Ease into Taipei with a relaxed morning exploring Ningxia Linjiang Market for a local breakfast of soy milk and danbing, then stroll to the nearby Presidential Building grounds to admire the historic architecture and tree-lined avenues. Continue with a coffee break at a neighborhood café near Taipei Main Station and pick up an EasyCard so you're ready to hop between sights later in the day.
Head to Ximending Youth Shopping District to wander lively pedestrian streets, hunt for boutique fashion, and sample street snacks like hot star fried chicken from a popular stall; pop into a themed café for people-watching and a refreshing shaved-ice treat. As the sun lowers, take a short MRT ride to Raohe Street Night Market to stroll under lantern-lit lanes sampling pepper buns, herbal soups, and local desserts while watching vendors work their grills-an easy progression from morning markets that eases you into the evening's full night-market experience.
As night deepens, follow locals to Huaxi Street Night Market (Snake Alley) for a chance to try adventurous snacks like medicinal soups and stir-fried specialties while browsing stalls selling traditional herbs and trinkets; linger at a small seafood stand for a plate of grilled squid. Afterward, take a short stroll to the riverside and relax with a drink at Ximending's Red House District, where outdoor performances, craft shops, and cozy bars create a mellow end to your first day in Taipei.
Start your morning with a serene walk through the landscaped plazas of Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, catching the hourly guard change and photographing the sweeping blue-and-white architecture before the crowds arrive. From there, head to the nearby 228 Peace Memorial Park for a peaceful stroll among ponds and memorials, then refuel at a classic Taiwanese breakfast shop near NTU Hospital MRT with a bowl of warm congee and freshly made youtiao before continuing to Longshan area for the afternoon.
Wander the atmospheric lanes of Bopiliao Historical Block, where restored Qing- and Japanese-era buildings house galleries and artisan workshops-stop for handcrafted tea at a nearby teahouse to watch a short gongfu tea demonstration. From there, stroll to Huaxi Street Park and catch a local puppet show or street performer, then take a short MRT ride to Songshan Cultural and Creative Park to browse design shops, seasonal exhibitions, and a café pop-up before heading up the evening Toward Taipei 101 for sunset views.
As twilight falls, take the MRT to Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) Trail for a brisk 20-30 minute ascent to a famed overlook-arrive in time to watch the city lights come alive and capture sweeping views of Taipei 101 framed by glowing skyscrapers. After descending, reward yourself with a relaxed dinner at Tonghua Night Market (Linjiang Street Night Market) where you can sample stinky tofu, braised pork rice, and local craft beers, then finish the night with a rooftop cocktail at W Taipei's WooBar or a quieter tea at a nearby tea house for a reflective end to the day.
Begin with a refreshing soak in the mineral waters of Beitou Thermal Valley, then wander the nearby [Beitou Hot Spring Museum](https://www.google.com/search?q=Beitou+Hot+Spring+Museum+taipei+3+days%0A+official+site) to learn about local bathing culture before grabbing a light breakfast of steamed buns and tea at a riverside café. Afterward, follow a shady trail through Kylin Grassland and the surrounding parklands for birdwatching and panoramic views, finishing at a cozy neighborhood tea house where you can sample locally grown oolong while soaking in a slower, more pastoral side of Taipei.
After a morning soak and park walk, head to Tamsui Old Street to wander waterfront lanes, sample A-gei (fried tofu stuffed with noodles) and iron eggs from longtime stalls, and watch ferries glide across the river. Continue to Fort San Domingo for a stroll through colonial-era bastions and gardens, then linger at Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf to catch the late-afternoon light on the Lover's Bridge while enjoying fresh seafood from a seaside vendor-a relaxed progression from Beitou's tranquility to riverside history and sunset views.
As dusk falls, head to Fisherman's Wharf at Bali Left Bank for a mellow riverside promenade that offers a quieter alternative to Tamsui's main strip; grab a paper-bag grilled corn from a stall and watch the sun dip behind the Guanyinshan silhouette. Afterwards, take a short taxi ride to Tamsui Old Fort Trailhead for an easy, lantern-lit stroll past historic battery ruins and seaside pavilions, then cap the night with fresh seafood and a cold local beer at the family-run Amei Seafood Restaurant, savoring ocean breezes and the softly lit harbor to close this nature-and-culture day.