Taiwan Itinerary 14 Days Budget, Detailed Travel Guide – Taiwan: Xiangshan, Taipei 101, Maokong Gondola, Yangmingshan, Taroko Gorge, Alishan

Plan 1: Nantou: Sun Moon Lake (1 day) + Chiayi: Alishan (1 day) + Kaohsiung (1 day) + Kenting (2 days, May-Sep) + Taitung (2 days) + Hualien: Taroko Gorge (2 days) + Taipei (5 days)
Plan 2: Nantou: Sun Moon Lake (1 day) + Chiayi: Alishan (1 day) + Kaohsiung (2 days) + Hualien: Taroko Gorge (2 days) + Penghu (3 days) + Taipei (5 days)
Plan 3: Nantou: Sun Moon Lake (1 day) + Chiayi: Alishan (2 days) + Kaohsiung & Tainan (3 days) + Penghu (3 days) + Taipei (5 days)

Travel Tips:

Use EasyCard for MRT, buses. Or Taipei Transport Fun Pass , Taipei MRT Day Pass
From Taoyuan Airport to Taipei Main Station
Consider Taipei Fun Pass or Taiwan High Speed Rail Day Pass if doing multiple intercity trips
For Taroko Gorge, Alishan and Sun Moon Lake, plan transport ahead or book day tours if needed

Since everyone has different flights on the first and last days, you can switch the itinerary for other days and skip some attractions that you are not interested in. If you arrive in Taipei in the afternoon (no buses to Sun Moon Lake, Alishan and Taroko), it is recommended to stay one night in Taichung, Chiayi or Hualien, and then take an early bus to your destination the next day.

Day 1 – From Taipei to Sun Moon Lake

Plan 1: Taiwan Itinerary & Complete Guide for First-time Visitors. Here’s a well-structured Taiwan itinerary based on my plan, with logical travel flow and activity suggestions for each destination:

Day 1: Daytime Itinerary

▶ 07:00 – Take the HSR from Taipei to Taichung Station (~1 hr)
Buy your Taiwan High Speed Rail ticket in advance. Or Taiwan High Speed Rail Day Pass

▶ 08:10–08:30 – Arrive at Taichung HSR Station
Walk to Exit 5 and take the Nantou Bus to Sun Moon Lake (~90 mins). Taichung to Sun Moon Lake Bus Timetable

▶ 10:00–10:30 – Arrive at Sun Moon Lake (日月潭)
Get off at Shuishe Visitor Center and buy a boat pass or rent a bike.

▶ 10:30–17:30 – Check in (Luggage Storage), Lakeside Exploration and Take a Boat Tour, Lunch at Ita Thao Village or Shuishe Area

Day 1: Evening Itinerary

▶ 18:00–20:00 – Relax and Dine: Have dinner at a lakeside restaurant with beautiful sunset views. Then relax at your accommodation and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of the lake

Day 2 – From Sun Moon Lake to Alishan

Day 2: Daytime Itinerary

▶ 07:30 – Arrive at Shuishe Visitor Center or designated bus stop

Tip: Reserve your ticket in advance (Nantou Bus – direct to Alishan).
Read more about Sun Moon Lake to Alishan Bus Reservation

▶ 08:00–12:30 – Arrive at Alishan Forest Recreation Area (Approx. 4 hours)

12:00 Grab a quick bite at the food court or 7-Eleven in Alishan.
Luggage storage or check in to your hotel near the entrance.
Read more about Alishan

▶ 13:00–18:00 – Alishan Forest Trails, Alishan Sea of CloudsorAlishan Sunset

Stroll the Giant Tree Trail
Visit Sister Ponds and Shouzhen Temple
Check and Buy Alishan Railway schedule for sunrise train next day

Day 2: Evening Itinerary

▶ 18:30–19:30 – Dinner at a restaurant or 7-Eleven inside the Alishan

Relax at your accommodation and prepare for the next morning’s sunrise trip (optional early train to Zhushan)

