3 Days in Taipei: The Best Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Planning 3 days in Taipei sounds simple – until you start researching.

Suddenly you’re choosing between lantern-lit mountain towns and skyline rooftops. Between incense-filled temples and chaotic night markets, between day trips, food tours, hot springs and hikes. And with only 72 hours, the pressure to ‘do it right’ feels real.

When I visited Taipei in late spring, I tried to squeeze in everything. By day one, I was 18,000 steps deep and already questioning my pacing in the humidity. By the end of day three, though, I’d figured it out – what’s worth prioritising, what can wait and how to balance iconic sights with breathing room.

My 3 day Taipei itinerary is designed specifically for first-time visitors who want the highlights without turning their trip into a checklist. You’ll visit Longshan Temple at its quietest, hike Elephant Mountain for sunset views over Taipei 101, experience at least one unforgettable night market and choose a day trip that actually matches your travel style.

If you’re wondering whether 3 days in Taipei is enough – it is. But only if you structure it smartly.

Here’s exactly how I’d spend three days in Taipei if I were doing it again.

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Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Iconic Taipei

• Longshan Temple
• Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
• Yongkang Street
• Flower and Jade Market, weekends only
• Elephant Mountain 
• Taipei 101
• Raohe Night Market

Day 2: Old Meets New

• Visit a cat cafe
• Dihua Street
• Huashan 1914 Creative Park
• Ximending
• Don Don Donki
• Shilin Night Market
• Din Tai Fung

Day 3: Day Trip Options

• Jiufen, Shifen and Yehliu
• National Palace Museum, Beitou and Tamsui
• Yangmingshan National Park
• Or visit a head spa for a treatment

Three days gives you a solid introduction to the city. You’ll experience Taipei’s history, modern culture, natural scenery and, of course, its obsession with good food.

Day 1: All the landmarks and skyline views

Your first day in Taipei is going to be full on, so make sure you are well rested. You can have a slightly relaxing day on day 2, or you can swap both days around depending on when you arrived and how tired you are.

Morning: Longshan Temple

Start your three days in Taipei at Longshan Temple (Longshan Temple MRT Station, Blue Line, Exit 1), one of the oldest and most important temples in the city. The smell of incense hits you before you even step inside.

We arrived around 9am and watched locals praying, lighting incense and consulting the gods about everything from exams to relationships. The intricate roof carvings, red pillars and gold detailing make it beautifully ornate, yet it feels calm and unhurried first thing in the morning.

An English-speaking volunteer approached us and demonstrated how fortune telling works – a fascinating insight into an important Taiwanese tradition. 

If you want deeper context beyond taking photos and don’t want to rely on finding a volunteer, it’s worth booking a guided tour of Longshan Temple.

This isn’t just a tourist attraction; it’s a living place of worship. Be respectful, take your time and observe how people move through the space. It’s a quiet but powerful start to your trip.

Late Morning: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Take the MRT to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Station (Red or Green Line). The memorial rises at the far end of Liberty Square and is one of Taipei’s most recognisable landmarks. Even if political history isn’t your main interest, it’s worth seeing.

What struck me most was the scale. The white structure with its deep blue roof sits elevated above the square, flanked by the National Theatre and National Concert Hall. It feels formal – almost imposing – yet locals jog through the plaza, students gather on the steps and visitors line up for perfectly symmetrical photos.

The changing of the guard ceremony takes place hourly from 9am to 5pm (weather permitting). It’s precise and ceremonial – not unmissable, but worth catching if your timing aligns.

Afterwards, wander through the surrounding gardens. Despite its central location, it feels surprisingly peaceful.

Yongkang Street

After a morning of temples and memorials, it’s time to eat. Head to Yongkang Street (Dongmen MRT Station, Red Line, Exit 5), one of Taipei’s best-known foodie hubs.

This is where you’ll find the original Din Tai Fung (Xinsheng branch), authentic beef noodle shops, mango shaved ice, bubble tea and crispy green onion pancakes – all within a few walkable streets. 

There are also small boutiques and independent cafés if you need a break from sightseeing.

If you’re visiting in summer, that shaved ice will feel like the best decision you’ve made all day.

It’s the perfect place to try your first proper Taiwanese bubble tea – and it almost certainly won’t be your last.

Bonus (weekend only): Flower and Jade Market

If your Taipei trip includes a weekend, you’re in luck. The Jianguo Flower and Jade Market is only open on Saturdays and Sundays, and it’s a vibrant place to wander.

