Explore the Best of Taiwan in 4 Days

Monday, April 22: Taipei City

Start your trip in Taiwan's vibrant capital, Taipei City. In the morning, visit the iconic Taipei 101, a towering skyscraper offering a bird's-eye view of the city. Explore the bustling Ximending district in the afternoon, known for its trendy shops, street food, and vibrant nightlife. In the evening, immerse yourself in the rich culture of Taiwan by visiting the historic Longshan Temple.

• Taipei 101: Estimated Cost: $20, Time Spent: 2 hours
• Ximending: Estimated Cost: Free, Time Spent: 3 hours
• Longshan Temple: Estimated Cost: Free, Time Spent: 1 hour

Tuesday, April 23: Jiufen and Shifen

Escape the city and journey to Jiufen, a charming mountain town with narrow streets, teahouses, and stunning views. Start your morning with a leisurely walk through Jiufen Old Street, famous for its local snacks and traditional crafts. In the afternoon, visit Shifen Waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Taiwan. Experience the unique tradition of releasing lanterns at Shifen Old Street in the evening.

• Jiufen Old Street: Estimated Cost: Free, Time Spent: 3 hours
• Shifen Waterfall: Estimated Cost: $5, Time Spent: 2 hours
• Shifen Old Street: Estimated Cost: $10 (for lantern), Time Spent: 2 hours

Wednesday, April 24: Taichung

On this day, explore the city of Taichung. Start your morning by visiting the vibrant Rainbow Village, a colorful art-filled community. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in nature at the stunning Sun Moon Lake, where you can take a boat ride and enjoy the serene surroundings. End your day with a visit to the Fengjia Night Market, one of the largest and most popular night markets in Taiwan.

• Rainbow Village: Estimated Cost: Free, Time Spent: 2 hours
• Sun Moon Lake: Estimated Cost: $15 (boat ride), Time Spent: 4 hours
• Fengjia Night Market: Estimated Cost: Varies, Time Spent: 3 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, visit Butter Wet Toast for their famous fluffy and buttery toasts. Average cost for a meal is about NT$150 per person.
• For lunch, head to Chun Shui Tang for their delicious Taiwanese dishes, including their renowned bubble tea. Average cost for a meal is about NT$250 per person.
• For dinner, dine at Miyahara Ice Cream for their mouthwatering ice cream sundaes and exquisite desserts. Average cost for a meal is about NT$300 per person.

Thursday, April 25: Kaohsiung

On your final day, visit the vibrant city of Kaohsiung in southern Taiwan. Start your morning by exploring the Lotus Pond, a scenic lake surrounded by temples and pagodas. In the afternoon, visit the Pier-2 Art Center, a creative hub with art installations and exhibitions. End your trip with a visit to Liuhe Night Market, where you can indulge in delicious street food.

• Lotus Pond: Estimated Cost: Free, Time Spent: 2 hours
• Pier-2 Art Center: Estimated Cost: Free, Time Spent: 3 hours
• Liuhe Night Market: Estimated Cost: Varies, Time Spent: 2 hours

Restaurants

• Start your morning at Yong He Dou Jiang, a popular breakfast spot known for its traditional Taiwanese breakfast dishes like soy milk, fried dough sticks, and youtiao. Average cost for a meal is about TWD 50 per person.
• For lunch, head to Zhong Shan Fish Balls, a local favorite known for its delicious fish ball soup. Enjoy the chewy fish balls in a flavorful broth. Average cost for a meal is about TWD 100 per person.
• For dinner, indulge in seafood at Liu He Night Market Seafood Lane, where you can choose from an array of fresh seafood, such as grilled squid, shrimp, and oysters. Average cost for a meal is about TWD 200-300 per person.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Taiwan, don't miss out on these off-the-beaten-path attractions and places loved by locals. Head to the charming coastal town of Tamsui, known for its beautiful sunset views and delicious seafood. Explore the stunning Taroko Gorge in Hualien, where you can hike through marble canyons and admire breathtaking landscapes. Lastly, visit the quaint town of Lugang, famous for its well-preserved historical architecture and traditional crafts.

For checking hotel and flight prices, you can visit https://kayak.com.