Arrive at Taoyuan International Airport and take the Airport MRT or a private transfer into Taipei, dropping bags at your hotel in Zhongshan or Ximending to start fresh. If you have time and energy, stroll through Daan Park for a gentle walk among trees and ponds, then grab a light Taiwanese breakfast of soy milk and danbing at Fu Hang Soy Milk to fuel the day.
Check into your hotel and settle in, then explore the nearby neighborhoods — wander the indie boutiques and street murals of Ximending or the retro cafés around Yongkang Street; pop into the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall for a quick cultural photo stop. Head to Din Tai Fung (original or Taipei 101 branch if you prefer a view) for a classic xiao long bao lunch, and enjoy people-watching over tea before a short rest back at the hotel to recharge for the evening.
Kick off the trip with a lively welcome at Raohe Street Night Market: sample pepper buns (hu jiao bing), stinky tofu if you’re adventurous, grilled seafood stalls and bubble tea from a local vendor for dessert. After snacking your way through the market, stop by a nearby speakeasy like Ounce or a rooftop bar in the Xinyi district for a nightcap, soaking in Taipei’s neon glow and getting excited for the birthday festivities ahead.
After last night’s welcome at Raohe, start the birthday day slowly with a leisurely brunch at Fika Fika Café in Yongkang — savor specialty coffee, Swedish-style brunch plates, and people-watching in a sunlit space. Follow up with a peaceful stroll through the nearby Taipei Botanical Garden or a short visit to the National Taiwan Museum to soak up calm, giving everyone energy for the evening’s celebrations.
Spend the afternoon indulging in a decadent dumpling and noodle lunch at Din Tai Fung (if you want a repeat of a favorite) or try beef noodle at Yongkang Beef Noodle for a heartier option, then return to the hotel for a nap and outfit prep. If time permits, pop into a themed cake shop like 85°C or a local bakery in Zhongshan to pick up a birthday cake or sweet treats and arrange a small surprise for the evening.
Begin the night with cocktails at Ounce or Alchemy by La Maison in Da'an to toast the birthday, then embark on a curated bar-hop through Xinyi — hit Barcode or Cheers for lively music and rooftop views near Taipei 101. For late-night dancing and high-energy birthday fun, move on to clubs in the ATT4FUN area or Triangle in Zhongxiao; finish with midnight beef noodle or a street-side scallion pancake for a satisfying Taipei nightcap.
Wake up energized from the birthday celebrations and dive into a guided morning food tour through the historic Dihua Street and the surrounding Dadaocheng neighborhood — sample freshly steamed rice cakes, herbal teas, Taiwanese pastries at Yongle Market, and a piping hot bowl of taro ball soup at a local stall. Between bites, browse the restored shop-houses filled with vintage fabrics, apothecaries and traditional tea merchants for a perfect blend of culinary and retro shopping discovery.
After a light lunch of greasy spoon comfort at a cozy Taiwanese diner, head to the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park to explore indie galleries, design shops and rotating art exhibits, then wander the nearby Zhongshan creative lanes to find mural-covered alleys and tiny record stores. Pause for coffee and cake at a retro-themed cafe such as VVG Something or Woolloomooloo for people-watching and to recharge before the evening.
As night falls, continue the retro/indie vibe with dinner at a nostalgic bistro in the Huashan 1914 Creative Park area followed by a stop at an intimate live music venue like Revolver or The Wall for local bands and a relaxed crowd. Wrap the evening with a stroll through Yongkang Street’s lantern-lit lanes and a final nightcap at a speakeasy such as Ounce to compare notes from the day and plan tomorrow’s anime-packed adventures.
Ease into the day with a themed breakfast at Café 85°C or a nearby bakery, then head to the lively Ximending district—Taipei’s Harajuku—where you can dive into multi-story anime and hobby shops like Eslite’s pop-culture sections and Animate Taipei for figure hunting, doujinshi, and character merch. Browse the creative window displays and street cosplayers, and pop into the retro-themed Amei Tea House or a character café for an Instagram-worthy drink and snack.