Day 3: Alishan Sunrise & Travel to Kaohsiung

Day 3: Daytime Itinerary

▶ 03:00 – Wake up for Zhushan Sunrise Trip

Option 1: Take the sunrise train to Zhushan Station (confirm departure time the night before)
Option 2: Hike uphill to the sunrise lookout (~50–80 mins) with flashlight and warm layers
Read more about Alishan Sunrise Guide

▶ 04:30–05:30 – Watch the sunrise at Xiaoliyuanshan Lookout (Ogasawara Observation Deck)

▶ 05:30–06:30 – Return to Alishan (By train or hike downhill)

▶ 06:30–07:30 – Breakfast at Zhushan food stalls or back at your hotel

▶ 08:00 – Check out of Alishan accommodation

▶ 08:00–11:00 – Bus from Alishan to Chiayi HSR Station (about 2.5 hours)

▶ 11:00–12:00 – Take HSR from Chiayi to Kaohsiung (Zuoying Station)

You can grab a 7-Eleven lunch at Chiayi HSR or on arrival at Kaohsiung

▶ 12:00–12:30 – Use locker storage at HSR Zuoying (convenient & safe)

▶ 13:00–14:30 – Optional: Walk 10–20 min to Lotus Pond (蓮池潭)

▶ 14:30–15:00 – Pick Up Luggage & Hotel Check-in (MRT Zuoying Station)

▶ 15:30–19:00 – Pier-2 Art Center (駁二特區) & Optional Love River (愛河)

How to Get There: Take MRT to Yanchengpu Station (O2) – walk 3–5 minutes
Optional Love River walk or river cruise in the late afternoon
Kaohsiung Love River Love Boat Ticket & Cruise Guide
Kaohsiung Romantic Love Gondola Boat ticket

Day 3: Evening Itinerary

▶ 19:00–20:30 – Rueifong Night Market (瑞豐夜市)

How to Get There: MRT to Kaohsiung Arena Station (R14) – Exit 1, ~3 min walk

Day 4 – Kaohsiung to Kenting + Beach or Hotel Facilities

Day 4: Daytime Itinerary

It is recommended that you rent a scooter or join day tour.
■ Pingtung Scooter Rental – Kenting Main Street Pick Up
■ Kenting Private Sightseeing Car Rental with Driver(departing from Kenting)
Quick Tips – Taxis: Limited and pricey – agree on a price before getting in

▶ 07:00–07:30 – Breakfast at hotel or a local breakfast shop

▶ 08:00–08:30 – Kenting Express Bus 9189 from Kaohsiung to Kenting

Bus Stop: High Speed Rail Zuoying Station → Fangliao, Checheng → National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium → Hengchun → Nanwan → Xiaowan (Close to Kenting Street Night Market)

From Zuoying HSR (Every 30–60 minutes / ~2.5 hours / ~NT$400)
Read more about Kaohsiung to Kenting Bus Schedule
It is recommended to Buy Kenting Express Bus Tickets in Advance.

▶ 11:30–13:30 – Arrive, Lunch & Check-in at Kenting Hotel

▶ 14:00–18:00 – Rest, beach or hotel facilities

Optional: If you’re traveling with kids, adding the Kenting: Sleepover Experience at National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium (海生館) is a unique and memorable family-friendly option. A special program where families sleep in front of giant aquarium tanks.

Overnight Sleepover Details:

Guided nighttime and early morning tours
Hands-on marine activities for kids
Sleeping bags/mats provided (bring your own toiletries & pajamas)

Typical Schedule (For reference only):

16:00 – Check-in
17:30 – Dinner (provided or bring your own)
18:30 – Guided evening aquarium tour
20:00 – Marine science games / crafts
22:00 – Lights out (sleep in aquarium area)
07:00 – Wake-up call + breakfast
08:00 – Morning behind-the-scenes tour
09:00 – Program ends (you can continue exploring the aquarium)

Language: Mostly in Mandarin, but staff are helpful with basic English. Some tours may offer English on request or for group bookings. Book directly on Klook – Kenting: Sleepover Experience at National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium

Day 4: Evening Itinerary

▶ 18:30–20:30 – Dinner at Kenting Night Market & enjoy drinks at a bar

Day 5 – Kenting – Nature, Beaches & Water Activities

Day 5: Daytime Itinerary

▶ 07:00–07:30 – Breakfast at hotel or a local breakfast shop

▶ 08:00–13:00 – Kenting Forest Recreation Area (hiking trails & viewpoints)

How to Get Around:

Best with scooter or private car
Bus coverage is limited but possible using Kenting Shuttle

Optional: Eluanbi Lighthouse (By Kenting Shuttle Bus 9188)

▶ 12:00–13:00 – Lunch: Return to Kenting Main or bring your own.

