5-Day Taipei Itinerary: The Best Things to Do, See & Eat

So, you're planning to head to Taipei and are wondering what to include in your trip's itinerary?

Well, you're in for an adventure. This city has it all: from bustling night markets, ancient temples, scenic mountain trails, and youthful shopping districts.

Five days is the optimal amount of time to explore Taipei, giving you enough room to see the must-visit sights while still uncovering hidden gems around the city.

Let's break down a five-day Taipei travel itinerary day-by-day, with local tips, food highlights, and cultural experiences, and even day trips to make the most of your visit.

Why Should You Visit Taipei?

Taipei is a city of delightful contrasts and warm hospitality. On one hand, it’s a modern metropolis crowned by Taipei 101 and neon-lit shopping districts. On the other, it’s steeped in tradition with serene temples and historic neighbourhoods.

Taipei is loved by travellers for its sense of safety. In fact, it’s not uncommon to see people leave laptops or phones unattended in cafés without worry. The city’s MRT is spotless, punctual, and easy to navigate in English, making it incredibly convenient to get around. And of course, visitors rave about the delicious bites: from steaming bowls of beef noodle soup to late-night oyster omelettes at the city’s buzzing night markets.

You can start your morning hiking a jungle trail with city views and end your night singing karaoke or browsing a lively market. Night markets like Shilin and Raohe tempt you with mouthwatering street eats, while quiet teahouses and hot springs offer a peaceful retreat.

In short, Taipei is affordable, approachable, and packed with tons of things to see. Whether you’re a foodie, nature lover, history buff, or shopaholic, Taipei offers a bit of everything.

How to Use This 5-Day Taipei Itinerary

This plan is designed to help you make the most of five days in Taipei, with a mix of must-sees, hidden gems, and food stops. Each day is grouped by theme and location for easy pacing.

Think of it as a flexible framework:

• Flexibility: Swap days or stops. If museums aren’t your thing, try a hike or cooking class.

• Pacing: Morning/afternoon/evening blocks are guides, not rules. Stay longer where you love.

• Local tips: Look out for insider notes on avoiding crowds, hidden corners, and must-try eats.

Taipei Itinerary - Day by Day Breakdown

Day 1 - Arriving in Taipei, Historic Landmarks, and Night Market Bites

Morning - Arriving in Taipei

Touch down at Taoyuan International Airport and make your way into the city. The fastest option is the Airport MRT, which zips you to Taipei Main Station in about 35-40 minutes for NTD 160 (USD 5). If you’ve got heavy luggage or arrive late at night, taxis are reliable (around NTD 1,000 or USD 33, 45-60 minutes). Pre-booked transfers are also popular for peace of mind after a long flight. It's especially handy if you don’t want to drag luggage around or if you’re travelling with kids.

Check in and settle at your hotel. Some good places to look for accommodation include Ximending (the youth district), Zhongshan (central Taipei), or near Taipei Main Station (great for transport connections). If you’re hungry, grab a quick bite: check out Yonghe Doujiang for egg crepes and youtiao (fried cruller), or something simple from a convenience store.

Afternoon - Historic Landmarks

Start your exploration with the grand Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, an icon of Taipei. Wander Liberty Square, admire the sweeping ceremonial arch, and watch the hourly changing of the guard inside the memorial.

From here, head west to Longshan Temple (龍山寺), Taipei’s most famous temple and a living spiritual hub. The incense, chants, and ornate carvings make it an unforgettable introduction to Taiwan’s religious traditions. Right next door lies Bopiliao Historic Block, where preserved Qing-era shop houses tell the story of old Taipei.

Late Afternoon - Taipei 101 or Elephant Mountain

As the afternoon light softens, head to Taipei’s modern icon: Taipei 101. Here, you can ride the high-speed elevator to the observatory for panoramic city views and take in the sweeping sights of the city.

Or if the weather’s clear, trek the short but steep Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) hike. In just 20 minutes, you’ll reach a lookout point where Taipei 101 towers above the skyline. It's one of the most picturesque sunset views in the city.

Evening - Night Market Bites

No Taipei travel itinerary is complete without a night market feast. There are several in Taipei, all serving different vibes but equally delicious (and authentic!) food.

• Raohe Night Market - compact, atmospheric, and foodie-loved. Don’t miss the famous pepper pork buns at the entrance, along with stinky tofu, grilled squid, and sweet potato balls.

