1-Day Adventure Itinerary: Unexplored Taipei with Friends

Taipei, Taiwan

1 days

Taipei evening skyline
View of the Jiufen area
Jiufen Old Street temple
Chinese pavilion among cherry blossoms
Chiang Kai-shek memorial hall

About Taipei, Taiwan

Experience the vibrant city of Taipei, Taiwan - a captivating blend of traditional culture and cosmopolitan life. Marvel at the towering Taipei 101, once the world's tallest building, offering panoramic city views. Explore the bustling night markets, particularly Shilin and Raohe, famous for their street food delicacies. Immerse yourself in history at the National Palace Museum, home to one of the world's largest collections of Chinese art. Visit the serene Longshan Temple, a testament to Taiwan's rich spiritual heritage. Enjoy a relaxing soak in Beitou's hot springs or a tranquil walk in Yangmingshan National Park. With its efficient MRT system, navigating Taipei is a breeze. Experience the warmth of Taiwanese hospitality and the city's dynamic energy. Taipei, a city that never sleeps, awaits you.

1-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Adventure and Outdoor Activities in Taipei

Morning

Start your day with a hike up Elephant Mountain, also known as Xiangshan. This trail offers a breathtaking view of Taipei city and is a great way to start your day with some outdoor adventure. The hike takes about 20-30 minutes and is relatively easy, making it perfect for a morning activity.

Lunch

After your morning hike, head to a local food market for lunch. Here, you can sample a variety of Taiwanese street food, including the famous beef noodle soup and bubble tea. The market also offers a unique insight into the local culture and lifestyle.

Afternoon

Spend your afternoon exploring the vibrant neighborhood of Ximending, known for its street art, indie fashion shops, and quirky cafes. This area is a hub for youth culture and is a great place to experience the city's modern and creative side.

Dinner

For dinner, visit a local Night Market. These markets are a staple of Taiwanese culture and offer a wide range of food options, from traditional dishes to innovative street food creations. It's an ideal place to enjoy a casual dinner with friends while soaking up the lively atmosphere.

Evening

End your day with a visit to a local karaoke bar, a popular pastime in Taiwan. These bars offer private rooms for groups, making it a fun and unique way to spend the evening. Alternatively, you can take a leisurely stroll along the Tamsui River, enjoying the city lights and the peaceful night ambiance.

Attractions in Itinerary (4)

Elephant Mountain

1
Elephant Mountain

A popular hiking trail offering stunning views of the Taipei skyline, including Taipei 101.

Attractions
Landmarks
Tours
Ximending

2
Ximending

Known as the 'Harajuku of Taipei', Ximending is a bustling shopping district popular among the youth for its fashion stores, quirky boutiques, themed cafes, and street performances.

Neighborhoods
Shopping
Food and Drink
Cultural Experiences
Night Market

3
Night Market

A lively market that comes alive at night, offering street food, shopping, and games.

Shopping
Food and Drink
Cultural Experiences
Tamsui River

4
Tamsui River

Tamsui River is a major river in northern Taiwan. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering beautiful views, boat tours, and a variety of waterfront activities.

Attractions
Tours

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Beef Noodle Soup

Beef Noodle Soup

A popular dish in Taipei, this soup is made with stewed or red braised beef, beef broth, vegetables and Chinese noodles.

Stinky Tofu

Stinky Tofu

A famous and unique street food in Taipei, it's fermented tofu with a strong odor, usually served deep-fried with pickled cabbage.

Oyster Omelette

Oyster Omelette

A night market favorite in Taipei, it's an omelette made with small oysters and served with a savory sauce.

Bubble Tea

Bubble Tea

Originating from Taiwan, this popular drink consists of milk tea with tapioca pearls, also known as boba.

Taiwanese Fried Chicken

Taiwanese Fried Chicken

A popular street food in Taipei, it's large pieces of chicken deep-fried to a crispy perfection and seasoned with spices.

Braised Pork Rice

Braised Pork Rice

A staple food in Taipei, it's a bowl of rice topped with braised pork belly and occasionally garnished with pickled mustard greens.

Dan Bing

Dan Bing

A typical Taiwanese breakfast dish, it's a thin egg crepe filled with various fillings like cheese, ham, or tuna.