▶ 13:30–18:30 – Beach + Water Activities + Sunset

Water Activities

■ Alangyi Hostoric Trail Hiking Day Tour
■ Kenting Nanyong Diving Center – Snorkeling Experience
■ Stand Up Paddleboarding Experience in Kenting
■ Houbihu Semi-Submarine Experience in Kenting, Pingtung
■ Kenting Night Adventure Experience

Children’s Activities

■ National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium Ticket
■ Penguin Encounter at National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium

■ Paradise of Deer Ticket in Kenting Pingtung
■ Tickets for Kenting Luyu Island Capybara Ecological Park
■ A-Shin Choco Farm Ticket in Pingtung
■ Pingtung Kenting Kencao Fun Parent-child Park Ticket
■ Entrance ticket to Kenting Big Wolf Ecological Education Park

Day 5: Evening Itinerary

▶ 19:00–20:30 – Dinner at Kenting Night Market

Day 6 – Kenting to Taitung + 8101D Half-Day Tour

It is recommended to stay overnight near Taitung Bus Station

Day 6: Daytime Itinerary

▶ 06:30–07:30 – Breakfast at hotel or a local breakfast shop

▶ 08:00 – Bus 9188 or 9189 (Express) to Fangliao

South Link Line: Fangliao to Taitung / Taitung to Fangliao Train Schedule:
Xinzuoying→Fangliao→Taitung
Taitung→Fangliao→Xinzuoying

▶ 10:12-11:46 (⁦Fast Local Train) – Fangliao to Taitung, or 08:02 (⁦Tze-Chiang Limited Express)

▶ 12:00–13:30 – Arrive, Lunch & Check-in at Taitung Hotel

Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus:

8168A – East Rift Valley Line: Taitung Bus Station to Luye Highland
8101A – East Coast Line Day Trip: Taitung Bus Station (Visitor Center) to Taitung Bus Station (Visitor Center)
8101B – East Coast Route Art in Taitung Route Half Day Pass: Taitung Railway Station to Paul Chiang Art Center
8101D – East Coast Line Day Tour (Afternoon ~ Evening Half Day Tour): Taitung Bus Station (Visitor Center) to Taitung Bus Station (Visitor Center)

▶ 13:40–20:00 – Half-Day Pass NT$250 (Jailulan… Xiauyeliu Scenic Area)

Book Tickets 8101D (Choose reservation, Credit Card Payment)
*Identity card: For foreigners, please enter your passport number at last five digits and birth date four digits.(EX:March 20 :B321A0320)
Please bring ID when picking up ticket

8101D Bus Routes: 13:40 Taitung Bus Station (Visitor Center)(臺東轉運站) → 13:55 Taitung Railway Station(臺鐵臺東站) → 14:15 Jailulan(加路蘭) → 15:20 Amis Folk Center(阿美民俗中心) → 17:00 Dulan Sugar Factory(都蘭糖廠) → 18:15 Xiauyeliu Scenic Area(小野柳) → 19:45 Taitung Station(臺鐵臺東站) → 20:00 Taitung Bus Station (Visitor Center)(臺東轉運站)

Day 6: Evening Itinerary

▶ 20:00 – Railway Art Village or Rest

Day 7 – Luye Highland or Fengbin Day Tour

Day 7: Daytime Itinerary

▶ 06:30–07:30 – Breakfast at hotel or a local breakfast shop

▶ 08:00–17:00 – Luye Highland or Fengbin Township in Hualien

Book Tickets 309 or 8168A (Choose reservation, Credit Card Payment)
309 – Yuchang Fengbin Line: 10:20 or 10:50 Depart from Yuli Railway Station (6 hours day trip)
8168A – East Rift Valley Line: 08:00 or 13:30 Depart from Taitung Bus Station (4.5 hours day trip)
Optional: Taitung Forest Park or Taitung Seaside Park

