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Taipei, Taiwan: 3 Night, 4 Day Itinerary


After spending a month studying in Taipei during college, I always wanted to return and relive those memories. This time, I traveled with my mother on her first visit to Taiwan. She was just as—if not more—excited than I was. To make sure she had the best experience possible, I planned an itinerary tailored to our style, with a strong focus on food.

It's impossible to see everything Taipei has to offer in just a few days, but this itinerary highlights our journey. I’ve also included additional activities that I’ve personally experienced and would recommend. Whether you’re wandering through Jiufen’s lantern-lit streets, enjoying a quiet tea ceremony, or taking in the city views from Taipei 101, this guide will help you explore Taipei at a relaxed and enjoyable pace.




Note: All stated costs are approximates and prices may change.



🛫 Airport Transportation Tips


We flew in and out of Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA), the most conveniently located airport in Taipei, just minutes from the city center. If you're flying internationally, you may land at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) instead. While TPE is in Taoyuan City, it remains well-connected to Taipei and is easily accessible by car or train.


  • Getting to/from TSA:

    • The Songshan Airport MRT Station (Wenhu Line) is right in front of the airport.

    • To reach Taipei Main Station, transfer to the Bannan Line at Zhongxiao Fuxing.

    • Total travel time: ~20 minutes.

    • Cost: NT$25 (~$0.80 USD).

  • Getting to/from TPE:

    • The Airport MRT Express Line connects both Terminal 1 & Terminal 2 to Taipei Main Station in about 40 minutes.

    • Cost: NT$150 (~$5 USD).

  • Ride-hailing & Taxis:

    • Uber works in Taiwan. I've taken Uber and taxis from both airports with no issues.

    • Taxi fares (approximates):

      • TSA → Taipei City Center: ~NT$200-300 ($6-10 USD).

      • TPE → Taipei City Center: ~NT$1,000-1,200 ($30-40 USD).



🚇 Navigating Taipei’s MRT System


Taipei’s MRT (subway system)—also called the dìtiě 地鐵 —is clean, efficient, and easy to use.


  • Unlimited Transportation Passes:

    • Available for 1, 2, or 3 days at MRT station help desks or online.

    • Costs:

      • 1​​-Day Transportation Pass: NT$210 (~$7 USD)

      • 2-Day Transportation Pass: NT$340 (~$11 USD)

      • 3-Day Transportation Pass: NT$470 (~$15 USD)

    • We purchased this at Songshan Airport MRT Station.

    • Note: This pass does not cover four-digit bus routes or intercity trains (e.g., to Shifen).

  • EasyCard (IC Metro Card):

    • If you're staying longer and more access to other train routes outside of Taipei, a regular EasyCard is a great option.

    • Card cost: NT$100 (~$3 USD) non-refundable.

    • You’ll need to add funds to use it for MRT rides, buses, and even in some convenience stores.

  • For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the Taipei Metro's official website (https://english.metro.taipei/cp.aspx?n=BECC2E7AC426F659&s=01872DBE36650923)




Day 1: Arrival & Taipei Highlights


  • Arrive in Taipei (TSA/TPE) around noon.

  • Drop Luggage: If early check-in is unavailable, use coin lockers at XimenDing Visitor Center since it was nearby our Airbnb.

  • Accommodation: We stayed at an Airbnb in the heart of XimenDing. Although it is a very busy area, it was conveniently located to the train and bus stations, food, and other amenities.

    • Total Cost for 3 Night at my Airbnb: ~$220


Lunch: Takumi Dumplings

📍 No. 6, Sec. 2, Jinan Rd, Zhongzheng District Specializes in handmade dumplings with flavorful fillings. 




Explore:

  • Huashan 1914 Cultural Park 📍 No. 1, Sec. 1, Bade Rd, Zhongzheng District A creative hub featuring art exhibits, indie shops, and cafes set in a renovated rice wine distillery.



  • Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall 📍 100, Zhongzheng District An iconic landmark with stunning architecture and a historic exhibition on Taiwan’s former leader.



  • Boba at Chun Shui Tang

📍 No. 21-1, Zhongshan S Rd, Zhongzheng District

☕ Fun fact: Founded in 1983 as Yanghsien Tea Shop, Chun Shui Tang is recognized as the birthplace of bubble tea, serving traditional hand-shaken milk tea with chewy pearls. My mom said that this was the best boba tea she ever drank.

💡 Pro Tip: Since the take-out queue can also take awhile, order first, then explore CKS Memorial while waiting.




Dinner at a Night Market

Explore one of Taipei’s bustling night markets for a variety of street food! Popular options:

  • Shilin Night Market – Taipei’s largest and most famous night market.

  • Raohe Night Market – Home to the legendary black pepper buns.

  • Ningxia Night Market – A compact but food-packed night market.

    • Beans Village (No. 49, Ningxia Rd, Datong District) – Famous for dòuhuā (豆花), a silky smooth tofu pudding served with toppings like sweet syrup or red beans.



*Ningxia Night Market and Beans Village pictured above.


