Taipei Classics in 3 Days: Day-by-Day Itinerary
Taipei 101, the National Palace Museum, Beitou hot springs, night markets and the hill towns of Jiufen and Shifen — the perfect first taste of Taipei.
TaiwanFirst-timersCity breakFoodHot springs
Length3 days / 2 nights
CitiesTaipei, New Taipei
CurrencyTWD Taiwan dollar
Best time to goOct–Dec and Mar–Apr are most comfortable; May–Jun is the plum-rain season, Jul–Sep is hot with typhoons, and damp winters are perfect for hot springs.
Day-by-day overview
Day 1CKS Memorial × Xinyi
10:00🚗 Transport
Arrive at Taipei Main Station
Type / No.Train
LocationTaipei Main Station 🧭
From Taoyuan Airport the Airport MRT reaches Taipei Main Station in about 35–50 minutes.
11:00🏨 Stay
Check in (add your hotel)
Type / platformHotel
Check-in / out15:00 / 11:00
Drop your bags first; staying near an MRT station makes everything easy.
11:30📍 Sight
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Suggested time1 hr
TicketsFree
LocationChiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall 🧭
The white hall and vast plaza are very photogenic; check official times for the honour guard ceremony.
📸 Photo spot
12:30🍽 Food
Lunch on Yongkang Street (beef noodles, dumplings, mango shaved ice)
MealLunch
LocationYongkang Street 🧭
Famous spots queue at peak lunch — go a little early or late.
🍜 Must-eat🕘 Expect a queue
14:30📍 Sight
Huashan 1914 Creative Park
Suggested time1.5 hrs
TicketsFree
LocationHuashan 1914 Creative Park 🧭
A former winery turned arts park with frequent exhibitions and markets.
📸 Photo spot
16:30📍 Sight
Taipei 101 Observatory
Suggested time2 hrs
TicketsBook ahead
LocationTaipei 101 🧭
Go up before sunset to see both day and night views; book online for weekends.
🌙 Night view🎟 Book ahead
19:00🍽 Food
Dinner in Xinyi (Din Tai Fung or a food court)
MealDinner
LocationXinyi District restaurants 🧭
Din Tai Fung hands out queue tickets — grab one and browse while you wait.
🍜 Must-eat
20:30📍 Sight
Elephant Mountain night view (if you have energy)
Suggested time1 hr
TicketsFree
LocationElephant Mountain Trail 🧭
Steep steps, 20–30 minutes to the top; bring a torch and water.
🌙 Night view🚶 Lots of walking
Day 2Palace Museum × Beitou × Shilin
09:30📍 Sight
National Palace Museum
Suggested time3 hrs
TicketsBuy on site
LocationNational Palace Museum 🧭
Star pieces like the Jadeite Cabbage rotate — check what’s on; audio guides are available.
12:45🍽 Food
14:30📍 Sight
Beitou hot springs (Thermal Valley, museum, soak)
Suggested time2.5 hrs
LocationBeitou Hot Spring Museum 🧭
The museum closes Mondays; public pools need swimwear, or book a private bath at a hotel.
♨️ Hot spring
18:00📍 Sight
Shilin Night Market
Suggested time2.5 hrs
LocationShilin Night Market 🧭
Try giant fried chicken, oyster omelette and stir-fried squid; most stalls are cash only.
🍜 Must-eat💴 Cash only
21:00📍 Sight
Ximending stroll (optional)
Suggested time1 hr
LocationXimending 🧭
Taipei’s youthful shopping district, open late.
🛍 Shopping list
Day 3Shifen lanterns × Jiufen
08:00🏨 Stay
Check out
Type / platformHotel
Check your ID, phone and belongings; most hotels will hold luggage.
08:30🚗 Transport
Train to Ruifang, then the Pingxi Line
Type / No.Train
LocationRuifang Station 🧭
Pingxi Line trains are infrequent — a day pass helps; tourist shuttle buses also run at weekends.
09:45📍 Sight
Sky lanterns at Shifen Old Street & Shifen Waterfall
Suggested time2 hrs
LocationShifen Old Street 🧭
Trains run right through the old street — stay safe taking photos.
📸 Photo spot
12:30🍽 Food
13:30🚗 Transport
Bus to Jiufen via Ruifang
Type / No.Bus / coach
LocationRuifang Jiufen bus 🧭
Buses are packed at weekends — a taxi or private driver is easier.
14:30📍 Sight
Jiufen Old Street & A-Mei Teahouse
Suggested time3 hrs
LocationJiufen Old Street 🧭
Taro balls and herbal rice cakes are musts; it’s most atmospheric when the lanterns come on, with lots of steps.
📸 Photo spot🍜 Must-eat🚶 Lots of walking
18:30🚗 Transport
Return to Taipei
Type / No.Bus / coach
LocationTaipei 🧭
Expect long queues for buses back — allow extra time.
🎟 Book these before you go
- Day 1｜Taipei 101 Observatory: Go up before sunset to see both day and night views; book online for weekends.
🌦 Monthly temperatures: Taipei
| City / month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taipei High / low | 19° 14° | 19° 14° | 22° 16° | 25° 19° | 29° 22° | 32° 24° | 35° 26° | 34° 26° | 31° 24° | 28° 21° | 25° 18° | 21° 15° |
(typical averages — check the forecast before you go)
FAQ
How many days does Taipei Classics in 3 Days take?
It’s planned as 3 days / 2 nights with 20 stops (10 sights and 4 meals). Copy it and add or remove stops to suit your pace.
What should I book in advance?
We recommend booking or buying ahead: Taipei 101 Observatory.
How do I make this template my own?
Tap “Use this template”, enter a name and start date, and an editable copy is created. Add your flights and hotels, adjust times and stops, then export a PDF or image to share.
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Note: opening hours, prices, timetables and entry rules change often — check official sources. This page offers general suggestions, not bookings or professional travel advice.