Taipei Itinerary: 5 Days
note
Assumptions: First-time visitor, balanced pace, mid-range budget, avoiding nightlife. Interests lean toward culture, food, easy nature, and neighborhoods. Adjust days freely.
Taipei in 5 Days — Quick Plan
Taipei is compact, efficient, and rewarding without rushing. This plan groups nearby sights to cut transit, builds in buffers daily, and keeps evenings flexible.
Start with the City Guide Trip Planning ChecklistQuick Answers
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Best area to stay | Zhongshan (central, calm), Ximending (lively & transit-rich), Da’an (parks & cafes) |
| Getting around | MRT + walking; taxis are easy for short hops |
| How packed it feels | Busy but orderly; museums and temples are manageable |
| Reserve ahead | Palace Museum slots, Maokong gondola peak times, popular restaurants |
| Good for first-timers | Yes—clear signage, food variety, simple transit |
Jump Links
Overview: How this itinerary works
- Balanced cadence: one cultural anchor + one flexible block daily.
- Neighborhood logic: sights are clustered to reduce backtracking.
- Swap-friendly: rain? museum days move easily. Tired? parks and cafés step in.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Old Taipei & River Views
Highlight: Historic streets + a classic riverside sunset.
Morning
- Anchor: Longshan Temple (Wanhua)
- Add-on: Bopiliao Historical Block (adjacent heritage lanes)
- Backup (rain/low-energy): Herb Lane (Qingcao Alley) tea stops nearby
Why grouped: Same district, mostly walkable.
Transit: MRT + short walks.
Food idea: Taiwanese breakfast staples (soy milk, scallion pancake).
Booking note: None—check temple etiquette.
Afternoon
- Anchor: Dihua Street (Dadaocheng)
- Add-on: Xiahai City God Temple
- Backup: Taipei Xiahai Cultural Center exhibits
Why grouped: River trade history cluster.
Food idea: Dried fruit, herbal teas, peanut candy.
Evening
- Anchor: Dadaocheng Wharf riverside stroll
- Add-on: Ningxia Night Market (early evening food focus)
- Backup: Yongle Market food hall (indoors)
Low-energy option: Riverside cafés; shorten the walk.
Day 2 — Imperial Treasures & Creative Parks
Highlight: World-class art + modern Taipei.
Morning
- Anchor: National Palace Museum (Shilin)
- Add-on: Zhishan Garden (calm green break)
- Backup: Museum café galleries
Why grouped: Same hillside area.
Transit: MRT + bus/taxi.
Booking note: Book museum entry ahead in peak seasons.
Afternoon
- Anchor: Huashan 1914 Creative Park
- Add-on: Syntrend Creative Park (design & gadgets)
- Backup: Taipei Fine Arts Museum (alternative indoor)
Food idea: Casual park eateries; coffee breaks.
Evening
- Anchor: Zhongshan Linear Park stroll
- Add-on: Linshen North Road eateries (no nightlife focus)
- Backup: Hotel-area dining
Low-energy option: Skip the park and dine near your hotel.
Day 3 — Views, Tea & Iconic Skyline
Highlight: Taipei 101 skyline with a nature breather.
Morning
- Anchor: Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) viewpoints
- Add-on: Four Beasts Trail lower sections
- Backup: Songshan Cultural and Creative Park (flat, indoors nearby)
Why grouped: Same east-side zone.
Transit: MRT + walking.
Note: Choose a short trail segment if humid.
Afternoon
- Anchor: Taipei 101 Observatory
- Add-on: Taipei 101 Mall galleries
- Backup: Eslite Songyan bookstore (indoors)
Booking note: Observatory tickets sell out—reserve.
Evening
- Anchor: Maokong Gondola tea hills
- Add-on: Zhinan Temple (views)
- Backup: Gongguan riverside cafés if weather closes gondola
Low-energy option: Stay in the city and enjoy a tea house.
Day 4 — Hot Springs & Beitou Nature
Highlight: Relaxed pace with geothermal scenery.
Morning
- Anchor: Beitou Hot Spring Museum
- Add-on: Thermal Valley
- Backup: Beitou Library (architectural gem, indoors)
Why grouped: Compact Beitou loop.
Transit: MRT to Beitou.
Afternoon
- Anchor: Yangmingshan National Park (easy trails)
- Add-on: Qingtiangang Grassland
- Backup: Beitou Folk Art Museum
Food idea: Simple park canteens; pack snacks.
Evening
- Anchor: Beitou public hot spring (gender-separated options)
- Add-on: Xinbeitou evening stroll
- Backup: Hotel soak or massage
Low-energy option: Skip the park; extend hot spring time.
Day 5 — Markets, Memorials & Shopping
Highlight: Taipei’s civic heart + souvenirs.
Morning
- Anchor: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
- Add-on: Liberty Square grounds
- Backup: National Theater foyer exhibits
Why grouped: Large open civic area.
Afternoon
- Anchor: Da’an Forest Park
- Add-on: Yongkang Street food lane
- Backup: Museum of Contemporary Art Taipei
Food idea: Beef noodle soup, mango desserts.
Evening
- Anchor: Ximending Pedestrian Area
- Add-on: Red House Theater craft shops
- Backup: Shilin Night Market (earlier visit)
Low-energy option: Café hop in Da’an.
Food Game Plan
Try these (and where):
- Beef noodle soup — Yongkang Street, Ximending
- Xiao long bao — Da’an district
- Lu rou fan — Dadaocheng eateries
- Oyster omelet — Ningxia or Shilin markets
- Pepper buns — Raohe Street area
- Bubble tea — Zhongshan, Gongguan
- Pineapple cake — Dihua Street shops
- Tea tasting — Maokong hills
Budget/Mid/Splurge: Night markets (budget), neighborhood bistros (mid), hotel dining rooms (splurge).
Neighborhood Picks
- Zhongshan: central, calm nights; watch for limited late dining.
- Ximending: transit hub; can feel busy.
- Da’an: green spaces & cafés; quieter evenings.
- Beitou: spa focus; fewer shops at night.
- Dadaocheng: heritage charm; daytime best.
Logistics for this date range
- Arrival day: Morning arrival—start Day 1 lightly. Evening arrival—swap Day 1 evening to Day 2.
- Transit cards: Reloadable MRT card simplifies everything.
- Pitfalls: Overpacking days; plan one “float” block daily.
- Packing nudge: Layers, comfy shoes, rain shell.
Weather & Season Notes
Taipei can be humid with quick showers. Plan indoor backups and short walks between stops.
Practical Tips
- Keep small cash for markets; cards widely accepted elsewhere.
- MRT signage is bilingual; stations are stroller-friendly.
warning
Always check official travel advisories and health notices for Taiwan for your dates.
tip
Use a secure phone lock, back up photos daily, and keep bags zipped in crowded areas.
FAQs
Is Taipei walkable? Yes—pair walking with MRT.
Do I need cash? Some; markets prefer it.
How far ahead to book? Museums and observatories a few days ahead in peak seasons.
Best day trip? Jiufen & Shifen
What if it rains? Swap in museums, bookstores, and malls.
Is it safe at night? Generally yes; stick to lit areas and main streets.
Save & Go Further
Save this itinerary, then explore the city hub for deeper dives:
Taipei City Guide