From shopping in Ximending to exploring the popular Shilin Night Market, here’s a complete Taipei itinerary guide to the best things to do and eat in Taipei!
Part #1: Taipei Food Guide – Which Best Restaurants to Eat?
Part #2: Taipei District Guide – Which District to Stay in Taipei?
Part #3: Taiwan Travel Guide – Which Day Trips from Taipei to Take?
Part #4: Taipei Itinerary Guide – 4D3N in Taipei
Part #5: Taiwan Hotel Promotions List
Taipei, the capital city of Taiwan, is a lively metropolis brimming with amazing experiences, stunning views, and tantalising delicacies waiting to be discovered.
From the hottest must eats in night markets to offbeat escapes outside Taipei city, here’s a complete 4-day Taipei itinerary guide for an unforgettable Taiwan holiday experience:
When to Go Taipei: Best Season
Taipei experiences a subtropical climate, so you won’t expect very drastic temperature changes all year round. That being said, the best season to visit Taipei is definitely autumn from September to November, when the temperature is slightly cooler between 18°C to 31°C, and rainfall is minimal. Taipei experiences regular typhoons which may hinder your travel plans, so it’s best to go around October after the typhoon season is over.
What to Bring: Taipei Packing List
The weather is fairly warm in Taipei, so you can dress light! Go ahead and pack your favourite #ootds, and remember to bring a light cardigan or two in case of rainy weather and breezy nights. Don’t forget to toss an umbrella into your luggage too – though rainfall is minimal in autumn, there’s always a chance that it might rain (better safe than sorry!). You should also pack some insect repellent, as there are dengue cases all year round in Taiwan.
You’ll do a fair bit of walking in Taipei, so a pair of comfortable shoes is also essential. You’ll also need to bring along a universal power adapter, as Taiwan uses Type A and Type B power socket.
Finally, bring your own reusable bags and essentials to help conserve the environment and play your part in being an eco-conscious traveller!
How to Get There: Flights to Taipei
Taipei is a favourite travel destinations in Asia, so there are always plenty of flight deals to score! Jetstar and Scoot are popular budget airlines that offer flights to Taipei for as low as SGD $108 for one-way tickets.
Also, keep your eyes on full-service carriers like Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific, as they also feature regular promotions to Taipei with return flight fares as low as SGD $428! To stay in the loop for latest flight deals and promotions, just follow @SGTravelHacks on Telegram. ✈️
Where to Stay: Areas & Hotels in Taipei
Taipei is a bustling metropolis with a variety of districts and areas filled with their own distinctive charm. If you need help in choosing the best area to stay in, we’ve curated the best districts for you in Where to Stay in Taipei: Guide to 4 Best Districts in Taipei.
If you’re travelling to Taipei for the first time, Ximending is definitely a top pick. The district one of the most popular shopping districts in Taipei that’s filled with a myriad of fun shops and famous Taiwanese must eats! To top it off, Ximending is also pretty accessible from all around thanks to its central locations, so that’s definitely a plus point.
While you’re looking for the best accommodation for your trip, don’t forget to book your stay through Agoda with your YouTrip card for up to 45% + 6% off hotels in Taiwan.
How Much to Bring: Money Matters in Taipei
Credit cards are widely accepted in Taipei within most restaurants and shopping malls, so remember to bring along your YouTrip card to enjoy Wholesale Exchange Rates for some good savings!
While you can get by being cashless in most shopping malls, restaurants and cafes, there are still many vendors that only accept cash (especially street food), so you’ll need to have some petty cash on hand to enjoy your Taipei trip to the fullest.
There aren’t many money changers in Taipei outside of banks, airports, and hotels, so I recommend you to exchange your money before flying or just make do with the bank’s currency exchange services.
Things to Do & Places To Go in Taipei
Day 1: Ximending & Ningxia Night Market
Begin your Taipei itinerary in Ximending, the hottest shopping district in Taipei. Among many local and international stores, there’s also numerous themed cafes (maid cafes too!) and delicious food options. It’s not difficult to see why Ximending is often referred to as the ”Shibuya” of Taipei, because the district is almost always packed with local youths and tourists daily.
When you’ve had your fill of shopping, treat yourself to a delicious bowl of the famous Ay Chung Rice Noodles, one of the best must eats in Taipei! You won’t have a hard time spotting the eatery because the large crowd and long queue almost never ends. Don’t be intimidated by the queue though, the store vendors manage their popularity well and the line moves rather quickly!