Taiwanese Sausage

Taiwanese Sausage

A popular street food in Taipei, these sausages are sweet in taste and often served with raw garlic cloves.

Pineapple Cake

Pineapple Cake

A famous Taiwanese dessert, it's a small, rectangular shortbread cake filled with pineapple jam.

Lei Cha

Lei Cha

A traditional Hakka drink in Taipei, it's a tea-based beverage grinded with a variety of grains and seeds, served with rice and sides.

Guabao

Guabao

Often referred to as Taiwanese hamburger, it's a fluffy steamed bun filled with braised pork belly, pickled mustard greens, and peanut powder.

Shaved Ice Mountain

Shaved Ice Mountain

A popular dessert in Taipei, it's a mountain of shaved ice topped with various toppings like fruits, jellies, and condensed milk.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Taipei, Taiwan is during the fall, specifically from October to December. During these months, the weather is generally pleasant and cool, with less rainfall compared to other seasons. This makes it an ideal time for sightseeing and exploring the city's attractions. Additionally, the Taiwan International Festival takes place in October, offering a variety of cultural performances. However, if you're interested in experiencing Taiwan's vibrant festivals, you might want to consider visiting in February for the Lantern Festival or in September for the Mid-Autumn Festival.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

Republic Day/New Year's Day

February 8

Thu

Lunar New Year Holiday

February 9

Fri

Lunar New Year's Eve

February 10

Sat

Lunar New Year's Day

February 11

Sun

Lunar New Year Holiday

February 12

Mon

Lunar New Year Holiday

February 13

Tue

Lunar New Year Holiday

February 14

Wed

Lunar New Year Holiday

February 28

Wed

Peace Memorial Day

April 4

Thu

Tomb Sweeping Day

April 4

Thu

Children's Day

June 10

Mon

Dragon Boat Festival

September 17

Tue

Mid-Autumn Festival

October 10

Thu

National Day

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

Taipei's MRT is one of the best ways to get around the city. It's clean, efficient, and covers most of the city's main attractions. The MRT also connects to the Taipei Main Station, which provides access to other parts of Taiwan.

Buses in Taipei are plentiful and cover areas not reached by the MRT. They are a bit more complicated to use than the MRT due to the variety of routes and stops, but they are a good option if you're going to an area not covered by the MRT.

Taxis are widely available in Taipei and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. They are metered and relatively affordable. Most taxi drivers do not speak English, so it's a good idea to have your destination written in Chinese.

Taipei has a public bike rental system called YouBike. Stations are located throughout the city and rental is easy with a local phone number and credit card. Biking is a great way to explore the city's many bike paths and parks.

Uber operates in Taipei and can be a convenient option for getting around, especially if you're not comfortable navigating the public transportation system. Just like anywhere else, you can use the Uber app to request a ride.

Many of Taipei's attractions are located close together, making walking a viable option. The city is pedestrian-friendly with plenty of sidewalks and crosswalks.

Renting a car in Taipei is not recommended due to the city's heavy traffic and limited parking. However, if you plan to explore outside of the city, a rental car could be a good option.

For trips outside of Taipei, the High Speed Rail (HSR) is a fast and efficient option. The HSR connects Taipei with other major cities in Taiwan, including Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

CurrencyNT$ TWD

Time zoneUTC+8

Driving sideRight

Emergency phoneAmbulance: 119; Fire: 119; Police: 110

Drinking waterOpt for bottled water

Power sockets

Power socket type APower socket type B

Voltage110 V

Things to know about Taipei, Taiwan as a first time visitor

1

Taipei has a subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers (June to September) and mild winters (December to February). Average temperatures range from 59-77°F (15-25°C) in winter and 77-95°F (25-35°C) in summer.

2

The official language is Mandarin Chinese, but English is taught in schools and is commonly understood in tourist areas.

3

Taiwan's currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller vendors and street food stalls.

4

Taipei is generally safe for tourists, but like any major city, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.

5

Taiwan has a 110-volt electricity supply, with Type A and B outlets. If your devices use different plugs, you'll need an adapter.

