Taipei 4D3N itinerary
Chances are, you’ve searched “things to do in Taipei” and bookmarked a couple of things. But now comes the work of figuring out the where, when, and how of your trip. If you’d like to take a backseat and chill this holiday, we’ve done the planning and crafted a 4D3N Taipei itinerary for you.
Whether you’re a foodie or a nature lover, we’ve included various activities and places you can check out. Each location has also been plotted in this Google Map for your easy reference. Leggo.
– Day 1 –
Grab a bento from $2 at any TRA station
These are sold onboard and at TRA station kiosks.
Image credit: @shershersheren & @georgeliao1026 via Instagram
For those who didn’t manage to eat on the flight over, you can find affordable bento boxes at any Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) stations before taking the train to your accommodation. Each set goes from TWD50-100 (~S$2.17-S$4.34), and options include crispy fried chicken leg, grilled mackerel, and pork cutlet paired with rice.
Get chopped up at a knife massage at Taipei City Mall
The mall is also next to the Taipei Main Station where there are lockers for you to deposit your luggage if needed.
Image adapted from: @looptopiaig & @shachi.mall via Instagram
Relieve your aching back and calves after your flight with a quick knife massage at Taipei City Mall. Okay, we’ll ease your fear. This traditional massage actually uses blunt cleavers to knead out the tension in your body. Rates go from TWD100 for 10 mins (~S$4.42) but you can check with the respective shops on their packages.
Image credit: @mini_journey
If you’ve got some time to kill, you can also try your hand at the gachapon machines at Taipei City Mall. There are rows and rows of machines with adorable figurines you can score – or get them as mini souvenirs for your friends back home.
Address: 100號B1, Shimin Boulevard, Section 1, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am-9.30pm | Sat-Sun 11am-10pm
Visit the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
It was built in honour of the late generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek.
Image adapted from: @joshua.j_c & @jomar.agustin.9066 via Instagram
Standing at 76m tall is the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, with its red and blue accents that correspond to Taiwan’s national flag. Since its completion in 1980, the structure has since become a famous photo spot for locals and tourists alike.
No entrance fee is required, and you can learn about the country’s history and culture here. There is also an extensive gallery detailing the late Chiang Kai-shek’s life and career. You’ll want to ready your camera too, as the changing of guards happens every hour from 9am-5pm daily.
Address: 8之1號之, Roosevelt Road, Section 1, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
Opening hours: 9am-5pm, Daily
Chow on local street food at Tong Hua Night Market
Try to spot the stall that sells Singaporean Laksa.
Image adapted from: @taiwanwanderer & @blakeschoice via Instagram
What’s a trip to Taiwan if you don’t visit their famed night markets, amirite? Besides the iconic Shilin Night Market, you can also visit Tong Hua Night Market too. Also known as Linjiang Street Night Market, this place is within walking distance from Taipei 101 and is the perfect spot if you’re craving local Taiwanese street food.
Image adapted from: @ivanarni_ & @ice_duckj via Instagram
While it is smaller than the other markets, Tong Hua Night Market is mainly patronised by locals – meaning there are lesser tourists here. You can sample popular grub like the tang yuan on shaved ice, deep fried taro cake, and stinky tofu. Just remember to bring cash as the majority of the vendors don’t do credit card payments.
Address: Linjiang Street, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Opening hours: 6pm-12am, Daily
– Day 2 –
Try salty soy milk for breakfast at Fuhang Dou Jiang
Image adapted from: @27.07.92.02 & @chococandychipz via Instagram
One of JJ Lin’s songs states that soybean milk and dough fritters are a perfect match – and he’s not wrong. Start your day with this iconic duo at Fuhang Dou Jiang, a Michelin-starred eatery selling an array of F&B including you tiao, egg pancake, caramel sweet bread, and sesame flat bread.
Image credit: @shinji_ak_ll29 via Instagram
But perhaps the star of the show is the traditional salty soy milk, packed full with green onions, pickles, and dried shrimp bits. It’s something us Singaporeans aren’t typically used to, but this dish is defo worth a try. The store opens at 5.30am so you can grab an early breakfast here before your first activity of the day.
