Taipei, the vibrant capital of Taiwan, offers a perfect mix of modernity, tradition, and natural beauty. Whether you’re into bustling night markets, historic temples, or breathtaking mountain views, Taipei has something for everyone. If you’re planning to explore Taipei and venture out to nearby scenic spots, here’s a 3-day itinerary that will take you from the city’s heart to the charming towns of Shifen and Jiufen.
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Accommodation:
During your short visit to Taipei, choose a hotel close to HSR Taipei Station to easily travel from area to area. Although transportation is Taipei is very good, not all areas are well connected by train. Buses sometimes are not reliable– from my experience they are often times late. So staying near Taipei station allow you access to train lines since almost all connect/converge in Taipei Station and saves you time. Additionally, any tours you want to do most likely will meet at the station as well.
During my time in Taipei, I stayed at Sky19 Hotel, which was affordable and is located conveniently across the street from Taipei Station in the Sky Tower building on the 19th floor. Another great option is Brown House Hotel for about the same price. For a slightly more premium stay, there is UrbanAdobe2, which provides a studio/apartment like stay.
Day 1: Arrival & Night Market Bites
Assuming a morning to early-afternoon arrival at Taoyuan International Airport, you’ll have plenty of time to settle in and ease into the energy of the city.
✈️ Tip: If you haven’t already, check out my post on Preparing for Your Taiwan Trip: What to Do Before and Upon Arrival for helpful tips on getting connected, navigating transport, and more.
🌆 Evening: Explore Shilin Night Market
Once you’ve checked in and rested, head to Shilin Night Market— one of Taiwan’s most famous night market. It’s lively, colorful, and packed with local snacks. If you’re looking for alternatives, Raohe Night Market is also very popular amongst tourist and has a great atmosphere. If you are looking for a smaller crowd, Ningxia Night Market is a perfect option
📝 Note: While many locals still visit these markets, the bigger ones are often more catered toward tourists—so expect crowds, but also a fun, lively experience.
Must-try bites:
Taro ball dessert (chewy and sweet—perfect finish)
Taiwanese fried chicken cutlet (crispy, juicy, and massive!)
Black pepper pork buns (baked in a clay oven, hot and flavorful)
Day 2: Shifen & Jiufen – Scenic Escape from the City
If you only have one full sightseeing day, make it count with a trip to Shifen and Jiufen, two of Taiwan’s most picturesque spots. If you’d rather skip logistics of getting there yourself, book a Jiufen & Shifen Night Tour via Klook. Tours are one of my favorite ways to efficiently check off major tourist spots. Not only do they streamline transportation and timing, but they provide the added benefit of a guide who shares local history, stories, and hidden gems along the way.
This tour departs conveniently in the afternoon at 1:15 PM and returns around 9:30 PM. Personally, this timing is ideal since you’ll get to release a sky lantern at sunset in Shifen, then head to Jiufen to wander its lantern-lit alleys and soak in the atmospheric night views. It’s a magical way to experience both places with ease and insight.
🍳 Morning: Traditional Taiwanese Breakfast
Ease into the day and enjoy Taiwan’s amazing breakfast scene—think jiān bǐng (savory crepes), you tiao (fried dough) and soymilk, and fàn tuán (sticky rice rolls). If you’re craving something heartier, many popular Taiwanese noodle soup shops open early in the morning, giving you the perfect chance to enjoy a comforting bowl while beating the usual lunch and dinner crowds.
🚉 Midday: Shifen Old Street & Sky Lanterns
✨ How to Get There:
- By train:
Take a TRA train from Taipei Main Station → Ruifang Station (~45 min)
Then transfer to the Pingxi Line → Shifen Station (~30 min; trains run about once an hour)
🧧 What to Do:
- Shifen Old Street: Explore the tracks-side shops, snacks, and lantern stalls
- Sky Lanterns: Decorate your own and release it into the sky for blessings and good luck
- Shifen Waterfall: A short walk away, this “Niagara of Taiwan” is a peaceful nature break
🌄 Late Afternoon & Evening: Jiufen Old Street
🚌 Getting to Jiufen:
- Train: Return to Ruifang Station from Shifen, then take Bus #788, 1062, or 865 to Jiufen (~20 min)
- Taxi: Direct from Shifen to Jiufen (~30 min, NT$900–1200)
🏮 What to Do:
- Stroll Jiufen’s lantern-lit alleys
- Visit A-Mei Tea House (famous Spirited Away vibes)
- Snack on taro balls, fish ball soup, and herbal rice cakes
Day 3: Historical Sights, Shopping & Last Meal
☀️ Morning: Historic Taipei
Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall: Watch the changing of the guard and explore the majestic architecture.
Longshan Temple: One of the oldest temples in Taiwan, vibrant with local culture.
Bopiliao Historical Block: Stroll through preserved Qing- and Japanese-era buildings.
🛍️ Afternoon: Shopping for tea and Taiwanese specialties
Taiwan has a rich and deeply rooted tea culture that’s an essential part of everyday life and hospitality. From traditional oolong teas served in elegant gongfu-style tea ceremonies to modern milk teas enjoyed in trendy cafés, tea is more than just a beverage here—it’s a cultural experience.
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in this aspect of Taiwan is by visiting a local tea house or shop. Many tea houses offer tea tastings or teach the art of brewing, giving you insight into the heritage behind Taiwan’s world-renowned teas, such as Alishan oolong, Dong Ding, and Sun Moon Lake black tea.
Taiwan also offers a delightful selection of specialty sweets, many of which make excellent souvenirs. Among the most iconic is the pineapple cake—a crumbly, buttery pastry filled with sweet-tart pineapple jam. Other notable Taiwanese sweets include: Sun cakes (tàiyáng bǐng / 太陽餅), flaky pastries filled with malt sugar, originating from Taichung and nougat candies studded with nuts and/or dried fruits.
🌿 Evening: City Views & Final Mea
Taipei 101 is one of the most iconic landmarks in Taiwan’s skyline—a must-see whether you admire it from below or take in the view from above. You can book tickets to the observation deck to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city, especially magical at sunset or night.
For an equally stunning (and free) vantage point, take the short but steep Elephant Mountain hike. It’s a quick 20-minute climb that rewards you with one of the most famous views of Taipei 101—especially beautiful at golden hour or after dark when the tower lights up the skyline.
🍜 Final Dinner in Taipe
Cap off your trip with a delicious sit-down meal. Some recommendations include:
- The Original Din Tai Fung: Famous xiao long bao (soup dumplings)
- Yongkang Beef Noodles: Popular beef noodle soup—rich broth, tender beef
- Moon Moon Food: Known restaurant for its nutritious, comforting Taiwanese-style soups
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