You’ll find orchids, bonsai trees, succulents and flowers in every colour imaginable. While there are stalls selling jade jewellery, trinkets and carved ornaments on the other side. Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s a feast for the eyes.

It feels local and unpolished in the best possible way.

Afternoon: Elephant Mountain Hike

If you’re up for a hike, Elephant Mountain, also known as Xiangshan offers one of the best views of Taipei 101 and the city skyline. From Xiangshan MRT station, Exit 2, it’s a 10-minute walk to the hiking trailhead.

The hike itself is short but steep. There are lots of steps, and if it’s humid you’ll certainly feel it. But the payoff is worth every slightly breathless moment. 

From the top, you get one of the best views in the city, especially of Taipei 101 rising above the skyline –  especially at sunset.

If you can time it for golden hour, you will see the sky shift from blue to pink and deep purple as the city lights flicker on. It is genuinely magical. 

Late Afternoon: Taipei 101 

After descending, you can either walk 15–20 minutes from Elephant Mountain or take the Red Line one stop back to Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station (Exit 4 is right by the tower).

Taipei 101 is more than just an observation deck – you could easily spend a couple of hours here browsing, grabbing coffee or simply escaping the heat inside the mall.

We had lunch at Salt & Stone and their eggplant parmigiana was genuinely one of the best I’ve ever eaten – an unexpected highlight in a skyscraper mall.

If you love city views, I do recommend going up. We paid extra for access to the 101st floor, which feels quieter and more exclusive – but honestly, the 89th floor offers the best views for the price. I’d stick with the standard ticket.

For something truly unique, there’s the Skyline 460 experience  for around 3000 TWD, where you’re harnessed and can walk on the roof itself. Weather permitting, it’s one of the most unusual city experiences in Asia.

If you’ve already caught the sunset from Elephant Mountain though, you may prefer to save the money.

Evening: Raohe Night Market

You can’t visit Taiwan without experiencing a night market, and Raohe is one of the best. It’s easiest to reach via Songshan Station (Green Line, Exit 5) – the glowing archway greets you just across the street.

Inside, you’ll find everything from buns baked in clay ovens to grilled seafood and sweet potato balls. Yes, some queues are long – but the popular stalls are usually popular for a reason.

I bought fresh mango (I suspect I got ripped off after realising how much I paid) and tried a peanut ice cream roll with coriander that I’m still undecided about. That’s part of the fun – trying things you wouldn’t normally order.

If you want help navigating the best stalls – especially if you’re vegetarian or short on time, it’s worth booking a guided Raohe food tour.

Despite the chaos, I was surprised by how many vegetarian and vegan options were available. Keep an eye out for the smaller side alleys too; there are some genuinely quirky boutique shops tucked between the food stands.

Day 2: Old Taipei, Youth Culture and More Food

Day two is a contrast to yesterday; a bit more relaxed. Walking around historic streets, modern shopping districts and yet another excuse to eat your way through the evening.

Morning: Nuku Nuku Cat Cafe

If you’re a cat lover, you can’t miss out on visiting a cat cafe in the country they originated in. We visited Nuku Nuku Cat Café which was just behind our hotel in Ximending.

You will find cat cafes across the city, but what makes Nuku Nuku unique is their mission to rehabilitate rescue cats and help them find new homes. 

Late morning: Dihua Street

We started our day at Dihua Street in the Dadaocheng area, which was a short walk away from the hotel we were staying at.

It is one of the oldest streets in Taipei, known for its traditional medicine shops, dried seafood, teas and fabrics. The architecture has a unique feel – with baroque influenced facades reflecting Taipei’s trading history, it feels like stepping back in time.

We went to a lovely cafe called OKO by Oko Greene for a coffee, though I wouldn’t recommend their food.

This is the kind of place where you slow down, and I loved watching the locals going about their day and shopping. We sampled a lovely array of street food, chatting to the vendors as we strolled along.

Lunch at Mukuchi Kitchen & Bar

I highly recommend stopping for lunch at this popular all-vegan ramen shop just around the corner from Dihua Street. Known for its intimate, open-kitchen counter service, they serve creative plant-based ramen dishes. 

The menu is small and though it isn’t in English, the staff explain each dish very well. We ordered two different ramen bowls and they did not disappoint.

Afternoon: Huashan 1914 Creative Park

Huashan 1914 Creative Park is one of those places that doesn’t look particularly impressive on paper – an old factory complex turned creative space – but we ended up spending far longer here than I expected.