• Shilin Night Market - Taipei’s biggest, great if you’re staying nearby, though more touristy. If you want to explore the Shilin night market, it may be helpful to enlist the help of a guide to help you navigate the top spots to eat and communicate with the vendors.

• Ningxia Night Market - smaller, central, and a favourite among locals for oyster omelettes and taro balls.

Eat your way through the stalls, try a bubble tea or two, and soak in the buzzing atmosphere. It’s a fantastic way to end your first day in Taipei.

Day 2: Culture & Nature - Museums, Hot Springs and Tamsui Sunset

Morning - The National Palace Museum

Start your day in Shilin at the National Palace Museum. This world-class museum holds nearly 700,000 Chinese artefacts, from jade carvings and bronze vessels to Song dynasty paintings. Go early to beat the crowds; you’ll need about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

If you’re more into nature, you could swap this for a morning in Yangmingshan National Park, which is also in the north. The two are close by, but it's recommended to choose one to avoid rushing. Spending a day in Yangmingshan National Park, especially during spring or autumn, will allow you to witness the seasonal leaves.

Midday - Beitou Hot Spring

From Shilin, it’s just a short MRT ride to Beitou (北投), Taipei’s hot spring district. Get off at Xinbeitou Station and walk to Beitou Thermal Valley (also dramatically known as Hell Valley), where sulphur steam drifts over jade-green water. Then relax in a soak:

• Millennium Hot Springs for a budget-friendly public bath.

• A private hot spring room at one of Beitou’s hotels (ideal for couples or families).

• Or a resort pass at Spring City or Gaia for a more luxurious dip.

It’s the ideal midday recharge during your Taipei trip.

Afternoon - Tamsui Old Street

Stay on the Red Line north to the last stop: Tamsui (淡水). This riverside town has an old trading-port feel and plenty of local snacks. Wander along Tamsui Old Street, sampling A-gei (stuffed tofu), iron eggs, fish ball soup, and towering soft-serve ice cream cones.

If you have time, pop into Fort San Domingo for colonial history or just enjoy the riverside promenade.

Evening - Sunset at Fisherman’s Wharf & Tonghua Night Market

From Tamsui Station, take a short bus or ferry to Fisherman’s Wharf and walk across the white Lover’s Bridge. As the sun sets, the sky glows orange and pink over the water. It is one of Taipei’s best free shows, ideal for budget-friendly travellers or backpackers.

After sunset, ride the Red MRT Line back into the city and hop off near Taipei 101. A short walk away is Tonghua Night Market (Linjiang Street Night Market), a lively but more local choice than Shilin or Raohe. Feast on oyster vermicelli, grilled squid, Taiwanese sausages, and peanut ice cream rolls. It’s an excellent low-key spot to end your second day in Taipei.

Day 3: Offbeat Taipei - Old Streets, Tea Mountains & City Lights

Morning - Dadaocheng & Dihua Street

Kick off the day in Dadaocheng (大稻埕), one of Taipei’s oldest neighbourhoods and a hub of history, culture, and tea.

Photo: @paxieness on Instagram

At its heart is Dihua Street (迪化街), lined with Baroque-style shophouses, herbal medicine stores, tea shops, and quirky boutiques. It’s a great place to sip traditional teas, browse for dried goods, or snack on peanut brittle and herbal jelly while soaking up old-world charm.

Photo: @kyoheihigashio on Instagram

Getting there might be a little confusing, so here's a quick guide on how to get to Dadaocheng using the MRT:

• Take the Red Line to Beimen Station (Exit 3) and walk about 10 minutes.

• Or take the Orange Line to Daqiaotou Station (Exit 1). You’ll be right at the northern end of Dihua Street.

• Another option is the Green Line to Zhongshan Station, then a 12-15 minute stroll west toward the historic district.

Afternoon - Maokong Gondola & Tea Houses

From Dihua Street, take the MRT (Blue Line then Brown Line) to Taipei Zoo Station. Hop on the Maokong Gondola for a 20-25 minute cable car ride over lush forest. Try to snag a glass-floor “crystal cabin” for views straight down.

At the top, explore Maokong’s tea plantations. Walk the short trails, visit the Tea Promotion Center, or settle into a tea house like Yao Yue or Shuang Xing for a pot of fragrant oolong with sweeping valley views. Try tea-infused snacks such as tea-flavoured egg rolls, mochi, or noodles, and don’t miss the popular oolong or matcha ice cream for a refreshing treat.