After lunch at a ramen or curry spot in Ximending, take the MRT to the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park for the small but charming Taiwan Comic Exhibition space or any rotating manga-related pop-up; alternatively visit the nearby National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts satellite exhibits when there’s anime-inspired art on show. Drop by the Taipei Story Museum or Eslite Spectrum for rare artbooks and specialty zines, then recharge with matcha parfaits at a kawaii dessert café before heading out for the evening.
Return to Zhongxiao Dunhua for a relaxed dinner at a themed izakaya or the cozy Kiki Japanese restaurant, then finish the day at a laid-back bar like Revolver or a boardgame café that hosts anime nights — if the timing’s right, catch a local cosplay meetup or evening screening at Spot-Taipei Film House. Cap the night with late-night bubble tea and a final stroll through neon-lit Ximending, comparing souvenirs and favorite finds from the day.
Catch an early train or book a private van from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang, then transfer to the winding bus up to Jiufen to beat the crowds; wander the lantern-lit old street, sample taro balls at A-Mei Tea House and sip oolong while taking in the misty mountain-and-sea views that inspired Spirited Away. Explore the narrow alleys, browse the teahouses and retro shops like Jiufen Old Street’s gold-mining memorabilia stalls, and pause for photos on the iconic stone steps before lunch.
Descend to nearby Jinguashi to visit the Gold Museum and hike the short Yin-Yang Sea overlook trail for a dose of history and dramatic coastline scenery, then return to Ruifang for a quick local lunch—try the braised pork rice or seafood bento at a station eatery—before catching the train down to Keelung. On the way into Keelung, stop by Bisha Fishing Port for fresh seaside views and, time permitting, stroll the harbor promenade to watch the fishing boats come in.
Spend the evening feasting at Keelung Miaokou (Night) Market: sample garlicky grilled squid, buttery scallops, peppery crab soup, oyster omelet and a cocoon-like taro dessert while hopping between stalls; pick a seafood table at one of the market’s sit-down vendors for a more leisurely meal. After dinner, sip a local tea or craft beer at a harbor-side café, then take the express train or a private transfer back to Taipei, arriving with salty-sweet memories and plenty of new snacks to reminisce about during tomorrow’s art day.
Start the day at the National Palace Museum to marvel at its world-class jade, porcelain and carved treasures—join a short guided audio tour or the museum’s highlights tour to make the vast collection feel manageable and meaningful after the market and museum stops earlier in the trip. Afterward, take the MRT to Beitou for a relaxing soak and a quick look at the Beitou Hot Spring Museum’s artful wooden architecture, pairing cultural immersion with gentle restoration so you’re refreshed for an afternoon of contemporary creativity.
Head back toward the city to explore the sprawling Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, browsing rotating design exhibitions, independent galleries and craft shops housed in the former tobacco factory; don’t miss the Taiwan Design Museum and small pop-up galleries that showcase local illustrators and product designers. From there, wander the nearby Guanghua Digital Plaza’s laneways for quirky design finds and then stroll to the nearby Huashan 1914 Creative Park to catch indie art shows, street performances and boutique bookstores—stop for coffee at a park café and flip through zines or artist books as you soak up the creative energy.
As dusk falls, enjoy dinner at one of Zhongshan’s artful bistros or the rooftop restaurant at the Museum of Contemporary Art Taipei (depending on programming), then return to Huashan or the Songshan park for any evening gallery openings or live music events; many spaces host night exhibitions and small performances on weeknights. Finish the night with craft cocktails at an artsy speakeasy like Indulge Experimental Bistro or the nearby Ounce to compare favorite exhibits from the day and plan which neighborhoods to revisit before the Taichung day trip.
