5-Day Taipei to Kaohsiung Travel Itinerary: Explore Taiwan’s Vibrant North to South

Day 1: Taipei City Highlights

Taipei, Taiwan on June 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Yonghe Soy Milk King

Enjoy a traditional Taiwanese breakfast with freshly made soy milk, crispy youtiao, and warm dumplings in one of Taipei’s favorite breakfast spots, open from 5:30am to 12:00pm.
TWD100, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

Explore this grandiose memorial site featuring traditional Chinese architecture and gardens, an emblem of Taiwan’s history, open daily 9:00am to 6:00pm.
TWD0, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch at Din Tai Fung (Xinyi branch)

Savor world-famous Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings) and other Taiwanese dishes at this Michelin-starred restaurant, open from 11:00am to 9:30pm.
TWD500, 1h0m

1:00pm

Explore Taipei 101 Observatory

Head up to the observatory for panoramic views of Taipei’s skyline from the world’s former tallest building, open from 9:00am to 10:00pm.
TWD600, 1h30m

3:00pm

Stroll through Elephant Mountain Hiking Trail

Take a scenic 20- to 30-minute hike to the Elephant Mountain viewpoint for an unbeatable view of Taipei 101 and the city, trail open day-round.
TWD0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Raohe Street Night Market

Sample diverse Taiwanese street food like pepper buns and bubble tea in this bustling night market, open from 5:00pm to midnight.
TWD300, 2h0m
View Hotels

Day 2: Taipei Culture & Museums

Taipei, Taiwan on June 21, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Fu Hang Soy Milk

Try freshly made soy milk and warm Taiwanese breakfast items at this highly praised spot, open from 5:00am to 12:00pm.
TWD80, 1h0m

9:30am

National Palace Museum

View one of the largest collections of Chinese imperial artifacts and artworks, open daily from 8:30am to 6:30pm.
TWD350, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Shilin Market Food Court

Taste savory Taiwanese snacks like fried chicken and oyster omelets in the famous Shilin Night Market’s food court, open from 11:00am to 3:00pm for lunch.
TWD250, 1h0m

2:30pm

Taipei Fine Arts Museum

Explore contemporary and modern Taiwanese art in this well-curated museum, open 9:30am to 5:30pm, closed Mondays.
TWD30, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at Daan Forest Park

Enjoy a peaceful walk or bike ride in Taipei’s large urban park, open daily from 5:00am to 11:00pm.
TWD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Addiction Aquatic Development

Dine on fresh seafood including sushi and grilled specialties in a unique market-style setting, open daily 11:00am-9:00pm.
TWD800, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 3: Travel to Kaohsiung & Explore

Taipei to Kaohsiung, Taiwan on June 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Maji Maji Square

Grab a light breakfast with coffee and pastries at this lively food court, open from 8:00am to 10:00pm.
TWD150, 1h0m

9:30am

Take High-Speed Rail (HSR) Taipei to Kaohsiung

Enjoy a fast and comfortable 90-minute ride south on Taiwan’s HSR system, tickets around TWD1500.
TWD1500, 1h30m

11:30am

Check-in and rest at hotel in Kaohsiung

Settle into your accommodation and recharge for the afternoon adventures.
Varies, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Ruifeng Night Market (early lunch option)

Try regional specialties like papaya milk and grilled squid in this popular food market, typically evening but some stalls open earlier.
TWD250, 1h15m

2:00pm

Visit Pier-2 Art Center

Explore vibrant contemporary art installations located in a repurposed warehouse district, open 10:00am to 6:00pm.
TWD0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Walk along Love River

Enjoy a riverfront stroll or take a boat ride at sunset along Kaohsiung’s scenic Love River, open day-round.
TWD100, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Liuhe Night Market

Indulge in classic Taiwanese street foods such as stinky tofu, seafood, and shaved ice in one of Kaohsiung’s busiest night markets, open until midnight.
TWD300, 2h0m
View Hotels

Day 4: Kaohsiung Cultural Tour

Kaohsiung, Taiwan on June 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Formosa Chang

Enjoy a Taiwanese comfort meal of braised pork rice and breakfast dishes, open from 7:00am to 10:00pm.
TWD150, 1h0m

9:30am

Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum

Visit this impressive Buddhist complex with a huge Buddha statue and serene gardens, open 9:00am to 5:30pm.
TWD0, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at A Po Fishball

Taste Kaohsiung’s famous fish ball soup and other local delicacies, open 10:00am to 3:00pm.
TWD150, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Cijin Island - Ferry Ride

Take a short ferry ride from Kaohsiung harbor to Cijin Island for beaches, lighthouse, and seafood, ferry runs frequently, 7:00am to 10:00pm.
TWD30 ferry fare plus local bus or bike rental costs, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Cijin Seafood Street

Choose from fresh seafood dishes prepared at many beachside restaurants on Cijin Island, open evenings until 9:00pm.
TWD500, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 5: Kaohsiung Final Day

Kaohsiung, Taiwan on June 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local café near hotel

Enjoy a leisurely start with coffee and Taiwanese-style breakfast pastries.
TWD120, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Lotus Pond and Dragon Tiger Pagodas

Explore the beautiful Lotus Pond area featuring colorful pagodas and temples, open all day.
TWD0, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Gang Yuan Beef Noodles

Try hearty Taiwanese beef noodle soup, a beloved local comfort food, open 11:00am to 9:00pm.
TWD200, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit 85 Sky Tower Observation Deck

For a panoramic view of the city and harbor, visit the 85 Sky Tower’s observation deck, open 10:00am to 10:00pm.
TWD200, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax at Central Park Kaohsiung

Spend some free time strolling or relaxing in the city’s Central Park before departure.
TWD0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Jin Zuan Seafood Restaurant

Enjoy a final upscale dinner with premium seafood dishes, open daily until 9:30pm.
TWD700, 1h30m
View Hotels