5-Day Itinerary
5-Day Taipei Itinerary
The complete Taipei experience: city landmarks, museums, northern Taiwan, nature, and food across five unforgettable days.
City Landmarks & Icons
09:00 — 22:00 • 7 stops
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Start with the grand guard-changing ceremony at the top of the hour. Explore the hall, the museum, and the vast Liberty Square plaza with the National Theater and Concert Hall.
Longshan Temple & Bopiliao
Taipei's oldest temple with stunning Qing-era architecture. The adjacent Bopiliao Old Street features preserved shop houses and traditional crafts.
Lunch at Ximending
Taipei's vibrant youth district. Try braised pork rice, oyster omelets, or grab street food from the countless stalls along the pedestrian zone.
Ximending & Red House Theater
Explore the Harajuku of Taipei. Visit the historic Red House Theater, browse indie boutiques, and experience the hub of youth culture and LGBTQ+ nightlife.
Taipei 101 & Mall
Visit the iconic skyscraper. Explore the luxury mall at the base, then ride the elevator to the observation deck for 360-degree city views.
Din Tai Fung Dinner
The world-famous soup dumpling restaurant at Taipei 101. Order xiao long bao, spicy wontons, and chocolate dumplings for dessert.
Raohe Street Night Market
One of Taipei's best night markets. Try the famous pepper buns at the entrance, stinky tofu, grilled squid, and freshly squeezed juice.
Museums & Hot Springs
09:00 — 21:30 • 6 stops
National Palace Museum
One of the world's greatest collections of Chinese art. The Jadeite Cabbage and Meat-Shaped Stone are iconic. Allow at least 2.5 hours for the top exhibits.
Lunch at Shilin
Eat near the museum or at the Shilin Tourist Night Market area, which has daytime food stalls and local favorites.
Shilin Residence
The former home of Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Mei-ling. Beautiful gardens, European-style mansion, and a peaceful escape from the city.
Beitou Hot Springs
Explore the Thermal Valley, the Hot Springs Museum, and the award-winning Beitou Public Library. The sulfur steam creates an otherworldly atmosphere.
Private Hot Spring Bath
Relax in a private sulfur hot spring bath at a local hotel. The mineral-rich waters are incredibly soothing after a day of sightseeing.
Dinner in Beitou
Enjoy local Hakka or Taiwanese cuisine at a restaurant in the hot springs village. Many restaurants offer set menus with fresh local ingredients.
Northern Taiwan: Tamsui & Jiufen
09:00 — 21:30 • 7 stops
Tamsui River & Old Street
Take the MRT to Tamsui, the northern terminus of the Red Line. Stroll the historic Old Street with colonial architecture, street food, and river views.
Fort Santo Domingo
A historic fort with Spanish and Dutch origins, offering excellent views over the Tamsui River and the Taiwan Strait.
Lunch in Tamsui
Try Tamsui specialties like iron eggs, fish balls, and a-gei (fried tofu stuffed with noodles). The waterfront restaurants offer great views.
Fisherman's Wharf & Lover Bridge
Take the ferry or bus to Fisherman's Wharf. The Lover Bridge and sunset views over the river are iconic.
Travel to Jiufen
Take a bus from Tamsui or return to Taipei Main Station to catch a bus to Jiufen. The mountain village is famous for its tea houses and lantern-lit streets.
Jiufen Old Street & Tea Houses
Wander the narrow alleyways lined with red lanterns, tea houses, and street food. The A-Mei Tea House is iconic. The village inspired Spirited Away.
Return to Taipei
Take the bus back to Taipei. The ride takes about 45-60 minutes depending on traffic.
Nature & Creative Taipei
09:30 — 21:30 • 6 stops
Taipei Zoo
One of Asia's largest zoos. The panda house is the star attraction. The zoo is spacious, well-designed, and set in a lush hillside.
Maokong Gondola
Ride the crystal cabin gondola up to Maokong, a tea-growing village in the mountains. The views over Taipei are spectacular on clear days.
Lunch & Tea in Maokong
Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony at a mountain teahouse. Sip high-mountain oolong tea while overlooking the city and the mountains.
Elephant Mountain Hike
A short but steep hike to the best viewpoint of Taipei 101 and the city skyline. The stone steps take 20-30 minutes to reach the top.
Songshan Cultural & Creative Park
A beautifully restored industrial park with design shops, art exhibitions, and the Eslite bookstore. A hub of Taipei's creative energy.
Dinner at Tonghua Night Market
Also known as Linjiang Street Night Market. A local favorite with incredible food, fewer tourists, and a relaxed, authentic atmosphere.
Food & Creative Parks
09:30 — 21:30 • 6 stops
Zhongshan Creative District
Explore the indie boutiques, art galleries, and tree-lined lanes around Zhongshan MRT. Visit the Taipei Fine Arts Museum nearby.
Lunch: Beef Noodles
Taipei is famous for beef noodles. Try a legendary spot like Lin Dong Fang or Yongkang Beef Noodles for a hearty, flavorful bowl.
Huashan 1914 Creative Park
Another former industrial site transformed into a creative hub. Art exhibitions, design shops, and cafes in a beautifully restored factory complex.
Bubble Tea Origin Tour
Visit Chun Shui Tang, the birthplace of bubble tea, or try modern interpretations at trending shops. Taipei is the global capital of bubble tea.
Yongkang Street Food Crawl
One of Taipei's best food streets. Try mango shaved ice, scallion pancakes, beef noodles, and dumplings from legendary stalls.
Shilin Night Market
Taipei's most famous night market. Try fried chicken steak, oyster vermicelli, bubble tea, and stinky tofu. Browse the game stalls and souvenir shops.
Practical Tips for 5 Days
EasyCard Is Essential
Get an EasyCard at any MRT station. It works on trains, buses, and even at convenience stores. Reload at any station or store.
National Palace Museum
Book online in advance. Arrive early to avoid crowds. The audio guide is worth renting for NT$150. Focus on the top floors if time is limited.
Jiufen Transport
Buses 1062 and 965 go from Taipei Main Station and Zhongxiao Fuxing to Jiufen. The ride takes 60-90 minutes. Avoid weekends if possible.
Maokong Gondola
The crystal cabins have glass floors and are worth the wait. Check weather before going — it closes in high winds and thunderstorms.
Night Market Strategy
Start from one end and walk through. Share dishes with friends to try more. Cash is essential — most stalls do not accept cards.