Catch an early high-speed rail or express bus from Taipei Main Station to Taichung and start the day with coffee and brunch at Fong Da Coffee or Café 1914 in the 台中文創區 (Taichung Cultural Park); savor single-origin brews and a light pastry while planning a walking route. From there, wander the Rainbow Village to admire vivid street art and the quirky murals of Painted Animation Lane, snapping photos and soaking in the playful creativity that complements the trip’s earlier museum and indie-arts days.
Head to the National Taichung Theater for an architectural tour and a leisurely lunch at their on-site restaurant, then stroll through Calligraphy Greenway to browse boutique shops, paper goods and design stores—don’t miss visiting Select Bookstore or a tiny zine stall for unique souvenirs. Continue to the CMP Block Museum of Arts or the Miyahara dessert shop for a decadent ice-cream sundae and retro ambiance before returning to the center to recharge at a themed café like Paper Planes or Luneurs.
As evening falls, explore the lively Fengjia Night Market for street-food feasting—try grilled squid, bubble tea and the famous pepper buns—before heading to the predicted nightlife spots around Zhonghua Road for craft beers at Mikkeller Taipei’s Taichung pop-up or live music at Legacy Taichung if available. Finish with a late-night rooftop cocktail at a nearby bar or a relaxed nightcap in a cozy izakaya, then take the HSR back to Taipei with new cityscapes and foodie finds to compare with Jiufen and Keelung memories.
After several busy days, treat yourselves to slow luxury at Beitou: soak in a public hot spring at Millennium Hot Spring or check into a private bath at Villa 32 for thermal waters and quiet mountain views, then pop into the Beitou Hot Spring Museum for a light cultural stop. On the way back to the city, grab a comforting brunch of soy milk and scallion pancake at a neighborhood stall near Zhongshan to refuel without hurry.
Spend a leisurely afternoon browsing local markets and neighborhood shops—start at Ningxia Night Market’s daytime vendors or the nearby Ningxia food alleys for tasting bites, then meander through the boutique-lined lanes of Yongkang Street to hunt for tea at Cha For Tea and artisanal pastries at Simple Kaffa. If you want more calm creativity, drop by Songshan Cultural and Creative Park for an easy gallery stroll and a slow coffee at Paper & Tea before returning to the hotel for a short rest.
As twilight settles, move into skyline mode with pre-dinner cocktails at Woolloomooloo’s rooftop or the chic sister bar at Franklin Bistro, then head to the Xinyi district’s rooftop bars—Indulge Experimental Bistro or the bar atop W Taipei—for sweeping views and celebratory drinks. Cap the night with a relaxed late dinner in Xinyi (try modern Taiwanese plates at MUME or small plates at Yongkang Garden) and a final bubble tea stroll through neon-lit streets to wind down the day gently before the southern coast option tomorrow.
Choose your coastal mood: take the MRT to Tamsui and wander the historic Old Street with a cup of A-gei (fried tofu stuffed with noodles) and a sweet pineapple cake from a local shop, then stroll to Fort San Domingo for harbor views and a bit of colonial history. Alternatively, catch a short bus from Taipei to Yehliu GeoPark to marvel at the Queen’s Head and other sculpted sea-eroded formations, pausing at the park’s viewpoint for dramatic ocean photography and salty sea breezes.
If you’re in Tamsui, board a ferry to Bali Left Bank for riverside biking and riverside cafés—stop at Café 85 for coffee and the artful riverside installations—or visit the Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf and its Lovers’ Bridge for a leisurely seafood lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants. From Yehliu, explore nearby Jinshan or the scenic Keelung coastal road: grab fresh seafood at a seaside market or head to nearby Yehliu Ocean World for marine displays, then enjoy a relaxed coastal walk along the cliffs before returning toward Taipei.
Wrap the day with a sunset dinner: in Tamsui, sample grilled squid and local seafood at the Tamsui Old Street night market while watching the river glow as lights come up, or take the train on to Keelung Miaokou Night Market for an even bigger seafood feast featuring peppered crab and oyster omelets. Finish the night with a slow MRT ride back to Zhongshan or Ximending, comparing coastal photos and memories over a late-night bubble tea or a craft beer at a nearby bar.
