5-Day Adventure and City Experience Itinerary in Taiwan on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Explore Taipei

Taipei, Taiwan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Yonghe Soy Milk King

Kick off your culinary adventure with a traditional Taiwanese breakfast of warm soy milk and scallion pancakes.
Head by foot to the MRT station after breakfast.
NTD100, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Taipei 101

Take the MRT to Taipei 101 and enjoy breathtaking views from the observation deck.
MRT to Taipei 101 Station.
NTD600, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Din Tai Fung

Savour the world-renowned xiao long bao (soup dumplings) at this iconic restaurant.
Walk back to Tienmu for lunch.
NTD400, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Breathe in the beauty at Daan Park

Stroll through Daan Park, a serene escape in the heart of the city, lined with beautiful trees and ponds.
Take the MRT to Daan Station.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore National Palace Museum

Discover the exquisite collection of Chinese artefacts and artworks at this world-class museum.
MRT to Shilin Station, then bus.
NTD350, 2 hours

6:00PM

Street Food Dinner at Shilin Night Market

Relish mouth-watering Taiwanese street food such as stinky tofu and chicken steak at Shilin Night Market.
Take the bus from the museum to Shilin Night Market.
NTD300, 2 hours
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Day 2: Nature in Yangmingshan

Yangmingshan National Park, Taiwan

7:00AM

Breakfast at local vendor

Enjoy a quick breakfast of tea eggs and sticky rice at a local food stall.
Walk to the MRT to catch a bus to Yangmingshan.
NTD80, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Hike on the trails

Go for a picturesque hike at the Yangmingshan National Park and witness beautiful flora and hot springs.
Bus to the main park entrance.
Free, 4 hours

12:30PM

Pack a picnic lunch

Bring some sandwiches and drinks you bought in Taipei to enjoy amidst nature.
Find a scenic spot in the park.
NTD200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Xiaoyoukeng

Explore the unique volcanic landscape at Xiaoyoukeng with fumaroles and sulfur crystals.
Walk from your picnic spot.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Return to Taipei

Head back to Taipei for the night.
Bus back to MRT, then MRT to your accommodation.
NTD80, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Raohe Night Market

End the day indulging in tasty lamb skewer, bubble tea, and other night market delights.
MRT to Raohe Night Market.
NTD350, 2 hours
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Day 3: Adventure in Taroko

Taroko National Park, Taiwan

6:00AM

Early breakfast at accommodation

Fuel up with a simple breakfast provided at your accommodation before heading out.
Walk to the train station.
Included, 1 hour

7:00AM

Train to Hualien

Take an early train to Hualien to explore the stunning Taroko Gorge.
Train ride.
NTD700, 2 hours

10:00AM

Hike the Shakadang Trail

Experience Taroko National Park by walking along the beautiful Shakadang Trail, known for its clear river.
Take a local bus from Hualien.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Pack a lunch

Bring along a packed lunch of rice balls and pickled vegetables to enjoy by the river.
Find a scenic spot in the park.
NTD200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Eternal Spring Shrine

Explore the stunning views from the Eternal Spring Shrine, a beautiful structure nestled in the gorge.
Walk along the trails.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Return to Hualien

Catch a bus or walk back to Hualien after a day in nature.
Take the same bus back.
NTD80, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at a local izakaya

Savour fresh seafood and local dishes at a popular izakaya in Hualien.
Walk from your accommodation.
NTD400, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Coastal and Cultural in Hualien

Hualien, Taiwan

8:00AM

Breakfast at a local café

Start your day with a delightful breakfast of pancakes or Taiwanese-style sandwiches at a local café.
Walk from your accommodation.
NTD150, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Hualien's Dongdamen Night Market

Take the time to explore the vibrant Dongdamen Night Market for local crafts and food.
Walk or take a bus.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Tzu Chi Vegetarian Restaurant

Enjoy a fulfilling vegetarian meal that won't break the bank at Tzu Chi's renowned vegetarian restaurant.
Walk around the corner.
NTD250, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Qixingtan Beach

Relax or take a leisurely walk along the picturesque Qixingtan Beach and enjoy sea views.
Local bus from the city centre.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Artsy Café Visit

Round off the afternoon at an artsy café, sipping coffee and admiring local art.
Return by bus to Hualien.
NTD200, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Amis Traditional Restaurant

Experience indigenous Amis dishes for dinner at this traditional restaurant.
Walk to the restaurant.
NTD350, 2 hours
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Day 5: Cultural Immersion in Tainan

Tainan, Taiwan

7:00AM

Breakfast at accommodation

Enjoy a light breakfast at your accommodation before setting off for Tainan.
Walk to the train station.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Train to Tainan

Catch a train to Tainan, known for its rich history and cultural experiences.
Train ride.
NTD800, 2 hours

10:00AM

Visit Fort Zeelandia

Explore the historical fort built by the Dutch in the 17th century, learning about Taiwan's colonial past.
Walk from Tainan train station.
NTD150, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Chihkan Tower

Continue your historical journey at Chihkan Tower with its beautiful gardens and rich tales.
Short walk from Fort Zeelandia.
NTD100, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Tainan Danzai Noodles

Indulge in Tainan's famous danzai noodles, a must-try local delicacy.
Walk to the noodle shop.
NTD150, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Anping Tree House

Discover the unique historical site, an old warehouse overtaken by banyan trees in Anping district.
Local bus to Anping.
NTD50, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Tainan Night Market

Spend your final evening tasting a variety of street food delights at the lively Tainan Night Market.
Head back into the city centre.
NTD300, 2 hours
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