Taipei 2 weeks

Taipei's main international gateway. Efficiently navigate immigration and customs before heading into the city.

• Consider purchasing a local SIM card or pocket WiFi at the airport for easy connectivity.

The central hub for Taiwan's high-speed rail, metro, and conventional rail lines. It's a great place to orient yourself and find your accommodation.

A vibrant and bustling district known as Taipei's 'Harajuku.' It's a hub for youth culture, fashion, street food, and entertainment.

• Explore the side alleys for unique boutiques and street art.
• Be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends.

A legendary Ximending spot famous for its thick, flavorful noodle soup with tender pork intestines. Expect queues, but it's worth the wait.

• This is a standing-only eatery; find a spot to enjoy your noodles.
• Add chili paste for an extra kick.

While not a traditional night market, Ximending's streets come alive at night with countless street food stalls, shops, and entertainment.

A grand monument dedicated to the former president, featuring impressive architecture, sprawling gardens, and the National Theater and Concert Hall.

• Catch the hourly changing of the guard ceremony for a unique experience.

A beautifully preserved Taoist temple, a UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award winner, known for its intricate carvings and vibrant atmosphere. It's a center for folk religious activities.

• Observe the local customs and rituals respectfully.
• Admire the detailed dragon and phoenix carvings.

One of Taipei's oldest and most famous night markets, renowned for its diverse street food, particularly the Black Pepper Buns.

• Don't miss the Fuzhou Black Pepper Buns from the stall near the entrance.
• Try the stinky tofu if you're adventurous!

Enjoy authentic and fiery Sichuan cuisine at a local eatery near Raohe Street. This region's food is known for its bold flavors and liberal use of garlic and chili.

Home to one of the world's largest collections of ancient Chinese imperial artifacts and artworks, including the Jadeite Cabbage and the Meat-shaped Stone.

• Book tickets online in advance to save time.
• Consider renting an audio guide to enhance your understanding of the exhibits.

The former residence of Chiang Kai-shek and his wife, now a beautiful garden and museum showcasing their life. The rose garden is particularly lovely.

Taipei's largest and most famous night market, offering an overwhelming array of food stalls, shops selling clothing and accessories, and games.

• Try the fried chicken cutlet, oyster omelet, and bubble tea.
• Be prepared for very large crowds, especially on weekends.

Once the world's tallest building, Taipei 101 offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city from its observatory decks, including a unique super-large damper.

• Book tickets online to avoid long queues.
• Visit on a clear day for the best visibility. Sunset is a popular time.

The world-renowned xiaolongbao (soup dumpling) specialist. This branch is located in the Taipei 101 mall and offers a classic dining experience.

• Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner.
• Don't miss the original pork xiaolongbao.

Explore the upscale Xinyi district, home to luxury malls like Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, Eslite Spectrum, and ATT4FUN, offering a wide range of international and local brands.

Enjoy a relaxed evening at one of Xinyi's sophisticated bars, many of which feature live music, craft cocktails, and a chic ambiance.

A charming mountain town with narrow, lantern-lined alleyways, traditional teahouses, and stunning views of the coast. It's said to have inspired the setting of Spirited Away.

• Visit early to avoid the biggest crowds.
• Try the taro balls and peanut ice cream rolls.

A majestic and wide waterfall often referred to as Taiwan's 'Little Niagara.' It's a scenic spot perfect for photos.

Famous for its railway tracks running through the middle of the street, where visitors can release sky lanterns with wishes written on them.

• Choose a lantern with multiple colors, each representing a different wish.
• Be mindful of the environment when releasing lanterns.

Enjoy a hearty dinner at one of the many restaurants around Taipei Main Station after returning from your day trip.

A former winery transformed into a vibrant cultural and creative hub featuring art galleries, independent boutiques, cinemas, and performance spaces.

• Check the schedule for any special exhibitions or events.
• Enjoy the unique architecture and atmosphere.

A charming street renowned for its diverse culinary scene, independent shops, and relaxed atmosphere. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

• Home to the original Din Tai Fung, though the Xinyi branch is larger.
• Try mango shaved ice from Smoothie House.

Experience the art of Taiwanese tea in a traditional teahouse on Yongkang Street. Learn about different tea varieties and brewing methods.

A lively night market popular with students from nearby National Taiwan University, offering affordable street food, clothing, and accessories.

A stunning national park known for its volcanic landscapes, hot springs, flower viewing (seasonal), and hiking trails. Offers a refreshing escape from the city.