Huashan is best reached via Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station (Blue or Orange Line, Exit 1), just a short walk away.

The red-brick warehouses give it a slightly industrial, slightly nostalgic feel. Inside, you’ll find art exhibitions, indie design stores, pop-up installations and small cinemas. When we visited, there was a quirky illustration exhibit happening in one building and a photography show tucked away in another.

We grabbed iced drinks from a small café in the courtyard and sat watching groups of students sketching and chatting. After a packed morning, it felt like a breather without feeling like we were ‘wasting’ sightseeing time.

If you’re visiting Taipei in 3 days and want to experience the city’s modern creative energy, and not just temples and night markets, this is where you’ll feel it most. It’s relaxed, youthful and just a little bit unexpected.

I wouldn’t plan more than 1–2 hours here unless there’s a specific exhibition you’re excited about. But I absolutely wouldn’t skip it.

Late afternoon: Ximending

From old Taipei to new. If you’re looking for the youthful, vibrant side of Taipei, Ximending is the place to be.

Ximending sits around Ximen Station (Blue or Green Line, Exit 6 places you directly at Rainbow Road).

Ximending is loud, colourful and packed with shops. Street performers draw crowds and quirky boutiques sit next to bubble tea chains. 

It’s a great place to wander around at any time of day, do a bit of shopping, or simply soak up the energy. 

I love how Taipei doesn’t try to be one thing. It’s layered. And Ximending shows you its playful, modern side.

You should try bao bing while you are here – one of Taipei’s most popular desserts that is essentially a mountain of finely shaved ice, topped with a variety of colourful ingredients: condensed milk, fresh mango, beans, nuts, tapioca balls, jelly and more.

While you are here, be sure to check out:

Don Don Donki

Don Don Donki (Don Quijote in Japan) is chaotic in the best possible way.

Open 24 hours, this multi-level Japanese department store feels like a maze of snacks, cosmetics, alcohol, souvenirs and bizarre impulse buys you didn’t know you needed.

The neon signage, loud jingles and packed shelves make it overwhelming – but that’s all part of the fun. Even if you’re not buying anything, it’s worth stepping inside just to experience it.

Rainbow Road

Also known as Rainbow Six, this is a vibrant and iconic landmark located outside Exit 6 of Ximen MRT Station. This rainbow-coloured pedestrian crossing has become a popular spot for Instagram photos and a symbol of Taiwan’s support for the LGBTQ+ community.

The Red House Creatives and Art Market

The Red House is one of Taipei’s most iconic buildings and the most well preserved historic site. The 110-year-old octagonal building is free to enter and now houses a creative market showcasing the work of local Taiwanese artists and designers, a bookstore, cinema and theatre.

Evening: Shilin Night Market or Din Tai Fung

For your second night, you have two very different options.

Option 1: Shilin Night Market

If you want full night market energy, head to Shilin.

It’s bigger, louder and more chaotic than Raohe – and definitely more touristy. Underground food courts, sizzling skewers, game stalls and crowds moving in every direction. At peak time, it can feel like sensory overload.

If you’re easily overwhelmed, arrive earlier in the evening or stick to the outer food streets rather than diving straight into the central maze.

Raohe felt more atmospheric and manageable to me, but Shilin delivers scale. And if you’re feeling brave, try the stinky tofu – just be warned that it is very much an acquired taste.

Arrive hungry. And mentally ready.

Option 2: Din Tai Fung

If you’d rather skip the chaos, book a proper sit-down dinner at Din Tai Fung (Taipei 101 branch is the easiest option).

This legendary Taiwanese restaurant is famous for its delicate xiao long bao. Even the vegetarian version was excellent.

Reservations are strongly recommended – waits can stretch to two hours. If you don’t book, you’ll need to take a numbered ticket and wander the mall while you wait. 

We ran out of time for this in Taipei, but managed to secure a table at Din Tai Fung in Shanghai instead – and believe me, the restaurant is worth the hype!

If you only have three days, this is one of those experiences worth planning ahead for.

Day 3: Choose your own day trip adventure

One of the best things about spending three days in Taipei is how easy it is to explore beyond the city.

Here are a few day trip options depending on what you’re in the mood for:

Option 1: Jiufen, Shifen and Yehliu

This is the classic northern Taiwan loop.

Start in Jiufen, a hillside town known for its narrow lanes and glowing red lanterns. Wander the old street, snack on taro balls and stop at a teahouse overlooking the coast. When the mist rolls in, it feels nostalgic and slightly surreal. 