Day 7: Evening Itinerary

▶ 18:30 – Dinner at Taitung Tourism Night Market

Optional: Tiehua Music Village (鐵花村)

Day 8 – Taitung to Hualien + East Rift Valley (303D Half-Day Tour)

It is recommended to stay overnight near Dongdamen Night Market

Day 8: Daytime Itinerary

▶ 06:30–07:30 – Breakfast at hotel or a local breakfast shop

▶ 9:22–10:59 – Taitung to Hualien Train: Tze-Chiang Limited Express (自強號)

Book seats in advance (especially on weekends)

▶ 11:00–12:00 – Drop luggage at hotel or use station lockers and Quick Lunch

▶ 12:20–18:00 – Hualien Route Half-Day Bus Tour 303D (runs daily)

Book Tickets: Chinese version only. Refer to Taitung’s English Book Tickets (Same system)
Zoom in on the image and you can see the bus number.

303D Bus Routes: 12:20 Depart from Hualien Bus Station(花蓮轉運站) → 14:10 Promiseland Resort Nature Park(豐之谷自然生態公園) → 14:50 Lintianshan Forestry Park Offsite Parking(林田山外停車廠) → 16:00 Lintianshan Zhongshan Hall(林田山中山堂) → 17:20 Lichuan Aquafarm(立川漁場) → 18:00 Hualien Bus Station(花蓮轉運站)

Day 8: Evening Itinerary

▶ 18:30–20:00 – Dinner at Hualien Dongdamen Night Market (東大門夜市)

Day 9 – Qixingtan Beach + Taroko Gorge (Self-Guided or Shuttle)

▸ Option 1: Join a guided day tour with hotel pick-up
▸ Option 2: Take Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus 310 (Taroko Route)

Day 9: Daytime Itinerary

▶ 06:30–07:30 – Breakfast at hotel or a local breakfast shop

▶ 08:30 – Taroko Route Bus 310 to Qixingtan Beach (七星潭) 09:15–10:30

Board at: Dongdamen Night Market (東大門夜市)
One-way fare: Pay cash at boarding (no change) or EasyCard
Bring Lunch or Snacks. No major restaurants inside the gorge

▶ 10:45–15:30 – Taroko Gorge Bus 310 to Taroko Visitor Center (太魯閣遊客中心)

Explore Taroko Gorge. Top highlights:

Shakadang Trail – A scenic riverside walk known for turquoise waters
Swallow Grotto (Yanzikou) – Marvel at dramatic cliffs and tunnels carved by nature
Zhuilu Old Trail (Optional, permit & guide required) – Taiwan’s most thrilling cliff trail
Tunnel of Nine Turns – Panoramic views and safe walkways inside the gorge

If you want to take a taxi from the Taroko Visitor Center to other attractions, it is recommended to ask the staff at the Visitor Center first. They can help call a taxi or provide taxi information. Contact number: 03-8621100 (ext. 801-806 or 360)

It is recommended to take a day tour because the bus only goes to the Taroko Visitor Center and it is difficult to reach other Taroko Gorge Trails

Day Tour

Car Rental with Driver

Hualien Whale Watching Tour

Water Activities & Experience

▶ 16:20 – Take the return bus back to Hualien. Last bus: 17:50

From Taroko Visitor Center back to Hualien
Get off at Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park (18:00 Close)
OR: Get off at Dongdamen Night Market stop, then explore nearby:Pacific Park (太平洋公園), Nanbin Park (南濱公園) or Beibin Park (北濱公園)

Day 9: Evening Itinerary

▶ 18:30–20:00 – Dinner at Hualien Dongdamen Night Market (東大門夜市)

Day 10 – Hualien to Taipei + Taipei Icons & Views

Day 10: Daytime Itinerary

▶ 07:00 – Breakfast & Check out of Hualien accommodation

▶ 08:00 – Hualien to Taipei (Tze-Chiang Limited Express, ~2.5 hrs)

▶ 10:30–11:00 – Arrive & check in (Luggage Storage) to hotel in Taipei

OR To save time and travel light, consider using the luggage storage services at Taipei Main Station before heading out for the day.

