How many days do you need in Taiwan?

This itinerary covers 5 days in Taiwan, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Taiwan?

Plan your perfect 5 days trip to Taiwan. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

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.

NTD100, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Taipei 101

Take the MRT to Taipei 101 and enjoy breathtaking views from the observation deck.

NTD600, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Din Tai Fung

Savour the world-renowned xiao long bao (soup dumplings) at this iconic restaurant.

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.

Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore National Palace Museum

Discover the exquisite collection of Chinese artefacts and artworks at this world-class museum.

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.

NTD300, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Taipei

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.

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.

Free, 4 hours

12:30PM

Pack a picnic lunch

Bring some sandwiches and drinks you bought in Taipei to enjoy amidst nature.

NTD200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Xiaoyoukeng

Explore the unique volcanic landscape at Xiaoyoukeng with fumaroles and sulfur crystals.

Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Return to Taipei

Head back to Taipei for the night.

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.

NTD350, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Yangmingshan National Park

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.

Included, 1 hour

7:00AM

Train to Hualien

Take an early train to Hualien to explore the stunning Taroko Gorge.

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.

Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Pack a lunch

Bring along a packed lunch of rice balls and pickled vegetables to enjoy by the river.

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.

Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Return to Hualien

Catch a bus or walk back to Hualien after a day in nature.

NTD80, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at a local izakaya

Savour fresh seafood and local dishes at a popular izakaya in Hualien.

NTD400, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Taroko National Park

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.

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.

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.

NTD250, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Qixingtan Beach

Relax or take a leisurely walk along the picturesque Qixingtan Beach and enjoy sea views.

Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Artsy Café Visit

Round off the afternoon at an artsy café, sipping coffee and admiring local art.

NTD200, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Amis Traditional Restaurant

Experience indigenous Amis dishes for dinner at this traditional restaurant.

NTD350, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Hualien

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.

Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Train to Tainan

Catch a train to Tainan, known for its rich history and cultural experiences.

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.

NTD150, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Chihkan Tower

Continue your historical journey at Chihkan Tower with its beautiful gardens and rich tales.

NTD100, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Tainan Danzai Noodles

Indulge in Tainan's famous danzai noodles, a must-try local delicacy.

NTD150, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Anping Tree House

Discover the unique historical site, an old warehouse overtaken by banyan trees in Anping district.

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.

NTD300, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Tainan

Step 1 Outline Preview:

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

Day 1: Explore Taipei

8:00AM

9:30AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

3:30PM

6:00PM

Day 2: Nature in Yangmingshan

7:00AM

8:00AM

12:30PM

1:30PM

4:00PM

6:00PM

Day 3: Adventure in Taroko

6:00AM

7:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

2:00PM

4:00PM

6:00PM

Day 4: Coastal and Cultural in Hualien

8:00AM

9:30AM

12:30PM

2:00PM

4:30PM

6:00PM

Day 5: Cultural Immersion in Tainan

7:00AM

8:00AM

10:00AM

11:30AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

4:00PM

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