3-Day Practical Taipei Itinerary: Taipei 101, Beitou Hot Springs, National Palace Museum & Night Markets

Day 1: City Classics

Taipei, Taiwan on August 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Fu Hang Dou Jiang

Classic Taiwanese breakfast of soy milk, youtiao and egg crepe; popular shop so expect a short queue. Typical opening 6:00am–1:00pm, but check for seasonal changes.
TWD120, 0h30m

9:00am

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Iconic white-and-blue monument with hourly guard changes and roomy plaza; visit to learn modern Taiwanese history and photograph the grand architecture. Grounds generally open 9:00am–6:00pm; interior exhibits may vary.
TWD0, 1h0m

11:00am

Longshan Temple (Wanhua)

One of Taipei’s most venerated temples blending Taoist, Buddhist and folk practices; it's atmospheric and free to enter—great for people-watching.
TWD0, 0h40m

12:15pm

Lunch at Yongkang Beef Noodle (Dongmen area)

Well-known beef noodle shop near Dongmen MRT; hearty bowl and local ambience. Usually opens from late morning (around 11:00am), but lines form at peak times.
TWD250, 1h0m

2:00pm

Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) short hike

30–45-minute climb to a famous Taipei 101 viewpoint; best in late afternoon for clearer skyline photos. Trail is open year-round but get there before dusk for safety.
TWD0, 1h0m

4:30pm

Taipei 101 Observatory

Visit the observatory for sweeping views of Taipei and watch the city go from day to night; observatory opening hours commonly 9:00am–10:00pm—buy tickets in advance to skip lines.
TWD600, 1h0m

6:30pm

Early dinner at Din Tai Fung (Xinyi branch) or nearby xiaochi

Famous soup dumplings (xiaolongbao) at the celebrated chain; expect waits at peak times but quick turnover. Most branches open into the evening—check exact hours for the branch you choose.
TWD400, 1h0m

8:00pm

Raohe Street Night Market

Classic night market for street snacks (pepper buns, oyster omelette), shopping and local energy; busiest after 8pm and typically open until midnight or later.
TWD300, 2h0m

Day 2: Hot Springs & Coast

Taipei, Taiwan on August 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast: local soy milk and pastries near Beitou MRT

Grab a quick Taiwanese breakfast near Beitou station before exploring; many small shops open from early morning. Check individual shop hours—most open 7:00am–10:00am for breakfast service.
TWD120, 0h30m

9:30am

Beitou Hot Spring Museum & Thermal Valley

Short walkable cluster: learn Beitou's onsen history at the museum (usually 9:00am–5:00pm) and view the steaming Thermal Valley; good introduction to the area.
TWD30, 1h0m

11:00am

Public foot baths or small private onsen

Soak your feet in a free/public hot spring spot or book a private onsen for 30–60 minutes for a relaxing local experience; private baths require reservation and vary by hotel/spa hours.
TWD0, 0h45m

12:30pm

Lunch in Beitou (local bento or hot spring hotel meal)

Try a nearby restaurant serving Taiwanese set meals or a hotel onsen lunch; convenient and warming after morning soaking. Many restaurants open midday—confirm hours locally.
TWD350, 1h0m

2:00pm

MRT north to Tamsui (Tamsui Old Street)

Explore waterfront Tamsui, sample street snacks (ah-gei, fish balls) and walk the riverside promenade; shops are typically open afternoon through evening.
TWD0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Fort San Domingo & Fisherman's Wharf

Historic Fort San Domingo offers colonial-era history and good harbour views; continue to Fisherman's Wharf for the Lovers' Bridge sunset viewpoint. Fort museum hours usually ~9:00am–5:00pm.
TWD100, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner on Tamsui Old Street

Dinner of seafood snacks and local specialties while enjoying evening river views; night stalls typically lively after sunset and remain open late.
TWD300, 1h30m

9:00pm

Return to central Taipei

Take MRT back to central Taipei—good time to rest or take a short stroll depending on energy. MRT may run later on weekends; check last-train times if returning late.
TWD0, 0h30m

Day 3: Culture & Tea

Taipei, Taiwan on August 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast near hotel or Ximending street stalls

Light breakfast—grab a Taiwanese pancake or soy milk at a nearby stall. Most breakfast vendors open early (6:00am–10:30am).
TWD120, 0h30m

9:30am

National Palace Museum

World-class collection of Chinese art and imperial treasures; allow 2–3 hours for highlights. Typical hours 9:00am–5:00pm; check for special exhibitions or closures.
TWD350, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch near Shilin: local restaurant or Shilin Market food court

Enjoy Taiwanese set dishes or market snacks before heading to Maokong; many vendors open for lunch from 11:00am onwards.
TWD250, 1h0m

2:00pm

Maokong Gondola and tea tasting

Gondola ride gives hilltop views and access to tea houses; spend time at a teahouse sampling oolong while enjoying city vistas. Gondola hours commonly 9:00am–9:30pm—check for maintenance closures and book round-trip as needed.
TWD120, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to city & rest

Head back to your accommodation to freshen up before evening shopping and dinner in Ximending.
TWD0, 0h45m

6:30pm

Ximending shopping and street food

Trendy pedestrian shopping district full of boutiques, street performers and popular stalls—try Ay-Chung rice noodles or bubble tea. Shops and stalls typically open into late evening.
TWD300, 2h0m

8:30pm

Dinner at Ximending night eateries

Finish with a relaxed dinner—choose Taiwanese comfort food or modern fusion in Ximending; many restaurants open late, perfect after a full day of sightseeing.
TWD400, 1h30m
0