▶ 11:30–13:00 – Lunch at Din Tai Fung or Taipei 101 Food Court

Branches nearby:

Taipei 101 Mall Branch (B1) – Most convenient
A4 or A13 Branch (Breeze Center) – Also in the Xinyi District
Tip: Expect a wait — take a number and browse nearby stores

How to get there: MRT Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station (Red Line)

▶ 13:00–14:30 – Taipei 101 Observatory (台北101觀景台)

How to get there: All within walking distance around Taipei 101

▶ 14:30–15:30 – Xinyi Shopping District (信義商圈)

How to get there: All within walking distance around Taipei 101

▶ 16:00–18:00 – Xiangshan Trails (Elephant Mountain) (象山步道)

How to get there: MRT Xiangshan Station (Red Line, Exit 2) → Walk 10 minutes to trailhead
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Morning hike is cooler and less crowded.

Day 10: Evening Itinerary

▶ 18:30–20:00 – Dinner at Raohe Street Night Market (饒河夜市)

How to get there: MRT Songshan Station (Green Line, Exit 5) → Market entrance is next to Ciyou Temple

Day 11 – Nature, Hot Springs & Riverside Charm

Day 11: Daytime Itinerary

▶ 06:00–07:30 – Breakfast at Fuhang Soy Milk (阜杭豆漿)

How to get there: MRT Shandao Temple Station (Blue Line, Exit 5) → Huashan Market 2F
Wake up early and have breakfast at Fuhang Soy Milk, which opens at 5:30 am. Long queue as always, even on a weekday morning. It is recommended to come on weekdays and take the Taipei MRT at 6 am.

Tip: Arrive by 6:00 AM to beat the crowd

▶ 08:30–13:00 – Yangmingshan National Park (陽明山國家公園)

How to get there: MRT Jiantan Station (Red Line) → Transfer to Bus R5 to Yangmingshan Stop
Lunch Option: Google Map ~ 7-ELEVEN 擎天崗門市, 公車總站旁小吃攤 (Near Yangmingshan Bus Terminal) or 櫻山小吃店 (Near Yangmingshan Flower Clock)

It’s best to bring a packed lunch for your Yangmingshan trip. There are few dining options in the park, but packing your own lunch can be more flexible and convenient, especially if you plan to hike or explore less developed areas.

▶ 14:00–16:00 – Beitou Hot Springs (北投溫泉)

How to get there: From Yangmingshan: Take Bus 230 to Xinbeitou MRT Station

Tip: Bring a towel and change of clothes if you plan to soak

▶ 16:30–18:00 | Tamsui Old Street (淡水老街)

How to get there: MRT Xinbeitou → Beitou (transfer) → Tamsui Station (Red Line, last stop)

Tip: Grab a snack and enjoy the sunset by the river

Day 11: Evening Itinerary

▶ 18:30–20:00 – Dinner at Ningxia Night Market (寧夏夜市)

How to get there: From Tamsui MRT → Ride the Red Line to Shuanglian Station (Exit 1) → 10-minute walk

▶ 20:30–21:30 – PX Mart, Carrefour: Must Buy Souvenirs in Taiwan

▶ Optional Add-ons

If you’re not into hot springs, replace Beitou with more hiking at Xiaoyoukeng, Lengshuikeng, Zhuzihu or flower viewing at Floral Clock / Yangmingshan Park. If you’re short on time, you can skip Beitou and go straight from Yangmingshan to Tamsui.