• Check the weather forecast before you go; it can be cooler and wetter than in the city.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Housed in a historic Japanese-style bathhouse, this museum details the history and culture of Beitou's hot springs.

Experience a traditional Taiwanese hot spring bath at one of Beitou's public bathhouses for relaxation and rejuvenation.

• Bring your own towel and swimwear.
• Be aware of etiquette in public baths.

Enjoy a local dinner in the Beitou area after your hot spring experience.

Taipei's oldest street, known for its traditional Chinese medicine shops, dried goods, fabrics, and historic architecture. It's a vibrant marketplace for local produce and artisanal products.

• Visit during the Lunar New Year period for a festive atmosphere and special goods.
• Sample some of the local dried fruits and nuts.

A retro-themed cafe on Dihua Street offering a nostalgic ambiance and a menu of Taiwanese comfort food. It's a great spot to rest and refuel.

Adjacent to each other, Bao'an Temple is a stunning example of traditional temple architecture, while the Confucius Temple offers a more serene and scholarly atmosphere.

A food-focused night market known for its traditional snacks and seafood dishes. It's a more compact and manageable alternative to larger markets.

• Try the oyster omelets and grilled squid.
• This market is particularly popular for its seafood options.

Dedicated to showcasing contemporary Taiwanese and international art, MOCA Taipei is housed in a historic building that was once the Taipei City Hall.

Explore the vibrant Zhongshan district, known for its mix of trendy boutiques, cafes, art spaces, and the unique Eslite Spectrum Nanxi store.

A large, multi-story complex offering a curated selection of books, lifestyle products, fashion, and food vendors. It's a great place to find unique souvenirs.

Enjoy a popular Taiwanese hot pot experience in the Zhongshan area, where you can cook various ingredients in a flavorful broth.

One of Taipei's oldest and most famous temples, a beautiful example of traditional temple architecture and a hub for local worship and community life.

• Visit in the morning for a more serene experience.
• Observe the blend of Buddhist and Taoist deities.

Adjacent to Longshan Temple, this beautifully preserved historic block features Qing Dynasty and Japanese colonial-era architecture, now housing small museums and shops.

Experience traditional Taiwanese tea culture in a historic setting in the Wanhua district. Enjoy a peaceful afternoon with a pot of local tea.

Historically known for snake vendors, it has transformed into a food-centric market offering local delicacies and traditional dishes.

• Try the oyster omelets and eel noodles.
• Look for stalls selling herbal soups.

Gateway to Taroko National Park. Arrive via High-Speed Rail (HSR) or regular train from Taipei.

• Book HSR tickets in advance, especially for weekend travel.

A breathtaking marble gorge featuring dramatic cliffs, winding tunnels, lush forests, and the Liwu River. Key sights include Swallow Grotto, Tunnel of Nine Turns, and Eternal Spring Shrine.

• Hire a private driver or join a guided tour for the best experience.
• Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for walking.
• Check the park's official website for trail closures due to weather or maintenance.

Enjoy fresh seafood or local specialties in Hualien City before your return journey to Taipei.

Take the train back to Taipei after a day of exploring the natural wonders of Taroko Gorge.

Discover a wide range of local handicrafts, souvenirs, and artisanal products. It's a great place to find unique gifts.

Experience a quintessential Taiwanese breakfast at a local eatery. Try soy milk, egg crepes (dan bing), and fried dough sticks (youtiao).

Learn to prepare classic Taiwanese dishes like beef noodle soup or three-cup chicken in a hands-on cooking class.

• Book well in advance, as classes often fill up.
• This is a great way to immerse yourself in local food culture.

Enjoy a casual supper at a local restaurant, perhaps trying a dish you learned to cook or one recommended by locals.

A historic waterfront town with a charming old street, colonial architecture, and scenic views of the Tamsui River and Taiwan Strait.

• Try the 'A-gei' (stuffed tofu) and fish balls.
• Take a walk along the Lover's Bridge for sunset views.

A historic fort built by the Spanish in the 17th century, later occupied by the Dutch and British. It offers insights into Taiwan's colonial past.

A picturesque harbor known for its seafood restaurants, promenade, and the iconic Lover's Bridge, especially beautiful at sunset.

Enjoy a fresh seafood dinner at one of the many restaurants along Fisherman's Wharf or Tamsui Old Street.

Pick up any last-minute souvenirs or gifts from local shops or convenience stores.

Enjoy a final Taiwanese meal before heading to the airport.

Depart from Taipei's main international airport.