Yes, it’s touristy – but it’s touristy for a reason. It was easily my favourite stop on our day trip from Taipei.

We did this on our final day before heading to Jiaoxi, which made logistical sense and broke up the journey.

You can combine Jiufen with Shifen and Yehliu Geopark. In Shifen, release a sky lantern from the Pingxi railway tracks and walk to Shifen Waterfall nearby. Yehliu’s wind-carved rock formations are dramatic and surprisingly fascinating – far more impressive than I expected.

It’s a full day, but a rewarding one.

If you’re visiting on a weekend or public holiday, I’d strongly recommend booking a private driver. We saved over 2 hours in transport swaps and could customise our route – a huge advantage on a short trip.

Alternatively, this full-day Jiufen–Shifen–Yehliu tour from Taipei costs just under $22 USD per person and is a more budget-friendly option.

Choose this if:

• It’s your first time in Taiwan
• You want dramatic scenery
• You love slightly surreal, cinematic towns
• You don’t mind a full day out

Option 2: National Palace Museum, Beitou and Tamsui

If you’d prefer a slower-paced day, this combination offers culture, nature and waterfront views without long travel times.

Start at the National Palace Museum, one of Taipei’s most culturally significant attractions. The collection is vast; thousands of imperial-era artifacts including jade carvings, ceramics and calligraphy. 

If you love museums, you could easily spend half a day here. If you’re more casual, focus on a few highlights rather than trying to see everything.

It’s an excellent introduction to Chinese imperial history, though not essential if museums aren’t your priority.

From there, head to Beitou to explore the thermal valley, soak in hot springs and learn about the area’s geothermal history. It’s calm and scenic – a noticeable shift from central Taipei. (When we visited in 2025, the public hot springs were closed for renovations, so check ahead before planning.)

Finish in Tamsui with a waterfront stroll. Watch the sunset over the river, snack at the local market and enjoy a slower end to the day.

Choose this if:

• You enjoy museums and history
• You want a relaxed pace
• You want variety without long travel times

Option 3: Yangmingshan National Park

Yangmingshan feels like a reset button.

Cooler air. Volcanic landscapes. Steam rising from fumaroles. Rolling hills instead of skyscrapers.

You don’t need to do an intense hike to enjoy it. Even short trails reward you with expansive views. Sometimes that’s exactly what you need before flying home.

Choose this option if:

• You’re craving nature
• You’re tired of city humidity
• You enjoy hiking

Option 4: Visit a scalp spa

If you don’t fancy going on a day trip and want a relaxing last day in Taipei instead, you can book an appointment for a scalp treatment. 

I booked a scalp treatment at Innovate Scalp Care and paid just under £50 – which is incredible value for money.

These head spas originated in Japan, but have become increasingly popular across the globe – and Taipei is no exception. It was one of the most unexpectedly relaxing experiences of the trip.

Deep cleansing. Head massage. Warm water treatments. It felt indulgent in the best way.

If you want to end your 72 hours in Taipei feeling refreshed instead of rushed, this is your answer.

Choose this if:

• You’ve walked 25,000 steps per day and are exhausted
• You want an entirely different experience
• You fly home tomorrow

Still unsure?

Here’s the simplest way to decide:

• Want iconic? → Jiufen day trip
• Want balance? → Museum + Beitou + Tamsui
• Want nature? → Yangmingshan
• Want to relax? → Head spa

You can’t choose wrong. It just depends on how you want to feel on your last night in Taipei.

Is 3 Days in Taipei enough?

Yes. Three days in Taipei is enough to fall in love with it.

You’ll watch incense smoke drift through temple courtyards, eat shaved ice in the humidity, climb a mountain for sunset and maybe release a lantern into the sky.

Will you see everything? No.

But that’s what makes Taipei so good. It leaves you wanting more.

If this is your first time in Taipei, the biggest difference between a stressful trip and a seamless one comes down to two things:

• Staying somewhere central (Ximending made everything easier for us)
• Booking your Jiufen day trip in advance – especially on weekends

Everything you need to know before visiting Taipei

1. The weather can be humid

Taipei is warm and often very humid, especially from late spring to early autumn. Even short walks can leave you slightly sweaty – trust me, I know!

Lightweight clothing is your best friend, and always carry a bottle of water. If you’re hiking Elephant Mountain, you’ll definitely feel it.

