4-Days Taipei Itinerary: Best Things To Do

4-Day Taipei Itinerary:
Best Things To Do

Taipei, crowned by the iconic Taipei 101, offers a seamless blend of cultural richness and contemporary allure. In this vibrant cityscape, discover the best things to do in this 4-days Taipei itinerary that offers a sensory feast of night markets, historic temples, and lush parks.

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Best Things To Do In Taipei

1. Taipei 101

An iconic marvel that defines the city’s skyline, Taipei 101 is an architectural masterpiece and was once the world’s tallest building from its completion in 2004 until 2010. Experience an elevator ride that will whisk you to dizzying heights, granting breathtaking panoramic views of Taipei’s bustling streets and distant mountains.

Price of observatory tower: NTD 600 (~20 USD)

2. Visit night markets

Taipei’s night markets are a mesmerising blend of sights, sounds, and aromas that come to life after the sun sets, offering an unforgettable experience that’s distinctly Taiwanese.

Some of the famous night markets of Taipei are:

Raohe night market: had the best selection of food
Shilin night market: the largest night market in Taipei
Ningxia night market: a smaller night market but known for its delectable selection of Taiwanese cuisine and offers more local flavours

Our favourite dishes:

Stinky Tofu is a must-try and our favourite Taiwanese local dish!

3. Historical sites

Taipei boasts a rich history that comes alive through its fascinating historical sites. Even if you’re not a history fanatic, some of the places are an awe to visit Some notable places to explore include:

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

A symbol of Taiwan’s democratic progress, dedicated to the country’s former president, featuring an impressive monument and lush gardens.

Longshan Temple

One of Taiwan’s oldest temples, revered for its intricate architecture and historical significance.

Bopiliao Historic Block

A preserved area showcasing Qing Dynasty architecture, providing insights into Taipei’s past.

4. Cultural centres

Huashan 1913 Creative Park

As a former industrial complex, the revitalized space has transformed into a dynamic center for arts, creativity, and cultural events. With its historic warehouses and modern art installations, it showcases a fusion of old and new. You can explore galleries, pop-up exhibitions, theaters, shops, and cafés within this vibrant atmosphere.

Dihua Street at Dadaocheng Taipei

Step into history while walking along cobblestone walkways, graced with traditional shopfronts. Dihua Street hosts an assortment of specialty stores—herbal medicine, tea shops, antique vendors—each radiating a vintage charm. Browse captivating gift shops to find unique souvenirs!

5. Parks, nature and hiking

Yangmingshan National Park

A highlight is Yangmingshan National Park, a captivating volcanic paradise merely a short distance from Taipei. The park features a wide range of landscapes, encompassing dense forests, invigorating hot springs, lofty volcanic peaks, and blooming flower fields. Its well-marked trails cater to nature enthusiasts and keen hikers, making it an ideal day trip from Taipei.

Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain) Trail

For a brief hike near the city center, consider Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain) Trail. With about 1,100 steps, the ascent takes around 20-30 minutes. From the top viewpoint, you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic vistas of the city, Taipei 101, and the encircling mountains. Catching the sunset here offers an unparalleled view of Taipei’s skyline.

Da’an Park

Nestled in the heart of Taipei, Da’an Park offers a peaceful retreat amidst the urban bustle. This sprawling green oasis invites visitors to unwind, jog, or simply enjoy nature’s serenity. Mornings here offer a serene walk and a glimpse of locals engaging in their morning exercises.

6. Claw machines

Playing at the claw machines is one of Taiwan’s distinctive pastimes! The captivating claw machine culture in Taiwan has swept the nation, becoming an inseparable aspect of its entertainment and culture. These compact arcade games promise boundless enjoyment (and are extremely addictive).

You’ll encounter rows of claw machines at night markets and also along the streets, like the Ximending area and RaoHe Night Market. While plush toys often fill these claw machines, intriguingly, some have everyday household items or even tempting snacks! It’s a uniquely Taiwanese experience worth trying.

7. Day trips

Taipei serves as a gateway to a variety of captivating day trip destinations:

Jiufen: Explore this atmospheric mountain town with its narrow alleyways, tea houses, and breathtaking coastal views.
Shifen: Release sky lanterns along an old railway track and visit the Shifen Waterfall in this charming village.
Yangmingshan: Discover a volcanic wonderland with hot springs, hiking trails, and vibrant flower fields.
Yehliu Geopark: Witness unique rock formations, including the iconic “Queen’s Head,” sculpted by natural erosion.
Beitou: Experience natural hot springs, traditional architecture, and a serene atmosphere in this district.
Tamsui: Enjoy riverfront strolls, explore historical sites, and savor delicious seafood.

MORE: Yangminshan National Park Mount Qixing Hike

4-Days Taipei Itinerary

Day 1

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Longshan Temple and Bopiliao Historic Block
Huashan Creative Park 1914
Shilin Night Market

Day 2

Taipei 101 and malls nearby
Climb Xiangshan Trail
Raohe Night Market

Day 3

Jiufen and Shifen Day Trips

Day 4

Yangmingshan National Park

Transport in Taipei

Taipei offers a well-developed and efficient transportation system, making it easy for travelers to explore the city and its surroundings.

Remember to get an EasyCard, a reloadable smart card that can be used on MRT, buses, and even for bike rentals

Here are various modes of transportation to travel around Taipei:

MRT: The Taipei Metro, known as MRT (Mass Rapid Transport), is a convenient and extensive subway system that covers key areas of the city

PUBLIC BUSES: This option was very useful for our day trips as Taipei has an extensive bus network that reaches areas not covered by the MRT.

BIKING: Taipei is a bike-friendly city with dedicated bike lanes. You can rent bikes through various bike-sharing programs like YouBike.

You’ll need a SIM card with a Taiwanese phone number to be able to register for the bike-sharing app YouBike

UBER/TAXI: Uber is the main app-based ride-hailing services in Taiwan. Especially for those who may face language barriers, Uber has the convenience of an app-based communication and payment, eliminating potential challenges associated with language differences and fare negotiations.

CAR: Driving in the city is often unnecessary given the substantial traffic congestion in Taipei and the exceptional convenience of public transportation. Moreover, finding parking can pose a considerable challenge. Renting a car becomes more essential when contemplating day trips outside the city or traveling to other destinations across Taiwan.