2025-07-18
Taiwan Itinerary 8 Days: Plan 1 ~ 4
- Plan 1: Nantou: Sun Moon Lake (1 day) + Chiayi: Alishan (1 day) + Taichung: Gaomei Wetlands (1 day) + Taipei (5 days)
- Plan 2: Nantou: Sun Moon Lake (1 day) + Chiayi: Alishan (1 day) + Hualien: Taroko Gorge (2 days) + Taipei (4 days)
- Plan 3: Nantou: Sun Moon Lake (1 day) + Chiayi: Alishan (1 day) + Kaohsiung (2 days) + Taipei (4 days)
- Plan 4: Kaohsiung (2 days) + Hualien: Taroko Gorge (2 days) + Taipei (4 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 Taichung
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 Train or HSR Station (about 2.5–3 hours)
▶ 11:30–12:00 – Take train or HSR from Chiayi to Taichung (~1 hr)
- Walk to Xinwuri Station, take a local train to Qingshui or Taichung Station
- From Qingshui, take Bus 178 or 179 to Gaomei Wetlands
- From Taichung Station, take bus 309 to Gaomei Wetlands stop
▶ 13:00–14:00 – Arrive & check in (Luggage Storage) to hotel in Taichung
- Note: Gaomei Wetland Visitor Center provides luggage storage services, with 4 medium-sized lockers and 2 large lockers. Luggage must be picked up during business hours.
- You can consider taking a half-day tour. Read more about Gaomei Wetlands
▶ 15:30–18:00 – Gaomei Wetlands (高美濕地)
- Return Times: The last bus from Gaomei back to Qingshui or Taichung Station is around 18:30–19:30, depending on the season.
Day 3: Evening Itinerary
▶ 19:00–21:00 – Dinner at Fengjia Night Market (逢甲夜市)
- How to Get There: Rreturn to city center and transfer. Or take a taxi from Gaomei (~30–40 min drive)
Day 4 – Taipei Icons & Views
Day 4: Daytime Itinerary
▶ 07:00–08:00 – From Taichung to Taipei
Option 1: HSR (High-Speed Rail) – Fastest & Most Recommended
- How: Take HSR from Taichung HSR Station to Taipei HSR Station
- Travel time: ~1 hour
- Cost: ~NT$700 (reserved seat)
- Tip: Taichung HSR is located in Xinwuri District, accessible via taxi, bus, or local train
Option 2: TRA (Train)
- How: Take TRA train from Taichung Station to Taipei Main Station
- Travel time: ~2–2.5 hours (depending on express or local)
- Cost: ~NT$300–400
- Slower but good if you’re near downtown Taichung Station
Option 3: Bus
- How: Board a bus from Taichung Bus Terminal to Taipei Bus Station (near Taipei Main Station)
- Travel time: ~2.5–3 hours
- Cost: ~NT$300
- Budget-friendly, but slower due to traffic
▶ 09:00–10:00 – 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.
▶ 10:30–11:00 – 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)
▶ 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 4: Evening Itinerary
▶ 18:30–20:30 – 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 5 – Nature, Hot Springs & Riverside Charm
Day 5: 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 5: 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 6 – Jiufen, Shifen, and Yehliu Day Trip
Day 6: 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 6: 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 7 – Culture, Temples & Riverfront Views
Day 7: 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 fifth 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 7: 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 8 – Gardens, Gondola Views & Creative Taipei
Day 8: 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 | 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
▶ 12:00–14:00 | 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
▶ 14:30–16:00 | Huashan 1914 Creative Park (華山文創園區)
- How to get there: MRT Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station (Blue/Orange Line, Exit 1)
▶ 16:30–18:00 | 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 8: Evening Itinerary
▶ 18:30–20:00 | 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.