If travelling with kids, drop by Taipei Zoo before taking the gondola. Home to giant pandas and Formosan black bears, it’s also one of Asia’s largest zoos, with spacious habitats and even a children’s area where little ones can get up close to friendly farm animals. Just keep in mind it can take a few hours to see properly.

Evening - City Lights & Dinner on Yongkang Street

After your gondola ride back down from Maokong, hop on the MRT Brown Line into the city and transfer to the Blue Line for Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. This elegant complex has wide plazas, gardens, and one of the finest open-air views of Taipei 101. It's great for photos at dusk when the tower lights up.

From here, it’s just a short Red Line ride to Dongmen Station, where you’ll find Yongkang Street, one of Taipei’s top foodie destinations. Grab dinner at the original Din Tai Fung nearby at Xinyi Road for legendary soup dumplings. While you can have Din Tai Fung in other countries, there's something special about having it in its home country of Taiwan.

Alternatively, sample beef noodle soup, scallion pancakes, and mango shaved ice at casual local eateries.

Ending the day with good food and a glowing Taipei 101 backdrop makes this a memorable chapter in your Taipei trip!

Day 4: Day Trip to Jiufen & Shifen - Lanterns, Old Streets & Waterfalls

Morning - Journey to Jiufen (九份)

Catch a local train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station (about 45-50 minutes). From Ruifang, transfer to a local bus or taxi for the short ride up to Jiufen Old Street.

Spend the morning wandering Jiufen Old Street, once a gold mining town and now famous for its lantern-lit alleys and tea houses. Try Jiufen’s signature taro and sweet potato balls, peanut ice cream rolls, and fish ball soup. Don’t miss a stop at A-Mei Tea House, where you can sip oolong while overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

If you have a driver or are on a tour, add two quick scenic stops near Jiufen before heading inland:

• Golden Waterfall: witness copper-tinted streams cascading over the rocks.

• Yin-Yang Sea: look at ocean water that looks half blue, half golden due to mineral deposits.

They’re photogenic, but if you're on a time-crunch, it may be difficult to add to your schedule. It's better to do this while on a tour.

Afternoon - Shifen Old Street & Waterfall

From Jiufen, head back down to Ruifang and switch to the Pingxi Line train toward Shifen Station (about 30 minutes).

At Shifen Old Street (十分), the railway runs right through the village. Here you can write wishes on a paper sky lantern and release it into the air, which is a beloved local tradition. After, walk about 15 minutes to Shifen Waterfall, the widest waterfall in Taiwan, often called the island’s “mini Niagara.” The viewing platforms offer great photo spots, especially if you catch a rainbow in the mist.

Evening - Return via Keelung & Miaokou Night Market

Instead of going straight back to Taipei, stop in Keelung, a busy port city just 30 minutes from Jiufen or Ruifang. Head to Miaokou Night Market, located near Dianji Temple in the heart of town.

This market is known for its seafood snacks: try crab soup, fried oysters, grilled squid, or butter crab. Don’t miss the tempura fish cakes or bubble tea stalls tucked among the lanes. With its lantern-lit temple backdrop and ocean-fresh ingredients, Miaokou offers a different flavour of Taiwan’s night market culture.

After dinner, hop on a direct bus or train back to Taipei (about 40-50 minutes).

Day 5: Markets, Parks & Final Goodbye

Morning - Huashan 1914 Creative Park

Photo: @saoloryang on Instagram

Start your last day at Huashan 1914 Creative Park, a former wine factory turned arts and culture hub. It’s filled with indie shops, galleries, cafés, and quirky exhibitions. This place is easy to reach via Zhongxiao Xinsheng MRT, and it’s a relaxing spot to wander and pick up unique souvenirs.

Midday - Lunch & Last-Minute Shopping

For your final shopping spree, head to Ximending, Taipei’s youthful pedestrian district packed with quirky boutiques, street fashion, and bubble tea stalls. Hunting for last minute souvenirs? This is the place for you.

If you’d rather stay indoors, explore Taipei Main Station’s underground malls and nearby Q Square Mall, where you’ll find both international brands and local designers, plus a food court with plenty of lunch options. Together, these hubs are ideal for grabbing gifts, trendy clothes, or just one more taste of Taiwanese street snacks before you leave.

Afternoon - Da’an Forest Park

Photo: @varatsuda on Instagram

Take a breather before your flight at Da’an Forest Park, Taipei’s “Central Park.” Wide paths, shady trees, and lotus ponds make it ideal for a relaxed stroll. Locals come here to jog, practice tai chi, or enjoy a quiet picnic. The area is easily accessible via Da’an MRT Station.

