7-Day Ultimate Taiwan Adventure: Explore Taipei, Taroko, Sun Moon Lake & More

Day 1: Taipei City Tour

Taipei, Taiwan on May 17, 2025

9:45am

Breakfast at Yonghe Soy Milk King

Start your day with traditional Taiwanese breakfast featuring soy milk, crispy youtiao, and egg crepes at this popular local chain, open from 6:00am to 11:00am.
TWD100, 1h

10:45am

Visit Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Explore this historical landmark and iconic symbol of Taipei with its grand architecture and changing of the guard ceremony, open from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
TWD0, 1h30m

12:15pm

Lunch at Din Tai Fung Dumpling House

Savor world-famous soup dumplings and other Taiwanese specialties at this renowned Michelin-starred restaurant open from 11:00am to 9:30pm.
TWD400, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Taipei 101 Observatory

Visit the iconic Taipei 101 skyscraper, enjoy panoramic city views from the observatory deck, open from 9:00am to 10:00pm.
TWD600, 1h30m

3:15pm

Walk around Elephant Mountain Hiking Trail

Short hike to a viewing platform offering the best views of Taipei 101 and city skyline, trail is open all day.
TWD0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Raohe Street Night Market

Explore one of Taipei’s oldest night markets and try various street foods such as pepper buns, stinky tofu, and bubble tea, market is open from 5:00pm to midnight.
TWD300, 2h

Day 2: Museums and Markets

Taipei, Taiwan on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Fu Hang Dou Jiang

Enjoy a traditional Taiwanese breakfast featuring soy milk and fried dough sticks, popular breakfast spot open 6:30am - noon.
TWD80, 1h

9:30am

National Palace Museum

Visit one of the world’s largest collections of Chinese art and artifacts, open from 8:30am to 6:30pm.
TWD350, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Shilin Market Food Court

Try popular Taiwanese snacks like oyster omelets and fried chicken in this iconic market's food court, open from 11:00am - midnight.
TWD250, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Huashan 1914 Creative Park

Enjoy art galleries, shops, cafes, and cultural exhibitions in this creative arts center, open from 10:00am to 6:00pm.
TWD0, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Addiction Aquatic Development

Relish fresh seafood and sushi at this high-end fish market and dining complex open until 10:00pm.
TWD700, 1h30m

Day 3: Jiufen and Shifen Day Trip

Taipei, Taiwan on May 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local cafe

Light breakfast before heading out on the day trip.
Included, 30m

8:30am

Travel to Jiufen Old Street

Take a bus or train to the mountain village Jiufen, known for its narrow alleys, tea houses, and scenic views, explore local shops open by 10:00am.
TWD100, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at A-Mei Tea House in Jiufen

Experience traditional Taiwanese tea and snacks with panoramic mountain and ocean views.
TWD350, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Shifen Waterfall

Short trip to Shifen to see the beautiful waterfall and scenic old railway tracks, open all day.
TWD150, 1h30m

3:30pm

Release sky lanterns in Shifen Old Street

Enjoy the unique experience of releasing sky lanterns with wishes written on them, shops open until early evening.
TWD200, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Taipei and Dinner at Jin Feng Braised Pork Rice

Try the famous Taiwanese braised pork rice in this beloved local eatery, open until 9:00pm.
TWD150, 1h

Day 4: Hualien & Taroko Gorge

Hualien, Taiwan on May 20, 2025

6:30am

Early breakfast at Taipei hotel

Prepare for travel day with a quick breakfast before train to Hualien.
Included, 30m

7:00am

Train from Taipei to Hualien

Enjoy scenic train ride through eastern Taiwan, journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
TWD440, 3h

10:00am

Check into hotel and quick refresh in Hualien

Settle in at your accommodation in Hualien city.
Varies, 30m

10:45am

Visit Taroko National Park

Explore the stunning marble cliffs, hiking trails, and natural wonders like the Shakadang Trail or Swallow Grotto, park open 24 hours, visitor centers open 8:00am-5:00pm.
TWD0, 4h

3:00pm

Lunch at a local Hualien restaurant – Gongzheng Baozi

Famous for its steamed pork buns, this casual spot offers a satisfying and quick lunch, open from 10:00am to 8:00pm.
TWD150, 1h

4:30pm

Relax and stroll along Hualien Dongdamen Night Market

Experience local street foods, desserts, and lively atmosphere, market open from 5:00pm till late.
TWD300, 2h

Day 5: Transfer to Sun Moon Lake

Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan on May 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before departing Hualien.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Travel to Sun Moon Lake

Take a combination of train and bus (or private transfer) from Hualien to Sun Moon Lake, a journey taking approximately 5-6 hours.
TWD700, 6h

2:00pm

Check-in and lunch at hotel or local restaurant

Enjoy lunch featuring local specialties such as President Fish at your hotel or nearby eateries.
TWD400, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Wenwu Temple

Explore this beautifully decorated temple overlooking Sun Moon Lake, open daily from 8:00am to 6:00pm.
TWD0, 1h

5:00pm

Leisurely walk along Shuishe Pier

Relax by the lakefront and enjoy peaceful sunset views over Sun Moon Lake.
TWD0, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at the hotel restaurant serving local aboriginal cuisine

Savor aboriginal-style dishes highlighting indigenous Taiwanese ingredients and flavors.
TWD600, 1h30m

Day 6: Sun Moon Lake Activities

Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Bike around Sun Moon Lake

Rent a bike and cycle the scenic 30 km trail encircling the lake; bike rentals are available from 7:00am to 6:00pm.
TWD200, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Ita Thao Village

Enjoy indigenous-style dishes and street snacks in the bustling lakeside village, open daily from 10:00am to 7:00pm.
TWD350, 1h

2:00pm

Boat tour on Sun Moon Lake

Take a scenic boat ride connecting the major piers to see the lake and surrounding mountains, boats operate from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
TWD300, 2h

4:30pm

Relax and visit Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village

Explore this theme park and cultural village showcasing aboriginal heritage and amusement rides, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
TWD900, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at a lakeside restaurant

Dine while enjoying tranquil lake views with Taiwanese fusion cuisine, many restaurants open until 9:00pm.
TWD600, 1h30m

Day 7: Return to Taipei

Taipei, Taiwan on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast by the lake before heading back to the city.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel back to Taipei

Return to Taipei by train and bus, approximately 3-4 hours travel time.
TWD700, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Yongkang Beef Noodle

Taste legendary Taiwanese beef noodles in the city center, open 11:00am to 9:00pm.
TWD300, 1h

2:30pm

Shopping at Ximending Shopping District

Explore Taipei's vibrant shopping and youth culture district to pick up souvenirs and gifts, stores open till 10:00pm.
Varies, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Shuanglian Market Food Stalls

Enjoy diverse local street food offerings for your final meal, market operates until late evening.
TWD300, 1h30m

8:00pm

Prepare for departure

Return to hotel or proceed to airport based on departure time.
Varies, Varies