End off your first night in Taipei at Ningxia Night Market, one of Taipei’s many amazing night markets that’s just a 20-minute train journey from Ximending. Indulge in a vast variety of Taipei’s delectable street foods, including Ningxia Night Market’s specialty: Sweet and savoury fried taro balls. Trust me, it’s a treat you won’t be able to forget!
Day 2: Taipei 101, Raohe Night Market & Xinyi Night Life
After a good night’s rest, set off bright and early on day two to the iconic Taipei 101. Take in Taipei’s mesmerising cityscape from the epic 360-degree observation deck located on the 89th, 90th, and 91st floors of Taipei 101. I recommend you to book your passes beforehand to avoid the long queues!
An alternative to the city’s panoramic view is on Elephant Mountain. Hike up the Elephant Mountain Trail next to Taipei 101 to enjoy a fulfilling view of the skyscraper and the city’s surroundings!
The hike takes around 20 minutes, and it can get pretty crowded too. That being said, the hike up is definitely worthwhile. And hey, more calories burnt means more room for delicious Taiwanese street snacks!
As night falls, it’s time for another night market trip. Take a 10-minute taxi ride from Taipei’s city centre to Raohe Night Market, one of Taipei’s oldest and bustling night markets.
It’s hard to miss Raohe Night Market, because the magnificently lit entrance depicting its name will instantly catch your attention. Teeming with all sorts of street food, carnival games, and trinket stalls, you’ll be spoilt for choice at this spectacular night market.
Don’t miss Raohe Night Market’s signature hu jiao bing (pork pepper buns) too!
After exploring Raohe Night Market, it’s time to party in Xinyi District, where you can experience Taipei’s stupendous nightlife in just one ultimate building – ATT 4 FUN.
Filled with bars and clubs on multiple levels, ATT 4 FUN is the holy grail for those seeking an unforgettable night out in Taipei. Have a drink with a view at Frank Taipei on the 10th floor, or party the night away at WAVE Club (formerly occupied by Elektro) on the 7th. If you’re feeling hunger pangs after a night of partying, there are also food places like Haidilao in the building that open late into the night!
Day 3: Spirited Away to Jiufen & Shilin Night Market
On day three of your Taipei itinerary, set off to Jiufen. The stunning little town just east of Taipei is a breath of fresh air away from the hustle and bustle of Taipei’s city life.
As you explore Jiufen’s rustic alleyways and charming teahouses, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported into the mystical town of Studio Ghibli’s multi award-winning animation film Spirited Away. After all, the globally-loved animation was inspired by Jiufen’s magical charm, and it’s one of the many reasons why Jiufen remains at the most popular offbeat destinations from Taipei city. Check out our guide on the best day trips from Taipei for a closer look at this old mining town and what to expect here!
When you’re ready to step out of the fairytale and return to Taipei’s cosmopolitan city life, head over to Shilin Night Market. Arguably the most popular night market in all of Taipei, Shilin Night Market bustles with life and boasts a plethora of mouth-watering street food, games, stores, and even an underground food court.
In Shilin Night Market, you’ll catch an unmistakable whiff of the famous stinky tofu even before you spot it. Follow the scent and get yourself a stick! Other street food favourites you shouldn’t miss are flame-grilled beef cubes with pink Himalayan salt and deep fried milk.
Pro tip: If there’s too many food that you want to try at this massive night market, simply order them to-go and bring them back to your hotel rooms for a late night supper feast!
Day 4: Yong Kang Street & Din Tai Fung
Taiwan is a foodie’s paradise, so ending off your Taipei itinerary at Yong Kang street is definitely more than apt! Known as Taipei’s most popular dining district, Yong Kang Street is home to countless restaurants, cafes, and food vendors that’s bound to satisfy your every craving and gastronomical need.
Eat your way through some of Taipei’s most beloved mango shaved ice, spring onion pancakes, and rolled peanut ice cream!
Last but not least, you can’t end conclude your Taipei itinerary without dining at Din Tai Fung’s original store since 1972. Located on Yong Kang Street, the Din Tai Fung original store sees long queues everyday.
Grab yourself a queue number first and wander off to do some last minute shopping around the street.
Pro tip: Remember to return 10 to 15 minutes earlier than stated on your queue tickets, as the wait time might be shorter than expected!
Stoked for a Taipei adventure? Don’t forget to book your accommodation through Agoda with your YouTrip card to enjoy up to 45% + 6% off hotels in Taiwan! Also, remember to bring your YouTrip card along to Taipei to utilise YouTrip’s Wholesale Exchange Rates for favourable New Taiwan Dollar (NTD) currency exchange rates!
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Enjoy a worldwide fees-less travel experience!