Hike at the Yangmingshan National Park
Image credit: @john.data.chen via Instagram
Once your belly is filled, it’s time to get your feet movin’. Nature lovers will feel right at home at the Yangmingshan National Park, where there are winding paths lined with luscious trees, wildflowers, and shrubbery.
Image credit: @john.data.chen via Instagram
There are 10 peaks to hike here, and these can be completed within a day. For those who aren’t familiar with hiking or simply want a chill route, we’d recommend going up Mt. Ding as the total distance is only 6km. Once you’ve reached the top, you’ll be #blessed with views of Qixing Mountain, Taiwan’s tallest semi-dormant volcano.
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Relieve sore muscles at the hot springs at Beitou
Image adapted from: @wq_alvin & @mycryslittle via Instagram
Soak those sore muscles post-workout at the Beitou hot springs region. Known as Taiwan’s main hot spring town, this place is easily accessible via Xinbeitou station. You can choose from an array of hot springs, from the giant outdoor ones to private rooms which you can share with the fam. There’s also the Beitou Hot Spring Museum nearby which details the hot spring culture.
Book a session at Spring City Resort or a Beitou and Yangmingshan tour.
– Day 3 –
Stroll down Fujin Street for quirky cafes
Image adapted from: @a.journeyyy via Instagram
Reminiscent to Singapore’s Haji Lane, Fujin Street is where the hipsters hang out. This neighbourhood is lined with giant trees that provide shade from the sun, and there are a myriad of boutique shops and cafes to explore – including the popular Fujin Tree 353 Cafe. Expect to spend a couple of hours here as you stroll along the lanes.
Address: Fujin Street, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105
Check out the Xingtian Temple
Image adapted from: @shin_tyng & @kenghao_chang via Instagram
You might’ve seen this temple on your explore feed – with its intricate designs and dragons that adorn the entrance. It’s no other than the Xingtian Temple, built in 1967. Head in to experience and learn about temple practices and customs, or simply admire the traditional decorations peppered around the place.
Image adapted from: @mitra_radio via Instagram
For those who wish to say a prayer, the temple provides free candles for all visitors. You’ll also notice there aren’t any donation boxes here, so you don’t have to feel pressured into giving an offering.
Address: No. 109, Section 2, Minquan E Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10491
Opening hours: 4am-10pm, Daily
Enjoy the exhibitions at Taipei Fine Arts Museum
Image adapted from: @ashleyyen_ & @institutfuerkulturaustausch via Instagram
Artsy folks, we haven’t forgotten about you. Head to the Taipei Fine Arts Museum that’s located in the Taipei Expo Park for your dose of modern art. The museum spans 4 floors, with both international and local exhibitions on display. Given the size of the place, you’ll want to spend at least 4 hours to thoroughly view everything.
Image credit: Taipei Fine Arts Museum
If your kids get fidgety, bring them to the basement where the Children’s Art Education Centre is. There are plenty of interactive activities for them to try, including sketching and storytelling sessions. Tickets go at TWD30/pax (~S$1.30), but free entry is granted every Saturday from 5pm-8.30pm.
Address: No. 181, Section 3, Zhongshan North Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10491
Opening hours: Tue-Fri, Sun 9.30am-5.30pm | Sat 9.30am-8.30pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: +886 2 2595 7656
Dabao fried food & catch the sunset at Dajia Riverside Park
You can also spot locals dragon boating in the river.
Image adapted from: @chengpokeikeith& @taipeiflowers via Instagram
For those who are #teamscenery, spare an evening and end your day at the Dajia Riverside Park. This large park spans across the Keelung River, and you’ll be able to catch sight of the Zhongshan and Dazhi bridges here. There are public bicycles like YouBikes for rent too, as long as you have a Taipei SIM card.
Address: Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 104
Image adapted from: @caneatonemehhh & @tedcho via Instagram
You can also have a picnic by dabaoing food from the famous Popcorn Chicken King (台灣鹽酥雞). The place is open till 4am, and has a slew of dishes including tempura, shishamo fish, squid, boneless chicken, and even fried Oreos. You can also order delivery via foodpanda, UberEats, or Oddle if you’re feeling a lil lazy.