2. Cash is still king

While larger shops and restaurants accept cards, many night market stalls and small eateries prefer cash. It’s worth withdrawing some local currency early on so you’re not caught out when those taro balls are calling your name.

3. Public transport is amazing

Grab an EasyCard and use the MRT. Public transport in Taipei is affordable, clean, incredibly efficient and easy to navigate.

4. The food culture is serious

Eating is not just something you do between activities in Taipei. It is the activity. 

From soy milk breakfast shops to late night markets, the variety is incredible. Be adventurous. If something looks unfamiliar, that’s probably the point.

5. Taipei is incredibly safe

Taipei consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in the world. I felt completely comfortable walking around at night, even if I was alone. Of course, basic awareness still applies, as it should everywhere, but overall it’s an easy city to navigate confidently.

6. English is common but not universal

In touristy areas, metro stations and many restaurants, you’ll find English signage. Outside of that, it’s more limited. Having Google Translate handy helps and the locals are generally very willing to assist.

7. Weekends and public holidays get busy

Locals travel a lot on weekends and on public holidays – so the prices for trains and hotels go up, or they get booked up quickly. We hadn’t realised we were in Jiaoxi on a public holiday, until we arrived, which explained why hotel prices were so high for mediocre accommodation. 

It had a knock-on effect of a lot more traffic on the roads, meaning we had to detour to another train station before we missed the train.

Google the public holidays before planning your Taipei 3 day itinerary, and plan your day trips ahead if you’re travelling between Friday and Sunday.

How to get around Taipei

One of the best parts about spending 3 days in Taipei is how simple it is to get around.

MRT

The MRT is amazing – it’s clean, efficient and very easy to use. Stations are clearly marked in English and Chinese, with trains running frequently. You can reach most of the major attractions in this itinerary using the Taiwan metro.

Make sure to buy an EasyCard when you arrive – from any convenience store. It works in the same way as London’s Oyster Card and you just top it up as you go. 

It works on the MRT, buses and even in some convenience stores. Just tap in and out. No complicated ticket machines every time you travel. The only stipulation is that you can only use cash to top up your EasyCard.

When you land at Taoyuan Airport, the Airport MRT line will take you direct to Taipei Main Station, before midnight. From there, you can either switch lines or take a taxi to where you need to go.

Buses

Buses fill in the gaps where the MRT doesn’t reach. They’re useful for places like Jiufen or Yangmingshan, though for longer day trips you might prefer a guided tour or train connection.

Walking

Many neighbourhoods such as Ximending, Dihua Street and Yongkang Street are best explored on foot. Taipei is surprisingly walkable, though remember what I said about humidity.

Day trips

For Jiufen and Shifen, you can combine MRT and train routes, or book a day tour if you’d rather not figure out transfers. Both options work well, it just depends on how independent you want the day to feel.

Where to Stay in Taipei

When you only have three days, location matters.

We stayed at Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Taipei Ximen, and I wouldn’t hesitate to stay there again. Being in Ximending meant we could step straight into the energy of the neighbourhood; street food, shops and nightlife – while still returning to a calm, quiet room at night.

The MRT is just a short walk away, which made getting around effortless.

The rooms are modern, clean and comfortable without being over the top – exactly what you want after humid days exploring. Complimentary tea, coffee and water throughout the day was a small detail that made a difference.

The on-site self-service laundry was also incredibly useful. Taipei’s humidity is no joke, and being able to wash clothes mid-trip made packing light much easier.

What stood out most, though, was the staff. They were consistently warm and helpful – even assisting me with booking my scalp treatment when the website wouldn’t translate properly.

If you’re planning your first trip to Taipei, prioritise two things: stay somewhere central and organise your main day trip in advance.

Basing yourself in Ximending keeps navigating the city and transport simple – which matters when you only have three days. The right hotel can genuinely shape how smooth your trip feels.

And if Jiufen is on your list (it should be), secure your tour or private driver early – especially for weekends or public holidays. Availability drops quickly, and rearranging plans with only 72 hours in Taipei isn’t fun.

Once those two pieces are in place, everything else falls into place around them.

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Read more about planning a trip to Taiwan:

• 40+ Unique Things to Do in Taipei for First Time Visitors
• How To Participate in Secret Fortune Telling at Longshan Temple Taipei
• Day Trip to Jiufen: Is it Worth it & How to Plan the Perfect Day
• 3 Days in Taipei: The Best Itinerary for First-Time Visitors