoramic city views from Taipei 101. Consider basing yourself in Ximending for its youthful energy, trendy shops, and accessibility to public transport, or Da'an for a more sophisticated vibe with upscale boutiques and charming cafes. An insider truth is that many of the most authentic and delicious street food stalls are often found outside the main tourist-heavy night markets, tucked away in smaller neighborhood alleys, so don't be afraid to wander.
Your 14-day plan
PaceStandardThis 14-day itinerary offers a balanced exploration of Taipei, blending iconic landmarks with local experiences. You'll savor diverse culinary delights from bustling night markets to renowned restaurants, immerse yourselves in rich cultural heritage through museums and historic districts, and enjoy modern Taipei's vibrant shopping and entertainment scene. Day trips to Jiufen, Shifen, and the breathtaking Taroko Gorge provide unforgettable natural and cultural excursions.
Arrival and Ximending Immersion
- Afternoon~60 minTaoyuan International Airport (TPE)transport hub
Taipei's main international gateway. Efficient transport links to the city center.
- Purchase an EasyCard for convenient public transport.
- Afternoon~60 minHotel Check-inactivity
Settle into your accommodation in Taipei.
→ Take the Airport MRT or a taxi to your hotel. - Evening~180 minXimendingneighborhood
Taipei's vibrant youth district, often called the 'Shibuya of Taipei'. It's a hub for shopping, street food, and entertainment.
- Explore the side alleys for unique boutiques.
- Catch a street performance.
- Evening~45 minAy-Chung Flour-Rice Noodlesrestaurant
A legendary Ximending spot famous for its thin, soupy noodles with offal. Expect a line, but it moves quickly.
- Order extra broth.
- Eat standing up like a local.
Historic Taipei and Culinary Delights
- Morning~180 minNational Palace Museummuseum
Home to an unparalleled collection of ancient Chinese imperial artifacts and artworks, including the Jadeite Cabbage and the Meat-shaped Stone.
- Arrive early to avoid crowds.
- Consider an audio guide.
- Midday~60 minShilin Official Residencelandmark
The former residence of Chiang Kai-shek and his wife, Soong Mei-ling. It features beautiful gardens and a glimpse into their lives.
→ Short bus or taxi ride from the National Palace Museum. - Afternoon~90 minDihua Streetneighborhood
A historic street known for its traditional shops selling dried goods, herbs, fabrics, and religious items. It's especially lively during Lunar New Year.
- Sample some local tea.
- Look for unique souvenirs.
- Evening~120 minRaohe Street Night Marketshopping
One of Taipei's oldest and most famous night markets, offering a vast array of local delicacies, snacks, and goods.
- Don't miss the Fuzhou Pepper Buns (Hújiāo bǐng).
- Try the oyster omelet.
Modern Taipei and Panoramic Views
- Morning~90 minChiang Kai-shek Memorial Halllandmark
An impressive monument dedicated to the former president, featuring a vast plaza, gardens, and the National Theater and Concert Hall.
- Witness the changing of the guard ceremony.
- Midday~120 minYongkang Streetneighborhood
A charming street renowned for its independent boutiques, artisan shops, and diverse culinary scene, including famous soup dumplings.
- Try the mango shaved ice at Smoothie House.
- Explore the many small cafes.
- Afternoon~90 minTaipei 101viewpoint
Once the world's tallest building, this iconic skyscraper offers stunning panoramic views of the city from its observatory decks.
- Book tickets online in advance.
- Visit just before sunset for day and night views.
- Evening~90 minDin Tai Fung (Taipei 101 branch)restaurant
The original home of the world-famous xiaolongbao (soup dumplings). Expect a wait, but the delicate dumplings are worth it.
- Make a reservation if possible.
- Try the truffle oil xiaolongbao.
Art, Culture, and Local Flavors
- Morning~120 minHuashan 1914 Creative Parkactivity
A former winery transformed into a vibrant cultural hub featuring art installations, exhibition spaces, independent shops, and performance venues.
- Check the schedule for temporary exhibitions or performances.
- Enjoy a coffee at one of the stylish cafes.
- Midday~90 minLinjiang Street Night Market (Tonghua)shopping
A more local and less crowded night market compared to Raohe, offering a wide variety of delicious and affordable street food.
- Try the grilled squid.
- Sample the stinky tofu if you're adventurous.
- Afternoon~60 minSun Yat-sen Memorial Halllandmark
A monument to the Republic of China's founder, offering a great view of Taipei 101 and housing exhibits on Sun Yat-sen's life.
- Evening~120 minAddiction Aquatic Developmentrestaurant
A stylish seafood market and restaurant complex where you can select fresh seafood and have it prepared to your liking.