Address: No. 530號, Beian Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 104
Opening hours: 10.30am-4am, Daily
Contact: +886 2 2532 1591
– Day 4 –
Hop aboard the Maokong Gondola
Image adapted from: @yaya_yanee & @reneeangeles via Instagram
Singapore has Pokémon-themed cable cars, and Taipei has the Maokong Gondola. If you’re one to enjoy cityscapes from a bird’s-eye view, then this is the attraction for you. The ride conveniently takes you up to the Taipei Zoo, and each cabin is completely see-through so you can admire the surrounding greenery too.
Address: Wenshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 116
Drop by the Taipei Zoo to visit the wildlife
Image adapted from: @meng_u & @lunacy.min9 via Instagram
I’m sure many parents will agree that kids and cute animals pair really well together. Take your family to the Taipei Zoo that’s home to many land and marine animals, including the oryx, antelopes, and camels. You’ll also come across animals that are indigenous to Taiwan like the Taipei frog, Asiatic black bear, Chinese pangolin and otter.
Sip authentic tea at Red Wood House
Image adapted from: @austin_0122 & @whatpinkeat via Instagram
Taiwan’s famous for their teas, so it’s a must to visit teahouses such as the Red Wood House that’s a 10-minute walk from the Maokong Gondola. Quench your thirst with freshly brewed tea like the Jin Xuan Tea that’s steeped using traditional tea sets.
Image adapted from: @whatpinkeat via Instagram
The place also serves mains such as the sweet and sour fish and tea-infused fried rice. Round up your time here with desserts that include the taro cheesecake or a cup of longan black sugar latte. You can choose to dine indoors or at the alfresco area, but between us, we’d recommend sitting outdoors as you’ll get a clear view of the Taipei 101 building.
Address: No. 33號, Lane 38, Section 3, Zhinan Road, Wenshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 116
Opening hours: Tues-Sun 10.30am-9pm (Closed on Mondays)
– Affordable hotels in Taipei –
In order to explore the city, you’ll need a comfy place to rest. While there are a bunch of aesthetic hotels in Taipei, we’ve also included options for those travelling on a budget. Here are 3 hotels to consider.
1. Angels Hostels – Affordable bunks near Taipei Main Station
There are PlayStations at the common area too.
Image credit: Klook
Calling all solo travellers: Angels Hostels is an affordable option for those looking to stay near central Taipei. From just S$43.82/night, this hostel has been highly rated for its prime location – it’s a 10-minute walk from Taipei Main station, 13-minute drive to Ningxia Night Market, and 20-minute drive to the renowned Taipei 101.
2. West.Inn 48 – 3-minute walk to Shilin Night Market
The hotel is also known as 小西旅, in case Google Maps doesn’t recognise the English name.
Image credit: 周春梅 (周周) via Google Maps
Located just 3 minutes away from the Shilin Night Market, West.Inn 48 is your go-to lodging for the Shilin District. Rates go from as low as S$54.81/night, but know that you’ll also be saving on your transport fares when travelling to and from the Shilin Night Market. Once you’re done shopping, you can also visit the Shilin Cixian Temple that’s a 2-minute walk from the hotel.
3. Eastin Taipei Hotel – Views of Taipei 101 from room
Image adapted from: @travel_100nights via Instagram
We know we said budget hotels, but those who are willing to splurge on their holiday can consider the mid-range Eastin Taipei Hotel (from S$99.71/night). Set in the Da’an District, this hotel has unblocked views of the Taipei 101 building – perfect for the ‘Gram.
Image credit: Alan Lin via Google Maps
If you’re planning to shop till you drop, the place is also a 3-minute walk to the Far Eastern SOGO Taipei Zhongxiao Store. And the cherry on top? Each room comes with L’Occitane toiletries which you can haul back home.
Bookmark this 4D3N Taipei itinerary for your next vacay
That’s right, there are endless places and activities to visit in Taipei – such as shopping at Tong Hua Night Market, hiking up Yangmingshan, and trying out local delicacies. Use this 4D3N itinerary as your guide for your upcoming trip, or customise it to your preference.
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Cover image adapted from: @shinji_ak_ll29, @wq_alvin, @taipeiflowers & @john.data.chen via Instagram