Simply wandering the streets of this charming city can provide you with an entertaining experience. Taipei is a must-see destination, as it offers so much. In fact, it should be part of your 8-day itinerary in Taiwan because of it's cultural and culinary significance to the island.
For the most stunning view in the city, take a trip up one of the world's tallest buildings. The Taipei 101 is a 1,670-foot skyscraper with stunning views from the observation decks on the 89th and 91st floors. This is a must-see in the city, and is on the list of things to do in Taipei if you have 5 days.
One way to immerse yourself in the culture of Taiwan is to take a bus or taxi over to Muzha Tea Plantations. Located just outside of Taipei, this area is sprinkled with temples and teahouses spanning back centuries. Be sure to taste the local flavors and watch the teapot and tea making demonstrations.
The National Palace Museum is one of the world's best. The stunning assembly of ancient art and cultural artifacts includes a collection of calligraphy, paintings, porcelain and antiques that were smuggled out of China before the Communist takeover.
There is certainly no shortage of temples in Taipei. It is said that those who make weekly visits to the Hsingtian Temple ensure great career and personal success. Take your leftover snacks from your trip as your plate of food offerings. With any luck this offering will see away your evil spirits and bring you success, too.
As Taiwan is very modern, you'll likely need your phone everywhere to find information. So, it's recommended that everyone get a Taiwan tourist SIM card for their device.
Be sure to take advantage of Taipei's night markets. When the sun goes down, shop the rows and rows of food, massages, clothes and accessories. Come prepared to haggle.
You cannot visit this enchanting city without taking a dip in the hot springs. With various types all over the city, you'll find springs offered by the city and some offered by hotels. Some are outdoors and some have groupings of several large baths of varying temperatures. Find the one that's right for you, and enjoy.
For the adventurous traveler, there are various areas to find a trail worth tracking. The main spot is in Yangmingshan National Park. This park is full of dozens of trails including the Elephant Mountain Hiking Trail. The steep steps through a shaded hill overlook the city and give every traveler amazing views. Another amazing nearby place to visit is the hilltop village of Maokong to the south of the city. It's quite easy to take the gondola cable car to Maokong which offers some amazing views before you experience the wonders of this small town. Finally, if you want to go further out of town, consider one of these affordable day trips from Taipei.
And also, check out this guide to spending 6 days in Taiwan for more information.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Taipei. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Jiufen, Shifen and Houtong Cat Village Private Tour for $110 details
- 2-Hour Private Dadaocheng Walking Tour for $35 details
- Sweets to Streets: 6Hr Taipei Adventure with Pineapple Cake DIY for $184 details