Thinking of going to Taipei for a holiday? Embarking on a journey to Taipei promises a captivating blend of ancient traditions and modern marvels, captivating your senses at every turn.
In the heart of Taiwan’s bustling capital, where skyscrapers brush shoulders with centuries-old temples, and vibrant night markets come alive under neon lights, there is a plethora of things to do for both the young and old in Taipei, the capital of Taiwan.
5D4N Itinerary to Taipei: Where to go and what to eat
| Day | Activity | What to do | Things to eat in the area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 Thurs | Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall XimenDing Shopping District Longshan Temple | Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall Longshan Temple Shopping Red House Theatre (Weekend Bazaar) Shinjuku Plaza - Affordable shoes and clothes Eslite Department Store Wanguo Department Store ABC-Mart, FuFa (Local Sneakers) Wan Nian Building - Toys and games Ximending Night Market | Food Near Ximending: Yongkang Beef Noodles (Michelin) Smoothie House (next to Yongkang) Ximending Night Market Snow King Ice Cream Eighty Eightea Rinbansyo Tea House Fuhong Beef Noodles Restaurant or Liu Shandong Beef Noodles (around a 10-minute walk from the main Ximending entertainment district) Sanrio/Hello Kitty Themed 7-Eleven |
| Day 2 Fri | Day trip to Jiufen and Shifen | Shifen Write wishes on lanterns and release them into the sky at Shifen Old Streets. Explore Shifen Waterfall Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the old railway tracks Jiufen Wander through Jiufen Old Street, a nostalgic alley lined with teahouses, shops, and street food. Capture stunning views of the surrounding mountains and ocean from vantage points. | Shifen LiouGe BBQ Stuffed Wings. Jiufen Jiufen Old Noodle Soup and Zhang Ji Traditional Fish Balls. A-MEI Tea House A-Zhu Peanut Ice Cream |
| Day 3 Sat | Modern Toilet Cafe at Shilin Yeh Liu Geo Park, National Palace Museum (Wet weather plan) Shilin Night Market | Visit Yeh Liu Geo Park or/and National Palace Museum Shilin Night Market | Shilin Night Market Food Hot Star Large Fried Chicken Fried Milk Oyster Mushroom Stinky Tofu Ah Hui Mian Xian Hao Peng You Cold Noodles Haiyou Shiquan Herbal Stewed Pork Ribs Zhongcheng Oyster Omelette Zhongjiayuan Shanghai Fried Buns |
| Day 4 Sun | Buy Pastries and Souvenirs Ichiran Ramen Taipei 101 Observatory National Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall Raohe Night Market | Buy Pastries and Souvenirs Chia Te Bakery (morning) Sunny Hill, 有记名茶 | Raohe Night Market Food to Eat Dong Fa Hao Oyster Vermicelli Fuzhou Shizu Pepper Cake, Yu Pin Yuan Iced and Hot Tangyuan, 安师傅冰火菠萝 |
| Day 5 Mon | Flight back to Singapore | Free Day | - |
Things to do in Taipei [2023]
Day 1: Exploring Taipei’s Vibrant Beginnings and Shopping Extravaganza
Source: Unsplash
Begin your Taipei adventure with a cultural immersion at the iconic Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, a testament to Taiwan’s rich history and heritage. Catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall every hour from 10 AM to 4 PM.
For lunch, you can head over to the famous Liu Shan Dong Beef Noodles for a hearty bowl of noodle soup. Thereafter, step into the lively pulse of the city’s shopping scene at the renowned Ximending Shopping District. This bustling hub offers an enticing blend of boutiques and local shops, showcasing an array of fashion and trends.
Choose to shop from a variety of international and local shops, such as the Shinjuku Department Store, Wan Nian Building, the Red House Theatre or Wanguo Department stores.
As you navigate the bustling streets, pause to appreciate the serene beauty of the Longshan Temple. This spiritual oasis provides a tranquil escape from the urban hustle. To conclude your day, embrace the electric energy of the Ximending Night Market, where you can savour mouthwatering delights.
With bags full of newfound treasures and satisfied taste buds, you can retire to your accommodation, excited for the adventures that await you in this dynamic city.
Day 2: Visit the old streets of Jiufen and release sky lanterns at Shifen
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Prepare for a day of enchantment as you venture to two of Taiwan’s most captivating destinations: Jiufen and Shifen. Your first stop is Jiufen, a picturesque town that seems to have stepped out of a storybook. Stroll through the narrow alleys of the famous Jiufen Old Street, where traditional teahouses, unique shops, and delectable street food await.
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Savour the taste of local specialities like Jiufen Old Noodle Soup and Zhang Ji Traditional Fish Balls. As you wander, take in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and ocean from various vantage points.
Source: Unsplash
Next, your journey takes you to Shifen, a charming village known for its nostalgic railway tracks and vibrant lantern-lit skies. As you arrive, the sight of sky lanterns soaring into the heavens is sure to captivate you. Participate in this age-old tradition at Shifen Old Streets, where you can write your wishes on a lantern and release it, watching your hopes ascend with the lantern’s glow.
Don’t miss the mesmerizing cascade of the Shifen Waterfall, often referred to as the “Little Niagara of Taiwan.” The thundering waters and lush surroundings provide a perfect backdrop for memorable photos. Before leaving, savour the unique delight of LiouGe BBQ Stuffed Wings, a local culinary gem that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Source: Unsplash
Day 3: Enjoy the scenic Yeh Liu Geo Park, National Palace Museum, and Shilin Night Market
On Day 3, embrace the wonders of nature at the mesmerizing Yeh Liu Geo Park, where ancient rock formations tell tales of time and elements. Stroll through the park’s trails, marvel at the renowned “Queen’s Head” rock, and be entranced by the unique landscapes that await at every turn.
Should the weather take a turn, immerse yourself in the treasures of the National Palace Museum, a sanctuary of Chinese art and heritage. Explore the intricate artifacts, delve into calligraphy, and absorb the cultural richness that spans centuries.
Source: Unsplash
As the sun sets, relish in the vibrant spirit of the Shilin Night Market. Explore the culinary haven, where iconic Hot Star Large Fried Chicken, tempting Stinky Tofu, savoury Oyster Mushroom, Fried Milk, and a plethora of local favourites await. Eat your way through Shilin Night Market, with crowd favourites such as Ah Hui Mian Xian, Hao Peng You Cold Noodles, and Zhongcheng Oyster Omelette.
Day 4: Visit Taipei 101 and Buy Fresh Pastries From Famous Pastry Shops in Taipei
Towards the end of the trip, delve into the world of delectable pastries by visiting Chia Te Bakery in the morning. This iconic bakery is a haven for pastry enthusiasts, offering an array of freshly baked treats that are both delightful and irresistible.
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Thereafter, visit Taipei 101 Observatory, an architectural marvel that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the cityscape below. As you ascend to new heights, you’ll be captivated by Taipei’s sprawling urban landscape and picturesque surroundings.
Afterwards, immerse yourself in history and culture at the National Dr Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall. The hall’s majestic architecture and serene gardens provide a serene backdrop for reflection and exploration.
Day 5: Heading Home from Taipei to Singapore
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As your Taipei adventure draws to a close, it’s time to say goodbye to this captivating city. Allow ample time to reach Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) from your hotel. You can easily book a reliable taxi or use the efficient Taipei Metro to reach the airport.
We hope Taipei’s city’s charm will remain with you as you board your flight back to Singapore, and that this itinerary helps you in your family trips or solo travels to Taipei. Have a safe trip!