Day 12 – Jiufen, Shifen, and Yehliu Day Trip

Day 12: Daytime Itinerary

▶ 06:30 – Breakfast at Yong He Soy Milk (永和豆漿大王, Ximending)

A popular 24-hour breakfast.
Location: Near Ximen MRT Station (Exit 6)

▶ 07:00–09:00 – Travel to Shifen Waterfall

How to get there: Take MRT to Muzha Station (Brown Line)
Transfer to Bus 795 (Muzha–Pingxi Line) → Get off at Shifen Waterfall Stop
Tip: First bus usually starts around 05:00–06:00 AM

▶ 09:00–10:00 – Shifen Waterfall (十分瀑布)

Highlights: Taiwan’s widest waterfall, viewing platforms, suspension bridge, nature trail

▶ 10:20–11:20 – Shifen Old Street (十分老街)+ Shifen Sky Lantern

How to get there: Walkable from the waterfall (~15–20 min)
Tip: Write your wishes on a four-color lantern; prices start around NT$150–200

▶ 12:00–14:30 – Jiufen Old Street (九份老街) + Lunch

How to get there: Taxi (~30 min) or bus from Shifen to Ruifang, then transfer to bus 788/965 to Jiufen
Tip: Avoid weekends for a less crowded visit

▶ 15:30–18:00 – Yehliu Geopark (野柳地質公園)

How to get there: Bus from Jiufen to Keelung → Transfer to Bus 790/862 to Yehliu Or take a taxi directly from Jiufen (~45 min)
Tip: Last entry around 16:30

Day 12: Evening Itinerary

▶ 19:00–21:30 – Dinner in Ximending + Explore The Red House

How: From Yehliu, take Bus 1815 to Taipei Main Station, then transfer to MRT Ximen Station (Blue/Green Line)
Tip: dinner at Modern Toilet Restaurant or hot pot spots nearby

If short on time:

You may skip Yehliu and spend more time in Jiufen & Shifen.
For a relaxing option: Just choose Jiufen + Shifen, both are easily doable in a day.
Relaxing option? Visit just Shifen + Jiufen and return early to Taipei for shopping or spa time.

Combo Day Tour (via Klook) is highly recommended if you want to visit Shifen + Jiufen + Yehliu efficiently without transfers.

▶ 21:30–22:30 | PX Mart, Carrefour: Must Buy Souvenirs in Taiwan

Day 13 – Culture, Temples & Riverfront Views

Day 13: Daytime Itinerary

▶ 08:00–08:30 – Breakfast at Ay-Chung Flour Rice Noodle (阿宗麵線, Ximending)

How to get there: MRT Ximen Station (Blue/Green Line, Exit 6)

Tip: No seating — enjoy standing or walk to a nearby bench

▶ 08:30–09:00 – Longshan Temple (龍山寺)

How to get there: MRT Longshan Temple Station (Blue Line, Exit 1)

If you are unable to take the Maokong Gondola due to flight schedule on the last day, you can arrange to take the Maokong Gondola at 9 am today. Cancel the itinerary for Longshan Temple and Bopiliao Historic District.

▶ 09:00–09:30 – Bopiliao Historical Block (剝皮寮歷史街區)

How to get there: 5-minute walk from Longshan Temple

▶ 10:30–14:30 – National Palace Museum (國立故宮博物院)

How to get there: MRT Shilin Station (Red Line) → Bus R30 or 255 to National Palace Museum

Tip: Go earlier to avoid school tours and tour groups

▶ 15:30–17:00 – Dihua Street (迪化街)

How to get there: MRT Beimen Station (Green Line, Exit 3) → 10-minute walk

▶ 15:30–17:00 – Xia-Hai City God Temple (霞海城隍廟)

How to get there: Located right on Dihua Street

Day 13: Evening Itinerary

▶ 17:30–18:30 – Sunset views & Stroll Along the Tamsui River at Dadaocheng Wharf

How to get there: Walk from Dihua Street (~10 minutes)
Tip: You can also rent a bike or sit at a bar with outdoor seating

▶ 18:30–20:00 – Dinner at Dadaocheng Wharf Container Market (大稻埕碼頭貨櫃市集)

Day 14 – Gardens, Gondola Views & Creative Taipei

Day 14: Daytime Itinerary

▶ 05:30–06:00 – Breakfast at Yong He Soy Milk (永和豆漿大王, Ximending)