6

Taipei has an excellent public transportation system, including the MRT (subway), buses, and bike rentals. Taxis are also plentiful and affordable.

7

Taiwanese food is a highlight of any visit. Be sure to try local specialties like beef noodle soup, bubble tea, and stinky tofu.

8

Taipei is known for its night markets, which offer a wide range of food, clothing, and souvenirs. The Shilin Night Market is the largest and most famous.

9

Taiwanese people are generally polite and reserved. It's customary to greet people with a nod or a slight bow, rather than a handshake.

10

Tipping is not customary in Taiwan, and may even be refused. However, some hotels and upscale restaurants may add a 10% service charge to the bill.

11

Taiwan has strict laws against drug use, including severe penalties for possession, use, or trafficking.

12

Taiwan is in the Taiwan Time Zone, which is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+8).

13

Taipei's tap water is technically safe to drink, but due to old piping, it's recommended to drink bottled water.

14

Taipei has a high standard of healthcare, with many doctors and medical staff speaking English. However, it's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses.

15

Internet access is widely available in Taipei, with many hotels, cafes, and public spaces offering free Wi-Fi.

16

Taiwan is a democratic country with freedom of speech, but it's considered impolite to discuss sensitive topics like politics and religion with strangers.

17

Taipei is a bustling city, but it's also surrounded by nature. Pack comfortable shoes for city walking, but also gear for hiking if you plan to explore the nearby mountains.

18

Taiwan has a zero-tolerance policy for drunk driving, with heavy fines and penalties. If you plan to drink, use public transportation or a taxi.

19

Smoking is banned in most public places in Taipei, including restaurants, bars, and night markets. Look for designated smoking areas.

20

Taiwan uses the metric system for measurements, so distances are in kilometers and temperatures are in Celsius.

Basic Mandarin Chinese to know as a first time visitor

English phrase

Native phrase

Pronunciation

When to use it

Hello

你好

Ni hao

Greeting someone

Goodbye

再見

Zai jian

Leaving or saying goodbye

Thank you

謝謝

Xie xie

Showing gratitude

Please

Qing

Making a request

Excuse me

對不起

Dui bu qi

Getting attention or apologizing

Yes

Shi

Agreeing or confirming

No

不是

Bu shi

Disagreeing or denying

I don't understand

我不懂

Wo bu dong

When you don't understand what was said

Do you speak English?

你會說英語嗎?

Ni hui shuo Yingyu ma?

Trying to find someone who speaks English

Where is the bathroom?

洗手間在哪裡?

Xi shou jian zai na li?

Looking for the bathroom

How much does this cost?

這個多少錢?

Zhe ge duo shao qian?

Asking the price of something

I'm lost

我迷路了

Wo mi lu le

When you're lost

Help

幫助

Bang zhu

In case of emergency

Can I have the menu, please?