- Great for sashimi and grilled seafood.
- Enjoy a drink at the bar area.
Day Trip to Jiufen and Shifen
- Morning~180 minJiufen Old Streetneighborhood
A charming mountainside town with narrow alleyways, traditional teahouses, and stunning sea views, rumored to have inspired Hayao Miyazaki's 'Spirited Away'.
- Visit the A-Mei Teahouse for iconic views.
- Try the taro balls.
- Midday~60 minShifen Waterfallpark
Known as the 'Niagara of Taiwan', this impressive waterfall offers a beautiful natural spectacle.
→ Travel between Jiufen and Shifen via local bus or taxi. - Afternoon~90 minShifen Old Streetneighborhood
Famous for its railway tracks running through the middle of the street, where visitors can release sky lanterns with wishes.
- Write your wishes on a lantern before releasing.
- Be mindful of the trains.
- Evening~60 minLocal Restaurant in Ruifang or Pingxirestaurant
Enjoy a simple, authentic Taiwanese meal in a local eatery before returning to Taipei.
Artistic Exploration and Local Markets
- Morning~120 minSongshan Cultural and Creative Parkactivity
A former tobacco factory transformed into a hub for design, art, and cultural activities, featuring shops, galleries, and a large pond.
- Visit the Eslite Spectrum store within the park.
- Attend a workshop if available.
- Midday~90 minTaipeiEYEactivity
Experience traditional Taiwanese performing arts, including folk dances, opera, and puppetry, in a dedicated performance venue.
- Performances are usually held in the evening, adjust schedule accordingly.
- Check their website for showtimes.
- Afternoon~120 minGongguan Shopping Districtshopping
A bustling area popular with students, offering a wide range of affordable clothing, accessories, bookstores, and street food.
- Evening~90 minNingxia Night Marketshopping
Known for its focus on traditional Taiwanese snacks and delicacies, this market is a great place to sample authentic flavors.
- Try the oyster omelets and wheel cakes.
- Look for the 'traditional snacks' section.
Nature Escape and Local Life
- Morning~240 minYangmingshan National Parkpark
A stunning volcanic mountain park offering hiking trails, hot springs, flower viewing (seasonal), and panoramic views of Taipei.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Check weather conditions before visiting.
- Midday~60 minBeitou Hot Springs Museummuseum
Located in the historic Beitou Hot Spring area, this museum is housed in a former public bathhouse and details the history of the region's springs.
→ Accessible via MRT from Yangmingshan base or directly from Taipei. - Afternoon~45 minThermal Valley (Hell Valley)park
A scenic hot spring area in Beitou known for its steaming vents and sulfuric fumes, creating a unique, otherworldly landscape.
- Evening~75 minDinner in Beitou or back in Shilinrestaurant
Enjoy a relaxing dinner after a day exploring nature and hot springs. Shilin offers more variety if returning that way.
Shopping Spree and Local Bites
- Morning~180 minZhongxiao Dunhua Shopping Districtshopping
A trendy and upscale shopping area known for its designer boutiques, department stores, and stylish cafes.
- Explore the side streets for unique finds.
- Many international brands are present.
- Midday~60 minLunch at a local eatery in Zhongxiao Dunhuarestaurant
Discover diverse dining options ranging from casual noodle shops to themed cafes in this popular district.
- Afternoon~120 minEslite Spectrum Songyan Storeshopping
A massive bookstore complex that also houses a vibrant marketplace with crafts, fashion, and food stalls, located within the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park.
- Great for unique souvenirs and gifts.
- Enjoy the atmosphere and diverse offerings.
- Evening~90 minVarious street food stallsshopping
Explore various street food options around your accommodation or a preferred night market for a casual dinner.
Cultural Heritage and Artistic Exploration
- Morning~90 minNational Taiwan Museummuseum
Taiwan's oldest public museum, featuring exhibits on natural history, anthropology, and Taiwanese history.
- Midday~60 minPresidential Office Buildinglandmark
A historical landmark that served as the seat of government during Japanese rule and now houses the office of the President. Tours are available on select days.
- Check the official website for tour availability and booking.
- Admire the impressive architecture.
- Afternoon~90 minBopiliao Historic Blockneighborhood
A beautifully preserved historical area featuring traditional Qing Dynasty architecture, now home to museums and cultural spaces.
- Evening~90 minXinyi District Restaurantsrestaurant
Explore the modern Xinyi district for a wide array of dining options, from casual eateries to upscale international cuisine.