Location: Near Ximen MRT Station (Exit 6)

▶ 06:15–08:00 – Optional: Taipei Botanical Garden (台北植物園)

How to get there: MRT Xiaonanmen Station (Green Line, Exit 3) → 5-minute walk
Tip: Best enjoyed in the early morning when it’s quiet and cool

▶ 09:00–11:00 – Maokong Gondola (貓空纜車)

How to get there: MRT Taipei Zoo Station (Brown Line) → Gondola station right next door
Tip: Choose the Crystal Cabin (glass floor) for better views

▶ 12:00–13:30 – Lunch at Addiction Aquatic Development (上引水產)

How to get there: MRT Zhongshan Junior High School Station (Brown Line) → ~10-min walk
Tip: Get there early to avoid long wait times

● OR Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand Restaurants in Taipei

▶ 14:00–15:30 – Huashan 1914 Creative Park (華山文創園區)

How to get there: MRT Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station (Blue/Orange Line, Exit 1)

▶ 16:00–17:00 – Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall (中正紀念堂)

How to get there: MRT Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall Station (Red & Green Line, Exit 5)

▶ 17:30–19:00 – Songshan Cultural and Creative Park (松山文創園區)

How to get there: MRT Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall Station (Blue Line, Exit 5) → 10-min walk

Day 14: Evening Itinerary

▶ 19:30–21:00 – MAJI Square or Yongkang Street

Tips: You can shift Addiction Aquatic Development to dinner if you’re exploring parks earlier.

What to Do in Taiwan For 5 Days

Personally, I feel that 5 days in just two cities feels a bit packed — extending your stay to 8 days would allow for a more relaxed pace and the opportunity to explore deeper.

If you’re hoping to travel entirely independently by public transport, keep in mind that many famous attractions in Taichung and Kaohsiung are not easily accessible by MRT or standard bus routes. Because of this, it’s more practical to join day tours or charter a private vehicle when visiting those regions.

How to Plan Your Taiwan Itinerary

Planning a Taiwan trip depends on your travel duration and interests (nature, food, city, culture). Here’s a simple guide:

Step 1: Decide Your Trip Length

4–5 Days: Stay in Taipei + New Taipei (ideal for first-time visitors).
7–10 Days: Add Taichung, Nantou (Sun Moon Lake), or Kaohsiung.
14 Days: Do a full round-island trip including Taitung, Hualien, and Taroko Gorge.

Step 2: Plan by Region

North Taiwan: Taipei, New Taipei, Jiufen, Shifen, Yehliu
Central Taiwan: Taichung, Sun Moon Lake, Cingjing Farm
South Taiwan: Kaohsiung, Tainan, Kenting
East Taiwan: Hualien, Taroko Gorge, Taitung

Step 3: Choose Transportation

Use Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) or TRA Trains for long distances.
In Taipei, the MRT is fast, safe, and easy.
For rural areas (e.g., Sun Moon Lake, Cingjing), consider day tours or chartered drivers.

Step 4: Mix Activities

Combine city life + nature: Taipei city + Yangmingshan or Beitou
Include local culture + food: temples, night markets, old streets
Add scenic day trips: Jiufen, Shifen, Yehliu, Taroko, Alishan

Tip: Don’t try to do everything. Taiwan is compact, but experiences are rich — leave time to slow down and enjoy the local vibe.

How Many Days in Taiwan Is Enough?

A trip to Taiwan is best enjoyed over 5 to 14 days, depending on your interests. With 5 days, focus on Taipei and New Taipei City for culture, food, and convenience.

In 7 to 10 days, you can visit additional cities like Taichung, Nantou, Tainan, or Kaohsiung for a more diverse experience.

A full 14-day trip allows for a round-island journey, covering major cities, scenic spots, and coastal views—perfect for those wanting to explore both nature and culture. While it’s not possible to stop in every city, you’ll be able to cover most of Taiwan’s key highlights — from urban centers to scenic natural landscapes.

