5-Day Taipei Itinerary: Ultimate Cultural and Culinary Adventure

Day 1: City Exploration

Taipei, Taiwan on July 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Yonghe Soy Milk King

Enjoy a traditional Taiwanese breakfast featuring soy milk, fried dough sticks, and egg pancakes to start your day like a local.
TWD100, 1h

9:30am

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Visit this iconic landmark known for its grand architecture and historical importance, including the hourly changing of the guard ceremony.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch at Din Tai Fung (Xinyi)

Taste famous xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at the renowned Din Tai Fung restaurant, a must-try spot in Taipei.
TWD400, 1h

1:00pm

Taipei 101 Observatory

Ascend to one of the world’s tallest buildings for panoramic views of Taipei; don’t miss the interactive exhibits explaining the tower’s engineering.
TWD600, 1h30m

3:00pm

Ximending Shopping District

Explore Taipei’s vibrant youth culture hub filled with street fashion, cafes, and entertainment; great for shopping and people-watching.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Ay Chung Flour-Rice Noodle

Savor a local street food staple, the thick vermicelli noodles in a spicy broth, located right in Ximending.
TWD80, 1h
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Day 2: Hot Springs & Markets

Taipei, Taiwan on July 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Fuhang Soy Milk

Start your morning with delicious soy milk and traditional Taiwanese breakfast items at this popular breakfast spot (opens 5am-12pm).
TWD120, 1h

9:30am

Beitou Hot Springs Museum & Thermal Valley

Discover Beitou’s history and enjoy the natural hot springs environment; Thermal Valley offers scenic views of steaming sulfur pools.
Museum: Free; Thermal Valley: Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at public hot springs area restaurants

Try local delicacies such as steamed dumplings and seafood near Beitou’s thermal area.
TWD300, 1h

1:30pm

Shilin Night Market (daytime visit & evening return)

Explore the largest night market in Taipei; visit in the afternoon for shopping and return in the evening for lively street food.
Free entrance, 4h

6:30pm

Dinner at Shilin Night Market

Feast on Taiwanese delicacies like fried chicken steak, oyster omelette, and bubble tea amid the bustling market atmosphere.
TWD200, 2h
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Day 3: Nature & Coastline

Taipei, Taiwan on July 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Grab a quick breakfast to energize for a day outdoors exploring natural parks and coastal areas.
TWD150, 45m

8:30am

Yangmingshan National Park

Hike and explore volcanic landscapes, hot springs, flower gardens, and scenic overlooks in one of Taipei’s most beautiful natural areas (open 24 hours).
Free, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Flower Restaurant in Yangmingshan

Enjoy local dishes using fresh seasonal ingredients in a relaxing setting inside the park.
TWD400, 1h

1:30pm

Tamsui Old Street

Stroll along the waterfront town with historic sites, street vendors, and cultural spots; try the famous A-gei fried tofu and fish ball soup.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Fort San Domingo

Visit this 17th-century fortress reflecting colonial history and offering views of the Tamsui River and Taiwan Strait.
TWD80, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Tamsui riverside seafood restaurants

Dine on fresh seafood while enjoying sunset views along the waterfront.
TWD500, 1h30m
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Day 4: Historic Villages

Taipei, Taiwan on July 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at local café in Taipei

Enjoy a light breakfast with coffee and pastries before traveling out of the city center.
TWD150, 45m

8:00am

Day trip to Jiufen Old Street

Explore this charming mountain village famous for its narrow alleys, tea houses, and scenic views; sample local snacks like taro balls.
Free entry; snacks vary, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at A-Mei Tea House

Experience traditional Taiwanese tea culture with stunning views over the coast while enjoying light local dishes.
TWD400, 1h

1:30pm

Pingxi District and Sky Lantern Experience

Visit this quaint town known for releasing sky lanterns with your wishes written on them, a wonderful cultural tradition.
Sky lanterns approx TWD150-300 each, 2h

4:00pm

Return to Taipei City

Head back to Taipei for an evening at leisure or light exploration.
Transportation approx TWD200, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at MUME

Treat yourself to contemporary Taiwanese fine dining with innovative dishes at this renowned Michelin-starred restaurant (reservation recommended).
TWD2500+, 2h
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Day 5: Markets & Culture

Taipei, Taiwan on July 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ice Monster

Sample fresh fruit and mango shaved ice at this popular dessert café, perfect for a refreshing start.
TWD250, 1h

9:30am

National Palace Museum

Explore one of the world’s largest collections of Chinese imperial artifacts and art, an essential cultural experience (opens 8:30am-6:30pm).
TWD350, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Silks Palace within museum

Enjoy Chinese cuisine inspired by the museum's art pieces, a unique gastronomic experience.
TWD600, 1h

1:30pm

Taipei Confucius Temple

Visit this beautifully preserved temple dedicated to Confucius, showcasing traditional architecture and cultural festivals (open 9am-5pm).
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Dihua Street Shopping

Walk the historical market street known for traditional Chinese medicine shops, fabric stores, and seasonal foods; ideal for souvenirs.
Free to browse, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Raohe Street Night Market

End your trip by tasting famous street foods such as pepper buns, stinky tofu, and grilled squid in this lively night market.
TWD200, 2h
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