Taipei's Green Spaces and Local Markets
- Morning~90 minDaan Forest Parkpark
Taipei's 'lungs', a large urban park offering walking paths, playgrounds, an amphitheater, and a peaceful escape from the city bustle.
- Great for people-watching.
- Enjoy a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
- Midday~75 minChun Shui Tang (Original Store)restaurant
The birthplace of bubble tea! Enjoy their signature drink along with a variety of Taiwanese dishes in a comfortable setting.
- Order the classic pearl milk tea.
- Try their pot-stickers.
- Afternoon~180 minTaipei Zooactivity
Home to a diverse range of animals, including giant pandas, koalas, and various native Taiwanese species. It's a large, well-maintained zoo.
- Take the Maokong Gondola to reach the zoo.
- Allocate ample time as it's quite extensive.
- Evening~120 minMaokong Gondola and Tea Housesviewpoint
Ride the scenic gondola up to Maokong, a tea-growing region offering stunning night views of Taipei and numerous traditional tea houses.
- Enjoy a cup of locally grown Tieguanyin tea.
- The night view is spectacular.
Shopping, Culture, and Local Delicacies
- Morning~90 minTaipei Creative Park (formerly Taipei Flower Market)shopping
While no longer a flower market, this area has transformed into a creative hub with independent shops, cafes, and art studios.
- Midday~60 minLunch at a local market or eateryrestaurant
Explore the food stalls around the creative park or a nearby local market for authentic and affordable Taiwanese cuisine.
- Afternoon~90 minMuseum of Contemporary Art Taipei (MOCA Taipei)museum
Dedicated to contemporary art, MOCA Taipei hosts rotating exhibitions by local and international artists.
- Check their website for current exhibitions.
- Evening~120 minShilin Night Marketshopping
Revisit one of Taipei's most famous night markets for a final taste of its diverse street food offerings and shopping opportunities.
- Try the large fried chicken cutlet.
- Consider buying some local snacks to take back.
Day Trip to Taroko Gorge (Hualien)
- Morning~120 minHigh-Speed Rail to Hualientransport hub
Take an early high-speed train from Taipei to Hualien, the gateway to Taroko National Park.
- Book tickets in advance, especially on weekends.
- Midday~300 minTaroko Gorge National Parkpark
A magnificent marble canyon with stunning cliffs, hiking trails, and the Liwu River. Key sights include Swallow Grotto, Tunnel of Nine Turns, and Eternal Spring Shrine.
- Hire a local driver/guide or join a tour for efficient exploration.
- Wear sturdy shoes and bring water.
- Evening~60 minDinner in Hualien Cityrestaurant
Enjoy fresh seafood or local specialties in Hualien before returning to Taipei.
- Night~120 minHigh-Speed Rail back to Taipeitransport hub
Return to Taipei after a long but rewarding day trip.
Leisurely Exploration and Souvenir Shopping
- Morning~90 minTaipei Botanical Gardenpark
A peaceful oasis featuring diverse plant collections, including a beautiful lotus pond and a Japanese-style garden.
- Midday~90 minNanmen Marketshopping
A bustling traditional market offering a wide array of fresh produce, dried goods, local snacks, and prepared foods. Great for experiencing local life.
- Sample some of the local delicacies.
- Look for souvenirs like tea or pineapple cakes.
- Afternoon~120 minTaipei City Mallshopping
A large underground shopping complex offering a variety of goods, including clothing, electronics, and souvenirs, conveniently located near Taipei Main Station.
- Evening~90 minFarewell Dinnerrestaurant
Choose a restaurant in an area you particularly enjoyed for a final memorable meal in Taipei.
Departure
- Morning~60 minLast-minute souvenir shopping or cafe visitshopping
Grab any last-minute gifts or enjoy a final Taiwanese breakfast/coffee.
- Midday~30 minHotel Check-outactivity
Complete your check-out procedures from your accommodation.
- Afternoon~120 minTaoyuan International Airport (TPE)transport hub
Head to the airport for your departure flight.
- Allow ample time for check-in and security.
Insider tips
- ◆Utilize Taipei's efficient MRT system with an EasyCard for easy travel.
- ◆Don't be afraid to try street food; it's a highlight of Taipei's culinary scene.
- ◆Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases, though English is widely understood in tourist areas.
- ◆Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
- ◆Book popular attractions and high-speed rail tickets in advance.
Packing highlights
- ◆Comfortable walking shoes
- ◆Lightweight, breathable clothing
- ◆Rain jacket or umbrella (especially during shoulder seasons)
- ◆Adapter for Taiwanese power outlets (Type A and B)
- ◆Portable power bank
- ◆Sunscreen and hat
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