Taiwan 4 Day Itinerary
Taiwan 4-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Taipei City Exploration
- Morning: Arrive at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) and take a bus or taxi to your hotel in Taipei City.
- 9:00 am: Start the day at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (), a national monument and iconic landmark. Take a stroll around the surrounding gardens and explore the National Theater and Concert Hall.
- 11:00 am: Visit the nearby Bopiliao Historic Block (), a well-preserved example of Taipei’s early 20th-century architecture.
- 1:00 pm: Enjoy a traditional Taiwanese lunch at a local restaurant, such as Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle () or beef noodle soup.
- 2:30 pm: Explore the vibrant Shilin Night Market (), one of the largest and most famous night markets in Taiwan. Try some street food, buy souvenirs, and soak up the lively atmosphere.
Things to Know:
- Visa requirements: Citizens of 65 countries, including the US, Canada, and EU nations, can enter Taiwan visa-free for up to 90 days.
- Transportation: Taipei has an efficient metro system. Buy a rechargeable IC card (e.g., EasyCard) for convenient travel.
Day 2: Taipei City Landmarks
- 9:00 am: Visit the Taipei 101 Observation Deck (), which offers breathtaking views of the city.
- 11:30 am: Explore the National Palace Museum (), home to one of the largest collections of Chinese art and artifacts in the world.
- 1:30 pm: Enjoy a lunch of modern Taiwanese cuisine at RAW () or other trendy restaurants in the area.
- 3:00 pm: Take a stroll along the scenic Tamsui River Waterfront (), offering great views of the city skyline.
- 6:00 pm: Explore the Elephant Mountain Trail (), which offers panoramic views of Taipei 101 and the surrounding cityscape.
Tips:
- Buy tickets for the Taipei 101 Observation Deck in advance to avoid long queues.
- The National Palace Museum is closed on Mondays.
Day 3: Jiufen Old Street and Northeast Coast
- 9:00 am: Take a day trip to Jiufen Old Street (), a historic mining town turned tourist attraction. Explore the narrow alleys, try some street food, and enjoy the stunning ocean views.
- 1:00 pm: Enjoy a seafood lunch at one of Jiufen’s many restaurants.
- 3:00 pm: Visit the Yehliu Geopark (), featuring unique rock formations and scenic coastal views.
- 6:00 pm: Return to Taipei City in the evening.
Things to Do:
- Try some traditional Taiwanese tea at a local tea house in Jiufen.
- Be prepared for crowds and long queues at Jiufen Old Street, especially on weekends.
Day 4: Sun Moon Lake and Lukang
- 8:00 am: Take an early morning bus or taxi to Sun Moon Lake (), the largest freshwater lake in Taiwan. Take a scenic boat ride and enjoy the surrounding mountains.
- 12:30 pm: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, such as Fong Fang Restaurant (), serving traditional Taiwanese dishes.
- 2:30 pm: Visit the historic town of Lukang (), known for its well-preserved architecture and traditional industries, such as wooden clog making.
- 6:00 pm: Return to Taipei City in the evening.
Tips:
- Book your Sun Moon Lake boat ride tickets in advance to avoid sold-out situations.
- Be respectful of local customs and traditions when visiting Lukang’s temples and historic sites.
Transportation
- Taiwan High-Speed Rail (HSR): Connects major cities, including Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung.
- Bus: Frequent services connect cities and towns across the island.
- Taxi: Widely available, but not all drivers speak English. Consider using a taxi app with translation features.
Other Tips
- Learn some basic Chinese phrases, such as “hello” (nǐ hǎo), “thank you” (xiè xiè), and “excuse me” (duì bù qǐ).
- Taiwan is generally a safe country, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
- Try some of the local fruits, such as guavas, wax apples, or bananas.
Enjoy your trip to Taiwan!