After several action-packed days, start the birthday finale with a slow, indulgent brunch at Woolloomooloo or Fika Fika Café to savor specialty coffee and light brunch plates while reminiscing about highlights from Jiufen and Taichung. Follow brunch with a relaxed wander through Daan Park or a quick pampering session—a hotel spa express treatment or manicure in Zhongshan—to feel refreshed and camera-ready for the evening’s celebrations.
Spend the afternoon scouting photo-ready spots and finalizing plans: pop into Taipei 101’s shopping mall for a quick gift or cake pickup (or order from nearby 85°C or a specialty bakery), then visit Elephant Mountain for a short hike and golden-hour city views to capture group photos before sundown. Return to the hotel to change into party outfits, enjoy a light pre-dinner snack at Din Tai Fung if you crave familiar flavors, and gather for transport to Xinyi for the night.
Begin the ultimate night out with celebratory cocktails at the W Taipei or Indulge Experimental Bistro rooftop to toast with skyline views, then move into a curated bar-hop through Xinyi—hit Barcode, Ounce (speakeasy reservation recommended) and a lively club in ATT4FUN for dancing and birthday surprises. Cap the night with a late-night supper of beef noodle or scallion pancakes at a beloved street stall, and finish with an after-hours rooftop drink or karaoke session in Zhongxiao to keep the party energy alive until the early morning.
Pack up leisurely after a final hotel breakfast, then head out for last-minute souvenirs and snacks—drop by Taipei 101’s basement food hall or SOGO Zhongxiao for packaged teas, pineapple cakes (SunnyHills or ChiaTe) and delicate pastries to bring home. If time allows, make a quick stop at Eslite Songyan or the Zhongshan district’s boutique shops for travel-sized artbooks or zines you’ve been eyeing throughout the trip.
Enjoy a relaxed lunch near the hotel—grab a comforting bowl of beef noodle at Yong Kang Beef Noodle or a light bento from a nearby konbini—and return to the room to double-check passports and flight confirmations; arrange hotel-to-Taoyuan Airport shuttle or Airport MRT timing to allow a smooth buffer for immigration. If your flight departs later, consider a calm soak at a nearby public hot spring (Beitou shuttle permitting) or a final café pit stop at Simple Kaffa for one last specialty coffee and reflections on the birthday festivities.
After arriving at Taoyuan, clear customs with souvenirs packed and savor a final Taiwanese snack—pick up a bottle of locally brewed tea or a last boba cup at the airport’s shops—and board with plenty of time to spare. As you fly out, flip through photos from Jiufen, Taichung and Taipei’s nightlife and make loose plans to return: Taiwan’s food, art and warm nights will be waiting for your next trip.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Taoyuan International Airport → Taipei (Airport MRT) | NT$160-170 per person |
| Private transfer (Taoyuan → Taipei) | NT$1,200-2,000 per vehicle |
| Daan Park (stroll) | Free |
| Fu Hang Soy Milk (breakfast) | NT$60-150 per person |
| Hotel check-in (Zhongshan or Ximending) | NT$2,000-6,000 per room per night (mid-range 3★-4★) |
| Ximending / Yongkang Street wandering | Free to browse; NT$100-500 incidental spending per person |
| National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall | Free (donations optional) |
| Din Tai Fung (lunch) | NT$350-700 per person |
| Raohe Street Night Market (food crawl) | NT$200-700 per person (depends on how much you sample) |
