5-Day Taipei Itinerary: The Perfect First Trip

Taipei packs an incredible amount into a compact destination — night markets, hot springs, and misty mountain tea houses. Five days gives you enough time to hit the highlights, discover a few secret spots, and still leave room for spontaneous detours.

Here is a tried-and-tested 5-day itinerary that balances must-sees with off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions

Morning/Afternoon: Arrive and settle into your accommodation in Ximending — pedestrian shopping and street art district. Take it easy — grab a coffee, orient yourself, and shake off the jet lag.

Late Afternoon: Head to Taipei 101 for your first taste of what makes Taipei special. The late-afternoon light is ideal for photos and the crowds start to thin.

Evening: Dinner in the Ximending — pedestrian shopping and street art district area. Try Beef Noodle Soup — braised beef in rich broth with hand-pulled noodles — it is the quintessential local dish and the perfect way to kick off your trip.

Day 2: The Iconic Highlights

Morning: Start early at Longshan Temple. Arriving before 9 AM means fewer tourists and better photo opportunities.

Afternoon: After lunch, make your way to Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan). Budget about 2–3 hours here to fully appreciate the experience.

Evening: Explore the Zhongshan — boutique hotels and underground book streets neighborhood on foot. Street food stalls serve excellent Bubble Tea — invented in Taiwan with chewy tapioca pearls at a fraction of restaurant prices.

Day 3: Deep Dive into Culture

Morning: Visit Shilin Night Market — one of Taipei's most culturally significant sites. Hire a local guide for about $9 to get the stories behind the sights.

Afternoon: Wander through the Dadaocheng — historic trading port with dried goods shops district. This is where locals shop, eat, and socialize, so the vibe is refreshingly authentic.

Evening: Treat yourself to a mid-range dinner featuring Oyster Omelette — egg and starch crepe with small oysters and sweet chili. Expect to spend around $20 per person.

Day 4: Off the Beaten Path

Morning: Today is about discovery. Head to Treasure Hill Artist Village — hillside community turned open-air art colony — a spot most tourists overlook entirely.

Afternoon: Check out Wistaria Tea House — historic salon where intellectuals once gathered. The Beitou — hot spring resorts in a volcanic valley area is great for a leisurely walk and a late lunch.

Evening: Experience Taipei's nightlife scene — Raohe and Shilin night markets — food and games until midnight.

Day 5: Final Gems & Departure

Morning: Use your last morning to visit Dadaocheng Wharf — local cycling path along the Tamsui River at sunset or revisit a favorite spot from earlier in the trip.

Late Morning: Pick up souvenirs at Yongkang Street — boutique tea shops and design stores — support local artisans and avoid airport markup.

Afternoon: Head to the airport with memories (and a full camera roll) to last a lifetime.

Pro Tips

• Transport: Taipei MRT is clean, efficient, and covers all major areas
• Budget: A comfortable mid-range daily budget is about $80 per day including meals, transport, and activities.
• Packing: Bring a compact umbrella — rain can come any day of the year You will average 12,000–15,000 steps per day on this itinerary.
• Etiquette: Queue politely on the right side of escalators and walk on the left
• Safety: Taipei is one of Asia's safest capitals with extremely low crime

Budget Breakdown (Per Person)

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Daily Total	$30	$80	$250
5-Day Total	$150	$400	$1250

Final Thoughts

Five days in Taipei is enough to fall in love with the place — and to start planning your return trip. This itinerary is a starting point; feel free to swap days around based on weather, energy levels, and serendipitous discoveries.

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