Day 2: Jiufen & Shifen Day Trip + Taipei 101

Start your day around 07:30


Breakfast: Yonghe Soy Milk King

📍 No. 53, Yanping S Rd, Zhongzheng District A breakfast spot serving crispy scallion pancakes, warm soy milk, and yóutiáo 油條(fried dough sticks)—a classic Taiwanese breakfast combo.



Explore Jiufen Old Street

Transportation Options:

  • Bus 965 Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Jiufen Jinguashi Line – a one shot ~1 hour ride from Ximen. You may use the 1-3 day MRT pass to pay the fare.

  • Train to Ruifang Station + bus to Jiufen.



🌟 Must-Visit:

  • Ai Mei Teahouse – The most famous teahouse in Jiufen, known for its classic lantern-lit exterior (said to have inspired Spirited Away!). Arrive before 11:00 AM to beat the crowds.


Snacks to Try:

  • A Gan Yi Taro Balls – Freshly made taro, sweet potato, and matcha-flavored chewy taro balls in sweet soup.

  • A-Zhu Peanut Ice Cream Roll – A unique Taiwanese dessert: crushed peanut brittle, cilantro, and ice cream wrapped in a thin crepe.





Shifen

  • Transport: Train from Ruifang Station (~45 min, EasyCard accepted, not 1-3 Day MRT pass)

  • Experience: Write wishes on a sky lantern and release it into the sky, a cherished tradition in Shifen.

  • Return: Take Bus 965 from Ruifang Station back to Taipei.















Taipei 101

  • Queue at Din Tai Fung (1-2 hour wait) – A Michelin-starred restaurant famous for xiǎo lóng bāo 小籠包 (soup dumplings).

  • Observatory Deck: Buy tickets while waiting (NT$600 / ~$20 USD). Enjoy 360° city views from the 89th floor, and you may catch the sunset just in time!

  • Explore: If time allows, check out Taipei 101 Mall, featuring luxury brands and local designer stores.






Day 3: Local Gems & Culture

Start your day around 08:00


Morning Coffee: Fong Da Coffee

📍 No. 42, Chengdu Rd, Wanhua District

Established in 1956, this retro-style café is famous for its 12 blends of coffee, one most notably known as "iced coffee." (Since I didn't know about this prior to my order) I chose the Alishan Mountain blend, which still yielded a great cup of joe.





Breakfast: Ding Yuan Soy Milk

📍 No. 30-1, Jinhua St, Zhongzheng District

A local favorite known for xián dòujiāng 鹹豆漿 (salty soy milk), served with crispy dough sticks.



Yongkang Street

A charming neighborhood filled with tea shops, souvenir stores, and local cafes.


🌟 Must-Visit:


  • Lai Hao  📍No. 11, Lane 6, Yongkang St

    A boutique selling Taiwanese-themed gifts, including handmade accessories and home decor.

  • Jing Sheng Yu 

    📍 No. 11, Lane 8, Yongkang St

    Offers free Taiwanese tea tastings, perfect for tea lovers.

  • Smoothie House

    📍 No. 16, Lishui St Famous for its massive mango shaved ice, a must-try dessert in Taipei.













Choose One Afternoon Activity:

  • Maokong Tea Village – Ride the Maokong Gondola to enjoy breathtaking mountain views and sip freshly brewed high-mountain tea at a traditional tea house.

  • Taipei Zoo – Perfect for families. If you have time after visiting Maokong, they share the same station.

  • Dihua Shopping Street – A historic street with traditional handicrafts, dried goods, and retro Taiwanese goods.


Evening: Dinner at Ximending (+Night Life)

  • Tian Tian Li 📍 108, Taiwan, Taipei City, Wanhua District, 漢中街32巷1號 You can treat this as a pre-dinner spot (or if you're like me, got some lǔròu fàn 魯肉飯 (beef braised rice) to-go and watched a quick movie in my Airbnb to relax). They got the classic Taiwanese dishes, such as oyster omelete and radish cake.



  • Mala Hot Pot in Ximending  📍 108, Taiwan, Taipei City, Wanhua District, Xining Rd, 30號2樓 An all-you-can-eat hot pot experience with unlimited meat, seafood, and local delicacies. 




Nightlife

  • Feeling like you can party all night? Here are the spots that I visited all near Taipei 101:

    • Ce La Vie - No. 10, Songshou Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110

    • Fake Sober - No. 12, Songshou Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110

    • DD Night Club - No. 20, Songshou Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110

    • Ruff Night Club - No. 25, Songshou Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110



Day 4: Departure

Head to the airport for your return flight.


...But you still have some time?

Take a day trip to Yangmingshan National Park

  • There are hiking routes for all levels, from mountain hiking to strolling through the pastures.

Hiking Mt. Qixing in Yangmingshan National Park
Hiking Mt. Qixing in Yangmingshan National Park



That wraps up my trip to Taiwan over a long weekend!

There is so much to see beyond Taipei... So I cannot wait to see more.


Feel free to share some of your favorite spots to visit in Taipei in the comments below.


-Sarah

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