| Speakeasy / rooftop bar (Ounce, Xinyi rooftop) | NT$300-1,200 per person (drinks + cover sometimes) |
| Fika Fika Café (brunch) | NT$300-550 per person |
| Taipei Botanical Garden | Free |
| National Taiwan Museum | NT$30-100 per person |
| Yongkang Beef Noodle (lunch) | NT$120-300 per person |
| Bakery / cake shop (85°C etc.) | NT$200-800 (cake depending on size) |
| Barcode / Cheers / ATT4FUN clubbing (Xinyi) | NT$400-1,500 per person (drinks + entry) |
| Dihua Street / Dadaocheng food tour (guided) | NT$800-2,000 per person (guided tour); self-guided NT$200-500 |
| Yongle Market / taro ball soup stalls | NT$50-200 per person |
| Songshan Cultural and Creative Park (afternoon) | Free entry to grounds; exhibitions NT$0-NT$200 |
| VVG Something or Woolloomooloo (café) | NT$200-500 per person |
| Revolver / The Wall (live music) | NT$200-800 per person (tickets + drinks) |
| Animate Taipei / Eslite pop-culture sections (Ximending) | Free to browse; NT$200-2,000 shopping budget |
| Character café / Amei Tea House (themed drinks) | NT$150-400 per person |
| Taipei Story Museum / Eslite Spectrum | Free-NT$100 per person |
| Jiufen Old Street (Ruifang transfer) | Public transport NT$70-200 round-trip per person; private van NT$2,000-3,500 per vehicle |
| A-Mei Tea House (taro balls / tea) | NT$150-400 per person |
| Jinguashi Gold Museum | NT$80-150 per person |
| Ruifang → Keelung train / transfer | NT$40-120 per person |
| Bisha Fishing Port (stopover) | Free to roam; NT$100-300 incidental |
| Keelung Miaokou Night Market (dinner) | NT$250-800 per person (seafood varies widely) |
| National Palace Museum | NT$350-400 per person (special exhibits may add cost) |
| Beitou Hot Spring (public bath) | Public bath NT$40-200 per person; private room NT$800-2,500 |
| Beitou Hot Spring Museum | Free-NT$50 |
| Taiwan Design Museum / Huashan 1914 Creative Park | Free to NT$200 per exhibition |
| Guanghua Digital Plaza (shopping) | Free to browse; NT$200-2,000 shopping budget |
| Indulge Experimental Bistro / Ounce (cocktails) | NT$350-1,200 per person |
| HSR/Express bus Taipei → Taichung | HSR NT$700-1,000 one-way per person; bus NT$300-450 |
| Fong Da Coffee / Café 1914 (Taichung brunch) | NT$200-450 per person |
| Rainbow Village / Painted Animation Lane | Free (donations optional) |
| National Taichung Theater (tour / lunch) | Free to admire; guided tour NT$100-200; lunch NT$300-700 |
| Calligraphy Greenway / Select Bookstore | Free to browse; NT$100-1,000 shopping budget |
| Miyahara (dessert) | NT$150-350 per person |
| Fengjia Night Market (Taichung) | NT$200-700 per person |
| Beitou private bath (Villa 32) | NT$1,500-4,000 per room/session |
| Ningxia Night Market (daytime browsing/snacks) | NT$100-400 per person |
| Cha For Tea / Simple Kaffa (Yongkang) | NT$150-400 per person |
| Tamsui Old Street (A-gei, pineapple cake) | NT$100-400 per person |
| Yehliu GeoPark | NT$80-140 entrance; NT$100-300 transport from Taipei |
| Ferry to Bali Left Bank / bike rental | Ferry NT$30-60; bike rental NT$150-300 per person |
| Elephant Mountain (short hike) | Free |
| Taipei 101 (mall / shopping / pickup) | Shopping varies; observatory NT$600-700 per person |
| Woolloomooloo / W Taipei rooftop cocktails | NT$400-1,500 per person |
| Karaoke (late-night) | NT$300-1,200 per person (room + drinks/snacks) |
| Hotel → Taoyuan Airport (hotel shuttle) | NT$300-700 per person (shuttle or taxi similar) |
| Airport MRT (return) | NT$160-170 per person |
| Estimated Total (per person) | NT$45,000-100,000 per person (10 nights) |