Evening - Nanjichang Night Market

Photo: @90s_foodiary on Instagram

Wrap up your fifth day in Taipei at Nanjichang Night Market, a small, local favourite that tourists often miss. It’s famous for braised pork rice, scallion pancakes, and deep-fried chicken skin. The market’s old-school vibe makes it a perfect final food stop before heading to the airport. The closest MRT is Longshan Temple Station (about a 15-minute walk or short taxi).

Seasonal Tips For Planning Your Taipei Itinerary

While Taipei is beautiful year-round, seasonal differences can affect your plans. Here are some tips to keep in mind while planning your trip to Taiwan's vibrant capital.

Tips: Take note that intercity travel on big holidays (Lunar New Year, Dragon Boat, Mid-Autumn) can be considerably heavier than on regular days. In Taipei itself, expect some closures but lighter traffic. Pack an umbrella year-round; you never know when you'll be hit with a light shower.

Other Travel Tips For Taipei

Taipei MRT

If you're travelling to Taipei for the first time, there are some things you need to take note of. Here are some tips for your trip that cover money, transport, etiquette, and more.

• Getting Around: The MRT is clean, safe, and runs 6am-midnight. Grab an EasyCard to use on MRT, buses, YouBike, and even in convenience stores. Taxis are affordable (from NTD 70 or USD 2), and Uber works too. Taipei is walkable, but watch for scooters.

• Money: Cash is essential for night markets and small shops, while most malls and hotels accept cards. ATMs are everywhere. Don't worry about tipping; it isn't part of the culture and will likely be returned to you.

• Language: Mandarin is the official language, but Hokkien is also spoken. If you're just staying in Taipei, you can likely get around with English. Still, it doesn't hurt to learn a few phrases. Some you show know include nǐ hǎo(hello)and xiè xie (thank you). Having addresses in Chinese helps for taxis.

• SIM & WiFi: Get a tourist SIM at Taoyuan Airport (unlimited data packages are cheap). Free WiFi (“iTaiwan”) exists, but a SIM is more reliable. Google Maps and Translate will help you with both navigation and communication.

• Food & Water: Street food is safe, so make sure to eat where locals queue. However, it's advised to steer clear from drinking tap water and buy bottled ones from convenience stores instead. Convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) are on every corner for snacks, ATMs, and toilets.

• Toilets: You can find public toilets in MRT stations, malls, and parks. Carry tissues and make sure to throw your trash in the bin, not the toilet bowl.

• Etiquette: Queue politely and don’t eat on the MRT. Dress modestly at temples. When riding on the escalator, stand on the right and walk on the left side. Say xiè xie often; locals genuinely appreciate the effort.

• Safety: Taipei is one of the safest cities in the world. Just watch traffic and scooters when crossing. Take note of these emergency numbers: 110 (police), 119 (ambulance/fire).

• Health: No special vaccines needed. Pharmacies are easy to find. Summer can bring mosquitoes, so make sure to pack or buy insect repellent.

• Packing: Comfy walking shoes, umbrella/rain jacket, and sun protection in summer. Light jacket in winter. You can buy anything you forget.

FAQ

Where to stay in Taipei for first timers?

First-timers usually stay in Ximending, Taipei’s lively pedestrian district with lots of food, shopping, and easy MRT access.

If you prefer something quieter but central, try Zhongshan, home to stylish cafés and boutique hotels. You can also check out Dongmen/Da'an, which is close to Yongkang Street and Da’an Park.

For luxury and nightlife, Xinyi near Taipei 101 is ideal. Anywhere along the MRT makes sightseeing easy.

What is a good month to visit Taipei?

While Taipei is great no matter when you visit, the ideal months are March-May and October-November.

Spring brings cherry blossoms and mild weather, while autumn has comfortable temperatures and fewer rainy days. Summer (Jun-Aug) is hot and typhoon-prone, while winter (Dec-Feb) is cooler and damp but great for hot springs and festivals like Lunar New Year.

Is Taipei an expensive city to visit?

Not at all. In fact, Taipei is very affordable compared to many Asian capitals.

You can enjoy night market dinners for under NTD 200 (USD 6), MRT rides cost NTD 20-45 (USD 0.5-1), and a good mid-range restaurant meal is NTD 300-600. (USD10-20).

Hotels range from budget hostels at NTD600/night (USD 20) to mid-range hotels around NTD 2,500-4,000 (USD 42-131). Of course, high-end accommodations are available, but most travellers find Taipei offers excellent value.