Having been a passionate tour guide for the past seven years, there’s nothing that motivates me more than the desire to help my clients have the best experience. Thus, there are a lot of reasons why I recommend spending your vacation in Taipei when you’re in Taiwan. Not only is it the capital city, but you’ll also be able to see famous landmarks such as Taipei 101 Skyscraper.
Plenty of other attractions also await you in Taipei. For a closer look, check out the guide below.
Day 1
I recommend booking a hotel close to a night market, so when you go back at the end of the day, you can stroll by yourselves around the market, since they are open till midnight. You can enjoy various kinds of food and milk tea.
For hotel recommendations, stick around till the end of the article!
Day tour of Yehliu
One of the first stops I take my clients to is Yehliu, which is just 30 minutes outside Taipei by car. This area is known for Yehliu Geopark, where you can see all kinds of interesting stone formations by the sea. The natural beauty here is amazing.
Jenny's tip
For the first day, I would advise you to hire a private driver to take you around to all the stops mentioned. Public transport is not easily available, so arranging your own transport would be a wise choice.
Jioufen & Lunch
Another 45 minutes via road will take you to Jioufen. Back in the day, there was a gold mine close by and Jioufen was the entertainment center for it. This small town still exists and has become a very attractive tourist place. Whenever I’m here, I enjoy visiting A-Mei Tea house for a cup of tea and a meal to have while looking down from the hillside at Jioufen.
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
Shifen
If you have some time left, go to Shifen Waterfall next, which is famous as a place to release lanterns. In fact, this is the only place in Taiwan where they government allows for paper lanterns to be released daily. Purchase a paper lantern, write your wish on it, and let it go for a chance of your dreams coming true.
Jenny's tip
This activity is done on a train track, and when the train passes by, we have to stop and let the train go first. This makes for quite an interesting scene, in my opinion.
Ximending Night Market & Dinner
Once you’re done for the day, head back to your hotel and enjoy the vibrant setting of Ximending Night Market. This is a popular choice because you can find the amazing Ah Zhong Mian Xian Taiwanese restaurant here. I also highly recommend trying braised pork rice and oyster mee sua.
Day 2
National Palace Museum (Gugong)
On the second day, you can start with one of the city’s grand museums. It has a permanent collection of nearly 700,000 pieces of Chinese artifacts and artworks and is fascinating. While I know not everyone will enjoy visiting a museum, this is still a popular choice for tourists.
Taipei 101 & Lunch
If you’re not interested in the museum, you can also visit the iconic Taipei 101. I would say the highlight here is the observation deck on the 89th floor, which offers a superb 360-degree perspective of Taipei’s cityscape. There’s also a very nice mall/shopping district here, and the location is great for some Instagram-worthy snaps.
Some people also come here to enjoy the food at restaurants such as Din Tai Fung, which is famous for dumplings.
Tamsui & Dinner at Ningxia Night Market
Around 40 minutes from the tower, you’ll find Tamsui. It is by the sea, so the atmosphere here makes me feel relaxed while strolling by the fisherman’s wharf.
If you’re interested in history, I recommend visiting Fort San Domingo, a historical fortress in Tamsui that was built by the Spanish when they took control away from the Dutch. The red bricks, verandas, as well as a steep four-sided roof provide a warm and delicate atmosphere.
If you get hungry, Tamsui Old Street offers lots of local delicacies. Alternatively, you can head to Ningxia Night Market to enjoy various street food for dinner. Xian su ji (salty chicken), served in shops at night, is super delicious and a must-try. Simply put your choice of vegetables and options such as squid or tofu into a basket and hand it to the shop owner to be deep fried and seasoned.
Day 3
Dadaocheng
For the third day, I recommend keeping your schedule light with a walk through Dadaocheng. This historical district is by the sea, so your walk is sure to be pleasant. Check out buildings such as the ancient home of Ye Jin, a rich businessman, which is now home to a Starbucks outlet.
My personal favorite is Watsons Pharmacy, which, interestingly, does not sell pharmaceutical or cosmetic products. Instead, it has a shop selling cultural items on the first floor, and a cafe selling selling tea, coffee, and alcoholic drinks on the second floor. I also recommend stopping by Yong Le Market, the largest fabric market in Taiwan. Pick up fabric from Taiwan and Japan or a handmade fabric bag. At the entrance to the market, you’ll also find Lin He Fa Glutinous Rice, where, as the name suggests, you’ll find the best glutinous rice in Taipei, for which you must come early. It’s closed on Mondays, however, so keep that in mind.
Lastly, visit Pier 5 and settle down with a beer and some snacks while watching Tamsui River.
Jenny's tip
Dadaocheng is also only a five-minute drive from Taipei Main Station, in case you have a train to catch.
Huashan1914 Creative Park
If you have more time on day 3, I would also recommend visiting Huashan1914 Creative Park. Huashan began as a winery in 1914 with the launch of Moth Orchid Sake. Since then it has been abandoned and rebuilt and is now the place to be for creative minds. There are always exhibitions going on here, along with seminars, art galleries, and sometimes even flea markets. It’s a happening place, and it’s worth spending a day here.
Jenny's tip
Huashan1914 Creative Park is just seven minutes away from Dadaocheng, so you can call an Uber to get here. Remember that Taiwan uses Uber and not Grab.
My hotel recommendations
I would recommend both Hotel Midtown Richardson and Just Sleep - Ximending, which are great options located close to Ximending Night Market.
Hotel Midtown Richardson (from USD 118)
Hotel Midtown Richardson
Address: No. 4, Xiushan Street
Just Sleep - Ximending (from USD 168)
Good value for money, free laundry, and complimentary breakfast.
Convenient location, 24-hour cafeteria, self-service laundry, and spacious rooms.
Close to Ximending shopping street, near MRT station, and easy access to attractions.
Tasty and varied breakfast, healthy options, and snacks and drinks available in the lobby.
Just Sleep - Ximending
Address: 5F, No. 41, Section 1, Zhonghua Road
See the best of Taiwan
Taiwan has a range of fascinating attractions to engage any visitor. Make the most of your visit around the country by trying out the activities I have listed above.
History
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