Taiwan Night Markets: A Must-Experience

Taiwan Night Markets are a vibrant part of local culture — lively streets filled with street food, games, shopping, and atmosphere. From traditional snacks to trendy bites, each market offers a unique flavor and vibe, reflecting the neighborhood it’s in.

Whether you’re in Taipei, Taichung, or Kaohsiung, night markets are the best places to eat like a local, try new things, and soak in the energy of Taiwan after dark. Don’t miss it — this is where Taiwan truly comes alive at night.

▼ Taiwan Nightlife or MAJI Square (Taipei): Enjoy your nightlife everyday, but please remember Taipei MRT service hours: 06:00-24:00

Taiwan Nightlife (Clubs & Bars)

Taiwan has a vibrant nightlife scene, especially in Taipei, with plenty of clubs, bars, and lounges to explore every night. From rooftop cocktails to underground dance floors, there’s something for every style.

Reminder: Taipei MRT operates from 06:00 to 24:00, so plan your ride home or be ready to grab a taxi after midnight.

Where to Stay in Taipei

Taipei offers a wide variety of neighborhoods to match every traveler’s style — from convenient transport hubs to lively shopping and food districts. Here are 5 recommended areas to stay, all with easy MRT access:

Option 1: MRT Zhongshan Station

Residential + Tourist Mix
A well-balanced area great for both sightseeing and quiet stays. It’s close to Ximending, Ningxia Night Market, Dihua Street, Dadaocheng Wharf, CKS Memorial Hall, Chifeng Street, Taipei Main Station, and Huashan 1914 Creative Park — many within walking distance.

Option 2: MRT Taipei Main Station

Best for Easy Transport
Ideal for travelers arriving via train, bus, or airport express. It’s also a perfect base for day trips to other cities like Taichung, Hualien, or Tamsui thanks to excellent rail and bus connections.

Option 3: MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing Station

Best for Shopping, Foodies & Local Culture
This area is popular with locals and tourists alike, filled with shopping malls and famous eats like Din Tai Fung. It’s also near the peaceful Daan Forest Park, offering a mix of city life and green space.

Option 4: MRT Ximen Station (Ximending)

Best for First-Time Visitors & Nightlife
Taipei’s answer to Shibuya or Harajuku, this vibrant district is packed with street food, trendy shops, and local youth culture. Great for night owls and those who love to explore on foot.

Option 5: MRT Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station (Xinyi District)

Best for Luxury, Upscale Shopping & Night Views
Stay here if you want to be near Taipei 101, high-end malls, and chic restaurants and bars. The area is modern, clean, and perfect for travelers seeking a more polished experience.

Top Recommended Hostels and Budget Hotels

Staying near an MRT station in Taipei is a smart choice — the system is clean, safe, and connects you to major sights, night markets, and transport hubs.

Hostels and budget hotels range from NT$700 to NT$2,000 (US$23~US$67) per night, offering great value, local vibes, and a chance to meet fellow travelers. Here are some top affordable hostels and budget hotels to consider.

Old Door Hostel (Taipei)
Beimen Wow Poshtel (Taipei)
Taiwan Youth Hostel & Capsule Hotel (Taipei)
TAIPEI HOTEL- TAIPEI 109 HOSTEL (Taipei)
WonderTime – Taipei Station Branch III (Taipei)
Sundaily Hostel (Taipei)
Taipei Inn (Taipei)
Formosa 101 Taipei Main Branch (Taipei)

Budget Hotels

Bee House by Cosmos Creation (Taipei)
Hotel Puri Taipei Station Branch (Taipei)
Main Inn Taipei (Taipei)
MEANDER 1948 (Taipei)
Via Hotel Taipei Station (Taipei)
Mayer Inn, Taipei (Taipei)
Ximen Le Room Hotel Kaifeng Taipei (Taipei)

Luxury Hotels Near Taipei 101

Are there any hotels in Taipei 101? This is a common question. There are no hotels in Taipei 101, but there are several hotels nearby where you can enjoy the view of Taipei 101 from your room.

The most difficult time to book a hotel is during the Taipei 101 New Year’s Eve fireworks show, as the demand for hotel reservations is very high. You can enjoy the Taipei 101 fireworks show from your room.