Comprehensive 6-Day Taiwan Itinerary: Taipei to Taichung Highlights

Day 1: Taipei Exploration

Taipei, Taiwan on August 14, 2025

6:00am

Arrival at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport

Arrive early morning, ready to start your Taiwan adventure.
TWD0, 30m

8:00am

Breakfast at Yonghe Soy Milk King

Enjoy a traditional Taiwanese breakfast with soy milk, fried dough sticks, and scallion pancakes to energise your day.
TWD100, 1h

9:30am

Taipei 101 Visit

Visit the iconic Taipei 101, once the world's tallest building, and enjoy shopping and panoramic city views from the observation deck. Note: Observatory open from 9am to 10pm.
TWD600, 2h

12:00pm

Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

Explore the memorial hall dedicated to the founding father of the Republic of China, a peaceful cultural site 5 minutes from Taipei 101.
Free, 1h

1:30pm

Lunch at Din Tai Fung (Xinyi)

Taste world-famous soup dumplings at Din Tai Fung, located inside Taipei 101 mall.
TWD350, 1h

3:00pm

Elephant Mountain Hike

Enjoy a short 20-minute hike up Elephant Mountain for one of the best views of Taipei's skyline, especially spectacular near sunset.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Raohe Street Night Market

Experience one of Taipei's top night markets, taste street food like pepper buns, and soak in the lively atmosphere open from 5pm to midnight.
TWD200, 2h

8:30pm

Check-in hotel in Xinyi or Da'an District

Rest and recharge at a hotel in central Taipei for easy access to day two activities.
Varies, Overnight

Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Taipei, Taiwan on August 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Fuhang Soy Milk

Start your day with a local breakfast favourite known for fresh soy milk and warm baked goods. Arrive early as it is very popular.
TWD100, 1h

9:30am

Ximending Shopping District

Explore trendy shops and street art in the vibrant Ximending district, known as Taipei's Harajuku.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ay Chung Flour-Rice Noodle

Grab a quick bowl of classic Taiwanese rice noodles, a local comfort food staple in Ximending.
TWD50, 30m

1:00pm

The Red House

Visit the historic Red House theatre, a cultural hub featuring local artisan markets and creative events.
Free, 1h

2:30pm

Lungshan Temple

Explore the ornate Lungshan Temple, a spiritual centre with beautiful architecture, active religious worship, and rich history.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Bopiliao Historical Block

Stroll through well-preserved Qing Dynasty streets showcasing traditional architecture, art exhibitions, and cultural displays.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Jin Feng Braised Pork Rice

Try a classic Taiwanese braised pork rice dish, loved by locals for its rich flavour and affordability.
TWD150, 1h

Day 3: Northeast Coast Day Trip

Taipei - Jiufen - Shifen, Taiwan on August 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local cafe

Fuel up with a light breakfast before setting off on your day trip.
TWD100, 30m

8:30am

Depart for Neihu District

Travel approximately 40 km east to Neihu, arriving at scenic spots starting with Thin So Ruin approx 10 min visit.
TWD150 (transport), 1h

10:00am

Golden Waterfall Visit

Visit this striking yellow gold-coloured waterfall formed by mineral deposits, an unusual natural sight just 6 minutes from Thin So Ruin.
Free, 30m

11:00am

Jiufen Old Street

Explore the historic gold mining town with narrow streets, tea houses, souvenir shops and street snacks. Try the taro balls, a local speciality.
Free entry, snacks extra, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at A-Mei Tea House

Enjoy traditional Taiwanese tea and light foods overlooking mountains and sea.
TWD300, 1h

3:00pm

Shifen Waterfall and Old Street

Visit Taiwan's broadest waterfall then stroll along Shifen Old Street, famous for sky lanterns you can release with wishes.
Free, sky lantern approx TWD150, 2h

5:30pm

Return to Taipei

Travel back to Taipei for dinner and rest.
TWD150 (transport), 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Addiction Aquatic Development

Experience a high-end seafood market and eatery offering fresh sushi and grilled seafood. Open till 10pm.
TWD600, 1h30m

Day 4: Gondola and City Views

Taipei, Taiwan on August 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Begin with a quick breakfast close to your accommodation.
TWD100, 30m

9:00am

Maokong Gondola Ride

Take the gondola from Taipei Zoo Station up to Maokong, famed for tea plantations and beautiful hillside views. Operating 9am-9pm.
TWD120 one way, 2h

11:00am

Tea Time at Maokong

Relax in a traditional teahouse with panoramic views, sampling locally grown oolong tea.
TWD250, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Maokong station area

Enjoy Taiwanese-style lunch including noodle soups or rice dishes in casual eateries.
TWD300, 1h

2:00pm

Taipei 101 Observatory (Second Visit)

Return to Taipei 101 for panoramic city views, perfect for photos with daylight and city lights starting to appear.
TWD600, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen

Experience the famous solo dining ramen chain, known for customizable rich tonkotsu broth. Open 11am-10pm.
TWD350, 1h

7:00pm

Leisurely evening walk or shopping around Xinyi District

Explore nearby night shopping centers if desired before returning to hotel.
Free, Flexible

Day 5: Taichung Day Trip

Taipei to Taichung, Taiwan on August 18, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at hotel

Grab a quick meal before commuting to Taichung by high-speed rail (~1 hour).
TWD120, 30m

8:00am

Travel to Taichung

Take the Taiwan High-Speed Rail from Taipei to Taichung for an efficient journey.
TWD700 one way, 1h

10:00am

Painted Animation Lane

Explore this colourful alley with vibrant murals and creative street art, perfect for photographs.
Free, 1h

11:30am

Taichung Literature Museum

Visit this beautiful renovated building featuring Taiwanese literature exhibits, crafts, and cultural workshops.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Chun Shui Tang

Be treated to the original bubble tea and traditional Taiwanese dim sum in this historic teahouse.
TWD400, 1h

2:30pm

Miyahara Ice Cream

Indulge in decadent ice cream and explore the building styled like a vintage pharmacy, a photo-worthy stop.
TWD200, 1h

3:30pm

Paochueh Temple

Visit the peaceful Paochueh Temple, known for its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Taipei

Take the high-speed rail back to Taipei for the evening.
TWD700, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner and shopping at Ximending Night Market

Enjoy street food and browse shops in one of Taipei's busiest evening districts.
TWD250, 2h

Day 6: Flexible Departure

Taipei, Taiwan on August 19, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast to start your final day in Taipei.
TWD100, 1h

10:00am

Shopping at Taipei Main Station & Huashan 1914 Creative Park

Spend your morning grabbing last-minute souvenirs and exploring creative exhibitions. Both locations open from 10am.
Varies, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Shin Yeh Japanese Buffet (Taipei Main Station)

Enjoy a varied buffet with fresh seafood and Japanese cuisine near Taipei Main Station.
TWD600, 1h

3:00pm

Revisit Ximending

Use your last afternoon to take a casual walk in Ximending, soaking in the buzzing atmosphere.
Free, 2h

5:30pm

Head to Taoyuan Airport

Leave Taipei city ensuring a timely arrival at airport approximately 3 hours before your flight at 9:30pm.
TWD1000 (taxi or airport MRT), 1h