請給我菜單

Qing gei wo cai dan

At a restaurant

I would like to order

我想點菜

Wo xiang dian cai

At a restaurant

Water

Shui

Asking for water

Beer

啤酒

Pi jiu

Ordering a beer

Check, please

請結帳

Qing jie zhang

Asking for the bill at a restaurant

Taxi

計程車

Ji cheng che

When you need a taxi

Hotel

飯店

Fan dian

Looking for a hotel

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Lightweight clothing

  • Rain jacket or umbrella

  • Sunglasses

  • Hat for sun protection

  • Toiletries

  • Travel-sized toothpaste and toothbrush

  • Deodorant

  • Travel-sized shampoo and conditioner

  • Sunscreen

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport

  • Driver's license or ID

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Cash in local currency

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger for smartphone

  • Power bank

  • Camera

  • Universal travel adapter

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Snacks

  • Water bottle

  • Travel guidebook for Taipei

  • Map of Taipei

  • Reusable shopping bag

Weather Conditions

When planning a trip to Taipei, Taiwan, it's important to consider the city's subtropical climate, which is characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. The summer months, from June to August, are typically the hottest with temperatures often reaching up to 95°F (35°C). It's also the rainy season, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, so it's advisable to carry an umbrella or raincoat. Despite the rain, summer is a great time to visit if you enjoy tropical fruits as it's the peak season for mangoes, lychees, and pineapples. The winter months, from December to February, are relatively mild with temperatures usually ranging between 57°F and 68°F (14°C - 20°C). However, it can get quite damp and chilly due to the high humidity and occasional rain, so packing a light jacket or sweater is recommended. Spring and autumn are generally considered the best times to visit Taipei. The temperatures during these seasons are quite comfortable, typically between 68°F and 77°F (20°C - 25°C). There's less rainfall compared to summer and winter, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Regardless of the season, Taipei's weather can be quite unpredictable, so it's always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip. And remember, the city's high humidity can make it feel hotter than it actually is, so stay hydrated and wear breathable clothing. Lastly, don't forget to pack sun protection, such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as the UV index can be high throughout the year.

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

19° / 13°

January is the coldest month in Taipei, but it's still relatively mild with temperatures ranging from 13°C to 19°C. It's also the driest month, so it's a good time to visit if you want to avoid rain.

February

20° / 14°

February is slightly warmer than January, with temperatures ranging from 14°C to 20°C. It's also a great time to visit Taipei to experience the Chinese New Year celebrations.

March

22° / 16°

March sees a rise in temperatures, ranging from 16°C to 22°C. It's a good time to visit Taipei as the weather is comfortable and the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

April

26° / 20°

April is a warm month in Taipei with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 26°C. It's also the start of the rainy season, so make sure to carry an umbrella.

May

29° / 23°

May is quite warm in Taipei, with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 29°C. The city experiences frequent showers, making the weather humid.

June

32° / 26°

June is the start of summer in Taipei, with temperatures ranging from 26°C to 32°C. It's also the start of the typhoon season, so be prepared for heavy rain and strong winds.

July

33° / 27°

July is the hottest month in Taipei, with temperatures ranging from 27°C to 33°C. It's also the peak of the typhoon season, so it's not the best time to visit if you want to avoid extreme weather.

August

33° / 27°

August is as hot as July in Taipei, with temperatures ranging from 27°C to 33°C. The typhoon season continues, so expect heavy rain and strong winds.

September

32° / 26°

September sees a slight drop in temperatures, ranging from 26°C to 32°C. The typhoon season continues, so be prepared for unpredictable weather.

October

29° / 23°

October is a comfortable month in Taipei, with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 29°C. The weather is generally pleasant, making it a great time to visit.

November

25° / 19°

November sees a further drop in temperatures, ranging from 19°C to 25°C. The weather is cool and comfortable, making it a good time to explore the city.

December

21° / 15°

December is a cool month in Taipei, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 21°C. It's a good time to visit if you want to experience Taipei's Christmas celebrations.

Did you know?

Did you know that Taipei, Taiwan is home to the Taipei 101, which was once the tallest building in the world until 2010?

1 of 10

Places near by Taipei, Taiwan

Jiufen

Jiufen

A mountain area in the Ruifang District of New Taipei City near Keelung, Taiwan. Known for its old street filled with tea houses, street food, and souvenir shops.

50m
44.8 km / 27.8 mi
How to get there
Yehliu Geopark

Yehliu Geopark

A cape in the town of Wanli, New Taipei, Taiwan, known for its sea-erosion landscape.

1h
39.2 km / 24.4 mi
How to get there
Shifen Waterfall

Shifen Waterfall

A scenic waterfall located in Pingxi District, New Taipei City, Taiwan, and is one of the most famous waterfalls in Taiwan.

1.5h
40.6 km / 25.2 mi
How to get there
Sun Moon Lake

Sun Moon Lake

The largest lake in Taiwan located in Yuchi Township, Nantou County. Known for its clear, sparkling blue water set against a picturesque mountain backdrop.

3h
277 km / 172.1 mi
How to get there
Taroko National Park

Taroko National Park

A national park located in eastern Taiwan, spanning across Hualien, Nantou and Taichung. Known for its spectacular mountains and marble canyons.

3h
173 km / 107.5 mi
How to get there
Kenting National Park

Kenting National Park

A national park located in the Hengchun Peninsula of Pingtung County. Known for its tropical climate and biodiversity.

4h
410 km / 254.8 mi
How to get there

Other Destinations in Taiwan